Planet Golf News for Tuesday, August 27, 2024

Scottie Scheffler favored in TOUR Championship, TPC Boston To Test LPGA Tour Stars In Inaugural FM Championship

Tuesday, August 27 2024

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East Lake looks back to move forward

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Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

The PGA TOUR Championship's staggered scoring system continues to stir debate even five years after its introduction. Some players, including Scottie Scheffler and Keegan Bradley, find the format "silly," but it remains in place to add a unique twist to the final tournament of the FedExCup Playoffs. While critics argue that it distorts the season-long race, proponents believe it enhances the competition's drama by keeping things exciting right up to the final round. Regardless, the players still have to prove their mettle on the course, starting with varying scores based on their season rankings.

This year’s TOUR Championship takes place at the historic East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, from August 28 to September 1. With a staggering $100 million purse, including a $25 million prize for the winner, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The course itself has undergone significant restoration, aiming to recapture its "Golden Age" charm with updated bunker shapes and green designs. Scottie Scheffler, starting at 10-under, is the favorite going into the event, but with Rory McIlroy chasing a potential fourth FedExCup title and Xander Schauffele starting at 8-under, the tournament promises to be a nail-biter. Notable stories include Justin Thomas’s unexpected qualification after a surprise drop from Brian Harman, marking his eighth appearance in the final.

Meanwhile, the LPGA Tour is gearing up for the inaugural FM Global Championship at TPC Boston. Running from August 29 to September 1, this event marks the LPGA's return to New England after a two-decade hiatus. With a $3.8 million purse and a star-studded lineup including Jin Young Ko and local favorites like Megan Khang, this tournament is set to make a big splash. Beyond golf, FM Global’s sponsorship aims to promote diversity and inclusion, with an emphasis on supporting women in STEM fields. The course itself, designed by Arnold Palmer, presents a fitting challenge for the field of 144 players. One heartwarming story to watch is that of New Hampshire teen Carys Fennessy, who earned her spot after overcoming a serious injury.

Across the Atlantic, the DP World Tour is hosting the Betfred British Masters at The Belfry, a course steeped in history. This tournament not only boasts a $3.5 million prize fund but also serves as the kickoff to the Ryder Cup qualifying series. Expect stiff competition as players like Tyrrell Hatton and Danny Willett look to claim vital points in the Race to Dubai standings. With The Belfry’s notorious 18th hole in play, anything could happen, especially with Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald keeping a close eye on potential team members.

As we look ahead to the Solheim Cup in September, Suzann Pettersen has solidified her European team roster, relying heavily on experience by selecting players like Georgia Hall and Anna Nordqvist. Pettersen aims to secure Europe’s fourth consecutive victory when the team heads to Virginia to take on the Americans at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.

And let’s not forget the Presidents Cup, where automatic qualifiers have been locked in, and captains will soon make their final picks. With Hideki Matsuyama securing his sixth appearance, the International team looks to break the U.S. team’s dominance.

From the TOUR Championship’s grand finale to the LPGA’s New England return, and the start of Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup drama, the next few weeks are bursting with thrilling golf action. Whether you're tuning in for Scheffler’s quest for a FedExCup win or the rising stars at the FM Global Championship, it's a fantastic time to be a golf fan.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

TOUR Championship - PGA - East Lake Golf Club - Atlanta, GA

The 2024 TOUR Championship, the final event of the PGA TOUR's FedEx Cup Playoffs, is set to take place from August 28 to September 1 at the historic East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. This prestigious tournament will feature the top 30 players from the FedEx Cup standings, competing for a share of the $100 million purse, with the winner receiving a $25 million prize. The tournament employs a unique starting score format based on the players' rankings, with the top-ranked player starting at 10 under par.

East Lake Golf Club, the permanent home of the TOUR Championship since 2005, has recently undergone a significant restoration led by architect Andrew Green. The restoration aims to return the course to its "Golden Age" design, inspired by aerial photography from 1949, and includes updates to bunker shapes, hole orientations, and green designs. These changes are intended to enhance the course's playability and historical charm.

The TOUR Championship is not only a highlight of the golfing calendar but also a significant cultural event in Atlanta, drawing fans from around the world to witness the thrilling conclusion of the PGA TOUR season.

TOUR Championship Videos

FM Championship - LPGA - TPC Boston - Norton, MA

The 2024 FM Global Championship, an inaugural event on the LPGA Tour, is set to take place at TPC Boston in Norton, Massachusetts, from August 29 to September 1. This tournament marks the LPGA Tour's return to New England for the first time since 2004. With a field of 144 players, the event boasts a substantial purse of $3.8 million, making it one of the largest on the tour outside of major championships. The championship is part of a five-year partnership between FM Global and the LPGA, representing FM Global's first major sports sponsorship. This collaboration aims to promote diversity and inclusion in sports while supporting educational programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for women and young students.

The tournament will feature a competitive field, including 56 LPGA Tour winners such as Jin Young Ko, Hannah Green, and Lauren Coughlin. Notable players from Massachusetts, like Megan Khang and Alexa Pano, will also participate. Additionally, the field includes Olympians and special exemptions for leading amateurs and local players.

TPC Boston, known for its challenging course designed by Arnold Palmer and redesigned by Gil Hanse and Brad Faxon, provides a fitting backdrop for this prestigious event.

FM Championship Videos

Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo - DP World Tour - The Belfry - Sutton, England

The 2024 Betfred British Masters, hosted by Sir Nick Faldo, is set to take place from August 28 to September 1 at The Belfry Hotel & Resort in Sutton Coldfield, England. This prestigious event is part of the DP World Tour, also known as the European Tour, and will be held on the renowned Brabazon Course. The tournament marks the beginning of the 2025 Ryder Cup qualifying series, offering 1,500 points to participants, which adds an extra layer of excitement and competition as players vie for a spot on the Ryder Cup team.

The Belfry, a venue with a rich history of hosting major golf events, including the Ryder Cup, poses a challenging course with its par-72, 7,253-yard layout. Players will need to navigate fast, undulating greens, narrow fairways, and water hazards, particularly on the daunting 18th hole, which requires a precise shot over water to reach the three-tier green. The tournament follows a standard stroke play format over 72 holes, with a cut after the first 36 holes.

This year's field includes notable players such as Tyrrell Hatton, who is making his first appearance on the DP World Tour since joining the LIV Golf circuit. European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald will also be participating, observing potential team members for the upcoming Ryder Cup. Additionally, young amateur Kris Kim will make his debut, adding to the diverse mix of talent.

The prize fund for the tournament is set at $3.5 million, with the winner receiving over $500,000 and crucial points in the Race to Dubai standings.

Solheim Cup (9/13-9/15) - LPGA - Robert Trent Jones Golf Club - Gainesville, VA

Upcoming: Presidents Cup

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Overheard in the Club House

UPCOMING TOURS

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