Planet Golf News for Monday, June 3, 2024

Scotland's Bob MacIntyre lands maiden PGA Tour title at RBC Canadian Open, Yuka Saso rallies to win 2024 U.S. Women's Open for second major title

Monday, June 3, 2024

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Yuka Saso overcomes early four-putt to win second U.S. Women's Open

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Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

What an incredible week it was in the world of golf, with remarkable triumphs and unforgettable moments on courses worldwide.

Let's start with Robert MacIntyre, who secured his first PGA Tour title at the RBC Canadian Open. The Scottish left-hander's victory was made even more special as his father, Dougie, served as his caddie. After a series of impressive rounds, MacIntyre finished the tournament at 16-under par, narrowly edging out Ben Griffin by one stroke. The win was emotional and personal for MacIntyre, marking a significant milestone in his career and securing his playing privileges for the next two seasons. Notably, the tournament saw several strong performances, with Rory McIlroy and Tom Kim tying for third, and Mackenzie Hughes, despite high hopes, finishing tied for seventh. The Canadian Open wasn't just about the golf, though. There was an unexpected twist when veteran caddie Mike "Fluff" Cowan took a tumble, prompting fan Paul Emerson to step in as a relief caddie for C.T. Pan for two holes, making for a memorable fan experience.

Meanwhile, Yuka Saso claimed her second major title at the U.S. Women's Open. At just 22, Saso's resilience and exceptional play, particularly on the back nine, saw her finish at 4-under par, three strokes ahead of Hinako Shibuno. The challenging conditions at Lancaster Country Club tested the world's top female golfers, but Saso's steady hand, especially after overcoming a double bogey, secured her victory. This win not only highlighted her talent but also made her the first golfer to win the U.S. Women's Open representing both the Philippines and Japan. Her victory came with a $2.4 million prize, the largest in women's golf.

The Principal Charity Classic in Des Moines saw Ernie Els secure his fourth PGA Tour Champions victory with a score of 21-under 195. The South African Hall of Famer delivered a bogey-free final round of 65, fending off a strong challenge from defending champion Stephen Ames. Bernard Langer, returning from injury, also put in a notable performance, tying for third. Els' triumph was a testament to his enduring skill and competitive spirit.

In Germany, Laurie Canter won his first DP World Tour title at the European Open. Despite the tough "Green Monster" course at Green Eagle Golf Courses, Canter managed a final round of 1-under 72, finishing two shots ahead of his nearest competitors. This victory was a significant achievement for Canter, who has been a prominent figure in golf but had not yet secured a major win.

Lastly, on the Korn Ferry Tour, Kaito Onishi earned his first title at the UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH. Onishi's stellar final round of 4-under 66 saw him overcome a four-shot deficit to secure the win. This victory marked a significant milestone in his career and propelled him up the Korn Ferry Tour Points List.

Amid these competitive feats, the UNC Health Championship also paid a touching tribute to Grayson Murray with an honorary final tee time. Murray's memory was honored, and his impact on the golfing community celebrated, highlighting the sport's deep emotional connections.

These stories showcase not only the incredible talent within the golfing world but also the personal and emotional journeys that make these victories truly special. Here's to more thrilling moments on the greens in the weeks to come!

[ Today’s Top Stories ] 

Golf Tournaments happening this week

RBC Canadian Open - Hamilton, ON

On Sunday the RBC Canadian Open concluded with a remarkable victory for Scotland's Robert MacIntyre, who secured his first PGA Tour title. The event took place at Hamilton Golf & Country Club in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. MacIntyre's win was particularly emotional as his father, Dougie, served as his caddie. The Scottish left-hander finished the tournament at 16-under par, narrowly edging out Ben Griffin by one stroke.

MacIntyre began the final round with a four-stroke lead but faced challenges as he dropped shots on the first and 13th holes. Despite these setbacks, he managed to regain control with a crucial birdie on the par-4 11th hole. His final round of 68 included a two-putt par on the 18th hole, securing his victory. This win not only marked MacIntyre's first PGA Tour triumph but also guaranteed his playing privileges for the next two seasons and qualified him for the U.S. Open at Pinehurst.

The leaderboard saw Ben Griffin finishing in second place at 15-under, while Victor Perez, Rory McIlroy, and Tom Kim tied for third at 13-under. McIlroy and Kim both delivered impressive performances, with McIlroy carding a 67 and Kim a 66 in the final round. Mackenzie Hughes, who had hoped to become the second consecutive Canadian to win the event, finished tied for seventh after a disappointing final round of 73.

Zac Blair, a former BYU standout, recorded his best finish of the season by tying for 24th place. Blair's performance included rounds of 67, 68, 71, and 68, finishing at 6-under par.

MacIntyre's victory was celebrated not only for its competitive significance but also for the personal and emotional journey it represented, with his father by his side throughout the tournament.

U.S. Women's Open pres. by Ally - Lancaster, PA

On Sunday, June 2, 2024, Yuka Saso emerged victorious at the U.S. Women's Open presented by Ally, held at Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania. Saso, who previously won the championship in 2021, delivered a stellar performance, particularly on the back nine, to secure her second U.S. Women's Open title. She finished the tournament at 4-under 276, three shots ahead of Hinako Shibuno, who was the only other player to finish under par.

The final round was marked by significant challenges for the leaders. At the start of the day, Andrea Lee, Minjee Lee, and Wichanee Meechai were tied at the top at 5-under. However, the difficult course conditions led to a series of bogeys and double bogeys that saw the leaderboard shift dramatically. Meechai quickly fell out of contention with a series of bogeys and a triple bogey on the par-3 6th hole, ultimately finishing tied for sixth at 2-over.

Minjee Lee, who had initially surged to 6-under, struggled with multiple bogeys and a double bogey on the par-3 12th hole, which caused her to drop out of the lead. She finished the tournament tied for ninth place at 3-over. Andrea Lee also faced difficulties, including a double bogey on the 4th hole and further bogeys that left her tied for third place with Ally Ewing at even par.

Saso's victory was highlighted by her resilience and exceptional putting. Despite a four-putt double bogey on the 6th hole, she managed to recover with birdies on the 12th, 13th, and 15th holes. Her steady play in the final holes, including a crucial chip on the 18th, secured her win. Saso's triumph was celebrated as a historic achievement, making her the first golfer to win the U.S. Women's Open representing both the Philippines and Japan.

The tournament was also notable for its large crowds and the challenging conditions at Lancaster Country Club, which tested the skills of the world's top female golfers. Saso's victory earned her a $2.4 million prize from the $12 million purse, the largest in women's golf and women's sports at a standalone event.

Principal Charity Classic - Des Moines, IA

On Sunday, June 2, 2024, Ernie Els emerged victorious at the Principal Charity Classic held at the Wakonda Club in Des Moines, Iowa. This win marked his fourth career victory on the PGA Tour Champions. Els, a 54-year-old Hall of Famer from South Africa, finished the tournament with a score of 21-under 195, closing with an impressive bogey-free 7-under 65 in the final round. His performance included an eagle on the par-5 15th hole and five birdies, which helped him secure a two-stroke lead over the defending champion, Stephen Ames.

Ames, who has already secured two victories this season, finished with a commendable 66, showcasing his resilience and competitive spirit. Bernard Langer, the 66-year-old German star and the tour's all-time victory leader with 46 titles, tied for third place with a score of 17 under after shooting a 68. Langer's performance was notable as it marked his fourth start since returning from an Achilles injury.

Rod Pampling and David Duval also tied for third place, with scores of 69 and 67, respectively, both finishing at 17 under. Els' victory was particularly significant as it was his first since March 2023, and he expressed the special nature of this win, acknowledging the competitive field and the challenges he faced in securing the title. The final round was a thrilling display of golf, with Els maintaining his composure and skill to clinch the championship.

European Open - Hamburg, Germany

On Sunday the European Open concluded at the Green Eagle Golf Courses in Hamburg, Germany. The tournament, part of the DP World Tour, featured a competitive field vying for a share of the $2.5 million prize fund. English golfer Laurie Canter emerged victorious, securing the title with a final round of 1-under 72, despite facing three bogeys. Canter's performance allowed him to finish two shots ahead of his closest competitors.

The event, known for its challenging par-73 course dubbed the "Green Monster," tested the skills of both seasoned professionals and rising stars. Defending champion Tom McKibbin, who was aiming for his second DP World Tour title, was among the notable participants. The tournament also saw Thriston Lawrence finishing tied for second place, although his performance was marked by an incident where his golf shot struck a spectator.

The winner, Laurie Canter, not only took home the winner's share of the prize money but also earned 3,000 Race to Dubai points, crucial for improving his standing in the season-long competition.

UNC Health Championship pres. by STITCH - Korn Ferry - Raleigh, NC

On Sunday the UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH, part of the Korn Ferry Tour, concluded with notable events and achievements. Kaito Onishi secured his first Korn Ferry Tour title at this tournament, marking a significant milestone in his golfing career. Onishi's performance was exceptional, allowing him to emerge victorious in a competitive field .

In addition to the competitive play, the tournament also featured a poignant tribute to Grayson Murray, a beloved figure in the golfing community. Murray's memory was honored with an honorary final tee time, a gesture that resonated deeply with his family, friends, and fans. This tribute underscored the emotional and communal aspects of the event, highlighting the impact Murray had on those who knew him .

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