Planet Golf News for Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Tiger Woods' Genesis Invitational reportedly moving to Torrey Pines because of L.A. fires | Golf fans stunned as another big name PGA Tour star bows out of Farmers Insurance Open | 'Money comes from the sewer': Brandel Chamblee sounds off on LIV-Fox TV deal

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PGN News Team
January 21, 2025

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

Ah, the world of golf—where drama unfolds as steadily as a Tiger Woods comeback and injuries happen in the least athletic of ways (ravioli-making, anyone?). Let’s dive into the latest stories from the green, where fire relocates tournaments, social media is public enemy number one, and wild rumors keep commentators on edge.

Starting with the main event: Los Angeles wildfires have forced the Genesis Invitational to pack up its bags and relocate to Torrey Pines. Yes, the Riviera Country Club had to step aside as the fires made things unplayable, and Tiger Woods himself is expected to play in his new favorite backyard. At least we know one guy who’s probably happy about the change—he’s had more than a little success at Torrey Pines. Just hope the coastal winds don’t decide to spice things up.

Meanwhile, the Farmers Insurance Open is shaping up to be more about who isn’t playing than who is. Xander Schauffele, Akshay Bhatia, Collin Morikawa, and Mackenzie Hughes have all decided to sit this one out, with Schauffele blaming a nagging rib injury. Turns out, hitting a golf ball at 120 mph can mess with your body. Who knew? At least defending champ Matthieu Pavon and rising star Ludvig Åberg are ready to light up Torrey Pines’ famously brutal South Course. With the event conveniently avoiding NFL playoff clashes, expect a strong showing, even if half the PGA seems on a mini-vacation.

Speaking of absences, the Ryder Cup drama is already brewing, and it’s only January. Team USA is sweating bullets because their players keep losing to anyone not born within their borders. Captain Keegan Bradley might want to look into recruiting international players at this rate—if only Ryder Cup rules allowed it. Sepp Straka, fresh off a $1.5 million win, is also miffed his Ryder Cup points tally hasn’t updated yet. Bureaucracy strikes again.

Over on the Korn Ferry Tour, things are heating up in the Bahamas at The Great Abaco Classic. Davis Chatfield and Christo Lamprecht are tied at 11-under, proving once again that if you can’t play on the PGA Tour, there’s still a gorgeous island waiting for you elsewhere.

The TGL continues to push golf into the future—or at least into prime time. Tonight, the New York Golf Club takes on the Atlanta Drive GC in what promises to be an epic showdown of strategy, tech, and probably too much commentary about how this league is “changing the game.” Big names like Justin Thomas and Billy Horschel are out there, with Horschel trying to distract fans from his “nothing special” start to 2025.

And what’s golf news without LIV Golf stirring the pot? Greg Norman has finally exited stage left, opening the door for a new era of less aggressive competition with the PGA Tour. Let’s see how long the peace lasts. Meanwhile, Brandel Chamblee remains unimpressed, calling LIV’s finances “sewer money,” because apparently, nothing in this league escapes his criticism.

Finally, let’s all have a moment of silence for Scottie Scheffler’s hand, injured in the most relatable way possible: making ravioli. The man can sink 50-foot putts under pressure, but dough, it seems, is his kryptonite. Rest up, Scottie; we’re looking forward to seeing you back on the greens—not the kitchen counter.

Golf may have its fair share of quirks, drama, and the occasional culinary mishap, but at least it keeps us entertained between swings. Stay tuned, because the season’s only just begun, and we’re already off to a wild ride.

Today’s Top Golf News 

Tiger Woods' Genesis Invitational reportedly moving to Torrey Pines because of L.A. fires

Tiger Woods' Genesis Invitational is set to move from Riviera Country Club to Torrey Pines due to wildfires in Los Angeles, with the event scheduled for Feb. 13-16. The Palisades fire has caused significant destruction, prompting the relocation to ensure safety and logistical feasibility. Woods, who has had success at Torrey Pines, is expected to participate.

First Schauffele, then Morikawa, now another PGA Tour star WDs from Farmers Insurance Open

Mackenzie Hughes withdraws from the Farmers Insurance Open, joining Xander Schauffele, Akshay Bhatia, and Collin Morikawa. The tournament features replacements and is scheduled from Wednesday to Saturday to avoid conflict with NFL championship games.

Report: What injury PGA Tour star Xander Schauffele is dealing with

Xander Schauffele is unable to make a full golf swing due to a soft tissue injury in his rib, causing him to withdraw from upcoming events, including the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. His injury has been ongoing since late last year, and he had a successful 2024 season with two major championship victories. Scottie Scheffler is also sidelined after hand surgery but is preparing for a return.

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

Billy Horschel calls on fans to watch TGL after his 'nothing special' start on the PGA Tour

TGL - PGA Tour - SoFi Stadium - Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Tonight the third match of the inaugural TGL season will take place at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. This highly anticipated event will feature New York Golf Club facing off against Atlanta Drive GC. The match will be broadcast live on ESPN and ESPN+, offering golf fans a prime-time viewing experience.

New York Golf Club, led by recent major championship winner Xander Schauffele, boasts a talented roster including Matt Fitzpatrick, Rickie Fowler, and Cameron Young. They will be competing against Atlanta Drive GC, which features a formidable lineup of Patrick Cantlay, Justin Thomas, Billy Horschel, and Lucas Glover.

As the third match of the season, this contest will play a crucial role in shaping the early standings of the SoFi Cup. With the top four teams advancing to the playoffs at the end of the regular season, every match carries significant importance. Golf enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting blend of skill, strategy, and technology as New York Golf Club and Atlanta Drive GC compete in this groundbreaking golf league.

TGL Stories

Justin Thomas to face Cameron Young in singles match on TGL 3rd day: Rosters and pairings explored

The third match of the 2025 TGL season features Justin Thomas facing Cameron Young, with Atlanta Golf Club making its debut against New York Golf Club at the SoFi Center. Other singles matches include Billy Horschel vs. Matt Fitzpatrick and Patrick Cantlay vs. Rickie Fowler. Both teams have players who have already competed in multiple tournaments this year.

When will Rory McIlroy play next in the TGL? Schedule explored

Rory McIlroy's first TGL match is on January 27 against Tiger Woods' team. His schedule includes several tournaments, such as the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and the Masters Tournament, leading up to the TGL finals in late March.

The First Look: Farmers Insurance Open

Farmers Insurance Open - PGA Tour - Torrey Pines, La Jolla, CA

The 2025 Farmers Insurance Open is set to take place beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, at the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, California. This PGA Tour event features a unique Wednesday to Saturday schedule to avoid conflicting with the NFL's conference championship games on Sunday. The tournament will be played on both the North and South courses at Torrey Pines, with the final two rounds exclusively on the challenging South course.

The event boasts a strong field of competitors, including defending champion Matthieu Pavon, who made history last year as the first Frenchman to win a PGA Tour event since 1907. Other notable players in the field include Ludvig Åberg, Hideki Matsuyama, Tony Finau, Sungjae Im, and Will Zalatoris. The tournament offers a total purse of $9.3 million, with the winner receiving $1.674 million and 500 FedEx Cup points.

Fans can watch the action on various platforms, with Golf Channel providing coverage for the first two rounds and CBS broadcasting the weekend play. The tournament also marks the final opportunity for golfers to earn a spot in the upcoming AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am via the Aon Swing 5.

The Farmers Insurance Open is known for its challenging conditions, especially on the South course, which has hosted major championships. Players will need to navigate the course's length, thick rough, and unpredictable coastal weather to contend for the title.

Farmers Insurance Open Stories

Farmers Insurance Open 2025: Full field at Torrey Pines

The Farmers Insurance Open 2025 will take place at Torrey Pines from Wednesday to Saturday, starting a day earlier than usual to avoid conflicts with the NFL conference championships. The tournament will feature initial rounds on both the North and South courses, with the final rounds held on the South course after a cut. Notable participants include Ludvig Åberg, Akshay Bhatia, Keegan Bradley, Tony Finau, Max Homa, Shane Lowry, Maverick McNealy, Sahith Theegala, Will Zalatoris, and defending champion Matthieu Pavon. Coverage will begin on Golf Channel at 3 p.m. EST on Wednesday.

Farmers Insurance Open Videos

Ras al Khaimah Championship - DP World Tour - Al Hamra GC - Ras al Khaimah, UAE

The Ras Al Khaimah Championship, part of the DP World Tour, is set to take place from January 23-26, 2025, at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. This will be the fourth edition of the event, which has grown in stature since its inception in 2022. The tournament features a prize pool of $2.5 million, with the winner taking home $425,000.

The championship will be played on the Peter Harradine-designed course, a par-72 layout measuring 7,378 yards. Known for its tree-lined fairways and numerous water hazards, the course demands accuracy off the tee for low scoring.

Defending champion Thorbjorn Olesen returns to defend his title, having won by six strokes in 2024. He'll face competition from a solid field including Rolex Series winners Ryan Fox and Paul Waring, as well as major champions Padraig Harrington and Jimmy Walker. Other notable players to watch include John Parry, Johannes Veerman, and Elvis Smylie, all looking to continue their strong starts to the 2025 Race to Dubai.

The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic at The Abaco Club - Korn Ferry - The Abnaco Club on Winding Bay - Great Abaco, Bahamas

In the second round of The Bahamas Great Abaco Classic at The Abaco Club, Davis Chatfield and Christo Lamprecht have taken the lead, both sitting at 11-under par. Chatfield had a particularly impressive day, firing a bogey-free 63 that included four consecutive birdies to start his round and an eagle on the par-5 eighth hole. His strong performance has put him in contention for his first Korn Ferry Tour victory.

The tournament, which is the second event of the 2025 Korn Ferry Tour season, is being played at The Abaco Club on Winding Bay in Great Abaco, Bahamas. The field includes several notable players, including last week's winner Hank Lebioda, who is looking to continue his strong start to the season.

As the tournament heads into its third round, players will be vying for a share of the $1,000,000 purse and valuable Korn Ferry Tour points. The competition remains tight, with several players still in contention. Golf Channel will provide live coverage of the third round, starting at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, allowing fans to follow the action as it unfolds on this challenging Bahamian course.

Ryder Cup (Sept 25-28, 2025)

Why Did Sepp Straka Not Get 2025 Ryder Cup Points After $1.584 Million Win?

Sepp Straka's recent victory at the American Express 2025, where he scored 25 under par and earned over $1.5 million along with 500 FedExCup points, has raised questions among fans regarding his Ryder Cup points eligibility. Despite his impressive performance and expectations to gain Ryder Cup points to enhance his chances for the 2025 team selection, the points tally has not yet been updated, leaving him ranked lower than anticipated. Similar concerns have been echoed by fans regarding other golfers, highlighting the frustration over delayed updates in the points standings that impact potential team placements for the Ryder Cup.

Where Are the Americans?

Three weeks into the 2025 PGA Tour season, the absence of American winners raises concerns for U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley, especially with the upcoming Ryder Cup year. While American players have performed well enough to make the leaderboard, they have consistently fallen short against international competitors from Japan, Canada, and Austria. The current world rankings show only a few Americans in the top positions, complicating Bradley's selections for captain's picks. As the season progresses, the pressure mounts for American players to secure victories and solidify their standings ahead of the Ryder Cup.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Tiger Woods Announces Extension With Bridgestone Golf

Tiger Woods has officially signed a contract extension with Bridgestone Golf, continuing his long-standing relationship with the brand that has lasted for 25 years. The 15-time Major winner expressed his appreciation for Bridgestone's innovative technology and performance in golf ball manufacturing, stating that he looks forward to collaborating with their research and development team. Woods, who previously utilized the Nike Tour Accuracy golf ball during his successful 2000 season, now plays with the Bridgestone Tour B X model, joining other prominent players who have recently renewed their contracts with the company.

Phil Mickelson’s LIV Golf Team Signs With Grant Horvat’s Apparel Company

Phil Mickelson's LIV Golf team, the HyFlyers GC, has entered into an apparel partnership with Primo, a brand co-owned by influencer Grant Horvat. The collaboration follows a friendly challenge where Mickelson agreed to wear Primo golf joggers if he lost, which he did. The partnership designates Primo as the official golf apparel sponsor for the team, meaning Mickelson and his teammates will sport the brand's clothing during LIV Golf events and major championships. Primo's co-founders expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting Mickelson's passion for golf and the brand's commitment to innovation in high-quality golf apparel.

Overheard in the Club House

Tech company is back at Farmers Insurance Open to chase down rogue drones over Torrey Pines

SkySafe has renewed its partnership with the Farmers Insurance Open for a third consecutive year, ensuring comprehensive airspace protection against rogue drones during the PGA Tour tournament at Torrey Pines Golf Course. The company, known for its expertise in drone detection and airspace security, aims to safeguard players, staff, spectators, and sponsors by differentiating between approved and unauthorized drones while pinpointing their launch locations. The Chief Operating Officer of the Century Club of San Diego emphasized the priority of safety at the event, highlighting the valuable contribution of SkySafe's technology in enhancing the overall tournament experience.

Golf commentator in furious argument over truly wild PGA Tour rumour

CBS commentator Colt Knost refutes rumors that top PGA Tour players are skipping tournaments due to a pending deal with LIV Golf's backers, emphasizing that withdrawals are coincidental and lack substance. Schauffele cites a medical issue for his absence, while Morikawa has not provided a reason for his withdrawal.

TikTok not enough? Why Charley Hull wants all social media banned

LPGA star Charley Hull supports the recent TikTok ban in the U.S. and suggests banning all social media, advocating for a return to simpler, non-smartphones for a healthier society.

'Money comes from the sewer': Brandel Chamblee sounds off on LIV-Fox TV deal

Brandel Chamblee expresses strong criticism of LIV Golf following its new TV deal with Fox, questioning the financial terms and asserting that the league's funding is questionable and its product is subpar.

Scottie Scheffler says it was making homemade ravioli that led to injury requiring surgery

Scottie Scheffler revealed that he suffered a hand injury while making homemade ravioli on Christmas Day, which required surgery and has caused him to miss at least two PGA Tour events. Speaking during the Arnold Palmer Invitational media day, Scheffler expressed optimism about his recovery, stating that the surgery went well and he is assessing his return to competition, potentially at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Despite the unexpected setback, he reflected on his successful previous season and acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to daily activities with one hand during his recovery. Scheffler emphasized the importance of not rushing back to the tour while ensuring he progresses properly in his rehabilitation.

With Greg Norman Gone From LIV Golf, Perhaps Now the Pro Game Can Move Forward

With Greg Norman stepping down from LIV Golf, the organization aims for a more collaborative approach with the PGA Tour. New CEO Scott O’Neil emphasizes working together to enhance the sport, while players like Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy express optimism about the future of LIV Golf and its potential impact on professional golf. Meanwhile, the PGA Tour faces challenges relocating the Genesis Invitational due to wildfires, and players navigate fines and suspensions from conflicting events.

How much tougher was the Stadium Course at the 2025 American Express?

The Stadium Course at PGA West was notably tougher in 2025 due to renovations, with increased green firmness affecting player strategies. Scoring averages rose, but some players still achieved low rounds, indicating the course's challenges were manageable. The winning score was 25 under, four shots higher than the previous year, highlighting the course's difficulty while players adapted to the conditions.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

Click HERE for the latest Official World Golf Ranking

Latest FedExCup Standings

Click HERE for the latest Official World Golf Ranking

UPCOMING TOURS

PGA TOUR Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire PGA Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

LIV Golf Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire LIV Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

LPGA Tour Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire LPGA Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

TGL Schedule 2025

View the latest match schedule for TGL presented by SoFi, including times, dates and broadcast partners.

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