Planet Golf News for Sunday, June 2, 2024

MacIntyre pulls ahead of pack at Canadian Open, Minjee Lee with 66 forges a 3-way tie in the US Women's Open

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PGN News Team
June 02, 2024 • Reading Time: 20 minutes

June, 2, 2024

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In Lancaster, an epic Sunday awaits at the U.S. Women's Open

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

This weekend's golf tournaments have served up a feast of thrilling moments, with players delivering stunning performances and captivating stories. Let's dive into the highlights.

The RBC Canadian Open is currently under the spotlight, with Robert MacIntyre leading the charge. MacIntyre, who started the day tied for the lead with Ryan Fox, pulled ahead with a stellar 4-under 66, capped off by a dramatic 30-foot eagle putt on the par-5 17th. He's now four strokes clear at 14-under 196. Local hero Mackenzie Hughes, despite a strong 67, missed a critical 9-foot eagle putt on the 17th and bogeyed the 18th, leaving him tied for second at 10-under alongside Fox and Ben Griffin. Rory McIlroy, feeling like an "honorary Canadian" thanks to the warm crowd support, bounced back from a lackluster second round with a spirited 65, placing him at 7-under and tied for 11th. With contenders like Hughes and Fox still in the mix, the final round promises excitement.

Over at the U.S. Women's Open in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the leaderboard is equally tight. Minjee Lee, Andrea Lee, and Wichanee Meechai are all tied at 5-under 205. Minjee Lee shot the tournament's lowest round with a 4-under 66, featuring an eagle on the 7th hole. Andrea Lee also impressed with clutch birdies on the 15th and 16th, finishing with a 67, while Meechai, despite the pressure, held her nerve with a solid 69. Rising star Hinako Shibuno made a late charge to finish fourth at 3-under, and 15-year-old Asterisk Talley has been turning heads with her remarkable play, making this one of the most engaging Women's Opens in recent memory.

In Des Moines, Iowa, the Principal Charity Classic saw Ernie Els and Rod Pampling share the lead after the second round, each aiming for another victory on the PGA Tour Champions. Bernhard Langer, showing incredible resilience following an Achilles tendon injury, is just one stroke behind, pursuing his 47th tour title. Langer's competitive spirit and remarkable performance make for a compelling story as he battles for the lead.

The European Open in Hamburg, Germany, has its own set of fireworks, with Guido Migliozzi and Laurie Canter tied for the lead at 12-under par. Migliozzi delivered a flawless round with six birdies, while Canter, despite some mid-round struggles, recovered to maintain his position. With Denmark's Niklas Norgaard just one stroke behind and several others in close pursuit, the final round is set to be a nail-biter.

On the Korn Ferry Tour, the UNC Health Championship in Raleigh, North Carolina, saw Nelson Ledesma take a three-shot lead into the final round. Ledesma, who hasn't won since 2019, showed strong form with a 2-under 68. Local favorite Carter Jenkins is also in contention, adding a hometown flair to the tournament.

The golf world is abuzz with these unfolding dramas. Whether it's MacIntyre's surge in Canada, the tight competition at the U.S. Women's Open, Langer's inspirational comeback, or the fierce battles in Germany and North Carolina, this weekend's tournaments have kept fans on the edge of their seats. Stay tuned as we witness these stories reach their thrilling conclusions.

[ Today’s Top Stories ] 

RBC’s sponsorship of Canadian Open uncertain as Tour-PIF negotiations continue

The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is uncertain about renewing its sponsorship of the Canadian Open due to ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF). RBC has extended its sponsorship for one year through 2024 and is waiting to see how the potential deal and the PGA Tour's move to a for-profit model will impact the professional game. Discussions between RBC, the PGA Tour, and Golf Canada are ongoing, and the future of the sponsorship remains uncertain.

Lexi Thompson Not Happy at U.S. Women's Open

Lexi Thompson's experience at the U.S. Women's Open was a mix of disappointment and fulfillment. Despite missing the cut, Thompson expressed gratitude for fan support and reflected on her career. She plans to retire from full-time competition, focusing on mental health advocacy and her fitness app. Thompson remains committed to selected events and aims to place on the Solheim Cup team.

Golf Tournaments happening this weekend

RBC Canadian Open - Hamilton, ON

On Saturday the RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf & Country Club in Hamilton, Ontario, saw significant developments. Robert MacIntyre and Ryan Fox, both graduates of the DP World Tour, led the tournament heading into the weekend, each aiming for their first PGA Tour victory. MacIntyre, with his father as his caddie, maintained a bogey-free record through the first 36 holes and shared the second-round lead with Fox. However, MacIntyre surged ahead with a 30-foot eagle putt on the par-5 17th hole, finishing the day with a 4-under 66 and a total score of 14-under 196, giving him a four-stroke lead going into the final round.

Mackenzie Hughes, a local favorite from Dundas, Ontario, tied for second place with Fox and Ben Griffin at 10 under. Hughes shot a 67 but missed a crucial 9-foot eagle putt on the 17th and bogeyed the 18th. Despite his strong performance, Hughes acknowledged that catching MacIntyre would be challenging if the leader continued his excellent play.

Rory McIlroy, a two-time Canadian Open champion, struggled with a second-round 72 but bounced back with a 65, placing him tied for 11th at 7 under. McIlroy expressed his appreciation for the Canadian crowd, feeling like an "honorary Canadian" due to their support.

Overall, the third round of the RBC Canadian Open set the stage for an exciting final day, with MacIntyre in a strong position to claim his first PGA Tour victory, while other contenders like Hughes and Fox remained within striking distance./

Robert MacIntyre eagles 17th, takes 4-stroke lead into the final round of the RBC Canadian Open

Robert MacIntyre eagles the 17th hole to take a four-stroke lead into the final round of the RBC Canadian Open. MacIntyre shot a 4-under 66 to reach 14-under 196, while Mackenzie Hughes, Ryan Fox, and Ben Griffin are tied for second. Rory McIlroy is tied for 11th at 7 under.

Draws & Fades: Don’t discount the chase pack at RBC Canadian Open

The RBC Canadian Open has seen a wild tournament with players taking advantage of soft conditions. Robert MacIntyre leads at 14-under, followed by Mackenzie Hughes, Ryan Fox, and Ben Griffin. Tommy Fleetwood, Sam Burns, Joel Dahmen, and Trace Crowe are also in contention. The final round could be unpredictable, but the law of averages tends to manifest over four days. Ryan Fox and Aaron Rai are potential draws, while Robert MacIntyre and Mackenzie Hughes are fades due to concerns about sustainability.

"Honorary Canadian" Rory McIlroy better after beautiful bounce-back Round

After a lackluster round on Friday, Rory McIlroy bounced back with an impressive 5-under 65 in the RBC Canadian Open, bringing his total score to 7-under. The support from the Canadian fans made him feel like an honorary Canadian. With 18 holes left to play, McIlroy will need to continue his strong performance if he wants to win for the third time in four starts.

Tommy Fleetwood’s RBC Canadian Open revenge tour easily stays on track with bogey-free 64

Tommy Fleetwood shot a bogey-free 6-under 64 at the RBC Canadian Open, putting him at 9-under in the tournament. He leads in pars and greens in regulation, demonstrating smart and consistent play. Fleetwood aims to complete his revenge tour after last year's playoff loss, and his strong performance puts him in contention for the win.

Why Joel Dahmen contending at RBC Canadian Open makes perfect sense

Joel Dahmen is contending at the RBC Canadian Open, thanks to improved putting and a connection to Canada from his time on PGA TOUR Canada. He credits a new math technique for green-reading and his emotional ties to the country. Dahmen's strong performance has put him in contention for a top finish and a chance to move up in the FedExCup standings.

U.S. Women's Open pres. by Ally - Lancaster, PA

On Saturday the U.S. Women's Open at Lancaster Country Club saw a thrilling third round with a trio of golfers tied for the lead. The event, which has drawn huge crowds, is being held at Lancaster CC for the second time since 2015, partly due to the favorable weather conditions with sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s.

The leaders at the end of the third round were Wichanee Meechai, Andrea Lee, and Minjee Lee, all tied at 5-under-par 205. Minjee Lee, a two-time major winner from Australia, had an impressive round, shooting a 4-under 66, which was the lowest round of the tournament so far. She made an eagle at the par-5 7th and added birdies at the 11th and 12th holes. Despite a bogey at the 14th, she birdied the 16th to regain a share of the lead.

Andrea Lee, from California, highlighted her round with clutch birdies at the 15th and 16th holes, finishing with a 67. She expressed her comfort and enjoyment on the tour this season, feeling it was the most fun she has had since turning professional. Wichanee Meechai, the second-round leader, shot a 69 and is seeking her first LPGA victory.

Other notable performances included Hinako Shibuno, who made a late charge with four birdies in the final eight holes, finishing in fourth place at 3-under 207. Yuka Saso, the youngest U.S. Open winner in 2021, had a mixed round with birdies at the 1st, 9th, 13th, and 14th holes but bogeys at the 15th and 18th, placing her in fifth at 2-under 208.

The tournament has seen record-breaking attendance, with expectations high for the final numbers to be released on Sunday.

With ghosts, nerves and plenty of drama, final round of U.S. Women's Open is going to be more fun than you think

The final round of the U.S. Women's Open promises to be exciting, with three leaders - Minjee Lee, Andrea Lee, and Wichani Meechai - all tied at five under. Minjee Lee is considered a favorite, having won two major championships before. Andrea Lee is steadily improving and feeling comfortable on the tour, while Wichani Meechai, despite not liking pressure, has managed to cope with it and perform well. The unique leaderboard and intriguing stories make for an exciting tournament.

Minjee Lee with 66 forges a 3-way tie in the US Women's Open

Minjee Lee's score of 66 has resulted in a three-way tie in the US Women's Open, along with Wichanee Meechai and Andrea Lee. The tournament is highly competitive, with players showcasing their skills on the challenging Lancaster Country Club course. The final round promises an exciting battle for the $2.4 million prize.

A 15-year-old is having ‘the best time of my life’ at the U.S. Women’s Open

At the U.S. Women's Open, a 15-year-old amateur named Asterisk Talley imprestallsed by being near the top of the leaderboard. Although she dropped off the pace by the end of the third round, her presence drew praise from more seasoned competitors. Talley is enjoying the experience and considers it the best time of her life. She has advanced further than some top-ranked players and is generating buzz with her stellar play. Despite a challenging start to the third round, Talley remains calm and collected on the golf course.

Principal Charity Classic - Des Moines, IA

On Saturday the Principal Charity Classic golf tournament in Des Moines, Iowa, saw significant action. The event, part of the PGA Tour Champions, featured notable performances from several seasoned golfers. Rob Labritz made headlines by hitting out of a bunker on the 18th green during the second round of the tournament. Stuart Appleby also had a notable moment, chipping to the tenth green during the same round.

Ernie Els and Rod Pampling are tied for the lead after Round 2 at the Principal Charity Classic. Meanwhile, Bernhard Langer, despite recovering from a left Achilles tendon injury sustained while playing pickleball in February, was just one stroke behind in his pursuit of his 47th PGA Tour Champions title. His resilience and competitive spirit were evident as he continued to perform at a high level.

Ernie Els, Rod Pampling share lead after Round 2 at Principal Charity Classic

Ernie Els and Rod Pampling are tied for the lead after Round 2 at the Principal Charity Classic. Defending champion Stephen Ames and Bernhard Langer are one stroke behind the leaders. Els matched his low 36-hole score on PGA TOUR Champions and seeks his fourth win on the tour. Pampling has his second-lowest 36-hole score and aims for his third win on PGA TOUR Champions. Bernhard Langer shot the low round of the day and is in contention for his 47th win on the tour. Stephen Ames and David Duval are also in the top positions on the leaderboard.

Incredibly, Bernhard Langer is one back in pursuit of 47th PGA Tour Champions title at 2024 Principal Charity Classic

Bernhard Langer, after returning from an Achilles tendon injury, is one stroke back in the pursuit of his 47th PGA Tour Champions title at the 2024 Principal Charity Classic. Langer shot a 63 in the first two rounds and sits at 13 under, tied for third place with Stephen Ames. Ernie Els and Rod Pampling are leading the tournament. The course renovation has made it more challenging, but Langer remains in contention for the victory.

European Open - Hamburg, Germany

The European Open golf tournament, part of the DP World Tour, concluded the third round on Saturday, an exciting leaderboard has emerged with Italian golfer Guido Migliozzi and Englishman Laurie Canter sharing the lead at 12-under par.

Migliozzi, currently ranked 207th, delivered an impressive bogey-free round of 6-under 67, highlighted by six birdies, including three in his last four holes. Canter, who plays on both the European and LIV Golf circuits and is ranked 224th, had a more turbulent day, carding a bogey on the 8th hole and a double-bogey on the 10th. However, he managed to recover with birdies on three subsequent holes, maintaining his share of the lead.

Trailing the co-leaders by a single stroke at 11-under par is Denmark's Niklas Norgaard (ranked 111th), who shot a 71 on Saturday. Tied for fourth place at 10-under are Germany's Jannik De Bruyn and France's Tom Valliant.

The final round promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the European Open, with the top players battling for the prestigious title and a share of the $2.5 million prize purse. The winner will receive a handsome $425,000, while the runner-up will take home $275,000.

Migliozzi and Canter have one-shot leads going into European Open final round

Italian golfer Guido Migliozzi and Laurie Canter hold a one-shot lead going into the final round of the European Open. Migliozzi shot a bogey-free 6-under 67, while Canter had a mixed round with a bogey and a double-bogey but managed to finish with three birdies.

UNC Health Championship pres. by STITCH - Korn Ferry - Raleigh, NC

On Saturday the UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH continued at the Raleigh Country Club in Raleigh, North Carolina. Nelson Ledesma, a two-time Korn Ferry Tour winner, held a three-shot lead entering the final round. Ledesma, who has not won since 2019, expanded his lead with a third-round score of 2-under 68, bringing his total to 10-under par. Max McGreevy followed closely in second place, three shots behind Ledesma, aiming for his second career win on the Tour. Brent Grant led the field with 18 birdies and achieved his best 54-hole position of the season. Trent Phillips posted the only bogey-free round on Saturday, sharing the low round of the day with a 4-under 66.

The tournament, part of the Korn Ferry Tour, serves as a crucial stepping stone for golfers aspiring to join the PGA Tour. The event, which began on May 30 and will conclude on June 2, 2024, features a total prize money of $1 million. The Raleigh Country Club, a Donald Ross-designed course, provided a challenging yet scenic venue for the competition.

Local players, including Raleigh native Carter Jenkins, also made notable performances. Jenkins, who has substantial knowledge of the course, aimed for his first win on the Tour.

Nelson Ledesma holds three-shot lead entering final round of UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH

Nelson Ledesma holds a three-shot lead entering the final round of the UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH on the Korn Ferry Tour. Ledesma, bidding for his first win since 2019, emphasized the importance of mental focus and expressed confidence in his technical game. Despite some early anxiety, he remained determined to seize the opportunity and finished the third round strong with birdie chances and solid putting.

Korn Ferry Tour Player Cards Wild Tournament Scorecard

During the second round of the UNC Health Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour, Kevin Velo posted a wild scorecard with a two-under 68. He had a strong front nine with an eight-under 27, including an eagle and six birdies, but struggled on the back nine with six bogeys, resulting in a second round total of 68. Nelson Ledesma led the pack going into the weekend, while 16 players were within three strokes of the lead, setting up an exciting finale in North Carolina.

Today’s Best Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Check Out The $300 Unique Training Aid That This Major Winner Is Using From Amazon

Former Champion Golfer of the Year, Darren Clarke, showcased a $300 training aid from Amazon called the Pro-Head Golf Swing Trainer. Designed to improve posture and provide instant feedback, the training aid aims to help golfers maintain a stationary head during their swing. Clarke praised the gadget and demonstrated its effectiveness, jokingly mentioning potential purchases by his fellow Champions Tour professionals.

Overheard in the Locker Room

U.S. Women's Open contender makes jaw-dropping admission about how she handles pressure

Wichanee Meechai, a contender at the U.S. Women's Open, admits to struggling with pressure but has managed to handle it well so far. Despite battling nerves, she has displayed remarkable poise and is currently tied for the lead. Meechai's track record as a player is not typical for a contender in this major tournament, but she has managed to perform exceptionally well. With one round remaining, Meechai is focused on staying calm and enjoying the game.

Rory McIlroy tight-lipped over what was so funny at RBC Canadian Open

Rory McIlroy made a strong comeback at the RBC Canadian Open, carding a five-under 65. Despite dropping shots on the 10th and 17th holes, McIlroy expressed satisfaction with his performance and hoped to be within touching distance of the leaders going into the final round. During his round, McIlroy was seen laughing and joking with playing partner Tom Kim, but both players kept the reason for their amusement a secret.

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