Planet Golf News for Monday, September 16, 2024

United States wins back the Solheim Cup from Team Europe | Patton Kizzire ends six-year victory drought at 2024 Procore Championship | Rahm wins Individual Championship and LIV Golf Chicago | McIlroy suffers late collapse as Hojgaard takes Irish Open title

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Monday, September 16, 2024

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Team USA Captures Solheim Cup for First Time in Seven Years

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

What an eventful week in the world of golf! From a historic Solheim Cup victory to some thrilling individual performances, there’s plenty to catch up on. Let’s dive into all the action.

Americans End Their Solheim Cup Drought

After a seven-year wait, Team USA finally reclaimed the Solheim Cup, defeating Europe 15.5-12.5 at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia. This victory not only ended Europe’s hopes of a record fourth consecutive win but also showcased the depth of the American squad. The U.S. came into the final day with a solid 10-6 lead and needed only 4.5 points to secure the cup. Despite a strong opening match from Europe’s Charley Hull, the Americans held their nerve.

The standout performance of the tournament came from Rose Zhang, who made history with a flawless 4-0-0 record, becoming only the third American to achieve this feat. The decisive moment arrived when Lilia Vu birdied the 17th and 18th holes to clinch the crucial half-point needed for the win. Stacy Lewis, the U.S. captain, deserves a lot of credit for transforming the team’s culture and strategy, emphasizing enjoyment and teamwork, which clearly paid off. With their next challenge coming in 2026 in the Netherlands, the Americans have set a strong foundation for the future.

Patton Kizzire Finds His Way Back to the Winner's Circle

Patton Kizzire ended his six-year winless drought in style by dominating the Procore Championship at the Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, California. His five-shot victory at 20-under par was an impressive feat, especially after a brief scare where his lead shrank to just two shots. However, key birdies on the 12th and 13th holes solidified his grip on the tournament. This victory not only comes with a $1.08 million prize but also secures Kizzire a two-year PGA Tour exemption and a spot in the Masters for the first time since 2019. It’s a well-earned triumph that marks a potential turning point in his career.

Jon Rahm Continues His Winning Streak at LIV Golf Chicago

Jon Rahm secured his second victory in three starts at the LIV Golf Chicago, finishing 11 under par and clinching the season-long individual championship along with a whopping $18 million prize. Rahm’s consistency throughout the season has been remarkable, with this win marking his second in the LIV Golf League. In the team competition, Bryson DeChambeau’s Crushers GC claimed the top seed for the upcoming LIV Golf Team Championship. With Rahm in such fine form, he’s undoubtedly one of the biggest names to watch in golf right now.

Rasmus Hojgaard's Dramatic Win at the Irish Open

Rasmus Hojgaard made a thrilling finish at the Irish Open, birdieing the last three holes to snatch victory from Rory McIlroy’s grasp. Hojgaard’s performance not only marks his fifth European Tour win but also makes him the youngest player since 1989 to achieve this milestone. McIlroy, despite leading for much of the tournament, stumbled in the closing stages with two bogeys, leaving him to reflect on another close finish. Meanwhile, Hojgaard’s victory boosts his confidence as he eyes a spot on the 2025 Ryder Cup team.

Steve Stricker’s Emotional Sanford International Win

Steve Stricker claimed his third consecutive win at the Sanford International in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, after a nail-biting four-hole playoff against Richard Green. This victory was particularly meaningful for Stricker, as it marked his first win since his father's passing earlier this year. His consistent performance at Minnehaha Country Club, where he has now won four times, underscores his enduring skill and resilience.

Paul Peterson’s Breakthrough at the Simmons Bank Open

On the Korn Ferry Tour, Paul Peterson secured his first tour win at the Simmons Bank Open, narrowly beating Matt Atkins with a score of 20-under. This win significantly boosts Peterson's standing in the Korn Ferry Tour points list, bringing him closer to earning a coveted PGA TOUR card for the 2025 season. The Simmons Bank Open remains an important event for emerging golfers, offering them a platform to showcase their talent and advance their careers.

Looking Forward

From the emotional wins to the ending of droughts, this week in golf showcased the sport’s unpredictability and the sheer grit of its players. As we look forward to the next events, it’s clear that the competition is only heating up. With new stars emerging and seasoned players rediscovering their winning ways, golf fans have plenty to be excited about in the weeks to come.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this past weekend

Solheim Cup - LPGA - Robert Trent Jones Golf Club - Gainesville, VA

Yesterday the United States women's golf team secured a historic victory at the Solheim Cup, held at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia. This marked their first triumph in the biennial competition since 2017, ending a seven-year drought and halting Europe's bid for a record fourth consecutive title.

The Americans entered the final day of singles matches with a commanding 10-6 lead, needing only 4.5 points to reclaim the cup. Despite a strong start from Europe's Charley Hull, who defeated world No. 1 Nelly Korda 6 and 4 in the opening match, the U.S. team maintained their momentum.

Key performances came from Rose Zhang, Megan Khang, and Allisen Corpuz, who secured crucial wins for Team USA. Zhang, in particular, finished with a perfect 4-0-0 record, becoming only the eighth player in Solheim Cup history and the third American to achieve this feat.

The decisive moment came when Lilia Vu sank a 2-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole, clinching the victory for the United States. Vu's clutch performance, which included back-to-back birdies on the final two holes, secured the half-point needed to reach the winning threshold of 14.5 points.

The final score stood at 15.5 to 12.5 in favor of the United States. This victory not only ended Europe's winning streak but also showcased the depth and talent of the American team, with three players (Zhang, Khang, and Lauren Coughlin) going undefeated throughout the competition.

The 2024 Solheim Cup will be remembered for its dramatic conclusion and the resurgence of the U.S. team, led by standout performances from both seasoned players and newcomers alike.

Solheim Cup Videos

Procore Championship - PGA Tour - Silverado Resort and Spa - Napa, CA

The final round of the Procore Championship, a PGA Tour event, concluded at the Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, California yesterday. Patton Kizzire emerged as the champion, securing his third PGA Tour victory and ending a six-year drought since his last win.

Kizzire started the final day with a four-stroke lead and maintained his composure throughout the round. He carded a 2-under 70, finishing the tournament with an impressive total of 20-under par. This performance was enough to clinch a five-stroke victory over his closest competitor, David Lipsky.

The win marks a significant turnaround for Kizzire, who entered the tournament ranked 257th in the Official World Golf Ranking. His victory at Silverado Resort not only boosts his ranking but also comes with substantial rewards. Kizzire will take home $1.08 million in prize money, which represents 18 percent of the total purse. Additionally, he earns 500 FedEx Cup Fall points, 35.2 OWGR points, and a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour.

David Lipsky finished in second place, earning $654,000, while Patrick Fishburn secured third place and a prize of $414,000. The tournament, which is the first of eight FedEx Cup Fall events, saw intense competition and some dramatic moments, including a two-shot swing on the 11th hole that briefly narrowed Kizzire's lead.

This year's Procore Championship had a reduced prize purse of $6 million compared to the previous year's $8.4 million, due to a change in sponsorship from Fortinet to Procore. Despite the reduced purse, the tournament maintained its significance in the PGA Tour calendar, offering important opportunities for players to improve their standings and secure their status for the upcoming season.

Procore Championship Videos

Sanford International - PGA Tour Champions - Minnehaha CC - Sioux Falls, SD

The Sanford International PGA Tour Champions event concluded in dramatic fashion at Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls, South Dakota Sunday afternoon. Steve Stricker emerged victorious after a thrilling four-hole playoff against Richard Green.

Stricker, who had held a two-shot lead going into the final hole of regulation play, stumbled with a three-putt bogey on the 18th, carding a 3-under 67 for the day. This opened the door for Richard Green, who sank a clutch 12-foot birdie putt in the final group to post a 69 and force the playoff.

The playoff was intense, with both players having to work hard for pars on the 18th hole twice. After matching pars on the par-3 10th, they returned to the 18th for a fourth playoff hole. It was here that Stricker produced a moment of magic. After pulling his 3-wood into deep rough, he hit a spectacular wedge shot that struck the flagstick and settled just 2 feet from the hole. Green missed his 8-foot birdie attempt, allowing Stricker to tap in for the win.

This victory was particularly emotional for Stricker, as it marked his first win since the passing of his father in January. It was also his third consecutive Sanford International title and his fourth overall at this event. Notably, Stricker became the first player to win a tournament three straight times on both the PGA Tour Champions and the PGA Tour.

The win was Stricker's first on the PGA Tour Champions in 2024, following a stellar 2023 season where he claimed six titles. His performance at Minnehaha Country Club demonstrated his resilience and skill, particularly in the pressure-packed playoff situation.

LIV Golf Chicago - LIV - Bolingbrook Golf Club - Bolingbrook, IL

Jon Rahm emerged victorious yesterday at the LIV Golf Chicago event held at Bolingbrook Golf Club in Bolingbrook, Illinois. Rahm shot a final round of 4-under 66 to finish the tournament at 11-under par, securing a three-shot victory over Joaquín Niemann and Sergio Garcia, who tied for second place.

This win marked Rahm's second victory in the LIV Golf League this season, following his triumph in England last month. More importantly, Rahm's performance in Chicago clinched the season-long individual championship, earning him an additional $18 million bonus on top of the $4 million prize for winning the tournament.

Throughout the 2024 season, Rahm displayed remarkable consistency, never finishing worse than tied for 10th in his 12 events. His victory in Chicago was particularly impressive, as he went bogey-free over the weekend and sank a crucial 12-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole to secure his win.

In the team competition, Bryson DeChambeau's Crushers GC claimed the top spot, securing the first seed for the upcoming LIV Golf Team Championship scheduled for next week at Maridoe in Dallas. Rahm's Legion XIII team will enter as the second seed, while Cameron Smith's Ripper GC secured the third seed with a first-round bye.

The event at Bolingbrook Golf Club, which was ranked as the No. 1 public course in Illinois for 2024, provided an exciting conclusion to the regular season of the LIV Golf League. The tournament not only determined the individual champion but also finalized the standings for team seedings and player status for the 2025 season.

Amgen Irish Open - DP World - Royal Country Down GC - Newcastle, Northern Ireland

The Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle, Northern Ireland concluded Sunday with a dramatic finish. Denmark's Rasmus Højgaard emerged victorious, clinching his fifth DP World Tour title with a remarkable final round performance.

Højgaard started the day behind local favorite Rory McIlroy but mounted an impressive charge on the back nine. He birdied four of his last five holes, including a spectacular hole-out from a bunker on the 17th, to card a 6-under 65 for the round. This late surge propelled him to a tournament total of 9-under-par, securing a one-shot victory.

Rory McIlroy, who had led the tournament for much of the final round and was seeking his first professional win on Northern Irish soil, finished in second place at 8-under-par. McIlroy's hopes were dashed by a costly bogey on the 17th hole and a narrowly missed eagle putt on the 18th that would have forced a playoff.

Italy's Matteo Manassero rounded out the top three, finishing in third place after a solid final round of 69. The tournament showcased intense competition and thrilling golf, with Højgaard's late heroics ultimately stealing the show and denying McIlroy a hometown victory.

This win was particularly significant for Højgaard, boosting his confidence and bringing him closer to his goal of qualifying for the 2025 Ryder Cup team. The event, part of the DP World Tour, drew large crowds and provided exciting action throughout the week at the prestigious Royal County Down course.

Simmons Bank Open - Korn Ferry Tour - Vanderbilt Legends Club - Franklin, TN

The Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation concluded at the Vanderbilt Legends Club North Course in Franklin, Tennessee yesterday afternoon. Paul Peterson emerged victorious, securing his first win on the Korn Ferry Tour. Peterson finished the tournament with a score of -20, narrowly edging out Matt Atkins who came in second at -19.

The final round was closely contested, with Peterson maintaining his composure to clinch the title. His performance throughout the four-day event was consistent, culminating in this career-defining victory. The win not only earned Peterson the trophy but also a substantial prize of $270,000 from the tournament's $1.5 million purse.

This victory is particularly significant for Peterson as it boosts his standing in the Korn Ferry Tour points list, enhancing his chances of earning a PGA TOUR card for the 2025 season. The top 30 players at the end of the 2024 season will secure PGA TOUR cards, making this win crucial for Peterson's career progression.

The Simmons Bank Open, part of the Korn Ferry Tour playoffs, attracted a strong field of golfers competing for both prize money and valuable points. Notable performances came from players like Morgan Hoffmann and Max McGreevy, who made significant moves up the leaderboard during the tournament.

This event, which has gained recognition as the Korn Ferry Tour's Tournament of the Year in 2022, continues to be an important stop on the tour, providing a platform for emerging golf talents to showcase their skills and advance their professional careers.

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Overheard in the Club House

Joey Wolf of Sarasota, Florida - Romper by Marie Birdie

Joey Wolf’s Amazing Journey to the Drive, Chip, and Putt Finals

Sarasota, Florida has a rising golf star, and her name is Joey Wolf. At just 9 years old, Joey has already proven her skills on the green, most recently by clinching victory in the Girls 9-year age group at the PGA’s Drive, Chip, and Putt competition for the Southeast Region, held yesterday at the renowned Sea Island Golf Club on St. Simons Island, Georgia.

The competition was fierce, especially with Joey initially tying with another talented young golfer, Greta Golden. With both players matching scores in their 3 attempts at each skill, it all came down to a thrilling playoff. The deciding moment? A nerve-wracking 15-foot putt for closest to the hole. Joey’s calm demeanor and precision saw her come out on top, securing her place among the best.

This isn’t Joey’s first time in the spotlight. She’s been winning tournaments from a young age, including a standout victory at the prestigious Doral Classic in Miami back in 2022, when she was just 7. Her win at Sea Island now puts her in the spotlight for the Drive, Chip, and Putt finals on April 6, 2025, at Augusta National, immediately preceding the iconic Masters Tournament.

Joey will join other regional champions as they tee off at Augusta, setting the stage for what promises to be a remarkable showcase of young talent. Keep an eye on Joey Wolf; she’s certainly one to watch in the world of junior golf!

UPCOMING TOURS

Marie Birdie is a female-founded and owned golf and active wear brand for tween and teen girls. Our mission is to inspire, delight, and empower girls to enjoy an active lifestyle while playing golf.

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