Planet Golf News for Monday, July 15, 2024

Bob MacIntyre wins Scottish Open in thrilling finale to bury McIlroy heartbreak, Ayaka Furue wins 1st LPGA major in grand style; eagles 18th hole to win Evian Championship

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PGN News Team
July 15, 2024 • Reading Time: 21 minutes

Monday, July 15, 2024

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The force was with Ayaka Furue

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

Golf fans were treated to a weekend of unforgettable moments and thrilling victories as players from around the world showcased their skills on some of the most challenging courses.

Robert MacIntyre brought immense joy to Scotland by clinching the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open in dramatic fashion. His birdie on the 72nd hole secured a one-stroke victory over Adam Scott, making him the first Scot in 25 years to win the tournament on home soil. This triumph was especially sweet for MacIntyre, who had come heartbreakingly close to winning the previous year. His victory was marked by an eagle on the 16th hole, thanks to a lucky break with a rules official, and capped off by a 41-foot birdie putt on the 14th. MacIntyre’s win not only earned him a hefty $1,575,700 but also set the stage for an exciting Open Championship at Royal Troon.

Meanwhile, in France, Ayaka Furue of Japan captured her first major title at the Evian Championship with an extraordinary eagle on the final hole. Her six-under 65 finish pushed her to 19-under for the tournament, edging out Stephanie Kyriacou by one stroke. Furue's remarkable performance, including birdies on three of the last five holes, earned her a well-deserved $1.2 million. This victory made her the fourth Japanese player to win a major in LPGA history and set her on a promising path for future tournaments.

In Spain, Sergio Garcia delighted the home crowd by winning the LIV Golf Andalucía in a tense playoff against Anirban Lahiri. This victory marked Garcia’s first professional win in four years and his first individual title in the LIV Golf series. Despite Lahiri’s strong lead going into the final round, Garcia managed to close the gap and secure the win in dramatic fashion, much to the delight of Spanish fans.

The ISCO Championship in Kentucky saw Harry Hall triumph in a five-man playoff, chipping in for birdie on the third playoff hole to secure his first PGA Tour victory. Hall’s emotional win came just in time for him to prepare for the arrival of his baby, adding a personal milestone to his professional achievements.

Ernie Els claimed his first senior major at the Kaulig Companies Championship in Akron, Ohio, overcoming late-round challenges to finish at 10-under 270. This victory not only marked his third title of the year but also moved him to the top of the Charles Schwab Cup standings, showcasing his continued prowess on the golf course.

Cristobal Del Solar of Chile earned his first Korn Ferry Tour title at The Ascendant presented by Blue, finishing with a four-stroke victory and securing his PGA TOUR membership for 2025. His impressive performance, including two eagles in the final round, highlighted his potential for future success on the tour.

In the celebrity realm, Mardy Fish captured his second American Century Championship title with a standout performance, finishing with 83 points in the Modified Stableford scoring system. Joe Pavelski came in a close second, adding excitement to the star-studded event that drew record attendance.

As the golf world gears up for the upcoming Open Championship at Royal Troon, all eyes will be on the players who showcased their talent this weekend. Whether it’s Robert MacIntyre’s homecoming triumph, Ayaka Furue’s major breakthrough, or Sergio Garcia’s return to form, the anticipation for the next major tournament is palpable. Fans can look forward to more thrilling golf action and the potential for more history-making moments in the weeks to come.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

A year after heartbreak, Robert MacIntyre birdies 72nd hole to win 2024 Genesis Scottish Open

Robert MacIntyre birdied the 72nd hole to win the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open by one stroke over Adam Scott. MacIntyre became the first Scot in 25 years to win on home soil and the second to do so in the tournament's history. The victory comes a year after MacIntyre lost the tournament to Rory McIlroy.

Japan’s Ayaka Furue claims first major with eagle on final hole of Evian Championship

Ayaka Furue of Japan won the Evian Championship, her first major title, with an eagle on the final hole. She finished one stroke ahead of Stephanie Kyriacou and two strokes ahead of Patty Tavatanakit.

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Golf Tournaments happening this past weekend

Genesis Scottish Open - PGA - The Renaissance Club - North Berwick, Scotland

Robert MacIntyre secured an emotional victory at the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open yesterday at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland. The Scottish native birdied the final hole to clinch the title with a score of 18-under par, edging out Australian Adam Scott by a single stroke.

MacIntyre's win came after a dramatic final round that saw him overcome a three-shot deficit with just five holes to play. A crucial moment occurred on the 16th hole when MacIntyre benefited from a controversial free drop after his foot touched a sprinkler head during a practice swing in the rough. This allowed him to improve his lie significantly, leading to an eagle on the par-5 hole that brought him level with Scott.

The victory was particularly sweet for MacIntyre, who had finished runner-up in the same tournament last year when Rory McIlroy birdied the final two holes to beat him. This win marks MacIntyre's second PGA Tour victory of the season, following his triumph at the RBC Canadian Open earlier this year.

Adam Scott, who was seeking to end a four-year victory drought, finished second at 17-under par. The leaderboard was tightly packed, with Romain Langasque securing third place at 15-under. A group of players, including Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, and overnight leader Ludvig Aberg, tied for fourth at 14-under.

The tournament, co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, offered a total purse of $9 million, with MacIntyre taking home the winner's share of $1,575,700. This victory not only represents a significant personal achievement for MacIntyre but also makes him only the second Scottish golfer to win his national open since Colin Montgomerie in 1999.

The Genesis Scottish Open served as a crucial warm-up event for next week's Open Championship at Royal Troon, with many top players using it to fine-tune their games ahead of the year's final major.

Robert MacIntyre’s all-time break leads to dramatic, clutch Scottish Open victory

Robert MacIntyre secured a dramatic victory at the Scottish Open, playing his final five holes in 4-under-par to win by a stroke over Adam Scott. MacIntyre's impressive run included a 41-foot birdie putt on the 14th hole and an eagle on the 16th hole after receiving a lucky break with a rules official granting him free relief. This victory marks MacIntyre's second career victory on the PGA Tour and his second National Open title.

Rory McIlroy’s putter lets him down at Scottish Open, yet feels ready for Royal Troon

Rory McIlroy struggled with his putter at the Scottish Open, finishing tied for fourth despite his putting woes. He expressed confidence in his overall game heading into the upcoming Open Championship at Royal Troon, emphasizing the need to improve his putting and adjust to the green speeds. McIlroy aims to employ a good strategy and get the speed of the greens right to put himself in contention at the tournament.

Adam Scott nearly ends four-year drought at Genesis Scottish Open

Adam Scott finishes runner-up to Robert MacIntyre by one stroke at the Genesis Scottish Open. Despite not winning, Scott's performance is his best of the season, moving him up in the FedExCup standings and proving that his game is still strong. He looks forward to competing in The 152nd Open Championship.

Sungjae Im enjoys top-five finish at Genesis Scottish Open, turns attention to Royal Troon

Sungjae Im finished tied fourth at the Genesis Scottish Open, giving him confidence for The Open Championship. Despite struggling with the wind, Im managed to secure a sixth top-10 finish of the season. He is determined to make up for his poor performance in previous majors and carry the momentum to Royal Troon. Robert MacIntyre won the Genesis Scottish Open with a birdie on the final hole.

Genesis Scottish Open Videos

The Amundi Evian Championship - LPGA - Evian Resort Golf Club - Evian-les-Bains, France

On Sunday Ayaka Furue of Japan claimed her first major championship victory at The Amundi Evian Championship held at the Evian Resort Golf Club in Evian-les-Bains, France. Furue, who had previously come close in major tournaments, showcased remarkable skill and composure, finishing the final round with a six-under 65, culminating in a dramatic eagle on the 18th hole. This performance brought her total to 19-under par for the tournament, securing a one-shot victory over Australia's Stephanie Kyriacou, who finished at 18-under par.

Throughout the final day, Furue trailed behind Kyriacou and Lauren Coughlin. However, Furue's persistence paid off as she birdied three of the last five holes before her decisive eagle. Kyriacou, who led for much of the day, stumbled with a bogey on the 17th hole but managed to birdie the 18th, finishing in second place. Patty Tavatanakit of Thailand delivered a stellar final round of 63, finishing in third place at 17-under par.

Lauren Coughlin, who had been a strong contender, finished fourth at 15-under par after bogeys on the 16th and 17th holes. Hae Ran Ryu of South Korea rounded out the top five with a total of 13-under par. Notably, Nelly Korda, the world number one, finished tied for 26th at 5-under par, while defending champion Celine Boutier tied for 39th at 3-under par.

Furue's victory at the 30th anniversary of The Amundi Evian Championship marks a significant milestone in her career, making her the fourth Japanese player to win a major in LPGA history. This win also earned her $1.2 million from the tournament's $8 million purse, contributing to her season's total earnings of $2,444,717.

Star Wars Fan Ayaka Furue Takes Inspiration From Iconic Quote To Snatch Evian Championship Victory Via Late Burst

Ayaka Furue won her first Major title at the Amundi Evian Championship with a one-stroke victory. Furue sealed her win with an eagle on the 72nd hole, finishing at 19-under. Stephanie Kyriacou was the runner-up. Furue credited her success to her newfound love for Star Wars and the quote "may The Force be with you."

Kyriacou falls just short of maiden major crown

Stephanie Kyriacou falls just short of her first major title as Ayaka Furue produces an astonishing finish to claim the victory at the LPGA tournament. Furue conjured three straight birdies and a brilliant eagle on the last hole to deny Kyriacou by a shot. Despite the disappointment, Kyriacou played great all week and remains positive for future tournaments.

Peiyun Chien Aces 16th Hole in Final Round of The Amundi Evian Championship

Peiyun Chien, a golfer from Chinese Taipei, made a hole-in-one on the 16th hole during the final round of The Amundi Evian Championship. This was her first hole-in-one as a professional and her fourth overall. The shot helped her secure a tie for seventh place in the tournament, her best finish in a major on the LPGA Tour. In honor of her ace, CME Group will donate $20,000 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Chien plans to celebrate with friends by having a round of beers and playing video games.

The Amundi Evian Championship Videos

Liv Golf Andalucla - Real Club Valderrama - Sotogrande, Spain

The LIV Golf Andalucía tournament at Real Club Valderrama in Sotogrande, Spain, concluded yesterday with a dramatic finish. Spain's Sergio Garcia emerged victorious, securing his first professional win in four years and his first individual LIV Golf title. The tournament came down to a playoff between Garcia and overnight leader Anirban Lahiri, who had held a four-shot advantage entering the final round.

Lahiri, representing Crushers GC, had been in a strong position after the second round, shooting a 5-under 66 on Saturday to build his lead. However, the challenging Valderrama course, known for its difficulty in yielding low scores, proved to be a formidable test in the final round. Despite Lahiri's efforts to end his own nine-year victory drought, Garcia managed to close the gap and force a playoff.

The playoff provided a tense conclusion to the tournament, with Garcia ultimately prevailing over Lahiri. This victory was particularly significant for Garcia, as it marked his first win on Spanish soil in the LIV Golf series, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Other notable performances in the tournament included Danny Lee of Iron Heads GC, who had been Lahiri's closest pursuer after the second round. The Spanish contingent, including Eugenio Chacarra and Jon Rahm, had also been in contention, with Chacarra tied for third entering the final day.

The tournament showcased the unpredictable nature of golf at Valderrama, with players like Bryson DeChambeau, Richard Bland, and points leader Joaquin Niemann all within striking distance of the lead going into Sunday. Garcia's victory not only ended his personal title drought but also provided an exciting conclusion to the LIV Golf Andalucía event, reinforcing the competitive nature of the series.

Sergio Garcia wins LIV Golf Andalucía in playoff after brutal Anirban Lahiri lip-out

Sergio Garcia wins the LIV Golf Andalucía tournament in a playoff against Anirban Lahiri, who missed a short putt on the 18th hole. Garcia's victory in his native Spain is a career highlight for him. Carlos Alcaraz also had a successful day, winning Wimbledon.

ISCO Championship - PGA Tour - Keene Trace Golf Club - Nicholasville, KY

Harry Hall chips in to win five-man playoff at ISCO

Harry Hall won the ISCO Championship in a five-man playoff, chipping in for birdie on the third playoff hole. The 26-year-old English golfer secured his first PGA Tour victory after tying with Matt NeSmith, Zac Blair, Pierceson Coody, and Rico Hoey at 22-under-par. Hall's chip-in from 45 1/2 feet sealed the win, while NeSmith missed birdie putts on the first two playoff holes. Hall expressed his joy and relief, mentioning that he may now take a week off as his baby is due soon.

Kaulig Companies Championship - PGA Tour Champions - Firestone CC - Akron, OH

Ernie Els wins his first senior major, third title of the year, now confidently heads to Royal Troon

Ernie Els wins his first senior major and his third title of the year, giving him confidence as he heads to Royal Troon for the British Open. Els overcame a late error to win the Kaulig Companies Championship, finishing at 10-under 270 and beating Y.E. Yang by one stroke. His three wins this year match the number of victories he had in his first four years on the senior tour.

Steve Stricker's game falters over closing holes as Ernie Els wins his first Champions tour major

Ernie Els won his first Champions tour major as Steve Stricker faltered over the closing holes. Stricker had a one-stroke lead going into the final round but bogeyed and triple-bogeyed on the 13th and 14th holes, allowing Els to take the victory. Els made a clutch par putt on the 16th hole and finished at 10-under 270. Stricker finished in a tie for fourth. This win moved Els to the top of the Charles Schwab Cup standings.

The Ascendant pres. by Blue - Korn Ferry - TPC Colorado - Berthoud, CO

Chile's Cristobal Del Solar earns four-stroke win at The Ascendant presented by Blue

Chile's Cristobal Del Solar won The Ascendant presented by Blue on the Korn Ferry Tour with a four-stroke victory. Del Solar finished 22 under par and secured his first Korn Ferry Tour title. With this win, he moves to No. 5 on the season-long Korn Ferry Tour Points List and earns PGA TOUR membership for 2025.

Cristobal Del Solar is #TOURBound with victory at The Ascendant presented by Blue

Cristobal Del Solar wins The Ascendant presented by Blue on the Korn Ferry Tour, securing his #TOURBound status and a spot on the PGA TOUR next season. Del Solar closed with a 6-under 66, making two eagles, and finished with a four-stroke victory at TPC Colorado. This is his first Korn Ferry Tour title, and he becomes the fifth player to achieve #TOURBound status this season.

American Century Championship - Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course - South Lake Tahoe, NV

Mardy Fish captures 2024 American Century Championship, second ACC celebrity title

Mardy Fish won the 2024 American Century Championship, finishing with 83 points in the Modified Stableford scoring system. Joe Pavelski came in second with 79 points. Fish's victory marked his second ACC celebrity title, and he joked about using the prize money to pay bills. The tournament set an attendance record of 77,049 fans over the week.

Pavelski finishes 2nd to Fish at American Century Championship

Joe Pavelski finishes second at the American Century Championship golf tournament, falling just short of the leader, Mardy Fish. Pavelski played well throughout the event and even outscored Fish in the final round. The tournament uses a Stableford scoring format, with points awarded for different outcomes on each hole. Despite being down seven points heading into the final round, Pavelski made a strong push but ultimately settled for runner-up.

Travis and Jason Kelce struggle on Day 3 of celebrity golf tournament

Travis and Jason Kelce struggled in the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament, finishing in the bottom half of the leaderboard. Aaron Rodgers, on the other hand, impressed by ranking 15th out of 89 participants. Jason Kelce ranked above only two other celebrities, while Travis trailed NBA great Vince Carter by one spot.

Upcoming: The Open (British)

Tiger Woods Plays 18-Hole Practice Round in Preparation for 2024 British Open

Tiger Woods prepares for the 2024 British Open by playing an 18-hole practice round at Royal Troon Golf Club. He focused on chipping and putting, as well as navigating deep pot bunkers. Despite recent struggles in majors, Woods is looking to improve his performance in the upcoming tournament.

Aaron Rai plays way into The Open Championship

Aaron Rai, Richard Mansell, and Alex Noren have qualified for the Open Championship at Royal Troon. Rai shot a 7-under 63 at the Genesis Scottish Open, Mansell carded a 9-under 61, and Noren closed with a 5-under 65. This will be Rai's third Open Championship start, Mansell's fifth career major start, and Noren's 39th career major start.

Bob MacIntyre explains why Troon Open arrival could be delayed after stunning triumph

Bob MacIntyre, the new Genesis Scottish Open champion, plans to celebrate his victory before competing in the 152nd Open at Royal Troon. He aims to become the first Scot since Paul Lawrie in 1999 to win the Claret Jug. MacIntyre acknowledges the challenge of coming down from such a high but is determined to ride the wave and give his best in the championship.

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Winner's bag: Robert MacIntyre's clubs at the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open

Robert MacIntyre won the 2024 Genesis Scottish Open with a set of clubs that included a Titleist TSR2 driver, Titleist GT3 3-wood, TaylorMade Stealth 2 hybrid, Titleist 620 CB irons, Titleist Vokey Design SM10 wedges, TaylorMade Spider Tour putter, and Titleist Pro V1 golf balls. His equipment setup played a crucial role in his victory.

Winner's bag: Harry Hall's equipment at the 2024 ISCO Championship

Harry Hall won the ISCO Championship with a dramatic chip-in using his Callaway Jaws MD5 wedge. His equipment setup included a Callaway Rogue ST Triple Diamond LS driver, Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Ti 340 Mini driver, Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond fairway wood, Callaway Apex CB and Apex MB irons, Callaway Jaws MD5 and Jaws Raw wedges, Odyssey O-Works #1 Wide putter, and Callaway Chrome Tour X golf balls.

Overheard in the Club House

Brooks Koepka trolls Spaniards Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia with England jersey ahead of Euro 2024 Final

Brooks Koepka lightens the mood at the LIV Golf Andalucía tournament in Spain by wearing an England soccer jersey, trolling his Spanish group-mates Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia ahead of the Euro 2024 Final between England and Spain. Koepka's friendly jab was a way to joke with Rahm and Garcia, and he didn't play with the jersey on. This is not the first time Koepka has sent friendly blows, as he has had previous banter with other athletes.

LIV pro unleashes legendary club throw after chunked chip

During the LIV Golf Andalucía tournament, Abraham Ancer, a LIV pro, threw his club in frustration after a chunked chip shot. Despite the setback, Ancer went on to make a tournament-saving birdie, leading his team to victory. The club throw became a legendary moment of the tournament.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

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Latest FedExCup Standings

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UPCOMING TOURS

PGA TOUR Schedule 2024

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

LIV Golf Schedule 2024

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

LPGA Tour Schedule 2024

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

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