Planet Golf News for Thursday, May 30, 2024

Scottie Scheffler's charges dropped after arrest outside PGA Championship, Korda has been 'unstoppable' ahead of USWO

Thursday, May 30, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

We’re on a mission to create fun and fashionable golf clothing that empowers tween and teen girls to play with confidence.

Rory McIlroy regrets getting 'deeply involved' in PGA Tour-LIV controversy

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

The golf world Wednesday was buzzing with news and events, and here's a friendly recap of what's been happening:

First off, Scottie Scheffler is breathing a sigh of relief as all charges against him have been dropped. He was arrested on May 17 for allegedly assaulting a police officer outside the PGA Championship in Louisville. However, an internal investigation revealed the officer didn’t activate his body camera, leading prosecutors to drop the charges. Scheffler’s lawyer expressed gratitude and relief, stating that Scheffler is eager to move past this incident. The officer involved, Detective Bryan Gillis, also issued a light-hearted statement, noting no hard feelings and humorously mentioning that his pants were ruined during the altercation but reassured Scheffler that all is well.

In other news, Rory McIlroy has been reflecting on the rift between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf. He expressed regret over his deep involvement in the conflict, wishing he had kept a lower profile. McIlroy hopes for a resolution that will reunite the golf community.

The RBC Canadian Open is kicking off today at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Ontario. Rory McIlroy, the favorite to win, will be teeing off alongside defending champion Nick Taylor and Taylor Pendrith. The tournament features a strong lineup, including 28 Canadian golfers. Betting odds favor McIlroy, but keep an eye on underdogs like Sahith Theegala and Alex Noren, who could surprise everyone.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Women's Open presented by Ally is starting today at Lancaster Country Club. This year’s edition boasts a record $12 million purse and features a competitive field of 156 players, including defending champion Allison Corpuz and world No. 1 Nelly Korda. The course is known for its challenging layout, which will test the players' skills and endurance.

The Principal Charity Classic is also underway at the Wakonda Club in Des Moines, Iowa. This PGA TOUR Champions event will see top players like Steven Alker and Stephen Ames compete on a freshly renovated course. Six World Golf Hall of Fame members are also participating, making it a star-studded affair.

Over in Germany, the European Open 2024 is being held at the Green Eagle Golf Courses in Hamburg. Defending champion Tom McKibbin will try to retain his title on this notoriously difficult par-73 course. The event promises an exciting atmosphere with various side events for fans to enjoy.

Lastly, the UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH is taking place at the Raleigh Country Club in North Carolina. This Korn Ferry Tour event is crucial for young golfers aiming to secure their PGA TOUR cards. The challenging course and competitive field make it a must-watch for golf enthusiasts.

With so much happening in the golf world, fans are in for an exciting week and weekend of top-notch competition and memorable moments on the greens.

[ Today’s Top Stories ] 

Golf Tournaments happening this week

RBC Canadian Open - Hamilton, ON

The 2024 RBC Canadian Open is set to commence on today at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Ancaster, Ontario. This year's tournament features a strong field, including world No. 3 Rory McIlroy, who is a two-time winner of the event and the favorite to win again. McIlroy, who recently won the Wells Fargo Championship, will tee off at 7:40 a.m. ET alongside defending champion Nick Taylor and Taylor Pendrith. The tournament will be broadcast on ESPN+ and the Golf Channel, with Peacock offering a simulcast of the Golf Channel's coverage.

The field includes a record 28 Canadian golfers, with 14 hailing from Ontario. Notable Canadian players include Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, and Adam Hadwin. Nick Taylor, who made history last year by becoming the first Canadian to win the event since 1954, is also competing and has +6000 odds to repeat his victory. The course at Hamilton Golf and Country Club is a par-70, stretching 7,084 yards.

Betting odds favor McIlroy at +360, followed by Tommy Fleetwood at +1800, and Sahith Theegala and Corey Conners both at +2000. Other top contenders include Shane Lowry, Cameron Young, and Alex Noren. The tournament's 72-hole winning score is set with an over/under of 261.5.

U.S. Women's Open pres. by Ally - Lancaster, PA

The 2024 U.S. Women's Open presented by Ally is set to commence today at Lancaster Country Club, marking the 79th edition of the prestigious tournament. This year's event features a record-setting $12 million purse, attracting a competitive field of 156 players, including 21 athletes from the Epson Tour. Notable participants include defending champion Allison Corpuz, World No. 1 Nelly Korda, Rose Zhang, Hannah Green, and Lydia Ko.

Among the Epson Tour athletes, Harriet Lynch and Alana Uriell are making their debut appearances, while Amelia Lewis returns for her third U.S. Women's Open after a nine-year hiatus. Ingrid Lindblad, the top-ranked amateur, is also competing for the third time before turning professional. Alexa Melton and Mariel Galdiano are other notable competitors, with Galdiano making her sixth appearance.

The tournament will be broadcast live on USA and NBC, with streaming options available on fubo, DirecTV Stream, Peacock, and Hulu + Live TV. Coverage begins on Peacock at noon ET on Thursday, May 30, with NBC and USA Network airing weekend sessions. The LPGA's partnership with ESPN+ will also provide exclusive streaming of Featured Group coverage at eight events through the 2025 season.

Overall, the 2024 U.S. Women's Open promises to be an exciting and competitive event, showcasing the talents of both seasoned professionals and emerging stars in women's golf.

Principal Charity Classic - Des Moines, IA

The Principal Charity Classic, part of the PGA TOUR Champions, is set to take place today at the newly restored Wakonda Club in Des Moines, Iowa. The course has undergone significant renovations since the last tournament in 2023, including the rebuilding of all bunkers and the addition of five new greens on holes 2, 5, 9, 15, and 17. This year's event will feature a strong field, including the top five players in the Charles Schwab Cup standings, led by Steven Alker. Notably, two-time Principal Charity Classic champion Stephen Ames, currently ranked second in the standings, will be competing for his third victory of the 2024 season.

The tournament will also see the participation of six World Golf Hall of Fame members: Ernie Els, Retief Goosen, Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, José María Olazábal, and Vijay Singh. Additionally, Chad Campbell, a four-time PGA TOUR winner, will make his debut on the PGA TOUR Champions as he turns 50. The event will be broadcast on the Golf Channel, with coverage on Friday from 9-11 p.m. ET (tape delay), Saturday from 7-9 p.m. ET (tape delay), and live on Sunday from 2:30-5:30 p.m. ET.

The Wakonda Club, a par-72, 6,835-yard course, will host a 78-player field competing over 54 holes. The defending champion, Stephen Ames, will aim to retain his title, with a total purse of $2,000,000 and a winner's prize of $300,000. The course holds scoring records, including the lowest 18-hole score of 62, achieved twice, and the lowest 54-hole score of 197, last recorded by Jay Haas in 2012.

European Open - Hamburg, Germany

The European Open 2024, part of the DP World Tour, is set to take place at the Green Eagle Golf Courses in Hamburg, Germany today. This marks the seventh consecutive year the tournament will be held at this venue, known for its challenging par 73 course spanning 7,882 yards. The event, which began in 1978, has a rich history and has been hosted in Germany for the past nine years.

The tournament will feature a 72-hole format with a cut after 36 holes. The total prize money for this year's event is $2.5 million, with the winner receiving $425,000. Defending champion Tom McKibbin from Northern Ireland will be competing to retain his title. Other notable participants include Nacho Elvira, Danny Willett, Laurie Canter, Keito Nakajima, Jesper Svensson, Rasmus Hojgaard, and Adrian Otaegui. The event promises a spectacular live experience with various side events, including a famous Ferris wheel, enhancing the atmosphere for fans.

The European Open has seen many illustrious winners over the years, including Lee Westwood, Bernhard Langer, and Gordon Brand Jr., who have each won the tournament twice. The 2024 edition is expected to be a thrilling competition, with top-class golf and an inspiring atmosphere at one of Europe's most difficult courses.

UNC Health Championship pres. by STITCH - Korn Ferry - Raleigh, NC

The UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH, part of the Korn Ferry Tour, is currently taking place at the Raleigh Country Club in Raleigh, North Carolina. This event is a significant stop on the Korn Ferry Tour, which serves as a developmental tour for the PGA TOUR. The tournament has garnered attention for its competitive field and the opportunity it provides for young golfers to make a mark and potentially secure their PGA TOUR cards.

The Raleigh Country Club, known for its challenging layout and rich history, is set to test the skills of the participants. The course conditions and weather are expected to play a crucial role in the competition, with players needing to adapt to the varying elements to succeed.

The tournament features a mix of seasoned professionals and emerging talents, all vying for the top spot. The young golfers, in particular, are eager to get off to a strong start, as a good performance here can significantly impact their standings and future opportunities. The event not only showcases individual talent but also emphasizes the importance of strategic play and mental fortitude in professional golf.

Today’s Best Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Overheard in the Locker Room

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.

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up HERE for FREE