Planet Golf News for Friday, September 6, 2024

Alex Fitzpatrick upstages brother Matt to share lead at European Masters

Friday, September 6, 2024

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What a Jimmy Fallon/DJ Khaled golf match tells us about golf's direction

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

The PGA Tour’s regular season might be wrapped up, but golf fans still have plenty to look forward to in 2024. The upcoming months are packed with thrilling events across the PGA Tour, LPGA, and DP World Tour. Notable highlights include the Presidents Cup, set to take place at the historic Royal Montreal Golf Club, and the Solheim Cup, which will be held in Northern Virginia. Additionally, there are eight Fall Series tournaments, providing a chance for players outside the top 50 in the FedEx Cup rankings to make their mark.

In other exciting news, David Llewellyn has been appointed the 86th Captain of The PGA. Known for his impressive playing and coaching career, including his work with the On-Course Foundation, Llewellyn is set to take over in March 2026, following in the footsteps of some of the sport’s greatest figures.

This weekend, fans can enjoy the Ascension Charity Classic in St. Louis, Missouri, a key event on the PGA Tour Champions schedule. With players like Steve Stricker and Stewart Cink in the mix, and a $2.1 million purse on the line, it’s shaping up to be a thrilling competition. Weather could play a part, with rain and possible thunderstorms forecasted, but that just adds another layer of excitement to the tournament.

Over in Switzerland, the Omega European Masters is in full swing, with Alex Fitzpatrick upstaging his brother Matt to share the lead after the first round. With a strong field competing for vital Race to Dubai points, it’s an event to keep a close eye on. Swiss amateur Nicola Gerhardsen has also been making headlines, impressing the home crowd with a stellar performance that has him just one shot off the lead.

Looking ahead, the 2024 Solheim Cup is right around the corner. Rising stars like Lauren Coughlin and Esther Henseleit are gearing up to represent their teams, with Henseleit fresh off a silver medal at the Paris Olympics. The Solheim Cup is always a dramatic showdown, and this year promises to be no different as Europe looks to defend their back-to-back wins.

The Presidents Cup is also set to heat up in late September, with Team USA captain Jim Furyk facing scrutiny over his decision to leave Justin Thomas off the roster. Instead, Furyk has chosen Keegan Bradley as a captain's pick, highlighting Bradley's recent form and competitive edge. The international team, led by Mike Weir, will feature powerhouse players like Min Woo Lee, whose 190 MPH ball speed is sure to turn heads.

For gear enthusiasts, TaylorMade’s new Kalea Gold range, specifically designed for women, is making waves. This line is engineered to enhance both performance and aesthetics, offering lightweight designs that help maximize distance and forgiveness. Whether you’re an amateur or a seasoned pro, it’s worth checking out.

Lastly, fans of affordable golf can rejoice with a list of the best U.S. courses available for $100 or less. Featuring some of the best designs from top architects, these courses offer an exceptional playing experience without breaking the bank.

From thrilling tournaments to new gear and exciting player matchups, 2024 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for golf. Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds!

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

Ascension Charity Classic - PGA Tour - Norwood Hills Country Club - St. Louis, MO

The Ascension Charity Classic, a PGA Tour Champions event, is set to begin today at the historic Norwood Hills Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri. This marks the fourth time the tournament has been held at this venue. The event features a strong field of 78 competitors, including notable players such as Steve Stricker, the reigning Charles Schwab Cup champion, and Steven Alker, who is currently third in this year's standings.

The tournament carries a purse of $2,100,000, with the winner set to receive $315,000. Last year's champion, Steve Flesch, staged a remarkable comeback to claim victory, finishing at 19-under par and setting new 18-hole and 54-hole course records.

Weather conditions may play a role in the tournament, with AccuWeather reports predicting intervals of clouds and sun with a possibility of showers for the opening round. There's an 8% chance of thunderstorms and a 40% chance of rain, which could last for about an hour and a half. The temperature is expected to range from 12 to 26 degrees Celsius, with wind gusts up to 44 km/h.

Omega European Masters - DP World - Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club - Crans Montana, Switzerland

The Omega European Masters kicked off on yesterday at the picturesque Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in Crans Montana, Switzerland. The first round saw some impressive performances, with Alex Fitzpatrick and Alfredo Garcia-Heredia sharing the lead after both carding flawless rounds of 7-under 63.

Alex Fitzpatrick, the younger brother of two-time European Masters champion Matt Fitzpatrick, upstaged his more accomplished sibling with his outstanding play. This performance put Alex in a strong position early in the tournament, while Matt is still in pursuit of his third victory at this event.

The tournament, which is part of the DP World Tour, has attracted a strong field of players competing for increased Race to Dubai Ranking Points. The event is crucial for players looking to secure their position in the top 70 of the season-long Race to Dubai Rankings, which would guarantee their qualification for the DP World Tour Play-Offs.

While defending champion Ludvig Åberg is not in the field this year, several former champions are participating, including in-form players Thriston Lawrence and Rasmus Højgaard. The Fitzpatrick brothers are also among the notable contenders, with Matt aiming to become only the fourth player to win the tournament three times.

Omega European Masters Videos

Solheim Cup (9/13-9/15) - LPGA - Robert Trent Jones Golf Club - Gainesville, VA

Presidents Cup (9/26-9/29)-PGA - The Royal Montreal Golf Club - LLe Bizard, PQ

Next Year: The Ryder Cup

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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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