Planet Golf News for Thursday, March 7, 2024

Nick Dunlap will have a unique start at the Arnold Palmer Invitational as he will be playing the first two rounds as a single player due to the field being reduced to 69 players after Tony Finau's withdrawal. This will be Dunlap's fourth start as a professional golfer.

This article provides predictions, betting tips, and odds for the 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament. The article highlights Cameron Young as a potential winner, Harris English as a top-10 finisher, and Jordan Spieth as a potential first-round leader. The tournament is known for its challenging course and has seen surprises in the past. The article also mentions the importance of all-round game skills and the influence of the weather on the tournament.

The PGA Tour has experienced a lack of big-name champions and compelling victories to start the season. While Chris Kirk's recent wins have been exciting, overall there has been a shortage of top-level drama. Factors contributing to this include stars leaving for LIV Golf, bad weather, and a clear distinction between signature events and others. The PGA Tour needs its best players to step up and create momentum with major championship season approaching.

Joel Dahmen and his caddie Geno Bonnalie are the focus of the latest episode of Full Swing. The episode explores Dahmen's rise to fame, his struggles on the golf course, and his hesitancy towards sports psychologists. The episode delves into the vulnerability and personal challenges faced by Dahmen and Bonnalie, making it a standout in the second season of the show.

Patrick Cantlay criticizes the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR) and calls for changes to the existing ranking system. Cantlay's comments come after LIV Golf abandons its attempt to acquire OWGR recognition. He also mentions the increased competitiveness on the PGA Tour and the need to consistently perform to win. Several other players have also expressed dissatisfaction with the world ranking system.

Bryson DeChambeau is impressed by the short length of the LIV Golf Hong Kong course. He compares it to Harbour Town Golf Links in South Carolina and mentions the unique challenges and shot shaping required. The course is the New Course of the Hong Kong Golf Club, opened in 1931, with a length of 6,710 yards and par 70. The Hong Kong Golf Club has been the home of the Hong Kong Open since 1959.

The R&A has announced surprising changes to the exemption categories for the Open Championship starting in 2024. The most notable change is that new winners will only be exempt until the age of 55, instead of 60. Existing winners, like Phil Mickelson, will not be affected. Additionally, a new exemption category will be created for the top-5 finishers in the International Federation Ranking list, giving players on LIV Golf another avenue to qualify. Lastly, the R&A has introduced an exemption for the Africa Amateur champion. The 2024 Open Championship will take place at Royal Troon in Scotland.

The Aramco Team Series Presented by PIF - Tampa is set to take place in Clearwater, Florida, featuring top female golfers from the Ladies European Tour (LET) and LPGA Tour. The tournament will include 84 competitors, including LET champions, LPGA victors, and major champions, competing for a $1 million prize fund. Team USA's Lexi Thompson and Team Europe's Charley Hull are among the star names participating in the event. The tournament will also have a team component, with each group of four players joined by an amateur player. The LET team events will continue in various locations around the world.

Tickets for the 2024 Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia are still available. Practice round tickets start at around $1,200 and tournament passes start around $2,300. Various passes, including 4-day passes, can be purchased from Stubhub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster. Ticket prices may fluctuate.

Alison Whitaker, a former Duke player, has become a groundbreaking television host in the golf world. Known for her versatility, she covers both men's and women's events and serves as an on-course reporter, analyst, and lead host. Whitaker's infectious personality and strong work ethic have made her a respected figure in broadcasting, even though she remains relatively low-profile. She is determined to help other women succeed in the industry and is constantly striving to improve.

Before becoming PGA Tour stars, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, and Thomas Detry were ambitious junior golf rivals. Their journey from competition to friendship and success is highlighted in recent interviews, offering insights into their early days and the competitive spirit that shaped their careers. From their encounters on the junior circuit to their rise as major winners, their stories inspire perseverance and sportsmanship in the world of golf.

The Open Championship has reduced the age limit exemption for winners of the Claret Jug to 55, down from 60, starting this year. This change is not expected to have a significant impact on current champions like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, who will still have exemptions to play for several more years. Other changes include taking the top five players from the International Federation Ranking and adding exemptions for the Africa Amateur champion. The 152nd Open Championship will be held at Royal Troon in Scotland.

Playing too quickly in golf can also be considered bad etiquette if it makes others feel rushed or uncomfortable. Considerations around pace of play are rooted in showing respect for others. While playing ready golf is recommended, it is important to be mindful of your partners and not putt out while they are still lining up a chip or playing from the bunker. Being a fast-play role model is a good idea, but jumping to the next tee before others have finished putting is simply rude. If paired with slow players, it may be necessary to communicate politely about picking up the pace or consider parting ways amicably.

International Presidents Cup Captain Mike Weir announced that there would be no LIV players in this year's edition, which is tough news for the International side. The article highlights the impact on fans, who are the true victims in the LIV/PGA Tour war, as the sport becomes more diluted and fan interest plummets. The author calls for a focus on making the product better for fans and urges the leaders on both sides to consider the future of the game.

Paulina Gretzky discusses receiving death threats related to LIV Golf and how life has improved for her and Dustin Johnson since his departure from the PGA Tour. Despite the threats, they believe they are in a better place now and have more control over their lives. The article also mentions their earnings and endorsements, as well as their happiness as a couple.

St Andrews Links has introduced a new digital daily draw system for solo players looking to secure a tee time on the Old Course. The previous in-person queuing system was replaced due to the increasing number of players waiting for hours in bad weather, only to be turned away. Starting from March 12, 2024, individual golfers will need to enter their details in person the day before they wish to play, and a randomized draw will allocate tee times for the following day. This new system aims to make the process safer, more equitable, and enjoyable for golfers.

The Payne Stewart Kids Golf Foundation has experienced significant growth and is making a lasting impact on today's youth. The foundation introduces golf to children as young as three through partnerships with organizations like the YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs. By using modified learning equipment and a comprehensive curriculum, the foundation aims to make golf accessible and enjoyable for children of all backgrounds. The ultimate goal is to create lifelong recreational players, not necessarily professional golfers. Through collaborations with organizations like Skyhawks Sports Academy, the foundation is able to reach a larger audience and provide opportunities for children in need. This initiative aligns with Payne Stewart's vision of growing and diversifying the game of golf.

Click to see the entire PGA Tour Schedule for 2024 including the Previous winners and Purse.

Click to see the entire LIV Tour Schedule for 2024 including the Previous winners and Purse.

Click to see the entire LPGA Tour Schedule for 2024 including the Previous winners and Purse.