Planet Golf News for Tuesday, November 12, 2024

6 Big Names In Danger Of Missing LPGA Tour's CME Group Tour Championship | What Rory McIlroy Needs To Win Sixth Race To Dubai Title | Who is playing in the 2024 Butterfield Bermuda Championship? | DP World Tour One-Ups Jay Monahan & Co. As $9M Event Overshadows PGA Tour

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PGN News Team
November 12, 2024

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Tuesday, November 12, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

The world of professional golf is heating up with season-ending tournaments and high-stakes battles for Tour titles, elite rankings, and coveted championship spots. Let’s take a closer look at some of the major storylines unfolding across the LPGA, PGA, and DP World Tour landscapes, along with some additional updates from the LIV Golf circuit and beyond.

Several big names in the LPGA Tour find themselves in precarious positions ahead of the CME Group Tour Championship. Players like Hinako Shibuno, Carlota Ciganda, Ashleigh Buhai, Alison Lee, Anna Nordqvist, and Georgia Hall need strong finishes in their upcoming tournaments to qualify for the season finale. With only a limited number of spots left and each player needing specific placements to secure their position, there’s plenty of suspense as they fight to stay in the Race to CME Globe.

Rory McIlroy, meanwhile, has a clearer but still competitive path ahead in his quest for a sixth Race to Dubai title. As long as he finishes 11th or better at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, he’ll lock in his title. Although he’s in the lead, Thriston Lawrence is still within striking distance, especially if McIlroy falters. With a $10 million prize pool at stake, the Dubai finale will be one to watch as the season reaches its climax.

For Jon Rahm, things have taken a different turn. He’s opting to sit out the DP World Tour Championship after meeting his European Tour membership requirements. His decision aligns with a broader strategy to stay eligible for the Ryder Cup in 2025, despite facing some backlash over his LIV Golf participation. Although rumors swirl about his potential regrets with LIV, Rahm remains a force in international golf and is already planning his comeback for future tournaments.

In another area of the LPGA, travel woes continue to cast a shadow over women’s golf. LPGA player Jennifer Chang recently had her clubs and golf bag severely damaged during a flight with Delta Airlines, leaving her scrambling for replacements just before a crucial tournament. Callaway stepped in to provide her with a new set, but the incident underscores the ongoing issue of equipment mishaps and damage in women’s professional golf—something the sport has struggled to address for years.

On the DP World Tour, tournament competition is turning fierce as the World Ranking points at the DP World Tour Championship are expected to surpass those of the PGA Tour’s Butterfield Bermuda Championship. With top players like Hideki Matsuyama and Tyrrell Hatton in the mix, the event promises to have a significant impact on player rankings. The gap in points between the two Tours has raised eyebrows, with many fans and players questioning the fairness of these rankings—a debate likely to continue as the 2024 season concludes.

Shifting to the PGA Tour, the Butterfield Bermuda Championship is set to tee off from November 14-17, offering players a crucial chance to secure FedExCup points and guarantee status for the 2025 season. This year, the scenic Port Royal Golf Course in Bermuda hosts a competitive field, including former champions Camilo Villegas, Seamus Power, and Brendan Todd, who will navigate its windy, narrow fairways. With $1.242 million up for grabs for the winner, players are eager to climb the standings as the season draws to a close.

The LPGA’s ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican, hosted by Hall-of-Famer Annika Sorenstam, also kicks off this week. This penultimate tournament holds major implications for players vying to reach the CME Group Tour Championship, including Carlota Ciganda, Ashleigh Buhai, and Georgia Hall. The Pelican Golf Club’s lush fairways and challenging greens provide the perfect setting for this exciting competition, while the tournament gains even more attention with WNBA star Caitlin Clark joining Sorenstam in the Pro-Am—a delightful crossover between two sports worlds.

As the year draws to a close, all eyes are on the final standings, rankings, and Tour Championships. With top players fighting for coveted spots and season-ending accolades, each tournament has become an intense battleground. This thrilling conclusion sets the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable finale across the golfing world, with legacy, ranking points, and champion titles on the line.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

6 Big Names In Danger Of Missing LPGA Tour's CME Group Tour Championship

Several prominent LPGA Tour players are at risk of missing the CME Group Tour Championship, including Hinako Shibuno, Carlota Ciganda, Ashleigh Buhai, Alison Lee, Anna Nordqvist, and Georgia Hall. Each player needs strong finishes in the upcoming tournament to secure a spot in the season finale, with specific placement requirements varying from top-3 to top-20 finishes depending on their current standings in the Race To CME Globe.

What Rory McIlroy Needs To Win Sixth Race To Dubai Title

Rory McIlroy is close to winning his sixth Race To Dubai title, needing to finish 11th or better at the DP World Tour Championship to secure the title. He currently leads Thriston Lawrence by 1,785.02 points, having performed well throughout the season with multiple top finishes. Lawrence must win or hope McIlroy has a poor performance to catch up. The championship offers significant points, and both players are focused on their respective goals as the season concludes.

LIV Golf rebel Jon Rahm skips tournament after solving Ryder Cup problem

Jon Rahm will skip the DP World Tour Championship after fulfilling the minimum event requirement for European membership. Despite his fondness for the tournament, he is focusing on maintaining his membership for the 2025 Ryder Cup. Rahm has also appealed fines from the DP World Tour related to his participation in LIV Golf and has recently welcomed a new baby, reducing his tournament appearances. Rumors suggest he may regret his decision to join LIV Golf, but he remains a strong contender for future competitions.

$39B Airline Giant Gives LPGA Pro a Nightmare as Women’s Golf’s Biggest Concern Still Continues to Plague the Sport

LPGA golfer Jennifer Chang faced a difficult week after damaging her golf bag and clubs during a flight with Delta Airlines. Following a poor performance at the Lotte Championship, her equipment was severely damaged, prompting Callaway to provide her with a new set of clubs. This incident highlights ongoing issues in women's golf regarding airline mishaps, which often affect both professionals and amateurs, with many experiencing lost or damaged equipment without adequate compensation from airlines.

DP World Tour One-Ups Jay Monahan & Co. As $9M Event Overshadows PGA Tour

The DP World Tour Championship is set to award more Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points than the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, potentially reshaping player rankings significantly. Hideki Matsuyama and Tyrrell Hatton are among those expected to rise in the rankings. The ongoing disparity in OWGR points between the PGA Tour and DP World Tour events has sparked discussions about fairness and competition, with notable fluctuations in points awarded across recent tournaments. As the 2024 season concludes, the competition for top rankings intensifies.

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

Butterfield Bermuda Championship Betting Preview: A Redemption Story at Port Royal

Butterfield Bermuda Championship - PGA Tour - Port Royal Golf Course - Southampton Parish, Bermuda

The Butterfield Bermuda Championship is set to tee off from November 14-17, 2024, at the picturesque Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton Parish, Bermuda. This PGA Tour event marks the penultimate tournament of the 2024 season and the seventh in the eight-tournament fall series. With a total prize pool of $6.9 million, including $1.242 million for the winner, the stakes are high for players vying for crucial FedExCup points and Tour status for the 2025 season.

Port Royal Golf Course, a par-71 layout stretching 6,828 yards, will once again host the championship. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, this scenic island course is known for its challenging terrain, narrow fairways, and the ever-present threat of windy conditions, making it a true test of skill for the competitors.

The field of 120 players includes a mix of established Tour winners and up-and-coming talents. Notable participants include former champions Camilo Villegas, Seamus Power, and Brendan Todd, as well as major winners Lucas Glover and Zach Johnson. The tournament also welcomes Daniel Berger, Kevin Kisner, and Brandt Snedeker, who bring a wealth of PGA Tour experience to the event.

This year’s championship holds particular significance as players battle for positions in the FedExCup standings. Those finishing in the top 125 after the fall series will secure full exemption for the 2025 PGA Tour season, while positions 126-150 will receive conditional status. Additionally, players are competing to finish in the top 60 of the FedExCup Fall standings, which would earn them spots in two prestigious Signature Events early in the 2025 season.

Butterfield Bermuda Championship Stories

Five Things to Know About 2024 The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican

The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican - LPGA - Pelican Golf Club - Belleair, FL

The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican is set to take place from November 14-17, 2024, at the Pelican Golf Club in Belleair, Florida. This prestigious LPGA Tour event is the penultimate tournament of the 2024 season and carries significant weight in determining the final standings for the CME Globe race.

The tournament, now in its fifth year, features a star-studded field competing for a share of the $3.25 million purse, one of the largest on the LPGA Tour. Defending champion Lilia Vu will return to defend her title, alongside other notable players such as two-time champion Nelly Korda and inaugural winner Sei Young Kim.

Pelican Golf Club, a Donald Ross design, offers a challenging par-70, 6,349-yard course that draws comparisons to Augusta National with its wide fairways, pine straw-lined trees, and large, undulating greens. The course recently overcame setbacks from Hurricane Milton, which caused extreme flooding, but is now in excellent condition for the tournament.

The event is hosted by World Golf and LPGA Hall-of-Famer Annika Sorenstam, with proceeds benefiting the ANNIKA Foundation. Adding to the excitement, WNBA star Caitlin Clark is scheduled to participate in the Wednesday Pro-Am, playing alongside Sorenstam.

This year’s tournament has added significance as it’s one of the last opportunities for players to secure their spot in the top 60 of the CME Globe rankings, which determines eligibility for the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship. Players like Carlota Ciganda, Ashleigh Buhai, and Georgia Hall will be fighting to maintain their positions and qualify for the finale.

The field includes a mix of established stars and promising newcomers, with sponsor exemptions granted to Brittany Lincicome, who will be concluding her final full-time season on the LPGA Tour, Rachel Kuehn, who will turn professional at this event, and amateur Louise Rydqvist.

The ANNIKA Stories

The ANNIKA Videos

DP World Tour Championship 2024 preview: What’s at stake as the season comes to an end?

DP World Tour Championship - DP World Tour - Jumeirah Golf Estates - Dubai, UAE

The DP World Tour Championship, the prestigious season-ending event of the DP World Tour, is set to take place from November 14-17, 2024, at the Earth Course of Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, UAE. This highly anticipated tournament will feature the top 50 players in the Race to Dubai rankings, competing for a substantial prize purse of $10 million, with the winner taking home $3 million.

The Earth Course, designed to challenge the world’s best golfers, is a par-72 layout measuring 7,605 yards. It boasts a desert landscape with strategically placed sand traps, water hazards, undulating greens, and trees, providing a stern test for the elite field.

Rory McIlroy, a multiple-time Race to Dubai champion, is expected to headline the event. He has had a strong 2024 season, including a victory at the Dubai Desert Classic and several near-misses in major tournaments. Other notable players likely to participate include Billy Horschel, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, and Adam Scott, among other top-ranked golfers.

As the culmination of the Race to Dubai, this tournament not only crowns its champion but also determines the overall season winner of the DP World Tour. With its combination of elite competition, a challenging course, and Dubai’s renowned hospitality, the 2024 DP World Tour Championship promises to be a fitting finale to the golf season.

DP World Tour Championship Stories

The Ryder Cup (Sept 22-28, 2025)

PGA Tour: Austin Eckroat targets Ryder Cup qualification and major glory after second victory of the year

Austin Eckroat aims for Ryder Cup qualification and major victories after winning his second PGA Tour title of the year at the World Wide Technology Championship, where he shot a remarkable nine-under 63. This victory, following his win at the Cognizant Classic, places him among the top 40 players in the world for the first time.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

Overheard in the Club House

US Curtis Cup Star Turns Pro After Glittering Amateur Career

Rachel Kuehn, a prominent member of the 2024 US Curtis Cup team, has announced her transition to professional golf. The 23-year-old expressed gratitude for her amateur career and will make her professional debut at the Annika Driven by Gainbridge tournament. Kuehn has had a successful amateur career, including significant victories and helping Wake Forest win the NCAA Division I Women's Golf Championship in 2023. She plans to compete regularly on the Epson Tour next year.

LIV Golf pro spits hot fire on PGA Tour, envisions USA left in dust

Adrian Meronk envisions a future for professional golf that excludes the PGA Tour, suggesting a worldwide tour outside the United States as an appealing alternative. He acknowledges the success of the Asian Tour and notes the significant talent drain from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf, exemplified by Jon Rahm's $600 million contract. While Meronk has faced fines and suspensions for joining LIV, he emphasizes the importance of focusing on his career and family over the Ryder Cup, which he no longer prioritizes despite his desire to qualify for the team in 2025.

Tyrrell Hatton denied $1.6m payout as LIV Golf star falls short on Tour return

Tyrrell Hatton narrowly missed winning his second consecutive title on the DP World Tour, finishing as runner-up at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, where he was overtaken by Paul Waring. Despite a strong performance, including an impressive final round, Hatton's efforts fell short, denying him a $1.6 million payout. His recent return to the DP World Tour follows a successful stint with LIV Golf, and he aims to solidify his eligibility for the upcoming Ryder Cup by meeting the required event participation.

Anthony Kim Among 18 LIV Golfers Confirmed For International Series Event

Anthony Kim is confirmed to participate in the International Series Qatar, joining 17 other LIV golfers. This event is part of the Asian Tour's 2024 campaign. Kim has not played since the LIV Golf Individual Championship in September and aims to improve his performance after a challenging season. The article also highlights other LIV golfers participating in the event and mentions the ongoing competition for the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

Paul Azinger will be back in broadcast analyst chair in 2025 for senior tour, per report

Paul Azinger will return as a broadcast analyst for the PGA Tour Champions in 2025, working part-time for 10-12 tournaments under a one-year deal with PGA Tour Entertainment. He replaces Lanny Wadkins, who recently retired. Azinger expressed excitement about the role and hopes to bring credibility and creativity to the broadcasts. After a tumultuous exit from NBC Sports in 2023, he appears to have reconciled with the network and is looking forward to focusing on senior golf rather than the PGA Tour.

Bernhard Langer’s caddie says 3 words. Then comes a visor toss

Bernhard Langer secured a dramatic victory at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship, making crucial putts to maintain his streak of 18 consecutive winning seasons. His caddie, Terry Holt, encouraged him with the words "one more putt," which Langer successfully converted, leading to a celebratory visor toss and acknowledgment of his enduring competitive spirit in golf.

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 2024

Click to see the entire PGA Tour Schedule for 2024 including the Previous winners and Purse.

LIV Golf Schedule 2024

Click to see the entire LIV Tour Schedule for 2024 including the Previous winners and Purse.

LPGA Tour Schedule 2024

Click to see the entire LPGA Tour Schedule for 2024 including the Previous winners and Purse.

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