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Planet Golf News for Friday, March 15, 2024

Planet Golf News for Friday, March 15, 2024

Friday, March 15, 2024

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Ryan Fox Makes Hole-In-One On 17th At Players Championship

THE LEADERBOARD

Today’s Top Tour Stories from Planet Golf News

Good Morning,

Hey golf fans and casual readers alike! Let’s dive into some of the latest happenings on the greens from Thursday. From dramatic moments at the 2024 Players Championship to buzz around the 2024 Masters and a peek at the IOA Golf Classic on the Epson Tour, there’s plenty to talk about. So, grab your favorite drink, and let’s tee off this newsletter with a casual swing.

Starting with the 2024 Players Championship, the first round brought us a three-way tie for the lead with Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Wyndham Clark all nailing rounds of 65. McIlroy was on fire, tying the tournament record with 10 birdies! But it wasn’t all smooth sailing – there were some heated rules debates that added a spicy layer of drama. And let's not forget Ryan Fox making history with back-to-back eagles, including a hole-in-one on the 16th. TPC Sawgrass is living up to its reputation as a tough yet rewarding course.

Over at the IOA Golf Classic on the Epson Tour, the stakes are high with a $200,000 purse up for grabs. The Moresco sisters are in the spotlight, showcasing their sibling synergy on the course. It’s a pivotal event for those aiming to climb the professional golf ladder.

Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy found himself in the thick of rules controversies at the Players Championship. A dispute with Jordan Spieth caused an eight-minute delay, but McIlroy managed to keep his cool and finish strong. It’s these moments of tension that make the sport all the more gripping.

As for The Masters, it's buzzing with predictions and odds. With top contenders like Viktor Hovland, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler, it's shaping up to be a thrilling showdown. Keep an eye on Justin Thomas too, as he’s pegged as a longshot with solid potential to take the green jacket.

The International Series Event in Macau is another highlight, with players vying for a share of the $2,000,000 prize. However, LIV Golf stars like Sergio Garcia and Anthony Kim faced a reality check, struggling in the opening round. It's a reminder of the relentless challenge the sport presents, no matter the player's pedigree.

Scottie Scheffler’s unbothered stance on the LIV Golf split has caught attention too. His focus is clear: play the game and grow the sport on the PGA Tour. It’s this kind of dedication that keeps fans hooked.

Amid all this, Jack Nicklaus weighed in on the PGA Tour’s structure, praising its current setup. And Justin Thomas didn’t hold back, taking a swing at LIV Golf stars with his sharp words. The rivalry and banter off the course are just as engaging as the action on it.

For a bit of humor, Adam Hadwin’s club toss into the water after a frustrating shot provided a light-hearted moment. Even his wife approved, proving that sometimes you just have to laugh off the bad shots.

Lastly, in gear news, the race for the fastest 3-woods has everyone talking. Whether it’s the TaylorMade Qi10 Tour or the Mizuno ST-G Titanium, finding that perfect club is crucial for any golfer looking to optimize their game.

So there you have it, a whirlwind tour of the latest in golf. Whether it’s historic performances, intense debates, or a simple chuckle over a thrown club, the world of golf never fails to entertain. Keep swinging, folks, and remember – every day on the course is a chance to make a little history of your own. [Michael Wolf]

1 2024 Players Championship

Recap: In the first round of the 2024 Players Championship, a three-way tie for the lead emerged with Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Wyndham Clark all shooting impressive rounds of 65. Rory McIlroy notably tied THE PLAYERS record with 10 birdies in his opening round, showcasing a strong performance after struggling in recent championships. The day was eventful, featuring heated rules debates between players like McIlroy and Jordan Spieth, adding drama to the competition. Additionally, Ryan Fox made history by scoring a hole-in-one for back-to-back eagles on the 16th hole during the tournament.

TPC Sawgrass, known for being one of the toughest courses on the PGA Tour, has seen several low scores over the years. The course record stood at -9 (63) for over 20 years, but was broken in 2023 by Tom Hoge with a stunning ten-under-par 62. The lowest tournament score belongs to Greg Norman in 1994, who finished at -24.

2024 Players Championship leaderboard: Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, Wyndham Clark on top in Round 1

In the first round of the 2024 Players Championship, Rory McIlroy, Xander Schauffele, and Wyndham Clark are leading the leaderboard.

Pro makes Players hole in one. But it was different from every other one

During the Players Championship, Ryan Fox achieved something unprecedented by going eagle-eagle on the 16th and 17th holes. This had never been done before in the tournament's history. Despite a bogey on the 18th hole, Fox's remarkable performance made headlines.

Tom Kim withdraws after triple bogey on No. 17, citing illness

Tom Kim withdrew from The Players Championship after hitting the ball in the water on No. 17 and citing illness.

Jack Nicklaus greets past PLAYERS champions on first tee Thursday

Jack Nicklaus, a 73-time TOUR winner and three-time PLAYERS champion, greeted past champions on the first tee at THE PLAYERS Championship. Although not competing this year, Nicklaus exchanged banter with the group before their tee time. This year marks the 50th edition of the tournament, and TPC Sawgrass has evolved into a beautiful venue since its debut in 1982. Nicklaus expressed his desire to win the tournament early on, and despite his impressive career, he never achieved a repeat PLAYERS title.

Adam Hadwin tomahawks club into water left of 18th hole at Players Championship, wife approves

During the opening round of the 2024 Players Championship, Adam Hadwin threw his club into the water after hitting a poor shot on the 18th hole. Despite the frustration, his wife approved of his actions. Hadwin finished the round with a 3-over 75.

‘The most pressure I’ve ever felt over a golf ball’: See caddies compete | CNN

Caddies for PGA players at The Players Championship participate in a competition at the iconic 17th hole Island Green at TPC Sawgrass, experiencing intense pressure.

2 2024 IOA Golf Classic

Overview: The 2024 IOA Golf Classic on the Epson Tour is a significant event in the Epson Tour schedule. It is set to take place at the Alaqua Country Club in Longwood, Florida from March 15-17. The tournament offers a purse of $200,000 and awards 500 points in the Race For The Card competition. This event provides an opportunity for talented golfers to showcase their skills and compete for both prize money and points to advance their careers in professional golf.

Featured Groups: 2024 IOA Golf Classic presented by LPT Realty | Epson Tour

This article discusses the featured groups for the 2024 IOA Golf Classic presented by LPT Realty on the Epson Tour. It highlights the players in each group, including their backgrounds and recent performances. Additionally, it mentions the Moresco sisters who are competing together on the tour and their bond as siblings and golfers.

3 Players 2024: Rory McIlroy’s rules controversies

Rory McIlroy round stopped for eight minutes for confusing rules row with Speith

Rory McIlroy was involved in a rules dispute with Jordan Spieth during the Players Championship, causing an eight-minute delay. McIlroy signed for a seven-under par 65 but faced questions about drops he took when finding water on the seventh and 18th holes. The dispute overshadowed McIlroy's strong start at Sawgrass.

4 The Masters

2024 Masters odds, field: Surprising PGA picks, predictions from top golf model that's hit 10 majors

Viktor Hovland, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler are among the top contenders for the 2024 Masters. The article highlights their performances, along with predictions from a proven computer model. Justin Thomas is also mentioned as a longshot with a strong chance to win. The model has successfully predicted 10 majors in the past. For more detailed predictions and odds, refer to the provided links.

5 International Series Event in Macau

Overview: The Asian Tour International Series in Macau is a prestigious golf event that is part of the Asian Tour Professional Golf Tour. In 2024, the tournament takes place at the Macau Golf and Country Club in Macao, China. This event offers players the opportunity to compete for a total prize money of US$2,000,000. Known for its stunning views of the South China Sea, the golf course where the tournament is held has gained a reputation as one of the most beautiful courses in the region. The International Series Macau attracts top golfers who are not only competing for prize money but also for valuable Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points. The tournament provides an exciting platform for golfers to showcase their skills and compete at a high level in Asia.

Anthony Kim and Sergio Garcia get brutal reality check away from LIV Golf riches

Sergio Garcia and Anthony Kim had a tough start at the International Series event in Macau, struggling to make an impression in the opening round. Garcia shot a disappointing two-over-par 72, while Kim shot a four-over 74. Missing the cut would be a disappointment for both players, as they have the opportunity to earn world ranking points. Li Haotong currently leads the tournament with a seven-under 63.

4 LIV Golf stars show their class to take huge step towards world ranking boost

During the Asian Tour International Series, four LIV Golf tour members, Mito Pereira, Pat Perez, David Puig, and Patrick Reed, performed strongly and sit inside the top-five of the leaderboard. Despite their strong performances, they are currently ranked outside the top 100 in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) due to the OWGR's decision not to recognize the Saudi-funded tour. LIV Golf players are aiming to earn OWGR points to qualify for major tournaments.

6 All Things Scottie

The PLAYERS: Scottie Scheffler’s savage reaction to ‘upset fans’ over LIV Golf split

Scottie Scheffler, coming off a dominating win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, addressed unhappy fans' criticism of the PGA Tour and players leaving for LIV Golf. He stated that the departure of those players is not his concern and emphasized that he is focused on playing on the PGA Tour and helping grow the sport. Scheffler's straightforward response reflects his belief in the product that the PGA Tour has created and the success he has achieved on the tour.

7 Opinions

Justin Thomas aims brutal shot at LIV Golf star over Masters dig at Rory McIlroy

Justin Thomas takes a dig at Talor Gooch over his comments about this year's Masters field, highlighting the split between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. Thomas defends the Players Championship field and dismisses the idea of an asterisk next to his name for winning. Rory McIlroy also weighs in on the controversy, mentioning Joaquin Niemann's invite and Gooch's absence.

Anthony Kim Turns ‘Overhyped’ as Netizens Make Mincemeat of the LIV Golf Pro: ‘No One Really Cares’

Netizens criticize Anthony Kim's performance in the LIV Golf Pro tournament, calling it overhyped and pointing out the lack of depth in the field. Kim's debut round outside of LIV Golf resulted in a 4-over 76 score, disappointing some fans. Critics feel vindicated and question the attention given to Kim's comeback, stating that no one really cares. The discussion also touches on the overall quality of LIV Golf and suggestions for improvement.

8 Funniest Moment of the Day

9 @ the ProShop

These new 3-woods recorded the fastest ball speeds during robot testing

This article discusses the fastest 3-woods in terms of ball speeds recorded during robot testing. It highlights the importance of having a 3-wood that can produce enough power and stay within the fairway when the driver is not the right choice. The article provides information on two specific 3-woods, the TaylorMade Qi10 Tour and the Mizuno ST-G Titanium, including their features and pricing.

SHORT TAKES

Paige Spiranac Reacts To PGA Tour Player's Wild Club Toss

Paige Spiranac reacts to a PGA Tour player's wild club toss during THE PLAYERS Championship. Adam Hadwin threw his club into the water after hitting his second shot into the water. Spiranac praised the club toss and Hadwin's wife also commented on it. Hadwin finished the day with a three-over 75, currently tied for 128th place.

17th hole at TPC Sawgrass swallows up 120,000 golf balls every year

The par-3 17th hole at TPC Sawgrass is known for being one of the most intimidating holes in golf, with an estimated 120,000 golf balls finding the water surrounding the island green every year. Even professional players struggle with this short hole, and an experiment conducted in 2023 showed that more than half of high-handicappers made a double bogey or worse. Fishing out the lost balls has become a regular task for someone near the 17th green.

Barstool Sports’ Ryan Whitney reveals Michael Jordan’s savage golf trash-talk

Michael Jordan’s famous competitive juices and trash-talking have not dissipated with age.

NBC Sports’ Mike Tirico talks golf’s ‘natural fit’ into the Olympics

NBC Sports commentator and Olympics prime time host Mike Tirico talks about golf’s natural fit into the Summer Olympics program, golfers’ gold medal aspirations and what viewers can expect from the 2024 Paris Games.

PGA Tour U standings becoming two-horse race for Tour card after NCAA Championship

Michael Thorbjornsen of Stanford has retaken the top spot in the PGA Tour University rankings for the Class of 2024 after winning the Cabo Collegiate. He is currently in a two-horse race with Christo Lamprecht of Georgia Tech for a PGA Tour card. The top-ranked player in the final rankings earns PGA Tour membership, while players ranked 2-5 earn Korn Ferry Tour membership.

This college player went from a 1.9 index to a +4 by making these changes

A college golfer named Cam made significant improvements to his game by undergoing a swing change. Working with golf instructor E.A. Tischler, Cam focused on foundational basics, made 1-2 swing adjustments at a time, and developed skills that fit his body mechanics. As a result, he was able to shave nearly six strokes off his handicap, going from a 1.9 index to a +4.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

Click HERE for the latest Official World Golf Ranking