Planet Golf News for Sunday, April 28, 2024

Bunched Leaderboard Means a Hollywood Ending in Store at Wilshire, Zac Blair and Patrick Fishburn lead, but Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are lurking

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PGN News Team
April 28, 2024 • Reading Time: 15 minutes

Sunday, April 28, 2024

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Rory McIlroy sinks clutch birdie putt at Zurich Classic

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

This weekend is buzzing with action across various golf tournaments, each packed with its own drama and nail-biting moments. Let's dive into what’s been happening!

At the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the dynamic duo of Zac Blair and Patrick Fishburn have stolen the spotlight. These guys, still hunting for their first PGA Tour win, have impressively surged to the lead with a 12-under 60, leaving them at a total of 23 under par. Not far behind, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are lurking, tied for third after nailing a 64 in their round, now just two shots off the pace. As the final round gears up with an alternate-shot format, the tension is palpable, and it's anybody's game.

LIV Golf Adelaide concluded its second tournament ever in Australia, and it’s turning heads with its festival vibes. Brendan Steele won the LIV Golf Adelaide tournament by one stroke, holding off a fast-finishing Louis Oosthuizen. Steele shot a final round 68 to finish at 18-under 198, earning his first victory since 2017. Oosthuizen finished second at 17-under 199, while Charl Schwartzel, Jon Rahm, and others tied for third. Adding to the excitement, the party hole saw a bit of a mishap with a caddie getting hit by a water bottle—thankfully, he’s okay! Amidst this, Bryson DeChambeau kept spirits high, engaging with fans by trading a missed putt for his dirty socks. Classic Bryson!

Over in LA, the JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro is witnessing a tight race with Hannah Green and Grace Kim neck and neck after three rounds, both standing at seven-under par. Despite Grace stumbling with a birdie-less 76, she remains tied for the lead, setting the stage for what promises to be a dramatic final round.

On the Korn Ferry Tour, the Veritex Bank Championship sees Tim Widing dominating after an impressive day where he finished a delayed second round with an 8-under 63 and kept the momentum with a 6-under 65. His stellar performance sets him up as the leader heading into the final push.

Lastly, the Mitsubishi Electric Classic presented by Vensure on the PGA Champions Tour is showing some exciting moves. Paul Broadhurst is leading the pack, hoping to snag back-to-back wins, while birthday boy Stephen Ames celebrated with a record-tying 8-under 64, catapulting him into a strong position just behind Broadhurst.

Between seasoned pros chasing titles and newcomers making waves, this weekend’s golf action is as gripping as ever. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just catching the highlights, these tournaments are delivering entertainment by the bucketload!

Golf Tournaments happening this weekend

Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Saturday at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the tournament continued with the third round of play. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, who were leading at the halfway stage, are now tied for third place with a total score of 21 under par after shooting a 64 in today's round. They are two shots behind the leaders, Patrick Fishburn and Zac Blair, who delivered an impressive performance with a 12-under 60 to take the lead at 23 under.

Fishburn and Blair, both without a win on the PGA Tour, have a one-shot lead over the second-place team of Luke List and Henrik Norlander, who are sitting at 22 under. The teams of Mark Hubbard/Ryan Brehm and McIlroy/Lowry are tied for third.

The final round of the Zurich Classic is set to take place today, with Fishburn and Blair looking to maintain their lead and secure their first PGA Tour victory. The final round will feature foursomes (alternate shot) pairings, and the pressure is expected to mount as the top contenders prepare to face off for the coveted title.

- Golf Channel: Sunday from 12:45 PM to 2:45 PM ET

- CBS: Sunday from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM ET.

Zac Blair and Patrick Fishburn lead, but Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are lurking, plus more from Saturday at Zurich Classic 2024

Zac Blair and Patrick Fishburn hold the 54-hole lead at the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans, with Luke List and Henrik Norlander one stroke behind. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are two strokes back. The final round will feature an alternate-shot format.

TV analysts rip Rory McIlroy for decision. He made birdie anyway

TV analysts criticized Rory McIlroy's decision during the Zurich Classic, but he still managed to make a birdie. McIlroy's choice to use an iron instead of a driver on the 16th hole was questioned, while his teammate Shane Lowry's decision to use a 3-wood ended up in the water. Despite the challenges, McIlroy and Lowry finished the round with a 64 and are in a tie for fourth place heading into the final round.

LIV Golf Adelaide

In a dramatic LIV Adelaide event, Cameron Smith and Marc Leishman led the all-Australian team to victory in the first-ever LIV team playoff. Despite leading by as many as six shots, they faced a challenge from the South African quartet of Stinger GC. However, after two playoff rounds, Smith and Leishman secured the win. The victory was particularly significant as it overshadowed the individual win by American Brendan Steele, highlighting the unique team aspect of the LIV event.

Brendan Steele won the LIV Golf Adelaide tournament by one stroke, holding off a fast-finishing Louis Oosthuizen. Steele shot a final round 68 to finish at 18-under 198, earning his first victory since 2017. Oosthuizen finished second at 17-under 199, while Charl Schwartzel, Jon Rahm, and others tied for third.

The team, known as Ripper GC, had only hoisted the team trophy once before. Smith, the team's skipper, made a crucial par putt after making just one birdie in his opening nine holes, aiding the birdies being dropped elsewhere by Matt Jones, Leishman and Lucas Herbert. This late rally set up a "massive" Sunday night celebration.

The Australians combined to shoot 20-under on Sunday, while Stinger GC managed 24-under. Both teams reached the best ever team score in LIV's three-year history. Smith narrowly missed a birdie putt on the 12th hole, the "Watering Hole," eliciting anguished cries from the crowd. Meanwhile, Herbert made one on the 18th, propelling Ripper GC into the lead.

Smith's birdies on holes 13 and 14 pushed his team past 50-under, a new record, and into a five-shot lead. A significant rescue by Leishman from the trees beside the fourth fairway and Herbert's impressive bounce-back from an opening round 73 were among the highlights of the day. Herbert managed to card back-to-back rounds of seven-under 65 on both Saturday and Sunday, proving crucial for the final result.

Despite the intense competition and crowd noise, the Australian team seized the victory, marking a memorable moment in LIV Adelaide's history.

Brendan Steele holds off Louis Oosthuizen for tense LIV Golf victory in Adelaide

Brendan Steele holds on for a one-shot victory over Louis Oosthuizen at the LIV Golf tournament in Adelaide. Steele finished 18 under, while Oosthuizen charged with a seven-under 65. Jon Rahm and Matt Jones also had strong performances, but fell short.

Drama delivers stunning Aussie LIV victory

In a dramatic LIV Adelaide event, Cameron Smith and Marc Leishman led the all-Australian team to victory in the first-ever LIV team playoff. Despite leading by as many as six shots, they faced a challenge from the South African quartet of Stinger GC. However, after two playoff rounds, Smith and Leishman secured the win. The victory was particularly significant as it overshadowed the individual win by American Brendan Steele, highlighting the unique team aspect of the LIV event.

When strangers are doing shoeys at the golf, it’s time to rein it in

The LIV Golf tournament in Adelaide has gained popularity with its party-like atmosphere, attracting over 90,000 fans. However, concerns are growing over the rowdy behavior of the crowd, including throwing objects at players. Despite these issues, the event has been successful in drawing large crowds and promoting golf in Australia. LIV has also partnered with Golf Australia to fund a junior development program.

Caddie hit in head by water bottle at LIV Adelaide

During the second round of the LIV Golf Adelaide tournament, Lucas Herbert's caddie was hit in the head by a water bottle thrown by a fan. The caddie, Nick Pugh, managed to avoid serious injury and is doing well. The incident occurred on the 12th hole, which is known as the party hole with boisterous fans. Despite the incident, Herbert performed well with a score of 7-under 65 but is currently 7 shots off the lead held by Brendan Steele.

Bryson DeChambeau misses a putt, then gives away his dirty socks

During the LIV Golf Adelaide tournament, Bryson DeChambeau engaged in a playful exchange with rowdy spectators. As part of a challenge, he attempted a mid-range putt and, when he missed, he fulfilled the terms by giving away his dirty socks to a fan. This interaction added to the lively atmosphere of the event, which has been compared to the party atmosphere of the WM Phoenix Open..

JM Eagle LA Championship pres. by Plastpro

On Saturday at the JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro, the competition continued with the third round of the tournament.

Grace Kim and Hannah Green are tied for the lead in the LPGA LA Championship. Kim stumbled with a five-over 76 but still held onto a share of the lead. Green saved par on the 18th hole to tie with Kim at seven-under 206. Maja Stark and Jin Hee Im are one stroke back, while Esther Henseleit and Nasa Hataoka are also in contention.

Aussies Green, Kim share lead at LPGA LA Championship

Defending champion Hannah Green and fellow Australian Grace Kim share the lead after the third round of the LPGA Los Angeles Championship. Green finished on seven-under 206, while Kim stumbled to a birdie-less 76. South Korean Im Jin-hee, Sweden's Maja Stark, and Germany's Esther Henseleit are one stroke behind the leaders. South Korean rookie Im set a new course record with a morning 63.

Bunched Leaderboard Means a Hollywood Ending in Store at Wilshire

In the JM Eagle LA Championship presented by Plastpro, Hannah Green and Grace Kim are tied for the lead at 7 under, with Jin Hee Im just one shot behind. Green had a turbulent moving day but managed to save par on 18, while Kim struggled and fell back to the pack. They will go off together in the final group on Sunday. Green, the defending champion, is hoping to lift the trophy for the second year in a row.

Veritex Bank Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour

Saturday at the Veritex Bank Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour, Tim Widing took the lead after completing an impressive performance in the third round. He closed out his second-round with an 8-under 63 on Saturday morning and followed it with a 6-under 65 in the afternoon, positioning him as the leader of the tournament.

Tim Widing leads after Round 3 at Veritex Bank Championship

Tim Widing leads after Round 3 at Veritex Bank Championship in the Korn Ferry Tour. Widing discusses the challenges of playing in the wind and staying committed to each shot. Trent Phillips reflects on his runner-up finish last season and the importance of the final holes on Sunday.

Mitsubishi Electric Classic presented by Vensure PGA Champions Tour

Today at the Mitsubishi Electric Classic presented by Vensure on the PGA Champions Tour, Paul Broadhurst maintained his lead after Round 2, shooting a 5-under 67 for the second consecutive day. This performance puts him in a one-stroke lead position heading into the final round of the tournament. Defending champion Stephen Ames celebrated his birthday by tying the record for the lowest 18-hole score in the tournament's history with an 8-under 64, which moved him up to second place on the leaderboard. Steven Alker, who was the first-round leader and is currently leading the Charles Schwab Cup standings, finished the day in third place with an 8-under total. Stewart Cink, the tournament host, is tied for 23rd place at 3-under.

Paul Broadhurst looks for back-to-back wins, leads after Round 2 at Mitsubishi Electric Classic

Paul Broadhurst leads after Round 2 at the Mitsubishi Electric Classic, looking for back-to-back wins. Stephen Ames matches the low 18-hole score in tournament history. Steven Alker sits in third and is the current leader in the Charles Schwab Cup standings. Broadhurst seeks his second win of 2024 and aims to become the first multi-time winner this season on PGA TOUR Champions.

Overheard in the Locker Room

Cam Smith drinks booze from shoe as Australians urge him to win LIV Adelaide

Cam Smith has a great chance of winning the LIV Golf tournament in Adelaide, sitting just three shots off the lead. He is enjoying himself at the event, even drinking booze from a shoe during a DJ set. The tournament is known for its raucous atmosphere, with incidents like a caddie being hit by cups and bottles. Smith's team, Ripper GC, also has a good chance of claiming the team title.

‘Absolutely Criminal’: Golf World Rages at Carlota Ciganda for Causing Hindrance for LPGA Colleagues

The golf world is outraged at Carlota Ciganda for causing a hindrance during the LPGA Tour, resulting in delays and frustration among players and fans. Slow pace of play remains a widespread problem in golf, and Ciganda's actions have sparked calls for penalties and policy changes to address the issue.

How much pro shop merch is okay to buy? The Etiquetteist has thoughts

The article discusses the etiquette of buying merchandise from a pro shop when playing as a guest at a golf club. While there is no set minimum or maximum amount to spend, it is generally considered courteous to make a purchase, especially at smaller clubs or when playing for free. However, at exclusive and prestigious clubs, there is no obligation to buy anything. The article also suggests that buying excessive amounts of merchandise for resale purposes is frowned upon, and one or two items should suffice for personal use.

The 15 best TPC golf courses, ranked

This article ranks the top 15 TPC golf courses, based on Golf Digest's course-ranking panelists' scores. TPC Sawgrass (Players Stadium) takes the top spot, followed by TPC Boston and TPC Southwind. The article provides links to each individual course page for additional photography and reviews.

World Golf Competition to offer an unparalleled experience to amateur golfers

The World Golf Competition (WGC) is offering amateur golfers an unparalleled experience with a prize pool of $5 million USD. Starting in 2025, this venture will feature 13,000 participants across 200 iconic courses worldwide. The competition format is unique, with players progressing by beating the other three players in their group. The World Final will be held at Punta Espada GC in the Dominican Republic. WGC aims to provide a celebration of the golfing lifestyle and an opportunity for amateurs to become World Champion.

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.

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