Planet Golf News for Sunday, March 24, 2024

Keith Mitchell dunks an eagle from 151 yards on the 18th hole to take the lead in the Valspar Championship. This puts him in a two-shot lead heading into the final round, giving him a great opportunity to secure his second PGA Tour win.

Seamus Power plays his way into the final group for Valspar Sunday at the PGA Tour's Valspar Championship. After a strong performance on the third round, Power is tied for second place with Mackenzie Hughes and Peter Malnati, one shot behind the leader Keith Mitchell. Power is aiming for his third PGA Tour win and a ticket to Augusta National.

Lee Kyoung-hoon surges into title contention at the Valspar Championship with a superb second round of four-under 67. He is just two strokes behind the five co-leaders and within striking distance of the lead. Lee's strong performance comes after missing the cut at The Players Championship last week.

Justin Thomas had a disappointing round at the Valspar Championship, dropping 65 spots on the leaderboard. He struggled with his putting, recording 38 putts and failing to convert a single putt outside of three feet. This poor performance resulted in a five-over 79 for the day and a tie for 66th place in the tournament.

PGA Tour board member Peter Malnati reveals that he uses a yellow golf ball because his son liked it. Despite recent struggles, Malnati finds joy and a reminder of his son through the colored ball. He is currently in contention at the Valspar Championship, with a chance to win his second PGA Tour title.

Stewart Cink, at 50 years old, has made his 500th cut on the PGA Tour, becoming the eighth player in history to achieve this milestone. Despite not being expected to contend, Cink is currently tied for the lead at the Valspar Championship. If he wins, he would join a select group of players who have won a PGA Tour event after turning 50.

Jordan Spieth and Zach Johnson are among the ten big-time golfers who missed the cut at the Valspar Championship. The Copperhead course proved challenging, with five golfers sitting atop the leaderboard. Justin Thomas is among the nine golfers in sixth place. Here is the full list of golfers who didn't make the cut.

The "Snake Pit" at Innisbrook's Copperhead golf course is a challenging stretch of the last three holes (16, 17, and 18) at the course. Hole 16, known as "Moccasin," is a difficult par-4 with a narrow fairway and water on the right. Hole 17, known as "Rattler," is a well-protected par-3. Players finish their round on hole 18, named "Copperhead," which has bunkers on both sides and a downhill green. It is considered one of the toughest stretches in golf.

Check out the best shots from Round 3 of the Valspar Championship at the Copperhead Course at Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club in Palm Harbor, Florida.

South Korean golfer Shin Ji-yai shares the lead with Alison Lee in the LPGA Seri Pak Championship after shooting an impressive eight-under-par 63 in the third round. They are two strokes ahead of the nearest competitors, including defending champion Yin Ruoning. Shin's strong performance is a chance for her to earn more world ranking points and potentially qualify for the Paris Olympics.

Nelly Korda, a nine-time LPGA Tour winner, is in contention for her second 2024 LPGA Tour victory at the FIR HILLS SERI PAK Championship in Southern California. She carded a 4-under 67 in the third round, moving into a tie for third place, two shots behind the leaders. Korda showcased her skills in challenging conditions and emphasized the importance of course management and capitalizing on par-5 scoring in the final round.

Lizette Salas has made a strong comeback after recovering from a back injury, returning to the LPGA Tour at the FIR HILLS SERI PAK Championship. Despite facing challenges, Salas has shown determination and resilience, delivering solid performances and making the cut. She expressed gratitude for the support she received and emphasized the importance of life beyond golf. While a victory may be unlikely, Salas's return has been a success and a testament to her fighting spirit.

Gabriela Ruffels, an Epson Tour graduate, had an impressive performance at the FIR HILLS SERI PAK Championship, shooting a 6-under 65 to climb up the leaderboard. Despite challenging windy conditions, Ruffels made seven birdies and only one bogey, posting her lowest 18-hole score as an LPGA Tour member. With her familiarity with Palos Verdes Golf Club and previous success on the LPGA Tour, Ruffels is poised to contend for her first top 10 finish of the year in front of a hometown crowd.

Jiyai Shin talks with media following her third round and win at FIR HILLS SERI PAK Championship.

Malia Nam, a 24-year-old LPGA golfer, is gaining attention for her performance at the 2024 Fir Hills Seri Pak Championship. Ranked 961 on the Rolex Rankings, she has had success in her amateur career, earned her LPGA Tour card for the 2024 season, and is off to a strong start in her rookie year.

The Texas Children's Houston Open will feature top players like Scottie Scheffler and defending champion Tony Finau. However, notable absences from the tournament include Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Xander Schauffele, and Viktor Hovland. Their absence will be felt, as they bring talent, local connection, and rising star power to the event.

Shane Lowry believes referees have been following him during the Singapore Classic on the DP World Tour. Despite feeling on the clock and battling jetlag, Lowry has played well and is in contention at 8-under par. He has not been penalized for slow play and is aiming for his seventh DP World Tour title.

Paul Casey has made a return to the DP World Tour at the Singapore Classic after joining LIV Golf. Despite giving up his playing rights, Casey has impressed and is in contention for the victory, sitting three shots off the lead heading into the final round. He believes there is a lack of motivation among players to negotiate a deal between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.

The Masters Golf Shop at Augusta National has been selling a highly sought-after collectible: the Masters garden gnome. These gnomes, offered in different versions each year, sell out quickly and can be found on resale websites for hundreds of dollars. The 2024 gnome, featuring a logoed cardigan, plaid pants, a white bucket hat, and a green-and-white striped tie, is highly anticipated. It is advised to shop early if you plan to purchase one during Masters week.One Masters collectible has been generating intense fervor in recent years, and fans just got a sneak peek at the latest iteration.

Bernhard Langer, synonymous with 90's golf, had to withdraw from the Masters tournament due to a torn Achilles tendon. Although he won't be playing, he will be present at the Champions Dinner, a prestigious gathering of past winners, to share history and connect with fellow legends.

Jordan Spieth's preparation for The Masters has hit another setback as he missed the cut at the Valspar Championship. This comes after a string of poor performances in recent tournaments, leaving him with little momentum heading into the first major championship of the year. Despite his recent struggles, Spieth has a strong track record at The Masters, finishing in the top four five times in 10 starts. However, his iron game has been a weakness, and it remains to be seen which version of Spieth will show up at Augusta.

Golf betting expert Patrick McDonald predicts Sam Burns, a 55-1 longshot, to make a significant impact in the 2024 Masters. Despite Burns never finishing better than 20th in a major, McDonald believes Burns' improved tee shots and reliable putting could make him a contender. McDonald also hints at backing an underdog with a history of success at Augusta National.

The PGA Tour is facing a difficult decision regarding LIV Golf, and the question arises whether players should be the ones making that call. The article discusses the conflicting views of players like Jon Rahm and Xander Schauffele, highlighting the self-interest and career-focused decisions being made. The author argues that players should not heavily influence decisions that have significant ramifications for the PGA Tour's broader business. The impending decision on how LIV golfers will return to the PGA Tour is a divisive topic, with questions about their status, eligibility, and inclusion in bonus pools. The article emphasizes the need to prioritize what is best for the Tour's commercial prospects rather than individual members' interests.

Wyndham Clark is growing impatient with the ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) for a merger with LIV Golf. Despite announcing a framework agreement in June, the deal has yet to be finalized, causing frustration for Clark and pressure on the PGA Tour. Clark expressed his desire for a conclusion that benefits the sport as a whole and highlighted the current challenges faced by golf. The negotiations continue, and the outcome remains uncertain.

Xander Schauffele predicts a merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, expressing his desire for professional golf to return to its previous state. He believes that fans, TV, and the sport as a whole would benefit from the unification. Jon Rahm, a LIV golfer, would be delighted if the deal is reached. However, it remains uncertain if the transition back to the PGA Tour will be smooth for LIV golfers.

Kevin Streelman, co-leading the Valspar Championship, shares his strong opinions on the future of the PGA Tour. Streelman, who has been involved in Tour policy and governance, expresses concerns about the Tour's direction and the focus on top talent. He suggests changes to ensure accessibility for young players and discusses the potential impact of separate tours and the involvement of outside investors like Yasir. Streelman emphasizes the importance of investing in the Tour's product and maintaining a fair and competitive environment for all players.

Charlie Woods, son of golf icon Tiger Woods, has been provided with extra security protection after being overwhelmed by fans during his debut appearance at the 2024 Will Lowery Junior Championship. The 15-year-old golfer had to bring in security personnel and armed police to protect him from the crowd. This comes after a previous incident where fans swarmed him during a qualifying event. It is important for fans to be responsible in how they treat Charlie as he navigates his way in the sport.

Charlie Woods has had a challenging debut at the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) tournament, scoring rounds of 78 and 81. Despite struggling, Charlie received a sponsor's invite and was supported by his father, Tiger Woods. Charlie is currently at 15-over par with one round left to play. His inclusion in the tournament has attracted media and fan interest, and security measures were taken due to previous unruly fan behavior.

Paul Casey's return to the DP World Tour at the Singapore Classic has garnered attention, despite his move to LIV Golf. Casey, sponsored by Porsche, has performed well in the tournament, with a chance to contend for the win. However, some fans express criticism and skepticism towards his performance and the LIV Golf league.

Paul Casey reveals that his decision to join LIV Golf was influenced by his caddie, Johnny McLaren, who had a brain tumor removed. Casey believes the PGA Tour would have been too hectic for McLaren, and there were also "breaking points" with conditions on the old tour. McLaren's health was a significant factor in Casey's move to LIV. Casey also criticizes the delay in the PGA Tour's deal with LIV's Saudi backers and suggests that strict Covid protocols in 2021 contributed to his decision.

In the second round of the 2024 Hoag Classic Newport Beach, Padraig Harrington makes birdie on the par-5 18th hole. Harrington leads by one after Round 2 at Hoag Classic Newport Beach in the PGA Tour Champions tournament.

John Daly's opening tee shot at the 2024 Hoag Classic gained attention as he topped the ball, causing shock and awe. Despite the mishap, Daly recovered and ended the day three-over-par. Known for his flamboyant style and distance off the tee, Daly is a two-time Major winner and has been nicknamed 'Wild Thing'.

Under Armour is releasing the UA Patron's Golf Collection, a shoe collection inspired by the Masters golf tournament in Georgia. The collection aims to support golfers with cutting-edge innovation and draws inspiration from the iconic Pimento cheese sandwich.

Scottie Scheffler has secured his spot on the American team for the 2024 Paris Olympics after winning The Players Championship. The confirmed list for the Olympics will be based on the OWGR rankings, with 60 players making it to the field. Scheffler's recent victory and projected OWGR rank have guaranteed his spot in the team. He will be making his Olympic debut in 2024.

The police data reveals chaos at the WM Phoenix Open, with 54 arrests and refunds issued to fans. The tournament experienced overcrowding, incidents of fan misconduct, and even a fan falling off at the famous 16th hole. The future participation of some top stars is uncertain, but many players still support the tournament and plan to return next year.

Rory McIlroy will be participating in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans team event for the first time in his PGA Tour career. This decision means he will be competing in three out of four weeks on the tour, including the Valero Texas Open and The Masters. McIlroy's schedule for April is confirmed, but his participation in the RBC Heritage is yet to be confirmed. The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is a team event, and speculation is growing regarding who McIlroy will choose as his partner.

Stewart Cink's caddie, Chris P. Jones, is a veteran caddie with 21 years of experience. He has caddied for several golfers, including Hunter Mahan, Kevin Na, Will Zalatoris, and Mark Wilson. Jones started his caddying journey in 2003 and has a passion for meeting people from around the world and traveling. Outside of golf, he enjoys snowboarding, paddleboarding, live music, and Thai cuisine. He is currently assisting Cink in the 2024 Valspar Championship.

Tiger Woods will not be playing in the Texas Children's Houston Open 2024 as he has decided to extend his break from the PGA Tour. Despite dealing with health issues, he is listed to participate in the Masters and the PGA Championship later this year.

Sarah Schmelzel is an American professional golfer who has had a successful career in both amateur and professional golf. She has achieved notable finishes in various tournaments, including the LPGA Tour, and has earned over $2 million in career earnings. Schmelzel currently holds the 73rd position on the Rolex Rankings and uses a mixed bag of golf equipment from brands like Titleist, Callaway, and Ping.

Sam Snead holds the record for the oldest PGA Tour winner at nearly 53 years old. Other notable oldest winners include Art Wall, Davis Love III, Jim Barnes, John Barnum, Fred Funk, and Craig Stadler.

Padraig Harrington discusses the "disconnect" and confusion in modern coaching in golf. He highlights the gap between elite-level coaching and what recreational players need to improve. Harrington emphasizes the importance of tailoring instruction to the individual's capabilities and enjoyment of the game.

Brendon Todd, ranked #63 in the Official World Golf Ranking, has a carefully curated collection of clubs and equipment that maximize his performance on the road. He trusts brands like PING for his driver and fairway woods, Titleist for his irons and wedges, and Odyssey for his putters. Todd's equipment choices reflect his emphasis on power, control, dependability, and tactical approach to the game.

Ruoning Yin, the World No.4 LPGA star, uses Callaway equipment including the Paradym Triple Diamond driver, Paradym Fairway Woods, Callaway hybrids, Callaway X-Forged CB irons, Callaway Jaws Raw wedges, an Odyssey White Hot OG #7 CH putter, and Chrome Soft X golf balls for her impressive performances on the greens.www.essentiallysports.com/golf-news-ruoning-yin-witb-march-twenty-twenty-four-world-no-four-lpga-stars-golf-bag-explored

Click to see the entire PGA Tour Schedule for 2024 including the Previous winners and Purse.

Click to see the entire LIV Tour Schedule for 2024 including the Previous winners and Purse.

Click to see the entire LPGA Tour Schedule for 2024 including the Previous winners and Purse.