Planet Golf News for Monday, April 8, 2024

Despite dislocating his shoulder on the 18th hole, Akshay Bhatia won the Valero Texas Open playoff and earned a bid to the Masters Tournament. Bhatia drained a lengthy birdie putt to force the playoff and hit a beautiful wedge shot to clinch the title. He will be the 89th player in this year's Masters Tournament.

Akshay Bhatia has played exceptionally well at the Valero Texas Open, entering the final round with a four-shot lead. With a win, he would secure a spot in the Masters field. Bhatia showed confidence by writing "W.T.W." on his wrist, standing for wire to wire. The 22-year-old golfer has had a strong start to his career, including a playoff win at the Barracuda Championship. With only six holes to go, he leads by five strokes, likely securing his spot in the Masters.

Denny McCarthy made an impressive comeback at the Valero Texas Open, carding seven consecutive birdies on the back-nine to force a playoff with Akshay Bhatia. McCarthy, who was trailing by five strokes, caught fire and finished with a back-nine score of 28, tying Bhatia at 20-under 268.

Rory McIlroy finishes third at the Valero Texas Open, leaving with a hopeful outlook for the Masters. He shot a final-round 66 with six birdies and no bogeys, feeling confident and in control of his game. McIlroy believes he is in a better spot than before and is focused on discipline and staying in control for the upcoming tournament at Augusta National.

Akshay Bhatia won the Valero Texas Open and took home $1.656 million from the $9.2 million prize purse. Denny McCarthy earned $1.0028 million for finishing second, and Rory McIlroy received $634,800 for third place.

During the Valero Texas Open, a volunteer working on the 17th green took a hilarious fall when trying to avoid a golf ball. The incident became a viral moment, with the crowd applauding as the volunteer stood up to take a bow. The event provided some entertainment during Akshay Bhatia's dominant performance.

Nelly Korda wins the 2024 T-Mobile Match Play, securing her fourth consecutive victory on the LPGA tour. This marks her 12th career LPGA win and makes her the 25th golfer to surpass $10 million in career earnings. Korda is now aiming for a record-tying fifth win in a major championship.

Nelly Korda has won the 2024 T-Mobile Match Play on the LPGA, earning $300,000 in prize money. Leona Maguire finished in second place with earnings of $187,584. The tournament took place at Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas and featured a combination of stroke play and match play formats.

Leona Maguire talks with media following the final match at T-Mobile Match Play presented by MGM Rewards.

In the final round of the LIV Golf Miami tournament, Dean Burmester defeated Sergio Garcia in a playoff to claim his first LIV Golf title. The tournament saw a congested leaderboard with multiple lead changes throughout the day. Burmester and Garcia made it into the playoff, with Burmester ultimately securing the victory.

In the LIV Golf Miami Invitational, Dean Burmester won $4 million from the $20 million prize purse. Sergio Garcia received $2.25 million for finishing second, and Louis Oosthuizen received $1.5 million for finishing third. The tournament paid out to 54 players, with even the last-place player receiving a significant check.

Steven Fisk, a Georgia native, won the Club Car Championship at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club on the Korn Ferry Tour. Fisk birdied three of the final four holes of regulation and defeated Rob Oppenheim in a sudden-death playoff. This victory is extra special for Fisk as he is close to his adopted home and alma mater, Georgia Southern University.

The Masters 2024 is a highly anticipated golf tournament that provides a welcome distraction from the ongoing drama between the PGA and LIV Golf. This year's Masters features top players competing against each other, offering a rare chance to see the best of the best. The tournament comes after a season dominated by non-roster rookies and young veterans, with the LIV Golf project causing significant disruptions in the golf world. The Masters presents an opportunity for compelling storylines and potential drama, with questions surrounding players like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Tiger Woods. Despite the ongoing conflicts in the golf industry, the four major championships remain unaffected, making them even more significant for fans.

Jordan Spieth admits that he envies Rory McIlroy's chances of winning golf's Grand Slam before him, specifically The Masters. Spieth believes Augusta sets up well for McIlroy's ball flight and shot shape, and wishes it was the tournament he still had to conquer. McIlroy has won three of the four majors but has yet to win The Masters.

Cameron Smith's withdrawal from the LIV Golf Miami due to food poisoning raises concerns about his participation in the 2024 Masters. While there have been no official announcements, Smith is expected to recover and compete in the Masters based on his presence in the field on the tournament's website. Smith's past performances at the Masters have been impressive, and a strong showing could boost his chances of qualifying for the Paris Olympics and improving his OWGR ranking. However, this is not the first time Smith has withdrawn from a tournament due to health issues.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, once dominant figures in golf, are not considered serious contenders in the 2024 Masters. Woods, dealing with injuries, must demonstrate his ability to complete four solid rounds, while Mickelson's consistency has been lacking. It would be a major victory for Woods to make the cut and finish the tournament, while Mickelson is unlikely to contend and may finish around 30th place.

World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler played a practice round at Augusta National with his sister Molly. The banter between the siblings included Scottie's victory in their March Madness pool and Ted Scott, Scheffler's caddie, jokingly reminding him of his own success at Augusta. Scheffler finished the round even par, with highlights including an eagle and a bunker shot. Earlier in the day, Scheffler participated in the trophy ceremonies for the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals.

According to Butch Harmon, Rory McIlroy's coach, McIlroy needs to relax and play golf in order to end his major drought and win his first Masters. Despite a lackluster start to the PGA Tour season, Harmon believes McIlroy has the ability to challenge for a green jacket at Augusta National. McIlroy's swing issues have been addressed by Harmon, and if McIlroy can be himself and play with confidence, he has a great chance to succeed.

Rickie Fowler's fashion mishap at the 2011 Masters highlights Augusta National's unique rules. Despite his unique fashion sense, Fowler had to comply with the protocol and turn his cap forward during an interview. Fowler's best finish at the Masters was a solo runner-up in 2018, and he will be making his comeback at the 2024 Masters with +6600 odds to win the green jacket.

The 2024 Masters at Augusta National will feature a field of 89 players, with Akshay Bhatia earning the final spot. Scottie Scheffler is the betting favorite, while Tiger Woods aims for a record 24th consecutive made cut. Defending champion Jon Rahm returns alongside other notable golfers like Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, and Rory McIlroy, who seeks the career grand slam. The full field list is provided.

Fans on social media express disagreement with Greg Norman's claim that Talor Gooch is the best iron player in golf in the past 20 years. The LIV Golf CEO's comment sparked disappointment among fans, who cited Gooch's ranking and other players as counterarguments.

LIV Golf stars have privately admitted to being upset by the criticism they have received since joining the breakaway league. The league, funded by the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, caused controversy in the golf world when it was announced in 2022. Players who joined LIV Golf have faced ridicule on social media due to the money they are being paid and the division it has caused in the sport. Tyrrell Hatton, a new member of LIV Golf, revealed that some players have discussed the abuse they have received and he even deleted his social media accounts to escape the negativity.

Bubba Watson admits to tension between LIV Golf and PGA Tour at last year's Masters Champions Dinner. Despite the absence of discussion about LIV, negotiations between LIV and PGA Tour are now taking place. Jon Rahm expresses nerves about hosting this year's dinner. The menu will feature northern Spanish Basque country Bilbao cuisine paired with wines from Rahm's homeland.

Adam Scott praises Ludvig Aberg's steady growth and believes he has no weaknesses in his game. Former Ryder Cup captain Curtis Strange also acknowledges Aberg's gameplay and sees him as a potential dark horse for a Masters win. Aberg's stellar performances in 2023, including wins in the Omega European Masters and the RSM Classic, have positioned him as one of the top favorites to win the Masters this year.

LIV Golf and the Masters share some similarities, as seen during the LIV event at Trump Doral. Former Masters champions were present, and there were flights from Miami to Augusta for the LIV golfers participating in the Masters. While LIV Golf is not trying to be the Masters, it offers a different scene with parties and concerts. Augusta, on the other hand, remains the iconic Masters tournament with its unique atmosphere and traditions.

As the 2024 Masters Tournament begins, golfers from the LIV Golf tour will join the PGA Tour players for the practice rounds. Thirteen LIV members, including defending champion Jon Rahm, are participating in the Masters. The PGA Tour banned LIV Golf members, so the major championships are the only events where both tours meet. The next major is the PGA Championship in May. Tiger Woods, who has battled injuries, is also competing in the Masters. Seven former Masters champions are among the LIV golfers in the field.

The article discusses the ongoing divide in golf and the perspective of LIV Golfers. While some criticize the players who joined LIV Golf, there is a recognition that the disruption has also led to positive changes in the sport, such as increased equity for players and elevated events. LIV Golfers express a desire for an avenue to compete against the best more often, potentially through a Champions League-style competition. The article also mentions a meeting between Yasir Al-Rumayyan, governor of the Public Investment Fund, and Tiger Woods, which adds intrigue to the situation. The future of golf's divide and potential resolutions remain uncertain.

The 2024 Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Club showcased the emotions of the young participants, with smiles, hugs, and even tears. The event was a thrill for all involved, whether they won or not. The article includes photos capturing the competitors in action and the winners receiving their hardware.

Akshay Bhati becomes the first Drive, Chip and Putt winner to secure a spot in the Masters, earning the final place in the tournament after a dramatic finish at the Valero Texas Open. Bhati matched Denny McCarthy's score to finish nine shots ahead of Rory McIlroy. Tiger Woods also made an appearance at Augusta National for his first competitive event since his withdrawal from the Genesis Invitational.

Tiger Woods has arrived at Augusta National for The Masters Tournament, as confirmed by images shared by the tournament. Woods was seen practicing with short irons and from the bunker, wearing his new Sun Day Red branding. His presence and inclusion in the pre-tournament interview schedule indicate his intention to compete in the Masters.

Tiger Woods is preparing for the 2024 Masters at Augusta National. If he makes the cut, it will be his 24th consecutive time, breaking the previous record. Woods is working on maintaining his health and formulating a strategy for the tournament despite his physical constraints.

Tiger Woods' new caddie at the Masters is Lance Bennett, a veteran looper who has previously worked with players like Matt Kuchar, Sungjae Im, and Davis Riley. Woods and Bennett have a good relationship and similar approaches to the game. Although their first tournament together ended early due to Woods' illness, fans hope for a longer and successful partnership.

Tiger Woods has won the Masters Tournament five times, with victories in 1997, 2001, 2002, 2005, and 2019. His 12-stroke win in 1997 remains the largest margin of victory in Masters history. Despite not being among the favorites, Woods will compete in the 2024 Masters Tournament.

The PGA Tour plans to outline increased tournament fees in a memo to tournament directors to help fund rising purses. Signature events will be required to pay a $1 million fee each year, full-field events will have a $500,000 fee, and opposite-field events will have a $250,000 fee. The memo will also require 2 percent of each tournament's hospitality sales to offset the increased purses. The Tour aims to maintain charitable donations and emphasizes that charity will always be a fundamental element of the PGA Tour.

Akshay Bhatia's gear at the 2024 Valero Texas Open included the Callaway Apex Custom Utility Wood, which offers versatility, power, and control for better players. It features a unique profile, optimized length, fast ball speed, enhanced turf interaction, and high launch for consistent control and tighter dispersion.

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.