Planet Golf News for Tuedsay, July 9, 2024

Nelly Korda returns to action at Amundi Evian Championship after dog bite, Keegan Bradley to lead U.S Ryder Cup team

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

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Keegan Bradley appointed US Ryder Cup captain after Tiger Woods turns down the job

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

The world of golf is buzzing with exciting news and upcoming tournaments, making it a thrilling time for fans and players alike.

Nelly Korda is making her return to the course at the Amundi Evian Championship after recovering from a dog bite. Korda, who boasts six wins this season and is part of the U.S. Olympic team, had to withdraw from a recent event in London due to her injury. Her return adds a significant boost to the tournament's excitement.

In a surprising turn of events, Keegan Bradley has been named the captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup team, taking over the reins from the much-anticipated Tiger Woods. Bradley's appointment, expected to be officially announced at the NASDAQ in New York, signals a strategic shift as the team aims to recover from their 2023 loss in Rome. Bradley, known for his passionate play, will lead the team with hopes of rekindling their winning spirit.

The Genesis Scottish Open, kicking off at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland, promises intense competition. Defending champion Rory McIlroy is the favorite, with odds of +700, as he aims to secure back-to-back victories. The tournament, co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, serves as a vital warm-up for The Open Championship. Other top contenders like Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, and local favorite Robert MacIntyre will vie for the prestigious title and a share of the $9 million purse.

Meanwhile, the LPGA Tour is gearing up for the Amundi Evian Championship at the picturesque Evian Resort Golf Club in France. This major tournament features a stellar field, including Celine Boutier, the 2023 champion, and Nelly Korda, whose return is highly anticipated. With a substantial $8 million purse and the scenic backdrop of Lake Geneva and the Alps, the event is set to deliver world-class golf.

LIV Golf's Andalucía tournament at the renowned Real Club Valderrama in Spain marks the league's first European event of the year. Featuring top players like Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia, and Brooks Koepka, the tournament promises thrilling competition. The challenging course, known for its historic significance, will test the skills of these golfing greats over three rounds of stroke play.

In the U.S., the Kaulig Companies Championship at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio, is a highlight on the PGA Tour Champions circuit. Defending champion Steve Stricker and other legends like Ernie Els and Vijay Singh are set to compete. NFL legend Peyton Manning's role as the 2024 Ambassador of Golf adds an extra layer of excitement to this prestigious event.

The Ascendant presented by Blue at TPC Colorado is another significant tournament on the Korn Ferry Tour. With a strong field of 156 golfers, this event offers a crucial opportunity for players to secure their PGA Tour cards. The challenging course and stunning mountain views make it a favorite among fans and players alike.

As we look ahead, the anticipation for the Paris Olympics is building, especially with golfer Darius van Driel deciding to drop his lawsuit for an Olympic ticket. The British Open at Royal Troon also promises to be a spectacle, with Tommy Fleetwood's caddie, Ian Finnis, making an emotional return after undergoing heart surgery.

In the clubhouse, Paige Spiranac has been candid about the challenges faced by women with larger chests in golf. Her tips and personal journey to improve her swing have resonated with many, highlighting the sport's inclusivity and evolving dynamics.

Rory McIlroy, after a much-needed break, is back in action. He recently dined with his Ryder Cup teammates, setting a positive tone for his upcoming defense of the Scottish Open title and his participation in The Open Championship.

With such a dynamic lineup of events and news, golf fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks. Whether it's the thrill of major championships or the inspiring stories of individual players, the sport continues to captivate and excite.

[ Today’s Top Golf Stories ] 

Golf Tournaments happening this week

Genesis Scottish Open - PGA - The Renaissance Club - North Berwick, Scotland

The Genesis Scottish Open, a prestigious golf tournament co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, is set to tee off on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at The Renaissance Club in North Berwick, Scotland. This event serves as a crucial warm-up for many top players ahead of The Open Championship the following week.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy returns as the favorite, with odds of +700 to repeat his victory from last year. McIlroy's dramatic win in 2023, which included a memorable 2-iron approach on the 18th hole, has been commemorated with a plaque at the club. He'll be looking to become the first player to successfully defend the Scottish Open title.

Close behind McIlroy in the odds is Xander Schauffele at +800, who won this event in 2022 and has been in excellent form throughout 2024. Other top contenders include Collin Morikawa, Ludvig Aberg, and Tommy Fleetwood, all of whom have shown strong performances in recent tournaments.

The Renaissance Club, hosting the Scottish Open for the sixth consecutive year, presents a challenging 7,237-yard par-70 links-style course. Since 2019, winning scores at this venue have ranged from 7-under to 22-under par, with McIlroy's 15-under par victory last year falling in the middle of that spectrum.

The field is notably strong, featuring many of the world's top golfers. Local favorite Robert MacIntyre, who finished runner-up to McIlroy last year, will be aiming to become the first Scottish winner of the event since Colin Montgomerie in 1999. Other players to watch include Viktor Hovland, Tom Kim, and Hideki Matsuyama, who has been identified as a potential dark horse by some analysts.

This tournament holds significant importance not only as a prestigious event in its own right but also as a final opportunity for players to fine-tune their games before The Open Championship. With a purse of $9,000,000 and 500 FedExCup points on offer to the winner, the Genesis Scottish Open promises to deliver high-stakes, world-class golf action in the historic home of the sport.

Genesis Scottish Open Videos

The Amundi Evian Championship - LPGA - Evian Resort Golf Club - Evian-les-Bains, France

The Amundi Evian Championship, one of the five major tournaments in women's golf, is set to take place from July 11 to 14, 2024, at the Evian Resort Golf Club in Évian-les-Bains, France. This prestigious event, which became an official LPGA Tour event in 2000 and gained major status in 2013, will feature a substantial purse of $8 million, attracting top talent from around the world.

The tournament will be played on the challenging "Champions Course," an 18-hole, par-71 layout spanning 6,523 yards. The course, known for its stunning views of Lake Geneva and the Alps, underwent a significant $8 million renovation in 2012-2013 to enhance its quality and challenge.

In recent news, Celine Boutier's victory at the 2023 Amundi Evian Championship has set high expectations for the upcoming tournament. Boutier, a native of Montrouge, France, captured her first major title and fourth career LPGA Tour victory, much to the delight of the French fans who turned out in large numbers to support her.

However, not all top players will be participating in the 2024 event. Notably, Lexi Thompson has decided to skip the Amundi Evian Championship for the fifth consecutive year. Thompson's last appearance at the tournament was in 2019, and her absence comes in the context of her announcement that 2024 will be her final full year on the tour.

On a positive note, Nelly Korda is set to return to the LPGA Tour for the Amundi Evian Championship after recovering from a dog bite injury. Her participation adds to the excitement surrounding the event.

The tournament continues to evolve, with Porsche joining as the automotive and mobility partner for the first time, marking their entry into professional women's golf. This partnership, along with the continued support of title sponsor Amundi, underscores the growing prestige and global appeal of the championship.

As the fourth major of the year on the LPGA Tour, the Amundi Evian Championship promises to deliver world-class golf action against the backdrop of the French Alps, continuing its tradition as a highlight of the women's golf calendar.

The Amundi Evian Championship Videos

LIV Golf Andalucia - Real Club Valderrama - Sotogrande, Spain

The LIV Golf Andalucía tournament is set to take place from July 12-14, 2024, at the prestigious Real Club Valderrama in Sotogrande, Cádiz, Spain. This event marks LIV Golf's first European tournament of the year and will feature a field of 54 players competing over three rounds of stroke play, totaling 54 holes.

The tournament has generated significant excitement, particularly due to the participation of four Spanish-born LIV Golf players, including first-year member Jon Rahm. This will be Rahm's LIV Golf debut in Spain, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event.

Real Club Valderrama, the host venue, is renowned as one of the most historic and well-regarded courses in the world. The par-71 course stretches 7,010 yards and is ranked among the top courses globally. It presents a challenging layout for players, with the 12th hole considered the hardest and the 17th the easiest.

The tournament will showcase 14 major champions and many of the sport's biggest names, including Sergio Garcia, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson, and Phil Mickelson, among others.

As the golf world turns its attention to Andalucía, this tournament represents a significant moment for LIV Golf in Europe and promises to deliver an exciting competition at one of golf's most esteemed venues.

Kaulig Companies Championship at Firestone - PGA Tour Champions - Firestone CC - Akron, OH

The 2024 Kaulig Companies Championship, a major event on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, is set to take place from July 11-14 at the historic Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio. This marks the 71st year of tournament golf at the venue and the fourth major of the year for senior golfers.

Defending champion Steve Stricker is scheduled to return, along with other golf legends and World Golf Hall of Fame members like Ernie Els, Vijay Singh, and Bernhard Langer.

In a notable announcement, NFL legend Peyton Manning has been named the 2024 Ambassador of Golf for the event.

The Ascendant pres. by Blue - Korn Ferry - TPC Colorado - Berthoud, CO

The Ascendant presented by Blue, a PGA TOUR Korn Ferry Tour event, is set to take place from July 11-14, 2024, at TPC Colorado in Berthoud, Colorado. This prestigious tournament has become a significant fixture in the golf calendar, breaking numerous Korn Ferry Tour records since its inception in 2019 for attendance and event quality.

The tournament has garnered several accolades in recent years, including being named Tournament of the Year in 2021 and 2023, as well as receiving the Most Engaged Community award in 2023. These honors reflect the event's growing importance and the strong community support it has received.

In the 2023 edition, Nicholas Lindheim emerged victorious, securing his third career Korn Ferry Tour win with a tournament record score of 20-under 268. Lindheim's performance not only earned him the title but also highlighted the competitive nature of the event and the high level of play it attracts.

The Ascendant presented by Blue features a field of 156 golfers competing for a substantial purse and the opportunity to advance to the PGA TOUR. The tournament has become known for its challenging course at TPC Colorado, which offers spectacular mountain views and has been praised for its ability to test the skills of professional golfers.

Upcoming: Paris Olympics

Upcoming: The Open (British)

Today’s Best Videos

Overheard in the Club House

UPCOMING TOURS

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