Planet Golf News for Monday, April 1, 2024

Stephan Jaeger wins his first PGA Tour title at the Houston Open, defeating Scottie Scheffler in a playoff. Despite Scheffler's strong performance and a chance to force a playoff, he missed a crucial putt on the 18th green. Jaeger's victory comes after several near-misses this season and marks a significant milestone in his career.

Stephan Jaeger won the Texas Children's Houston Open, securing his spot in the 2024 Masters field. Jaeger finished 12 under for the week, with six players tying for second place at 11 under. The Masters is set to start on April 11 at Augusta National Golf Club.

Scottie Scheffler falls short of his third consecutive PGA TOUR victory at the Texas Children’s Houston Open, missing birdie putts on the final two holes to lose to Stephan Jaeger by one stroke. Despite his recent success, Scheffler struggled with his putting during the closing holes and made uncharacteristic mistakes earlier in the week. He will take a week to rest before competing at Augusta National.

Tony Finau finishes one shot short of repeating his Houston Open title, finishing in a five-way tie for second place. Despite a slip on the 16th hole, Finau carded six birdies and two bogeys in the final round. Stephan Jaeger clinched his first tour win, while Finau looks forward to playing in The Masters.

Peter Malnati made an ace during the Houston Open, capping off an adventurous three weeks that included a meeting with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund and winning the Valspar Championship. Despite not realizing his ball had fallen into the hole, Malnati celebrated the hole-in-one on the 16th hole and will now enjoy a week off before playing in the Masters for the first time in his career.

Stephan Jaeger wins the Houston Open, earning $1.64 million and 500 FedExCup points. Scottie Scheffler's winning streak ends at two as he finishes as a runner-up. Jaeger's victory is his first on the PGA TOUR in 135 career starts.

During the Texas Children's Houston Open, Alejandro Tosti and Tony Finau had tense exchanges on the golf course, with Tosti's competitive attitude rubbing Finau the wrong way. The tension between them was evident in their interactions and body language. Despite the size difference, Tosti's coach believes his competitive nature may have unsettled Finau. Tosti performed well in the tournament, while Finau's performance was lackluster.

Nelly Korda continues her impressive performance in the LPGA, winning her third straight event at the Ford Championship. With a bogey-free 7-under 65, she became the first player since 2012 to win three times before April 1 and the first American since 1980 to achieve this feat. Korda's next event will be the T-Mobile Match Play presented by MGM Rewards in Las Vegas.

Nelly Korda has earned a total of $924,216 in 2024 with her three consecutive wins on the LPGA tour. Her latest victory at the Ford Championship earned her $337,500, while she made $300,000 in the previous week and $262,500 in January. This year's earnings are closing in on her highest season earnings of $2,382,198 in 2021.

Retief Goosen wins the Galleri Classic in a soggy final round at Mission Hills Country Club. Goosen survived a chaotic finish, including hitting his approach into the lake on the 18th hole, to secure a bogey-free 3-under 69 and a three-day total of 13-under 203. Steven Alker, who had a chance to win, also hit into the lake and finished tied for second place with Alex Cejka and Ricardo Gonzalez.

Keita Nakajima of Japan won the Hero Indian Open on the European tour, finishing with a 1-over 73. This is his first European tour title and he expressed confidence in his future wins. Nakajima's victory moves him to No. 13 in the Race to Dubai and No. 9 among those without PGA Tour status. Veer Ahlawat, Sebastian Soderberg, and Johannes Veerman tied for second.

Keita Nakajima, a rising star in the world of golf, dreams of playing on the PGA Tour after winning the DP World Tour event in New Delhi. Nakajima, who lists Tiger Woods as one of his golf heroes, aims to secure a PGA Tour card for the next season and eventually compete in the PGA Tour in 2025.

Tiger Woods is expected to participate in The Masters after playing a practice round at Augusta. Despite doubts due to his previous injury and withdrawal from the LA Open, Woods' presence at Augusta indicates his readiness to compete. If he plays and makes the cut, he would break the record for the most cuts made at The Masters. In other golf news, Keita Nakajima claimed his first victory at the Hero Indian Open on the DP World Tour.

The Black caddies of Augusta National, who played a pivotal role in the golfing world, are celebrated for their knowledge, skills, and contributions to the sport. Despite facing racial segregation and disrespect, these caddies, like Pappy Stokes and Jariah "Bubba" Beard, used their intimate knowledge of the course to guide golfers to victory. However, the lifting of the ban on outside caddies in 1983 led to a decline in their prominence. Despite this, their legacy lives on, with efforts to commemorate their achievements and continue their tradition through initiatives like André Lacey II's golf programs for youth.

A potential merger between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour raises questions about the coexistence of both leagues and the reception of LIV golfers by the PGA Tour. Past sports history examples, such as the NFL and AFL merger in 1970, the NBA and ABA merger in 1976, and the NHL and WHA merger in 1979, provide insights into how such mergers can unfold. The decision to welcome back LIV golfers without penalty is a topic of debate among PGA Tour pros, with differing opinions on the matter.

Graeme McDowell expresses confidence that golf will be in great shape once a resolution is found between the rival leagues. Despite the current situation, discussions for unification have been ongoing for ten months. McDowell believes that the game of golf will come out stronger and that LIV Golf has been a healthy disruptor. The feud between the leagues has led to a decline in viewership, and fans are eager for the sport to return to normalcy.

Collin Morikawa expresses his desire to see LIV golfers playing together with PGA Tour players, emphasizing the importance of everyone playing together. His thoughts align with Rory McIlroy, who also believes that eligible players should be given a chance to come back and play, without wanting to diminish the sport of golf.

Paul McGinley expects golf's struggles to continue with a unification deal potentially a few more years away. The PGA Tour and LIV Golf's backers, the Saudi Arabian PIF, are still far apart in finding common ground. The in-fighting at the top of the men's game has led to significant drops in viewership, and McGinley is concerned about golf's immediate future. While excited for The Masters, he believes a deal is not on the horizon and it could be a few more years before any resolution is found.

Cameron Smith, the captain of Ripper GC in the LIV Golf League, has cut off his signature mullet hairstyle for a more reserved look. Smith, known for his 2022 Open Championship victory, made the change out of boredom. He will be competing in the 2024 LIV Golf Miami event and the Masters.

After losing a high-profile golf match against DJ Khaled, Charles Barkley redeemed himself in a showdown with his co-hosts. Despite the defeat, Barkley displayed improved performance, focus, and precision, ultimately winning the match and proving his golfing skills. This experience showcased Barkley's resilience and determination in the face of challenges.

In a recent episode of GOLF's Subpar podcast, Chris DiMarco, a three-time PGA Tour winner, shared tips on how to succeed on pressure-packed putts. DiMarco emphasized the importance of a good routine, confidence, and visualization. He also mentioned the impact of changing his putter grip to the claw. DiMarco highlighted the ability of great players like Jack Nicklaus to step up in crucial moments and make putts. Listen to the podcast for more insights.

Paige Spiranac is receiving praise for her new natural look as she celebrates her 31st birthday. The former professional golfer turned sports media personality has changed her hair color and opted for less makeup, garnering positive feedback from fans. As the golf world prepares for the upcoming Masters tournament, Spiranac is expected to provide coverage on her social media accounts.

According to GOLF's Top 100 Teachers in America, while driving is important at Augusta, putting is considered more crucial for success. Players who can avoid 3-putting and excel at short putts have an advantage at the Masters.

Puma Dominguez, a golfer on the PGA Tour Americas, tragically lost his wife Victoria to dengue fever. The golf world expressed heartfelt condolences for the grieving family, with fans and colleagues offering support and tributes. The loss of Victoria Dominguez is a heartbreaking loss for the game of golf.

LaRee Sugg, a trailblazing golfer, shares her journey from a young girl with a passion for golf to becoming a professional golfer and coach. Guided by her grandfather, Dr. James C. Nelson, Sugg overcame obstacles and discrimination to pursue her dream. Although her professional golf career didn't reach the heights she desired, Sugg found fulfillment in coaching and mentoring young athletes. Her resilience and dedication have left a lasting impact on the sport, and she continues to inspire the next generation.

Minjee Lee is an Australian professional golfer who has achieved great success in her career. She has won multiple tournaments, including two major championships, and has a net worth of $5 million. Lee has endorsement deals with brands like Srixon, Descente, Epson, Rolex, Hana Financial Group, and is represented by IMG. She is in a relationship with professional golfer Ryan Fox. Fans can follow her golfing journey through her social media profiles and by keeping track of her tournament participation and results.

Stephan Jaeger won the 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open with a Ping G430 LST driver, Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond 3-wood, Ping G425 Max 7-wood, Titleist Vokey SM10 wedges (50, 53, 57 degrees), and an Odyssey Ai One 2-Ball CH putter.

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.