Planet Golf News for Thursday, June 20, 2024

Charlie Woods Wins Qualifier To Reach US Junior Amateur Championship, PGA Tour Policy Board approves special exemption for Tiger Woods into signature events

Thursday, June 20, 2024

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Unexpected VIP guest makes an appearance at the 2024 Travelers Championship press conference

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

As the golf world swings into action this week, the spotlight shines on a series of tournaments showcasing some of the sport's brightest talents and most storied venues.

Keegan Bradley, a proud New England native, is back to defend his title at the Travelers Championship. Reflecting on his emotional victory last year, Bradley is relishing the familiar Boston sports atmosphere as he prepares to compete at TPC River Highlands. Despite some recent mixed finishes, his optimism is unwavering as he aims to clinch the title once again.

Over in Washington, the Women's PGA Championship at Sahalee Country Club should prove to be a test of precision and nerve. Nelly Korda, the world's top-ranked player, faces the challenge of Sahalee's tight, tree-lined fairways. Despite recent struggles, Korda remains focused, while defending champion Brooke Henderson praises the course's serene beauty. This year's tournament features a record $10.4 million purse, underscoring the growing prominence of women's golf.

In other exciting news, Tiger Woods has been granted a special PGA Tour exemption for his "exceptional lifetime achievement," allowing him to compete in Signature Events. This honor ensures that fans will continue to see Woods in action despite his limited schedule following his 2021 car accident.

Meanwhile, the next generation of golf talent is emerging, with Charlie Woods qualifying for the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship. The young Woods is already making headlines, bringing national attention to his achievement as he follows in his father's legendary footsteps.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan addressed ongoing negotiations with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) and LIV Golf, offering little detail but affirming that discussions are progressing. Amidst these talks, Monahan also confirmed Tiger Woods' special exemption into all future Signature Events.

The Travelers Championship promises to be a "birdiefest," with players eager for a more forgiving course after the grueling U.S. Open. Despite the absence of Rory McIlroy, the field remains strong, featuring the world's top golfers vying for a $20 million purse. Among the highlights, Scottie Scheffler faces off against Xander Schauffele in a much-anticipated matchup.

Despite the heat, the Travelers Championship Celebrity Pro-Am Day was a hit, with stars like Patrick Renna and local favorites Nancy Stevens and Dan Orlovsky making memorable appearances. Trinity Health and Travelers have taken measures to ensure player and spectator safety, providing hydration stations and a Chill Zone to combat the soaring temperatures.

Amanda Balionis of CBS Sports is also turning heads at the Travelers Championship, participating in charity events and gearing up for live coverage starting Thursday.

The LIV Golf event in Nashville kicks off at The Grove, featuring a competitive 54-hole stroke play format with a $25 million purse. Top golfers like Bryson DeChambeau and Dustin Johnson are set to compete, promising an exciting weekend of golf.

The KPMG Women's PGA Championship at Sahalee is a notable highlight, with Brooke Henderson returning to the course where she won her first major in 2016. The event, renowned for its challenging layout and serene setting, continues to elevate women's golf with improved venues, larger purses, and advanced data analytics.

Other notable tournaments this week include the Dick's Open for PGA Tour Champions, the historic KLM Open on the DP World Tour in Amsterdam, and the Compliance Solutions Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour in Oklahoma.

As the golfing world buzzes with excitement, these events highlight the blend of tradition, emerging talent, and innovative changes that keep the sport dynamic and engaging. Whether it's seasoned champions defending their titles or new talents making their mark, this week's tournaments promise thrilling performances and memorable moments.

[ Today’s Top Golf Stories ] 

Golf Tournaments happening this week

Travelers Championship - PGA - TPC River Highlands - Cromwell, CT

The 2024 Travelers Championship, a PGA Tour Signature Event, begins today. The tournament features a star-studded field, including the world's top seven golfers and nine of the top ten, competing for a $20 million purse, with $3.6 million awarded to the winner. Notable players include Scottie Scheffler, and defending champion Keegan Bradley.

Travelers Videos

LIV Golf Nashville - The Grove - College Grove, TN

The LIV Golf Nashville event begins Friday at The Grove in College Grove, Tennessee. It features a 54-hole stroke play format with 54 players competing in 13 teams of 4 players each, plus 2 individual wild card players. The total purse is $25 million, with $20 million allocated for the individual competition and $5 million for the team event. The individual winner will receive $4 million, while the winning team gets $3 million.

KPMG Women’s PGA Championship - Sahalee Country Club - Sammamish, WA

The KPMG Women's PGA Championship, one of the major championships on the LPGA Tour, begins today at the prestigious Sahalee Country Club in Sammamish, Washington. This venue holds special significance for Brooke Henderson, who won her first major title there in a thrilling playoff against Lydia Ko in 2016. Both Henderson and Ko are eagerly anticipating their return to the challenging course, which has undergone several modifications, including an extended 18th hole now playing as a par 5.

Dick’s Open - PGA Tour Champions - En-Joie GC - Endicott, NY

The Dick's Open, a PGA Tour Champions event begins Friday at the En-Joie Golf Club in Endicott, NY. This prestigious tournament attracts a field of 78 professional golfers over the age of 50, offering an opportunity for golf enthusiasts to witness the skills of seasoned players.

KLM Open - DP World Tour - The International - Amsterdam, Netherlands

The KLM Open is a long-standing DP World Tour event, dating back to 1912, that will take place from June 22-25, 2024 at The International golf course in Amsterdam, Netherlands. This year marks the 104th edition of the tournament. The International is a parkland course with a links-style feel, featuring undulating fairways, large greens, and water hazards coming into play on 10 holes.

Compliance Solutions Championship - Korn Ferry - Jammie Austin OU Golf Club - Norman, OK

The 2024 Compliance Solutions Championship, a Korn Ferry Tour eventbegins today at the Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club in Norman, Oklahoma. The tournament will feature 156 Korn Ferry Tour professionals competing over 72 holes of stroke play, with a cut to the top 65 players and ties after 36 holes. The purse is $1,000,000.

Today’s Best Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

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UPCOMING TOURS

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