Sunday, July 7, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

Golf fans have plenty to get excited about this weekend, with thrilling tournaments and fascinating insights into the world of golf broadcasting and player achievements.

The future of golf broadcasting is undergoing a potential transformation, with discussions about commercial-free telecasts becoming more prominent. Experts believe that with declining ratings and increasing production costs, it's time to innovate. The goal is to keep sponsors happy while ensuring fans enjoy uninterrupted coverage. This could mean restructuring broadcasts to integrate advertisements in a way that doesn't disrupt the action.

Meanwhile, Bernhard Langer, after ending his European career, is proving age is just a number. The legendary golfer plans to continue competing in the PGA Tour Champions in the U.S. Langer credits his longevity to good health, disciplined living, a competitive spirit, and a strong support system. He remains committed to the senior circuit, ready to compete and win as long as he feels capable.

The John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, saw an action-packed third round yesterday. Davis Thompson surged to the lead with a stunning bogey-free 9-under-par 62, giving him a two-stroke advantage. The tournament, with a total purse of $8 million, promises an intense final round. Jordan Spieth, who won his first PGA Tour event here in 2013, is making a strong push, and amateur Luke Clanton remains a compelling story as he aims for a historic win.

Over in Munich, Germany, the BMW International Open is also heating up. Jordan Smith and Ewen Ferguson share the lead at 14 under par. Smith's impressive third round, featuring five birdies and an eagle, has set the stage for a thrilling final day. With a tightly packed leaderboard, the final round promises an exciting contest as both players aim for their third DP World Tour title.

In other news, Smylie Kaufman shared his excitement about witnessing Rickie Fowler's hole-in-one at Pine Valley, while reflecting on his own golfing challenges. Al Geiberger, "Mr. 59," discussed the evolution of low scores in golf, attributing them to advancements in equipment and course conditions.

At the John Deere Classic, World War II veteran Henry Langrehr was honored, reminding us of the importance of remembering those who sacrificed so much. The tournament also supports organizations providing scholarships to families of fallen or disabled military members and first responders.

Golf fans are in for a treat with these unfolding stories and tournaments concluding today. Whether it's the innovative changes in broadcasting, legendary players like Bernhard Langer continuing to compete, or thrilling tournaments with rising stars, the world of golf is as dynamic and exciting as ever.

[ Today’s Top Golf Stories ] 

Golf Tournaments happening this weekend

John Deere Classic - PGA - TPC Deer Run - Silvis, IL

On Saturday, the John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, saw an exciting third round of play that significantly shook up the leaderboard. Davis Thompson emerged as the new leader after firing a spectacular bogey-free 9-under-par 62, propelling him to the top of the pack with a two-stroke advantage.

The day began with C.T. Pan and Aaron Rai sharing the lead at 14-under-par, closely followed by Harry Hall at 13-under-par. However, Thompson's remarkable performance, which included nine birdies, allowed him to surge ahead of the previous frontrunners.

The tournament, now heading into its final round on Sunday, promises an intense battle for the title. Jordan Spieth, who claimed his first PGA Tour victory at this very course in 2013, made a strong third-round charge and positioned himself as a contender for Sunday's finale. Other players in the mix include Carson Young, C.T. Pan, and Aaron Rai, all vying for the top spot.

An intriguing storyline continues to unfold with amateur Luke Clanton, a rising junior at Florida State University. After an impressive tie for 10th at last week's Rocket Mortgage Classic, Clanton remains in contention at the John Deere Classic. A victory by the 20-year-old would mark a historic moment in PGA Tour history, as it would be the second amateur win in a single season, following Nick Dunlap's triumph at The American Express in January.

The tournament boasts a total purse of $8 million, with the winner set to receive a substantial $1.44 million prize.

• Final-round tee times adjusted for weather Sunday at John Deere Classic

• John Deere Classic, Round 4: How to watch, featured groups, live scores, tee times, TV times

• John Deere Classic 2024 Sunday final round tee times, how to watch PGA Tour coverage

• Here is the prize money payout for each player in the 2024 John Deere Classic

• How Davis Thompson could pull off unique three-peat Sunday at John Deere Classic - nbcsports.com

• Davis Thompson has shot keep strange 'Trophy House' streak alive - golfdigest.com

• Deadspin | Davis Thompson pursuing first PGA Tour win at John Deere Classic - deadspin.com

• John Deere Classic: Davis Thompson knows it’s time to complete unfinished business - sbnation.com

• Jordan Spieth said TPC Deere Run can be 'one of the easiest ones we play,' then went out and fired a 63 - golfweek.usatoday.com

• Jordan Spieth's hot round derailed by 1 bad decision. He stood by it - golf.com

• Jordan Spieth hot out of gates, fires low one to give himself chance at John Deere Classic - nbcsports.com

John Deere Classic Videos

BMW International Open - DP World - Golfclub Munchen Eichenried - Munich, Germany

As of Sunday, the BMW International Open at Golfclub München Eichenried in Munich, Germany, is poised for an exciting final round with Jordan Smith of England and Ewen Ferguson of Scotland sharing the lead at 14 under par. Smith carded an impressive 66 in the third round, featuring five birdies and an eagle, to catch up with Ferguson, who maintained his position at the top despite a more modest 71.

The leaderboard remains tight, with Sweden's Jens Dantorp and France's Romain Langasque sitting just one shot behind the leaders at 13 under par. Dantorp made a significant move up the board with a stellar 64 in the third round. A trio of players, including Australian David Micheluzzi, American Patrick Reed, and England's Matthew Southgate, are two shots off the pace at 12 under par.

Both Smith and Ferguson are seeking their third DP World Tour title, but they face stiff competition with 15 players within five shots of the lead. Smith, who won his first DP World title in Germany as a rookie in 2017, expressed his excitement for the final round, acknowledging that aggressive play will be necessary given the expected low scoring.

Ferguson, despite a challenging third round, remains optimistic about his chances. He emphasized the importance of staying in contention on Saturday, noting that while you can't win the tournament in the third round, you can certainly play yourself out of it.

The final round promises to be a thrilling contest, with players like Japan's Rikuya Hoshino and South Africa's Thomas Aiken also in the mix, sitting at 11 under and 9 under par respectively.

• Jordan Smith joins Ewen Ferguson at BMW International Open summit - europeantour.com

Overheard in the Club House

UPCOMING TOURS

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