Planet Golf News for Friday, April 26, 2024

During the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, play was briefly halted at the 17th hole as an alligator casually walked across the tee box. Golfers Bronson Burgoon, Jhonattan Vegas, Paul Barjon, and Samuel Stevens had to wait for the alligator to pass before teeing off, but it didn't affect their performance as they both ended up paring the hole.

Charlie Woods, the 15-year-old son of Tiger Woods, shot a round of nine-over 81 in the U.S. Open local qualifier, falling short of qualifying for the tournament. Charlie's round included three double bogeys, four bogeys, and one birdie. This is his second attempt to qualify for a major event, following his unsuccessful bid for the PGA Tour's Cognizant Classic earlier this year.

Joel Dahmen hilariously cuts the top off his bucket hat to match his partner Keith Mitchell's visor during the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Dahmen, known for his entertaining personality, turned his bucket hat into a bucket visor to show support for Mitchell's signature look. The duo's unique partnership has garnered attention and support from fans.

The Zurich Classic of New Orleans serves as a fitting backdrop for the PGA Tour to unveil its Players Equity Program, a weapon in the battle against LIV Golf. The program offers financial incentives to PGA Tour players who have remained loyal to the organization, aiming to discourage them from joining LIV Golf. The success of the PGA Tour is crucial for the survival of non-major tournaments like the Zurich Classic, which contribute to local charities. The future relationship between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf remains uncertain, but the Players Equity Program is seen as a necessary measure to maintain stability and support the PGA Tour's ecosystem.

LIV Golf's hopes for Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) accreditation may have received a boost as another 54-hole circuit, the Clutch Pro Tour, has been awarded OWGR-sanctioning. This decision suggests that LIV Golf's 54-hole format may not be a hurdle if they were to re-launch a bid for ranking status. However, their problem lies with LIV events lacking a cut line and their promotion and relegation process, which has been criticized as a 'closed shop'.

LIV Golf, a separate entity from the PGA Tour and the ongoing negotiations with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), remains focused on its own growth and development. LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman emphasized that they are a standalone company with a strong franchise model, receiving positive feedback and support from fans. While the future structure of professional golf remains uncertain, LIV Golf continues to thrive and expand its global presence.

Miles Russell, a 15-year-old golf prodigy, made headlines on the Korn Ferry Tour as the youngest player ever to make a 36-hole cut and record a top-20 finish. Despite facing challenges with transportation and housing arrangements, Russell's impressive list of accomplishments includes breaking Tiger Woods' record as the youngest player to win AJGA Player of the Year and winning the Junior PGA Championship. With a promising future, Russell stands out as a modern junior golfer who prefers to hear the sound of the ball rather than wearing earbuds during warm-ups.

The Zurich Classic of New Orleans, known for its unique two-man team format, features low scores in the first round due to the fourball (best ball) format. Davis Thompson and Andrew Novak shot a 10-under 62 to lead the morning wave of teams. Historically, teams that finish in the top 10 at this tournament have posted scores in the low 60s. However, scoring is expected to be tougher in the Foursomes format on Friday.

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are tied for the lead after the opening round of the Zurich Classic of New Orleans team event, carding an 11-under par 61. They are joined by three other teams at the top of the leaderboard. The tournament will continue with foursomes on Friday.

At the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, Patton Kizzire and Ben Kholes are tied with Mark Hubbard and Ryan Brehm after both duos shot bogey-free 11-under 61s. Three teams are one shot behind at 10-under. Day 2 will feature a new format in Alternate-shot, but Kizzire and Kholes plan to stick to their game plan and support each other. Other teams, including Davis Thompson and Andrew Novak, also performed well in the Four-Ball format.

At the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, four teams share the lead after the first round, shooting impressive scores of 61. The tournament's two-man team format and the use of foursomes in the first round contribute to the low scores. Notably, Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy shot a bogey-free 61 and expressed their enjoyment of the event and the city. The fourball format allows teams to have two balls in play on each hole, increasing the chances of making birdies. The course at TPC Louisiana presents challenges with its grainy Bermuda grass, making short game shots difficult. The Zurich Classic showcases the talent and potential of lesser-known players in the PGA Tour.

Jinichiro Kozuma takes a one-stroke lead in the first round of the LIV Golf Adelaide tournament with a bogey-free round of 9-under 63. Carlos Ortiz and Danny Lee are tied for second with 64s, while Jon Rahm is among the group tied for fourth with a 65. The LIV tour will continue in Singapore next week before a month-long break.

The LIV Golf Adelaide tournament is exceeding expectations, with improvements made since its inaugural event. The atmosphere is major-like, with a relaxed vibe and a diverse crowd that includes many non-golfers. The tournament is exposing golf to a new audience and engaging them in various ways. The food and beverage offerings are plentiful, and the addition of the Flight Deck and post-golf concerts adds to the overall experience. Despite any politics surrounding LIV Golf, the tournament is highly enjoyable and has already revealed its success.

Grace Kim leads the JM Eagle LA Championship after shooting a 7-under 64 at Wilshire Country Club. Maja Stark, Sei Young Kim, and Chanettee Wannasaen are one stroke behind at 65. Sei Young Kim had four consecutive birdies in her afternoon round.

Maja Stark's decision to adopt a no swearing rule has paid off as she continues her strong performance at the JM Eagle LA Championship. The advice to stay calm and focused on the next shot has helped her stay aggressive and achieve better results. Stark attributes some of her frustration to the tougher courses on the LPGA compared to her previous tour, but her patient mindset and ability to recover from difficult situations have boosted her confidence. Hannah Green, last year's winner, also had a solid start at the tournament.

Frankie Capan III shoots an impressive 58 during the first round of the Korn Ferry Tour's Veritex Bank Championship, breaking Scottie Scheffler's course record. His round included seven consecutive birdies on the back nine and a total of 13-under. This marks the 13th sub-60 score in Korn Ferry Tour history.

Jordan Spieth attended the Veritex Bank Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour, reflecting on his early days as a pro golfer. Spieth, a three-time major champion, spent time on the Korn Ferry Tour before making it to the PGA TOUR. He acknowledged the grind and depth of professional golf and expressed interest in following the competition and supporting his friends on the tour.

The article discusses the gear news from the Zurich Classic, including Rory McIlroy's lob wedge, the appearance of the rare Odyssey Backstryke putter, Drew Brees' Super Bowl winning Scotty Cameron putter, Steve Stricker's recognizable putter, Patrick Cantlay's equipment switch, Daniel Berger's custom Jailbird site lines, and the FitzMagic headcovers for the Fitzpatrick brothers. The article provides links to view more details and photos of the gear.

President Biden's campaign criticized former President Trump for golfing instead of campaigning while his criminal trial was ongoing. The campaign spokesperson highlighted that Trump's focus on revenge rather than improving Americans' lives explains his lack of engagement with voters.

Rory McIlroy sums up the state of professional golf with two words: "Never enough." He comments on the millions of dollars in equity given to PGA Tour players and his own $50 million gift from PGA Tour Enterprises. Despite rumors of an $850 million offer from LIV Golf, McIlroy supports a merger between LIV and the PGA to unify professional golf.

Jon Rahm, who made a move to LIV Golf, expressed regret about missing five specific PGA Tour events. Despite his loyalty to LIV, Rahm mentioned his desire to play in the Genesis Invitational, American Express, Waste Management Phoenix Open, Farmers Insurance Open, and Players Championship if they don't conflict with his LIV schedule.

Anthony Kim left professional golf 12 years ago due to multiple surgeries on his body, struggles with alcohol addiction, and mental health issues. He faced challenges with injuries, including a torn ligament in his thumb and tendinitis in his left hand, as well as a ruptured Achilles tendon. Kim underwent spinal fusion surgery and took an extended break from the game. He has now returned to golf and aims to promote good mental well-being.

English golfer Tommy Fleetwood caddies for his stepson Oscar Craig in his debut Challenge Tour event in Abu Dhabi. Oscar finishes T13 on the leaderboard with a 3 under 69 in the opening round. Fleetwood's recent visit to a LIV Golf event sparked speculations, but he clarified it was a casual visit to watch the tournament. Fleetwood will be taking some time off before playing in the PGA Tour's Wells Fargo Championship.

Anthony Kim discusses his conversation with Greg Norman ahead of joining LIV Golf, expressing his intention to win and not be just another player. Kim acknowledges the talent in LIV Golf but is determined to compete for tournaments and make a successful comeback. He also reflects on the media coverage during his golf hiatus and expresses gratitude for the support of his fans.

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.