Planet Golf News - January 27, 2024

Stephan Jaeger maintains a one-stroke lead after three rounds of the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego. Despite slipping to 11-under 205, Jaeger remains on top after a shakeup on the 18th hole. France's Matthieu Pavon and Denmark's Nicolai Hojgaard are one shot behind, while Thomas Detry fell to fourth place after a double-bogey finish. Jaeger, currently ranked World No. 101, has a chance to qualify for the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am if he wins. [reuters.com]

The third round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines proved to be challenging, with the course showing its teeth. Stephan Jaeger holds a one-shot lead, but there are 26 players within five shots of the lead heading into the final round. The previous winners have come from behind, and the difficult course conditions make it anyone's game. Jaeger, with his first lead entering a final round on the PGA TOUR, hopes to hold on for the victory. [pgatour.com]

Stephan Jaeger leads the Farmers Insurance Open with a one-stroke advantage heading into the final round. The top nine players on the leaderboard are all seeking their first PGA Tour victory, making it a unique lineup. The South Course at Torrey Pines has proven challenging, with difficult rough and tricky greens. Jaeger, with his experience and recent mental work, is in a good position to secure his first major win. [golfdigest.com]

Tony Finau is four shots back heading into the final round of the 2024 Farmers Insurance Open. The leaderboard is tight, with only one shot separating the third-round leader Stephan Jaeger from the rest of the field. Several players, including Nicolai Hojgaard and Will Zalatoris, are within two shots of the lead and seeking their first PGA Tour victories. The final round can be watched on Golf Channel, CBS, Peacock, and ESPN+. [golf.com]

During the Farmers Insurance Open, Thomas Detry, a professional golfer from Belgium, made a decision to lay up on the 18th hole, but ended up hitting his ball into the water. Despite some good moments in his round, this mishit cost him a double-bogey and dropped him down the leaderboard. Detry expressed his disappointment but remained optimistic about facing adversity and learning from the experience. [golf.com]

Ludvig Aberg had a relatable yet humiliating moment during the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, where he four-putted from three feet, turning an easy birdie into a bogey. Despite this setback, Aberg has had a remarkable rise in the golf world since turning pro, with notable victories and a significant jump in the Official World Golf Ranking. [heavy.com]

The final round of the 2024 Farmers Insurance Open will be played at Torrey Pines South Course. Ludvig Aberg, Patrick Rodgers, Taylor Pendrith, and Matthieu Pavon are among the recommended DraftKings Showdown Player Selections for the event. [progolfnow.com]

San Diego-area golfers Xander Schauffele and Charley Hoffman, longtime friends and PGA Tour regulars, played together in the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open. Schauffele leaned on Hoffman for guidance when he first joined the Tour, and they have played numerous rounds together. Despite a challenging round, their friendship and mutual respect remain strong. [sandiegouniontribune.com]

Adrien Dumont de Chassart is a Belgian professional golfer who has shown great promise in his career. Starting from his success in amateur tournaments, he has now turned pro and made a strong debut on the Korn Ferry Tour, earning his PGA Tour card for the 2024 season. While his performance in PGA Tour-sanctioned tournaments has been mixed, he recently made his first career cut at the Farmers Insurance Open. [sportskeeda.com]

A host of relative unknowns spent Friday jockeying for position on Torrey Pines’ South Course, which played nearly 7,800 yards and felt even longer because it was softened and slowed by three inches of rain. [dailynews.com]

Stephan Jaeger takes a one-shot lead in the third round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines, while Thomas Detry drops two shots off the pace after a double bogey on the 18th hole. Jaeger, a German living in Tennessee, is at 11-under 205, with Matthieu Pavon and Nicolai Hojgaard close behind at 10-under. The tournament concludes on Saturday to avoid conflicting with the NFL's conference title games. [dallasnews.com]

CBS accidentally broadcasted a PGA Tour golfer peeing live on national television, causing a stir. This incident follows a previous near-miss of showing a golfer peeing on a tree in the background. Some suggest that the PGA Tour should address this issue, such as implementing port-a-johns on every hole. The video of the incident has circulated on social media, prompting jokes and reactions from viewers. [whiskeyriff.com]

Nelly Korda takes a two-shot lead at the LPGA Drive On Championship after shooting a 4-under 67, birdieing three of her final four holes. She is seeking her first LPGA Tour victory since 2022 and is at 10-under 132 through 36 holes. So Mi Lee is two shots back, while Lydia Ko is three shots behind. [washingtonpost.com]

Nelly Korda holds the lead in the 2024 LPGA Drive On Championship. The tournament can be watched on Golf Channel and NBC, with a live stream available on Fubo. Tee times and notable pairings are also provided. [wmbfnews.com]

After a three-month hiatus, Mel Reid has made a comeback on the LPGA Tour. The English golfer, who became a mother during her break, initially had no plans to return to the greens. However, she decided to participate in the LPGA Drive-On Championship after her coach encouraged her. Despite the short notice, Reid performed well in the tournament, showcasing her ability to balance her personal and professional life. [essentiallysports.com]

The PGA Tour is nearing an investment deal with the Strategic Sports Group, a U.S.-based partner, to fund its new for-profit entity, PGA Tour Enterprises. The Strategic Sports Group will provide an investment of less than the initially reported $3 billion. The PGA Tour is also in talks with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, and if a merger occurs with LIV Golf and DP World Tour, the Strategic Sports Group will remain a minority owner. [yardbarker.com]

Rory McIlroy, the world No. 2 golfer, has committed to the Cognizant Classic, formerly known as the Honda Classic. McIlroy, who last played in the tournament in 2018, expressed excitement about returning to a tournament where he has had success before. The event, held at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, has not featured a top-ranked golfer in nearly a decade. McIlroy's commitment, along with fellow golfer Rickie Fowler, is expected to boost the field. Cognizant signed a six-year deal as the new title sponsor, and the event is now managed by the PGA Tour's Championship Management division. McIlroy's victory at the Dubai Desert Classic adds to his impressive career record, including four majors and 24 tour victories. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Viktor Hovland dismisses LIV Golf rumors and commits to the PGA Tour by participating in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Other players like Wyndham Clark and Tyrell Hatton also join the field. Hovland expresses frustration with the current situation and criticizes both LIV Golf and the Tour management. [essentiallysports.com]

Tyrrell Hatton's move to LIV Golf is expected to have implications for Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, as Hatton currently occupies a spot on their TGL roster. The Englishman is set to join LIV Golf, potentially leaving a gap in the TGL lineup. This comes after Jon Rahm also made the switch to LIV Golf. Hatton's decision may come as a surprise, as he previously seemed to rule out the move. Other European players, such as Adrian Meronk, are also reported to have joined LIV Golf for the current season. [mirror.co.uk]

Xander Schauffele has expressed that he doesn't plan on playing for the PGA Tour forever and hasn't ruled out a potential move to LIV Golf in the future. He has criticized the PGA Tour's leadership and expressed a lack of trust in their decision-making. Schauffele's comments suggest a possible switch in the future, but negotiations for a framework agreement between the two circuits are ongoing. [thesportsrush.com]

Anthony Kim, a former golf star who walked away from the game due to injuries, is reportedly planning a comeback. He has been in talks with PGA Tour officials about returning and has also reached out to LIV Golf for a potential deal. Kim could return to the PGA Tour immediately with his past champion status, while LIV Golf has offered him a one-year deal with a spot in all of their 2024 events. The decision on where he will play has generated interest among golf fans. [golfmagic.com]

Anthony Kim will not be joining Greg Norman's LIV Golf squad, despite rumors of his comeback. Negotiations with the PGA Tour and LIV Golf revealed that Kim will be returning to the PGA Tour instead, possibly due to the advantages and legacy protection that being a previous champion on the tour offers. His recent score of 62 indicates that he still has the skills to shine in the golf world. [essentiallysports.com]

Anthony Kim is planning a return to professional golf, but there is a catch. He had taken out a $10 million insurance policy during his playing days, which would be voided if he returns. However, both the PGA Tour and LIV Golf could easily make up that money through endorsements and sponsor relationships. Talks with LIV Golf have reportedly stalled, but Kim could immediately return to the PGA Tour through past champion exemptions. Fans are excited about his potential comeback, as Kim was a rising star before he disappeared from the golfing world in 2012. [sbnation.com]

CBS Sports is undergoing a major change in its golf coverage, with longtime chairman Sean McManus retiring and David Berson taking over. McManus, who has been with CBS for 28 years, has played a significant role in the network's sports broadcasts, including negotiating big rights deals for the NFL, NCAA, and PGA Tour. The network is also implementing new technology, including ultra-high-definition visuals and a 4k bunker camera. Jim Nantz, who has been hosting the Masters since 1998, expressed gratitude for McManus's contributions to CBS Golf. [the-sun.com]

Bob Stricker, the father of professional golfer Steve Stricker, has passed away at the age of 86. Bob introduced his sons to golf and watched Steve become a successful golfer, winning multiple championships and becoming a Ryder Cup captain. He was known for instilling values of kindness and hard work in his children. Bob Stricker was also an accomplished golfer himself and played a role in his son's upbringing and success. He will be deeply missed. [wisconsin.golf]

Ernie Els, a legendary golfer, reflects on his near-misses in major championships and discusses his career highlights. Despite winning two Open Championships and two US Opens, Els recalls moments where he could have achieved even more, such as the 1995 PGA Championship and the 2004 Masters. He also discusses the significance of his major victories, particularly the 1994 US Open, which had a profound impact on his career. [golfmonthly.com]

Professional golfer Paula Creamer is balancing motherhood and her career on the LPGA Tour. Despite facing challenges, Creamer is determined to work harder and climb back up the rankings. After a period of injuries and maternity leave, she is focused on regaining her form and competing at a high level. Creamer acknowledges the difficulty of playing poorly but remains motivated to prove herself and be a role model for her daughter. She has made physical and technical changes to her game to compete against younger players and is determined to win. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

PGA Tour pro Rickie Fowler reveals a never-before-told story of being an Uber driver during his college days, where he would drive his friends around campus. Despite recent sponsorship issues, Fowler remains cheerful and cherishes the memories of his time as a designated driver. [essentiallysports.com]

A recently discovered golf clinic video featuring Tiger Woods and Anthony Kim showcases their contrasting playing styles and provides valuable insights. Woods emphasizes specific routines and distances, while Kim's approach is more intuitive and variable. Additionally, there are reports of Anthony Kim contemplating a return to professional golf after setbacks due to injuries a decade ago. [firstsportz.com]

DP World Tour pro Pablo Larrazabal was mocked after falling for a parody account's claim that Justin Thomas took a dig at Patrick Reed. Larrazabal responded, defending Adrian Meronk and suggesting Thomas never played with him. Golf fans quickly pointed out that Larrazabal was responding to a fake statement. [golfmagic.com]

Charles Howell III praises the transfer system in LIV Golf, stating that it is good for the game. He discusses the recent trades and expresses his surprise at some players' moves. Howell also mentions the positive experience of playing with Crushers GC for the third consecutive year. He highlights the team's success in the 2023 season and shares his own performance results. [sportskeeda.com]

Michael Phelps expresses excitement over Anthony Kim's potential return to professional golf after a decade-long break. Phelps, a golf enthusiast himself, eagerly awaits Kim's comeback and shares his enthusiasm on Instagram. Kim, a three-time winner of the PGA Tour, is planning his return to professional tournaments in the spring after undergoing surgeries and physical therapy. Phelps, known for his swimming prowess, has also ventured into golf and enjoys the competitive nature of the sport. [sportskeeda.com]

PGA Tour fans were shocked by a clip of golf phenom Ludvig Aberg three-putting from three feet during the Farmers Insurance Open. Despite making the cut, Aberg has struggled with his putting and approaches to the green. The incident occurred on the par-5 13th hole, where Aberg missed a birdie putt from 2ft and 9ins, prompting gasps from the gallery. Aberg finished the day with a level par 72, eight strokes behind the 36-hole leader. [golfmagic.com]

Tiger Woods's split with Nike has been revealed to be due to a mental shift where he no longer felt that Nike shoes were right for him. Former brand marketing director, Jordan Rogers, disclosed this insider information, stating that Woods found a FootJoy shoe that felt better for him. Despite Nike's efforts, they were unable to change Woods's mind. The differences in personalities between Woods and Michael Jordan, as well as the impact of Woods's personal life issues, also played a role in the collapse of the Nike deal. [essentiallysports.com]

Daniel Berger, after a 19-month hiatus due to injury, made a successful return to the PGA Tour with a T39 finish at The American Express. Steve Marino shared a hilarious story about teenage Berger challenging him to a money game and fleeing when he lost, only to have Marino find his iPod Touch and use it as collateral to get his money back. [golf.com]

Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs tight end, joined Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon at the 8AM Golf Invitational at the Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas. After a successful shot by Fallon, Kelce playfully tackled Timberlake, creating a hilarious moment. Timberlake jokingly mentioned that he couldn't move his neck for a week after the tackle. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Nick Dunlap's Alabama family joins him on the PGA TOUR as he formally turns pro and accepts PGA TOUR membership. Despite his success as an amateur, Dunlap's decision to turn pro was influenced by his desire to support and be with his teammates. His teammates showed unwavering support and expressed their commitment to stand by him in his professional journey. Dunlap's story highlights his dedication to doing the right thing and his love for his Alabama family. [pgatour.com]

Twenty-year-old Nick Dunlap, a former University of Alabama golfer, made history by becoming the first amateur to win an event on the PGA Tour. Retired Alabama head coach Nick Saban praised Dunlap's composure and believes he has what it takes to succeed in professional golf. Dunlap's decision to turn pro means he will not lead the Crimson Tide golf team to a potential SEC title and national championship. With previous victories in the US Junior Amateur and US Amateur championships, Dunlap has proven himself as a talented golfer. If Saban's endorsement holds true, Dunlap has the potential to compete with the best golfers in the world. [sportskeeda.com]

Jordan Spieth recalls his best-ever shot during the 2017 Open Championship's final round, which came after an inspirational restroom talk with himself. Despite a chaotic previous hole, Spieth regained his confidence and went on to win the tournament. This story highlights the importance of mindset and staying focused in golf. [golf.com]

Manuel Elvira and Rasmus Hojgaard are tied for the lead at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship after shooting impressive rounds of 10-under 62 and 64, respectively. Elvira had a strong start with six birdies and an eagle, while Hojgaard maintained consistency. They hold a one-stroke lead over Callum Shinkwin and Thorbjorn Olesen. Zander Lombard is one shot behind. This tournament is the third consecutive European tour event held in the United Arab Emirates. [newsday.com]

The 2024 Ras al Khaimah Championship has a purse of $2.5 million, with the winner's share at $425,000. The tournament offers Race to Dubai points, OWGR points, exemptions, and a two-plus season exemption on the European Tour. The top eight players in the Race to Dubai standings will be paid from the bonus pool of $6 million. The prize money payout for the tournament is listed in the document. [thegolfnewsnet.com]

The Torrey Pines North Course will host the APGA Tour Farmers Insurance Invitational, featuring an 18-player field playing a 36-hole tournament. This event is the first on the APGA Tour's 2024 schedule and will have live coverage on Golf Channel. The total purse is $100,000, with $30,000 going to the winner. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Tom McKibbin made a strong comeback in the Ras Al Khaimah Championship with five birdies in his last ten holes, securing a spot in the top-30. Padraig Harrington also had a good day, shooting a five-under 67. Rasmus Hojgaard and Manuel Elvira are currently leading the tournament. [irishgolfer.ie]

Nicolas Colsaerts has overcome a period of "toxic" self-criticism and believes he has turned a corner in his mindset. After working in television commentary, he is back on the course and in good spirits, surging into contention at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship. Colsaerts has learned the valuable lesson that being self-critical is toxic and has gained a new perspective on his game. [irishgolfer.ie]

Ireland secured their place in the Championship match at the Men's Octagonal tournament in Spain by defeating the Netherlands with a 6.2-2.5 victory. They will now face Italy in the final after a strong afternoon singles session and impressive performances from players like Jack Hearn and Sean Keeling. [irishgolfer.ie]

Annabel Wilson continues to climb the leaderboard in Portugal at the 94th Portuguese Ladies Amateur, currently in seventh place. She shot a third-round 71, putting her at six-under-par. The leader, Helen Briem of Germany, holds an eight-shot lead going into the final round. [irishgolfer.ie]

Wyndham Clark's decision to play in the PGA Tour event at the same time as the start of the LIV Golf season suggests that Jon Rahm will not be joined by Clark in the Saudi-backed league. This news comes after speculation about Clark potentially defecting to Rahm's team. [essentiallysports.com]

The DP World Tour has maintained its position as one of the most tech-forward global organizations in the 2023 Sports Technology Power List, ranking fourth for the second year in a row. The recognition was awarded for advancements in data and technology during the Ryder Cup, including the launch of Outcome IQ and an integrated private 5G and Wi-Fi network. Red Bull Racing claimed the top spot on the list. [essentiallysports.com]

Keith Pelley, the outgoing CEO of the European Tour, is under scrutiny for rejecting a proposal from PIF officials three years ago. The proposal included future investment plans and the creation of global events within the DP World Tour and Asian Tour International series. Despite potential benefits, Pelley rejected the proposal due to concerns about equity stakes and the ongoing strategic alliance with the PGA Tour. This decision has drawn criticism from players and veterans, who fear the European Tour will be reduced to a secondary tour. [essentiallysports.com]

Despite mass layoffs at Sports Illustrated, the Sports Illustrated Invitational golf tournament, organized by Authentic Brands Group (ABG) and ENTER, is still scheduled to take place in Las Vegas on February 8. ABG, which purchased Sports Illustrated from Meredith, revoked the license for publishing the magazine from Arena Group after a missed payment, leading to major job cuts. The event will feature celebrity guests and an after-party at Hakkasan Nightclub. [variety.com]

Golf Saudi has threatened to withdraw sponsorship from LET events over the proposed merger with the LPGA Tour. They requested additional information on the negotiation and conditioned their $10 million investment in the 2024 season on it. Golf Saudi's influence comes from being under the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and their investments in the LET, including the Aramco Saudi Ladies International and Aramco Team Series. [sportskeeda.com]

PGA Tour broadcasts are exploring new entertainment innovations after the success of the walk-and-talk segment. Players like Max Homa have embraced the idea of providing insights and commentary while playing, enhancing the viewer experience. The next steps could include players wearing mics for an entire round or involving caddies in the action. NBC is also experimenting with a rotating cast of voices in the commentary booth. The goal is to modernize and engage the growing fan base by stepping out of comfort zones and being creative. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Click to see the entire PGA Tour Schedule for 2024 including the Previous winners and Purse.

Click to see the entire LIV Tour Schedule for 2024 including the Previous winners and Purse.

Click to see the entire LPGA Tour Schedule for 2024 including the Previous winners and Purse.