Planet Golf News for Saturday, June 29, 2024

Frank Bensel makes back-to-back holes-in-one at the U.S. Senior Open, Nelly Korda says dog bite will keep her from defending her title in Aramco tournament

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PGN News Team
June 29, 2024 • Reading Time: 20 minutes

Saturday, June 29, 2024

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Bensel Jr. makes back-to-back holes-in-one at the U.S. Senior Open

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

Golf enthusiasts have been treated to an array of thrilling moments across various tournaments this week, each event delivering its own unique brand of excitement and drama.

Frank Bensel Jr. etched his name into the annals of golf history at the U.S. Senior Open with a truly incredible feat: back-to-back holes-in-one on the fourth and fifth holes. This achievement, with odds estimated at 67 million to one, is a first in the 129-year history of the USGA. Despite his unforgettable aces, Bensel's overall performance was not enough to carry him through to the weekend rounds. Meanwhile, Hiroyuki Fujita took the lead with a solid 4-under 66, positioning himself as a strong contender for the title.

In the world of women’s golf, Nelly Korda, the top-ranked player, has had to withdraw from the Aramco-sponsored Ladies European Tour event due to a dog bite. Korda's recent struggles on the course have been compounded by this unfortunate incident, and she announced via Instagram that she would need time to recover fully.

Akshay Bhatia's journey at the Rocket Mortgage Classic has been nothing short of eventful. During the second round, his ball found its way into a drain on the 17th hole. However, with assistance from a rules official, Bhatia was able to continue play and ended the day tied for the lead at 13-under par with Aaron Rai. The tournament saw plenty of action, including a hole-in-one by Joe Highsmith and impressive performances from several up-and-coming players like Neal Shipley, who is competing in his first professional PGA Tour event.

At the Dow Championship, the second round was marked by spectacular moments, including two hole-in-ones by Grace Kim and Hinako Shibuno. Five teams are tied for the lead at 12-under par, setting the stage for a highly competitive finish. Teams led by Grace Kim, Nicole Broch Estrup, and Nanna Koertz Madsen have all shown remarkable skill, ensuring a thrilling weekend of play.

The Italian Open on the DP World Tour saw local favorite Andrea Pavan share the lead with Gunner Wiebe and Sebastian Friedrichsen. With a strong contingent of international players close behind, including Brandon Stone, the final rounds promise intense competition and potential for a home-grown victory.

In Springfield, Illinois, Ryan Gerard has taken a commanding four-stroke lead at the Memorial Health Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour. His stellar play has put him at 17-under par, setting a 36-hole scoring record. With several players trailing closely, the weekend rounds will be crucial in determining if Gerard can maintain his lead and secure the title.

As the weekend begins, golf fans have plenty to look forward to across these tournaments. From historic achievements to the emergence of new talents, this week has showcased the thrilling unpredictability and sheer excitement that makes golf such a captivating sport.

[ Today’s Top Golf Stories ] 

A Historic First by Bensel at USGA’s 1,001st Championship

Frank Bensel Jr. achieved a historic first at the 44th U.S. Senior Open by making consecutive holes-in-one on the fourth and fifth holes. This rare feat, witnessed by the USGA for the first time in its 129-year history, has odds of 67 million to one. Despite a disappointing finish, Bensel left a lasting impression and gained recognition for his remarkable achievement.

Nelly Korda says dog bite will keep her from defending her title in Aramco tournament

Nelly Korda, the No. 1 player in women's golf, will not be able to defend her title at the Aramco-sponsored Ladies European Tour event due to a dog bite injury. Korda, who has recently missed the cut in three straight tournaments, posted on Instagram that she needs time for treatment and recovery.

Akshay Bhatia loses ball down the drain, but holds the lead at the Rocket Mortgage Classic

During the second round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic, golfer Akshay Bhatia's ball fell down a drain on the 17th hole. However, he was able to relocate the ball with the help of a rules official and continue play. Despite the mishap, Bhatia maintained his lead in the tournament with a cumulative score of -13 heading into the final rounds.

Golf Tournaments happening this weekend

Rocket Mortgage Classic- PGA - Detroit Golf Club - Detroit, MI

The second round of the 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club on Friday saw exciting developments and impressive performances from several players. Akshay Bhatia and Aaron Rai emerged as co-leaders, both sitting at 13-under par after 36 holes.

Bhatia, who led after the first round, maintained his strong form with a 5-under 67 in the second round. The 22-year-old American, seeking his third PGA Tour victory, played bogey-free golf for the second consecutive day. Rai, a 29-year-old Englishman pursuing his first PGA Tour win, matched Bhatia's score with an impressive 65, including seven birdies.

Just two strokes behind the leaders at 11-under par were Taylor Montgomery, Troy Merritt, Erik van Rooyen, and Cameron Young. Young, in particular, is a name to watch, as the world No. 23 carded a 6-under 66 and is looking for his first PGA Tour victory after seven runner-up finishes.

The tournament saw some exciting moments, including a hole-in-one by Joe Highsmith on the par-3 fifth hole, marking the second consecutive day with an ace at the event. Highsmith's impressive shot helped propel him into a tie for ninth place at 9-under par.

Neal Shipley, making his PGA Tour pro debut, put on an impressive display. The Central Catholic grad shot a 4-under 68, placing him in a tie for ninth at 9-under par. His strong performance demonstrates his comfort level competing against top professionals, following his recent experiences as an amateur in major tournaments.

While many players found success, some notable names missed the cut, including Tom Kim, the highest-ranked player in the field. Kim, coming off a playoff loss the previous week, finished at 3-under par, just one shot shy of the cut line.

The tournament also featured 15-year-old amateur Miles Russell, who made his PGA Tour debut. Although Russell missed the cut, he impressed many with his skills and composure, finishing at even par for his two rounds.

As the tournament heads into the weekend, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion.

Akshay Bhatia shares the lead in Detroit after his golf ball finds a fairway drain on the 17th

Akshay Bhatia shares the lead at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit after his golf ball finds an unlikely spot - underground in a drain. Despite the unusual incident, Bhatia shot a 5-under 67, tying Aaron Rai for the 36-hole lead. The course has been yielding low scores, and several players are in contention for their first PGA Tour victory.

Tom Kim leads this list of 10 big names to miss the cut at the 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic

Tom Kim and several other big names missed the cut at the 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic. Despite a strong performance last week, Kim finished with rounds of 73-68 and was unable to advance. Other notable players who missed the cut include Keith Mitchell, Robert MacIntyre, Daniel Berger, Webb Simpson, Cameron Champ, Miles Russell, Stephan Jaeger, Gary Woodland, and Kevin Kisner.

Nick Dunlap, very much in Rocket Mortgage contention, admits PGA Tour life is 'a little lonely'

Nick Dunlap, a professional golfer, reflects on the challenges of PGA Tour life, admitting that it can be lonely. Despite his success and earnings, Dunlap has faced frustrations and a learning curve in adapting to the professional game. However, he is currently in contention at the Rocket Mortgage Classic tournament.

Rocket Mortgage: Neal Shipley finds no learning curve, contends in 1st professional PGA Tour start

Neal Shipley, a former amateur golfer, made his first professional PGA Tour start at the Rocket Mortgage Classic. Shipley, who had impressive performances at The Masters and U.S. Open as an amateur, is contending in the tournament and feels comfortable with the level of play. He is currently four shots behind the leader and is looking to continue his strong performance throughout the weekend.

Miles Russell falls short in promising PGA TOUR debut, ends at even par

15-year-old Miles Russell falls short in his promising PGA TOUR debut at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, finishing at even par and missing the cut. Despite a strong second round, Russell couldn't maintain his momentum and was unable to secure a spot for the weekend. However, he showcased his skills and received a warm reception from both players and fans. Russell looks forward to his upcoming challenge at the 2024 U.S. Junior Amateur at Oakland Hills Country Club.

Fox rockets 38 places up leaderboard with strong second round

Kiwi golfer Ryan Fox climbs 38 places up the leaderboard in the Rocket Mortgage Classic with a strong second round, carding six birdies to sit at five-under and tie for 38th. The tournament is currently led by Akshay Bhatia and Aaron Rai.

Willie Mack III to miss cut in $9.2-million Rocket Mortgage Classic

Willie Mack III will miss the cut in the Rocket Mortgage Classic after shooting 1-over-par in the tournament.

Troy Merritt's 'no expectations' propel him to Friday-low 64 at Rocket Mortgage Classic

Troy Merritt's minimal expectations and limited practice rounds have propelled him to a strong position at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, with a Friday-low round of 64. Despite playing only one round in the past three weeks, Merritt sits just two shots back from the lead heading into the weekend. His approach of taking a break from the game has paid off, as he feels fresh and comfortable on the course.

Rocket Mortgage Videos

Dow Championship - LPGA - Midland CC - Midland, MI

The second round of the Dow Championship at Midland Country Club in Midland, Michigan, on Friday was highlighted by two spectacular hole-in-ones. Grace Kim made an ace on the par-3 seventh hole, which propelled her team's performance. Another hole-in-one was recorded by Hinako Shibuno on the par-3 18th hole, adding to the day's thrilling moments.

At the end of the second round, five teams found themselves tied for the lead at 12-under 128. The Danish duo of Nicole Broch Estrup and Nanna Koertz Madsen made a significant leap up the leaderboard with an impressive 10-under 60, which included an eagle from Koertz Madsen.

Grace Kim and Auston Kim combined for a 9-under 61, boosted by Grace's hole-in-one and eight birdies. The American pair of Ally Ewing and Jennifer Kupcho maintained their strong play from the first round to stay in contention.

Other teams sharing the lead included Yu-Sang Hou/Peiyun Chien and Min Lee/Albane Valenzuela, who posted solid scores of 64 and 63 respectively.

Just one shot behind the leaders at 11-under 129 were several teams, including the formidable English duo of Charley Hull and Georgia Hall.

The tournament also saw some impressive low scores, with Celine Boutier and Yuka Saso carding a spectacular 58, tying the tournament's 18-hole fourball record set five years ago.

As the tournament progresses, the stakes remain high with a $3 million purse and a first-place team prize of $732,165 up for grabs. The cut was set at 7-under, with the top 33 teams and ties advancing to the weekend.

Two Aces and a 58 Highlight Second Round of the Dow Championship

The second round of the Dow Championship in women's professional golf featured two aces and a record-breaking score of 58. Teams Sloth Machine, Ping-Pals, 2K, Hot Pot, and Hygge are tied for the lead at 12-under. Grace Kim and Auston Kim of Team 2K had a hole-in-one and jumped to the top of the leaderboard. Team Hot Pot and Team Hygge also had strong performances. Celine Boutier and Yuka Saso of Team BS tied the tournament scoring record with a 58.

Five teams share lead at LPGA's Dow Championship

Five teams are currently tied for the lead at the LPGA's Dow Championship in Midland, Michigan. Grace Kim and Auston Kim, Nicole Broch Estrup and Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Ssu-Chia Cheng and Wei-Ling Hsu, Jennifer Kupcho and Ally Ewing, and Chanettee Wannasaen and Jaravee Boonchant are all at 12-under. Grace Kim recorded a hole-in-one during the second round. The tournament features a four-ball format for the second and final rounds.

Grace Kim's ace carries her team to share of the lead in Dow Championship

Grace Kim's hole-in-one and strong performance, along with Auston Kim, led them to a five-way share of the lead in the Dow Championship. The Danish pair of Nicole Broch Estrup and Nanna Koertz Madsen had the best score among the leaders with a 60. The tournament remains wide open with several teams in contention.

Hinako Shibuno Has Hole-In-One in Second Round of Dow Championship

Hinako Shibuno made a hole-in-one during the second round of the Dow Championship, helping her and her teammate Minami Katsu to a 9-under 61. This is Shibuno's second career ace on the LPGA Tour. CME Group will donate $20,000 to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in honor of Shibuno's ace.

U.S. Senior Open Championship - PGA Tour - Newport Country Club - Newport, RI

On Friday the U.S. Senior Open Championship at Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island, witnessed an extraordinary day of golf, highlighted by Frank Bensel Jr.'s historic achievement and Hiroyuki Fujita's strong performance.

Frank Bensel Jr., a 56-year-old golfer from Jupiter, Florida, made headlines by hitting back-to-back holes-in-one during the second round. Bensel first aced the 184-yard fourth hole with a 6-iron, followed immediately by another ace on the 203-yard fifth hole using the same club. This remarkable feat is unprecedented in PGA Tour history, as no other golfer has recorded consecutive holes-in-one in a Tour-sanctioned event. The odds of achieving two holes-in-one in a single round are estimated to be 67 million-to-1, making Bensel's accomplishment even more extraordinary. Despite this historic achievement, Bensel faced challenges throughout the day, starting with a score of 4 over par and encountering consecutive bogeys after his aces. Ultimately, his performance, while memorable, did not secure him a spot in the weekend rounds.

Meanwhile, Hiroyuki Fujita emerged as the tournament leader after shooting a 4-under 66 in the second round. Fujita's consistent play earned him a one-shot lead as he aims for his first U.S. Senior Open title. His performance on Friday positioned him at the top of the leaderboard, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of competition.

Overall, the second round of the U.S. Senior Open at Newport Country Club was marked by Bensel's historic back-to-back aces and Fujita's strong showing, making it a day to remember in the world of senior golf.

Hiroyuki Fujita takes narrow lead at U.S. Senior Open

Hiroyuki Fujita of Japan holds the 36-hole lead at the U.S. Senior Open, with Richard Green close behind. Steve Stricker and Richard Bland are tied for third. Fujita and Green had impressive rounds, while Stricker and Bland also performed well. The tournament is set to continue over the weekend.

Mike Weir sent to the hospital after withdrawing from the 2024 US Senior Open

Mike Weir was forced to withdraw from the 2024 US Senior Open due to a wrist injury. He provided an update on his Instagram account, stating that he would undergo an MRI. Weir, the most successful Canadian male golfer in history, has won a major championship (The Masters, 2003) and has seven other PGA Tour victories. This was his fourth appearance at the U.S. Senior Open.

Green hangs tough to sit second at US Senior Open

Richard Green sits in second place at the US Senior Open, just one shot behind the leader. Despite challenging conditions, Green's strong performance, including three birdies, puts him at a 10-under total. Fellow Australian Cameron Percy also climbed up the leaderboard with a 5-under total. Seven Australians made the cut, including Mark Hensby, who bounced back with an impressive 7-under round.

Italian Open - DP World Tour - Adriatic Golf Club Cervia -Ravenna, Italy

On Friday, the Italian Open, part of the DP World Tour, continued at the Adriatic Golf Club Cervia in Ravenna, Italy, with several players vying for the top spot on the leaderboard. Local favorite Andrea Pavan emerged as one of the co-leaders, sharing the top position with Gunner Wiebe and Sebastian Friedrichsen. Pavan's performance has ignited excitement among Italian golf fans, who are hoping to see a home-grown talent claim victory in this prestigious event.

While the three co-leaders have set the pace, other players are hot on their heels. South African golfer Brandon Stone finds himself just two shots off the lead, demonstrating the international flavor of the competition. The tight grouping at the top of the leaderboard suggests that the tournament remains wide open, with plenty of opportunities for players to make moves over the weekend.

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Pavan to see if he can maintain his position and potentially secure a victory on home soil. However, with talented international players like Wiebe, Friedrichsen, and Stone in close contention, the Italian Open promises to deliver an exciting conclusion this weekend.

Gunner Wiebe has a 1-stroke lead halfway through the Italian Open

Gunner Wiebe holds a one-stroke lead at the halfway point of the Italian Open, posting a 2-under 69 to reach 9 under. Jannik de Bruyn, Sebastian Friedrichsen, Marcus Kinhult, Adrian Otaegui, and Brandon Stone are all in contention at 7 under. Gunner Wiebe, son of PGA Tour winner Mark Wiebe, has had a strong showing after a runner-up finish at last year's British Masters.

De Bruyn rushes in to make the running in Italy

Jannik de Bruyn, a late addition to the Italian Open, remains in contention for his first DP World Tour title with a halfway total of eight under par. Australia's David Micheluzzi made the cut, while compatriot Hayden Barron missed out. American Gunner Wiebe leads the tournament after a second-round 69.

McKibbin off the pace as Wiebe leads Italian Open

Gunner Wiebe leads the Italian Open at the halfway stage, with Tom McKibbin eight shots off the lead. Wiebe sits atop the leaderboard on nine under par, one shot clear of Jannik de Bruyn. McKibbin made the cut but has work to do to contend for the title.

LIV Golf star Patrick Reed's last chance of playing in The Open pushed to brink

Patrick Reed's chances of playing in The Open are in jeopardy as he faces the possibility of missing out on a second consecutive major championship. Reed's move to LIV Golf two years ago has resulted in his need to qualify for the majors, and his middling performance in Italy puts his qualification at risk. Reed expressed his frustration with the Official World Golf Ranking, stating that he believes it does not reflect his true abilities.

Memorial Health Championship pres. by LRS - Korn Ferry Tour - Panther Creek CC - Springfield, IL

On Friday the Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS at Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield, Illinois, saw intense competition and impressive performances on the Korn Ferry Tour.

Ryan Gerard emerged as the standout player, taking a commanding four-stroke lead into the weekend. Gerard's exceptional play put him at an impressive 17-under par, showcasing his dominance on the course. Trailing Gerard in a tie for second place at 13-under par were Austin Greaser, Patrick Welch, Max McGreevy, and Steven Fisk, all vying to close the gap on the leader.

The tournament witnessed some remarkable scoring, with the 36-hole cut being made at an astounding 7-under par 135. This tied the Korn Ferry Tour record for the lowest 36-hole cut score, marking only the fifth occurrence of such a low cut in the tour's history. The low cut score is indicative of the high level of play and favorable course conditions at Panther Creek Country Club.

The leaderboard remained tightly packed behind Gerard, with several players positioning themselves for a potential weekend charge. Max McGreevy and Doc Redman were among those who made significant moves during the second round, climbing up the leaderboard and putting themselves in contention.

As the tournament heads into the weekend, all eyes will be on Ryan Gerard to see if he can maintain his lead, while the chasing pack will be looking to mount a challenge and close the gap. With such a low cut score, the stage is set for an exciting and potentially high-scoring conclusion to the Memorial Health Championship.

Ryan Gerard takes four-stroke lead into weekend at Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS

Ryan Gerard holds a four-stroke lead heading into the weekend at the Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS on the Korn Ferry Tour. Gerard set a 36-hole scoring record with a 17-under 125, while Jackson Suber matched the course record with an 11-under 60 in the second round. Several other players made the cut and are in contention for the tournament.

How the 2024 U.S. Open became a springboard for these University of Illinois golfers

University of Illinois golfers, Jackson Buchanan and Brian Campbell, showcased their skills after the U.S. Open. Buchanan recovered from a rough start at the U.S. Open and performed well in the Memorial Health Championship, while Campbell achieved redemption after missing the cut in the 2014 U.S. Open. Both golfers have been influenced by their experiences and the support of their teammates.

Today’s Best Videos

Miles Russell's interview after Round 2 of Rocket Mortgage

Following his second-round 70 at the 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic, Miles Russell talks about the experience of playing as an amateur and what he's looking forward to in the future.

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Steve Stricker's surprising putter change is already paying off

Steve Stricker has made a surprising putter change, opting for a 37-inch Odyssey Versa Jailbird 380 putter. Stricker, who has been struggling with his putting, decided to switch to a more stable and heavier putter to improve his consistency. The change has already paid off, with Stricker posting strong rounds and feeling confident in his putting performance.

Overheard in the Club House

"I prefer to get my legs out" - LIV Golfer Lee Westwood bashes restrictive PGA Tour rules at the Senior US Open

Lee Westwood criticizes the restrictive PGA Tour rules at the Senior US Open, expressing his preference to play in shorts rather than pants. Despite being banned from the PGA Tour Champions due to his participation in LIV Golf, Westwood made his senior debut at the U.S. Senior Open and performed well in the first round, finishing with a score of 4 under 66. He highlighted the comfort and popularity of wearing shorts during practice rounds and expressed his desire to "get his legs out."

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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