Planet Golf News for Wednesday, October 16, 2024

LIV Golf set to replace Greg Norman in huge move for PGA Tour merger | Lexi Thompson to play in the Shriner's after earning a full exemption into the tournament, marking a significant crossover event.

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

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I'm hopeful that my ability to play with the men this week at the Shriners Children's Open sends a great message to the young women that you can chase your dream regardless of how hard it is.

Lexi Thompson

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

Big changes might be on the horizon for LIV Golf, as reports suggest the Saudi Public Investment Fund is seeking a replacement for Greg Norman as CEO. Despite the league’s growth to 13 teams under Norman, a London-based firm is now on the hunt for his successor. Norman might still retain a leadership role, but many insiders believe fresh leadership could improve LIV’s relationship with the PGA Tour. Tiger Woods, among other high-profile figures, has reportedly pushed for a change at the helm, hoping for a smoother coexistence between the rival leagues.

On the LPGA front, top-ranked Nelly Korda will miss two key tournaments in Asia due to a neck injury. This setback means she’s also out of the running for the Vare Trophy, a prestigious award she would have been eligible for had she completed the required 70 rounds. Despite a stellar year with six wins, including a major, her absence leaves an open race for other contenders. In brighter LPGA news, the 2024 BMW Ladies Championship is set to kick off in Korea, with nine of the top 10 players in the world competing. Defending champion Minjee Lee is hoping to retain her title, while fans will have plenty to cheer for, with 19 South Korean golfers in the field.

In PGA Tour news, all eyes are on Las Vegas as Tom Kim aims for a historic three-peat at the Shriners Children’s Open. After battling health challenges in Sin City’s dry heat, Kim is looking to continue his winning streak. Adding to the excitement, LPGA star Lexi Thompson will also be competing in this event, becoming the seventh woman to play in a PGA Tour event. The tournament, with its $7 million purse and 500 FedExCup points on the line, promises thrilling competition.

Meanwhile, the DP World Tour’s Andalucia Masters is returning to the stunning Real Club de Golf Sotogrande in Spain. Jon Rahm headlines a strong field of players, with the tournament offering 5,000 Race to Dubai points. This is an exciting part of the DP World Tour’s season-ending stretch, with both seasoned pros and rising stars like Ángel Hidalgo and Adrián Otaegui competing for the $3.25 million prize pool.

On the PGA Tour Champions circuit, the Dominion Energy Charity Classic kicks off the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs in Richmond, Virginia. Ernie Els, the current Cup leader, headlines a stellar field that includes veterans like Vijay Singh, Steven Alker, and Bernhard Langer. With a $2 million purse up for grabs, the competition will be fierce as players vie for positioning in the final stretch of the season.

Lastly, Ryder Cup ticket prices are making headlines - again, and not for the right reasons. The cost for 2025’s competition is raising eyebrows, with some tickets going for as much as $750. Fans and players alike are concerned that the rising prices could alienate supporters and dampen the electric atmosphere the Ryder Cup is known for. Team USA, in particular, could feel the impact as passionate home crowd support might dwindle due to these elevated prices.

As golf’s fall season heats up, there’s no shortage of stories to follow, from major tournament shake-ups to rising stars and historic achievements. Whether it’s players chasing trophies or leagues making big leadership moves, it’s an exciting time in the world of golf!

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

Tom Kim relishes chance to three-peat at Shriners Children's Open

Shriners Children’s Open - PGA Tour - TPC Summerlin - Las Vegas, NV

Shriners Children’s Open Stories

After a 2 month break, Brooke Henderson is back on the LPGA Tour

BMW Ladies Championship - LPGA - Seowon Valley Country Club, Gyeonggi-do, Korea

  • The BMW Ladies Championship is scheduled to take place from October 17-20, 2024, at the Seowon Valley Country Club in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.

  • This marks the fifth year of the tournament, which has become a key event on the LPGA Tour's Asian swing.

  • Nine of the top ten players in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings will participate.

  • A strong contingent of 19 South Korean golfers will also compete, providing local fans with plenty of excitement.

  • Defending champion Minjee Lee, ranked 16th in the world, aims to retain her title after a thrilling playoff victory in 2023.

  • The Seowon Hills course features a challenging 6,680-yard layout and is a par-72 course that tests all aspects of players' games.

  • The tournament boasts a purse of $2.2 million and offers 500 CME Globe points for the winner, making it a significant event in the LPGA season.

  • With only five events remaining before the CME Group Tour Championship, players are eager to secure their positions in the top 60 of the Race to CME Globe Rankings.

  • Golf fans can watch live coverage from 3:00 AM to 7:00 AM UTC each day of the tournament, making it a must-see event as the LPGA season approaches its conclusion.

  • LPGA BMW Ladies Championship 2024: Schedule, venue, top players and more

  • Field Breakdown: 2024 BMW Ladies Championship

BMW Ladies Championship Stories

The Dominion Energy Charity Classic, the first event of the Charles Schwab Cup Playoffs on PGA TOUR Champions will take place at The Country Club of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia.

Dominion Energy Charity - PGA Tour Champions - The Country Club of Virginia - Richmond, VA

Current Charles Schwab Cup leader Ernie Els headlines the tournament with six PGA TOUR Champions victories and three wins this season. Vijay Singh, a five-time PGA TOUR Champions winner, joins the field with five top-10 finishes in the current season. Last season's Charles Schwab Cup runner-up, Steven Alker, is also participating. Other notable players in the field include Justin Leonard, who has three top-10 finishes this season, David Toms, a four-time PGA TOUR Champions winner with four top-10 placements in the current season and Bernhard Langer, who owns the PGA TOUR Champions win record.

Jon Rahm joined by two LIV golfers for crucial DP World Tour start

Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters - DP World Tour - Real Club de Golf Sotogrande - Andalucia, Spain

  • The tournament celebrates its 10th edition this year, returning to Real Club de Golf Sotogrande in San Roque, Andalucía, Spain.

  • The event will take place from October 17-20, 2024, as part of the DP World Tour's "Back 9" season-ending stretch.

  • Jon Rahm, two-time Major winner and the top-ranked Spanish player, headlines a strong field of competitors.

    • Other notable players include:

      Ángel Hidalgo, recent Spanish Open champion

      Adrián Otaegui, 2022 tournament winner

      International stars like Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard, Matteo Manassero, and Matt Wallace

  • The tournament offers a prize purse of $3,250,000 and awards 5000 Race to Dubai points.

Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucia Masters Stories

The Ryder Cup (Sept 22-28, 2025)

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Overheard in the Club House

UPCOMING TOURS

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