Planet Golf News - January 25, 2024

Adrian Meronk is leaving the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf and will compete in the upcoming season-opening event in Mexico. Meronk, ranked 39th in the world, earned his PGA Tour card through last year's DP World Tour Eligibility Ranking. Tyrrell Hatton is also rumored to be close to joining LIV Golf, but nothing has been confirmed yet. [nbcsports.com]

Tyrrell Hatton is reportedly close to signing with LIV Golf, just hours after committing to play in the Waste Management Phoenix Open on the PGA Tour. LIV Golf has been pursuing Hatton for months and is looking for suitable players to join Jon Rahm's team. Hatton's potential move to LIV Golf would be another blow to the PGA Tour, following Rahm's departure. However, a merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf could change the landscape. [mirror.co.uk]

As the 2024 LIV Golf League season approaches, there are still some unanswered questions. These include the composition of Jon Rahm's team, the number of players in the field, the filling of vacant spots in existing teams, the locations of the season closers, and the availability of coverage outside the US. Despite these uncertainties, the season promises excitement and anticipation. [golfmonthly.com]

Aldrich Potgieter, a 19-year-old South African golfer, made history by becoming the youngest winner in Korn Ferry Tour history. He won the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic at the age of 19 years, four months, and 11 days, surpassing the previous record set by Jason Day in 2007. Potgieter's victory also makes him the youngest winner on either the PGA or Korn Ferry tours since 1931. [nbcsports.com]

Nick Dunlap, the 20-year-old golfer from Alabama, achieved one of his remaining amateur goals by reaching the No. 1 spot in the World Amateur Golf Rankings after his victory at the PGA Tour's American Express. Dunlap is now considering his pro future and has PGA Tour status through at least 2026. He is meeting with his family, coaches, and advisors to determine his next step. [nbcsports.com]

The LPGA-LET merger vote did not happen due to Golf Saudi's last-minute request for further information on the proposed operating model of the tour. The loss of Aramco, a significant partner of the LET, would be devastating as its $10 million in prize funds account for nearly one-third of the tour's combined purse. The two tours have decided to focus on maximizing their joint venture partnership instead of pursuing the merger. The controversy surrounding doing business with Saudi Arabia and the uncertainty of Golf Saudi's plans in women's golf are still significant factors in this situation. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Rory McIlroy advises Adrian Meronk to use his Ryder Cup snub as motivation, but Meronk's move to LIV Golf complicates matters. Meronk was overlooked for the European Ryder Cup team, and McIlroy sympathized with him. However, Meronk's expected move to LIV Golf raises questions about his future eligibility. The ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf could potentially change the situation for European players. Meronk's future in the Ryder Cup is uncertain. [mirror.co.uk]

Kevin Yu takes the lead in the first round of the 2024 Farmers Insurance Open with a score of 64, followed closely by Ryo Hisatsune and Patrick Cantlay at 65. Cantlay is looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance last week. Other contenders include Hideki Matsuyama, Shane Lowry, Thomas Detry, Aaron Rai, and Alejandry Tosti. The leaderboard is based on strokes gained, with Kevin Yu leading the pack. [cbssports.com]

The 2024 Farmers Open is back at Torrey Pines in January with the best golfers in the world playing along the beautiful Southern California coastline. [cbs8.com]

Max Homa and Keegan Bradley discuss the challenging conditions at Torrey Pines for the Farmers Insurance Open. The wet course has thick rough, putting a premium on driving accuracy. Both players anticipate a difficult battle, with every hole posing a challenge if the fairway is missed. [sbnation.com]

Xander Schauffele adjusts his preparation for the unique challenges at Torrey Pines for the 2024 Farmer's Insurance Open. He acknowledges the tricky rough and the need to make adjustments in his chipping. Despite a short week of practice, Schauffele remains optimistic and hopes to perform well in the tournament. [sportskeeda.com]

Torrey Pines South remains one of golf's most demanding tests, with a history of challenging scores. The course has consistently ranked among the longest and toughest on the PGA Tour. This year, due to heavy rain and limited mowing, the rough is expected to be even more punishing, resembling U.S. Open-like conditions. Despite the difficulty, some players embrace the challenge, while others choose to skip the tournament. The Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines South has produced impressive winners and is known for its unique seaside courses and the legacy of Tiger Woods' success. [golfdigest.com]

San Diego is experiencing heavy rain and flooding ahead of the 2024 Farmers Insurance Open. The rainfall has caused road closures, power outages, and challenging course conditions for the tournament at Torrey Pines Golf Course. Preferred lies have been declared for the first two rounds, and players have noted the tall grass and soft greens. The course is expected to dry out by the end of the week. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Max Homa criticizes Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney for ruining his joke with his impressive golf skills at the Farmers Insurance Open. McElhenney played in the Pro-Am event and impressed Homa, who had a joke planned. Homa jokingly called McElhenney "selfish" for hitting all his shots well. McElhenney's focus will now shift back to Wrexham's upcoming FA Cup match against Blackburn. [goal.com]

Francesco Molinari is returning to the PGA Tour after a two-month break. He will participate in the Farmers Insurance Open in La Jolla, California. The tournament will feature a unique format with rounds played on different courses. Molinari's recent performance on the DP World Tour has been mixed, and he will be competing against top players from around the world in this event. [tennisworldusa.com]

The LPGA Drive On Championship features top talent, including defending champion Celine Boutier, top-ranked Lilia Vu, and Lydia Ko. The tournament showcases featured groups such as Linn Grant, Georgia Hall, and Celine Boutier, as well as Nelly Korda, Megan Khang, and Ruoning Yin. Another notable group includes Brooke Henderson, Amy Yang, and Lexi Thompson. The event takes place at Bradenton Country Club with a $1.75 million purse. [lpga.com]

The LPGA Drive On Championship at Bradenton Country Club in Bradenton, Florida, is the first full-field event of the season. Here are the tee times for the first round, with coverage starting at noon ET on Golf Channel and Peacock. The tee times include players like Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko, and Lexi Thompson. [nbcsports.com]

Gabriela Ruffels, a former tennis player, begins her LPGA rookie season at the Drive On Championship in Bradenton. After giving up tennis at age 14, Ruffels discovered a love for golf and quickly excelled. She won the 2019 U.S. Women's Amateur and had success in LPGA majors before turning pro in 2021. Ruffels's late start in golf means the game still feels fresh to her, and she relies on her natural instincts. With the support of her parents and guidance from her swing coach and brother, Ruffels is ready to make her mark on the LPGA tour. [heraldtribune.com]

Kentucky golfer Laney Frye, a two-time Kentucky Miss Golf, will be playing in her first LPGA Tour event, the LPGA Drive On Championship. She gained entry through a sponsor exemption and will be the only amateur in the tournament. Frye will tee off at 9:04 a.m. in a group with Lauren Hartlage and Malia Nam. This will be Frye's first time competing against top players since the 2022 U.S. Women's Open. She is ranked 12th among female amateurs in the United States and has a strong track record in college golf. [kentucky.com]

Brooks Koepka has taken a dig at his former teammate Matthew Wolff following their public fallout during the 2023 season of LIV Golf. Koepka previously criticized Wolff, calling him a 'talent wasted', but now expresses satisfaction with the trade that brought Talor Gooch to his team, stating that Gooch's competitiveness is what they were lacking. Bubba Watson, Wolff's new captain, defends the trade and supports Wolff as a great talent. [mirror.co.uk]

Keegan Bradley reflects on his journey back to the top of the golf rankings, attributing his success to hard work and the improvement in his putting. After dropping to 91st in the world rankings, Bradley's career took a turn with notable finishes and wins, leading to his current 13th rank. [sportskeeda.com]

Rory McIlroy's impressive consistency in golf is highlighted by a stat showing he has more top-two finishes than missed cuts in his 19-year career. However, despite his success, McIlroy still lives in the shadow of Tiger Woods, who has even more top finishes and major titles. [sportskeeda.com]

During a golf content filming session, professional golfer Kevin Kisner accidentally hit college golfer Ashton Gaulin in the head with a golf ball while attempting a flop shot. Despite the initial shock, Gaulin was unharmed, and both players laughed off the incident. [golfmonthly.com]

Golfers Ernie Els and Steve Marino confirmed the legendary mid-flight brawl story. The incident occurred on a private jet after a tournament in Japan. Els and Marino, having consumed a lot of alcohol, began wrestling, leading to the pilots intervening. Despite the brawl, they became good friends and have taken flights together since. [golf.com]

Max Homa aims to climb the world rankings and win Majors in 2024 after a successful season and a high world ranking. He believes that last year's performance showed him the right path to continue his progress. Homa acknowledges the need to focus on the little things and improve incrementally. While he admits that winning Majors is a massive goal, he remains focused on playing well in upcoming tournaments. Homa also supports the idea of walk-and-talk interviews during tournaments, believing it brings fans closer to the sport. [sportskeeda.com]

Rory McIlroy is adjusting his preparation for the Masters in search of completing the career Grand Slam. After missing the cut in the 2023 Masters, he will be playing in the Valero Texas Open and adding more tournaments to his schedule leading up to Augusta National. McIlroy has had mixed performances at the Masters in the past, with one runner-up finish and several top 5 and top 10 finishes. He hopes to find a groove and contend for the Green Jacket this year. [sbnation.com]

Professional golfer Michael Kim, known for his entertaining social media content, humorously highlighted an oversight by the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open. Despite being an alumnus of Torrey Pines High School, Kim was left off the list of players with San Diego ties. Kim responded with good-natured humor, noting that if people remembered J.J. Spaun, they should remember him. He also shared a throwback photo of himself with Cameron Sisk, who had caddied for him years ago. [golf.com]

J.R Smith joins Golf Today from the PGA Show to discuss the transition from basketball to golf, Nick Dunlap's success as an amateur on the pro level and what he is looking forward to at the show. [nbcsports.com]

Sky Sports has extended its rights deal with the R&A to continue broadcasting live coverage of The Open and the AIG Women's Open until the end of 2028. The contract includes coverage of elite amateur events organized by the R&A and proceeds from the agreement will support the development of golf internationally. This extension builds on the longstanding partnership between Sky Sports and The R&A, which started in 2016. The first tournament covered by this new deal will be held at Royal Portrush in the following year. [sportspromedia.com]

J.Lindeberg has been announced as the official clothing partner for Team USA's golf teams for the 2024 and 2028 Summer Olympics. The collection, featuring vibrant red, white, and blue designs, combines functionality and style with innovative technology and enhanced performance. J.Lindeberg aims to push the boundaries of design and innovation with its audacious approach to sportswear, bridging tradition and technology. In addition to outfitting the golfers, J.Lindeberg will also release a line of USA-branded apparel. [pgatour.com]

LPGA golfer Lexi Thompson has surprised many by switching from Bridgestone to Maxfli as her ball sponsor. Maxfli, previously owned by TaylorMade and now owned by Dick's Sporting Goods, has released high-performing tour balls that have challenged its reputation. Thompson's partnership with Maxfli marks the first time a professional golfer has joined forces with the brand, indicating a serious commitment from Dick's. The impact of this change on Thompson's game remains to be seen. [golfcity.com]

Nick Dunlap, a college star, made history on the PGA Tour by becoming the first non-pro to win in 33 years. Despite his amateur status, Dunlap's victory at the American Express has drawn attention and speculation about his future. He has the opportunity to turn pro and compete in PGA Tour events, as well as potentially joining LIV Golf, a leading circuit in golf. Dunlap's win has increased his value in the game, and his decision on whether to turn pro or explore other options remains to be seen. [mirror.co.uk]

Leona Maguire, an Irish golfer, aims to carry her Solheim Cup form into the upcoming LPGA season as she pursues major championship victories and Olympic gold. After her success in the Solheim Cup, Maguire hopes to tap into that same mentality and aggression in individual tournaments. She also looks forward to representing Ireland in the Olympics and experiencing the camaraderie and team spirit of the event. Maguire plans to peak for the busy summer season, with a focus on the majors and maintaining consistency in her performance.

CBS Golf broadcasts in 2024 will feature noticeable changes, including the retirement of CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus, the appointment of David Berson as the new leader, the use of new production equipment, the return of walk-and-talk interviews, and the addition of new cameras for enhanced visual coverage. [golf.com]

Four golfers, including Tiger Woods, are among the top 10 highest paid athletes of all time, according to Sportico's list. Woods is second overall, earning $2.5 billion on and off the field, trailing behind Michael Jordan. Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus are also on the list, followed by Phil Mickelson. LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Floyd Mayweather, and Roger Federer complete the top 10. [golfcity.com]

The PGA Tour Champions and the Pro Football Hall of Fame are partnering to create a new golf tournament called the James Hardie Pro Football Hall of Fame Invitational. The event will debut in 2025 at The Old Course at Broken Sound Club in Boca Raton, Florida, featuring a field of 78 PGA Tour Champions players and 26 football icons competing for a purse of $2.2 million. The tournament aims to draw a different fan base and will benefit Habitat for Humanity International and youth golf program First Tee. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

DJ Khaled has been announced as the "cart commentator" for the ninth annual live golf competition, The Match. He will provide commentary while following the participants via golf cart. The event will feature a mix of pro women and men golfers competing against each other for charity. Viewers can watch The Match on TNT, truTV, HLN, and B/R Sports. DJ Khaled previously hosted his own charity golfing event, the We The Best Foundation Golf Classic, raising money for the WTB Foundation and other causes. [vibe.com]

Nick Dunlap, a 20-year-old amateur, made history by becoming the first amateur to win a PGA Tour event in over 30 years. His caddie's joke about his mom making the winning putt provided a moment of brevity before the crucial shot. The tournament also saw increased ratings for Golf Channel and Christiaan Bezuidenhout taking home the winner's paycheck due to Dunlap's amateur status. [golfcity.com]

Bailey Chamblee catches up with Super Bowl champion Reggie Bush and PGA Tour winner Smylie Kaufman to discuss how they became involved with Srixon and what they like about the brand. [nbcsports.com]

The PGA TOUR has seen notable stories unfold in the first three weeks of the season. Chris Kirk and Grayson Murray made comebacks from personal struggles to secure victories, while Nick Dunlap became the first amateur to win on TOUR since 1991. Justin Thomas is showing signs of a resurgence, Sahith Theegala continues to impress, and J.T. Poston is consistently finishing high. Christiaan Bezuidenhout is also making strides after a challenging 2023 season. These are the five stories to watch as the TOUR heads to Torrey Pines Golf Course for the Farmers Insurance Open. [pgatour.com]

Prize money in golf has drastically increased in recent years, with modern players earning more in a single season than legends like Jack Nicklaus did in their entire careers. The introduction of LIV Golf, PGA Tour signature events, and increases in Major championship and FedEx Cup prize pots have amplified the potential earnings of today's professionals. The average PGA Tour pro earned $3.6 million in the 2022-2023 season, surpassing the career earnings of players like Lee Trevino. LIV Golf's financial injection has further contributed to the rise in prize money, with top earners taking home staggering amounts. The trend of increasing earnings in professional golf shows no signs of slowing down. [golfmonthly.com]

According to reports, the final spot on the 2024 LIV Golf season is between Tyrrell Hatton and Wyndham Clark. Initially, it was believed that Clark was in negotiations, but Hatton's recent change of heart has put him back in advanced conversations. Both players have received formal and final offers from LIV Golf, and the one who signs first will secure the spot. [essentiallysports.com]

The upcoming installment of "The Match" will feature a mixed event with Rory McIlroy and Max Homa from the PGA Tour, and Lexi Thompson and Rose Zhang from the LPGA. This groundbreaking development promotes inclusivity in golf and will be held at The Park golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida on February 26th. The event aims to raise money to make the game more accessible for all and support the youth organization First Tee. [firstsportz.com]

Nick Dunlap, a sophomore at the University of Alabama, made history by becoming the first amateur to win a PGA Tour event in 33 years. Despite not winning prize money, Dunlap's NIL deals with adidas and TaylorMade allowed him and his sponsors to benefit from the television exposure and his win. This highlights the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness in college sports. [si.com]

Hailey Davidson, a transgender golfer, insists that she doesn't have an unfair advantage, stating that she has lost over 50 miles of swing speed. Despite controversy, Davidson compares her performance to her colleagues on the NXXT Women's Pro Tour, where she currently hits drives of about 250 yards. She leads the points list after winning the NXXT Women's Classic. [sportskeeda.com]

Rickie Fowler confirms his participation in the Cognizant Classic after parting ways with Farmers Insurance. Fowler, who had a successful track record in the Cognizant Classic, aims to bounce back after disappointing performances in recent tournaments. Fans are eager to see his performance in the upcoming event. [essentiallysports.com]

Tiger Woods' comeback to golf in February remains uncertain as he has not yet confirmed his appearance at the Genesis Invitational, despite previous plans to play in a single tournament per month. A tweet from a fan page suggests that Woods has not formally committed to the event, although it is assumed he will play. [essentiallysports.com]

Golf ball tracking technology has revolutionized how golfers analyze their shots and improve their performance. With real-time tracking of trajectory, speed, and spin, golfers can make adjustments and measure their progress over time. These apps also allow golfers to record and analyze video clips of their shots, providing valuable insights for improvement. Additionally, golf ball tracking apps offer GPS mapping and distance measurements for courses worldwide, aiding in decision-making on the course. And let's not forget the fun of sharing your worst shots with the world for a good laugh. [golf365.com]

LIV Golf, the new circuit reshaping the elite game of golf, is backed financially by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), one of the world's wealthiest sovereign wealth funds. The PIF, chaired by Mohammed bin Salman, owns 93% of LIV Golf. Greg Norman serves as the CEO of LIV Golf but insists that the organization is independent of the fund. The PIF's governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, played a key role in opening talks with the PGA Tour. LIV Golf has influenced the format of some PGA Tour events and has attracted high-profile players. [golfmonthly.com]

Nick Dunlap, a 20-year-old amateur golfer, made history by winning a PGA Tour event, becoming the first amateur to do so since 1991. Comparisons to Tiger Woods have emerged, highlighting Dunlap's achievements and records, including tying the lowest round by an amateur in PGA Tour history. While Dunlap's future remains uncertain, his success has garnered praise from sports personalities. [essentiallysports.com]

Brenda Lemky, a 68-year-old golfer, achieved the remarkable feat of scoring two holes-in-one and the same round at Indian Canyons Golf Resort's north course in Palm Springs. Lemky, who had never scored a hole-in-one before, accomplished this rare achievement on holes four and seven. The odds of an average golfer achieving two holes-in-oneandn the same round are about 67 million-to-one. Lemky's incredible accomplishment has garnered congratulations and she will receive engraved plaques to commemorate her achievement. [thepalmspringspost.com]

Eight-five-year-old Ted Crocker achieved the rare feat of hitting two hole-in-ones at the Heritage Ridge Golf Club in Hobe Sound, 23 years apart. His first hole-in-one was on the 11th hole, 120 yards, in 2001, and his second was on the 6th hole, 170 yards, on the same date. Crocker considers hitting a hole-in-one as icing on the cake and enjoys the game regardless of the outcome. [wptv.com]

Lifestyle and luggage brand Tumi has partnered with the LPGA and PGA Tour, becoming the official luggage for both organizations. Tumi's golf collection features high-performance golf bags with customizable patches, soft-touch padding, USB-C charging ports, and cooler pockets. The collection also includes lifestyle products such as a golf duffle and a golf cigar case. Tumi sees this collaboration as a step toward expanding its brand and reaching a wider audience in the golf industry. [golfdigest.com]

Titleist has unveiled their new line of AVX, Tour Soft, and TruFeel golf balls for 2024. Jeremy Stone, Vice President of Titleist Golf Ball Marketing, discusses how these balls can enhance players' performance. [nbcsports.com]

Cleveland Golf has introduced the RTX Full-Face 2 and Smart Sole Full-Face wedges. The RTX Full-Face 2 offers more control with extended grooves, HydraZip face technology, and ZipCore technology. The Smart Sole Full-Face wedges are designed to simplify the short game with an extra-wide, three-tiered sole and high contrast grooves for alignment. [golf.com]

Foresight Sports has unveiled the new QuadMAX launch monitor, which offers advanced features such as a touchscreen display, customizable on-screen data, internal memory for data storage, and additional performance data parameters. The QuadMAX also boasts improved battery life and a lighter weight. Pre-orders for the QuadMAX will be available in February. [golfbusinessnews.com]

Arccos has launched the Link Pro, a device that automatically tracks golf shots without a phone. It works in a golfer's pocket, has a wireless charging case, enhanced GPS, multi-mic configuration, and a pin set button. The device is precise, less intrusive, and always ready for the next round. Link Pro is compatible with iOS and Android devices and has been approved for use on the PGA Tour. Arccos has built the largest on-course dataset in golf and aims to leverage it to help players, coaches, and designers make smarter decisions based on real performance data. [golfshake.com]

Sustainable golf apparel brand Reflo has unveiled its Spring-Summer 2024 Collection, featuring versatile and performance-focused garments made from recycled polyester. The collection includes polo shirts, t-shirts, shorts, sweaters, and hoodies, designed for various sporting activities. Reflo's new 'Reloop' initiative allows customers to recycle their used garments, contributing to the brand's mission of becoming the most sustainable apparel brand in the world. The collection is available for purchase on Reflo's website. [golfshake.com]

The FootJoy Pro SLX has been upgraded for 2024, featuring a modern design and a game-changing traction system called the 'PWR TRAX System'. With a focus on stability, comfort, and performance, these shoes are set to impress golfers. Available in various colors and styles, the Pro SLX will be released on February 15, 2024. [bunkered.co.uk]

This document provides information about Bailey Chamblee breaking down 2024 golf shoes from Duca del Cosma and Ecco. The article is posted on NBC Sports and includes a disclaimer regarding the entertainment purposes of the site and the absence of gambling. [nbcsports.com]

Discover the best Callaway golf deals in January 2024, including discounts on cold weather golf gear, clubs, rangefinders, and more. Take advantage of end-of-season sales and clearance deals to save on premium Callaway products, such as the Callaway Golf 300 Pro Slope rangefinder, Callaway golf jackets and sweaters, and the Strata by Callaway complete men's golf club set. [cbssports.com]

Hermitage’s Kate Lanigan was the best of the Irish in the opening round of the 94th Portuguese International Ladies Amateur Championship at Penina. [irishgolfdesk.com]

Daniel Gavins is preparing to defend his title at the 2024 Ras Al Khaimah Championship. After a challenging season, he is hoping for a favorable outcome and has mixed feelings about his game. Gavins will tee off in the first round alongside Marcel Siem and Jorge Campillo. [sportskeeda.com]

Elvis Smylie, a talented Australian golfer, has made the difficult decision to leave his lifelong coach and join Ritchie Smith's camp in search of better performance. Smylie, who had been working with his previous coach since the age of eight, expressed respect and gratitude for their relationship. He hopes to maintain their close bond despite the coaching change. Smylie is looking to improve his game and achieve his first professional win, and he believes that joining Smith's camp will provide him with the necessary tools and structure. He is already making adjustments to his swing and focusing on injury prevention. Smylie plans to compete in the remaining events of the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia season and intends to travel to Europe later in the year to play on the Challenge Tour. [pga.org.au]

Canadian golfer Aaron Cockerill had a strong start to the DP World Tour season, finishing tied for fourth at the Dubai Desert Classic. His performance moved him up to ninth in the Race to Dubai rankings. Cockerill is optimistic about his position and plans to maintain disciplined practice habits throughout the season. [tsn.ca]

Former Air Force Academy golfer Kyle Westmoreland achieved a runner-up finish in the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic on the Korn Ferry Tour, marking his second consecutive top-5 finish of the season. Despite a two-stroke lead, Westmoreland finished two strokes behind the 19-year-old champion Aldrich Potgieter. His strong finish earned him $75,000. [coloradogolf.org]

Lydia Ko is on the verge of entering the LPGA Hall of Fame, and here are nine other players with a chance to follow her. These players include Jin Young Ko, Stacy Lewis, Ariya Jutanugarn, Brooke Henderson, Sei Young Kim, Lexi Thompson, Minjee Lee, Anna Nordqvist, and Nelly Korda, each with their own accomplishments and point totals towards Hall of Fame eligibility. [golfdigest.com]

Lydia Ko climbed three spots in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings after her victory at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions, moving from No. 12 to No. 9. This was her 20th career Tour title and she became the seventh woman in LPGA Tour history to reach 20 wins before age 27. Cheyenne Knight also climbed six spots to No. 56 after finishing tied for fourth at the tournament. The Race to the CME Globe standings saw Ko take the top spot with 500 points. [lpga.com]

Talor Gooch's addition to the Smash GC team, along with his strong performance in LIV Golf events, poses a challenge to Brooks Koepka as the No. 1 player. Koepka welcomes the competition and hopes that each member of the team strives to be the top performer. Gooch and Koepka have a mutual respect and are focused on team success rather than individual rankings. [livgolf.com]

Ian Poulter plans to use his old Titleist 906F2 fairway wood from 2006 in the upcoming LIV Golf League opener. Poulter expressed his love for the club and its past success, hoping to recreate those victories. The 906 fairway wood has a cult following among golfers, with Rory McIlroy and Henrik Stenson also using similar models in the past. [golfmonthly.com]

Actor and comedian Anthony Anderson joins the PGA of America as "Mack Weathers" in a feature that showcases the roles and responsibilities of PGA of America Golf Professionals. The engaging campaign aims to highlight the unsung heroes of the golfing community and includes hilarious and heartwarming interactions with Eric Lohman, PGA, the General Manager of Monarch Beach Golf Links. [pga.com]

Bad Birdie, a golf apparel company known for its flashy colors and distinctive patterns, has become a sponsor on the PGA Tour. They have signed Si Woo Kim, Callum Tarren, and Harrison Endycott to represent the brand. As golf fashion continues to evolve and reach a larger demographic, Bad Birdie is well positioned in the industry. [overtimeheroics.net]

7-year-old golfer Payton Roberts is making waves in the golfing world with her impressive skills and determination. Starting at a young age, Payton has already achieved first place in a competition and continues to practice and compete regularly. She has qualified for a world championship event and aspires to be the best golfer in the world. [fox13news.com]

The Arnold Palmer Golf Complex at Wake Forest University is a state-of-the-art practice facility for college golf. It includes the Haddock House, the Haas Family Range, and the Dianne Dailey Golf Learning Center. The complex features coaches' offices, locker rooms, meeting areas, and a Heritage Room showcasing the history of Wake Forest golf. It also has extensive practice areas with grass, chipping and putting greens, and bunkers. The Dianne Dailey Golf Learning Center is equipped with advanced technology for training. Overall, the Arnold Palmer Golf Complex provides excellent facilities for the men's and women's golf programs at Wake Forest University. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Nine current and future Stanford Cardinal have accepted invitations to the 2024 Augusta National Women's Amateur, marking the most invites in Stanford history. The event will take place from April 3-6 in Augusta, Georgia. The article provides details about the tournament, including the players who have been invited and the qualifications for invitation. [gostanford.com]

Katie Li, a freshman on Duke University's women's golf team, has successfully adjusted to college life and is setting herself up for a successful four years. Despite initial challenges, Li has grown in confidence and mental strength with the support of her teammates and coaches. She is focused on improving her mindset and technique, aiming to become one of the top amateur golfers in the country during her time at Duke. [goduke.com]

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) has completed the construction of the Vaqueros Golf Center, a state-of-the-art facility costing nearly $3 million. The center includes locker rooms, hitting bays, a study lounge, nutrition station, viewing area, and coaches' offices. This project is part of UTRGV Athletics' $85 million construction plan for all athletics facilities. The facility is a result of the partnership between UTRGV Athletics and the City of McAllen. Naming opportunities are available for various parts of the center. [goutrgv.com]

The use of rangefinders in professional golf has been a contentious issue, with their acceptability varying across tournaments and governing bodies. The devices were first permitted in 2013 at the USGA Women’s State Team and US Women’s Mid-Amateur. In 2019, The Rules of Golf were amended to allow rangefinders in a limited capacity, specifically for distance and direction information, but not for measuring elevation changes. However, the use of rangefinders is still at the discretion of a tournament’s organizing committee. The women’s professional game has been more accepting of rangefinders than the men's game, with the LET and LPGA Tour allowing their use in competition. The men’s professional game has been slower to embrace the technology, with the PGA Tour not allowing them in events, but permitting their use in practice rounds. [golfmonthly.com]

Announcing Curracloe Links, a new seaside golf course in Ireland adjacent to Curracloe Beach. Designed by Dana Fry and Jason Straka, the course is set to open in 2026. The development is part of the larger Ravenport Resort project, which includes a luxury hotel and aims to showcase the beauty of southeast Ireland. The course is expected to attract golfers from around the world with its unique design and stunning location. [irishgolfer.ie]

Shorecliffs Golf Club in San Clemente, California has unveiled its renovated golf course, clubhouse, and new restaurant and bar. The four-year renovation project includes improved tee boxes and fairways, added drainage, water features, and new landscaping. The 18-hole public course offers challenges for golfers of all skill levels and boasts tree-lined fairways, canyon vistas, and ocean views. The course, designed by Joe Williams and now managed by Troon, originally opened in 1964 and was a favorite of Richard Nixon. [golfcourseindustry.com]

Residents from the Trilogy community in La Quinta, California have voted in favor of purchasing and reopening the closed Coral Mountain Golf Course. The course, which had been subject to bankruptcy and foreclosure proceedings, will undergo upgrades and renovations before reopening later this year. The community plans to restore the course to its former glory when it hosted the PGA Skins Game from 2003 to 2006. The purchase and renovations will be funded through HOA fees and a special assessment for maintenance costs. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

To master tricky half-swing wedge shots in golf, focus on managing the length of your backswing, delivering speed to the ball, and ensuring clean contact in the club's center. A shorter backswing allows for a sense of freedom to accelerate through the shot. Additionally, try the "walk-through" finish by stepping toward the target with your back foot for better contact, lower trajectory, and shots that stop on a dime. [golf.com]

Rory McIlroy's coach, Brad Faxon, made a game-changing adjustment to his putting technique, which helped him secure a one-stroke victory at the Dubai Desert Classic. Faxon addressed McIlroy's struggle with putter head positioning and provided him with a TaylorMade Spider mallet putter to emphasize lower face contact. McIlroy acknowledged the improvement in his putting performance and aims to elevate his game in the 2024 season. [sportskeeda.com]

Before making a swing change in golf, it's important to have a plan for practice sessions, hit balls off-speed, maintain intense focus, and take practice swings with awareness of the desired feel. These tips, provided by golf instructor Tim Cooke, can help amateurs make swing changes efficiently and effectively. [golf.com]

Portugal is a hidden gem for European golfers, offering solid golf courses, great beaches, and affordable prices compared to Scotland or Ireland. The Lisbon area, particularly Estoril and Cascais, is recommended for its easy access to golf courses like Oitavos Dunes, Penha Longa, West Cliffs, Praia D'El Ray, and Royal Óbidos. For those willing to venture to the Algarve region, Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Tróia G.C., and Dunas Golf Course are worth considering. Portugal's beauty is attracting attention, with Americans investing in property in the area. [golfdigest.com]

This blog post highlights several Scottish links golf courses that can be played for under £100. The featured courses include Machrihanish Golf Club, Gullane No. 2, Brora Golf Club, Southerness Golf Club, Nairn Dunbar Golf Club, Irvine Golf Club, Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club, Kilspindie Golf Club, Golspie Golf Club, Peterhead Golf Club, Fortrose & Rosemarkie Golf Club, St Andrews Links Eden Course, Tain Golf Club, Askernish Golf Club, Moray Golf Club (New Course), Reay Golf Club, Craigielaw Golf Club, Wigtownshire County Golf Club, Troon Darley, Troon Lochgreen, Troon Fullarton, Dunaverty Golf Club, Shiskine Golf Club, Arbroath Golf Links, Newburgh-On-Ythan Golf Club, Inverallochy Golf Club, Balnagask Golf Course, Carnoustie Golf Links Burnside Course, Isle of Colonsay Golf Course, Durness Golf Club, Hopeman Golf Club, Kings Links Golf Course, Strathlene Golf Club, Winterfield Golf Club, Musselburgh Links The Old Golf Course. Each course is described briefly along with its location, Golfshake rating, and summer green fee. [golfshake.com]

According to a federal tax form, Donald Trump could claim up to $323 million in federal income-tax deductions for not building on one of his golf courses in Florida. This move to protect the Blue Monster golf course at Trump National Doral Golf Club could have helped lower his tax bill on the sale of his hotel in Washington in 2022. The transaction is Trump's largest known use of the conservation-easement tax break, and it could save him nearly $120 million in taxes. The deal involves donating the development rights for the golf course to the City of Doral, which restricts future building on the property. Trump has used conservation easements in the past for tax benefits. [wsj.com]

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