Planet Golf News for Thursday, June 6, 2024

Hovland's 'game has improved' ahead of repeat bid, "Forgot his pants"- Golf fans react to Jason Day's $120 shorts that look like 'boxers'

Thursday, June 6, 2024

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Making Moves: Hinako Shibuno On The Rise

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

A year after the much-publicized merger announcement between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, it seems the two golfing giants are still very much on separate paths. The PGA Tour has steadfastly denied any official merger, emphasizing the complexities of the framework agreement. This period has been marked by Senate inquiries, player defections, and missed deadlines, with meaningful changes not expected until at least 2026.

Wyndham Clark, reflecting on his breakthrough victory at the U.S. Open last year, described the win as an "out-of-body experience." As he gears up to defend his title at Pinehurst No. 2, Clark is still acclimating to life as a U.S. Open champion. His successful year post-victory includes playing in the Ryder Cup and securing several top finishes.

Meanwhile, Jason Day's $120 shorts have caused quite a stir among golf fans, with some humorously suggesting they resemble boxers. Day, known for his unique attire sponsored by Malbon Golf, continues to attract attention both on and off the course. At the Memorial Tournament, Day will pair up with Justin Rose, hoping to improve on his mixed results, which include a Top 10 and a Top 25 finish.

The Memorial Tournament is underway, with top players like defending champion Viktor Hovland, Rory McIlroy, and Jordan Spieth vying for the title. Xander Schauffele, fresh off his PGA Championship win, is also in the mix, looking forward to a big stretch of golf ahead. The course has seen some changes, particularly the par-3 16th hole, adding to the challenge for the competitors.

Viktor Hovland, the defending champion, knows well that good vibes at Muirfield Village must be earned. Despite a rocky start to his season, Hovland is confident after a solid performance at the PGA Championship. Meanwhile, Justin Thomas has made a switch to a new putter after an impromptu meeting with Gordon Sargent at a gas station, hoping the change will bring him success at the Memorial.

The ShopRite LPGA Classic in Galloway, New Jersey, promises to be an exciting event despite the absence of some top players like Nelly Korda and Lilia Vu. Teenage sensation Gianna Clemente will be one to watch, aiming to make her mark in the tournament.

LIV Golf's Houston event is set to debut in Texas, with Bryson DeChambeau naming John Catlin as a replacement for the injured Charles Howell III on his Crushers GC team. Catlin, making his LIV Golf debut, joins DeChambeau, Anirban Lahiri, and Paul Casey as they defend their title.

In Madison, the American Family Insurance Championship kicks off at the University Ridge Golf Course. Jason Gore and Jay Green are seeking normalcy and healing through the tournament after recent personal challenges. Over in Greer, South Carolina, the BMW Charity Pro-Am pairs professional golfers with celebrities and amateurs in a unique format that adds a fun twist to the competition.

The Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed returns in Sweden, blending male and female golfers in a single event. Alexander Björk and Dale Whitnell are looking forward to the competition on their home turf, while Linn Grant enjoys the comfort of playing near her home.

On the equipment front, Titleist's new GT drivers have been receiving rave reviews from pros for their consistent performance. Kith Women has launched a stylish golf capsule in collaboration with TaylorMade, adding a touch of fashion to the fairways.

Angel Cabrera, returning to competitive golf after serving time in prison, is teeing it up at the AmFam Championship, grateful for a second chance. Bryson DeChambeau's mustache and 3D-printed irons continue to garner attention, adding to his colorful persona on the course.

Lastly, Richard Bland, fresh off his Senior PGA Championship win, has set ambitious goals for himself and his team in the LIV Golf League. Collin Morikawa shared his thoughts on Tiger Woods' refusal to use a golf cart, attributing it to Woods' pride and determination to keep playing despite his physical challenges.

It's an exciting week in the world of golf, with tournaments and stories that promise plenty of drama, competition, and memorable moments.

[ Today’s Top Stories ] 

Golf Tournaments happening this week

The Memorial Tournament pres. by Workday - PGA Tour - Dublin, OH

The competitive action begins today, Thursday, June 6, with the first tournament round. The first tee time is set for approximately 7:30 AM. Fans can expect to see top players like defending champion Viktor Hovland, Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Åberg, Jordan Spieth, Tom Kim, and Sam Burns vying for the title. The tournament continues with the second round on Friday, June 7, the third round on Saturday, June 8, with the final round on Sunday.

ShopRite LPGA Classic pres. by Acer - Galloway, NJ

The ShopRite LPGA Classic Presented by Acer is set to captivate golf enthusiasts from Friday, June 7-9, 2024, at the historic Seaview Golf Club in Galloway, New Jersey. This prestigious event, which has a rich history dating back to 1986, promises intense competition and unforgettable moments on the challenging par-71 Bay Course. With a purse of $1.75 million, the 54-hole tournament will see some of the best female golfers in the world vying for victory.

LIV Golf - Houston

LIV Golf is set to make its highly anticipated debut in Texas with the upcoming LIV Golf Houston event, scheduled from Friday, June 7th to June 9th, 2024, at the prestigious Golf Club of Houston. This marks the eighth event of the 2024 LIV Golf season and promises to be a thrilling spectacle for golf enthusiasts and casual fans alike.

American Family Insurance Championship - PGA Tour Champions - Madison, WI

The 2024 edition of the tournament will take place from Friday, June 7th to June 9th at the picturesque University Ridge Golf Course in Madison. This Robert Trent Jones Jr.-designed course, which opened in 1991, serves as the official home course for the University of Wisconsin men's and women's golf teams, providing a challenging yet fair test for the PGA Tour Champions players.

BMW Charity Pro-Am pres. by TD SYNNEX - Korn Ferry - Greer, SC

The BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by TD SYNNEX is set to begin today in Greer, South Carolina. This unique event, part of the Korn Ferry Tour, will be held across two prestigious courses: the Thornblade Club and the Carolina Country Club. The tournament is notable for its format, which pairs professional golfers with celebrities and amateurs in a three-day better-ball competition. This year, 160 tour pros will be paired with 160 amateurs and celebrities, all vying for a share of the $1,000,000 prize purse.

Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed - DP World -Heisingborg, Sweden

The Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed is set to return for its fourth edition today, bringing a unique and exciting format to the world of golf. This innovative tournament, co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and the Ladies European Tour, will take place at the prestigious Vasatorps Golfklubb in Helsingborg, Sweden. The event promises to deliver thrilling competition as male and female golfers compete on the same course for a single prize fund and trophy.

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