Planet Golf News for Tuesday, November 19, 2024

PGA Tour policy board approves changes to decrease field sizes and alter eligibility | 2024 PGA TOUR Season to conclude at The RSM Classic | Nelly Korda is third to surpass $4 million in single season on LPGA, can bank $4 million more at CME | Sergio Garcia’s Ryder Cup hopes just got a major boost

Author

PGN News Team
November 19, 2024

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

Marie Birdie is a clothing brand dedicated to providing young women with the sense of empowerment and individuality. Now available at select PGA Tour Superstores. NOW OPEN the Marie Birdie Store @ 7170 S Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach, FL

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

The world of professional golf is buzzing with some major news and high-stakes events that will shape the landscape of the game for both players and fans alike. From changes in the PGA Tour format to the thrilling season finales of both the PGA and LPGA Tours, here’s what’s unfolding in golf right now.

First up, the PGA Tour Policy Board has approved some substantial modifications to the tour’s eligibility requirements, field sizes, and FedEx Cup points structure, effective in 2026. To enhance competitiveness, they’ve decided to reduce fully exempt spots to the top 100 players in the FedEx Cup standings, down from the current top 125. They’re also decreasing the standard tournament fields from 156 to 144 players and tightening the path from the Korn Ferry Tour, awarding only 20 PGA Tour cards. The FedEx Cup points system will also see tweaks, including a bump for second-place finishes and fewer points for lower placements. While these changes are meant to improve the fan experience and make each event more exciting, not everyone is thrilled—Lucas Glover expressed frustration, feeling that these adjustments may undermine the merit-based spirit of the Tour.

Meanwhile, Charley Hull has stirred up discussions on slow play. Hull passionately suggested that the LPGA (and perhaps the PGA as well) should enforce penalties for excessive round times, even proposing a two-shot penalty for players who get timed three times for slow play. This comes in response to rounds that stretch beyond five hours, which Hull argues detracts from fans’ enjoyment and engagement with the sport.

In terms of upcoming events, the PGA Tour is wrapping up the 2024 season with The RSM Classic at Sea Island Golf Club in Georgia. This event, which starts on November 21, will not only be a final showcase for players on the 2024 schedule but will also be critical for those hoping to secure their spots for the 2025 season. Defending champion Ludvig Åberg, back from knee surgery, enters the tournament as a favorite. Players like Wesley Bryan are also under pressure, sitting right on the eligibility bubble for next year’s tour, while notable names like Daniel Berger and Gary Woodland are also vying to finish strong. With a $7.6 million purse and a high-stakes weekend on the horizon, fans can expect exciting competition.

On the LPGA side, the season finale—the CME Group Tour Championship—is set for November 21-24 at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. This event features the top 60 players from the Race to the CME Globe, competing for an enormous $11 million purse, with the winner taking home a record $4 million. Nelly Korda, who’s already secured the Rolex Player of the Year title, is expected to bring her A-game, but with no predetermined winner, the championship is wide open. The Tiburon course’s tricky layout, with its water hazards and bunkers, promises to add a layer of intensity as players navigate each shot.

Internationally, the BMW Australian PGA Championship kicks off the DP World Tour season in Brisbane, Australia. Cameron Smith, the 2022 Open champion and three-time Australian PGA winner, returns with a lot on the line as he seeks to rebuild his world ranking. He’ll face tough competition from defending champion Min Woo Lee and a diverse field that includes stars like Jason Day and New Zealand’s Kazuma Kobori. The Royal Queensland Golf Club’s strategic design will test the mettle of all players competing for the AUD 2 million prize.

In a remarkable turn on the Ryder Cup front, Sergio García has officially paid the necessary fines to rejoin the DP World Tour, clearing a path to potentially represent Europe in 2025. García, a key figure in Ryder Cup history, is motivated to make a comeback and prove his worth as a valuable team member. His effort is one of many stories swirling around the tour’s intense and emotional ride toward the next Ryder Cup.

In the college and amateur scene, Texas A&M’s Adela Cernousek is joining the professional ranks after a stellar season, becoming the latest standout amateur to pursue her LPGA dreams. Her move highlights a growing trend as young talent increasingly jumps from collegiate golf directly to the pros, signaling an exciting era for the women’s game.

With the year winding down and new faces entering the tour, as well as seasoned players fighting to retain their status, it’s clear that golf is entering an exciting period of transformation and high stakes. Both fans and players have a lot to look forward to as the 2024 season ends and the 2025 chapter begins.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

PGA Tour Policy Board approves eligibility, field size changes

The PGA Tour Policy Board has approved changes to field sizes, eligibility, and the FedEx Cup points system, set to take effect in 2026. Key changes include reducing fully exempt players from the top 125 to the top 100 in FedEx Cup standings, limiting PGA Tour cards for Korn Ferry Tour graduates to 20, and decreasing standard tournament fields from 156 to 144 players. The FedEx Cup points for major finishes will increase for second place while decreasing for lower positions. The changes aim to enhance competition and improve the fan experience, though they have faced criticism from some players.

‘I Feel Sorry For The Fans' - Charley Hull Proposes Brutal Idea To 'Kill' Slow Play

Charley Hull proposed a strict measure to combat slow play in golf, suggesting that players receive a two-shot penalty for three instances of bad timing, leading to the potential loss of their Tour card. Hull criticized the current pace of play, which often exceeds five hours, and expressed concern for fans affected by the delays. Despite attempts by the LPGA Tour to address the issue, slow rounds remain a significant problem across both women's and men's golf circuits.

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

2024 PGA TOUR Season to conclude at The RSM Classic

The RSM Classic - PGA Tour - Sea Island - Saint Simons Island, GA

The RSM Classic, the final official event of the 2024 PGA Tour season, is set to begin on Thursday, November 21, at Sea Island Golf Club in St. Simons Island, Georgia. This tournament marks the conclusion of the FedExCup Fall and carries significant implications for many players in the field.

Defending champion Ludvig Åberg is making his return to competitive golf after undergoing knee surgery in early September. The Swedish star, who won last year’s event with a record-tying score of 29-under-par, is the betting favorite at 8-1 odds.

The tournament will be played on two courses at Sea Island Resort. Players will compete on both the Seaside Course (par-70, 7,005 yards) and the Plantation Course (par-72, 7,060 yards) for the first two rounds. The weekend rounds will be exclusively on the Seaside Course after the cut.

With a purse of $7.6 million and a winner’s share of $1.368 million, the stakes are high for many players looking to secure their PGA Tour status for the 2025 season. The top 125 in the FedExCup standings after this event will earn full status, while those finishing 126-150 will receive conditional status.

Several players are on the bubble, including Wesley Bryan, who currently sits at 125th in the standings. Notable names outside the top 125 include Daniel Berger, Pierceson Coody, and Gary Woodland, all hoping for a strong performance to secure their cards for next season.

The field includes a mix of established veterans and up-and-coming talents. Major champions like Brian Harman, Zach Johnson, and Francesco Molinari are set to compete, along with recent fall series winners such as Rafael Campos, who secured his first PGA Tour victory last week in Bermuda.

Golf Channel will provide television coverage for all four rounds, with broadcasts from 12-3 p.m. ET on Thursday and Friday, and 1-4 p.m. ET on Saturday and Sunday.

The RSM Classic Stories

CME Group Tour Championship: What you need to know about 2024 LPGA season finale

CME Group Tour Championship - Tiburon Golf Club - Naples, FL

The CME Group Tour Championship, the season finale of the LPGA Tour, is set to take place from November 21 to 24, 2024, at the Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Florida. This prestigious event will feature the top 60 golfers from the Race to the CME Globe rankings, competing for a record-breaking $11 million purse, with the winner taking home an unprecedented $4 million prize.

Nelly Korda, who has already secured the Rolex Player of the Year title, currently leads the rankings after a rollercoaster season that included five consecutive wins and ongoing injury challenges. However, the tournament’s format ensures that the winner of this event will be crowned the Race to the CME Globe Champion, regardless of their previous standing.

For those unable to attend in person, the tournament will be broadcast on Sky Sports Golf in the UK and the Golf Channel in the US. Coverage begins at 8:00 PM ET on Thursday and Friday, 7:00 PM ET on Saturday, and 6:00 PM ET on Sunday for UK viewers, with slightly different timings for US audiences.

The Tiburon Golf Club’s Gold Course, hosting the event for the 11th consecutive year, presents a challenging par-72 layout measuring 6,556 yards. The course features numerous bunkers and water hazards on 15 holes, demanding precision from the players.

CME Group Tour Stories

BMW Australian PGA Championship - Royal Queensland GC, Brisbane, Australia

The BMW Australian PGA Championship is set to kick off the 2025 DP World Tour season at Royal Queensland Golf Club in Brisbane, Australia from November 21-24, 2024. This prestigious event marks the beginning of the new tour season and offers a prize purse of AUD 2 million.

All eyes will be on Cameron Smith, the 2022 Open champion, who has won this tournament three times. After joining LIV Golf, Smith’s world ranking has dropped significantly, making this event a crucial opportunity for him to gain valuable ranking points. Currently ranked 128th, Smith will be eager to reclaim his former top position.

Defending champion Min Woo Lee will return to defend his title after his impressive victory in 2023. Other notable players in the field include Jason Day, who is coming off a solid PGA Tour campaign, and Victor Perez, an elegant French golfer looking to make his mark.

The tournament has attracted a strong international contingent, including South African rising star Aldrich Potgieter and American crowd favorite Harry Higgs. New Zealand will be represented by Kazuma Kobori, the reigning Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit champion, and Daniel Hillier, a DP World Tour winner.

Royal Queensland Golf Club, a par 71 course measuring 7,135 yards, will host the event. The course, which opened in 1920 and underwent a redesign in 2007, features wide fairways, short rough, and large greens protected by bunkers.

BMW Australian PGA Championship Stories

The Ryder Cup (Sept 22-28, 2025)

Sergio Garcia pays fine for playing LIV events as he bids to win back Ryder Cup place

Sergio García has paid approximately £1 million in fines to the DP World Tour to become eligible for the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York. As the all-time leading points scorer in Ryder Cup history, he aims to convince captain Luke Donald of his value to the team. García, who previously resigned from the tour after joining LIV Golf, must still serve one-tournament bans for each LIV event he participated in. Despite challenges, he believes his game is strong enough for at least two or three more Ryder Cups.

"Paying back a debt they owe to the game"- Brandel Chamblee makes scathing remarks against Ryder Cup reportedly paying US team players $4 million

Brandel Chamblee criticizes the potential payment of $400,000 to US golfers for participating in the Ryder Cup, arguing that players should not be paid for representing their country and that such payments would not materially impact their lives. He emphasizes the importance of the Ryder Cup as a prestigious event driven by honor rather than monetary reward, and highlights how funds from the tournament support initiatives for underprivileged golfers.

Ryder Cup standings in full as LIV Golf star Tyrrell Hatton makes bold statement

Rory McIlroy leads the Ryder Cup qualification standings after his victory in Dubai, with Tyrrell Hatton boosting his chances for automatic selection by finishing sixth. Hatton, who switched to LIV Golf, managed to meet eligibility criteria by lifting his suspension and fulfilling the four-tournament requirement. He aims to secure one of the six automatic spots for the Ryder Cup despite challenges from his LIV commitments. The current standings show McIlroy at the top, followed by Rasmus Hojgaard and Hatton in third place.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Cleveland HiBore XL, HiBore XL Lite drivers 

The Cleveland HiBore XL and HiBore XL Lite drivers, priced at $399.99, are designed for mid- and higher-handicap golfers seeking a mix of distance and forgiveness. Utilizing artificial intelligence, the drivers feature a triangular shape for optimized performance, a larger hitting area, and ActivWing technology for stability during the downswing. The HiBore XL Lite variant offers a lighter shaft and draw bias for enhanced clubhead speed, while both models include adjustable loft settings and customizable weight for personalized fitting.

Overheard in the Club House

Initial field for 2024 PNC Championship set, but Tiger and Charlie aren't entered ... yet

The 2024 PNC Championship field has been announced, featuring notable teams including Fred Couples with his stepson and Trevor Immelman with his son. Tiger Woods and his son Charlie are currently not entered due to Tiger's recent back surgery. The event will take place from December 19-22 and includes 20 major champions and their relatives competing in a scramble format.

Anthony Kim makes fresh career move after mixed year with LIV Golf

Anthony Kim is set to participate in the Asian Tour's International Series event in Qatar, marking his return to competitive golf after a 12-year hiatus. Despite struggling to regain his form since joining LIV Golf as a wildcard, Kim's decision is motivated by a desire to support his family. The upcoming event will feature other notable golfers, and Kim's future in LIV Golf remains uncertain beyond 2025.

Reigning NCAA individual champion marks third top-10 amateur to turn pro ahead of LPGA Final Qualifying

Adela Cernousek, the reigning NCAA individual champion and 10th-ranked amateur, has announced her decision to turn professional ahead of the LPGA Final Qualifying. She joins fellow amateurs Zoe Campos and Julia Lopez Ramirez in making this transition, as they aim to compete in the final stage of the LPGA Q-Series. This decision marks a significant loss for college golf, with three top seniors opting to pursue their professional careers.

'Why Are We Making This So Hard?' - Hunter Mahan Says One Simple Change Would Help PGA Tour Promote More Leading Young Talent

Hunter Mahan argues that the PGA Tour's restrictive promotion pathway is hindering the transition of talented college players to the professional circuit. He suggests that more players should be allowed to join the tour directly from college, similar to practices in American football, to maintain momentum and engage fans with their stories. Mahan believes that the current system delays promising players' careers, and emphasizes the importance of marketing young talent effectively to enhance the tour's appeal.

Rory McIlroy Proves Fierce Loyalty To Caddie With Heartfelt Message In Race To Dubai Victory Speech

Rory McIlroy, after winning his sixth Race To Dubai title, expressed heartfelt gratitude towards his caddie, Harry Diamond, during his victory speech. He emphasized Diamond's unwavering support throughout the season, highlighting that he deserves recognition for his contributions despite facing undue criticism. McIlroy's emotional tribute underscored the deep friendship and appreciation he holds for Diamond, marking a significant moment in their seven-year partnership.

Women’s NCAA Division I Champion Adela Cernousek Turns Pro

Adela Cernousek, the NCAA Division I Champion from Texas A&M, has announced her decision to turn professional and pursue her dream of playing on the LPGA Tour. This announcement follows her successful college career, including winning the individual title at the NCAA Championship and achieving a record-low scoring average. Cernousek's decision comes shortly after other college players also opted to turn professional, and it coincides with the LPGA's plans to launch a women's version of PGA Tour University to support amateur golfers transitioning to professional play.

Rafael Campos’ reaction to learning he gets to play in the 2025 Masters is as good as it gets

Rafael Campos celebrated a significant weekend in golf, winning the Butterfield Bermuda Championship just days after the birth of his daughter. This victory secured his PGA Tour status for 2025 and led to the exciting news that he will be playing in the Masters. Overwhelmed with emotion, Campos expressed disbelief and joy upon learning about his invitation to Augusta National, marking a pivotal moment in his career.

How All 10 DP World Tour Graduates Fared In The 2024 PGA Tour Season

In the 2024 PGA Tour season, ten graduates from the DP World Tour joined, with notable performances from Robert MacIntyre, who won two tournaments and earned $5.4 million, and Matthieu Pavon, who won the Farmers Insurance Open and also qualified for the Tour Championship. Adrian Meronk joined LIV Golf after a successful debut season. While some players thrived, others struggled, with three graduates losing their cards. Overall, the graduates had a mix of successes, with several earning significant prize money and making important cuts.

Trump thinks he can fix golf's mess. He starts by playing golf with PGA Tour commissioner

President-elect Donald Trump aims to facilitate a deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, starting with a golf outing with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan. Trump previously claimed he could finalize the agreement in 15 minutes, emphasizing the need for a unified tour. Despite ongoing negotiations and a divided golf landscape, Trump remains optimistic about a merger, highlighting his connections with key figures like Elon Musk and the Saudi investment fund. Rory McIlroy expressed cautious optimism about Trump's potential influence in the negotiations.

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.

Marie Birdie is a female-founded and owned golf and active wear brand for tween and teen girls. Our mission is to inspire, delight, and empower girls to enjoy an active lifestyle while playing golf. Now available at select PGA Tour Superstores.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up HERE for FREE