Planet Golf News for Sunday, June 30, 2024

Akshay Bhatia and Aaron Rai share lead for 2nd straight day at Rocket Mortgage Classic, Team Ally Ewing-Jennifer Kupcho leads the way at the LPGA’s 2024 Dow Championship

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PGN News Team
June 30, 2024 • Reading Time: 18 minutes

Sunday, June 30, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

This weekend in the golf world has been nothing short of thrilling, with exciting developments across various tournaments. Unfortunately, Will Zalatoris had to bow out of the Rocket Mortgage Classic due to a recurring back injury. Despite a strong start, his struggle in the third round prompted a cautious withdrawal. This setback reminds us of his ongoing battle with health issues, having returned from surgery just last December.

Meanwhile, at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit, Cam Davis and Cameron Young are hot on the heels of the leaders, Aaron Rai and Akshay Bhatia. Both Davis and Young displayed remarkable form, shooting 66 and 67 respectively, leaving them just one stroke off the lead. With the final round set to be a nail-biter, their past successes at this tournament could give them the edge they need.

In another highlight, amateur Luke Clanton's performance has been nothing short of sensational. Shooting a 7-under 65, Clanton’s cool and focused approach has him well within striking distance, continuing his dream debut on the PGA Tour.

On the LPGA front, the Dow Championship in Midland, Michigan, saw Ally Ewing and Jennifer Kupcho maintain their lead with a 3-under 67. However, the competition is fierce, with teams like Atthaya Thitikul and Ruoning Yin, and Chella Choi and Na Yeon Choi trailing by just one stroke. Grace Kim’s spectacular hole-in-one added extra excitement, keeping her and teammate Auston Kim in close contention. The final round promises a showdown as multiple teams vie for the top spot.

The U.S. Senior Open in Newport, Rhode Island, is also setting up for a dramatic finish. Hiroyuki Fujita has been leading the charge with a consistent, bogey-free 67, but Steve Stricker is closing in, just two strokes behind after three consecutive 66s. With potential thunderstorms on the horizon, the final day could see weather playing a crucial role in determining the champion.

Over in Italy, the Italian Open is boiling down to an exciting finale with four players tied for the lead. Antoine Rozner’s record-setting 62 was a standout, featuring an eagle and seven birdies. Marcel Siem, Sebastian Friedrichsen, and Shubhankar Sharma are equally in the mix, promising a thrilling finish.

The Memorial Health Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour is also tightly contested. Max McGreevy leads by a single stroke after an impressive 9-under 62. Austin Greaser is right on his tail, setting the stage for an intense final round.

In broader golf news, Singapore bids farewell to its last 18-hole public golf course as part of a redevelopment plan, marking the end of an era for local golf enthusiasts. Meanwhile, LIV Golf is considering using Chambers Bay, a former U.S. Open course, for future events, stirring discussions about its evolving footprint in the golf world.

This weekend has been packed with remarkable performances, unexpected withdrawals, and promising young talents making their mark. As we head into the final rounds today, golf fans around the world can look forward to some truly captivating play. Stay tuned for what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to these tournaments!

[ Today’s Top Golf Stories ] 

Will Zalatoris withdraws from 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic due to back injury

Will Zalatoris has withdrawn from the 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic during the third round due to a back injury. Zalatoris had a strong start with a 6-under 66 in the opening round but struggled in the third round before deciding to withdraw from the tournament. This is not the first time Zalatoris has dealt with a back injury, as he had surgery in 2023 and made his return in December of the same year.

Chasing Camerons: Cameron Young, Cam Davis look to hunt leaders Sunday at Rocket Mortgage Classic

Cam Davis and Cameron Young are in contention at the Rocket Mortgage Classic after shooting impressive rounds on Saturday. Davis, the 2021 champion, carded a bogey-free 66, while Young finished with a 5-under 67. They trail the leaders by just one stroke heading into the final round. Both players have previous success at the tournament and are looking to secure another strong finish.

Golf Tournaments happening this weekend

Rocket Mortgage Classic- PGA - Detroit Golf Club - Detroit, MI

The Rocket Mortgage Classic at Detroit Golf Club saw an exciting third round on Saturday with Akshay Bhatia and Aaron Rai maintaining their shared lead. Both players carded impressive 4-under 68s to reach 17 under par for the tournament, setting the stage for a thrilling final round.

However, the spotlight also shone brightly on Cam Davis and Cameron Young, who made significant moves up the leaderboard. Cam Davis, the 2021 Rocket Mortgage Classic champion, fired an excellent 6-under 66, propelling him into a tie for third place at 16 under par. His bogey-free round included three birdies in his first four holes, showcasing his comfort and familiarity with the course.

Cameron Young matched Davis's performance, shooting a solid 5-under 67 to also reach 16 under par for the tournament. Young's round was highlighted by a strong finish, with three birdies in his final five holes, demonstrating his resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

The leaderboard remains tightly packed, with Davis and Young just one stroke behind the leaders. Sam Stevens and Erik van Rooyen are two shots back at 15 under par, while amateur Luke Clanton made a significant move with a 7-under 65, placing him at 14 under par.

The tournament faced some challenges earlier in the day, with morning thunderstorms causing a delay in play. The soggy conditions and gusty winds up to 25 mph added an extra layer of difficulty for the players.

As the tournament heads into its final round, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion. With multiple players in contention and only a few strokes separating the leaders, Sunday promises to be a thrilling day of golf at the Detroit Golf Club.

Aaron Rai and Akshay Bhatia set for Sunday battle, an amateur in the mix and more from third round of 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic

In the third round of the 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic, Aaron Rai and Akshay Bhatia are tied for the lead at 17 under. Luke Clanton, an amateur, made a strong push and climbed into a tie for seventh. Will Zalatoris withdrew due to injury. Cam Davis and Cameron Young are also in contention.

Amateur Luke Clanton fires 65 Saturday to continue improbable run at Rocket Mortgage Classic - PGA TOUR

Amateur Luke Clanton continues his impressive performance at the Rocket Mortgage Classic, firing a 7-under 65 in the third round and positioning himself for a potential win. Clanton, making his PGA TOUR debut, expressed his excitement and credited his calm and focused approach. His 54-hole total of 202 is the third lowest by an amateur in the last four seasons.

Will Zalatoris withdraws midway through third round of Rocket Mortgage Classic - PGA TOUR

Will Zalatoris has withdrawn from the Rocket Mortgage Classic during the third round due to hip discomfort. Zalatoris, who had a previous back surgery, made the decision out of precaution and will rest before returning to the course. He was 3-over through eight holes before withdrawing.

Neal Shipley gets within three strokes of lead, ends round six strokes behind first at Rocket Mortgage Classic

In the third round of the Rocket Mortgage Classic, Neal Shipley got within three strokes of the lead but slipped to a tie for 19th place, finishing six strokes behind co-leaders Akshay Bhatia and Aaron Rai. Shipley, a Central Catholic graduate and PGA Tour rookie, had a strong front nine but struggled on the back nine. The tournament was affected by rain and windy conditions.

Rocket Mortgage Videos

Dow Championship - LPGA - Midland CC - Midland, MI

On Saturday, the Dow Championship at Midland Country Club in Midland, Michigan, showcased an exciting day of golf with the two-woman teams competing in an alternate shot format. Leading the tournament were Americans Ally Ewing and Jennifer Kupcho, who finished the day at 15 under par. Ewing and Kupcho carded a 3-under 67, a slight dip from their impressive 6-under 64 in the first round of alternate shot play on Thursday. Their round included a birdie and eight pars on the front nine, followed by birdies on holes 10, 11, and 18, with a single bogey on hole 16.

Close behind, tied for second place at 14 under par, were the teams of Atthaya Thitikul and Ruoning Yin, and Chella Choi and Na Yeon Choi. Both teams demonstrated strong performances, keeping the competition tight and setting the stage for an exciting final round.

Grace Kim and Auston Kim also made headlines, particularly with Grace Kim's hole-in-one, which significantly contributed to their combined score of 61 for the day. This remarkable performance helped them share the fourth spot at 13 under par, alongside the team of Amanda Doherty and Caroline Inglis.

The final round promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the tournament, with the leading teams poised for a competitive finish. The event will be broadcast on CBS, ensuring fans can follow the action as it unfolds.

Familiar Faces in First Place Following Round Three of Dow Championship

After round three of the Dow Championship, Ally Ewing and Jennifer Kupcho are in first place, utilizing their familiarity with the course and experience with the tournament format. They shot a 3-under 67 in the foursomes format, securing a one-shot lead heading into the final day. Eight teams are within four shots of the leaders, making for an exciting finish to the 2024 Dow Championship.

Jennifer Kupcho eyes LPGA Dow history heading into final round

Jennifer Kupcho has a chance to make LPGA Dow history by becoming the first two-time champion of the tournament. She and Ally Ewing hold a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the 2024 Dow Championship. There are several teams within four shots of the lead, making for an exciting finish.

Team Jin and Ronic Card 66 in Saturday Foursomes at Dow Championship

Ruoning Yin and Atthaya Thitikul had a rocky start in the third round of the Dow Championship but bounced back with a strong performance. After a pep talk from Thitikul, Yin regained her confidence and the pair made consecutive birdies to erase their early mistakes. They finished with a 4-under 66 in the foursomes format, showcasing their chemistry and resilience. Yin and Thitikul, both young talents on the LPGA Tour, are looking to win their third LPGA Tour title as partners in the Dow Championship.

Aussie Grace Kim two shots off lead in Dow Championship

Australian golfer Grace Kim, along with her US teammate Auston Kim, are two shots off the lead in the Dow Championship. They are currently at 13 under, just two shots behind the American pair Ally Ewing and Jennifer Kupcho, who hold a one-shot lead at 15 under. The final round will be played in the fourballs format, which is expected to be easier for scoring.

U.S. Senior Open Championship - PGA Tour - Newport Country Club - Newport, RI

On Saturday, the U.S. Senior Open Championship at Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island, saw Hiroyuki Fujita maintain his lead with an impressive performance. Fujita shot a 3-under 67, bringing his total to 14 under par for the tournament. This marked his third consecutive round under 70, a feat he had never previously accomplished on the 50-and-over tour.

Despite challenging wind conditions at the coastal course, Fujita remained unflappable, posting the only bogey-free round of the day. His consistent play, including hitting 15 greens in regulation, has been remarkable considering he had never played this course before the tournament.

Steve Stricker, the 2019 champion, made a strong move up the leaderboard. He shot his third straight 66, moving into second place at 12 under par, just two strokes behind Fujita. Stricker's round included back-to-back birdies on the 16th and 17th holes, helping him close the gap on the leader.

Richard Green sits in third place at 11 under after shooting a 69. Richard Bland is fourth at 9 under, followed by Bob Estes at 8 under.

The tournament organizers adjusted tee times, with players teeing off in early threesomes from both nines to beat encroaching fog on the 7,024-yard, par-70 course. This strategy was implemented to ensure completion of the round before potential weather issues.

Looking ahead to the final round on Sunday, there are concerns about incoming thunderstorms. The weather could potentially impact playing conditions, with rain possibly softening the course and altering its typically firm and fast nature.

Fujita, who has led wire-to-wire so far, is pursuing his first victory on American soil. However, he acknowledges the challenges ahead, particularly given his relatively shorter driving distance compared to some competitors.

As the tournament heads into its final day, the leaderboard promises an exciting conclusion. Fujita's steady performance has commanded respect, but with experienced players like Stricker in close pursuit and unpredictable weather on the horizon, the U.S. Senior Open remains wide open.

Fujita (14 under) pads lead at US Senior Open, but Stricker is lurking from familiar second place

Hiroyuki Fujita leads the U.S. Senior Open with a 14-under score, aiming for his first victory on American soil. He faces the challenge of thunderstorms in the final round and competition from Steve Stricker, who cut the deficit in half with back-to-back birdies. Richard Green, Richard Bland, and Bob Estes are also in contention. The course conditions and weather will play a significant role in the outcome of the tournament.

Steve Stricker's chase of Japan's Hiroyuki Fujita brings him within two shots of the leader entering final round of U.S. Senior Open

Steve Stricker is closely chasing Hiroyuki Fujita in the final round of the U.S. Senior Open Championship. Fujita, the wire-to-wire leader, has impressed with his consistent play, but Stricker is determined to put up a good round to catch up. The weather conditions may also play a role, with a chance of rain and thunderstorms. Fujita, a former MVP on the Japan Golf Tour, has a two-shot advantage going into the final round.

Italian Open - DP World Tour - Adriatic Golf Club Cervia -Ravenna, Italy

On Saturday the Italian Open at the Adriatic Golf Club Cervia in Ravenna, Italy, witnessed an exciting day of golf with several players vying for the lead. The tournament, part of the DP World Tour, saw a tightly contested leaderboard heading into the final round.

As the third round concluded, four players found themselves tied for the lead, setting up a thrilling finale for Sunday. Among the leaders was Marcel Siem, who managed to secure a spot in the logjam at the top of the leaderboard. The competitive nature of the tournament was evident, with multiple players in contention for the title.

One of the standout performances of the day came from Antoine Rozner, who made a significant move up the leaderboard. Rozner surged into contention with an impressive birdie blitz, showcasing his skill and determination on the course. His strong performance added to the excitement of the tournament and positioned him as a serious contender for the title.

The 18th hole provided some memorable moments during the day's play. In a spectacular display of skill and luck, one player managed to score an incredible backboarding birdie on this challenging final hole. This highlight demonstrated the unpredictable nature of golf and the potential for dramatic finishes on the course.

As the players prepare for the final round on Sunday, the stage is set for an intense battle for the Italian Open title. With four players tied for the lead and others, like Antoine Rozner, making strong moves, golf fans can anticipate an exciting conclusion to this DP World Tour event.

Rozner breaks course record at Italian Open

Antoine Rozner sets a new course record at the Italian Open with a stunning 62, joining three other players in a four-way tie for the lead heading into the final round. The Frenchman's strong performance included an eagle and seven birdies, propelling him to 10 under. German veteran Marcel Siem, Danish rookie Sebastian Friedrichsen, and India's Shubhankar Sharma also share the lead. Tom McKibbin is the sole Irish player in the field, currently six shots off the lead.

Italian Open's 18th hole yields incredible backboarding birdie

Tommy Morrison, a 6-foot-9 standout golfer from Texas, secured his spot in the Open Championship by winning the European Amateur tournament. He became the first American winner in championship history after a three-hole playoff. Morrison's strong performance included six birdies and an eagle, finishing at 9 under alongside Max Kennedy and Preston Summerhays.

Memorial Health Championship pres. by LRS - Korn Ferry Tour - Panther Creek CC - Springfield, IL

Max McGreevy takes one-stroke lead into final round at Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS

Max McGreevy holds a one-stroke lead heading into the final round of the Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS on the Korn Ferry Tour. McGreevy shot a bogey-free 9-under 62 in the third round, breaking the 54-hole event scoring record. Austin Greaser is one stroke behind in second place, while Ryan Gerard, the 36-hole leader, trails by five strokes. The final round tee times will run from approximately 6:30 a.m.-1 p.m. local time.

Overheard in the Club House

Ex-Ryder Cup captain 'quite depressed' as DP World Tour issue 'weakened' golf

LIV Golf has attracted top European and American golfers, while the PGA Tour features a mix of European and American stars. The DP World Tour is left behind, and Colin Montgomerie suggests leveraging Britain's premier links courses to attract talent and establish the field.

Singapore Loses Last 18-Hole Public Golf Course to Redevelopment

Singapore has closed its last public 18-hole golf course, the Marina Bay site, as part of the government's land redevelopment efforts. The course, which opened less than 18 years ago, hosted its final rounds for the public on Saturday. Singapore now has only one remaining public golf course, a nine-hole venue in the north of the city-state.

'You Could Call It Some Sort Of A Yip’ - Rickie Fowler Makes Frank Putting Admission At Rocket Mortgage Classic

Rickie Fowler, the six-time PGA Tour winner, has revealed that he has been battling a twitch in his putting, which he refers to as a "yip." Fowler's drop in form over the past year has been attributed to this putting issue. However, he has made adjustments, including switching putters and experimenting with different grips, in an effort to improve his putting performance and regain his form.

Former U.S. Open course might consider hosting LIV Golf

LIV Golf, the Saudi Arabia-backed league, is reportedly considering securing Chambers Bay, a former U.S. Open championship course, to host future events. The move comes as LIV Golf faces criticism for using mostly unrecognizable courses in the U.S. The Pierce County executive counsel confirmed that a marketing agency representing LIV Golf requested a meeting with county officials. However, potential complications could arise due to the league's backing by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

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UPCOMING TOURS

PGA TOUR Schedule 2024

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LIV Golf Schedule 2024

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LPGA Tour Schedule 2024

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