Planet Golf News for Thursday, August 15, 2024

PGA Tour commish has no news on Saudi front, but touts 'tremendous momentum' in game

Thursday, August 15, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

This week in golf is packed with drama, anticipation, and reflection as the season heats up with major tournaments and significant player milestones. Jay Monahan, the PGA Tour commissioner, remains tight-lipped on the ongoing negotiations with the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which have been dragging on for over 14 months. Despite the uncertainty, Monahan expresses optimism and notes the deep involvement of players and stakeholders. The future of LIV Golf's involvement with the PGA Tour is still unclear, and it looks like we might not see any developments until at least 2026.

Speaking of LIV Golf, Bryson DeChambeau and Bubba Watson are celebrating the approaching milestone of LIV's 100th round. They both credit LIV for shaking up the sport, with DeChambeau reflecting on his recent win at the Greenbrier and Watson appreciating the new team format. It’s clear they both believe LIV has permanently altered the landscape of professional golf.

Over at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, Hideki Matsuyama is facing a unique challenge. With his caddie and coach stranded due to stolen passports in London, Matsuyama will rely on a replacement caddie as he takes on the tournament. But with his strong showing at the Paris Olympics still fresh, Matsuyama is hoping to carry that momentum into the event.

Rory McIlroy, who’s prepping for the same tournament, made headlines with his comments on Xander Schauffele’s chances of surpassing Scottie Scheffler's stellar 2024 season. McIlroy, despite his own slow start this year, feels confident going into the playoffs, having found his form with a couple of wins and strong finishes. The FedEx Cup format, however, remains a hot topic. Scheffler, the current FedEx Cup leader, isn't shy about expressing his frustration with the format that makes the entire season hinge on one tournament. He argues that it diminishes the importance of the season-long race, though he concedes that it does add drama for the viewers.

Meanwhile, the PGA Tour released its 2025 schedule, and it's business as usual with no sign of LIV integration. Signature events are sticking to familiar venues, and the season will kick off at the Sentry Tournament of Champions. For fans of the majors, the U.S. Open will return to Oakmont, and the British Open will be played at Royal Portrush.

On the LPGA front, the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open is underway, with stars like Lydia Ko and Celine Boutier ready to take on the challenging conditions at Dundonald Links. Georgia Hall is excited for the tough weather, believing that British players have an edge in such conditions, and sees this as the perfect warm-up for the upcoming AIG Women’s Open at St. Andrews. Boutier, last year's winner, is aiming to extend her hot streak and feels confident going into this tournament.

The Rogers Charity Classic in Calgary is set to feature big names like Mike Weir, Vijay Singh, and Ernie Els. Weir, who is balancing his playing career with his role as captain of Canada’s Presidents Cup team, is hoping to make a strong showing. Meanwhile, Rogers Communications has been named the official partner of the Presidents Cup, marking a significant step in their support for golf in Canada.

And finally, in the world of amateur golf, Tiger Christensen made headlines by defeating the World No. 2 Gordon Sargent at the U.S. Amateur. The tournament has been full of surprises, with several top-ranked players missing the cut. The match play rounds are heating up, with underdogs and lesser-known players making their mark in the prestigious event.

With so much happening across different tours this week, it’s an exciting time to be a golf fan. The season is far from over, and the coming weeks promise plenty of drama and unforgettable moments on the course.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Golf Tournaments happening this week

FedEx St. Jude Championship - PGA - TPC Southwind - Memphis, TN

FedEx St. Jude Championship Videos

ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open - LPGA - Dundonald Links - Ayrshire, Scotland

Rogers Charity Classic - PGA Tour Champions - Canyon Meadows Golf & CC - Calgary, AB

LIV Golf Greenbrier - The Old White Course - White Sulphur Springs, WV

D+D REAL Czech Masters - DP World - PGA National Oaks Prague - Prague, Czechia

Magnit Championship - Korn Ferry - Metedeconk National Golf Club - Jackson Twp. NJ

U.S. Amateur - USGA - Hazeltine National Golf Club - Chaska, Minn

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Overheard in the Club House

UPCOMING TOURS

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