Monday, May 13, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

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Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

In a thrilling weekend of golf, Rory McIlroy once again proved his prowess on the greens with a stunning victory at the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, NC. McIlroy, clinching his 26th PGA Tour title, finished with a 17-under par at Quail Hollow, a course where he's found considerable success in the past. This win, marking his second consecutive PGA Tour victory, was emotionally significant as he dedicated it to his mother, Rosie, acknowledging her unwavering support through his career.

Meanwhile, on the LPGA Tour, the Cognizant Founders Cup in Clifton, NJ, served up its own drama as Rose Zhang emerged victorious, ending Nelly Korda's impressive five-win streak. Zhang rallied from a three-shot deficit, birdieing four of her last five holes to set a new tournament record with a 24-under par finish. This win marks Zhang’s second LPGA Tour victory and adds an exciting new chapter to her burgeoning career.

Over at the Myrtle Beach Classic, the PGA Tour witnessed a fresh face rising to the spotlight. Rookie Chris Gotterup clinched his first PGA Tour win with a six-stroke lead, showcasing a blend of resilience and skill, especially recovering quickly from early bogeys in the final round to post a winning score of 21-under par. His triumph not only secured him a maiden tour victory but also earned him a spot in the upcoming PGA Championship at Valhalla.

The golfing action extended to the senior circuit at the Regions Tradition in Birmingham, AL, where Doug Barron captured his first PGA Tour Champions major. Barron delivered a bogey-free final round to win by two strokes, underscoring his victory with a total score of 17-under 271. This significant win adds a major title to his career, highlighting an impressive run on the senior tour.

These events not only highlighted individual triumphs but also set the stage for the next major tournaments on the PGA and LPGA Tours. With players like McIlroy and Zhang showing strong form, the upcoming championships are sure to be packed with more gripping golf action.

[ Today’s Top Stories ] 

Golf Tournaments this past week

Wells Fargo Championship - Charlotte, NC

Sunday at the Wells Fargo Championship, Rory McIlroy clinched his fourth title at this event in a dramatic fashion, overcoming a two-stroke deficit to secure a commanding victory. McIlroy's performance was highlighted by a masterful final round where he shot a 6-under 65, despite a double bogey on the 18th hole, finishing the tournament at 17-under 267.

The day began with Xander Schauffele leading by one stroke over McIlroy, but the momentum shifted quickly. McIlroy's exceptional play included a stunning 33-foot eagle putt on the 10th hole, which was pivotal in gaining a lead over Schauffele. Schauffele, who had not won a tournament since the 2022 Genesis Scottish Open, struggled to keep pace and eventually finished five shots behind McIlroy.

Schauffele's performance was solid but not enough to counter McIlroy's surge, especially after a bogey on the 12th hole widened the gap between them. McIlroy's victory was not just a testament to his skill but also a display of mental toughness, particularly impressive given the challenging conditions at Quail Hollow.

Other notable performances included Byeong Hun An, who finished third at 9 under, and Jason Day and Sungjae Im, who tied for fourth place at 6 under. Max Homa also made headlines with a spectacular eagle on the first hole, though he couldn't maintain the momentum and finished in ninth place.

This win is significant for McIlroy as it marks his second consecutive PGA Tour victory and sets a positive tone as he heads to the PGA Championship at Valhalla, a course where he has previously won a major.

• 2024 Wells Fargo Championship purse, prize money: Payout for winner Rory McIlroy, field from $20 million pool

• Rory McIlroy wins at Wells Fargo by FIVE shots in stunning triumph - Daily Mail

• Rory McIlroy blasts past Xander Schauffele to win Wells Fargo Championship - golf.com

• Rory McIlroy wins Wells Fargo by 5 strokes - The Athletic

• Rory McIlroy's 2024 PGA Championship Chances Hyped by Golf Fans After Wells Fargo Win - Bleacher Report

• Rory McIlroy rallies to win record fourth Wells Fargo Championship title - PGA Tour

• Rory McIlroy demolishes Xander Schauffele, everyone else, to head to Valhalla on fire - Golf Digest

• Rory McIlroy masterclass secures dominant five-shot victory at Wells Fargo Championship - Sky Sports

• Rory McIlroy blows Wells Fargo field away as "stars align" for 2nd straight PGA Tour win - SB Nation

• Rory McIlroy Claims Fourth Wells Fargo Championship Title In Commanding Fashion - Golf Monthly

Cognizant Founders Cup - Clifton, NJ

Sunday at the Cognizant Founders Cup, Rose Zhang clinched a remarkable victory, ending Nelly Korda's impressive streak of consecutive wins on the LPGA Tour. Zhang's performance was highlighted by a strong finish, where she birdied four of the last five holes to secure the win. This victory came after a tense final round at Upper Montclair Country Club in Clifton, New Jersey, where she managed to overcome a three-shot deficit entering the day.

Madelene Sagstrom, who started the day in the lead, ended up two strokes behind Zhang. Despite a solid performance, Sagstrom faltered slightly towards the end, particularly with a crucial bogey on the 16th hole. Zhang's final round score of 66, culminating in a tournament total of 24 under par, was not only enough to win but also set a new record score for the event's tenure at this venue.

Nelly Korda, who was aiming for a record-breaking sixth consecutive LPGA Tour win, faced challenges over the weekend, shooting a pair of 73s in the final rounds. This left her tied for seventh place, a surprising outcome given her recent form.

The tournament also saw strong performances from other competitors, including rookie Gabriela Ruffels who finished third, marking her best finish on the tour so far.

Overall, the Cognizant Founders Cup was a showcase of resilience and skill, particularly from Zhang, who not only halted Korda's historic run but also stamped her authority with a record-setting performance.

• Cognizant Founders Cup prize money: What winner Rose Zhang and field made

• Rose Zhang Claims Cognizant Founders Cup In Thrilling Two-Horse Race - Golf Monthly

• Rose Zhang wins Founders Cup as Nelly Korda's streak comes to unceremonious end - golf.com

• Rose Zhang birdies four of her last five holes to claim 2024 Cognizant Founders Cup - Golf Week

• Rose Zhang rallies to win Founders Cup for second LPGA title - YARDBARKER

• Zhang wins Founders Cup; Korda's LPGA win streak ends - The Athletic

• Rose Zhang Makes Late Run to Capture Second LPGA Tour Victory at Cognizant Founders Cup - LPGA

• Rose Zhang erases 3-shot deficit with 4 late birdies to capture second LPGA title; Nelly Korda T-7 in bid for sixth straight - Golf Digest

Myrtle Beach Classic - Myrtle Beach, SC

The Myrtle Beach Classic, a new addition to the PGA Tour, concluded Sunday at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The event was marked by strong performances, enthusiastic community support, and significant charitable contributions.

Chris Gotterup emerged as the standout performer, securing his first PGA Tour victory with a commanding six-stroke lead over his closest competitors, Alistair Docherty and Davis Thompson. Gotterup's final score was 21 under par, following rounds of 66, 64, 65, and 67 across the four days of the tournament. His victory not only marked a personal milestone but also earned him a spot in the upcoming PGA Championship at Valhalla.

The tournament began with Gotterup showing strong form, shooting a 66 on the opening day and following up with a tour-best 64 in the second round, which gave him a one-shot lead heading into the weekend. His performance in the third round, where he carded a 65, extended his lead to four shots, the largest after three rounds on the Tour this season. Despite starting the final round with two bogeys, Gotterup quickly recovered, demonstrating resilience and skill to close Sunday with a 67.

• 2024 Myrtle Beach Classic prize money payouts for each PGA Tour player

• Chris Gotterup Cruises To Maiden PGA Tour Title At Myrtle Beach Classic - Golf Monthly

• Chris Gotterup wins inaugural Myrtle Beach Classic in 27th PGA Tour start, earns trip to PGA Championship - Golf Digest

Regions Tradition - Birmingham, AL

The Regions Tradition, the first major of the PGA Tour Champions season, concluded Sunday with Doug Barron clinching his first PGA Tour Champions major title at Greystone Golf & Country Club in Birmingham, Alabama. The tournament, which took place from May 9-12, 2024, saw Barron deliver a bogey-free finale, shooting a 4-under 68 in the final round to secure a two-stroke victory over Steven Alker, with a total score of 17-under 271. This victory marked Barron's third win on the PGA Tour Champions and his first major title, a significant milestone in his career.

The final round was highly anticipated, with Barron and Ernie Els entering as co-leaders. Despite Els' efforts, he could not maintain the momentum, finishing with a 1-under 71 to end up 14-under for the tournament. Barron, on the other hand, capitalized on his opportunity, following up his impressive third-round 66 with a strong final round to clinch the victory.

Steve Stricker, the two-time defending champion, was in contention but ultimately fell short of achieving a three-peat in the major championship. Stricker finished three shots behind the leaders, despite a strong showing. The tournament also featured notable performances from other golfers, including Steven Alker, who carded a 9-under 63 on Sunday, the best score of the week by two strokes, to finish as the sole runner-up.

• Doug Barron wins first PGA Tour Champions major at 2024 Regions Tradition - Golf Week

• Doug Barron's wild journey continues with him winning his first Champions' major - Golf Digest

• Doug Barron’s Round 4 winning highlights from Regions Tradition - PGA Tour

• Doug Barron wins Regions Tradition for first Champions major - DEADSPIN

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