The PGA Tour has taken a bold step to address months-old criticism of poor coverage during golf tournaments. In response to fan backlash, the inaugural event of the 2024 PGA Tour schedule, The Sentry, will have reduced commercial breaks, with no breaks at all during the final round. This change was made possible by Callaway, the presenting partner, choosing not to broadcast commercials. The move is expected to increase viewership and improve the overall viewing experience for golf fans. [essentiallysports.com]

Phil Mickelson supports Rory McIlroy and urges fans not to criticize him for his recent comments about LIV Golf. Mickelson believes it's time to let go of hostilities and work towards a positive future. The pending merger deal between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, is still uncertain. [foxnews.com]

Spanish golfer Adri Arnaus has committed to playing in the DP World Tour's opening two events of 2024, despite rumors linking him to join Jon Rahm's LIV Golf team. Rahm, who recently signed a £450 million deal with LIV Golf, has yet to announce his four-man team for the breakaway circuit. While Rahm remains a DP World Tour member, several other LIV players, including Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia, have opted to hand in their Tour memberships due to potential fines and suspensions for competing in Saudi league events. [mirror.co.uk]

Phil Mickelson sees a positive future between PGA Tour and LIV Golf players, with Jon Rahm's move to LIV helping to bring the sides together. Mickelson urges for a positive future and letting go of hostilities. The merger between PGA Tour and LIV is still in progress, with potential alternative revenue streams being explored. Rory McIlroy reassesses his thoughts on the tensions and acknowledges that not everyone is in his position. He criticizes players who talked negatively about the PGA Tour on their way out and highlights flaws in the system regarding sponsorship and player commitments. [reuters.com]

Mackenzie Hughes expresses frustration with Jon Rahm's defection to LIV Golf, stating that it's disappointing and all about money. He criticizes the PGA Tour for doubling purses without improving the product and leaving players in the dark. Hughes believes that golf has become a circus and hopes for the sport to come together again. [sbnation.com]

Scottie Scheffler has signed a multi-year extension with TaylorMade Golf, citing his trust in the company and their equipment. Scheffler, currently ranked first in the Official World Golf Ranking, has had a successful partnership with TaylorMade, winning multiple tournaments including The Masters and THE PLAYERS Championship. TaylorMade CEO and President, David Abeles, expressed excitement about Scheffler's decision to continue with the company. [pgatour.com]

Viktor Hovland, a PGA Tour pro, has parted ways with his swing coach Joe Mayo ahead of The Sentry tournament. Hovland had worked with Mayo to improve his short game mechanics, resulting in significant improvements in strokes gained around the greens. This separation comes as a surprise, considering Hovland's recent success and his status as one of the top players in the world. [sbnation.com]

Collin Morikawa has expressed his frustration with receiving email updates from the PGA Tour regarding the agreement with LIV Golf's backers. He believes the emails are filled with empty information and hopes that deals can be made so that everyone can get back to playing golf. Morikawa's comments align with other players who desire the uncertainty in men's professional golf to be resolved. [golfmagic.com]

The debate for the PGA Tour Player of the Year award centers around Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler. While Rahm won four times, including the Masters, Scheffler's consistency earned him the award for the second consecutive year. Pros have different opinions on who deserves the award, with some emphasizing wins and others considering factors like scoring average. Ultimately, Scheffler received 38% of the votes. [bunkered.co.uk]

Sahith Theegala leads The Sentry with a 9-under 64, making six straight birdies on the back nine. Collin Morikawa and four others are one shot behind at 65. The tournament began with a ceremony and emotional opening tee shot by Morikawa, who has a strong connection to Maui. The Plantation Course had favorable conditions, resulting in many players shooting low scores. [pgatour.com]

The 2024 Sentry continues with the second round at Kapalua’s Plantation Course in Maui. Rickie Fowler, Max Homa, and Ludvig Åberg are grouped together for the final tee time at 4:39 p.m. ET. The complete tee times for the second round can be found in the document. [golf.com]

Collin Morikawa had a positive start to the 2024 PGA TOUR season by winning The Sentry tournament in Kapalua, Hawaii. Morikawa, who has a close connection to the nearby community of Lahaina, donated money to Maui relief for each birdie and eagle he made during the tournament. His strong performance and emotional connection to the event made it a meaningful start to the new year for him. [pgatour.com]

NBC and Callaway have renewed their commercial-free partnership for the season-opening PGA Tour event, The Sentry. During the final hour of Sunday's coverage on Golf Channel, viewers will enjoy ad-free TV coverage, thanks to Callaway's promotion of its new line of Chrome Tour golf balls. While commercial-free time is a welcome break for golf fans, the long-term feasibility and cost implications remain uncertain. However, other major golf events like The Masters, US Open, and Open Championships also offer limited commercial interruptions. [biz.crast.net]

The prize money payout for each golfer at the 2024 Sentry tournament is as follows: the winner receives $3.6 million, the runner-up receives $2.16 million, and the payouts decrease incrementally for each subsequent position in the field. [golfdigest.com]

Rory McIlroy expressed his concern about golf being inaccessible in many countries and emphasized the need to introduce the sport to the younger generation. He believes that making golf more accessible and less intimidating, such as through the use of new instruments like top golf, is crucial for generating interest and ensuring the sport's growth. [essentiallysports.com]

Eric Cole, a PGA Tour pro, recently got married to his long-time girlfriend, Stephanie Williams. Stephanie values her privacy and prefers to live a simple and quiet life away from the spotlight. The couple got engaged in February 2023 in a romantic proposal at Pebble Beach. They tied the knot in December 2023 in a lavish ceremony attended by celebrities and golf legends. They have shared their love story and wedding details on their wedding website. Eric Cole was also announced as the 'Rookie of the Year' in the same year. [essentiallysports.com]

Tiger Woods holds the record for the most Player of the Year awards won by a PGA Tour golfer, with a total of eleven. He won the award in 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2013. While Woods is the leader on the list, he has not won the award since 2013. Other notable winners include Tom Watson with six awards, Jack Nicklaus with five, and Ben Hogan with four. [essentiallysports.com]

Jersey Jerry, a member of Barstool Sports, successfully made a hole-in-one on the iconic seventh hole at Pebble Beach after 36 hours and over 2,600 attempts. The challenge was live-streamed on YouTube and attracted a large audience. High-profile sporting figures, including Brooks Koepka and Tom Brady, showed their support for Jerry during the ordeal. [golfmonthly.com]

Ludvig Aberg, a rising golf star, pays only $400 per month in rent thanks to his lenient landlord, fellow PGA Tour winner Vincent Norrman. Aberg revealed this during a podcast, highlighting the great deal he has and the additional perks of living with Norrman. With his low living costs, Aberg can save up money while pursuing his golf career. [golfdigest.com]

Rory McIlroy's comments on LIV Golf have sparked reactions from Brooks Koepka and his wife Jena Sims, with subtle digs at McIlroy's change of stance. McIlroy softened his criticism of LIV Golf, acknowledging that not everyone is in his position. Koepka responded with a GIF of Kermit the Frog drinking tea, while Sims reposted the quotes with the caption 'New Year, New Rory'. Phil Mickelson urged for a positive future and bridging the divide between the sides. [talksports.com]

Scottie Scheffler opens up about his crushing defeat with Brooks Koepka at the 2023 Ryder Cup, admitting they played really bad and had a bad start that spiraled out of control. Despite a phenomenal season, they were outplayed by the European duo of Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland. Scheffler reflects on the defeat and the emotions surrounding it, but is now focused on starting his season at the Sentry Tournament. [essentiallysports.com]

Rory McIlroy describes his close bond with Tiger Woods, stating that Woods sees him as a "little brother" and has been influential in his career. McIlroy also discusses their upcoming tech-based league, the TGL, which aims to replace the NFL's Monday night slot and will feature indoor arena play with interactive technology. The league's inaugural season has been postponed to 2025. [thesportsrush.com]

Indian cricket legend Kapil Dev reveals why cricketers love playing golf, citing the greenery, beautiful landscapes, tranquility, and the ability to play regardless of age. He was inspired by Garry Sobers, the iconic West Indies cricketer, and started playing golf after retiring from cricket. Kapil is impressed by the golf courses in Dubai and expresses admiration for the UAE's vision in developing golf in the region. [khaleejtimes.com]

Professional golfer Patrick Cantlay shares a humbling experience after visiting Tiger Woods' house, where he saw the numerous trophies Woods had won. Cantlay was inspired by the display and realized he had a lot of work to do to catch up. Visiting Woods' house seems to leave a lasting impression on fellow golfers. [golf.com]

Professional golfer Pat Perez is divorcing his wife Ashley, who made headlines for her comments against Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods. The couple filed for divorce in November, and both have removed pictures from their social media platforms. Pat, with a net worth of $13 million, is currently ranked 795th in the Official World Golf Rankings. [mirror.co.uk]

Scottie Scheffler has been named the PGA Tour Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, joining Tiger Woods in achieving this feat. He also won the Byron Nelson Award for the lowest-scoring average. Eric Cole was named Rookie of the Year. There was some controversy surrounding the vote, as Jon Rahm was initially voted as the Player of the Year by the Golf Writers Association of America. [sbnation.com]

Kevin Kisner, a four-time PGA Tour winner, is set to join NBC Sports as a lead analyst during the PGA Tour's first event of 2024. Kisner's temporary role comes after Paul Azinger's split from NBC, and he will also be a guest analyst for Golf Channel. In an interview, Kisner expressed his excitement for the opportunity and his intention to bring a personal touch to his commentary. He also discussed his career intentions, his game feeling better after an extended break, and various developments in the golf world, including LIV Golf and team golf. [si.com]

Geoff Cooke had an impressive win in golf, scoring 40 points in the A grade category. Damian Bourke and Dylan Thompson took the minor placings with 40 and 39 points respectively. [westernadvocate.com]

The new year on the PGA Tour feels similar to the previous one, with concerns about a fractured landscape, increasing money that still seems insufficient, and the looming presence of LIV Golf. Players like Mackenzie Hughes and Patrick Cantlay long for the "good old days" when the focus was solely on golf. They express concerns about the circus-like atmosphere and the perception that players are more concerned about money than the love of the game. While opinions differ on how to fix the situation, the hope is for a smoother path forward, even though it may be messy before it improves. [riverbender.com]

Denny Shute, a professional golfer from Northern Ohio, had a remarkable career in the 1930s, winning three major championships, participating in three Ryder Cup competitions, and winning a total of 16 PGA Tour tournaments. Despite his accomplishments, Shute remained quiet and reserved throughout his life. He was inducted into multiple golf halls of fame and is now honored with the Denny Shute Match Play Championship by the Northern Ohio PGA. [northernohio.golf]

Here’s a discussion on the aftermath of the 2023 Maui wildfires and the impact on the town of Lahaina. Despite the devastation, a professional golf tournament, The Sentry, is being played in Kapalua to bring hope and raise awareness. The tournament serves as a relief fund, with donations and fundraising efforts for recovery. Highlights include the importance of the tournament in providing a sense of normalcy and rallying the community together. While acknowledging the challenges and sensitivities, the tour aims to use golf as a force for good and bring people together in difficult times. [golfdigest.com]

A good 'content guy' is hard to find - and, as this video has fun pointing out, some are just a waste of time. [golf365]

MacKenzie Hughes, a Canadian golfer, relies on Ping equipment for his game. His bag includes a Ping G425 LST driver for confidence and tight dispersion, a Ping G430 Max fairway wood for forgiveness and easy launch, and Ping i210 irons for versatility and control. He carries three Ping Glide 2.0 Stealth wedges and uses a Ping Scottsdale TR putter. Hughes trusts the Titleist Pro V1x golf ball for distance and spin. [essentiallysports.com]

Spotting the golfer in the office can be easy due to their strong obsession with the sport and their inability to focus on mundane tasks. Becoming a golfer is accessible and there are resources such as Pro Shops and coaches available to help improve skills. [golf365.com]

The Heart of a Lion Amateur Golf Tour, backed by John Daly, is coming to Myrtle Beach. The tour aims to benefit charities that assist children, veterans, and first responders through the John Daly - Major Ed Heart of Lion Foundation. The tour has undergone a rebranding and will be led by founder Mike Raushenberger and Myrtle Beach chapter owner/director Dalton Mitchell. [myhorrynews.com]

Brandel Chamblee explains how Jordan Spieth's swing has changed from 2015 to 2023, calling it "baffling" and citing it as a key reason for his most recent stretch of performances. [nbcsports.com]

Wilson has released new golf equipment for 2024, including the updated Wilson Staff Model golf balls. The balls now come in two versions, the standard Staff Model and the firmer Staff Model X, both designed for low spin off the tee and high spin around the greens. The Staff Model X is the firmest ball in Wilson's lineup and provides added height on approach shots. Tour players like Brendan Steele and John Augenstein have already put the ball in play, praising its performance. The new Staff Model balls will be available in white and yellow colors starting January 12 at $55 a dozen. [golfdigest.com]

Orca Golf, known for their custom golf bags, has partnered with artist Guy Harvey to create a new line of bags featuring his artwork. The bags prominently display fish and marine life, adding a unique touch to the golfing experience. Orca Golf's founders, Deb and Erica Bennett, met Harvey by chance at a promotion for his book and the collaboration was born. [si.com]

Inrange Golf® has launched a new practice challenge called "Tee to Green" aimed at testing golfers' course management skills. The challenge applies a range practice handicap algorithm to simulate on-course pressure and adjusts the target area based on the player's skill level. The gamification of approach shots and the inclusion of leaderboards and scoring make it engaging for golfers of all skill levels. Inrange Golf® will showcase Tee to Green at the Orlando PGA Show in January. [thegolfwire.com]

The XINPOINT Golf Practice Net is a durable and large-sized net designed for golf practice. It offers a 10 x 7ft hitting area with multiple targets, making it suitable for golfers of all skill levels. The net is easy to assemble and comes with a complete package including a golf hitting mat and carry bag. Improve your golf skills from the comfort of your own home with this high-quality product. [g3.football]

PUMA Golf has collaborated with local artist Wailani Artates to design a limited edition "L" golf cap inspired by Lahainaluna High School's iconic "L" on the hill. The cap features designs representing the ulu or breadfruit tree, a symbol of Lahaina, and a silhouette of the Hawaiian goddess "Kihawahine." Proceeds from cap sales and donations go towards supporting the recovery efforts in West Maui, with professional golfer Rickie Fowler wearing the cap during The Sentry golf tournament. [mauinow.com]

PGA TOUR Live Leaderboard 2024 The Sentry, Kapalua, Maui - Golf Scores and Results

Haley Bookholdt is using social media to connect female golfers of all ages and backgrounds. Through her content, she aims to inspire and motivate women to play golf and create a supportive community. Bookholdt has also established the "Golf Girl Network" on Facebook, providing a safe space for female golfers to connect, network, and share their experiences. Her goal is to continue growing the game and making it more accessible for women. [njsga.org]

The LPGA Tour is hosting the 2024 LPGA Drive On Championship in Bradenton, featuring notable players such as Nelly Korda, Ariya Jutanugarn, Lydia Ko, Stacy Lewis, and Ruoning Yin. Korda, an Olympic gold medalist, and Yin, currently ranked No. 2 in the world, are former world No. 1 players. The event will take place from January 25-28 at Bradenton Country Club. [bradenton.com]

Gabriela Ruffels is highlighted as one of the 12 LPGA rookies to watch in 2024. The rookie class represents 12 countries and includes players like Trichat Cheenglab, Alexandra Forsterling, Nataliya Guseva, Jin Hee Im, Mone Inami, So Mi Lee, Natasha Andrea Oon, Mao Saigo, Yu Jin Sung, Yuri Yoshida, and Liqi Zeng. Each player has their own achievements and potential to make an impact in the LPGA. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Nelly Korda and Megan Khang entertained fans with a fun game called the Headphone challenge. The two LPGA pros showcased their chemistry and impressed fans with their answers to questions. Fans found their interactions hilarious and expressed a desire for more games like this. [essentiallysports.com]

In a video shared on Whiskey Riff, a young kid playing mini golf learns the hard way that golf can be a cruel and unforgiving sport. After a perfectly executed shot that should have resulted in a tie with his older brother, the ball bounces out of the shallow cup, leading to a temper tantrum and an expletive-filled outburst. The relatable reaction garnered humorous responses from fellow golfers. [whiskeyriff.com]

The Jones Cup Invitational features a strong field of top amateur golfers, with UNC's David Ford winning the tournament. The event is significant as it offers the opportunity to earn a spot in the 2024 RSM Classic. [thebrunswicknews.com]

Mac Quinn, a former S-GI golfing star, has committed to attending Le Moyne College's Division 1 golf program. Quinn's decision was influenced by his positive experience meeting with Coach Tesori and his plans to major in finance and marketing. Le Moyne is excited to have Quinn join their team and believes he is a perfect fit for their culture. Quinn has achieved impressive results in various golf competitions and holds a competitive stroke average. [springvillejournal.com]

UNCW's Walker Isley and Victoria Levy participated in the 2023 Patriot All-America Invitational, a golf tournament honoring military heroes. Isley made his second appearance while Levy debuted at the event. The golfers had the opportunity to visit Luke Air Force Base and the tournament's beneficiary was the Folds of Honor Foundation. Levy sponsored Staff Sergeant Donald C. May, Jr., while Isley represented Police Officer Bryan J. Durman. Isley finished T-49 in the men's division, and Levy finished T-53 in the women's division. [uncwsports.com]

PXG is offering free biweekly golf clinics www.springvillejournal.com/articles/quinn-commits-to-division-1-le-moyne-college-golf-programat their retail stores, with the first session focusing on drivers. Join every other Thursday from 5-6pm to receive tips from a local golf pro. Register at the provided link. [patch.com]

This article highlights the best golf courses designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, including Kapalua: Plantation, Clear Creek Tahoe, Streamsong Resort: Red, Sand Valley Golf Resort: Sand Valley, Bandon Dunes Golf Resort: Sheep Ranch, Colorado Golf Club, Bandon Trails, Old Sandwich Golf Club, Cabot Cliffs, Friar's Head Golf Club, and Sand Hills Golf Club. [golfdigest.com]

In 2024, a total of 24 brand-new golf courses are expected to open, including notable courses like Pinehurst No. 10 in North Carolina, Sedge Valley at Sand Valley Golf Resort in Wisconsin, and Karoo at Cabot Citrus Farms in Florida. Other courses by renowned architects such as Tom Doak, Gil Hanse, and Tom Fazio are also set to debut. The golf course industry continues to thrive, with new courses catering to different preferences and offering exciting experiences for golfers. [golfpass.com]

Spanish development firm Solvilla is partnering with Finca Cortesín to deliver nine luxury villas near Marbella, Spain. The villas will offer bespoke interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and access to the award-winning golf course. Priced between 6 million and 9 million euros, the properties are expected to attract demand from Scandinavia, European hubs, and beyond. [luxurydaily.com]

The former Cherry Creek Golf Course in Hempfield Township, Pennsylvania, is being developed into a new housing development called Spyglass Trails. The property, which had been closed for nearly a decade, will feature 165 single-family homes, 62 duplex homes, walking trails, a community center, and pickleball courts. The development is expected to appeal to those working at the new Amazon warehouse in New Stanton. While some long-standing neighbors may need to adjust to the construction noise and dust, overall, the redevelopment is seen as a welcome addition to the neighborhood. [cbsnews.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.

Gregg Grost is stepping down as CEO and executive director of the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA), with Dustin Roberts taking over the position. Grost will transition to the role of CEO Emeritus. Under Grost's leadership, the GCAA experienced significant growth in membership and financial stability. Roberts, who has been with the GCAA since 2002, will continue building on Grost's work as the new CEO. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Golfweek is launching the inaugural Golfweek Tech Lab event in collaboration with https://www.firstcallgolf.com/industry-news/release/2024-01-04/january-2024-marks-our-27th-year-in-certifying-professional-golf-teachersunderdog venture team. The event, held in Frisco, Texas, on March 20-21, will bring together stakeholders in the investment and golf communities with technology startups aiming to enhance the game and business of golf. The event will feature over 20 emerging companies, panelists, and keynote speakers, and tickets are now on sale. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

The Professional Golf Teachers Association of America (PGTAA) is recognized as the premier golf teaching association in the world. Unlike the PGA, which focuses on various aspects of golf, the PGTAA is solely dedicated to training and certifying teaching professionals. The PGTAA program offers a 100% teaching curriculum and provides the highest standards of certification. Graduates have access to diverse positions in the golf industry and enjoy discounts on equipment and training aids. The PGTAA has been operating for 27 years and continues to be highly regarded in the industry. [firstcallgolf.com]

The Shawnee County Commission has taken action to keep Lake Shawnee Golf Course and two other golf courses open and operating past the end of the month. The current management contract for the golf courses will terminate on Jan. 31, and the county has decided to hire the company's current golf course workers to continue their roles as government employees. The transition is expected to be seamless, and the county will now keep the revenues previously earned by the contractor. The county estimates that the new positions will cost about $954,000, which will be covered by user fees without additional impact on taxpayers. [cjonline.com]