Planet Golf News for Sunday, July 7, 2024

Davis Thompson takes 2-shot lead into the final round of the low-scoring John Deere Classic, Jordan Spieth hot out of gates, fires low one to give himself chance at John Deere Classic

Author

PGN News Team
July 07, 2024 • Reading Time: 12 minutes

Sunday, July 7, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

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

Opportunity knocks: Davis Thompson, Eric Cole, Aaron Rai, others eye maiden TOUR title at John Deere Classic

[ 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 ] 

Are commercial-free telecasts possible? Experts break down the future of golf broadcasting

Experts discuss the future of golf broadcasting, including the possibility of commercial-free telecasts. With declining ratings and production costs, networks and sponsors need to find innovative ways to advertise without interrupting the action. The focus should be on restructuring broadcasts and finding creative solutions to keep sponsors satisfied while providing uninterrupted coverage of the game.

Yes, Bernhard Langer has ended his European career, but is he feeling fit enough to continue in the U.S.?

Bernhard Langer, after ending his European career, is still fit and determined to continue competing in the PGA Tour Champions. Langer attributes his sustained success to factors such as good health, a competitive nature, disciplined living, a strong support system, and a willingness to put in the work. He plans to stay active in the senior circuit as long as he feels capable of competing and winning tournaments.golfweek.usatoday.com/2024/07/06/bernhard-langer-ended-european-career-how-is-his-health

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.

Davis Thompson chases down leaders with bogey-free 62 and more from Saturday at 2024 John Deere Classic

Davis Thompson holds a two-shot lead going into the final round of the 2024 John Deere Classic. Thompson shot a bogey-free 62 in the third round, while Aaron Rai is tied for second place. Final round tee times have been adjusted due to inclement weather.

John Deere Classic: The 5 PGA Tour players who took complete advantage of Moving Day

At the John Deere Classic, five PGA Tour players took advantage of Moving Day to improve their positions on the leaderboard. Jason Day moved up 17 spots, Seamus Power moved up 11 spots, Michael Thorbjornsen moved up four spots, Jordan Spieth jumped up 35 spots, and Eric Cole moved up two spots. These players put themselves in contention for a strong finish in the tournament..

Jordan Spieth goes nuclear and vaults up leaderboard at John Deere Classic

Jordan Spieth produced his best round of the PGA Tour season at the John Deere Classic, jumping more than 40 places on the leaderboard with an eight-under 63. Despite battling a wrist injury, Spieth made nine birdies and one bogey, improving his form and positioning himself in the top-10.

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.

Ferguson and Smith share lead at BMW International Open

Ewen Ferguson and Jordan Smith are tied for the lead at the BMW International Open, both aiming for a third DP World Tour title. Ferguson holds a two-shot lead at 14 under, while Smith surged with a 66 containing five birdies and an eagle. Jens Dantorp and Romain Langasque are one shot behind the leaders.

Overheard in the Club House

Smylie Kaufman talks Rickie Fowler's ace, playing Pine Valley

PGA Tour pro-turned-broadcaster Smylie Kaufman shares his experience of witnessing Rickie Fowler's hole-in-one at Pine Valley, highlighting the challenging layout of the course and the excitement of the moment. Kaufman also reflects on his own struggles on the course and the significance of hitting fairways.golf.com/news/smylie-kaufman-talks-rickie-fowlers-ace-playing-pine-valley

'Mr. 59' Al Geiberger isn't surprised the club he founded is growing

Al Geiberger, known as "Mr. 59" for shooting the first sub-60 round in PGA Tour history, is not surprised by recent sub-60 rounds. Geiberger attributes the increase in low scores to changes in equipment, course grooming, and the confidence of the players. He also mentions the trend of drivable par-4s in professional golf. While Geiberger's 59 was considered the gold standard for years, there have been a total of 14 sub-60 rounds on the tour. Despite not playing golf due to physical issues, Geiberger still follows the tour and notes that sub-60 rounds seem to come in spurts and at certain courses.

World War II veteran Henry Langrehr honored Saturday at John Deere Classic

World War II veteran Henry Langrehr was honored at the John Deere Classic as part of a week dedicated to honoring military guests and first responders. Langrehr shared his experiences parachuting behind the lines of Omaha Beach and fighting in the war, emphasizing the importance of remembering the sacrifice made by those who fought. The tournament also supported organizations that provide scholarships to children and spouses of fallen or disabled military members and first responders.

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