Planet Golf News for Friday, May 31, 2024

Nelly Korda makes a shocking 10, all but ending U.S. Women’s Open hopes early on, David Skinns shoots 8-under 62 to take first-round lead at RBC Canadian Open

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PGN News Team
May 31, 2024 • Reading Time: 24 minutes

Friday, May 31, 2024

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Nelly Korda makes a catastrophic 10 at US Women's Open...

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Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

In a surprising twist at the U.S. Women's Open, Nelly Korda, the top-ranked player in women's golf, had a shocking start, carding a 10-over-par 80 in the opening round. This marked a stark contrast to her recent dominance, where she won six of her last seven tournaments. Korda's troubles peaked at the par-3 12th hole, where she scored a 10 after her ball found the water hazard three times. Despite her struggles, Korda remained optimistic, attributing her performance to a mix of poor play and tough course conditions.

Meanwhile, over at the RBC Canadian Open, David Skinns led the field with an impressive 8-under 62, demonstrating remarkable accuracy and skill, especially during a six-birdie streak in seven holes. Hot on his heels were Sam Burns and Sean O'Hair, both posting strong 7-under 63s. Rory McIlroy, despite a slow start attributed to a groggy morning following his caddie's birthday dinner, managed a solid 4-under 66, keeping him in contention. The tournament, with a hefty $9.4 million purse, promises intense competition as the second round unfolds.

The golf world also saw heartfelt moments and unexpected performances. Akshay Bhatia honored his late friend Grayson Murray by writing "G$" on his wrist, dedicating his play to him at the RBC Canadian Open. Sean O'Hair, the 6th alternate who faced significant travel delays, surprised everyone with a stellar 7-under 63, tying for the lead despite playing the course blind.

At the U.S. Women's Open, Yuka Saso, the 2021 champion, took an early lead with a 2-under 68. The Lancaster Country Club's challenging conditions saw many players struggling, but amateurs like Adela Cernousek and Megan Schofill impressed, finishing just a shot behind the leaders.

In other tournaments, the European Open in Hamburg saw Jannik De Bruyn take a surprising lead with an outstanding 9-under 64. Defending champion Tom McKibbin stayed in the hunt, showing resilience after an early bogey. Over in Raleigh, North Carolina, Trey Winstead and Steven Fisk shared the lead at the UNC Health Championship, with Fisk recording a remarkable nine birdies in the first round.

The Principal Charity Classic in Des Moines brought together a star-studded field, including eight past champions and six World Golf Hall of Fame members. The shorter, three-round format promises thrilling golf with no cuts, keeping all players in the mix throughout the event.

Amid these competitive rounds, there were also lighter moments and heartwarming stories. Brittany Lang celebrated her 20th consecutive U.S. Women's Open appearance, reflecting on her career and aiming to inspire her daughter. Rachel Rohanna balanced her professional and personal life adeptly, handling an emergency mom duty during her round. Isi Gabsa had an unfortunate encounter on the 12th hole, where her shot seemingly hit and killed a bird, drawing comparisons to Randy Johnson's infamous pitch.

In summary, this week's golf tournaments have been a mix of highs and lows, unexpected performances, and touching tributes, making for an exciting and emotional week in the golf world. With more rounds to come, fans are eagerly watching to see how these stories unfold.

[ Today’s Top Stories ] 

Nelly Korda Shoots Stunning 80 in Opening Round at U.S. Women's Open

Nelly Korda, the No. 1-ranked women's golfer, had a disappointing opening round at the U.S. Women's Open, shooting a 10-over-par 80. This was a significant departure from her recent stellar performances, including winning six of her last seven starts. Korda struggled particularly on the par-3 12th hole, where she scored a 10 after finding the water three times. Despite the setback, Korda acknowledged it as a bad day and attributed her performance to poor play and difficult course conditions.

Golf Tournaments happening this week

RBC Canadian Open - Hamilton, ON

The 2024 RBC Canadian Open commenced with an exciting first round at Hamilton Golf & Country Club, marking the tournament's return to this venue for the first time in five years. David Skinns led the field with an impressive 8-under 62, highlighted by six birdies in a seven-hole stretch. Skinns' performance was bolstered by his driving accuracy and ability to capitalize on the receptive greens, which had been softened by earlier rain. He finished the day one stroke ahead of Sam Burns and Sean O'Hair, who both shot 7-under 63s.

Rory McIlroy, a two-time Canadian Open champion, started his campaign with a solid 4-under 66, despite a slow start attributed to a groggy morning following his caddie's birthday dinner. McIlroy's round included nine consecutive pars before he found his rhythm on the front nine, carding four birdies. He expressed his enthusiasm for returning to Hamilton, noting the significant changes to the course since his last victory there in 2019.

Other notable performances included Robert MacIntyre's 64 and Ryan Palmer's 65. Defending champion Nick Taylor, who made headlines last year with an 80-foot eagle putt to win in a playoff, struggled with a 72. Taylor played alongside fellow Canadians Taylor Pendrith and McIlroy, enjoying the energetic atmosphere provided by the home crowd.

The tournament's overall purse is $9.4 million, with the winner set to earn $1.692 million. As the competition progresses, players like McIlroy, Burns, and Skinns will be closely watched as they vie for the title. The second round promises more excitement, with McIlroy teeing off at 12:55 p.m. ET alongside Nick Taylor and Taylor Pendrith. Coverage of the event is available on ESPN+, Golf Channel, and Peacock.

David Skinns shoots 8-under 62 to take first-round lead at RBC Canadian Open - PGA TOUR

David Skinns shoots an impressive 8-under 62 to take the first-round lead at the RBC Canadian Open. Skinns had a strong performance with six birdies in a seven-hole stretch, including a 47-foot birdie putt on his 17th hole. He is followed closely by Sam Burns and Sean O'Hair. Defending champion Nick Taylor had a challenging round, shooting a 72.

Rory McIlroy in Canadian Open contention despite playing back 9 "blind"

Rory McIlroy is in contention at the RBC Canadian Open despite playing the back nine "blind". He carded a bogey-free 4-under 66 and sits three shots off the leaders. McIlroy's strong performance on the front nine and his clean scorecard serve as momentum boosters for him. He is the favorite to win the tournament.

Akshay Bhatia wrote 'G$' on wrist in remembrance of Grayson Murray at 2024 RBC Canadian Open

Akshay Bhatia wrote "G$" on his wrist in remembrance of Grayson Murray at the 2024 RBC Canadian Open. Bhatia expressed his deep connection and friendship with Murray, stating that he will play for him in this tournament and every round going forward. Murray's passing has had a profound impact on the golf community, and Bhatia's tribute is a heartfelt gesture.

PGA Tour 6th alternate in RBC Canadian Open contention despite wild travel delays

Despite severe travel delays, Sean O'Hair, the 6th alternate, made it to the RBC Canadian Open and shot an impressive 7-under 63 in his opening round. He eagled the 17th hole and finished tied for the lead with Sam Burns. O'Hair credited his caddie for guiding him on the course, as he played it blind. Despite feeling uncomfortable, O'Hair's performance was a pleasant surprise, and he hopes to continue his success in the tournament.

Tommy Fleetwood makes birdie after layup on the par-5 4th at RBC Canadian

In the opening round of the 2024 RBC Canadian Open, Tommy Fleetwood makes birdie on the par-5 4th hole.

U.S. Women's Open pres. by Ally - Lancaster, PA

On Thursday, May 30, 2024, Nelly Korda, the top-ranked player in women's golf, experienced a significant setback during the first round of the U.S. Women's Open at Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania. Korda, who had recently tied an LPGA record with five consecutive victories, encountered severe difficulties on the par-3 12th hole. Her troubles began when her tee shot landed in a bunker. Her subsequent sand shot went through the green and into a stream. After taking a penalty drop, her next two attempts also ended up in the water. Ultimately, Korda carded a septuple-bogey 10 on the hole.

This disastrous performance on the 12th hole was part of a challenging day for Korda, who finished the round with a score of 80, placing her T129 in the tournament standings. Despite her efforts to maintain a positive outlook, Korda acknowledged the impact of her poor performance, stating, "I didn't play well today. I didn't hit it good. I found myself in the rough a lot, and making a 10 on a par-3 certainly won't help you at a U.S. Open."

Korda's struggles were compounded by the difficult conditions of the Lancaster Country Club course, which made birdies hard to come by. Her round began with a bogey on the 10th hole, and the 12th hole's severe slope and stream proved particularly challenging. The setback has significantly diminished her chances of becoming the third player in LPGA history to win the U.S. Women's Open as the No. 1 ranked player.

Yuka Saso is currently leading the U.S. Women's Open pres. by Ally tournament after the first round with a score of -2.

Past Champion Saso Shoots 68 in First Round of U.S. Women’s Open

In the first round of the U.S. Women's Open, Yuka Saso, the 2021 champion, shot a 2-under 69 to take the lead. Despite a few bogeys, Saso made clutch par putts to stay afloat. Andrea Lee, Wichanee Meechai, and Adela Cernousek also finished under-par. Nelly Korda, the world's top-ranked player, had a rough start with a 10 on the 12th hole. Lydia Ko, Brooke Henderson, and defending champion Allisen Corpuz are also in the mix.

Nelly Korda's hopes of a second major in 2024 virtually disappear after carding a 10 at the Women's U.S. Open

Nelly Korda's hopes of winning a second major in 2024 were virtually dashed after she carded a 10 on the third hole of the Women's U.S. Open. Despite steadying herself, Korda finished with a 10-over 80, significantly impacting her chances in the tournament.

Challenging Morning Conditions Confound Field in First Round of U.S. Women’s Open

The first round of the U.S. Women's Open presented challenging conditions, with many players struggling to score well. Nelly Korda, the top-ranked player, had a difficult start but managed to recover on the back nine. The scoring average for the morning draw was nearly five shots over par, indicating the tough nature of Lancaster Country Club. Only a few players, including Andrea Lee and Wichanee Meechai, recorded under-par scores. Overall, it was a challenging day for the field.

The U.S. Women’s Open Has a Record Purse: It Won’t Be the Last

The U.S. Women's Open has set a record purse, and it is expected that this won't be the last time. The tournament, part of the LPGA, has seen a significant increase in prize money, reflecting the growing popularity and recognition of women's golf.

Amateurs impress on day one of the U.S. Women's Open

Amateurs Adela Cernousek and Megan Schofill impress on day one of the U.S. Women's Open, with Cernousek just one shot off the lead and Schofill one additional shot back. The challenging conditions, including blustery winds and firm greens, tested their skills. Other notable performances include 15-year-old Asterisk Talley and Catherine Park, both shooting even par 70.

Minjee hangs tough at brutal U.S Open

Former champion Minjee Lee leads the Australian challenge at the U.S Women's Open, shooting an even-par 70 on a challenging opening day. Despite some mistakes, Lee remains tied for fifth and is just two shots off the lead. The first round saw high scores and struggles for many players, including World No.1 Nelly Korda. The tournament is shaping up to be a tough battle on a difficult course.

Principal Charity Classic - Des Moines, IA

The 2024 Principal Charity Classic, held at the Wakonda Club in Des Moines, Iowa, is set to feature a competitive field of 78 players, including eight past champions and six members of the World Golf Hall of Fame. The tournament, which runs from today, May 31 to June 2, offers a $2 million purse, with $300,000 awarded to the winner. Notable participants include Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, José María Olazábal, and Vijay Singh.

The event is part of the PGA Tour Champions, a series designed for golfers aged 50 and over, and is known for its shorter, three-round format with no cuts, allowing all players to compete throughout the tournament.

European Open - Hamburg, Germany

The European Open 2024, part of the DP World Tour, is currently underway in Germany. The tournament is the second of six events on the European Swing and the fourth of five Global Swings in the 2024 Race to Dubai schedule. This year's edition features a strong international field, including last season's winner Tom McKibbin, Japanese golfers Keita Nakajima and Yuto Katsuragawa, South Africa's Thriston Lawrence, and Sweden's Jesper Svensson. Major Champion Danny Willett is also competing as he continues his recovery from shoulder surgery, and there is a strong German contingent led by Marcel Siem.

In the latest news, Jannik De Bruyn, a 24-year-old German ranked No. 818, has taken a surprising lead after the first round. De Bruyn made 11 birdies and shot 9 under par, leading the tournament by four strokes. The tournament is being broadcast across various networks worldwide, including Sky Sports Golf in Europe and the Golf Channel in the Americas.

Defending champ McKibbin in touch at European Open

Jannik De Bruyn takes a four-shot lead after the first round of the European Open in Hamburg, shooting a brilliant 64. Defending champion Tom McKibbin is in contention, along with Laurie Canter and Jack Davidson. Despite a fog delay, McKibbin recovered from an opening bogey with five birdies.

Laurie Canter changes kit but keeps momentum at European Open

Laurie Canter made significant changes to his golf bag, including a new set of irons and shafts, ahead of the European Open. Despite finishing seventh in the previous tournament, Canter's fresh equipment helped him start strong with a 68 in the first round. He emphasized the importance of finding fairways and greens on the challenging course and expressed confidence in his game.

Australians left floundering at European Open

At the European Open in Hamburg, a trio of Australians, including David Micheluzzi and Jason Scrivener, were left playing catch-up after the first day, with Jannik De Bruyn of Germany taking a surprise four-shot lead. De Bruyn shot a nine-under 64, while Micheluzzi trailed in 64th place, 10 shots behind the leader. Scrivener was a further shot back, and Haydn Barron struggled with a four-over score. De Bruyn's strong performance came after missing the cut in six of his last eight tournaments.

UNC Health Championship pres. by STITCH - Korn Ferry - Raleigh, NC

In the rolling hills of Raleigh, North Carolina, the sun peeked through a thin veil of clouds, casting a golden hue over the fairways of the UNC Health Championship presented by Stitch on the Korn Ferry Tour. The first day of the tournament unfolded with a blend of rookie tenacity, seasoned precision, and hometown pride.

Rookie Trey Winstead stole the spotlight early on, navigating the course with a blend of audacious drives and deft putting. His round was steady yet unremarkable until he reached the back nine. There, Winstead transformed into a birdie machine, logging six birdies over his final eight holes. His scorching finish catapulted him to the top of the leaderboard, claiming his second 18-hole co-lead of the season.

Meanwhile, Steven Fisk, a rising star and No. 3 on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List, demonstrated why he's considered one of the tour's elite. Fisk's round was a masterclass in aggressive play and sharp iron shots, as he led all players with nine birdies in the first round. Each birdie seemed a testament to his meticulous preparation and relentless drive, positioning him alongside Winstead at the summit of the leaderboard.

Not far behind, Daniel Summerhays showcased a different brand of excellence. One of only two players to finish the day with a bogey-free round, Summerhays' performance was a clinic in consistency and poise. His steady hand and unwavering focus left him just one shot behind the co-leaders, his quiet confidence a stark contrast to the flamboyant charges of Winstead and Fisk.

For Raleigh native Carter Jenkins, the first day was a mix of familiarity and pressure. The local favorite navigated the course with the ease of someone who had played these greens countless times before. Jenkins' first-round 3-under 67 placed him three shots off the lead, a position that filled the local fans with hope and anticipation.

Another notable performance came from Julian Suri, who earned his start this week via a top-25 finish last week. Suri carried that momentum into the first round, finishing at 3-under par and securing a spot in the top 10. His play was characterized by sharp iron shots and confident putts, a testament to his growing form and confidence.

Trey Winstead, Steven Fisk share lead after Round 1 at UNC Health Championship

Trey Winstead and Steven Fisk share the lead after Round 1 at the UNC Health Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour. Winstead logs six birdies in his final eight holes, while Fisk leads all players with nine birdies. Daniel Summerhays sits one shot behind the co-leaders with a bogey-free round.

Today’s Best Videos

Overheard in the Locker Room

Brittany Lang Competing in Her 20th Consecutive US Womens Open

Brittany Lang is competing in her 20th consecutive U.S. Women's Open, the longest active streak at this major championship. Lang reflects on her career accomplishment and expresses gratitude for the opportunities. She aims to set an example for her daughter and considers the U.S. Women's Open as the best tournament in golf, having won the championship in 2016. ...

Pro snaps into emergency mom duty during U.S. Women's Open round

During the U.S. Women's Open round, golfer Rachel Rohanna had to handle an emergency mom duty when her infant son had a diaper accident. She brought her husband and children inside the ropes to change the baby, taking it in stride. Despite the distraction, Rohanna finished her round with a score of 76 and hopes for a good finish to boost her LPGA status.

Isi Gabsa seemingly kills bird with shot at US Women’s Open in wild scene

During the U.S. Women's Open, golfer Isi Gabsa's shot on the 12th hole seemingly hit and killed a bird. The incident drew comparisons to Randy Johnson's bird-killing pitch in 2001. Gabsa continued to play and posted a par, while a tournament official removed the bird from the course.

Security guard who tackled Adam Hadwin at RBC Canadian Open finally speaks: 'It was a soft takedown'

During the RBC Canadian Open, a security guard tackled golfer Adam Hadwin to the ground in a case of mistaken identity. The guard, known as Mr. X, revealed in an anonymous interview that he went easy on Hadwin and described the takedown as "soft." The incident lasted only a few seconds before it was resolved and both parties apologized to each other.

Is Jay Monahan Caddying for Allisen Corpuz at the 2024 U. S. Women’s Open As She Tries To Defend Her Title?

Jay Monahan continues to caddy for Allisen Corpuz at the 2024 U.S. Women's Open as she aims to defend her title. Monahan's support and their previous victory together demonstrate their strong partnership. Despite challenges and pressure during last year's tournament, they remained calm and focused. They hope to replicate their success this year with Monahan providing level-headed guidance.?

With a shot at Solheim Cup, Alexandra Forsterling even par at U.S. Women's Open

Alexandra Forsterling is in contention for a spot on the European Solheim Cup team after shooting an even-par 70 in the opening round of the U.S. Women's Open. With recent wins on the Ladies European Tour and a strong season, a good showing in this tournament could boost her chances of making the team.

Five things you need to know about the amateur contending at the U.S. Women’s Open

Adela Cernousek, a 20-year-old amateur golfer from France, is making waves at the U.S. Women's Open. She qualified for the tournament, won the NCAA individual title, and shot an impressive one-under 69 in the first round. Cernousek is vying to become the first amateur to win the U.S. Women's Open since 1967. She has notable support from her caddie, Gerrod Chadwell, who is the husband of former World No. 1 Stacy Lewis. Cernousek also holds records at Texas A&M, including being the first Aggie to win an NCAA golf title and setting the season-scoring and under-par rounds records.

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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