Planet Golf News for Thursday, July 4, 2024

Bernhard Langer to play final DP World Tour event in native Germany 50 years after debut, Tiger Woods, Justin Timberlake get green light for St Andrews project

Thursday, July 4, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

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Jordan Spieth follows his shot from the sixth tee during a practice round prior to the 2024 John Deere Classic at TPC Deere Run.

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Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

Bernhard Langer, Germany's most decorated golfer, is set to make a poignant exit from the DP World Tour at the BMW International Open in Munich. This event marks an impressive 50 years since his European Tour debut. Partnered with fellow Germans Marcel Siem and Martin Kaymer, Langer’s final appearance promises to be a fitting tribute to his illustrious career.

In other news, Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake have been given the go-ahead to transform a historic movie theater in St. Andrews into a sports bar named T-Squared Social. The revamped venue will retain a movie screen and create up to 45 jobs, while also featuring golf simulators, duckpin bowling, and darts. Given its proximity to the iconic Old Course, the bar is set to become a popular spot for both golf enthusiasts and locals.

Controversy arose during the U.S. Open as analyst Smylie Kaufman criticized Rory McIlroy’s caddie for not intervening when McIlroy chose the wrong club on the 15th hole. This misjudgment led to a bogey, affecting McIlroy’s performance. However, it's known that McIlroy usually makes his own decisions on the course, making his caddie's passive role unsurprising.

The John Deere Classic is underway at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois, drawing a competitive field including Sepp Straka, Jordan Spieth, and Sungjae Im. Straka aims to defend his title and possibly continue the "Trophy House" winning streak, a rental house that has housed the past two champions. Notable is the participation of Belgian golfer Adrien Dumont de Chassart, making his debut and representing Belgium in the upcoming Olympics.

Sepp Straka has also voiced his preference for full-field events with cuts, deeming them more competitive compared to smaller-field events. Despite his comments, the John Deere Classic has attracted a strong lineup, highlighting its growing prestige. Jason Day reminisced about his humble beginnings at the same tournament, reflecting on his journey from staying at a Super 8 hotel to becoming a prominent name in golf.

Meanwhile, the BMW International Open in Munich has kicked off, featuring sports and TV stars in its Pro-Am event. Gareth Bale, a former football star, expressed excitement about the festival atmosphere. The tournament holds special significance as it marks Bernhard Langer’s 513th and final DP World Tour start, a milestone that promises to be emotional for the 66-year-old legend.

The golf community is abuzz with upcoming events, including the Paris Olympics and the British Open, where the ongoing LIV Golf saga continues to unfold. Joost Luiten's legal victory to represent the Netherlands at the Olympics and rumors of potential unification between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf add layers of intrigue to the sport's narrative.

In equipment news, versatile golf shoes like the TravisMathew The Daily Pro Hybrid and the Adidas Retrocross 24 Spikeless Golf Shoes are gaining popularity for their style and functionality. An unexpected recommendation comes from Allen Edmonds' Dunes Wingtip, noted for its comfort and traction.

The world of golf remains dynamic, from high-stakes tournaments and new ventures to equipment innovations and personal milestones. Whether it's Langer's farewell, Woods and Timberlake's new sports bar, or the unfolding drama at major championships, there's no shortage of excitement in the golfing world as we celebrate the 4th of July.

[ Today’s Top Golf Stories ] 

Golf Tournaments happening this week

John Deere Classic - PGA - TPC Deer Run - Silvis, IL

The John Deere Classic, a premier PGA TOUR event, is set to tee off today at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. This annual tournament, known for its challenging course and competitive field, has been generating significant buzz in the golfing world.

The event features a strong lineup of players, including former champions and rising stars. Sepp Straka, last year's winner, is looking to defend his title and become the first back-to-back champion since Steve Stricker's three-year winning streak from 2009-2011. Other notable participants include three-time major champion Jordan Spieth, Sungjae Im, and Denny McCarthy, who has shown strong form in recent tournaments.

John Deere Classic Videos

BMW International Open - DP World - Golfclub Munchen Eichenried - Munich, Germany

The BMW International Open is set to begin on today at the Golfclub München Eichenried in Munich, Germany. This marks the 35th edition of Germany's longest-running professional golf tournament, which was first held in 1989. The event has been moved to a new and more attractive date, running from July 4 to 7, just before the Scottish Open and The Open, making it easier for top players to incorporate into their schedules.

On Wednesday, July 3, 2024, the tournament kicked off with the Pro-Am event, where sports and TV stars joined professional golfers on the course. Former football star Gareth Bale was quoted saying, "We're going to experience a festival atmosphere here," highlighting the excitement surrounding the event.

German golf legend Bernhard Langer is making his final appearance at a DP World Tour event at this tournament. The 66-year-old, who last played the BMW International Open in 2012, is set to make his 513th and final DP World Tour start, just 60 miles from his birthplace. Langer expressed his emotions about the event, stating, "I have a feeling it's going to be very emotional".

Upcoming: Paris Olympics

Upcoming: British Open

Today’s Best Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

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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