Planet Golf News for Friday, Apri 19, 2024

Lilia Vu, the defending champion, has withdrawn from the Chevron Championship due to a back injury. This is her third withdrawal this year, and she has been dealing with a recurring back problem. Fans and LPGA Tour pros have shown support for her and wished her a speedy recovery.

In his debut on the Korn Ferry Tour, 15-year-old Miles Russell shot an impressive front-nine 31, placing himself among the early leaders. Despite cooling off on the back nine, Russell finished with a three-under-par 68. With previous wins in the Junior Players Championship and the Junior PGA Championship, Russell's performance against adult tour pros is noteworthy.

Scottie Scheffler, still feeling the effects of his Masters victory, trailed J.T. Poston by six shots after the first round of the RBC Heritage. Despite a double bogey, Scheffler managed to sink four birdies and maintain his streak of 37 consecutive rounds of par or better. Poston took the lead with a strong performance, carding a 63 and finishing two shots ahead of Collin Morikawa and Seamus Power.

J.T. Poston leads the RBC Heritage golf tournament after shooting an opening-round 8-under 63. He is traveling with his newborn baby girl, Scottie, for the first time, and credits her presence as a good luck charm. Poston made nine birdies and showcased strong putting and short game skills. He attributes his recent struggles to the ups and downs of a golf season and finds comfort and relaxation in having his family with him on the road.

Lauren Coughlin's decision to have her husband as her full-time caddie has resulted in improved performance in her golf career. Since her husband took on the role, Coughlin achieved her second-best career finish at the Ford Championship and currently leads the Chevron Championship. Having someone who knows her well keeps her calm and focused on the course. Her husband left his job to fully support her playing career, and their partnership has proven successful so far.

LPGA golfer Lilia Vu has withdrawn from the Chevron Championship due to a back flare-up during warmups. This is the third event she has pulled out of as she continues to battle with her back injury. Vu, who won two majors last year, has been struggling with her form this season.

Nelly Korda starts strong in her pursuit of a fifth consecutive victory on the LPGA Tour at The Chevron Championship, carding a 4-under 68 in the first round. She sits in a tie for second place, just two shots behind the leader. Korda highlights the firmness of the greens as a challenge but remains focused on taking it one shot at a time.

Kiwi golfer Lydia Ko has made a strong start at the LPGA's first Major of 2024, currently tied for fourth place after firing a three under-par 69 in her opening round. She is three shots behind the leader and needs one more title win to secure her place in the LPGA Hall of Fame.

Wesley Bryan takes an early lead at the Corales Puntacana Championship with a 9-under 63, thanks to a chip-in for eagle and a chip-in for birdie. He holds a three-shot lead over a group of players, including Charley Hoffman and Troy Merritt. Bryan's low round matches his previous record on the PGA Tour, and he is aiming to secure a spot in the PGA Championship and the playoffs.

The Invited Celebrity Classic in Irving, Texas, kicked off with a Youth Clinic presented by Energy Transfer, welcoming kids from First Tee Greater Dallas, First Tee Fort Worth, and Momentous Institute. The clinic aimed to introduce children to golf and provide them with life skills and structure. The event highlighted the positive impact of golf on young people's lives and emphasized the importance of making the game accessible to all. Energy Transfer and other sponsors expressed their commitment to supporting the tournament and growing the game of golf.

Mason Andersen holds the solo lead after Thursday at the LECOM Suncoast Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour. He attributes his success to improvements in his mental game and working with a sports psychologist. Kevin Velo also had a strong opening round and credits his performance to a good strategy and the experience gained from the 2023 PGA TOUR Q-School.

Paige Spiranac shares a betting tip for picking winners on difficult golf courses like Harbour Town, emphasizing the importance of finding players who hit fairways. She also tests the claim that trees are 90 percent air during her round on a golf simulator.

Former Masters champion Vijay Singh wearing sneakers on the golf course raises the question of whether running shoes are a viable option for golf. While sneakers designed for running provide comfort and cushioning, they may affect balance and ground utilization during the swing. Shoes with flatter soles, like Nike's Jordan golf shoes, allow for better ground feel and stability. Ultimately, the choice of footwear should be based on personal preference and the specific needs of one's golf game.

Gordon Sargent, the top-ranked amateur golfer, has surprised everyone by announcing that he will return to Vanderbilt for his senior season instead of joining the PGA Tour. Despite having full-time PGA Tour status, Sargent has decided to prolong his amateur career by another year. This decision comes as collegiate athletes like Sargent have the opportunity to earn sponsorship money through the Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules. While Sargent's time on the Tour may be delayed, he remains optimistic and focused on improving his skills and preparing for his professional future.

At the Korn Ferry Tour event, a ponytailed first-tee announcer steals the show with his entertaining introductions and witty remarks, making him worth the price of admission. His unique style and ability to engage the crowd adds excitement to the golf tournament.

Scottie Scheffler has unconventional footwork in his golf swing, but it helps him maintain a powerful and consistent swing. His footwork consists of a lateral shift, a turn, and a vertical force, all of which contribute to generating clubhead speed and maintaining balance. Despite its unconventional appearance, Scheffler's footwork is a key factor in his success as a golfer.

Gordon Sargent, a junior golfer at Vanderbilt, has earned his PGA Tour card through the PGA Tour U Accelerated program. He talks about his journey in golf, his decision to stay in school, and his aspirations to win on the PGA Tour. Sargent emphasizes the importance of course management and the transition from college to professional golf. He also mentions the support he has received from his team, coaches, and sponsors.

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

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

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