Planet Golf News for Sunday, July 21, 2024

Billy Horschel on precipice of career-changing Open win; seizes 54-hole lead, LIV Golf’s legionnaires flounder as Royal Troon throws up perfect storm

Sunday, July 21, 2024

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Kim hits longest hole-in-one in British Open history

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Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

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Mother Nature made her presence known on Day 3 of the British Open, turning what was already a challenging tournament into a true test of skill and endurance. With rain and wind complicating play at Royal Troon, the leaderboard became even more unpredictable, setting up an epic showdown for Sunday. Billy Horschel emerged as the leader, sitting at 4-under par, but he’s got a pack of six players just one shot behind him, making the final round anyone’s game.

Among the top contenders are Thriston Lawrence and Sam Burns, who both shot impressive rounds to climb the leaderboard. Xander Schauffele and Justin Rose, both major champions, are also in the mix, just one shot off the lead. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler is still in the hunt at 2-under, three shots back, despite struggling with his putter. Shane Lowry, who led after 36 holes, had a rough day in the tough conditions, shooting a 77 to drop to solo ninth at 1-under.

The adverse weather not only reshuffled the leaderboard but also allowed some previously out-of-contention players to claw their way back into the mix. With 12 players within four shots of the lead, Sunday’s finale is poised to be a thrilling climax to this year’s Open Championship.

Over at the Dana Open on the LPGA Tour, Chanettee Wannasaen has taken a commanding lead with a stunning 5-under 66 on Saturday, putting her three strokes ahead of the field. Wannasaen’s performance has positioned her as the player to beat, but with seasoned pros like Stacy Lewis still in the hunt, the final round promises to be exciting.

Meanwhile, the Barracuda Championship in Truckee, California, saw Mac Meissner hold onto his lead in the unique modified Stableford scoring event. Despite a brief lightning delay, Meissner finished the day with a one-point advantage over Vince Whaley. South Africa's Casey Jarvis added some excitement with a hole-in-one, boosting his position in the standings.

Back at Royal Troon, Si Woo Kim made history with a hole-in-one on the 17th hole, the longest ever recorded in the British Open at 238 yards. Although Kim isn't in contention for the title, his incredible shot will be remembered.

The Open Championship's impact on Troon has been significant, boosting the local economy and highlighting the importance of golf’s oldest major. The challenging weather and tough course setup have tested the mettle of even the most seasoned players, with the likes of Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington showing that experience can still shine through in tough conditions.

As we head into the final day, all eyes are on Billy Horschel. Can he hold off the challengers and claim his first major title? Will the weather play another decisive role? One thing’s for sure – Sunday’s finish at the British Open is set to be a spectacle, with drama and excitement guaranteed until the very last putt.

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Golf Tournaments happening this weekend

The Open - PGA Tour - Royal Troon Golf Course, Troon Scotland

On Saturday the third round of the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon Golf Course in Scotland saw dramatic changes in both weather conditions and the leaderboard. The day began with relatively benign conditions, but midway through, the weather took a turn for the worse, with steady rain creating challenging playing conditions for the afternoon groups.

American, Billy Horschel, emerged as the new leader after carding a 2-under 69 in the difficult afternoon conditions. His impressive performance put him at 4-under 209 for the tournament, giving him a one-stroke lead heading into Sunday's final round.

Close behind Horschel are six players tied at 3-under 210, just one shot off the lead. Among these challengers is Thriston Lawrence of South Africa, who matched the week's low score with a remarkable 6-under 65, including a front-nine 30.

Other notable contenders include Sam Burns and Russell Henley, who will play in Sunday's penultimate pairing. Burns also shot a 65 on Saturday, while Henley carded a 5-under 66.

Major champions Xander Schauffele (this year's PGA Championship winner) and Justin Rose (2013 U.S. Open winner) are also in the mix, sitting just one shot behind Horschel.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler remains in contention at 2-under 211, three shots off the lead. Scheffler, who has already won six PGA Tour titles this season, is looking to add The Open to his impressive resume.

Shane Lowry, who held a two-stroke lead after 36 holes, struggled in the difficult conditions and shot a 77, dropping him to solo ninth at 1-under par.

The challenging weather conditions on Saturday afternoon significantly impacted the leaderboard, creating a tightly packed field with 13 players within five shots of the lead going into Sunday's final round.

The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to The Open Championship on Sunday, with more favorable weather conditions expected and numerous players in contention for the coveted Claret Jug.

The Open Videos

Dana Open - LPGA - Highland Meadows GC, Sylvania, OH

On Saturday the third round of the Dana Open at Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania, Ohio, saw significant developments in the tournament standings. Chanettee Wannasaen emerged as the clear frontrunner, establishing a commanding lead over the rest of the field.

Wannasaen delivered an impressive performance, shooting a 5-under 66 for the day, which extended her lead to three strokes. This strong showing on "moving day" has positioned her as the player to beat heading into the final round on Sunday.

While Wannasaen holds the top spot, other notable players are still in contention. U.S. Solheim Cup Captain Stacy Lewis is among those lurking behind the leader. Lewis posted a solid opening round of 67, keeping herself within striking distance of the lead.

It's worth noting that the defending champion, Linn Grant, set a high bar in the 2023 edition of this tournament when she held a six-shot lead at Highland Meadows. Wannasaen's current three-stroke advantage, while significant, leaves room for a competitive final round.

As the tournament enters its last day, all eyes will be on Wannasaen to see if she can maintain her lead and claim victory at the 2024 Dana Open.

The Dana Open Videos

Barracuda Championship - PGA Tour - Tahoe Mountain Club, Truckee, CA

On Saturday the Barracuda Championship at Tahoe Mountain Club's Old Greenwood course in Truckee, California, saw Mac Meissner maintain his lead in the tournament. This PGA Tour event, unique for its use of the modified Stableford scoring system, experienced a brief delay due to lightning but resumed play afterward.

Meissner finished the day with a one-point lead over his closest competitor, Vince Whaley, accumulating 39 points in total. Whaley put in a solid performance, scoring 16 points for the day and securing second place with 38 points overall. His round was highlighted by an eagle on the third hole and six birdies.

Rico Hoey held the third position with 36 points, drawing confidence from his recent strong showing in Kentucky. Chad Ramey, tied for sixth place with 33 points, was notable as the only PGA Tour winner among the top eight contenders after three rounds.

Meissner's round included a crucial par save on the par-5 15th hole, followed by a tap-in birdie. He expressed his readiness to potentially relinquish the lead, viewing the prospect of being a pursuer as an advantageous position for securing victory.

The Barracuda Championship's unique scoring system awards players eight points for a double eagle, five for an eagle, two for a birdie, while deducting one point for a bogey and three for a double bogey. This format adds an extra layer of strategy and excitement to the tournament.

As the competition intensifies, with the FedEx Cup playoffs on the horizon, the leaders find themselves in pivotal positions within the rankings, each striving to secure a spot among the top 70 contenders. The final round on Sunday promises to be a thrilling conclusion to this distinctive PGA Tour event.

Price Cutter Charity Champ. pres. by Dr. Pepper - Korn Ferry - Highland Springs CC, Springfield, MO

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UPCOMING TOURS

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