Planet Golf News for Monday, May 20, 2024

Silencing doubters, Xander Schauffele takes control of his narrative with wire-to-wire PGA Championship win, Korda wins Mizuho Americas Open for sixth title this year

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PGN News Team
May 20, 2024 • Reading Time: 22 minutes

Monday, May 20, 2024

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Xander Schauffele goes wire-to-wire at PGA Championship to win first career major title

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

Golf enthusiasts had a lot to celebrate this past weekend with some thrilling finishes and historic achievements on the course.

Xander Schauffele finally broke through to win his first major title at the PGA Championship, held at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. Schauffele led the tournament from start to finish, a rare and impressive feat known as a wire-to-wire victory. He capped off his stellar performance with a birdie on the 18th hole, finishing at 21 under par. This win not only marked his eighth PGA Tour victory but also set a new record for the lowest score in PGA Championship history at Valhalla. Bryson DeChambeau finished just one stroke behind, delivering a captivating performance himself, including a remarkable birdie on the 16th hole. Schauffele's victory earned him a hefty $3.3 million from the record $18.5 million purse.

Meanwhile, on the LPGA Tour, Nelly Korda continued her dominant run by clinching her sixth win in seven starts at the Mizuho Americas Open. The tournament, held at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey, saw Korda narrowly defeat Hannah Green by one stroke. Despite a shaky front nine, Korda's composure on the back nine, particularly her crucial putt on the 18th hole, secured her victory. This remarkable run ties her with Inbee Park's 2013 record of six wins in a single season, solidifying her status as the top player on the LPGA Tour this year.

In other news, the PGA Tour saw some internal turbulence with the resignation of independent director Mark Flaherty from the policy board, following closely after Jimmy Dunne's departure. The resignations have stirred discussions about the board's future dynamics and the ongoing negotiations involving Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Scottie Scheffler had a rollercoaster of a week at the PGA Championship, managing to finish strong despite a surprising arrest before the second round. Scheffler's resilience shone through as he posted a 6-under 65 on Sunday, finishing in the top 10. He reflected on his performance with a mix of pride and exhaustion, looking forward to some rest before his next tournament.

The Korn Ferry Tour's AdventHealth Championship in Kansas City, Missouri, concluded with a local hero, Harry Higgs, triumphing in a playoff against Tanner Gore. Higgs' dramatic eagle on the 18th hole forced the playoff, and he secured his victory with a birdie on the first extra hole, much to the delight of the hometown crowd.

This weekend's golf action wasn't just limited to the pros. The Mizuho Americas Open featured a unique format that included top junior golfers from the American Junior Golf Association. Sixteen-year-old Gianna Clemente emerged victorious in the junior competition, gaining invaluable experience and showcasing her potential alongside the sport's elite.

As the season progresses, the excitement and drama on the golf course continue to captivate fans. With new champions emerging and established stars reinforcing their dominance, golf enthusiasts have much to look forward to in the coming weeks.

[ Today’s Top Stories ] 

Xander Schauffele birdies 72nd hole to beat Bryson DeChambeau, win PGA Championship

Xander Schauffele birdied the 72nd hole to win the 2024 PGA Championship, beating Bryson DeChambeau and Viktor Hovland. Schauffele finished at 21 under par, claiming his first major title and eighth PGA Tour victory. The tournament was held at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.

Nelly Korda continues heater winning sixth LPGA Tour event in seven starts at 2024 Mizuho Americas Open

Nelly Korda won her sixth LPGA Tour event in seven starts at the 2024 Mizuho Americas Open, defeating Hannah Green by one stroke. This victory makes Korda the first player since Inbee Park in 2013 to achieve six wins in a single season. Korda expressed her excitement and acknowledged the tough competition from Green. Korda rebounded from her five-tournament winning streak being snapped the previous week. Jennifer Kupcho, Gabriela Ruffels, Ariya Jutanugarn, and Chanettee Wannasaen finished tied for third.

A second independent director resigns from PGA Tour policy board

Mark Flaherty, an independent director, has resigned from the PGA Tour policy board less than a week after Jimmy Dunne's resignation. Flaherty expressed his honor and privilege to serve on the board for the past 4 ½ years. Dunne's resignation suggested that he had been excluded from negotiations with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Flaherty's departure leaves three independent directors and six player directors on the board.

Turbulent PGA Championship Almost Gives LIV Golf a Huge Boost

The PGA Championship had a turbulent event that almost gave LIV Golf a major boost. For more details, refer to the article: PGA Championship Drama Nearly Delivers a Major Boost to LIV Golf

Scottie Scheffler Says He's 'Proud' of PGA Championship Performance After Arrest

Scottie Scheffler, despite being arrested before Round 2 of the PGA Championship, finished the tournament strong with a 6-under 65 on Sunday. He expressed pride in his performance and mentioned feeling tired but satisfied with his fight throughout the week. Scheffler faces charges related to the incident and claims it was a misunderstanding in a chaotic situation.

Golf Tournaments happening this weekend

PGA Championship - Louisville, KY

Sunday at the 2024 PGA Championship, held at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, Xander Schauffele emerged victorious, claiming his first major championship in a dramatic fashion. Schauffele's performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he led the tournament from start to finish, a feat known as a wire-to-wire victory. This achievement places him among an elite group of golfers who have accomplished this in PGA Championship history, including legends like Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, and Jack Nicklaus.

Xander Schauffele finished the tournament at 21-under-par, setting a new record for the lowest score in PGA Championship history at Valhalla. He started the final round with a strong front nine, carding four birdies to go out in 31. Despite a bogey on the 10th, he regained momentum with consecutive birdies on the 11th and 12th holes. Schauffele's final birdie on the 18th hole secured his victory, separating him from his closest competitor, Bryson DeChambeau.

Bryson DeChambeau finished second at 20-under-par, just one stroke behind Schauffele. His final round included three birdies in the first six holes and crucial birdies on the 10th and 13th holes. A significant moment for DeChambeau came on the 16th hole, where his tee shot hit a tree and bounced back into the fairway, allowing him to make a birdie.

The total purse for the 2024 PGA Championship was a record $18.5 million, with Schauffele taking home $3.3 million for his victory. The runner-up, DeChambeau, earned $1.998 million, while the third-place finisher received $1.258 million.

Other notable performances included Collin Morikawa, who co-led with Schauffele after 54 holes but struggled to find a low number on the final day and finished outside the top spots. Shane Lowry tied a major championship record with a flawless 62 during the tournament, showcasing his exceptional skill.

Valhalla Golf Club, known for its challenging layout, played host to some of the best golfers in the world. The course's design, with its strategic bunkers and water hazards, tested the players' skills throughout the tournament.

Xander Schauffele's triumph at the 2024 PGA Championship marks a significant milestone in his career, as he finally secures his first major title after several close calls in previous years. His consistent performance and ability to handle pressure were key factors in his victory. Bryson DeChambeau's strong showing also highlighted his resilience and skill, making the final round a thrilling spectacle for golf fans. The record-breaking purse and the high level of competition further underscored the prestige of this year's championship.

Xander Schauffele Earns A New Narrative By Conquering His Major Demons With Masterful PGA Championship

Xander Schauffele conquers his major demons by winning the 2024 PGA Championship with a record-setting 21-under par score. After many close calls, Schauffele showed his ability to perform under pressure and change the narrative surrounding his career. Despite a disappointing bogey, he bounced back with back-to-back birdies and sealed the victory with a birdie on the 72nd hole. Schauffele's win proves that he has what it takes to win a major championship.

PGA Championship 2024: On an island thousands of miles away, Stefan Schauffele bawled after his son's breakthrough win

Xander Schauffele's father, Stefan Schauffele, watched his son win his first major championship, the PGA Championship, from thousands of miles away on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Despite not being able to watch the entire round, Stefan followed Xander's progress and was overcome with emotion when his son made the winning putt. Stefan has been a significant influence on Xander's golf career and is confident that his son's success will continue.

Bryson DeChambeau Didn't Win This PGA, But He Delivered an Unforgettable Show

Bryson DeChambeau delivered an unforgettable show at the 106th PGA Championship, despite not winning. He displayed incredible skill and sportsmanship, including a moment where he confronted a fan who took a ball intended for a young boy. DeChambeau played exceptional golf throughout the tournament, but Xander Schauffele ultimately emerged as the champion. DeChambeau's performance and graciousness in defeat left a lasting impression.

Scottie Scheffler 'ready to get home' after 65 closes out turbulent PGA Championship

Scottie Scheffler reflects on a turbulent week at the PGA Championship, which included being arrested and charged with assault. Despite the distractions, he bounced back with a strong final round, shooting a 65 and finishing in the top 10. Scheffler is tired but still planning to play in the upcoming tournament at Colonial.

'Not Very Good': Brooks Koepka's Repeat Bid Falls Short at PGA Championship

Brooks Koepka's repeat bid at the PGA Championship fell short as he finished out of contention and expressed disappointment with his performance. Despite a final-round 66, Koepka acknowledged that his overall play was "not very good" and cited a lack of progress. He plans to regroup before upcoming events and remains confident in his game.

PGA Championship: Rory McIlroy takes positives into rest of major season after strong finish at Valhalla

Rory McIlroy takes positives from his performance at the PGA Championship, despite not winning his fifth major title. McIlroy had a strong start to the tournament but struggled on the second day. He finished in a share of 12th place and believes his game is in good shape for the upcoming major season.

How all 16 LIV Golf players fared at the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla

At the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla, Xander Schauffele made a historic 21-under performance to beat Bryson DeChambeau by one stroke. Out of the 16 LIV Golf players, 11 made the cut, with three finishing in the top 30. The article provides individual performance highlights for each player.

Mizuho Americas Open - Jersey City, NJ

Sunday at the Mizuho Americas Open, Nelly Korda clinched her sixth LPGA Tour title of the season in a dramatic finish at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey. Korda's victory was marked by a tense back-nine showdown with Australia's Hannah Green. Entering the final round with a two-shot lead, Korda faced a challenging front nine, bogeying three times and finishing the stretch at 2-over. However, she managed to keep pace with Green by matching her birdies on the 10th, 13th, and 15th holes.

The decisive moment came on the par-4 18th hole. Korda's drive found the fairway, while Green's landed in the left rough. Korda's approach shot left her with a 15-foot putt for par, which she confidently sank, securing her victory. Green's chip from the rough left her with a 10-foot putt to force a playoff, but she missed, leaving Korda to finish at 14-under 274, one stroke ahead of Green, who shot a 70 in the final round.

Korda's win today not only added another title to her impressive season but also made her the first player since Inbee Park in 2013 to win six tournaments in a single season. This victory also solidified her position as the most successful player on the LPGA Tour this year, bringing her season earnings to $2,943,708 and her career earnings to $11,880,981.

The tournament saw several notable performances. Jennifer Kupcho, who lost this event in a playoff last year, tied for third place with rookie Gabriela Ruffels of Australia, Ariya Jutanugarn, and Chanettee Wannasaen, all finishing at 10-under 278. Wannasaen had the best round of the day with a 7-under 65.

The Mizuho Americas Open, now in its second year, featured a significant purse increase to $3 million, with Korda taking home $450,000 for her victory. The event also showcased a unique format, with 120 LPGA players competing alongside 24 top-ranked junior girls from the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA), creating an inspiring week for the next generation of golfers.

Again?! Yep, again. Nelly Korda wins sixth LPGA title in seven starts

Nelly Korda wins her sixth LPGA title in seven starts at the Mizuho Americas Open. Despite not having her best performance, Korda made a birdie on the back nine to secure the victory. This win extends her dominant run and she joins a select group of women who have won six times on the LPGA Tour before June 1.

Gianna Clemente Wins AJGA Portion of Mizuho Americas Open

16-year-old Gianna Clemente wins the AJGA portion of the Mizuho Americas Open, playing alongside top-ranked Nelly Korda and Hannah Green. Clemente secured victory with a total of 149 points in the modified Stableford AJGA competition. Her win marks a significant achievement and she credits the experience of playing alongside professionals for her composure and lessons learned. Clemente's next tournament is the ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer, where she aims to make the cut and carry her momentum forward.

AdventHealth Championship - Kansas City, MO

Today at the AdventHealth Championship, held at Blue Hills Country Club in Kansas City, Missouri, Harry Higgs emerged victorious after a thrilling playoff against Tanner Gore. Both players finished the regulation rounds tied at 19-under-par 269, necessitating a playoff to determine the winner. Higgs secured his win with a birdie on the first playoff hole, marking a significant achievement for the local favorite from Overland Park.

The final round saw intense competition, with Higgs shooting a 66 and Gore a 69. Dalton Ward finished just one stroke behind the leaders at 18-under 270, after an impressive final round of 64. The tournament featured several notable performances, including a four-way tie for fourth place at 17-under 271 among Matt McCarty, Daniel Summerhays, Vince Whaley, and Brandon Harkins. McCarty and Harkins both shot 64 in their final rounds, while Summerhays and Whaley posted 68s.

The AdventHealth Championship, part of the Korn Ferry Tour, offered a $1 million purse, with Higgs earning a significant share for his victory.

The event was marked by excellent weather conditions, contributing to the low scores and competitive play. The Blue Hills Country Club, known for its challenging layout and pristine conditions, once again proved to be a fitting venue for this prestigious tournament. The championship's success was further bolstered by the recent announcement of a three-year extension for AdventHealth as the title sponsor, ensuring the event's continuation through 2029.

Kansas City’s Harry Higgs wins in playoff at hometown AdventHealth Championship

Harry Higgs wins the AdventHealth Championship in a playoff against Tanner Gore, moving to seventh on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List. Higgs' incredible eagle hole-out on the 72nd hole forced the playoff, and he secured the victory with a birdie on the first playoff hole. This hometown win is a significant milestone for Higgs, who has faced challenges in recent years.

Today’s Best Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Winner's Bag: Xander Schauffele, 2024 PGA Championship

Xander Schauffele won the 2024 PGA Championship using the following golf equipment: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond driver, Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond fairway wood, Callaway Apex UW ’21 hybrid, Callaway Apex TCB irons, Callaway JAWS Raw and Titleist Vokey Design SM10 wedges, Odyssey Las Vegas prototype putter, and Callaway Chrome Tour golf ball.

Overheard in the Locker Room

Golf needs Bryson back

Bryson DeChambeau's performance at the PGA Championship showcased his ability to captivate and galvanize crowds, proving that golf needs him back. Despite not winning, DeChambeau's aggressive mindset, powerful game, and engagement with fans made him the main attraction. His presence and unique brand have garnered a significant following, and his return to the sport would inject much-needed excitement and entertainment.

Bryson DeChambeau explains how YouTube changed his golf career and image

Bryson DeChambeau discusses how YouTube has impacted his golf career and image, stating that it has allowed him to connect with and inspire others. He addresses the misconception that he is a divisive figure and expresses his passion for paving his own path in the sport.

Why Viktor Hovland Considered Pulling Out Of The PGA Championship

Viktor Hovland considered pulling out of the PGA Championship due to his poor performance and dissatisfaction with his game. After a change of coach back to Joseph Mayo, he decided to continue playing but admitted to having thoughts of skipping the tournament. Hovland's struggles highlight the challenges even professional golfers face when their game is not at its best.

Max Homa sums up the week for 90 percent of the Valhalla field with hilarious Instagram post

Max Homa hilariously sums up the week for 90 percent of the Valhalla field at the PGA Championship. Despite his own disappointment, Homa displays his wit on social media, acknowledging the dominant performance of Scottie Scheffler and the unexpected encounters at the tournament.

Bryson DeChambeau Made Sure a Boy Got His Golf Ball Back

During the 106th PGA Championship, Bryson DeChambeau ensured that a young boy got his golf ball back after an adult snatched it away. Although DeChambeau ultimately lost the championship to Xander Schauffele, he played well and demonstrated excellent short game skills. The incident with the golf ball showcased DeChambeau's sportsmanship and concern for his fans.

“He’s Super Country, Don’t Worry About It” – Good Samaritan Snake Wrangler Protects PGA Championship Gallery

A Good Samaritan snake wrangler protected the PGA Championship gallery from a large snake, ensuring no one was harmed. The incident added an extra thrill to the tournament, with the possibility of more bizarre events unfolding on the back nine.

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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