Planet Golf News for Saturday, June 8, 2024

Ridiculous Scottie Scheffler takes control of Memorial Tournament, Aprichaya Yubol shoots a career-best 61 to take the first-round lead at ShopRite LPGA Classic

Author

PGN News Team
June 08, 2024 • Reading Time: 24 minutes

Saturday, June 8, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

We’re on a mission to create fun and fashionable golf clothing that empowers tween and teen girls to play with confidence.

Scottie Scheffler surges to top after Round 2 at Muirfield Village

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday has seen some surprising turns of events, with notable golfers like Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth, and Patrick Cantlay missing the cut. Fowler's rounds of 76-82, Rose's 80-73, Spieth's 74-75, and Cantlay's 75-76 were not enough to advance them to the weekend. This turn of events also saw U.S. Open title defender Wyndham Clark miss the cut by a single stroke, marking his second consecutive missed cut and his third in the past five starts.

The second round of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club was thrilling, with World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler showcasing his dominance. Scheffler’s rounds of 67 and 68 left him at 9-under par, holding a three-shot lead heading into the weekend. Adam Hadwin, who started with a one-shot lead, finished the day at 7-under, tied for second with Viktor Hovland. Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Xander Schauffele also made significant moves, though Schauffele faced setbacks with a couple of bogeys. The challenging winds at Muirfield Village added to the day's drama, making every shot a test of skill and resilience.

In the LPGA world, the ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer in Galloway, New Jersey, opened with a stunning performance by 22-year-old Aprichaya Yubol, who shot a career-best 10-under 61. Her round included eight birdies and a chip-in eagle, putting her two shots ahead of Jenny Shin. Yubol's newfound confidence, stemming from a recent fifth-place finish at the U.S. Women's Open, has set the stage for an exciting tournament weekend.

Meanwhile, at the LIV Golf Houston event, the competition kicked off with a star-studded lineup including Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Brooks Koepka. The Cleeks GC team, captained by Martin Kaymer, took an early lead with a team score of -11. Individual performances also stood out, with Caleb Surratt tying for the top spot with a score of -6.

The American Family Insurance Championship in Madison, Wisconsin, saw Boo Weekley and Glen Day co-leading after the first round with scores of 4-under 68. Local favorites Steve Stricker and Jerry Kelly are also in contention, providing a competitive edge to the senior tour event.

In Sweden, the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed tournament continued with Sebastian Soderberg leading the pack at 15-under par. His bogey-free performance has positioned him as the man to beat, with Scott Jamieson and Julien Guerrier trailing close behind.

Overall, this weekend is packed with exciting golf action across various tours, promising thrilling finishes and captivating performances from some of the best players in the world.

[ Today’s Top Stories ] 

Spieth, Clark and Cantlay miss cut at the Memorial presented by Workday

Rickie Fowler, Justin Rose, Jordan Spieth, and Patrick Cantlay have all missed the cut at the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday. Fowler shot 76-82, Rose shot 80-73, Spieth shot 74-75, and Cantlay shot 75-76. Other players who will not advance to the weekend include Chris Kirk, Davis Riley, Matthieu Pavon, Jake Knapp, Stephan Jaeger, Chris Gotterup, and Wyndham Clark. Clark, who will defend his U.S. Open title next week, missed the cut by one stroke. This is his second consecutive missed cut and third in his past five starts.

Brooks Koepka told by golf fans he cheated at LIV Houston

During the LIV Golf Houston tournament, some golf fans accused Brooks Koepka of cheating after a controversial drop on the fourth hole. Koepka's ball kept moving as he tried to place it, leading some fans to believe he was repeatedly picking it up and placing it for a better lie. The incident has sparked discussion and will likely continue to be a topic of conversation.

Jon Rahm's Injury Rocks LIV Golf Scene Just Days Ahead of US Open

Jon Rahm's injury at the LIV Golf Houston event just days before the US Open has shaken the golf scene. After a successful year in 2023, Rahm's performance has declined since joining LIV Golf. With his current form and the added injury, it is uncertain if he will be able to compete for the US Open title.

Adam Hadwin, Corey Conners battling for Olympic bid at the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday

Adam Hadwin and Corey Conners are competing for the second spot on Team Canada for the Olympic golf qualification. Conners currently holds a lead over Hadwin in the Official World Golf Ranking, but Hadwin has a chance to secure the spot if he performs well at the Memorial Tournament. Both players are focused on winning the tournament and not letting their minds drift too far into the qualification scenario.

Golf Tournaments happening this weekend

The Memorial Tournament pres. by Workday - PGA Tour - Dublin, OH

The second round of the 2024 Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, Ohio, was nothing short of thrilling. As the day unfolded, golf enthusiasts were treated to a display of skill and resilience from some of the world's top players, all vying for a share of the enormous $20 million purse.

Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1, showcased his dominance on the course. Despite a couple of bogeys on the back nine, Scheffler's performance was highlighted by an eagle on the 15th hole and a birdie on the final hole, propelling him to a three-shot lead heading into the weekend. His rounds of 67 and 68 left him at 9-under par, firmly in control of the leaderboard.

Canadian Adam Hadwin, who started the day with a one-shot lead, experienced a mixed round. He managed to extend his lead early on with three birdies but also faced challenges with two bogeys on the front nine. Hadwin finished the day at 7-under, tied for second place with defending champion Viktor Hovland, who posted consistent rounds of 69.

Christiaan Bezuidenhout made a significant leap up the leaderboard with a stellar 5-under round of 67, placing him in contention at 5-under overall. His impressive performance included four birdies on the front nine and two more on the back, showcasing his potential to challenge the leaders over the weekend.

Not all players had a smooth day, however. Xander Schauffele, despite an exciting birdie from the bunker on the 14th hole, faced setbacks with bogeys on holes 3 and 10, finishing the day tied for third at 5-under. Meanwhile, notable names like Jordan Spieth, Wyndham Clark, and Rickie Fowler struggled and missed the cut, which was set at 4-over par.

Jason Day, a local favorite and Central Ohio resident, faced a tough second round. With five bogeys, including three on the back nine, Day found himself at 4-over overall, just making the cut. His frustration was evident as he lamented his iron play, which he felt was not up to par for the challenging conditions at Muirfield Village.

As the tournament progresses into the weekend, all eyes will be on Scottie Scheffler to see if he can maintain his lead and secure the victory. With strong contenders like Hadwin, Hovland, and Bezuidenhout close behind, the final rounds promise to deliver more excitement and drama. Golf fans can look forward to a captivating conclusion to the 2024 Memorial Tournament.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has complete control of the Memorial, despite wild winds

Scottie Scheffler dominates the Memorial Tournament despite challenging winds, showcasing his skills with four birdies and an eagle on the 15th hole. He maintains control of the tournament, demonstrating his ability to execute shots and navigate the course effectively. Scheffler's performance puts him in contention for his fifth victory of the season.

Auburn freshman Jackson Koivun makes cut at the Memorial in PGA TOUR debut, one step closer to earning card

In his PGA TOUR debut, Auburn freshman Jackson Koivun made the cut at the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday. With this achievement, Koivun earned his 15th point in the PGA TOUR University's Accelerated Program, putting him just five points away from earning a TOUR membership. Koivun's impressive list of accolades includes sweeping the three collegiate Player of the Year awards and leading Auburn to its first national championship title.

Ludvig Aberg, Viktor Hovland looking to chase down Scottie Scheffler at the Memorial

Ludvig Åberg and Viktor Hovland are in contention at the Memorial Tournament, but they will have to chase down Scottie Scheffler, who holds firm control of the tournament. Hovland shot a 3-under 69 to sit three shots behind Scheffler, while Åberg shot an even-par 72 to stay five shots off the pace. The conditions were tough, but both players stayed focused. Hovland led the field in greens in regulation, while Åberg had to grind throughout his round. With 36 holes to play, they have a chance to catch up, but the challenge will be tough.

Rory McIlroy in Mix at Memorial With Eye on U.S. Open

Rory McIlroy remains in contention at the Memorial Tournament, staying three shots behind the leader. He acknowledges the challenging course conditions and compares them to what he expects at the upcoming U.S. Open. McIlroy's preference for hard and fast conditions gives him hope for a strong performance at Pinehurst. He has shown improvement in majors and considers the U.S. Open to be his best major championship in recent years.

It hasn't rained, but the Memorial Tournament had a new weather menace Friday: gusty winds

The Memorial Tournament in Columbus, Ohio, faced gusty winds during the second round, making every shot challenging for the golfers. The wind had a greater impact than rain, heat, or cold, forcing players to adapt from shot to shot. Despite the difficult conditions, some players, like Christiaan Bezuidenhout, managed to perform well, while others struggled to tame the wind. The average score was higher than the previous round, but the softness of the course due to recent rain helped mitigate the wind's effect.

ShopRite LPGA Classic pres. by Acer - Galloway, NJ

The opening round of the ShopRite LPGA Classic presented by Acer in Galloway, New Jersey, witnessed a remarkable performance by Aprichaya Yubol, a 22-year-old Thai golfer. Yubol carded a career-best 10-under 61, setting the pace and taking a two-shot lead over Jenny Shin.

Yubol's round was nothing short of extraordinary. She recorded eight birdies and a chip-in eagle during the morning session on the Bay Course at Seaview Resort. Her only blemish came on the par-5 ninth hole, where she narrowly missed a 10-foot birdie putt that would have given her a 60.

"I feel like I'm just starting to play golf, happy golf, like every hole," Yubol shared, reflecting on her newfound confidence after an impressive fifth-place finish at the U.S. Women's Open. "My confidence is coming back, and it's making me more confident for this week."

Yubol's 61 tied the tournament record set by Sei Young Kim and Sakura Yokomine in 2018, the year Annie Park emerged victorious. Her performance was all the more remarkable considering her recent struggles, which included a string of missed cuts following her first event. However, a visit from her manager and a renewed belief in herself seem to have reignited her game.

While Yubol stole the spotlight, several other notable players also had impressive starts. Jenny Shin, who has one LPGA Tour win since 2011, carded a 63 despite playing in the afternoon with stronger winds. Narin An, a two-time Korean LPGA winner, shot a bogey-free 64, trailing Yubol by three shots.

Yuka Saso, the reigning U.S. Women's Open champion, opened with a 2-under 69, while Hinako Shibuno, last week's runner-up, shot a 66. Brittany Lincicome, an eight-time LPGA Tour winner and the 2011 champion of this event, had her best round of the year with a 65.

The defending champion, Ashleigh Buhai, started her title defense with a respectable 67. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Yubol to see if she can maintain her blistering pace and capture her first LPGA Tour victory.

The opening round of the ShopRite LPGA Classic has set the stage for an exciting weekend of golf, with Yubol's remarkable 61 serving as a benchmark for the rest of the field to chase.

Yubol flirts with opening round of 59 at ShopRite LPGA Classic

Arpichaya Yubol came close to shooting a round of 59 at the ShopRite LPGA Classic, finishing with a round of 61 to tie the tournament record. Yubol's strong performance follows her solid showing at the U.S. Women's Open and a series of conversations with her manager that helped boost her confidence and turn her season around.

LIV Golf - Houston

The inaugural LIV Golf Houston event kicked off today, June 7, 2024, at the Golf Club of Houston, marking the start of the second half of the LIV Golf season. This event, the first of its kind in Texas, brought together a star-studded lineup of golfers, including some of the sport's biggest names like Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, and Cameron Smith. The tournament, which runs from Friday through Sunday, features 13 teams, each consisting of four golfers and two wildcards, competing for a substantial $25 million purse.

The day began with a shotgun start at 12:15 p.m. local time under mostly sunny skies, with temperatures reaching a high of 92 degrees. The course, known for its challenging layout with multi-tiered greens, strategic bunkers, and several water hazards, provided a rigorous test for the competitors. The Golf Club of Houston, which previously hosted the PGA Tour’s Shell Houston Open, proved to be a fitting venue for this high-stakes event.

As the day progressed, the leaderboard saw significant movement. By the end of the first round, the Cleeks GC, captained by Martin Kaymer, emerged as the leaders with a team score of -11. The Cleeks' standout performance was bolstered by strong showings from team members Richard Bland, Adrian Meronk, and Kalle Samooja. Close on their heels were three teams tied for second place: Legion XIII, Iron Heads, and Torque, all with scores of -10. Jon Rahm's Legion XIII team, featuring Tyrrell Hatton, Caleb Surratt, and Kieran Vincent, showcased consistent play throughout the day.

Bryson DeChambeau's Crushers GC, despite his recent impressive performance at the PGA Championship, finished the day in fifth place with a score of -9. The Crushers' lineup, including John Catlin, Anirban Lahiri, and Paul Casey, will be looking to make up ground in the coming rounds. Meanwhile, the Majesticks, captained by Ian Poulter, ended the day in sixth place at -8, followed by Cameron Smith's Ripper GC at -7.

The individual competition also saw some notable performances. Caleb Surratt, who turned professional earlier this year, was among the leaders, tied for the top spot with a score of -6. His impressive play has set the stage for an exciting weekend as he competes against more seasoned professionals.

LIV Golf Houston Leaderboard: Cleeks GC takes lead after standout Round 1

Cleeks GC takes the lead after a strong Round 1 in the LIV Golf Houston tournament, finishing at 17-under. Martin Kaymer, Adrian Meronk, and Kalle Samooja combined for nine birdies on the back nine, giving them a three-stroke lead over Torque GC. The leaderboard and tee times for Round 2 are provided, and the weather forecast for Houston, Texas on Saturday is mostly sunny. Viewers can watch the tournament on The CW Network or stream it on The CW App or LIV Golf Plus.

LIV Golf Houston: Three tied at top; Cleeks top team

Caleb Surratt, the youngest player in LIV Golf, shares the first-round lead with Martin Kaymer and Adrian Meronk at LIV Golf Houston. The Cleeks GC team leads the team competition with a three-shot advantage over Torque GC. Surratt's bogey-free 7-under 65 is his lowest score since turning pro. The tournament features a strong field with several players in contention.

American Family Insurance Championship - PGA Tour Champions - Madison, WI

The American Family Insurance Championship kicked off Friday at the University Ridge Golf Course in Madison, Wisconsin. This prestigious event, part of the PGA Tour Champions, has drawn significant attention as it features some of the most renowned names in senior golf. The tournament, which runs through June 9, offers a total prize money of $2.4 million and is played on a par-72 course.

Friday’s action was marked by several notable moments, including a spectacular hole-in-one by Kevin Sutherland on the 5th hole. This ace was Sutherland's first on the Champions Tour, adding an exciting highlight to the day's play. The defending champion, Steve Stricker, a Wisconsin native and one of the key figures behind the creation of this tournament in 2016, is also competing, adding to the local interest and excitement.

The tournament format is stroke play, and all players will compete in all three rounds, as there is no cut in the PGA Tour Champions events. This format ensures that fans get to see their favorite players throughout the entire weekend. The leaderboard is already shaping up with intense competition, and the live updates are keeping fans engaged with every swing and putt.

Boo Weekley, who sometimes drives U-Hauls to tournaments, co-leads American Family Insurance Championship

Boo Weekley, who drove a U-Haul to a previous tournament, is co-leading the American Family Insurance Championship after shooting a 4-under 68 in the first round. Weekley, seeking his first Champions tour win, tied with Glen Day at University Ridge Golf Course in Madison, Wisconsin. Steve Stricker, the defending champion, is tied for third with Jerry Kelly at 3 under.

Stricker, Kelly and Kendall near lead after first round of the AmFam Championship

Steve Stricker, Jerry Kelly, and Skip Kendall are among the top contenders after the first round of the AmFam Championship. Stricker finished with a 3-under 69, Kelly had a strong back nine to finish at 3-under, and Kendall briefly touched the lead before ending with a 2-under 70. The tournament is still wide open with 18 players within two shots of the co-leaders.

2024 AmFam Championship Rooftop Report: What we saw, heard during Round 1 at University Ridge

The 2024 AmFam Championship Rooftop Report highlights the performances of various golfers during Round 1 at University Ridge. Boo Weekly impressed with a 4-under-par 68, Skip Kendall had a strong start with a 2-under-par front nine, and Jerry Kelly birdied five holes in a row to move into a share of the lead. Kevin Sutherland scored his first career hole-in-one, and Duffy Waldorf showcased his bunker shot skills. The report also includes updates on other golfers with Wisconsin ties and notable holes from the tournament.

Madison native Jerry Kelly plays through Rheumatoid arthritis in strong AmFam Championship day one

Kelly and fellow Madison native Steve Stricker discussed the difficulties Kelly has been dealing with since his symptoms began, including at Friday's opening round.

BMW Charity Pro-Am pres. by TD SYNNEX - Korn Ferry - Greer, SC

Today, Friday, June 7, 2024, the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX continued its exciting lineup of events and activities, bringing together professional and amateur golfers, celebrities, and the local community in Greer, South Carolina. The tournament, which is a staple of the Upstate region, is being held at the Thornblade Club and the Carolina Country Club, with the latter hosting the events until today.

The day was filled with competitive golf as 160 Korn Ferry Tour teams and 160 amateur teams took to the greens, showcasing their skills and vying for top honors. Among the notable celebrities participating were former NFL wide receiver Brice Butler, former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf, and American Idol winner Phillip Phillips, who added a touch of star power to the proceedings.

Seth Reeves leads after Round 2 at BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX

Seth Reeves leads after Round 2 at the BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX on the Korn Ferry Tour. Reeves carded a 7-under 64 at Thornblade Club for the outright 36-hole lead. Other notable performances include Ryan Gerard, Billy Kennerly, Bill Haas, and Brandon Harkins. Reeves is seeking his second career 36-hole lead/co-lead on the Korn Ferry Tour.

Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed - DP World -Heisingborg, Sweden

On Friday at the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed in Helsingborg, Sweden, Sebastian Soderberg continued to dominate the leaderboard with an impressive performance. The Swedish golfer, playing in his home country, maintained his lead after the second round, finishing the day at 15 under par. Soderberg's consistent play was highlighted by a second consecutive round of 66, following his remarkable opening round of 63. Notably, he has yet to record a bogey in the tournament, showcasing his exceptional form and precision.

Scott Jamieson of Scotland is trailing Soderberg by three shots, sitting at 12 under par. Jamieson carded a 65 today, which included eight birdies and a single bogey on his final hole, the ninth. Despite the challenging crosswinds, Jamieson's iron play was nearly flawless, missing only one green throughout his round. His ability to convert more putts today compared to the previous round kept him within striking distance of Soderberg.

France's Julien Guerrier moved into third place with a bogey-free round of 64, just one stroke behind Jamieson. Guerrier's performance today has positioned him well for the weekend, as he aims to close the gap on the leaders.

Linn Grant, the best-placed Ladies European Tour player and the 2022 winner, is tied for fourth place at 9 under par. Grant added a solid round of 68 to her opening 67, making her a strong contender in her hometown event.

Sebastian Söderberg extends home advantage in Sweden

Sebastian Söderberg, the home favorite, is in a commanding position at the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed tournament in Sweden. He is bogey-free through 36 holes and holds a three-shot lead at 15 under. Söderberg's strong form and consistent performance this season make him a top contender for the title.

Grinding afternoon for Walsh who makes the cut on the number - Irish Golfer Magazine

Lauren Walsh grinds out a three-over 75 on day two of the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed, making the cut on the number. Sebastian Söderberg takes a three-stroke lead into the weekend with a second round, six-under-par 66. Frenchman Julien Guerrier surges up the leaderboard with an eight-under 63. A total of 42 DP World Tour members and 26 Ladies European Tour members make the cut in this unique event where men and women compete together.

Today’s Best Videos

Overheard in the Locker Room

LIV Golf strikes impressive partnership with luxury car brand for U.S.-based events

LIV Golf has partnered with luxury car brand Maserati for its upcoming U.S.-based events, including the LIV Houston tournament. Maserati will serve as the vehicle partner and sponsor for the next three events, with additional exposure through the CW Network. This partnership aims to provide unique experiences and elevate the occasion with displays, branding, and curated driving adventures for pro-am members. The collaboration with Maserati aligns with LIV Golf's goal of changing how people view golf and offers a high-end and luxurious experience to fans and participants.

Photos of 'Ripped pants' and injuries of Scottie Scheffler’s arresting officer released to the public

Photos of arresting officer Bryan Gillis' 'ripped pants' and injuries have been released to the public, providing an update on Scottie Scheffler's arrest during the PGA Championship's second round. The charges against Scheffler have been dropped, but he still recalls the traumatic experience and has chosen not to pursue legal action against Louisville or the police department.

Anthony Kim opens up on LIV struggles, skeptics and hard road back

Anthony Kim discusses his struggles, skeptics, and his journey back to professional golf. Despite not performing well in his recent LIV starts, Kim is grateful for the opportunity to play again and is focused on regaining his form. He also opens up about his recovery and the challenges he still faces. Kim expresses his positive outlook and determination to succeed, regardless of skeptics. He reflects on his past and looks forward to potentially joining a team in the future.

Westerville's Jason Day seeks tournament normalcy by living life of luxury in his driveway

Jason Day is staying in his RV parked in his driveway during the Memorial Tournament to simulate a typical tournament week on the road. This routine provides him with better structure and preparation. Although Muirfield Village Golf Club, where the tournament is held, does not fit his eye, Day is determined to overcome challenges and improve his performance.

When this ‘stupid,’ ‘horrible’ hole took heat, Jack Nicklaus took action

During the Memorial Tournament, Jack Nicklaus took action to improve the challenging 16th hole at Muirfield Village. The hole had received criticism from players for its difficulty in holding the green. Nicklaus moved the tees and made adjustments to make the hole more fair while still providing a challenge. The changes have been well-received by players, resulting in improved scoring averages.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

Click HERE for the latest Official World Golf Ranking

Latest FedExCup Standings

Click HERE for the latest Official World Golf Ranking

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.

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.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up HERE for FREE