Planet Golf News for Friday, April 12, 2024

Bryson DeChambeau takes an early lead at the Masters 2024 with an impressive round of 65. He made eight birdies and showcased exceptional play throughout the course. DeChambeau's performance was described as a "clinic" by his fellow golfer Gary Woodland. He credits his success to his improved equipment and a renewed focus on his game.

Scottie Scheffler is playing like an unstoppable force in the Masters, shooting a 6-under 66 in the first round. Although he trails leader Bryson DeChambeau by one shot, Scheffler's presence is felt. With his recent wins and runner-up finishes, Scheffler is consistently in contention. His patience and maturity have improved, leading to better results. The only thing that could potentially stop him is the impending birth of his first child.

Rory McIlroy carded his best start at the Masters since 2018, finishing with a one-under-par 71 in the first round. Despite being six shots behind the leader, McIlroy expressed satisfaction with his performance and remains hopeful of completing the career Grand Slam.

Tiger Woods had a solid start at the Masters, finishing 13 holes at 1 under par before play was called due to darkness. However, the challenge will get tougher for him as he has to play 23 holes on Friday with a short turnaround between rounds. Woods showed power off the tee and made some nice shots, but will need to perform well to make the cut for the 24th consecutive year.

Danny Willett, the 2016 Masters champion, made an impressive comeback after a seven-month absence from competitive golf due to a shoulder injury. Despite undergoing surgery and a lengthy recovery process, Willett shot a 68 in his opening round at Augusta, showcasing his skill and determination. While he is not fully recovered, Willett's performance is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.

The article discusses the mystery surrounding the ceremonial tee shots by Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, and Tom Watson at the Masters. The author wonders what happens to the golf balls after the shots and investigates by observing the process and asking workers. The golf balls are collected and stored, possibly for display, according to Jack Nicklaus.

The Masters Opening Tee Shot Ceremony at the 88th Masters Tournament was a reminder of the passage of time and our own mortality. The ceremony featured golf legends Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson hitting tee shots, showcasing their age and physical limitations. The tradition serves as a reminder that as time passes, memories fade and legends eventually pass away, leaving behind their knowledge and experiences. Despite any fumbles or imperfections, the ceremony brought smiles to the faces of the spectators, emphasizing that it is the men themselves, not the tee shots, that truly matter.

The biggest surprises on Day 1 of the Masters include Tiger Woods performing well, Bryson DeChambeau shooting a sparkling 65, Hideki Matsuyama struggling with a four-over 76, and Scottie Scheffler's second shot on 13 staying dry. Nicolai Hojgaard also impressed, being five under through 15 holes as a Masters rookie.

Ohio State golfer Neal Shipley impresses in his first round at the Masters, shooting a 1-under-par 71 and tying for 17th place. Shipley showcases his strong putting skills despite struggling with hitting greens in regulation. He believes Augusta National Golf Club suits his game well and is confident in his abilities to compete against top players.

Bryson DeChambeau is leading the Masters tournament with a custom set of single-length irons made by Avoda, a little-known clubmaker. These irons were made using 3-D printing and were only approved by the USGA on Monday. DeChambeau's coach, Mike Schy, described the irons as unique with bolts that offset hooks and cuts. Despite initial challenges in production, the irons passed USGA approval and DeChambeau decided to use them in the tournament. The Avoda irons are set to be released in May.

During the Masters honorary starters ceremony, Jack Nicklaus used a TaylorMade Qi10 LS driver, Gary Player used PXG's newest Black Opps driver, and Tom Watson used a Callaway Epic Sub-Zero from 2019. These drivers were chosen by the former Masters champions to kick off the event.

Caddies at the Masters earn a weekly wage between $2,000 and $4,000, depending on experience, to cover their travel and expenses. They also receive a percentage of their player's prize money, with the winner's caddie getting 10%. Caddies develop strong relationships with golfers and provide input on club selection and technique. While the salary has increased in recent years, caddies rely on their player's performance for additional earnings.

Tiger Woods debuted his new logo at the Masters tournament, following his split with Nike. The logo, featuring a tiger profile made up of 15 stripes representing Woods' major titles, replaces the old TW logo. Woods has moved on to his new brand, Sun Day Red, which will launch on May 1 and includes apparel, golf shoes, gloves, and hats. The Masters provides a platform for increased exposure for Woods' new endeavor..

Social media is buzzing about Jason Day's pants at the 2024 Masters, comparing them to MC Hammer and parachute pants. Day's unique style, including his baggy pants, has been a topic of discussion throughout the season. Check out the reactions on social media and take a look at some of the products from his apparel brand, Malbon Golf.

Wyndham Clark expresses confidence in his ability to catch up to Bryson DeChambeau at the Masters, taking a jab at the LIV Golf tour. Clark, an accomplished Masters rookie, remains optimistic despite being eight shots behind. Scottie Scheffler takes a different approach by excelling at the par 3s, while Patrick Cantlay gains momentum with an eagle. Neal Shipley is the only amateur to finish under par, and Jon Rahm struggles on the back nine in his bid for a repeat Masters win.

Fred Couples broke Bernhard Langer's record as the oldest player to make the cut at The Masters in 2023, at the age of 63 years and 187 days. Couples, Woods, and Gary Player hold the record for the most consecutive cuts made at The Masters with 23. Couples also holds the record for the lowest 72-hole score at Augusta National by a PGA Tour Champions-eligible pro.

As the PGA Masters Tournament takes place in Augusta, Georgia, the wives and girlfriends (WAGs) of the golfers are showcasing their preppy-chic style. Mixing designer labels with official Masters merchandise, they are sharing their outfits on TikTok and providing details on where to get their pieces. Some highlights include Paulina Gretzky in a belted red minidress, Lacey Homa in a monochromatic cream look with Prada sneakers, Alayna Finau in a mint green knit skirt, and Jena Sims in a multicolored argyle cropped sweater.

Small and emerging brands have the opportunity to gain significant exposure and success at the Masters golf tournament. Product placement and endorsement by players can lead to increased sales and brand recognition. Examples include the popularity of the MacGregor Response putter used by Jack Nicklaus in 1986 and the Ecco Golf street sneakers worn by Fred Couples in 2010. Even subtle exposure, such as a player using a cleaning tool, can result in a surge in sales, as seen with Justin Thomas and the Grooveit device. Other brands, like Mustard and Municipal, are also leveraging their association with players to generate awareness and anticipation for their products. The Masters provides a platform for small brands to make a big impact in the golf industry.

This article discusses how the 2024 Masters golf tournament is a lose-lose situation for Jay Monahan, the PGA Tour commissioner. The decline in PGA Tour broadcast ratings and the division among top players are contributing to the negative narrative surrounding professional golf. Regardless of the outcome of the Masters, Monahan will face criticism and pressure to address these issues. The article also mentions the influence of Saudi investment chief, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, and the ongoing battle between the PGA Tour and the Premier Golf League.

At Augusta National during The Masters 2024, patrons made hilarious comments, including discussions about billionaires, Phil Mickelson's gambling, and the difficulty of keeping yardage books in place. Other topics included drinking habits, recognizing golfers, and the cost of playing at Augusta. The atmosphere and lack of connectivity were also mentioned.

Jack Nicklaus refutes Wyndham Clark and other golfers' approach to The Masters, emphasizing the importance of treating it as a special event and preparing to win. Nicklaus highlights the individual nature of golf and the need for extra preparation and focus in order to succeed.

The Green Jacket awarded to the Masters champion at Augusta National has a rich history dating back to the founding of the club. The tradition began in 1937 and continues today, with the tournament winner receiving the Green Jacket from the previous year's champion. Only the reigning champion is allowed to wear the jacket outside of Augusta National. The jacket's design features Masters Green color, a three-button notch lapel, and gold buttons with the Augusta National logo.

Preparing for the Masters broadcast requires the CBS Sports team, including Frank Nobilo, to be at the top of their game. With a supportive staff and a familiar audience, the challenge lies in adding new flavor while acknowledging the viewers' knowledge of the golf course. Instead of overwhelming viewers with stats, Nobilo aims to explain how the course has changed over the years. For more insights from Nobilo, including his first Masters experience, check out the full episode of GOLF Subpar.

Fans of The Masters 2024 are expressing their disappointment with the lack of coverage of Augusta National in the 21st century. The live broadcast starts late, streaming options are delayed, and many fans cannot access streaming. The tournament's website and shot-by-shot footage features have also been criticized. Fans are calling for more extensive coverage on television and are frustrated with the current situation.

Beyond Augusta National, several noteworthy private golf clubs have emerged in the surrounding region, offering a variety of unique courses. These include The Tree Farm in Batesburg-Leesville, Old Barnwell in Aiken, Broomsedge in Rembert, Fall Line Golf Club in Butler, 21 Golf Club in the Sand Hills, Cypress Shoals in North Augusta. Each club has its own distinctive features and designs, attracting golf enthusiasts with their diverse offerings.

Gary Player, an 88-year-old golfer, attributes his long and healthy life to undereating and taking ice baths. He emphasized the importance of loving life, undereating, and staying active. Player's fitness and endurance have been key factors in his successful career, with 165 tournament wins and nine major championships. He also expressed gratitude for the United States and its impact on the world.

Tom Watson suggests that former Masters winners should gather together more often, highlighting the divide between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and LIV Golf League. Watson expressed the desire for players to come together like they did at the Champions Dinner and emphasized the need for a solution in professional golf. The LIV Golf League, in its third year, has 13 players in the Masters field. Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player also expressed their concerns and hopes for the best players to compete against each other consistently.

Cincinnati, Ohio is considering selling off its municipal golf courses, which are known for their high quality and affordable prices. A report suggests that the courses could fetch between $6.5 million to $27.3 million, depending on whether they are bought by private operators or sold for development. The city currently operates six courses, offering rates starting below $20 for a nine-hole round. Hamilton County and private operators also run additional public courses in the area.

The professional golf world is divided between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, and this split has affected the Masters tournament. Tom Watson, along with Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, expressed their hope for the players to take action and mend the divide. The issue of who is invited to the Masters and the lack of opportunities for the best players to compete against each other are among the challenges that need to be addressed.

Greg Norman, despite not being invited by Augusta National, was seen walking the course at the Masters, showing support for LIV Golf, the organization he leads as CEO. LIV Golf, backed by Saudi Arabia, has caused a split in professional golf, with players like Bryson DeChambeau competing in their tournaments. While the PGA Tour and LIV Golf have been in legal battles, the game of golf remains divided, with only the majors bringing the best players together. LIV Golf is determined to compete in all the majors, with Norman cheering them on.

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.