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- Planet Golf News for Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Planet Golf News for Tuesday, July 2, 2024
U.K.'s Bland wins rain-delayed U.S. Senior Open, Can Jordan Spieth shake off frustrations and win again at John Deere Classic?
PGN News Team
July 02, 2024 • Reading Time: 14 minutes
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Tuesday, July 2, 2024
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Can Jordan Spieth shake off frustrations and win again at John Deere Classic?
[ THE LEADERBOARD ]
Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes
Good Morning,
Big changes are underway in the golf world, starting with the appointment of Mark Darbon as the new chief executive of the R&A. Darbon, previously a senior member of the London Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games, steps into the role with a wealth of experience in the sports industry. His arrival coincides with a period of significant shifts in men's professional golf, notably the launch of LIV Golf and potential collaborations between the Saudi-backed tour, the PGA Tour, and the DP World Tour. With his proven track record in commercial strategy, Darbon's leadership is expected to navigate these exciting yet challenging times adeptly.
In tournament news, Patrick Cantlay has withdrawn from the John Deere Classic due to an injury sustained during training. He expressed his disappointment on Instagram but hopes to return to competition soon. Russell Knox will replace him in the tournament.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Senior Open Championship at Newport Country Club concluded with a dramatic playoff on Monday after weather delays. Hiroyuki Fujita, a 55-year-old Japanese golfer, initially dominated the tournament, setting a new event record by hitting 38 consecutive fairways and leading for most of the competition. However, Richard Bland of England, who recently won the Senior PGA Championship, mounted a strong comeback. Despite starting the final round five shots behind Fujita, Bland surged forward, forcing a playoff with Fujita as both finished at 13-under par. The playoff extended to four holes, with Bland ultimately clinching the victory. This win marks Bland's second consecutive senior major title, highlighting his impressive late-career success.
The John Deere Classic is set to commence on July 4th at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. Defending champion Sepp Straka aims to emulate Steve Stricker's past success, while notable players such as Jordan Spieth, and Sungjae Im are also in the field. Despite being the favorite, Jordan Spieth faces challenges due to his struggles this season. However, his determination and focus on improving his game could see him regain his winning form.
In Europe, the BMW International Open at Golfclub München Eichenried in Munich, Germany, will feature top international golfers, including LIV Golf's Patrick Reed and Thomas Pieters. German legend Bernhard Langer is also confirmed to participate. This tournament, held just before the Scottish Open and The Open, promises to attract a strong field due to its convenient scheduling and significant prize fund.
In lighter news, Charley Hull has gone viral on social media for her unique club twirl during the LPGA's Dow Championship, further cementing her popularity despite not having many wins. Additionally, Greg Norman continues to push LIV Golf's ambitions by attempting to acquire an iconic U.S. Open course, indicating LIV Golf's ongoing efforts to expand its influence in the golfing world.
Overall, it's an exciting time to be a golf fan, with plenty of developments to watch and enjoy this week.
[ Today’s Top Golf Stories ]
Golf Tournaments happening this week
U.S. Senior Open Championship - PGA Tour - Newport Country Club - Newport, RI
The 44th U.S. Senior Open Championship at Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island, concluded in dramatic fashion yesterday after weather delays forced a Monday finish. The tournament was marked by exceptional play, challenging conditions, and a thrilling playoff finale.
Hiroyuki Fujita, a 55-year-old Japanese golfer, dominated the early stages of the tournament, setting a new event record by hitting 38 straight fairways. Fujita opened with an impressive 7-under 63 on Thursday and maintained his lead through most of the tournament. His steady play and sharp short game kept him atop the leaderboard, as he aimed to become the first player from Japan to capture a men's senior major.
However, England's Richard Bland, fresh off his victory at the Senior PGA Championship in May, mounted a strong challenge in the final round. Bland started Sunday five shots behind Fujita but surged with a 4-under 31 on the front nine. The tournament was interrupted on Sunday afternoon due to severe weather, with Fujita holding a three-stroke lead over Bland with eight holes to play.
Play resumed on Monday morning, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. Bland continued his impressive form, ultimately forcing a playoff with Fujita as both players finished regulation play at 13-under par. The playoff was a tense affair, extending to four holes before Bland emerged victorious.
Bland's winning moment came on the difficult par-4 18th hole. His approach shot found the greenside bunker, but he produced a spectacular sand shot that hit the pin and stopped an inch from the hole. Fujita's 20-foot par putt to extend the playoff narrowly missed, allowing Bland to tap in for the championship.
This victory marked Bland's second consecutive senior major title, following his win at the Senior PGA Championship. At 51 years old, Bland's recent success in senior golf adds to a career that has seen a late bloom, including his first DP World Tour win at age 48.
Other notable performances included Australia's Richard Green, who finished in third place at 12-under par. Steve Stricker, the 2019 U.S. Senior Open champion and last year's PGA TOUR Champions Player of the Year, started the final round just two shots back but faded to finish at 10-under par.
John Deere Classic - PGA - TPC Deer Run - Silvis, IL
The 2024 John Deere Classic, a notable PGA Tour event, is set to commence on July 4th at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. This championship golf course, designed by former PGA TOUR professional D.A. Weibring, is renowned for its scenic layout along the wooded ravines of the Rock River.
The John Deere Classic has been an annual fixture since 1971 and has been hosted at TPC Deere Run since 2000. It traditionally takes place the week before The Open Championship, providing a final opportunity for players to qualify for that major tournament.
Sepp Straka, the defending champion, will aim to replicate the success of Steve Stricker, who won three consecutive titles from 2009 to 2011. This year's field includes prominent players such as Patrick Cantlay, the current favorite with 9-1 odds, and Jordan Spieth, a two-time winner with 18-1 odds. Other notable contenders include Sungjae Im and Sepp Straka, both at 20-1 odds, and J.T. Poston, the 2022 champion, considered a promising longshot at 35-1.
TPC Deere Run, a par-71 course stretching 7,256 yards, is celebrated for its natural, rolling landscape and has been ranked among the top public golf courses in the United States by Golf Digest.
According to the SportsLine model, Jordan Spieth might face challenges this year despite his past success, while Davis Thompson, with 30-1 odds, is expected to exceed expectations.
BMW International Open - DP World - Golfclub Munchen Eichenried - Munich, Germany
The BMW International Open is a prominent annual men's professional golf tournament on the European Tour, held in Germany. Established in 1989, the tournament takes place at the Golfclub München Eichenried, located near Munich. This course, known for its high-caliber PGA championship layout, features 27 holes designed by renowned architect Kurt Roßknecht. The course is characterized by its flat and long design, requiring both technical and tactical skill, and includes numerous water obstacles, bunkers, and two half-island greens.
The 2024 BMW International Open marks the 35th edition of the event and will be held from July 3rd to July 7th. This new date, positioned just before the Scottish Open and The Open, is more convenient for top players, making it an attractive addition to their schedules. The tournament will feature a field of top international golfers as well as leading German players, with German golf legend Bernhard Langer already confirmed to participate.
The prize fund for the 2024 tournament is set at $2.5 million, with the winner receiving a significant payout. The event format is stroke play, and the course plays to a par of 72, stretching over 7,284 yards (6,660 meters). The tournament record is held by John Daly, who scored an aggregate of 261 (−27) in 2001.
Golfclub München Eichenried, the venue for the tournament, is celebrated for its meticulous maintenance and high-quality greens, which were completely renewed in 2020. The course offers a challenging and scenic experience, with abundant trees, water-rich fairways, and elegant dry-stone walls.
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