Planet Golf News for Friday, June 28, 2024

Rocket Mortgage Classic: Akshay Bhatia goes low with massive bogey free start, Three Teams Tied for First at Dow Championship

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PGN News Team
June 28, 2024 • Reading Time: 18 minutes

Friday, June 28, 2024

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15-Year-Old Miles Russell Holds His Own During PGA Tour Debut At Rocket Mortgage Classic

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

The golf world is buzzing with excitement this week as several major tournaments unfold, showcasing impressive performances and heartwarming moments. Let's dive into the highlights from the Rocket Mortgage Classic, the Dow Championship, the U.S. Senior Open, the Italian Open, and the Memorial Health Championship.

Starting with the Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club, Akshay Bhatia made a sensational start with an 8-under 64 featuring six birdies and an eagle. Bhatia's bogey-free round has placed him at the top of the leaderboard, narrowly ahead of Taylor Montgomery and Michael Kim, who are both at 7-under. Montgomery's strong performance, coming off the back of injuries, and Michael Kim's consistent play have added to the tournament's excitement. Meanwhile, Rickie Fowler, the defending champion, began his title defense with a solid 66, displaying his refined putting skills. Notably, Nate Lashley achieved a remarkable hole-in-one on the 11th hole, a shot that bounced out of a sand trap before finding the cup.

Over at the Dow Championship at Midland Country Club, the unique LPGA team event kicked off with three teams tied for the lead at 6-under. Former world No. 1s Ruoning Yin and Atthaya Thitikul showcased their formidable partnership, carding an impressive 64. Solheim Cup teammates Ally Ewing and Jennifer Kupcho, along with the Thai duo of Pajaree Anannarukarn and Jaravee Boonchant, matched their score. Other notable performances included Jennifer Chang and Annie Park, as well as Hsu Wei-Ling and Ssu-Chia Cheng, both teams posting solid 65s. The high-profile pair of Lexi Thompson and Brooke Henderson stayed competitive with a 66.

In Rhode Island, the U.S. Senior Open at Newport Country Club saw Richard Green and Hiroyuki Fujita take the lead with stellar 7-under 63s. The favorable conditions played a significant role in their performances. The field features golf legends like defending champion Bernhard Langer and Ernie Els, ensuring a highly competitive tournament. Among the noteworthy stories is Bill Harmon's emotional return to Newport, where he is caddying for Jay Haas, marking a full-circle moment in his recovery from alcoholism.

The DP World Tour's Italian Open at Adriatic Golf Club Cervia in Ravenna also commenced with a bang. Andrea Pavan, playing on home soil, delighted fans with a bogey-free 64, tying for the lead with Sebastian Friedrichsen and Gunner Wiebe. Just one shot behind, Malaysia's Gavin Green and Sweden's Marcus Kinhult made strong finishes to stay in contention. The tournament boasts a robust field, including notable names like Danny Willett, Patrick Reed, and Angel Cabrera.

Lastly, the Korn Ferry Tour's Memorial Health Championship in Springfield, Illinois, saw Ryan Gerard take an early lead with a career-low 9-under 62. Gerard's impressive round included eight birdies and an eagle, positioning him well for a shot at his second Korn Ferry Tour victory. A tightly contested leaderboard features twelve players within two strokes of the lead, promising an exciting continuation of the tournament.

This week in golf has so far been nothing short of thrilling, with outstanding performances, inspiring comebacks, and moments of genuine human connection.

[ Today’s Top Golf Stories ] 

Rocket Mortgage Classic: Akshay Bhatia goes low with massive bogey free start

Akshay Bhatia starts the Rocket Mortgage Classic with an impressive bogey-free round, carding an 8-under 64 with six birdies and an eagle. He leads the tournament by one shot after the first 18 holes, with Taylor Montgomery and Michael Kim close behind at 7-under.

Regretful Jason Day set to finally play Olympic golf for Australia at the Paris Games

Jason Day will finally play Olympic golf for Australia at the Paris Games, joining Min Woo Lee, Minjee Lee, and Hannah Green on the Australian golf team. Day had previously opted out of the Rio Olympics due to concerns about the Zika virus. The tournament will be held at Le Golf National near Paris, with the men competing from August 1-4 and the women from August 7-10.

Golf Tournaments happening this week

Rocket Mortgage Classic- PGA - Detroit Golf Club - Detroit, MI

The Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club kicked off yesterday with an exciting first round filled with notable performances and memorable moments. Akshay Bhatia, a 22-year-old rising star, took the lead with an impressive 8-under 64. Bhatia's round was highlighted by an eagle on the 17th hole, where he chipped in from 83 feet, and a birdie on the final hole. His strong start puts him in a prime position to contend for his third PGA Tour victory.

Taylor Montgomery also had a standout day, carding a bogey-free 7-under 65. Montgomery's performance was particularly impressive given his recent struggles with injuries and setbacks. Defending champion Rickie Fowler started his title defense well, shooting a bogey-free 66 and showcasing improvements in his putting technique.

One of the most exciting moments of the day came from Nate Lashley, who recorded a hole-in-one early in the tournament. What made Lashley's ace even more remarkable was that the ball first landed in a sand trap before finding its way into the hole. This unusual and lucky shot will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the highlights of the tournament.

The day also marked a significant milestone for 15-year-old amateur Miles Russell, who made his PGA Tour debut on a sponsor's exemption. Despite some nerves and challenges, Russell held his own against seasoned professionals, finishing with a respectable 2-over 74. His performance included a birdie and demonstrated his potential as a future star in the sport.

Will Zalatoris showed signs of a return to form, finishing strong with five birdies in his last six holes. Zalatoris, who has been working to regain his form following back surgery, attributed his success to improved putting and rediscovering his shot.

The tournament also featured a diverse field of players, including 51-year-old Stewart Cink, highlighting the wide age range of competitors. The Detroit Golf Club made special accommodations for young Russell, allowing him access to the clubhouse locker room despite typically restricting entry to those 16 and older.

Akshay Bhatia shoots 64 in Detroit to take 1st-round lead at Rocket Mortgage Classic

Akshay Bhatia shoots an impressive 8-under 64 in the first round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic, taking the lead. Bhatia finished strong with an eagle and a birdie, but knows that no lead is safe at the Detroit Golf Club. Taylor Montgomery and Michael Kim are one stroke behind. Tony Finau holds the tournament record at 26 under, and Rickie Fowler needed a playoff victory last year at 24 under.

Rickie Fowler finds new caddie, makes a young fan's dream come true at the 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic

Rickie Fowler made a young fan's dream come true at the 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic by allowing him to be his caddie for the last three holes of his practice round. The fan, Parker Milkos, who suffers from a heart condition, had previously met Fowler at the US Open and expressed his support for the golfer. This heartwarming moment was shared on social media and garnered significant attention. Fowler is aiming to defend his title at the tournament and is currently tied for 21st place after six holes in the first round.

Strange hole-in-one recorded in first round of Rocket Mortgage Classic

In the first round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic, Nate Lashley recorded a hole-in-one on the 217-yard, par-3 11th hole. Despite the improbable ace, Lashley finished with a 2-under-par 70 and was tied for 43rd in the field.

Rocket Mortgage Videos

Dow Championship - LPGA - Midland CC - Midland, MI

The opening round of the 2024 Dow Championship at Midland Country Club in Midland, Michigan, saw an exciting start to the LPGA Tour's unique team event on Thursday, June 27. Three teams emerged tied for the lead at 6-under par after the first day of play.

Former world No. 1 players Ruoning Yin of China and Atthaya Thitikul of Thailand showcased their combined skills, carding an impressive 6-under 64 to share the top spot. The duo started strong and maintained their momentum throughout the round, securing six birdies and keeping a clean card on the back nine. Thitikul's exceptional putting particularly impressed her partner Yin.

Matching their score were two other pairs. Solheim Cup teammates Ally Ewing and Jennifer Kupcho demonstrated great synergy, finishing with an eagle to post their 64. The Thai duo of Pajaree Anannarukarn and Jaravee Boonchant also joined the leaders with an equally impressive performance.

Close behind the leaders, Jennifer Chang and Annie Park, along with Hsu Wei-Ling and Ssu-Chia Cheng, posted solid 65s to stay in contention. The high-profile team of Lexi Thompson and Brooke Henderson remained competitive with a 66, sharing that score with the English pair of Georgia Hall and Charley Hull.

Sandra Gal and Maude-Aimee Leblanc, affectionately calling themselves 'The Shorties,' started strong with a 67 in the alternate-shot format. Their performance was particularly noteworthy given Gal's recent health challenges and both players' current world rankings outside the top 300.

The tournament, which is the only official team event on the LPGA Tour schedule, attracted a significant crowd for its early morning opening ceremony. The field includes 72 teams competing for a share of the $3 million purse, featuring seven of the top 10 players in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings, six 2024 LPGA Tour winners, and 18 of the 26 total 2024 LPGA Tour rookies.

Yin and Thitikul form team of ex-No. 1s and share the lead in Dow Championship

Ruoning Yin and Atthaya Thitikul share the lead with two other teams after the opening round of the Dow Championship in the LPGA. Yin and Thitikul made six birdies and played bogey-free, while Ally Ewing and Jennifer Kupcho had an eagle to tie for the lead. The tournament is the only official team event on the LPGA Tour schedule.

Dow Championship team event ideal week for LPGA players to change the course of their season

The Dow Championship team event in the LPGA provides an opportunity for players to change the course of their season. Team golf has proven to be a springboard for success, with past winners experiencing significant career boosts. The tournament features alternate-shot and best ball formats, and the winning team will receive a two-year exemption. Players like Cydney Clanton, Elizabeth Szokol, Sandra Gal, and Maude-Aimee Leblanc have all benefited from this event in the past.

U.S. Senior Open Championship - PGA Tour - Newport Country Club - Newport, RI

The 44th U.S. Senior Open Championship kicked off yesterday at the historic Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island.

After the first round, two players emerged as co-leaders, setting the pace for the tournament. Australian Richard Green and Japan's Hiroyuki Fujita both carded impressive 7-under 63s, taking full advantage of the favorable morning conditions with low winds. Their stellar performances put them at the top of the leaderboard, showcasing the high level of competition in this year's championship.

The championship features a strong field of golf legends, including defending champion Bernhard Langer and other notable players like Ernie Els, all vying for the Francis D. Ouimet Memorial Trophy.

Green on top after day one at US Senior Open - PGA of Australia

Richard Green shares the lead after day one of the US Senior Open Championship, shooting a bogey-free 63 with seven birdies. Mat Goggin is the next best Australian, tied for fifth with a 4-under 66. Stuart Appleby and Rod Pampling are tied for 15th with matching 3-under 67s. Green praises the course conditions and feels confident in his game.

Padraig Harrington deep dives into worst golf swing advice ahead of U.S. Senior Open

Padraig Harrington discusses the worst golf swing advice he has received, including staying still, keeping feet still, keeping head down, and swinging slowly. He emphasizes the importance of generating power and finding what works best for each individual golfer's unique swing.

‘That’s rubbish’: Lee Westwood, in U.S. Senior Open hunt, balks at LIV question

Lee Westwood is making his U.S. Senior Open debut and had a strong start with a four-under 66. When asked about lasting 72 holes, Westwood responded with a cheeky remark about playing in trousers. Despite his absence from the PGA Tour, Westwood proved he still has plenty of game and is in contention for the championship.

The incredible story of how Bill Harmon's road to recovery from alcoholism comes full circle at 2024 U.S. Senior Open

Bill Harmon's road to recovery from alcoholism comes full circle at the 2024 U.S. Senior Open. Harmon, the son of golf legend Claude Harmon, reflects on his journey from being a functioning alcoholic to finding sobriety and returning to Newport Country Club, where his life changed, to caddie for his best friend Jay Haas. This heartwarming story highlights friendship, recovery, and the impact of second chances.

Italian Open - DP World Tour - Adriatic Golf Club Cervia -Ravenna, Italy

The 2024 Italian Open, part of the DP World Tour, kicked off yesterday at the Adriatic Golf Club Cervia in Ravenna, Italy. This marks the 81st edition of the prestigious tournament, which was first played in 1925. The event carries a total prize purse of $3,250,000, with the winner set to receive $552,500.

After the first round, three players shared the lead at seven under par. Italian favorite Andrea Pavan delighted the home crowd with a bogey-free 64, matching the scores of Denmark's Sebastian Friedrichsen and American Gunner Wiebe. Pavan, despite playing on home soil, noted that his local knowledge was limited, having last played the course 20 years ago.

Just one shot behind the leaders at six under par were Malaysia's Gavin Green and Sweden's Marcus Kinhult. Green made a strong finish with four birdies in his last six holes, while Kinhult birdied the final hole to join him in tied fourth place.

The tournament has attracted a strong field, including recent KLM Open champion Guido Migliozzi, who is part of a contingent of 20 Italian players competing this week. Other notable participants include former Masters champions Danny Willett, Patrick Reed, and Angel Cabrera.

Pavan, Friedrichsen and Wiebe share the lead after the opening round of the Italian Open

Andrea Pavan, Sebastian Friedrichsen, and Gunner Wiebe share the lead after the opening round of the Italian Open, with Pavan shooting a bogey-free 64. Malaysia's Gavin Green and Marcus Kinhult are one shot back. Pavan, supported by the Italian crowd, commented on the course and his previous wins on the European tour.

Memorial Health Championship pres. by LRS - Korn Ferry Tour - Panther Creek CC - Springfield, IL

The Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS, a Korn Ferry Tour event, kicked off at Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield, Illinois yesterday. The tournament, now in its ninth year, has become a significant stop on the Korn Ferry Tour, offering players a chance to earn valuable points towards securing their PGA Tour cards for the upcoming season.

The first round saw some impressive performances, with Ryan Gerard taking the early lead. Gerard carded a spectacular 9-under 62, marking his lowest career round on the Korn Ferry Tour. This strong start put Gerard in a prime position to challenge for his second Korn Ferry Tour victory.

Close behind Gerard, a group of twelve players found themselves tied for fourth place or better, indicating a tightly contested leaderboard. Among the notable players in the field is Harry Higgs, who entered the tournament ranked second in the Korn Ferry Tour points standings. Higgs has been in excellent form this season, with back-to-back wins in May and a recent fourth-place finish at the Compliance Solutions Championship.

The tournament has attracted a mix of experienced pros and promising newcomers. One player making his Korn Ferry Tour debut is Jackson Buchanan, an incoming senior at the University of Illinois. Buchanan, the reigning Big Ten Golfer of the Year, received a sponsor exemption to compete in the event.

Other players to watch include Steven Fisk, currently ranked third in the Korn Ferry Tour standings, and Frankie Capan III, who recently made the cut at the U.S. Open. Paul Haley II, the 2022 champion who set the tournament scoring record with a 27-under 257, has also returned to defend his title.

Ryan Gerard takes first-round lead with 62 at Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS

Ryan Gerard takes the first-round lead at the Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS with a score of 62. Twelve players are within two strokes of the lead. Gerard's round included eight birdies and an eagle. He is followed by Scott Harrington, Max McGreevy, Scott Piercy, Marcelo Rozo, Brandon Harkins, Patrick Newcomb, and Austin Greaser, who are all tied for second place at 8-under. Harry Higgs also had a strong round, finishing at 6-under.

Today’s Best Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Stewart Cink WITB 2024 (June)

Stewart Cink's bag for June 2024 includes a Ping G430 Max driver, Ping G430 Max 3-wood, Ping G430 hybrid, Ping i210 and Ping Blueprint T irons, Ping Glide Forged and Titleist Vokey Design WedgeWorks wedges, Ping Ketsch Vault 2.0 putter, and Titleist Pro V1x ball.

Overheard in the Club House

Paige Spiranac reveals eye-popping handicap; quiets trolls with impressive receipts

Paige Spiranac, a popular influencer known for her beauty and humor, is also an excellent golfer with a +3.4 handicap. She clarified misconceptions about handicaps and explained how they are calculated. Spiranac shut down trolls by sharing her impressive scores from challenging courses like Pine Valley and Oakmont, proving her golfing skills.

PGA Tour players' belief in selves gets a boost at 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic

At the 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic, PGA Tour players like Cameron Young and Nick Dunlap are proving to themselves that they belong on the tour, overcoming imposter syndrome. Dunlap, a 20-year-old amateur, won the American Express earlier this year but has struggled since turning pro. However, his strong performance in the tournament is boosting his confidence. Young, on the other hand, has been consistently performing well on the tour. Both players highlight the importance of belief in oneself and gaining experience at a young age.

England's Aaron Rai two shots off lead at PGA Tour's Rocket Mortgage Classic as Akshay Bhatia hits front

England's Aaron Rai is two shots off the lead at the PGA Tour's Rocket Mortgage Classic, while Akshay Bhatia takes the front with a stunning finish in the first round. Bhatia's eight-under-par round of 64 gives him a one-shot lead over Taylor Montgomery and Michael Kim.

Amateurs impress in round one of the Rocket Mortgage Classic

In the first round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic, the four amateurs in the field impressed by shooting even-par or better. Luke Clanton shot a 3-under 69, Ben James shot a 2-under 70, and Miles Russell and Jackson Koivun shot an even-par 72. Neal Shipley, who recently turned professional, also performed well with a 5-under 67. The amateurs have earned sponsor exemptions to compete in the tournament.

'Let's Have A Week' - Beer-Drinking Nick Bienz Lands Key Sponsor Before Making PGA Tour Bow

Nick Bienz, the beer-drinking Golf Galaxy employee, has secured a sponsorship with the company and will compete in his first PGA Tour event at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. After qualifying via a marathon playoff and sinking three beers, Bienz has become a sensation in the golfing world. He will now compete against top golfers for a purse of $9.2 million.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

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Latest FedExCup Standings

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UPCOMING TOURS

PGA TOUR Schedule 2024

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

LIV Golf Schedule 2024

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

LPGA Tour Schedule 2024

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

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