Planet Golf News for Friday, May 10, 2024

Xander Schauffele tops stacked leaderboard after first round of Wells Fargo Championship, Nelly Korda historic chase at Cognizant Founders Cup off to strong start

Friday, May 10, 2024

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Lowry slumps to opening round of 75 at $20m Wells Fargo Championship

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

In the ever-energetic world of golf, this week has been nothing short of eventful, kicking off with Tiger Woods stepping into a significant role as the only player in the PGA Tour negotiations with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. This pivotal involvement underscores his influence and leadership within the sport.

On the green Thursday, the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, NC, has been the center of attention. Xander Schauffele surged to the forefront with a stellar first-round performance, notching a 7-under 64 and overcoming a controversial free relief ruling that has sparked discussions across the golf community. While Schauffele leads, Rory McIlroy and Collin Morikawa are hot on his heels, keeping the competition tight and thrilling. Meanwhile, Sam Burns made a notable return to the field after welcoming his son, Bear, into the world, though he admits his practice time has taken a backseat.

Over in Clifton, NJ, at the Cognizant Founders Cup, Nelly Korda is on a quest for a record-breaking sixth consecutive LPGA victory. Her solid start sets the stage for an exciting showdown, particularly with Rose Zhang, who dazzled with a career-low 63, stealing some of the spotlight and potentially playing spoiler to Korda’s historic run.

Shifting to Myrtle Beach, SC, the Myrtle Beach Classic saw golfers like Beau Hossler and Robert MacIntyre tied for the lead in challenging weather, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability required on the tour.

Amid these exciting tournaments, notable off-course news includes Ernie Els' candid thoughts on the LIV Golf format, Justin Thomas reflecting on his career trajectory, and Webb Simpson discussing his integral role on the PGA Tour Policy Board. Each storyline weaving into the larger narrative of a sport continuously evolving and captivating its global audience.

As we look ahead, the anticipation builds for the upcoming 2024 PGA Championship, promising more drama and showcasing the talent and tenacity that define modern golf.

[ Today’s Top Stories ] 

Golf Tournaments happening this week

Wells Fargo Championship - Charlotte, NC

Thursday at the Wells Fargo Championship, Xander Schauffele emerged as the leader after the first round, showcasing his skill with a strong performance. Rory McIlroy, another notable player, is also in close contention, adding to the excitement of the tournament. The event was marked by a controversial free relief ruling involving Schauffele, which has sparked discussions about the fairness of calls on the PGA Tour. The Wells Fargo Championship is being held at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina. This tournament is significant not only for its competitive field but also for its substantial prize purse of $20 million, with $3.6 million designated for the winner.

Cognizant Founders Cup - Clifton, NJ

Thursday at the Cognizant Founders Cup, Nelly Korda, who is on a historic run aiming for her sixth consecutive LPGA victory, completed her first round with a score of 3-under 69. This performance places her in a strong position as she chases this unprecedented record in women's golf. Korda's round included a mix of birdies and a few bogeys, reflecting a steady start to the tournament. Meanwhile, Rose Zhang made headlines by posting a career-low score at the event, showcasing her formidable skills and focus during the competition. This remarkable achievement by Zhang adds an extra layer of excitement to the tournament, highlighting the intense competition among top players. The tournament, held at Upper Montclair Country Club in New Jersey, features a strong field including several top-ranked players and major champions, setting the stage for a highly competitive event. The course, known for its challenging design, is proving to be a significant test for all competitors. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will likely remain on Korda as she attempts to make history, while other competitors like Zhang will also seek to capitalize on their strong starts.

Myrtle Beach Classic - Myrtle Beach, SC

Thursday at the Myrtle Beach Classic in Myrtle Beach, SC, the event experienced a mix of weather conditions and golf performances. Rain affected the PGA tournament, leading to concerns about potential delays in play. Despite the inclement weather, the tournament proceeded with golfers teeing off for the first round at 6:50 am EST.

The golf scores from the first round show some competitive play despite the challenging weather. Davis Thompson and Alejandro Tosti both scored 65, tying for the lead at -6 under par. They were closely followed by Jorge Campillo and Harrison Endycott, who both scored 66, finishing the day at -5 under par.

Overall, the Myrtle Beach Classic's first day featured challenging weather conditions, lower-than-expected attendance, and competitive golf scores as players navigated the course at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club.

Regions Tradition - Birmingham, AL

Thursday at the Regions Tradition golf tournament, the event continued with competitive rounds at Greystone Golf & Country Club in Birmingham, Alabama. This tournament marks the first of five senior major championships in 2024. Notably, Steve Stricker, the defending champion, is participating with the aim to defend his title. The field includes a strong lineup of competitors, such as Bernhard Langer, who is making a significant return after recovering from an Achilles tear, and other notable players like Alex Cejka, Miguel Angel Jiménez, Tom Lehman, and Fred Funk.

The tournament is being played over 72 holes, a deviation from the usual 54-hole format on the PGA TOUR Champions, reflecting the event's status as a major championship. The total purse for the tournament is $2,600,000, with the winner's share being $390,000.

In addition to the main competition, the Regions Tradition also featured a Celebrity Pro-Am event, which took place earlier in the week, adding a festive atmosphere to the proceedings.

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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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