Planet Golf News for Saturday, June 1, 2024

Lexi Thompson’s U.S. Women’s Open Career Concludes at Lancaster CC, With dad on bag, Robert MacIntyre shines at RBC Canadian Open

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PGN News Team
June 01, 2024 • Reading Time: 21 minutes

Saturday, June 4, 2024

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Nelly Korda misses the cut as brutal US Women's Open takes no prisoners

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

This week has been a whirlwind in the golf world, with emotional exits, impressive performances, and surprising misses marking the tournaments.

First up, Lexi Thompson, a name synonymous with women's golf, faced a bittersweet moment at the U.S. Women's Open. Despite a valiant effort, Thompson missed the cut in what she has hinted could be her final full-time season on the LPGA tour. Reflecting on the week, she expressed deep gratitude for the support she has received over the years. Though this might be the end of an era, Thompson’s focus now shifts to participating in a few more events and potentially making her seventh Solheim Cup appearance.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Women's Open spotlight shone brightly on young sensation Asterisk Talley. The 15-year-old golfer wowed everyone with her poise and skill, balancing the pressures of a major tournament with the typical concerns of a high school freshman. Talley’s performance has not only put her in contention but also made her a player to watch in the future.

On the flip side, World No. 1 Nelly Korda faced an unexpected setback, missing the cut after a disastrous round that included a septuple-bogey. This marked her first missed cut since last year's KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, ending a streak of consistent performances. With Andrea Lee and Wichanee Meechai leading the tournament, the U.S. Women’s Open promises an exciting finish.

In Canada, the RBC Canadian Open is heating up with Ryan Fox and Robert MacIntyre leading the pack. Fox, with a brilliant round of 64, and MacIntyre, maintaining a bogey-free streak, are tied at the top. Mackenzie Hughes, the hometown favorite, had a spectacular day, rocketing into a share of second place after shooting a 64, and he's determined to make his mark over the weekend. The leaderboard is tightly packed, setting the stage for a thrilling weekend.

Ernie Els stole the show at the Principal Charity Classic, delivering a stunning 10-under 62 to take the lead. Els’ performance was nothing short of spectacular, as he birdied ten holes, setting a personal record on the PGA Tour Champions circuit. With a two-shot lead over a trio of challengers, including defending champion Stephen Ames, Els is in prime position heading into the weekend.

Across the pond, Laurie Canter put on a masterclass at the European Open in Hamburg, shooting a bogey-free 66 to take a commanding lead. The Englishman’s precision and consistency have given him a three-stroke advantage, making him the player to beat as the tournament progresses.

In Raleigh, Nelson Ledesma leads the UNC Health Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour after an impressive second-round 64. With a strong field behind him, Ledesma will need to keep his momentum to secure the title.

As these tournaments unfold, the stories of resilience, youthful exuberance, and veteran prowess remind us why golf captivates fans worldwide. Whether it's the emotional farewell of a legend like Lexi Thompson, the rise of young stars like Asterisk Talley, or the continued excellence of players like Ernie Els, this week in golf has been nothing short of extraordinary.

[ Today’s Top Stories ] 

Emotional Lexi Thompson misses the cut in what's likely her final U.S. Women's Open

Lexi Thompson's emotional journey at the U.S. Women's Open ends with her missing the cut. Despite the disappointing performance, Thompson reflects on the special week and announces that this will likely be her final full-time season on the LPGA. She expresses gratitude for the support and well-wishes from fans and fellow players and looks forward to playing in a few more events before potentially participating in her seventh Solheim Cup.

Can we get a homework extension? Asterisk Talley, 15, has a USWO to try and win

Asterisk Talley, a 15-year-old golfer, impresses at the U.S. Women's Open with solid rounds and a strong performance. Despite having homework due, Talley remains focused on her game and aims to contend for the championship.

World No. 1 Nelly Korda Misses Cut at U.S. Women's Open

World No. 1 Nelly Korda misses the cut at the U.S. Women's Open after a disastrous hole, ending her chances of contention. This comes as a surprise considering her dominant play throughout the year, including winning the first major of the year. Andrea Lee and Wichanee Meechai currently lead the tournament.

Golf Tournaments happening this week

RBC Canadian Open - Hamilton, ON

The second round of the 2024 RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Ontario was filled with exciting action and impressive performances. Ryan Fox of New Zealand and Robert MacIntyre of Scotland emerged as co-leaders, both sitting at 10-under 130 after 36 holes.

Fox, the son of former New Zealand rugby star Grant Fox, carded a brilliant 6-under 64 on Friday. He birdied the par-5 fourth and par-4 fifth holes before recovering from a bogey on the par-3 sixth with a clutch birdie on the par-4 ninth. Fox's driving, iron play, and putting were all on point, as he expressed satisfaction with his overall game.

MacIntyre, a 27-year-old Scottish left-hander, continued his bogey-free run with a 4-under 66 in the morning round. His consistent ball-striking and smart course management, coupled with an impressive short game, allowed him to navigate the challenging Hamilton layout with ease. MacIntyre's father, Dougie, served as his emergency caddie, adding a heartwarming father-son dynamic to his performance.

Joel Dahmen positioned himself two strokes behind the leaders after firing a 5-under 65. The American expressed excitement about competing under pressure on the weekend, eager to capitalize on his strong play.

Canadian Mackenzie Hughes had an eventful day, carding a 6-under 64 that included two eagles and two closing bogeys. Despite the disappointing finish, Hughes remained optimistic about his overall performance and his chances heading into the weekend at a course he knows well.

First-round leader David Skinns and Andrew Novak joined Hughes at 7-under, while Trace Crowe, Sean O'Hair, and Sam Burns were a further stroke back at 6-under.

Rory McIlroy, a two-time Canadian Open champion, struggled to a 2-over 72 but remained in contention at 2-under for the tournament. Defending champion Nick Taylor, however, missed the cut after rounds of 72 and 71.

With the leaderboard tightly packed and a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars in contention, the stage is set for an exciting weekend of golf at the RBC Canadian Open.

Fox, MacIntyre second-round leaders at RBC Canadian Open; Hughes low Canadian

Mackenzie Hughes is the low Canadian after he fired a 6-under 64 to rocket 30 spots up the leaderboard into a tie with David Skinns and others

Hometown kid Mackenzie Hughes shoots 64, moves into mix at RBC Canadian Open

Hometown hero Mackenzie Hughes shoots a second-round 64 at the RBC Canadian Open, moving into a share of second place. Hughes, who hails from Dundas, Ontario, is playing with a heavy heart after the passing of his longtime friend and caddie, Bill Bath. Wearing Bath's old hockey jersey, Hughes is vying for a spot on Canada's Olympic men's golf team and the Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal.

5 big-name golfers who missed the cut at the 2024 RBC Canadian Open ft. Cameron Young

The article discusses five big-name golfers who missed the cut at the 2024 RBC Canadian Open. Cameron Young, Zach Johnson, Sahith Theegala, Nick Taylor, and Alex Noren all failed to make the cut for the tournament.

DP World Tour grads raid top of leaderboard at 2024 RBC Canadian Open, which may produce back-to-back Canadian champs

Mackenzie Hughes, a Canadian native, is in contention at the RBC Canadian Open after shooting a 6-under 64 in the second round. With his strong performance, Hughes aims to become the back-to-back champion following Nick Taylor's victory in the previous year. Despite a couple of bogeys towards the end, Hughes is satisfied with his overall performance and is determined to win the tournament.

David Hearn makes cut at RBC Canadian Open after long PGA Tour layoff

David Hearn, after a long layoff from the PGA Tour, made the cut at the RBC Canadian Open. Hearn, a veteran member of the tour, expressed optimism about his performance and hopes to compete in more events. Mackenzie Hughes is the low Canadian after two rounds, while Corey Conners and Wil Bateman are also in contention. A record number of Canadians were in the field, with 20 missing the cut.

McIlroy eight shots off the pace at RBC Canadian Open

Rory McIlroy is eight shots behind the leaders at the RBC Canadian Open, while Shane Lowry made the cut. McIlroy scored a 72, putting him at two-under par, while Lowry shot a 68 to finish at level par. Seamus Power, on the other hand, finished at three-over par and will not continue into the weekend.

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

The second round of the 79th U.S. Women's Open took place at Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. While big names like Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson struggled, missing the cut in disappointing fashion, the leaderboard saw some fresh faces rise to the top.

Thai golfer Wichanee Meechai stole the spotlight, firing an impressive 5-under 65 to take the 36-hole lead at 7-under par. Meechai's brilliant putting and consistent ball-striking allowed her to card seven birdies against just two bogeys on the challenging Lancaster CC layout.

Six past U.S. Women's Open competitors were in the field, including major champions like Michelle Wie West and Inbee Park. While they couldn't quite keep pace with Meechai, their experience shone through as they made the cut to play the weekend rounds.

As the halfway point passed, a crowded leaderboard emerged with several players within striking distance of Meechai's lead. The third round will likely see an intense battle as the world's best jockey for position to claim the coveted U.S. Women's Open title on Sunday in Lancaster.

Lexi Thompson misses cut but 'cherished every moment' in U.S. Women's Open

Lexi Thompson missed the cut in the U.S. Women's Open but cherished every moment of the tournament. Despite not playing the golf she wanted, Thompson appreciated the support of the fans and the special week. She reflected on her past USWO performances and expressed gratitude for her family, friends, and fans. While she has no plans at the moment, Thompson aims to make the U.S. Solheim Cup team and continue playing in the future.

Korda misses cut at U.S. Women's Open

Nelly Korda, the tournament favorite, missed the cut at the U.S. Women's Open by two strokes after finishing 36 holes at 10-over par. Despite a much-improved second round, her disastrous first round and a septuple-bogey on the 12th hole contributed to her poor performance. This is Korda's first missed cut since last year's KPMG Women's PGA Championship, ending a streak of 17 consecutive tournaments.

Ask some top players in the world—the 12th hole in U.S. Women's Open has been a nightmare

The 12th hole at the U.S. Women's Open has been a nightmare for players, with many balls ending up in the creek in front of the green. The hole has seen numerous double bogeys or worse, including Nelly Korda's septuple-bogey 10. The USGA has made adjustments to the hole's placement to mitigate the high scores, but it remains a challenging hole for players to navigate.

Nelly Korda has fun NSFW moment after making par on the hole where she made a 10 on Thursday at 2024 U.S. Women's Open

Nelly Korda had a fun moment during the U.S. Women's Open when she made a par on the hole where she previously made a 10. Despite the challenging hole, she managed to make a 3 and jokingly commented on her previous performance.

Thailand's Wichanee leads US Women's Open as Korda misses cut

Wichanee Meechai of Thailand leads the US Women's Open after the halfway stage, while Nelly Korda, the world number one, missed the cut. Wichanee posted a three-under-par 67, with six birdies and three bogeys, giving her a two-shot lead. Andrea Lee of the United States is in second place, two shots behind. Korda had a disappointing first round and failed to recover in the second round, resulting in her missing the cut.

Minjee Lee stays in the mix for Women's US Open glory

Minjee Lee is in contention for the Women's US Open title after a solid second round, leaving her tied for third place. Lee, a two-time major winner, is just three shots behind the halfway leader Wichanee Meechai. The tournament has proven to be a challenging test, with only four players under par. Lee expressed her love for the difficulty and strategic nature of the US Open. Other Australian players, Hannah Green and Gabriela Ruffels, face an uphill battle to catch up to the leaders.

Early contender Sei Young Kim withdraws from 2024 U.S. Women's Open

Sei Young Kim has withdrawn from the 2024 U.S. Women's Open due to a back injury. Kim, who started the day in a share of fifth place, pulled out of the tournament after being six over par after 12 holes in the second round. She has previously finished in the top 20 at this event and is a 12-time winner on the LPGA tour.

These amateurs made the cut at the 2024 U.S. Women's Open at Lancaster Country Club

A total of 22 amateurs participated in the 2024 U.S. Women's Open at Lancaster Country Club, with four advancing to the weekend. Megan Schofill and Asterisk Talley are currently in the top five, both at 1 over through 36 holes. The list of amateurs who missed the cut includes Ingrid Lindblad and Lottie Woad.

Principal Charity Classic - Des Moines, IA

Ernie Els delivered an exceptional performance today at the Principal Charity Classic, shooting a 10-under-par 62 to take the first-round lead at the Wakonda Club in Des Moines, Iowa. Known as "The Big Easy," Els birdied 10 holes, marking his career-low score on the PGA Tour Champions circuit and tying the tournament record. Reflecting on his round, Els expressed his satisfaction, noting that everything seemed to go his way as he hit the ball well and made numerous putts.

Els holds a two-shot lead heading into the weekend, with defending champion Stephen Ames of Canada, Ricardo Gonzalez of Argentina, and Vijay Singh of Fiji all shooting 8-under 64 to open the tournament. Els' round included a 6-under 30 on the front nine, highlighted by birdies on five of his last six holes, and he added four more birdies on the back nine. He narrowly missed breaking the tournament record with a par on the 18th hole.

Els' recent form has been promising, with a tie for third at the Regions Tradition and a tie for sixth at the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, both major tournaments. He acknowledged that his game has been trending in the right direction, with improved ball striking in recent weeks.

Ames, Gonzalez, and Singh also posted bogey-free rounds, with Gonzalez making a notable eagle at the par-5 eighth hole. Tied for fifth at 7-under 65 were Rod Pampling of Australia, Billy Mayfair, Heath Slocum, and Rob Labritz.

Pampling and company in pursuit of runaway Ernie Els

Ernie Els takes the first-round lead at the Principal Charity Classic with a career-low score of 62 on the PGA Tour Champions circuit. He has a two-shot lead entering the weekend, followed by Stephen Ames, Ricardo Gonzalez, and Vijay Singh. Rod Pampling is tied for fifth at seven-under 65.

Clarke well off the pace at Champions Tour's Principal Charity Classic

Darren Clarke had a disappointing opening round at the Principal Charity Classic, shooting a level-par 72. He will need to go extremely low in the second round to have a chance of being a factor on Sunday. Ernie Els leads the tournament with a bogey-free round of 62, followed by Ricardo Gonzales, Stephen Ames, and Vijay Singh who all shot 64.

European Open - Hamburg, Germany

On Friday, May 31, 2024, the European Open in Hamburg, Germany, saw an impressive performance from English golfer Laurie Canter, who shot a bogey-free, 7-under 66 to take a three-stroke lead into the weekend. Canter's exceptional round placed him at the top of the leaderboard with a total score of -12. His performance was marked by precision and consistency, allowing him to maintain a clear advantage over his competitors.

Niklas Norgaard Møller from Denmark secured the second position with a total score of -9, while Jannik De Bruyn from Germany followed closely in third place with a score of -8. The competition was fierce, with several players tied for fourth place at -6, including Guido Migliozzi from Italy, Jayden Trey Schaper from South Africa, Tom McKibbin from Northern Ireland, Pablo Larrazabal from Spain, Yuto Katsuragawa from Japan, and Garrick Porteous from England.

The day's highlights included standout performances from Thriston Lawrence of South Africa, who achieved a daily score of -6, and both Niklas Norgaard Møller and Jordan Smith from England, who each scored -4 for the day. The challenging conditions of the Green Eagle Golf Courses, known for its length and difficult greens, tested the skills of all participants.

As the event progresses into the weekend, all eyes will be on Laurie Canter to see if he can maintain his lead and secure victory.

Canter shoots bogey-free 66 and takes three-stroke lead at European Open

English golfer Laurie Canter leads the European Open after shooting a bogey-free 7-under 66 in the second round. He is currently three strokes ahead with a score of 12 under. Jannik De Bruyn and Niklas Norgaard are tied for second place.

Tom McKibbin digs deep to keep his European Open title defence alive in Hamburg

Tom McKibbin aims to defend his European Open title, currently six shots behind the leader Laurie Canter. McKibbin battled back after a double-bogey start and believes he can draw inspiration from his previous win. In other golf news, Shane Lowry made five birdies to stay on the projected cut line at the RBC Canadian Open, while Lexi Thompson is likely to miss the cut in the US Women's Open.

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

Nelson Ledesma claims solo lead after two rounds at UNC Health Championship

Nelson Ledesma claims the solo lead after two rounds at the UNC Health Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour. Ledesma recorded a second-round 64 to secure his first outright lead of the season. Other notable performances include Daniel Summerhays and Patrick Welch sitting inside the top 10, and Raleigh native Carter Jenkins entering the weekend one shot off the lead. Ledesma leads the field with 13 birdies through 36 holes.

Today’s Best Videos

Overheard in the Locker Room

Who is Asterisk Talley? Everything to know about 15-year-old LPGA golfer near top of U.S. Open leaderboard

Asterisk Talley is a 15-year-old golfer competing in the 2024 Women's U.S. Open. Despite her young age, she has already made a mark in the golf scene, with notable achievements in various tournaments. Talley's name means "little star" in Greek, and she has shown great potential in her golf career.

Lancaster C.C. test for U.S. Women's Open has been more brutal than USGA expected

The Lancaster Country Club test for the U.S. Women's Open has been more difficult than expected, with only four players finishing under par after two rounds. The setup, including brutal pins, crazy hard greens, and heavy rough, has made scoring challenging. The length of the course and the slope of the greens have added to the difficulty. The course has outpaced itself from the last U.S. Open held there in 2015. Despite the challenges, players have respected the setup and consider it a true test for a U.S. Open.

'You're a b*tch': Paige Spiranac comment sparks death threats

Paige Spiranac has received death threats after making disparaging remarks about golfers who use pushcarts instead of carrying their bags. While some fans took it lightly, others strongly reacted to her comments. Spiranac defended herself, highlighting the double standard of using derogatory terms towards women. She later clarified that it was meant as a joke. Her podcast has gained popularity during the coronavirus crisis, and she has been open about her experiences with online harassment and the challenges she faced in the golf industry.

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PGA TOUR Schedule 2024

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