Planet Golf News for Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Tiger Woods Reveals He Won't Play At Hero World Challenge | Anthony Kim Set For First Start In Over Two Months As 18 LIV Golfers Compete At Penultimate Asian Tour Event | Emotional Lexi Thompson Shares Inspirational Message With Fans After Signing Off From Full-Time Pro Career

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PGN News Team
November 26, 2024

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

The golf world is buzzing with stories this week, from Tiger Woods’ health update to major events in the professional circuit, both on and off the greens. Let’s dive into the highlights and give you the scoop on everything happening in the world of golf.

Tiger Woods fans will have to wait a bit longer to see him back in action. The legendary golfer announced he won’t compete at the Hero World Challenge as he recovers from his sixth back surgery. Though disappointed, Tiger remains committed to his role as the tournament host, ensuring the event goes on seamlessly with big names like Justin Thomas, Jason Day, and rising star Nick Dunlap stepping in to fill the field. While no timeline has been set for his competitive return, Woods is prioritizing his rehabilitation after a tough year.

Meanwhile, Lexi Thompson bid an emotional farewell to her full-time career on the LPGA Tour. Reflecting on a journey filled with early success and unforgettable moments, Thompson shared her gratitude for her fans and her hope to inspire the next generation of players. The teary-eyed press conference marked the end of an era for one of the sport’s most recognizable figures, who will still leave her mark in limited events moving forward.

The PGA Tour also made waves this week, announcing nominees for its prestigious Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards. Scottie Scheffler, riding high after seven wins this season—including The Masters—is up against consistent powerhouses Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy for the Jack Nicklaus Award. On the rookie front, names like Nick Dunlap and Max Greyserman stand out as contenders for the Arnold Palmer Award. With the vote closing soon, the anticipation is building for the final results.

In leadership news, the USGA is preparing for a transition, with Kevin Hammer nominated as its next president. Set to take over in 2026, Hammer brings years of experience in golf governance to the role. The election process kicks off next year in Pinehurst, North Carolina, where the organization will finalize its executive committee.

On the competitive front, the ISPS HANDA Australian Open returns to Melbourne’s famed Sandbelt region this week, with an innovative format combining men’s, women’s, and all-abilities tournaments. Featuring 156 men and 84 women, the event boasts a $3.4 million AUD prize pool and welcomes stars like Cameron Smith, Hannah Green, and defending champion Joaquin Niemann. This inclusive approach makes it one of the year’s must-watch tournaments.

Elsewhere, Doha gears up for the International Series Qatar on the Asian Tour, drawing major talent from LIV Golf, including Anthony Kim, Patrick Reed, and Louis Oosthuizen. With a $2.5 million USD purse and high stakes for rankings and promotions, this penultimate event promises fierce competition on a challenging course.

Off the greens, the LPGA saw Marina Alex announce her retirement after over a decade of dedication to the game. The two-time tournament winner joins a growing list of players stepping away, as the Tour continues to evolve with fresh faces making their mark. Speaking of milestones, Jeeno Thitikul capped off an incredible year by leading the LPGA money list with over $6 million in earnings, including a record-breaking $4 million prize from the CME Group Tour Championship.

And on a lighter note, Maverick McNealy charmed fans with his heartwarming tradition of sending flowers to his grandmother for every $50,000 he earns. After his recent win at the RSM Classic, McNealy is planning an extra-special gift for her—because what’s golf without a little love for family?

From poignant farewells to exciting tournaments, this week in golf reminded us why this sport is so much more than just a game. Whether it’s Tiger’s resilience, Lexi’s legacy, or the thrill of competition, the stories keep us coming back for more.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Tiger Woods Reveals He Won't Play At Hero World Challenge

Tiger Woods announced he will not participate in the Hero World Challenge due to recovery from his sixth back surgery. He expressed disappointment but will continue as the tournament host. Three spots in the field will be filled by Justin Thomas, Jason Day, and Nick Dunlap. Woods is focusing on rehabilitation and has not provided a timeline for his return to competitive golf after a challenging year.

Lexi Thompson's tearful press conference caps complicated career

Lexi Thompson held a tearful press conference after concluding her final full-time season on the LPGA Tour, reflecting on her complex career marked by early success and a single major victory. Despite her emotional farewell and a disappointing finish at the CME Group Tour Championship, Thompson emphasized her desire to leave a legacy as a role model and to give back to the sport, cherishing the moments spent with fans throughout her journey.

PGA Tour Reveals Player Of The Year And Rookie Of The Year Nominations

The PGA Tour has announced its nominations for the 2024 Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards. Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, and Rory McIlroy are nominated for the Jack Nicklaus Award, while Nick Dunlap, Max Greyserman, Jake Knapp, and Matthieu Pavon are in contention for the Arnold Palmer Award. Scheffler had an impressive season with seven wins, including The Masters, while Schauffele and McIlroy also had strong performances. The winners will be determined by a member vote, closing on December 4, 2024.

Here's the plan for who'll eventually be the next USGA President

Kevin Hammer has been nominated as the USGA President Elect, set to succeed Fred Perpall in 2026. Hammer, a financial planner with extensive experience in golf governance, has served on the USGA Executive Committee and chaired the Championship Committee. The USGA will hold elections for its Executive Committee members on March 1, 2025, in Pinehurst, N.C., with other nominees including Sinclair Eaddy Jr., Dianne Dixon, and Jim Gorrie.

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week (just one)

How to follow the ISPS HANDA Australian Open

ISPS HANDA Australian Open - DP World Tour - Victoria GC - Melbourne, Australia

The ISPS HANDA Australian Open, one of the oldest and most prestigious golf tournaments in Australia, is set to return to the famed Melbourne Sandbelt from November 28 to December 1, 2024. This year’s event will feature a unique combined format, showcasing men’s, women’s, and all abilities tournaments across two world-class courses.

Kingston Heath Golf Club will serve as the primary host, welcoming players for all four rounds, while The Victoria Golf Club will co-host the first two rounds. This marks a return to the Sandbelt region, which last hosted the men’s national Open in 2022.

The tournament boasts an impressive prize pool of $3,400,000 AUD and will feature fields of 156 men and 84 women competing for their respective titles. The event is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia for the men’s competition, while the women’s tournament is sanctioned by the WPGA Tour of Australasia.

A star-studded lineup is expected, with defending champion Joaquin Niemann returning to defend his title. Other notable players include Australian talents such as Cameron Smith, Min Woo Lee, and Hannah Green, alongside international stars like Victor Perez.

The Australian All Abilities Championship, featuring the top 12 ranked golfers with disabilities, will run concurrently with the main event, concluding on Saturday. This inclusive format highlights the tournament’s commitment to showcasing diverse golfing talent.

With its rich history, world-class venue, and combined format, the 2024 ISPS HANDA Australian Open is set to be a highlight of the golfing calendar, attracting both local and international attention to Melbourne’s renowned Sandbelt region.

ISPS HANDA Australian Open Stories

Anthony Kim Set For First Start In Over Two Months As 18 LIV Golfers Compete At Penultimate Asian Tour Event

International Series Qatar - Asian Tour - Doha Golf Club - Doha, Qatar

The International Series Qatar golf tournament is set to take place from November 27-30, 2024, at the prestigious Doha Golf Club. This event marks the penultimate stop on both The International Series and the Asian Tour calendars, offering a substantial prize purse of $2.5 million USD. The tournament boasts an impressive lineup of golf talent, featuring 18 LIV Golf stars, including major champions Patrick Reed, Louis Oosthuizen, and Charl Schwartzel. Other notable participants include former Ryder Cup players Anthony Kim and Thomas Pieters, as well as rising talents like David Puig and Eugenio Chacarra.

The event holds significant importance for players vying for various honors. It will play a crucial role in determining The International Series Rankings champion, who will earn a coveted spot on the LIV Golf roster. Additionally, 32 places are available for the season-ending LIV Golf Promotions event, making this tournament a critical opportunity for players to secure their positions. The Qatar event will also impact the race for the Asian Tour Order of Merit title, adding another layer of competition to the already high-stakes tournament.

Hassan Nasser Al Naimi, Qatar Golf Association President, emphasized the tournament’s alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030, showcasing the country’s world-class facilities and inspiring future generations. The International Series Qatar promises four days of thrilling competition, with top players battling for glory and crucial ranking points on the challenging Doha Golf Club course, further solidifying Doha’s position as a global hub for elite sporting events.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

TaylorMade relaunches Spider Tour X Proto putter — with a twist

TaylorMade has relaunched the Spider Tour X Proto putter, initially a Tour exclusive, now available in limited quantities. This version features a new black finish and retains the milled face design that Scottie Scheffler tested during the 2023 FedEx Cup Playoffs. The putter is priced at $500 and is designed to enhance performance while maintaining the Spider franchise's alignment and stability features.

Overheard in the Club House

Marina Alex retires after more than a decade on LPGA Tour

Marina Alex has announced her retirement from the LPGA Tour after over a decade, concluding her career with a tied 12th finish at the CME Group Tour Championship. The two-time tournament winner, who earned $5 million throughout her career, expressed mixed feelings about leaving the sport she has dedicated her life to. She joins several other players who have also retired this year, including Lexi Thompson and Ally Ewing.

LPGA all-time prize money list top 20 topped by Annika Sorenstam

The LPGA all-time prize money list is topped by Annika Sorenstam with $22,583,693. The list includes notable players such as Lydia Ko, Karrie Webb, and Cristie Kerr, all of whom have surpassed $20 million in earnings. The document details the top 20 players, highlighting their total earnings and notable achievements.

All the Vare Trophy winners, from Patty Berg to Ayaka Furue, in LPGA history

Here’s a list of all the Vare Trophy winners in LPGA history, highlighting key figures such as Patty Berg, who won the first trophy in 1953 and Kathy Whitworth, who holds the record with seven wins. Ayaka Furue made history in 2024 as the first Japanese player to win the award. The Vare Trophy is awarded based on scoring averages, with specific eligibility criteria for players regarding tournament participation.

Jeeno Thitikul topped $6 million in 2024 to lead LPGA money list. Check out the top 10

Jeeno Thitikul topped the LPGA money list in 2024, earning over $6 million, highlighted by a $4 million prize from winning the CME Group Tour Championship. Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko followed in second and third place, respectively, with both surpassing $4 million and $3 million in earnings. All top 10 players earned over $2 million this season.

PGA Tour only takes top 100 starting in 2026. Who would have missed out had that rule started for 2025?

Starting in 2026, the PGA Tour will only retain the top 100 players, reducing the previous threshold of 125. If this rule had been applied for 2025, Rickie Fowler would have been the notable golfer missing out, finishing 101st. Other players who would not have kept their Tour cards include C.T. Pan, Vince Whaley, and Michael Kim, among others.

Tennis World No. 1 gets laughed at by dad after embarrassing golf swing

Jannik Sinner, the World No. 1 tennis player, had an impressive 2024, winning major titles including the Australian Open and U.S. Open, and leading Italy to a Davis Cup victory. However, his golf skills leave much to be desired, as evidenced by a humorous video posted by his coach, showing Sinner's poor swing that resulted in the ball going behind him, much to the amusement of his father. Despite his tennis success, this lighthearted moment reminds fans that even top athletes can have their off days in other sports.

LIV Golf star racks up £1.9m in fines as Ian Poulter refuses to pay up

Ian Poulter has accumulated £1.9 million in fines but refuses to pay them, unlike fellow LIV Golf player Sergio Garcia, who is settling his fines to be eligible for the Ryder Cup. Poulter argues that the fines are unjust and is unwilling to compromise his principles for a chance at team selection, despite acknowledging the financial burden of the fines. His recent performance in LIV Golf has made his selection for the Ryder Cup unlikely, contrasting with Garcia's strong standing in the league.

Nelly Korda says one of her favorite parts of 2024 was 'becoming an aunt to little Greyson'

Nelly Korda, a prominent golfer, highlighted that her favorite moment of 2024 was becoming an aunt to her sister Jessica's son, Greyson. Despite a remarkable year where she won seven tournaments, including five in a row, and earned nearly $4.4 million, Korda emphasized the joy of family over her athletic achievements. Her sister praised her as "such a good auntie" and acknowledged the intensity of Korda's successful season, which included overcoming challenges like a neck injury and a dog bite. Korda expressed gratitude for both the highs and lows of her year, showcasing her passion for golf and determination to improve.

The adorable deal that Maverick McNealy has with his grandmother is another reason to love the newest PGA Tour winner

Maverick McNealy has a charming tradition with his grandmother, where he sends her flowers for every $50,000 he earns in tournaments and chocolates for top-10 finishes. After winning $1,365,000 at the RSM Classic, he plans to send her a trophy and extra gifts, as she is his biggest supporter and closely follows his games. McNealy humorously notes that forgetting to send her flowers leads to odd mishaps, emphasizing the special bond they share.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

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Latest FedExCup Standings

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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.

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