Planet Golf News for Saturday, September 7, 2024

Saturday, September 7, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

Marie Birdie is a clothing brand dedicated to providing young women with the sense of empowerment and individuality.

After years of pain, this golf cult hero is suddenly back in contention

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

It seems the PGA Tour is facing a troubling trend with TV ratings for major events continuing to decline. The latest blow comes from the Tour Championship, where viewership dropped by 13% compared to last year, despite the spotlight being on Scottie Scheffler. Various reasons could be behind this decline, including the fact that the tournament fell on Labor Day weekend, which may have kept potential viewers occupied elsewhere. The event format might also be contributing to the issue, but either way, it's clear that the PGA needs to find a way to reignite fans' excitement.

Meanwhile, on the course, Y.E. Yang is making waves at the Ascension Charity Classic. Yang shot an impressive 65 (-6) in the opening round, birdieing four of his last five holes to secure the lead. While Yang has led after the first round on four other occasions, he’s still chasing his first victory on the PGA Tour Champions. Tim O’Neal, who has consistently performed well at Norwood Hills Country Club, is right on Yang’s heels after carding a 66 (-5). With a strong field of competitors, including defending champion Steve Flesch, this event is shaping up to be one of the more exciting stops on the Champions Tour.

Across the Atlantic, the Omega European Masters is providing its own drama. Matt Wallace is dominating the event after firing an incredible 8-under-par 62 in the second round. Wallace, now sitting at 14-under overall, has opened up a four-stroke lead, but Alex Fitzpatrick is hot on his heels. Fitzpatrick shot a solid 67 and is determined to keep the pressure on, even if he’s trying to take it one shot at a time. With Ryder Cup implications for Wallace, there’s plenty at stake beyond just the tournament title in the picturesque Swiss Alps.

As the pros continue to battle it out, we’re also inching closer to some of golf’s marquee team events. The Solheim Cup is just around the corner, with Team USA set to take on Team Europe at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. This biennial contest never fails to deliver drama and excitement, and this year promises to be no different as the top 12 women from each side face off. Shortly after that, the Presidents Cup will tee off at Royal Montreal Golf Club. With captains Jim Furyk and Mike Weir leading their respective teams, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown.

Back in the States, attention is also turning to the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am, where tennis star Andy Murray is trading his racket for a set of golf clubs. Having retired from tennis, Murray is now fully committed to his new sport, and it’ll be interesting to see how he fares against the likes of other sports and entertainment personalities. In other exciting news, golf fans will soon have a new “Happy Gilmore” movie to look forward to, with a sequel set to begin filming at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in New Jersey.

Overall, while there are concerns about dwindling TV ratings for the PGA Tour, the action on the course is far from dull. With high-stakes tournaments, legendary matchups, and some celebrity flair, golf continues to deliver plenty of excitement, even if fewer people are tuning in from their couches.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this weekend

Ascension Charity Classic - PGA Tour - Norwood Hills Country Club - St. Louis, MO

The Ascension Charity Classic, a PGA Tour Champions event, kicked off on Friday at Norwood Hills Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri. After the first round, Y.E. Yang took the lead with a 6-under par performance, closely followed by Tim O'Neal who finished at 5-under par 66, tying for second place along with four other golfers.

O'Neal, who first played in this tournament in 2022 on an exemption, has become a regular fixture at the event. He led for much of the afternoon before Yang completed his round. O'Neal's strong start included an eagle on the par-4 11th hole, but he faced some challenges on the back nine.

The tournament features a strong field of 78 players competing for a $2.1 million purse, with the winner set to receive $315,000.

Ascension Charity Classic Videos

Omega European Masters - DP World - Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club - Crans Montana, Switzerland

The Omega European Masters, a DP World Tour event, is currently underway at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in Crans Montana, Switzerland. As of this morning, England's Matt Wallace has taken a commanding lead in the tournament after the second round.

Wallace carded an impressive 8-under 62, the lowest round of the week so far, to open up a four-shot lead at the halfway stage. His bogey-free performance included eight birdies, with a particularly strong run of five birdies in a six-hole stretch on the front nine. This excellent round followed his first-day score of 64, bringing his total to 14-under par after 36 holes.

In second place, four strokes behind Wallace, is Alex Fitzpatrick, who was the overnight joint-leader. Fitzpatrick shot a 67 in the second round, mixing four birdies with a lone bogey. Jordan Smith and Sweden's Henrik Norlander are tied for third place.

The tournament, which runs from September 5-8, 2024, carries a total prize purse of $3,250,000, with the winner set to take home $552,500. It represents the second event of the DP World Tour's 'Back 9' swing, offering increased Race to Dubai points ahead of the season-ending playoffs.

Notable players in the field include Matthew Fitzpatrick, a two-time winner of this event, who is playing in the European Masters for the eighth time. However, defending champion Ludvig Aberg is absent this week due to knee surgery.

Omega European Masters Videos

Solheim Cup (9/13-9/15) - LPGA - Robert Trent Jones Golf Club - Gainesville, VA

The 2024 Solheim Cup is set to take place from September 13-15 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia. This prestigious biennial event will feature the top 12 women golfers from the United States competing against the top 12 from Europe.

Presidents Cup (9/26-9/29)-PGA - The Royal Montreal Golf Club - LLe Bizard, PQ

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Overheard in the Club House

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.

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