Planet Golf News for Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Scheffler and McIlroy have easy time as PGA Tour stars beat LIV Golf's Koepka and DeChambeau | Tiger Woods is back this week, but golf fans should not expect much | Jay Monahan Announces PGA Tour Search For CEO

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PGN News Team
December 18, 2024

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

The golf world delivered a whirlwind of excitement this week, blending high-stakes competition, bold moves by young talents, and significant shifts in the sport’s landscape. At the center of it all was the Crypto.com Showdown, a made-for-TV clash between PGA Tour stars Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler, and LIV Golf’s Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau. Held at the iconic Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, the event showcased the PGA-LIV rivalry in full force. Rory and Scottie dominated the match, claiming a $10 million cryptocurrency prize and reaffirming the PGA’s competitive edge. The multi-format event featured best-ball, alternate shot, and singles play, delivering entertainment and drama—including a moment when DeChambeau accidentally struck Scottie Scheffler’s dad with an errant tee shot. Fortunately, no harm was done, and the match continued without a hitch.

Meanwhile, significant changes are underway behind the scenes at the PGA Tour. Commissioner Jay Monahan has announced the search for a new CEO to help steer the organization through its ongoing evolution. With COO Ron Price retiring, the Tour is skipping his replacement and instead introducing this top-tier role. Heavyweights like Tiger Woods and Adam Scott are part of the search committee, ensuring the decision will shape the future of professional golf. Monahan’s continued presence as commissioner provides stability as the Tour undergoes this strategic shift.

Amidst these developments, 17-year-old Blades Brown is turning heads by skipping college to go pro. Set to debut at the PGA Tour’s American Express, Brown joins the growing trend of young stars entering the professional ranks early. With a record-setting amateur career under his belt, Brown’s leap of faith signals the confidence of a new generation ready to make their mark.

On the LIV Golf front, the league is reportedly in talks with Fox Sports for a 2025 broadcast deal. Struggling to gain traction with its current partner, the CW Network, LIV sees this potential partnership as a chance to elevate its visibility in the U.S. golf market. A deal with Fox could significantly bolster LIV’s efforts to compete with the PGA Tour, adding another layer of intrigue to the ongoing rivalry.

Next week, golf fans will turn their attention to Orlando for the PNC Championship, where Tiger Woods and his son Charlie will tee it up for their fifth consecutive appearance. This heartwarming event pairs legends with family members in a scramble format, celebrating the game’s legacy and familial bonds. Reigning champions Bernhard and Jason Langer are back to defend their title, but all eyes will be on Team Woods as they look to make their mark on this fan-favorite tournament.

In a surprising move, the PGA Tour has announced the cancellation of the Shriners Children’s Open after 42 years, marking the end of Las Vegas hosting a Tour event. The decision reshapes the 2025 fall schedule, reducing playing opportunities for golfers and leaving a void in the Vegas golf scene that has long been a staple of the Tour.

Far from the bright lights of Vegas, the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open is bringing the DP World Tour’s Opening Swing to a close in a tropical paradise. Held at Mont Choisy Le Golf, the event offers players a shot at a $1.5 million purse and a $200,000 bonus for topping the rankings. Antoine Rozner is back, hoping to defend his title and become the first two-time winner of this picturesque tournament.

In Ryder Cup news, controversy has erupted over payments to U.S. players, with each competitor receiving $500 for their participation. While some argue this is a fair acknowledgment of their efforts, others worry it undermines the event’s tradition and spirit. European players remain focused on the pride and honor of representing their teams, adding a stark contrast to the debate.

From intense showdowns to behind-the-scenes changes and emerging stars, this week has reminded us just how dynamic and thrilling the golf world can be. As 2025 approaches, the stage is set for even more unforgettable moments on and off the course.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

The Showdown: Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler dominate LIV pair of Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau

Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler defeated Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau in the Crypto.com Showdown, showcasing the PGA Tour's strength against LIV Golf. The event hinted at a potential reconciliation between the two leagues as Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund nears a minority stake in PGA Tour Enterprises.

Bryson DeChambeau accidentally struck Scottie Scheffler's dad during The Showdown

During the Showdown match, Bryson DeChambeau accidentally hit Scottie Scheffler's father with a wayward tee shot. Despite the incident, Scheffler's father appeared unfazed. The match featured Scheffler and Rory McIlroy against DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka, highlighting the ongoing rivalry between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf.

PGA Tour looking to add CEO. What does that mean for Jay Monahan?

The PGA Tour is searching for a new CEO, with Commissioner Jay Monahan involved in the process. Arthur Blank will lead the search committee, which includes notable figures like Tiger Woods and Adam Scott. Monahan will continue as commissioner and serve on the policy board. COO Ron Price is retiring after 30 years, and his position will not be filled.

Report: LIV Golf rekindles talks with Fox about TV broadcast deal

LIV Golf is in discussions with Fox Sports for a potential TV broadcast deal for 2025, aiming to enhance its visibility after struggling on the CW Network. A partnership with Fox would significantly elevate the league's presence in the U.S. golf market.

PGA Tour Drops Las Vegas Event From Schedule After 42-Year Run

The PGA Tour has canceled the Shriners Children's Open for 2025, ending its 42-year run, marking the first absence of a PGA event in Las Vegas in over 40 years. The 2025 schedule will feature only seven events, impacting players' eligibility and opportunities.

17-year-old Blades Brown turning pro, to make debut at PGA Tour's American Express

Seventeen-year-old Blades Brown is turning professional and will debut at the PGA Tour's American Express, following in the footsteps of Akshay Bhatia. Despite offers from top colleges, he aims to focus on his pro career after a successful amateur record, including becoming the youngest medalist in U.S. Amateur history.

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

Scheffler, McIlroy Beat DeChambeau, Koepka to Win $10M and 'The Crypto.com Showdown'

Crypto.com Showdown - Shadow Creek Golf Course, Las Vegas, NV

The Crypto.com Showdown took place last night at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, featuring a unique format that combined elements of competitive golf with entertainment. This made-for-TV event showcased a historic matchup between two teams: Rory McIlroy and Scottie Scheffler representing the PGA Tour, and Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka from LIV Golf. The showdown was structured as an 18-hole competition divided into three segments: the first six holes were played in a best-ball format, the next six in alternate shots, and the final six as singles matches.

One of the standout features of this event was its prize structure. For the first time in a major golf tournament, the prize money—rumored to be at least $10 million—was awarded in cryptocurrency, specifically CRO from Crypto.com. This innovative approach marked a significant shift in how professional golfers could receive their earnings, allowing them the option to hold or exchange their winnings.

Shadow Creek Golf Course itself provided a challenging backdrop for the competitors, known for its narrow fairways and various hazards that demanded precision. The course's layout included distinctive features such as creeks and ponds, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and competitive difficulty of the match.

The event was broadcasted live on TNT and Max, with a commentary team that included notable sports figures like Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley. This blend of high-stakes competition and entertainment aimed to engage golf fans in a new way, especially given the ongoing rivalry between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Ultimately, McIlroy and Scheffler emerged victorious, claiming not only bragging rights but also a substantial cryptocurrency prize for their efforts.

Crypto.com Showdown Stories

Crypto.com Videos

2024 PNC Championship schedule: Field, format, prize money and TV times, featuring Tiger and Charlie Woods

2024 PNC Championship - Ritz-Carlton Golf Club - Orlando, Grande Lake, FL

The 2024 PNC Championship is set to take place from December 21 to 22 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club in Orlando, Florida. This unique tournament features twenty teams composed of past major champions from the PGA Tour and LPGA, along with their family members, competing over 36 holes in a scramble format. The reigning champions, Bernhard Langer and his son Jason, will defend their title against a field that includes notable pairings such as Tiger Woods and his son Charlie, who are returning for their fifth consecutive year.

The PNC Championship is celebrated not only for its competitive spirit but also for its emphasis on family and legacy in golf. Each team plays together, selecting the best shot after both players tee off, which fosters a collaborative atmosphere. The event has a total purse of $1,085,000, with the winning team set to receive $200,000.

This year’s tournament promises to showcase a blend of seasoned champions and emerging talent, with participants like Nelly Korda playing alongside her father Petr Korda, and Lee Trevino continuing his streak as the only golfer to have participated in every iteration of the event. The picturesque setting of the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, known for its impeccable course conditions, will provide an ideal backdrop for this heartwarming celebration of golf and family.

PNC Championship Stories

AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open: DP World Tour Fantasy ones to watch

AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open - DP World Tour - Mont Choisy Le Golf - Grand Bale, Mauritus

The AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open is set to take place at Mont Choisy Le Golf in Grand Baie, Mauritius, marking the conclusion of the DP World Tour's five-event Opening Swing for 2025. This tournament, co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and the Sunshine Tour, features a prize purse of $1.5 million and will showcase a competitive field of golfers, including notable players like Antoine Rozner, who won the event in 2022.

Mont Choisy Le Golf, designed by Peter Matkovich, is a par-72 course that has proven to be conducive to low scores, with previous tournaments seeing players achieve rounds in the 60s. The course's layout includes various water hazards and rolling fairways, making it an exciting venue for both players and spectators.

This year's tournament not only offers participants a chance to claim victory but also provides significant incentives. The winner of the Opening Swing Rankings will receive a $200,000 bonus and an exemption into prestigious upcoming tournaments on the DP World Tour. Antoine Rozner returns as a favorite, aiming to become the first player to win the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open twice.

The event promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the year for many players as they seek to end their season on a high note while competing in what is often regarded as a paradise-like setting.

Ryder Cup (Sept 25-28, 2025)

Americans are getting paid to play the Ryder Cup. Now the pressure is on to win: Analysis

Americans are now paid to play in the Ryder Cup, raising expectations for victory amid pressure from fans. Despite a new compensation package, players emphasize that passion for the game, not money, drives their performance, as they face a historically strong European team. Winning is crucial to avoid negative perceptions of greed overshadowing the competition.

Ryder Cup controversy: Anthony Kim backs players asking for compensation

The PGA of America announced a $500 payment for golfers at the Ryder Cup, sparking controversy. Anthony Kim supports players seeking compensation, suggesting that if all proceeds went to charity, perceptions might change. Meanwhile, US team captain Keegan Bradley expressed disappointment over leaked payment details, while European golfers emphasize tradition over financial rewards.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Bryson DeChambeau Spotted With Never-Seen-Before Driver At The Showdown

Bryson DeChambeau was seen using a never-before-seen driver featuring his 'BD' logo and LA Golf branding at The Showdown, hinting at a potential release in 2025 alongside LA Golf. Details about the driver remain unclear, but it appears to have an LA Golf BAD Prototype shaft.

WITB Time Machine: Team Daly, 2021 PNC Championship

Team Daly won the 2021 PNC Championship with a final-round score of 57, featuring equipment details for both John Daly and John Daly II, including drivers, woods, irons, wedges, and putters used during the tournament.

Overheard in the Club House

Lydia Ko had doubts about her game. She never felt more proud of her climb back to the top

Lydia Ko reflects on overcoming self-doubt after a challenging 2023, celebrating her Olympic gold and LPGA Hall of Fame point. The PGA Tour announces changes, including the absence of Las Vegas from the schedule for the first time since 1983, while Dustin Johnson falls out of the top 500 rankings after joining LIV Golf.

Fact or Fiction: A PGA Tour-LIV Golf ‘Cup’ Needs to Happen

Debate on the potential for a PGA Tour-LIV Golf Cup reveals mixed opinions; while some see value in unifying events, others argue for focusing on existing competitions. The return of the Skins Game faces skepticism due to market saturation and competition with the NFL. Ryder Cup pay-for-play discussions remain contentious, with disparities between U.S. and European players' compensation.

Here are 12 LPGA stat leaders in 2024, including Nelly Korda, a Thai bomber and an ace

Nelly Korda led the LPGA with seven wins in 2024, while Jeeno Thitikul topped the money list and several stats despite missing part of the season. Notable performances included Jiwon Jeon's three aces and Natthakritta Vongtaveelap's driving distance of over 290 yards.

‘Never been that nervous’: Tiger Woods’ ex-caddie revisits his biggest gaffe

Steve Williams, Tiger Woods' ex-caddie, recalls a nerve-wracking moment during the 2000 U.S. Open when he realized they had only one golf ball left, risking disqualification for Woods. Despite the pressure, Woods maintained a commanding lead and ultimately won the tournament by a record margin.

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.

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