Planet Golf News for Thursday, August 1, 2024

Scottie Scheffler Will Add Another Feather In His 2024 Cap By Winning Gold At The Paris Summer Olympics, Pro Golf's Years of Strife Reach the Olympics, As Its Qualifying Is Questioned

Thursday, August 1, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

Marie Birdie is a clothing brand dedicated to providing young women with the sense of empowerment and individuality.

Let the games begin!

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

The golf world is buzzing with anticipation and a hint of drama as several key events and stories unfold. The LPGA's Portland Classic, the tour's longest-running non-major event, is in danger of folding due to a lack of sponsorship. Despite its rich history and a track record of showcasing future Hall of Famers, the tournament's future is uncertain as it has not secured a title sponsor for two consecutive years. The LPGA is in talks to keep the event alive, but without a significant financial backer, the tournament's days may be numbered. This potential loss would not only be a blow to the players but also to the local community and dedicated volunteers who have supported the event for decades.

Meanwhile, Keegan Bradley is stepping into a new role as an assistant captain for the Presidents Cup under Jim Furyk. This experience is expected to be invaluable as he prepares for his captaincy at the 2025 Ryder Cup. He joins a seasoned group of assistants, including Stewart Cink, Justin Leonard, and Kevin Kisner, all of whom bring a wealth of experience and insight into team dynamics.

On the Korn Ferry Tour, the Utah Championship is set to kick off at Oakridge Country Club. The tournament features a mix of seasoned professionals and local talents, including Daniel Summerhays, who is making a heartfelt return to competitive golf after a four-year retirement. Summerhays' comeback story is one of passion and resilience, as he balances his career with family life and a renewed love for the game. The field also includes several golfers with Utah ties, such as Kihei Akina and Preston Summerhays, adding a local flavor to the competition.

In other news, PGA Tour star Tony Finau found himself in a bit of controversy as he faced protests from a group claiming he owes them money from early career financial backing. The protesters demand 20% of his earnings, a claim that Finau's representatives have yet to publicly address. Legal proceedings are underway, with a trial set for September.

As the golf world turns its attention to the 2024 Paris Olympics, the spotlight is on the men's and women's golf events at Le Golf National. The course is known for its challenging layout, which promises to test even the best players. The men's competition begins on August 1, featuring top contenders like Scottie Scheffler, who is favored to win gold. Notably absent is Bryson DeChambeau, who failed to qualify due to his involvement with LIV Golf, which doesn't offer OWGR points.

The qualification process itself has sparked debate, with figures like Jon Rahm suggesting a shift towards allowing countries to select their players, similar to other sports. This debate has gained traction, especially given the exclusion of LIV golfers from Olympic consideration. As the tournament approaches, all eyes are on players like Xander Schauffele, who aims to defend his gold medal, and India’s Aditi Ashok, who is balancing a tight travel schedule to compete both in the Portland Classic and the Olympics.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Golf Tournaments happening this week

Portland Classic - LPGA - Columbia Edgewater CC - Portland, OR

Utah Championship - Korn Ferry - Oakridge Country Club - Farmington, UT

Utah Championship Videos

Paris Olympics - Men’s Golf

The golf tournaments at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris are scheduled to begin toeay at Le Golf National in Guyancourt, featuring a total of 120 players (60 per gender) across two medal events. The golf qualification pathway and format for Paris remain the same as the previous two editions with 60 players qualifying for each gender-based event over a four-day-long, 72-hole individual stroke play tournament. The men's event will play first on 1 August with the women's side scheduled to occur six days later.

Men's rounds are scheduled from August 1-4, and women's rounds from August 7-10, all airing live on NBC and streaming on Peacock.

Paris Olympics - Women’s Golf

Paris Olympics Videos

Today’s Best Golf Vidoes

Overheard in the Club House

UPCOMING TOURS

Marie Birdie is a female-founded and owned golf and active wear brand for tween and teen girls. Our mission is to inspire, delight, and empower girls to enjoy an active lifestyle while playing golf.

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