Planet Golf News for Thursday, April 11, 2024

Weather conditions, including heavy rain and gusty winds, are expected to impact the 88th Masters Tournament at Augusta National. Gate openings have been delayed, and players in the morning wave may face challenges due to potential play delays. However, the weather is expected to improve as the week progresses, with sunny conditions forecasted from Friday through Sunday.

The Masters serves as a gathering of top golfers from both LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, highlighting the sport's need for unity. However, the divide between the two remains, with the PGA Tour considering LIV players as traitors and no clear path for reconciliation. Despite the skepticism, LIV has proven its competitiveness, with top players like Jon Rahm joining their ranks. The Masters has its own rules and can make adjustments, but the confusion and fragmentation in the sport persist, hindering its growth and potential.

Scottie Scheffler, the top-ranked player in the world, enters the Masters as a heavy favorite to win a second green jacket. His dominant performance and all-around game have drawn comparisons to Tiger Woods in his prime. With his improved putting and consistent play, Scheffler is poised to make a significant impact and cement his place among golf greats.

Greg Norman, the CEO of LIV Golf, returned to the Masters as a ticketed fan and expressed his satisfaction with the positive reception of LIV Golf at the tournament. The presence of LIV Golf at the Masters has generated intrigue and raised questions about the field, with some LIV players not having a pathway to Augusta. The chairman of Augusta National Golf Club stated that special invitations would be extended to exceptional LIV players, regardless of their world ranking. Norman showed his support for LIV players and emphasized the quality of their performances. The potential for reconciliation between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is still uncertain. Despite initial doubts, LIV players performed well in last year's Masters, and Norman believes that the best players will always rise to the top, regardless of where they play.

Rory McIlroy is facing his Greg Norman complex as he attempts to win the Masters and complete the career Grand Slam. Both McIlroy and Norman have faced struggles at Augusta National, with heartbreaking losses and questions about their ability to win. McIlroy has sought guidance from Norman's old coach, Butch Harmon, in an effort to overcome his mental hurdles and find success at the Masters.

Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy will be paired together for the first two rounds of the Masters. While they have played together before, their experiences at Augusta National highlight their contrasting paths. Scheffler, the favorite, has a green jacket and a relaxed perspective, while McIlroy, still seeking a Masters win, feels the weight of the tournament's importance. Their pairing symbolizes the difference in their Masters experience and the pursuit of the coveted green jacket.

Rickie Fowler wins the Masters Par-3 Contest at Augusta National Golf Club, setting his sights on the Green Jacket for the Masters Tournament. Fowler, accompanied by his wife and daughter, finished with a five-under-par 22. Despite the supposed jinx associated with winning the Par-3 Contest, Fowler remains unfazed and looks forward to the tournament.

Jason Day expresses surprise and humor upon learning that he will be paired with Tiger Woods for the first two days at The Masters. Day jokingly states that he is happy as long as he beats "that old man." Woods, a five-time Green Jacket winner, is aiming to make history by making the cut for the 24th consecutive time. Day will need to bring his best game to compete with Woods.

Ahead of The Masters 2024, there have been changes in the caddie scene, including Justin Thomas parting ways with Jim "Bones" Mackay. The course at Augusta has become more challenging, with a longer par-five second hole. Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods opted out of the Wednesday par-three competition, which has a jinxed history. The demand for Masters gnomes has been high, and there are weather warnings for showers, thunderstorms, and gusts on Thursday.

The Masters tournament brings together the world's best players, but the number of participants from the LIV Golf league is shrinking. Only nine LIV players are guaranteed a spot in next year's Masters, and there are no indications of widening the pathway for LIV players. The Masters Chairman emphasized the importance of the Official World Golf Ranking and the Masters' discretion in extending special invitations. The competition for the green jacket remains fierce, but the future relationship between LIV Golf and the majors remains uncertain.

Thirteen LIV Golf players have qualified for the 2024 Masters, including Bryson DeChambeau, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, and Phil Mickelson. While winning a PGA Tour event or being in the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking is the easiest way to qualify, LIV pros face challenges as they are barred from Tour events and LIV tournaments do not award world ranking points. The players qualified through various exemption categories, and one LIV player, Joaquin Niemann, received a special invitation from Augusta National.

Tony Finau, a former Salt Lake City resident and Utah sports icon, is aiming to win his first major golf championship at the Masters. Finau has consistently performed well at Augusta National Golf Club, with his best finish being a tie for fifth in 2019. Despite never missing the cut in his previous six Masters appearances, Finau is determined to break through and secure a green jacket. Golf pundits believe Finau has the skills and course knowledge to contend for the title, highlighting his strong tee-to-green game and ability to perform well on long, difficult courses.

Despite injuries and illnesses, golf's greats are determined to play in the Masters tournament. Players like Min Woo Lee, Tiger Woods, Fred Couples, Jordan Spieth, and others have overcome various physical challenges to participate in this prestigious event. The Masters holds a special place in their hearts and they are willing to go to great lengths to be a part of it.

Jon Rahm, the professional golfer, won the Masters and later left the PGA Tour for LIV Golf. Despite his previous statements about loyalty to the PGA Tour, Rahm was offered a significant amount of money by LIV, which led to his decision to join the league. Winning the Masters played a role in his decision, as it solidified his exemption for major tournaments. Rahm's departure from the PGA Tour has caused mixed reactions among other players. He hopes that his move will encourage the two sides to come together and find a resolution.

During a media appearance ahead of the 2024 Masters, chairman Fred Ridley of Augusta National Golf Club expressed support for the golf ball rollback proposed by the USGA and R&A to address the distance problem in golf. Ridley stated that he does not want the Masters to exceed 8,000 yards and hopes that the regulations will be adopted by other golf tours and leagues. The USGA and R&A announced changes to how golf balls will be tested, with the new standards set to take effect in 2028. The support from Augusta National is seen as a significant step in curbing distance and making the game more sustainable.

In the history of the Masters Par 3 Contest, there have been a total of 112 holes-in-one. Gary Player holds the record with four aces, but many other golfers, including family members, have also achieved this feat. The aces have been made on various holes throughout the years.

Tony Finau is adding a second driver to his Ping setup for the Masters, following in the footsteps of Phil Mickelson's successful double-driver experiment in 2006. Finau will be using two Ping G430 LST drivers to optimize his performance off the tee and on second shots into par 5s. The shorter driver with added speed allows Finau to hit a slight draw without needing to hit it over 300 yards. Other pros, like Adam Scott, have also found success with unconventional options off the tee. Finau's "little driver" could see plenty of action on specific holes depending on course and wind conditions.

The author attended the Masters Par 3 Contest for the first time and believes it should be celebrated as the best tradition at Augusta National. The event allows players, past and present, to play the par 3 course with their families, providing a unique and relaxed atmosphere. The author highlights the size and beauty of the course, the special groupings, and the excitement of witnessing hole-in-ones. They emphasize that the Par 3 Contest embodies the essence of golf with its focus on friendship, family, and enjoyment, making it a standout event before the major championship.

Sergio Garcia, during an interview at the 2024 Masters, attributes the divide among top-level golf players to the media rather than the players themselves. He believes that the game is in a great spot and emphasizes that the future of the game lies with the younger generation. However, the ongoing split between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf raises concerns about the unity of the sport and its popularity. Garcia's comparison to soccer leagues highlights the importance of a global TV audience in sustaining divided sports. The decrease in golf viewership on linear television and the infrequent convening of the best players are seen as challenges for the sport.

Fred Ridley, the chairman of Augusta National, has indicated that LIV golfers are unlikely to gain entry to the Masters through their own order of merit, citing concerns with the "closed shop" nature of the Saudi Arabian-backed tour. While golfers on the LIV tour who have previously won the Masters remain eligible, Ridley expressed doubts about establishing a point system connected to the rest of the golf world. He emphasized the goal of having the best field in golf and stated that special invitations could be extended to deserving players, regardless of the tour they play on. Ridley also highlighted the fractured state of elite golf and called for tours to accept technology modifications proposed by golf's administrators.

Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley addressed the issue of LIV Golf players and the Masters qualification criteria, stating that the club believes in the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) as a legitimate determiner of the best players in the game. While special invitations can be given to international players, there are no plans for a new qualification criteria specifically for LIV players. The Masters and Augusta National have the discretion to invite players based on talent and performance, but it is up to the players to earn their spot in the exclusive field.

IBM is using AI and analytics to enhance the digital experience of the Masters Golf Tournament. Through generative AI capabilities, IBM is providing personalized insights and shot-by-shot analysis for fans. The use of watsonx, IBM's AI and data platform, allows for a blend of historical and real-time data to provide insights on the course. IBM is also exploring the possibility of player simulations and has introduced gamification through Masters Fantasy. The platform is supported by hybrid cloud infrastructure and AI tools for security. This showcases the potential of technology in revolutionizing audience participation and personalization in sports events.

LPGA and PGA Tour professionals Jason Day and Lydia Ko have set personal career milestones for themselves in golf. Day aims to win this year's Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, while Ko seeks an invitation to the LPGA Hall of Fame with just one more win. Both players have had successful careers so far, with Day recording multiple top-10 finishes at Augusta National and Ko winning 20 LPGA Tour titles, including two major championships. As they continue to compete, fans will be watching to see if they can achieve these goals and make golf history.

Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley stated that hosting a professional women's golf tournament at Augusta National is unlikely due to logistical difficulties and the desire to maintain the uniqueness and magic of the Masters. While the Augusta National Women's Amateur has been successful, Ridley emphasized the challenges of adding another tournament to the club's limited season.

Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley discusses the impact of basketball player Caitlin Clark on women's sports and expresses the hope for similar "unicorns" in women's golf to capture the imagination of fans and boost attention and ratings.

Augusta National Golf Club announces its support for golf ball rollback regulations and its involvement in the renovation of Augusta Municipal Golf Course, known as "The Patch." The club supports the decisions made by the R&A and the USGA to address the impact of distance in the game, and it plans to lease The Patch, renovate it with the help of course designers Tom Fazio and Beau Welling, and open it in April 2026. The project aims to improve the facilities and honor the history of the course, while also providing opportunities for golf management students and the local community.

The Masters Golf Shop at Augusta National expects to make over $69 million in merchandise sales during the tournament, with an estimated $10 million in sales per day. Some patrons have spent as much as $30,000 on Masters merchandise in a single purchase. The most popular item is the Masters gnome, retailing at $49.95, which has become a sell-out hit with patrons.

This article examines whether putter style can predict winners in major golf championships. The analysis of the past decade's data reveals that blade putters have been successful, particularly Scotty Cameron models. However, there is a growing trend of top players using mallet putters, which could potentially shift the data in the coming years.

During robotic testing, several fairway woods stood out for their performance. The TaylorMade Qi10, Cobra Darkspeed LS, TaylorMade Qi10 Tour, PXG 0311 Black Ops, Mizuno ST-G, and Ping G430 LST were all highlighted as impressive options. Each club offers unique features and benefits, providing golfers with strong secondary options off the tee and consistency from the fairway.

Nike has released limited edition Air Jordan 9 G NRG Golf Shoes inspired by the evolution of golf clubs and big hitters. The shoes feature a two-toned brown colorway with wood grain texture, custom insoles resembling light wood, and metallic details. The cleated outsole provides traction and ground control, and a leather strip on the midsole adds stability during the swing.

Rickie Fowler and Allison Stokke Fowler welcomed their daughter, Maya Fowler, in November 2021. Rickie expressed his excitement about becoming a father and emphasized that Maya would be the main focus in his life. Maya has been seen supporting her dad on the golf course, and Rickie has hopes for her future in golf. Being a girl dad is very special to Rickie, and he considers being a father his main job.

The influx of wealthy New Yorkers and Californians relocating to Florida has driven up the price of golf club memberships, with some Miami area locations charging six- and seven-figure fees. Luxury golf clubs in South Florida have doubled and tripled their membership rates since the pandemic, creating an "access to luxury golf arms race." The rising demand for membership has created a backlog, with A-list celebrities waiting to join. The cost of joining golf clubs in Southeast Florida has risen at more than quadruple the national rate, with the median cost going from $120,000 in 2019 to $200,000 in 2023. The trend is not limited to golf clubs, as marinas, private membership clubs, and select restaurants are also experiencing a similar dynamic..

After initially being skeptical, the author had a change of heart after watching the Masters Par-3 contest. Witnessing hole-in-ones and heartwarming moments with golfers and their families, the author now appreciates the contest and admits to being wrong in their previous judgment.

Brooks Koepka takes a playful jab at Rory McIlroy before The Masters, suggesting that McIlroy uses even-numbered clubs while warming up. Koepka's remark is seen as a reference to McIlroy's four major championships compared to Koepka's five. Despite the banter, there is mutual respect between the two golfers. Both are still vying for their first win at Augusta National.

Even if you don't know how to play golf, you can still act like you do by adopting some simple mannerisms. This includes knowing the dress code, where to stash your golf glove, and how to position your sunglasses. Additionally, experienced golfers approach the ball from behind, check the wind direction using grass clippings, and practice their swing with two clubs. Lastly, when driving a golf cart, lean back and put one foot up on the dashboard for added swag.

Jason Day is working on his golf swing at the Masters, focusing on his shoulder tilt. He has made significant changes to his swing, including increasing his backswing hip turn and approaching the ball with a shallower angle of attack. Day has had success with these changes, but is currently battling a two-way miss due to his shoulders becoming too horizontal. This is a common problem for amateur golfers as well. Day is working on staying in his spine angle and getting more pitch through his shoulders to improve his swing.

Instructor Sean Foley challenges the common wisdom that playing a right-to-left ball is advantageous at Augusta National. As the course has gotten longer, the need for consistent left-to-right shots off the tee has diminished. Recent winners at Augusta National, including Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler, Dustin Johnson, and Jordan Spieth, all play a fade, suggesting that there is no longer a requirement to be a right-to-left shaper to find success at the Masters.

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.