Sunday, May 26, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

The world of golf was shaken this weekend by the tragic news of PGA Tour player Grayson Murray's untimely death at the age of 30. Murray, who had been open about his struggles with alcohol addiction and depression, withdrew from the Schwab Challenge due to illness just a day before his passing. The cause of his death has not been disclosed, but the impact on the golf community has been profound. Tributes poured in from fellow golfers and fans alike, reflecting on Murray's battles and his talent on the course. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, along with many others, expressed deep condolences, emphasizing the emotional toll on Murray's family and friends.

The Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, continued amidst the grief, with Davis Riley leading the tournament. Riley, with a commanding four-shot lead after a 4-under 66 round, stood at 14-under 196, while Scottie Scheffler, who shot a stunning 63, trailed at 10 under. The tournament saw intense competition, but the somber mood was palpable. Scheffler and other players expressed their sorrow over Murray's death, making it clear that the loss had cast a shadow over the event. Despite the heavy hearts, the final round promises an exciting showdown between Riley and Scheffler.

In Benton Harbor, Michigan, the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship saw Ernie Els and Greg Chalmers sharing the lead at 10-under 203. Els, a four-time major champion, and Chalmers, known for his excellent putting, navigated the challenging conditions at Harbor Shores with skill. The final round will see them competing closely with Richard Bland and Chris DiMarco, who are just one shot behind. The tournament has been intense, with difficult winds and tough pin positions testing the players' mettle. Notably, Steve Stricker is in the hunt for his 18th PGA TOUR Champions win, adding another layer of excitement to the final day.

Over in Europe, the Soudal Open in Antwerp, Belgium, featured Spanish golfer Nacho Elvira maintaining his lead with a four-shot advantage heading into the final round. Elvira, who carded a 67 in the third round, showed resilience despite some setbacks, positioning himself strongly for a second European Tour victory. His closest competitors, including Englishmen Joe Dean and Ross Fisher, along with Frenchman Romain Langasque and Dane Niklas Norgaard, are all within striking distance, ensuring a competitive final day.

Meanwhile, the Korn Ferry Tour's Visit Knoxville Open saw a standout performance from Frankie Capan III, who carded an impressive 8-under 62 in the third round. This remarkable round has given him a one-shot lead heading into the final day. Capan, a second-year tour member, demonstrated exceptional skill and consistency, setting himself up as the frontrunner for the title. His ability to maintain focus under pressure will be crucial as he aims for victory, which could propel him to second place in the tour's season-long points list.

As the golfing world continues to process the loss of Grayson Murray, these tournaments proceed with a mix of somber reflection and competitive spirit, showcasing the resilience and camaraderie within the sport.

[ Today’s Top Stories ] 

• Jim Nantz chokes up as he announces Grayson Murray's death on CBS - dailymail.co.uk

• Grayson Murray and the Day He Opened Up About His Battle with Alcohol and Depression - marca.com

• PGA Tour release statement after Grayson Murray dies aged 30 - golfmagic.com

• Grayson Murray dies at age 30 a day after withdrawing from Colonial, PGA Tour says - nbcnews.com

• Bubba Watson Saddened By Death Of PGA Tour Veteran Grayson Murray - thespun.com

• Grayson Murray's Final Instagram Post a Nod to PGA Rise Prior to Death - heavy.com

• Grayson Murray's caddie releases statement after golfer's sudden death - dailymail.co.uk

• Grayson Murray's shocking death led to an outpouring of tributes from golf fans - usatoday.com

• The world of golf reacts to the tragic passing of PGA Tour member Grayson Murray - golfweek.com

• Grayson Murray dies at 30: PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, pro golfers react to 'huge loss for all of us' - cbssports.com

• After Grayson Murray called out the PGA Tour in 2021, commissioner Jay Monahan had lengthy talks about mental health with him - ca.sports.yahoo.com

Golf Tournaments happening this weekend

Charles Schwab Challenge - Fort Worth

The Charles Schwab Challenge at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas, Saturday was marked by both competitive play and somber news. Davis Riley led the tournament with a four-shot lead over Scottie Scheffler, following a 4-under 66 round. Riley stood at 14-under 196, while Scheffler, who shot a brilliant 63, was in second place at 10 under. The competition was intense, with Pierceson Coody and Hayden Buckley trailing closely behind Scheffler, and Tony Finau in sixth place at 7 under.

However, the tournament was overshadowed by the tragic death of Grayson Murray, a two-time PGA Tour winner, who passed away at the age of 30. Murray had withdrawn from the Charles Schwab Challenge on Friday, and his death was announced less than 24 hours later. This news deeply affected the players and the PGA community. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan expressed his condolences and acknowledged the emotional impact on Murray's family and fellow players.

The atmosphere at the tournament was notably somber as players and officials grappled with the loss. Scottie Scheffler, who had gotten to know Murray better over the past six months, expressed his sorrow and offered prayers for Murray's family. Webb Simpson, who had known Murray since he was 8, shared his disbelief and sadness upon hearing the news just before teeing off.

Despite the emotional weight, the competition continued, with Riley and Scheffler set to face off in the final round. Riley, who had previously contended at Colonial, looked forward to the challenge of competing against Scheffler, who had been playing exceptionally well.

• 2024 Charles Schwab Challenge Sunday tee times: Round 4 groupings

• Charles Schwab Challenge: How to watch Round 4, featured groups, live scores, tee times, TV times

• Charles Schwab Challenge 2024 Sunday final round tee times, how to watch

• Charles Schwab Challenge 2024 Sunday final round tee times, how to watch

• Davis Riley leads Scottie Scheffler by 4 at somber Colonial after the news of player's death - washingtonpost.com

• 2024 Charles Schwab Challenge leaderboard: Scottie Scheffler fires 63 in Round 3, trails Davis Riley by four - cbssports.com

KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, Benton Harbor, MI

Ernie Els and Greg Chalmers are leading the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, both scoring 10-under 203. Els, a four-time major champion, hit a birdie on the final hole for a 2-under 69, while Chalmers, known for his putting, had a 66 with only two bogeys. Richard Bland of England, who initially started at 12-under par, fell one shot behind after a shaky performance.

The competition, held at Harbor Shores, was marked by challenging winds, tough greens, and difficult pin positions. Despite this, several players remain in contention with the leaderboard being crowded at the top. Bland and Chris DiMarco are one shot behind the leaders, while Steve Stricker, Stewart Cink, and Jason Caron are three shots behind.

Final round tee times have been adjusted due to the forecast of bad weather. Steve Stricker is seeking his 18th PGA TOUR Champions win in his title defense, and Bernhard Langer, the 2017 winner, is at T20 at 3-under 210 after a recovery from a torn Achilles. John Senden was disqualified prior to the start of the third round for improper use of a distance measuring device.

• Ernie Els, Greg Chalmers share KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship lead going to final round - pgatour.com

• Greg Chalmers, Ernie Els share Senior PGA Championship lead - yardbarker.com

Soudal Open, Antwerp Belgium - DP World Tour

Saturday at the Soudal Open in Antwerp, Belgium, Spanish golfer Nacho Elvira maintained his lead, heading into the final round with a four-shot advantage. Elvira, who has been consistent throughout the tournament, carded a 67 in the third round despite experiencing some setbacks, including bogeys on the 13th and the last two holes. He stands at 18 under par, positioning himself strongly for a potential second European Tour victory.

Chasing Elvira are Englishmen Joe Dean and Ross Fisher, who shot 66 and 70 respectively, along with Frenchman Romain Langasque (68) and Dane Niklas Norgaard (67). The competition remains fierce as these players aim to close the gap in the final round.

As the final round approaches, all eyes will be on Elvira to see if he can maintain his lead and secure the title at the Soudal Open.

• Elvira in control ahead of Soudal Open final round - rte.ie

• Nacho Elvira has 4-shot lead going into last round on European tour - ca.sports.yahoo.com

• Nacho Elvira opens up big lead in Belgium - europeantour.com

Visit Knoxville Open - Korn Ferry Tour

Saturday at the Visit Knoxville Open, Frankie Capan III delivered an outstanding performance, carding an 8-under 62 in the third round. This impressive score has given him a one-stroke lead heading into the final round of the tournament. Capan, a second-year Korn Ferry Tour member, showcased remarkable skill and consistency throughout the day, positioning himself as the frontrunner for the title.

The Visit Knoxville Open has seen competitive play, but Capan's exceptional round on Saturday has set him apart from the field. His ability to maintain focus and execute under pressure will be crucial as he aims to secure a victory in the final round.

• Frankie Capan III cards 8-under 62 on Saturday, holds one-stroke lead at Visit Knoxville Open - pgatour.com

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