Planet Golf News for Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Jon Rahm will be aiming to defend his Masters Tournament title this year. Winning consecutive Masters is extremely rare, with only three golfers achieving this feat: Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo, and Tiger Woods. Woods was the last golfer to win back-to-back Masters in 2001 and 2002. Nicklaus holds the record for the most Masters titles with six, followed by Woods with five.

Will Zalatoris, who recently played a practice round with Tiger Woods, praised Woods' performance and stated that he looks great and is swinging well. Despite Woods' limited playing time due to injuries, he has a strong track record at Augusta National and is aiming for a record-setting 24th straight made cut at The Masters.

LIV Golf representatives have been invited to the Masters for the first time, indicating a thawing of tensions in the game's split. While LIV CEO Greg Norman is not expected to attend, at least one high-ranking LIV official will be present. The invitation comes amidst ongoing negotiations between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which supports LIV. The inclusion of LIV officials at the Masters reflects a more conciliatory approach from the majors since the Tour's "framework agreement" with PIF.

Hideki Matsuyama is optimistic about his chances at the 2024 Masters due to his consistent performance this season and his familiarity with Augusta National. Matsuyama, the 2021 Masters champion, has yet to miss a cut this season and has been performing well in recent tournaments. He prefers a firm and fast course setup, which plays to his strengths.

Akshay Bhatia's dislocated shoulder didn't stop him from qualifying for the Masters Tournament. After a playoff at the Valero Texas Open, Bhatia received treatment for his shoulder, made a birdie, and secured his spot at Augusta National. Despite the injury, Bhatia is confident and ready to compete in the tournament.

Wyndham Clark discusses his back injury, his involvement with SoFi and the TGL, and his confidence in winning The Masters. Despite a recent back injury, Clark's game is in top form, and he feels confident heading into the tournament. He also talks about his role as an ambassador for SoFi and his participation in the TGL. Clark believes that his experience and high golf IQ give him an advantage as a rookie at Augusta National. Additionally, he discusses the shift in his mental game, focusing on bounce back ability and handling adversity.

Nick Faldo believes Rory McIlroy has another decade of opportunities to win the Masters, despite previous setbacks. Faldo notes that McIlroy is still in his prime and has the physical fitness to compete for at least another 10 years. However, the challenge lies in overcoming the scar tissue from past failures and finding his stride. Faldo also comments on McIlroy's decision to step down from his role on the PGA Tour's policy board and expresses his disapproval of conducting interviews during the Masters tournament.

Will Zalatoris, who underwent back surgery a year ago, received advice from Tiger Woods, who had undergone the same procedure multiple times. Zalatoris and Woods played a practice round together at Augusta National, marking a special day for Zalatoris after his challenging journey back to the Masters. Zalatoris' recovery involved shots to relieve inflammation, rest, and rehab. He returned to competitive play and has been performing well without experiencing pain.

Tyrrell Hatton's usual caddie will be absent from The Masters due to a freak injury. Hatton's friend will be filling in as his caddie for the tournament. Jon Rahm found the situation amusing and struggled to contain his laughter. Hatton, known for his past outbursts, will aim for a successful weekend at The Masters despite the absence of his caddie.

Erik van Rooyen returns to the Masters with memories of his late friend, Jon Trasamar, fresh in his mind. Trasamar, van Rooyen's college teammate and best friend, passed away after battling cancer. Van Rooyen dedicated his victory at the World Wide Technology Championship to Trasamar and reflects on the preciousness of time and the privilege of playing in the tournament. Additionally, the article mentions the solar eclipse at Augusta National and Matthieu Pavon's dream of playing in the Masters coming true after winning the Farmers Insurance Open..

Tiger Woods and Will Zalatoris participate in the Masters tradition of skipping balls at the 16th hole in Augusta during a practice round. Woods, returning to his first major tournament since withdrawing from the 2024 Genesis Invitational, is set to compete in the 2024 Masters alongside a full field of players.

Verne Lundquist, the legendary CBS Sports broadcaster, will call his 40th and final Masters tournament this weekend, marking his retirement from broadcasting. Lundquist has been a commentator for the Masters since 1983 and has had a successful career calling NFL, college football, and basketball games. His retirement will be an emotional moment, and he will be joined by CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus, who is also retiring. Lundquist's contributions to the Masters and his memorable calls will be cherished for years to come.

Pickleball injuries have affected golfers at The Masters 2024 tournament. Golfers like Akshay Bhatia and Bernhard Langer have suffered injuries while playing pickleball, with Bhatia needing to treat a shoulder injury during the playoff. Despite these injuries, many professional golfers enjoy playing pickleball as a recreational activity.

Jon Rahm is advocating for LIV Golf to use a 72-hole format, expressing uncertainty if he is alone in this opinion. The article provides information about the topic but is not accessible in the current area.

LIV Golf stars have privately admitted to feeling aggrieved by the criticism they have faced since joining the controversial league. The league, backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, has caused division in the golf world. Players have been mocked on social media for their paychecks and for contributing to the splintered landscape of professional golf. Tyrrell Hatton, a recent recruit, revealed that the abuse became so intense that he deleted his social media profiles. However, he noted a decrease in hostility recently. Hatton also discussed the league's controversial rules and admitted that he initially wasn't a fan.

Brooks Koepka, a star of LIV Golf, discusses his stance on the merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf and reveals his four-month plan to win the Masters. Koepka expresses confusion over the future of professional golf and emphasizes the camaraderie among players despite the tensions between the two tours. He aims to add the Masters title to his record and acknowledges the significance of major championships in defining a golfer's career.

Jon Rahm and other LIV Golf players are making a bold statement at the Masters by wearing apparel with the LIV Golf logo, despite a previous agreement to remove branding as a mark of respect. This move reflects the direction of LIV Golf since its inception and the controversial merger. Rahm's departure from the PGA Tour may have accelerated merger talks, but the impact on the balance of golf remains uncertain.

During the LIV Golf Miami event, Tyrrell Hatton's NSFW rant was picked up on a mic after a tee shot. He expressed frustration with his placement and criticized his performance. Despite his outbursts, Hatton finished eight-under-par and just three shots back from the tournament winner.

There are 17 golfers who have earned $10 million or more on the PGA Tour without winning an event. These golfers have achieved this through longevity and skill, consistently performing well without securing a victory. Examples include David Hearn, Charlie Wi, Harold Varner III, and Cameron Tringale.

In Bob Harig's new book, "DRIVE: The Lasting Legacy of Tiger Woods," a never-before-read anecdote from Tiger Woods' close friend Notah Begay III reveals the difficult moment in 2017 when Woods' back injuries were at their worst. Begay recounts helping Woods walk to the car and feeling a sadness, wondering if they would ever see Woods play golf again. Despite the challenges, Woods made an amazing recovery and went on to have impressive performances in 2018 and 2019, including winning his fifth green jacket at the Masters.

The apparel scripting for the 2024 Masters tournament at Augusta National Golf Club is underway. Here’s the golf apparel and footwear that professional players will be wearing, including brands like adidas, TravisMathew, Tasc Performance, STITCH Golf, Puma Golf, FootJoy, J. Lindeberg, Ralph Lauren RLX, Original Penguin, G/FORE, ECCO shoes, Peter Millar, and more.

The Masters concession prices for the 2024 tournament are surprisingly low, reminiscent of the 1970s. With items like a barbecue pork sandwich for $3.00 and a beer for $5.00, fans are astounded by the affordability and wondering how vendors are making a profit.

Map & Flag, Augusta's new high-end hospitality venue, has opened to positive reviews. Located outside Augusta National Golf Club, it offers a premium patron experience with weekly passes costing $17,000. The venue features a merchandise shop, inclusive food and beverage, and a relaxed sports bar atmosphere. The creation of Map & Flag is expected to impact the secondary market for off-site hospitality. Early feedback suggests Augusta National has once again delivered a successful addition to the Masters experience.

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.