Planet Golf News for Friday, June 21, 2024

Tom Kim shoots 62 to lead Travelers, Lexi Thompson leads KPMG Women's PGA Championship after Rd. 1

Friday, June 21, 2024

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Tom Kim shoots 62 to lead Travelers, with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler 3 shots behind

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

It's an exciting time in the golf world, with major events and thrilling performances setting the stage for a summer of unforgettable moments. Let's dive into the latest happenings on the greens.

The golf schedule for the Paris 2024 Olympics has been set, with the men’s tournament kicking off on August 1 and the women’s on August 7 at Le Golf National. Star players like Xander Schauffele and Nelly Korda are expected to compete, promising high stakes and intense competition.

CBS has introduced new technology in its golf broadcasts, thanks to a partnership with GolfTec. Using OptiMotion technology, they’re dispelling myths and providing viewers with detailed swing analysis. This innovation emphasizes the significance of a big shoulder turn, weight distribution, and head movement during swings, potentially helping viewers improve their own games.

The Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, teed off with a bang. South Korean golfer Tom Kim celebrated his 22nd birthday by leading with an impressive 8-under-par 62. Not far behind, Scottie Scheffler showed a return to form with a 5-under 65, and Rickie Fowler, overcoming a challenging season, fired a strong 64. Unfortunately, Byeong Hun An had to withdraw due to illness. The tournament continues without a traditional cut, keeping all 72 players in play through Sunday.

Over in Nashville, the LIV Golf tournament at The Grove has attracted notable players, including Jon Rahm, eager to return after a foot infection. The event also features Bryson DeChambeau and young star Caleb Surratt, who’s excited to be playing closer to home.

Meanwhile, the KPMG Women's PGA Championship is underway at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington. Lexi Thompson took an early lead with a 4-under 68, while Nelly Korda and Patty Tavatanakit are hot on her heels. Charley Hull overcame the setback of losing her clubs and some physical discomfort to card a 2-under 70. The increased purse of $10.4 million underscores the growing financial support for women in golf, with the winner taking home $1.56 million.

In Endicott, New York, the DICK'S Sporting Goods Open continues its legacy with a five-year sponsorship extension. At the KLM Open in Amsterdam, Matteo Manassero and Mikko Korhonen share the lead after strong opening rounds. Jamie Donaldson celebrates his 500th DP World Tour appearance, reflecting on a distinguished career.

The Compliance Solutions Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour saw Thomas Walsh leading with a 9-under 63. John Daly II, son of the legendary John Daly, made his tour debut, showcasing the next generation of golfing talent.

In other news, G/FORE has launched the G/18 Golf Shoe, blending technical innovation with traditional style, promising maximum support and comfort for golfers. And Bryson DeChambeau has been on a victory lap with his U.S. Open trophy, celebrating his major win with fans and celebrities alike.

Ruoning Yin, last year’s KPMG Women's PGA Championship winner, used her prize money to buy a house in Dallas, marking a significant milestone in her career and personal life.

Rory McIlroy, after his defeat at the U.S. Open, has decided to take a three-week break, skipping the Travelers Championship. PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan supports McIlroy’s decision, acknowledging the need for rest and recovery. McIlroy plans to return at the Genesis Scottish Open.

With these exciting developments, golf fans have plenty to look forward to this summer, from Olympic dreams to major championship battles and groundbreaking technology transforming the viewing experience.

[ Today’s Top Golf Stories ] 

Golf Tournaments happening this week

Travelers Championship - PGA - TPC River Highlands - Cromwell, CT

The 2024 Travelers Championship teed off Thursday at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut. This prestigious PGA Tour event, designated as a "signature" tournament with a limited field of 72 golfers and no cut, features a $20 million purse with $3.6 million going to the winner.

In the opening round, South Korean golfer Joohyung "Tom" Kim took the early lead with an impressive 8-under-par 62. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler sits three shots behind at 5-under, setting up an intriguing battle heading into the second round. American players Akshay Bhatia, Rickie Fowler, Kurt Kitayama, and Will Zalatoris are tied for second place, each carding a 6-under 64.

Notable moments from the first day of play included Justin Thomas nearly scoring a hole-in-one on the par-3 11th hole, ultimately settling for a birdie. The tournament, being held without a traditional cut due to its "signature" status, will see all 72 competitors play all four rounds through Sunday, June 23.

Travelers Videos

LIV Golf Nashville - The Grove - College Grove, TN

KPMG Women’s PGA Championship - Sahalee Country Club - Sammamish, WA

The KPMG Women's PGA Championship, one of the five major events in women's golf, teed off Thursday, at Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington. This prestigious tournament, featuring over 150 of the world's top female golfers, began with an exciting first round that saw some notable performances and developments.

As the day unfolded, Nelly Korda, one of the pre-tournament favorites, took an early lead with a solid 3-under 69. Korda, who has been in exceptional form this season with six victories, managed to overcome her recent struggles and finished strong with a birdie on her final hole. However, her lead was short-lived as Lexi Thompson surged ahead later in the day, carding an impressive 4-under 68 to claim the first-round lead. Thompson's round included six birdies, putting her one shot clear of Korda and Patty Tavatanakit.

The tournament also saw its fair share of drama off the course. Charley Hull, currently ranked eighth in the world, faced a challenging start to her championship week. Arriving late on Monday night, Hull discovered that the airlines had lost her golf clubs, which also contained her gym shoes. This setback limited her practice time, allowing her only a brief look at the course on Wednesday. Despite these obstacles and battling stomach cramps during her round, Hull managed to card a remarkable 2-under 70, placing her just one stroke behind the early leader.

In a significant announcement prior to the tournament's start, KPMG, the PGA of America, and the LPGA revealed an increase in the championship's purse to $10.4 million, a $400,000 boost from the previous year. This raise brings the total prize money for the 2024 LPGA Tour season to a record-breaking $125 million. The winner of this year's KPMG Women's PGA Championship will take home a substantial $1.56 million, making it one of the most lucrative events in women's golf.

Dick’s Open - PGA Tour Champions - En-Joie GC - Endicott, NY

KLM Open - DP World Tour - The International - Amsterdam, Netherlands

The KLM Open, part of the DP World Tour, kicked off Thursday at The International golf course in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This marks the beginning of the 104th edition of the tournament, which has a rich history dating back to 1912. The event, also known as the Dutch Open, is being held at The International for the first time since 2019, offering players a challenging course with large, undulating greens and numerous hazards.

Thursday’s action saw the first round of play, with golfers competing for a share of the increased prize pool of $2.5 million, up from $2 million last year. The winner of the tournament will take home $425,000 and earn valuable Race to Dubai ranking points.

Compliance Solutions Championship - Korn Ferry - Jammie Austin OU Golf Club - Norman, OK

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UPCOMING TOURS

Marie Birdie is a female-founded and owned golf and active wear brand for tween and teen girls. Our mission is to inspire, delight, and empower girls to enjoy an active lifestyle while playing golf.

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