Planet Golf News - Sunday Tour Edition - February 25, 2024

Anthony Kim is making his return to professional golf at LIV Golf Jeddah, according to multiple reports. Kim, a three-time PGA Tour winner, will play as one of the two individuals on the LIV Golf circuit in Saudi Arabia. After a decade away from the sport due to injury, Kim's return has been highly anticipated. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

After a decade away from professional golf, Anthony Kim is rumored to be making a comeback with LIV Golf instead of the PGA Tour. The involvement of LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman in the negotiations has sparked reactions from fans, with some criticizing Kim's long absence and calling it a money move. However, not all fans reject the idea and express hope for the return of the golfer from his prime. [essentiallysports.com]

Rumors suggest that golfer Anthony Kim may be making a comeback to the professional scene, joining the breakaway league LIV Golf Jeddah as a wildcard. The involvement of LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman is believed to be a major factor in convincing Kim to return. While nothing is confirmed, multiple insiders have reported that LIV Golf players are expecting Kim to join them. Abraham Ancer, a fellow golfer and former teammate of Kim, has expressed excitement about the potential comeback. [essentiallysports.com]

Jake Knapp, a PGA Tour rookie, is making waves at the Mexico Open at Vidanta with a record-breaking start. He has a chance to secure his first PGA Tour title. Knapp's journey from working as a nightclub bouncer to competing at a professional level is remarkable. Additionally, he has a history of impressive performances, including shooting 58 in high school and qualifying for the U.S. Open. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Talor Gooch, a player with LIV Golf, has earned over $36 million and has turned his attention to bull riding, becoming the owner of the Oklahoma Wildcatters team in the Professional Bull Riders league. Despite his success, Gooch has faced challenges in major championships and the Ryder Cup selection process. [golfmagic.com]

Gary Woodland, professional golfer, shares his terrifying experience of dealing with a brain lesion that caused anxiety and fear of dying. After undergoing surgery, Woodland is now thankful and appreciative of life, with a renewed perspective on his career and a desire to play better golf. [palmbeachpost.com]

Tiger Woods' withdrawal from the 2024 Genesis Invitational due to flu symptoms has left golf fans speculating about his next tournament. Some fans believe he will rest and focus on fully recovering for the Masters Tournament in April, while others think he may still compete in the Players Championship in March as a practice opportunity before the major tournament. The opinions among fans are divided, with some suggesting he should rest and others emphasizing the importance of playing in March for his chances at the Masters. [essentiallysports.com]

Bryson DeChambeau believes that LIV Golf has met all the requirements to receive recognition from the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR), but they are still yet to be sanctioned. Despite their growing roster and hosting events for over two seasons, LIV Golf has not been offered ranking points. DeChambeau expressed frustration with the ranking system and stated that if they perform well in major championships, they cannot be kept out. However, OWGR has rejected LIV's bid for ranking recognition, citing issues with their tournament format and promotion/relegation system. LIV Golf and its players continue to question the legitimacy of the ranking system and strive for an independent and objective ranking system. [mirror.co.uk]

Joaquin Niemann expresses frustration with the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) and the lack of recognition for LIV Golf events. Despite receiving an invitation to the Masters Tournament, Niemann feels hindered by not earning OWGR points and potentially missing out on other major tournaments. The article highlights the discrepancies between the OWGR and alternative ranking systems like DataGolf. Niemann's comments emphasize the importance of hosting the best players in the world at major tournaments. [sbnation.com]

Patty Tavatanakit holds a three-shot lead heading into the final round of the Honda LPGA Thailand tournament. This is her second consecutive week with a three-shot lead, following her victory at the Aramco Saudi Ladies International. Tavatanakit shot a 6-under 66 in the third round, bringing her total to 16 under. Madelene Sagstrom is three shots behind in second place. [golfweek.usatoday.com]

Bronte Law of England secured her third Ladies European Tour title with a remarkable nine-under final round at the Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco. Law's impressive performance included nine birdies and an eagle, finishing the tournament at 13 under, three strokes ahead of France's Pauline Bouchard. This victory reflects Law's hard work and determination, proving her ability to compete at the highest level of the game. [skysports.com]

Ricardo Gonzalez, a 54-year-old Argentinian golfer, won the Trophy Hassan II on the PGA Tour Champions, his 13th start on the circuit. He finished at 10 under, one stroke ahead of Thomas Bjorn. Angel Cabrera, also from Argentina, finished T-27 in his return to the PGA Tour Champions. [usatoday.com]

Louis Oosthuizen and Carlos Ortiz are leading the International Series Oman golf tournament after the third round. Oosthuizen, coming off two victories in his home country, shot a 5-under 67 to tie with Ortiz at 12 under. Prom Meesawat is one shot back in third place. Oosthuizen praised the course and his performance, while Ortiz focused on minimizing mistakes. The tournament is part of The International Series and serves as a pathway to the LIV Golf League. [livgolf.com]

The U.S. Open 2024 will be held at Pinehurst No. 2 in North Carolina. The tournament will take place from June 13-16, and players can sign up online by April 10. The field will consist of 156 players, with exemptions given to top point leaders and winners of major championships. The remaining spots will be filled through local and final qualifying events held in various locations. The schedule for these events is provided in the document. [golfdigest.com]

Luke Donald, former World No. 1 golfer and European Ryder Cup captain, will be auditioning for the lead analyst position at NBC Golf. He will join the NBC Golf booth at the next two PGA Tour events and is expected to appear on the Cognizant broadcast and join play-by-play man Dan Hicks as part of a two-man booth on the weekend. Donald is the latest candidate to audition for the position, following Kevin Kisner and Brandel Chamblee. [golf.com]

Tiger Woods' son, Charlie, had his golf game interrupted by a grandmother who tried to set him up on a date with her granddaughter. Despite the distractions, Charlie Woods is a promising golfer and has a good chance of qualifying for PGA Tour events in the future. [marca.com]

DJ Khaled brings his unique flair to the golf world as the cart commentator for 'The Match' in Florida, blending entertainment and sports. The event features top golfers and raises money for charity, with DJ Khaled adding a fresh perspective to the commentary. This convergence of talents and fusion of perspectives aims to make golf more engaging and relatable to a broader audience. [bnnbreaking.com]

The Match IX is a golf exhibition featuring Rory McIlroy, Max Homa, Lexi Thompson, and Rose Zhang. McIlroy is the favorite, followed by Homa, Zhang, and Thompson. SportsLine's Mike McClure has provided his best bet for the event, with a track record of successful predictions in major tournaments. For more information and betting advice, visit the provided link. [sportsline.com]

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.