Planet Golf News for Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Brian Harman starts his British Open title defense by returning the claret jug, Lexi Thompson hopes to help the U.S. reclaim the Solheim Cup in her last year as a full-time player

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PGN News Team
July 16, 2024 • Reading Time: 16 minutes

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

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Practice, practice, practice. Scottie Scheffler plays his third shot on the 14th hole prior to The 152nd Open championship at Royal Troon on Monday in Troon

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

The British Open is gearing up for its 152nd edition at Royal Troon Golf Club with a prize fund increase to $17 million. However, this still makes it the smallest of the four majors. The R&A CEO, Martin Slumbers, aims to balance the prestigious tournament's stature with the need to support amateur golf worldwide. This modest rise in prize money contrasts with the significant increases in men’s professional golf driven by Saudi-backed LIV Golf.

In the women's golf scene, Lexi Thompson is set to make her last full-time appearance, hoping to help the U.S. reclaim the Solheim Cup this September. Despite being 14th in the standings and possibly needing a captain's pick, U.S. captain Stacy Lewis is confident in Thompson’s experience and contributions to the team.

As we approach the weekend, several notable golf tournaments are on the horizon. The Open Championship will take place beginning Thursday at the Royal Troon Golf Club in South Ayrshire, Scotland. This historic event, first played in 1860, promises a thrilling competition among top contenders like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Bryson DeChambeau. McIlroy, especially, is keen to add another major title to his name after a close call at the U.S. Open.

Royal Troon, known for its challenging layout with a distinctive front and back nine, is highlighted by the famous par-3 eighth hole, the Postage Stamp. Despite being the shortest hole at 123 yards, it demands precise shot-making, making it a significant challenge.

Defending champion Brian Harman has ceremoniously returned the claret jug as he prepares to defend his title. The weather forecast for the championship predicts a mix of cloudy and dry conditions initially, with possible showers and stronger winds later in the tournament, adding another layer of difficulty for the competitors.

The Dana Open on the LPGA Tour will also take place this weekend at Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania, Ohio. Celebrating its rich history and charitable contributions, this tournament will see top female golfers compete, including defending champion Linn Grant and notable players like Stephanie Kyriacou and Haeran Ryu. This year's event will honor Lexi Thompson with a special day in recognition of her retirement.

In Truckee, California, the Barracuda Championship, a unique PGA TOUR event with a modified Stableford format, will be held at the Tahoe Mountain Club's Old Greenwood course. This event, featuring a diverse field of PGA TOUR and DP World Tour players, offers a $4 million purse and a distinctive scoring system that rewards aggressive play with birdies and eagles.

Lastly, the Korn Ferry Tour's Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr. Pepper will take place at Highland Springs Country Club in Springfield, Missouri. This event, crucial for up-and-coming players aspiring to join the PGA Tour, has raised significant funds for children's charities in the Ozarks.

As the golf world gears up for these exciting tournaments, fans and players alike are looking forward to a weekend filled with competitive spirit, historic venues, and the potential for memorable moments on the course.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

British Open at bottom of major purses as R&A tries to keep money from getting out of hand

The British Open is increasing its prize fund by $500,000 to $17 million, making it the smallest of the four majors in terms of prize money. The CEO of the R&A, Martin Slumbers, is content with this size as he aims to strike a balance between the British Open's position in world golf and the need for funds to develop and oversee amateur golf globally. The increase in golf purses is driven by Saudi-backed LIV Golf, which has led to substantial increases in prize money in men's professional golf.

Lexi Thompson hopes to help the U.S. reclaim the Solheim Cup in her last year as a full-time player

Lexi Thompson, in her last year as a full-time player, hopes to help the U.S. reclaim the Solheim Cup. Thompson, currently 14th in the Solheim Cup standings, may need a captain's pick, but U.S. captain Stacy Lewis has expressed confidence in her. Thompson's experience and strong record make her a valuable asset to the team. The Solheim Cup will be held in September, and Thompson is committed to returning the cup to the United States.

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Golf Tournaments happening this week

The Open - PGA Tour - Royal Troon Golf Course, Troon Scotland

The 2024 Open Championship, also known as The Open, will take place at Royal Troon Golf Club in South Ayrshire, Scotland, from July 18 to 21. This will be the 152nd edition of the prestigious tournament, which is the oldest golf championship in the world, having been first played in 1860. Royal Troon, a challenging 7,385-yard par-71 links course, is hosting The Open for the tenth time, with its most recent event in 2016 won by Henrik Stenson in a memorable duel against Phil Mickelson.

Top contenders for this year's Claret Jug include world-renowned golfers such as Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Bryson DeChambeau. McIlroy, who narrowly missed out on winning the U.S. Open recently, is among the favorites and will be looking to add another major title to his name. The tournament will also see participation from past champions and rising stars, making for an exciting competition.

The course at Royal Troon is known for its distinctive front and back nines, with the front nine offering more birdie opportunities and the back nine presenting a tougher challenge. One of the course's most famous features is the par-3 eighth hole, known as the Postage Stamp, which is the shortest hole in The Open at just 123 yards but requires precise shot-making.

Brian Harman starts his British Open title defense by returning the claret jug

Brian Harman returns the claret jug to mark the start of his British Open title defense. The handover of the trophy was a ceremonial moment, with Harman expressing his appreciation for the pageantry associated with the oldest trophy in golf. Harman is hoping to reclaim the trophy by the end of the week as he competes in the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon in Scotland.

The British Open Championship weather forecast: Showers likely at Royal Troon

The weather forecast for The 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon predicts cloudy and dry weather initially, with possible showers and stronger winds later in the tournament. There is a 50% chance of rain on Thursday and a 60% chance from Friday through Sunday. Temperatures are expected to range from the mid-50s to mid-60s.

These 37 golfers will be playing in the British Open for the first time in 2024

Here’s a list of 37 golfers who will be playing in the British Open for the first time in 2024. The tournament will be held at Royal Troon and features a larger field than usual.

Meet the 12 amateurs playing in the 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon

The 2024 British Open at Royal Troon will feature twelve amateur players from nine countries, including the top-ranked amateur Gordon Sargent and winners of major amateur events like Tommy Morrison and Jacob Skov Olesen. The article provides a brief overview of each amateur player and how they qualified for the tournament.

British Open 2024: The fascinating origin of Royal Troon's most famous hole

The par-3 eighth hole at Royal Troon Golf Club, known as "the Postage Stamp," is the shortest hole in the Open Championship rotation. Despite its small size, the shot to the green can be terrifying, especially with the wind off the Firth of Clyde. This hole has influenced similar short par 3s for the past 100 years.

Genesis Scottish Open winner Robert MacIntyre said 'there may be some alcohol in the system' when he tees off at 2024 British Open

Robert MacIntyre, winner of the Genesis Scottish Open, stated that there may be some alcohol in his system when he tees off at the 2024 British Open. MacIntyre, who won the Scottish Open with a dramatic birdie on the final hole, plans to celebrate his victory before the British Open and will try his best to win the championship despite the potential effects of alcohol.

The Open Videos

Dana Open - LPGA - Highland Meadows GC, Sylvania, OH

The 2024 Dana Open, an esteemed event on the LPGA Tour, will take place from July 18th to July 21st at the Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania, Ohio. This tournament, which has been held annually since 1984 with a few exceptions, is known for its rich history and significant contributions to local children's charities, having raised nearly $14 million over its history. The event will feature top female golfers competing over 72 holes for a share of the $1.75 million purse. Highland Meadows Golf Club, a private 18-hole course established in 1925, provides a challenging and picturesque setting for the tournament. The Dana Open continues to be a highlight of the LPGA Tour, drawing significant attention and showcasing exceptional golfing talent.

Five Things to Know About the 2024 Dana Open

The 2024 Dana Open in Ohio is one of the longest-running events on the LPGA Tour's schedule. This year's tournament features Lexi Thompson Day in honor of Thompson's upcoming retirement. Linn Grant will be defending her title, and several top-ranked players will be competing, including Stephanie Kyriacou and Haeran Ryu. Fans can also look forward to seeing Karrie Webb, Sandra Gal, and Natalie Gulbis make their return. Highland Meadows Golf Club, the tournament's venue, has a rich history and has been won by notable players like Se Ri Pak, Annika Sorenstam, and Lydia Ko.

The Dana Open Videos

Barracuda Championship - PGA Tour - Tahoe Mountain Club, Truckee, CA

The 26th annual Barracuda Championship, an official PGA TOUR event in collaboration with the DP World Tour, is set to take place from July 18-21, 2024, at Tahoe Mountain Club's Old Greenwood course in Truckee, California. This unique tournament is the only one of its kind in the Truckee/Tahoe and Northern Nevada area, offering golf fans and families an unforgettable experience.

The event features a $4 million total purse, with $720,000 going to the winner. It is the only Modified Stableford event on the FedExCup schedule and is played concurrently with The Open Championship. The championship will showcase a diverse field of players, including PGA TOUR winners, DP World Tour ranking leaders, and various exempt and qualifying categories.

The Old Greenwood course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, provides a challenging backdrop for the tournament. Ranked as the #5 golf course in the U.S. by golfers, it spans 600 acres of towering pines and features rolling hills, numerous bunkers, and large greens.

2024 Barracuda Championship odds, picks, field: Surprising predictions by golf model that's called 13 majors

Keith Mitchell is the favorite in the 2024 Barracuda Championship with odds of 20-1. The tournament uses a modified stableford scoring format, with birdies and eagles being crucial. The field consists of 156 golfers, and the event takes place at Tahoe Mountain Club in California. The model predicts that Michael Thorbjornsen, despite having the second-shortest odds, will not finish in the top three. The model also identifies four longshot contenders with odds of 60-1 or longer who could make a strong run at the title.

Purse breakdown: Barracuda Championship

The PGA TOUR heads back to Tahoe Mountain Club in Truckee, California, for the Barracuda Championship, the only Modified Stableford event on the FedExCup schedule.

Price Cutter Charity Champ. pres. by Dr. Pepper - Korn Ferry - Highland Springs CC, Springfield, MO

The Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper is an annual golf tournament on the Korn Ferry Tour, held at the Highland Springs Country Club in Springfield, Missouri. Scheduled for July 18-21, 2024, this event is a significant stop on the tour, showcasing future PGA Tour stars. Since its inception in 1990, the tournament has raised over $19.4 million for children's charities throughout the Ozarks. The 2023 champion, Pierceson Coody, secured his second win of the season at this event.

Upcoming: Paris Olympics

FYI: The golf competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics is set to be a thrilling event featuring top golfers from around the world. The men's tournament will take place from August 1-4, 2024, while the women's tournament will run from August 7-10, 2024. Both events will be held at Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, a renowned course that hosted the 2018 Ryder Cup. The format for both men's and women's events will be a 72-hole individual stroke play over four rounds, with the lowest aggregate score winning.

Among the notable athletes to watch in the men's tournament are world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who has had a historic 2024 season with six event wins, including the Masters Tournament; defending Olympic gold medalist Xander Schauffele, who recently won the PGA Championship; two-time major champion Collin Morikawa; and 2023 U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark. In the women's field, world No. 1 and reigning gold medalist Nelly Korda leads the pack with six tournament wins in 2024, followed by world No. 2 Lilia Vu, winner of two majors in 2023, and rising star Rose Zhang, ranked No. 8 in the world.

This will be the third consecutive Olympic Games featuring golf since its reintroduction in Rio 2016, after previously being part of the Olympics in 1900 and 1904.

Lowry reveals 'number one' goal as Ireland Olympic team set ahead of 2024 Open

Shane Lowry reveals his number one goal as the Ireland Olympic team is finalized for the 2024 Summer Games in Paris. Lowry, along with Rory McIlroy, Leona Maguire, and Stephanie Meadow, will represent Ireland in golf. Lowry aims for a podium finish and is excited about the opportunity. He skipped the Genesis Scottish Open to prepare for The Open Championship at Royal Troon.

Rory McIlroy targets Paris gold after revisiting controversial Troon comments

Rory McIlroy expresses his desire to win a gold medal for Ireland at the Paris Olympics, reflecting on his previous controversial comments about golf in the Olympics. He admits to feeling a sense of resentment towards the Olympics in the past but now looks forward to the experience and the opportunity to participate in other events. McIlroy considers winning a gold medal to be one of the proudest moments of his career and feels that he is in a great position to earn it.

Aditi Finishes Tied 17th At Evian; Diksha Dagar To Return For Olympics On Cricketnmore

Aditi Ashok finishes tied 17th at the Amundi Evian Championship, securing her best finish in the Majors. Japan's Ayaka Furue wins the championship with an impressive eagle putt on the final green. Diksha Dagar is set to return for the Olympics. Read more

Upcoming: The Ryder Cup

FYI: The Ryder Cup is a prestigious biennial men's golf competition between teams from Europe and the United States. It alternates venues between the U.S. and Europe and is named after Samuel Ryder, who donated the trophy. The event is jointly managed by the PGA of America and Ryder Cup Europe. The next Ryder Cup will be held from September 25-28, 2025, at the Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York.

Today’s Best Golf Vidoes

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Tiger Woods' rusty wedges at the 2024 British Open are insane

Tiger Woods is using rusty TaylorMade wedges at the 2024 British Open. The raw steel wedges reduce glare, provide more surface roughness in wet conditions, and hide marks created by grinding or polishing. This is not the first time Woods has used rusty wedges, and the rust can wear away with use and cleaning.

Overheard in the Club House

British Open 2024: The best house in golf is for sale

One of the private residences near the Royal Troon golf course, known as "Blackrock," is currently for sale. The house offers stunning views of the second and 16th greens and was previously estimated to be worth around 3 million pounds. Golf Digest has featured a video on the property, highlighting it as the best house in golf.

How to hit Tiger Woods’ go-to stinger shot

Learn how to hit Tiger Woods' famous stinger shot, a low-flying tee shot he developed in the late '90s. This shot was designed to be effective in windy conditions and has been a reliable part of Woods' game throughout his career. The article provides insights into Woods' technique, including his setup, backswing, downswing, impact, and finish. It also explains the origin of the name "stinger" and highlights the importance of having a go-to shot off the tee.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

Click HERE for the latest Official World Golf Ranking

Latest FedExCup Standings

Click HERE for the latest Official World Golf Ranking

UPCOMING TOURS

PGA TOUR Schedule 2024

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

LIV Golf Schedule 2024

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

LPGA Tour Schedule 2024

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

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