Planet Golf News for Thursday, April 25, 2024

Greg Norman, commissioner of LIV Golf, has expressed openness to the idea of extending tournaments to 72 holes. While economic considerations and the fast-paced nature of 54-hole tournaments have been key aspects of LIV's identity, the league is now considering changes that could align it more closely with other major golf events. Norman's comments indicate a potential shift in the league's stance and a willingness to explore different options for the future.

According to reports, Tiger Woods is set to receive a $100 million equity payment for staying loyal to the PGA Tour. The payment is part of a $3 billion fund that will be split among players based on Career Points and the Player Impact Program. Woods, with the most wins and highest PIP ranking, is expected to receive the largest payout. Other players, such as Rory McIlroy, will also receive significant equity payments.

Rory McIlroy is willing to rejoin the PGA Tour policy board if the other player directors want him. He stepped down last fall due to the toll it had taken on him professionally and personally. McIlroy believes he can be helpful and sees the need for progress in the last eight months. He also emphasizes the importance of unification in the game of golf. However, his public U-turn on the Saudi Public Investment Fund has put him at odds with some influential voices in the Tour. McIlroy is open to compromise and articulating his points to help people see the benefits of unification. He recognizes the crucial period in the sport's history and is willing to rejoin the board if desired.

The PGA Tour has awarded $930 million in equity grants to players in its new equity program. The amounts given to individual players have not been publicly released, but it is reported that top players like Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, and Jordan Spieth will receive significant amounts. The grants are part of the tour's efforts to align players with the organization and maximize revenue. The equity grants are based on playing accomplishments, future participation, and tour status, and will vest over an eight-year period. An additional $600 million is earmarked for recurring player grants in the future.

Neal Shipley gained fame during the 2024 Masters tournament, where he made the cut as the lone amateur and played alongside Tiger Woods. Shipley became a meme sensation after a photo of him looking at a teleprompter went viral. Despite the unexpected attention, Shipley described the experience as a dream week and a feel-good storyline.

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, close friends since their youth, are teaming up for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. They have a shared history and strong camaraderie, aiming to perform well in the tournament. Despite their previous loss as a duo, they believe they are playing better now and feed off each other's energy. They are looking forward to a fun week and hope to leave NOLA with more than just memories.

The Zurich Classic of New Orleans and TPC Louisiana have played a significant role in the revitalization of New Orleans over the past two decades. Both the tournament and the golf course have shown resilience and perseverance, overcoming challenges such as Hurricane Katrina. The Zurich Classic has generated over $645 million in economic activity for the community and raised millions of dollars for charitable organizations. TPC Louisiana is committed to sustainability and fortifying the course for future natural disasters. The tournament features a unique team format, adding a different dynamic to the event.

PGA Tour pro Michael Kim explains how partnerships for the Zurich Classic are formed, likening it to asking someone out on a date. While some teams consist of brothers, other players choose partners they are friendly with and comfortable playing alongside. The pairings are more about camaraderie than strategy, and it's always interesting to see the combinations on the pairings sheet.

Aldrich Potgieter, a Korn Ferry Tour rookie, will be playing in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans alongside Thriston Lawrence. Potgieter's invitation to the event is partly thanks to Presidents Cup Captain Mike Weir, who saw potential in him. Potgieter, known for his talent and maturity, has quickly made a name for himself in the golf world, becoming the youngest winner on the Korn Ferry Tour and the youngest player to break 60 in a PGA TOUR-sanctioned event. This partnership in the Zurich Classic could potentially lead to a future appearance in the Presidents Cup.

The 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans will feature three pairs of siblings playing together, including two pairs of twins. Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick, Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard, and Parker and Pierceson Coody are among the rising stars in world golf who will be competing in the tournament.

Eric Cole will be partnering with retired PGA Tour player Russell Cochran, who is also the father of Cole's caddie, for the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans. Cochran has previous experience at the tournament and this unique team is one of several pairs of related players participating. Cochran and Cole shared how they came together for this event, with Cochran being convinced by friends and club members to play. Cochran has had a long career in professional golf, with 599 tournaments played and a victory in the 1991 Western Open.

The winning payout for the LIV Golf Adelaide tournament is expected to be cut by nearly 50 percent due to Australian tax regulations. Last year's champion experienced a significant reduction in winnings, and this year's winner is likely to face the same outcome.

Ping is introducing 6 new tour-proven models to their 2024 putter line, offering a range of options for golfers. The putters combine trusted designs with proven technologies, including milled faces and inserts for a softer feel at impact. The line also features various alignment options and comes in two distinct finishes. The putters are now available for custom fitting and will be in retail shops starting on May 2nd, with prices ranging from $229 to $279.

This article highlights the 6 best golf shoes to invest in 2024. The featured shoes include Puma GS-FAST, G/FORE Men's Gallinvan2R Tuxedo, Adidas Tour360 24, Nike Air Pegasus '89 G, Under Armor Men's Drive Pro, and FootJoy Men's Pro/SLX. Each shoe is described with its features, materials, and price. These shoes are recommended for their traction, stability, and support for a good golfing experience.

LPGA veteran Amy Olson has announced her retirement from professional golf to focus on her family, particularly her daughter Carly Gray Olson. Olson, who joined the LPGA in 2014, reflected on her career and expressed pride in keeping golf in perspective. While she didn't achieve her dream of playing on a U.S. Solheim Cup team or winning an LPGA event, Olson looks forward to being a wife and mother and cherishing ordinary and small moments in life.

Golf, with its complex history, originated in Scotland and had early versions in the Netherlands and France. Despite its tradition, golf has had limited appearances as an Olympic sport. It was reintroduced in the Rio 2016 Games and will also be featured in the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games. The sport currently has divisions for men and women.

Charlie Woods, the son of Tiger Woods, will participate in the first stage of qualifying for the U.S. Open at Pinehurst No. 2. He will compete in an 18-hole local event in Port St. Lucie, Florida, with the goal of advancing to the 36-hole final qualifying. The field consists of 84 players, with five expected to advance. Tiger Woods, a three-time U.S. Open champion, is not exempt for this year's tournament but may receive a special exemption from the USGA.

PGA Tour stars reflect on the impressive winning streak of Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda, who have won nine out of their last ten combined starts. The players express admiration for their achievements and acknowledge the difficulty of their feat, considering the level of competition in today's golf. Scheffler and Korda's success has captivated fans and sparked interest in a potential match-play showdown between the two.

This article provides a list of the top ten highest-earning LPGA golfers of all time. The list includes golfers such as Annika Sorenstam, Karrie Webb, Christie Kerr, Inbee Park, Lydia Ko, Lorena Ochoa, Suzann Pettersen, Stacy Lewis, Lexi Thompson, and Juli Inkster, along with their career earnings and notable achievements.thesportsrush.com/golf-news-top-ten-highest-earning-lpga-golfers-of-all-time

The LPGA Tour and LET have announced a new partnership with Nikon Inc., a Japanese camera brand, making their COOLSHOT Rangefinders the official rangefinders for both tours. The rangefinders are known for their durability, innovation, and precision. This partnership aims to support and enhance the performance of the athletes. LPGA and LET players will be provided with the new rangefinders for practice and tournaments, complying with the rules for professional competition.

Nelly Korda, a professional golfer, criticizes the lack of coverage for women's golf and calls for more support from television networks. Despite her achievements, Korda's performances have been overshadowed by poor scheduling and limited camera crews during tournaments. She emphasizes the need for women's golf to be showcased on primetime TV to continue growing the sport.

Angela Stanford's streak of 98 consecutive majors played may have ended after failing to qualify for the U.S. Women's Open. She expressed gratitude to those who supported her pursuit of reaching 100 consecutive majors and mentioned the possibility of still qualifying through winning an event or receiving a special exemption. However, if she doesn't make it, Stanford has decided that this will be her final year competing on the LPGA Tour.

Practice on tour looks different on Tuesday compared to Friday. Early in the week, the focus is on establishing a baseline pattern and reducing uncertainty. Later in the week, the focus shifts to analyzing performance and aligning objective statistics with subjective player feedback. Coaches play a crucial role in managing issues and creating strategies for successful game management. Understanding a player's bandwidth for new information is important, and creating a specific vernacular and using cues can aid in communication and memory recall.

After his impressive performance at the Korn Ferry Tour's LECOM Suncoast Open, 15-year-old golfer Miles Russell plans to continue playing in junior and amateur events throughout the summer. Despite the attention he has received, Russell has no plans to turn pro and remains focused on his amateur schedule, including defending his title in the Junior Players Championship. Russell also has a fall date on the PGA Tour at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship. He credits his support team, including his caddie and swing instructor, for helping him stay focused amidst the media attention.

When determining where a ball crossed into a penalty area in golf, players can use their reasonable judgment if the exact point is not known. Cameras and other technology are often used on the PGA Tour to track the ball's flight and provide more accurate judgment. If a mistake is discovered before a stroke is made, it can be corrected without penalty.

The Banyan Cay Resort & Golf in West Palm Beach, Florida, is being transformed into an exclusive golf club for wealthy residents. The club, now known as Dutchman's Pipe Golf Club, offers a new golf experience for Palm Beach and West Palm Beach residents. Initiation fees range from $300,000 to $350,000. The owners plan to make the golf course more attractive and are also considering transforming the club into a holistic retreat with three restaurants and fitness and wellness amenities. Former members of the Banyan Cay club have joined other clubs or play at the new public course in West Palm Beach. The transformation of West Palm Beach into an extension of Palm Beach is reflected in the plans for Dutchman's Pipe, which aims to offer a level of luxury similar to the exclusive Breakers Palm Beach resort and club. The new ownership group will complete the 150-room resort hotel, which is set to open in the fall. The golf course is being refurbished and will feature new practice facilities and improved greens. The club will offer golf memberships by invitation only at first, with social memberships to be made available in the future. The resort will also have tennis courts, pickleball and padel courts, and three dining venues.

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.