Planet Golf News for Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Defending champion Rickie Fowler, Mr. 59 Cameron Young highlight 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic field, Tiger Woods should play in U.S. Senior Open when ready in 2 years; could make history

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PGN News Team
June 25, 2024 • Reading Time: 19 minutes

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

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Tiger Woods in talks to play new golf event that is being urged to 'make special rules'

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

In an electrifying Monday qualifier for the Rocket Mortgage Classic, the final two spots were clinched after an intense eight-hole playoff. Brandon Berry, Angelo Giantsopoulos, Danny Guise, and Nick Bienz emerged from a nail-biting 5-for-4 playoff. Berry and Guise are seasoned in Monday qualifiers, but it's a fresh start for Giantsopoulos and Bienz, who will be making their PGA TOUR debut. Their journey echoes the inspiring success of Doc Redman, a notable past qualifier.

Nelly Korda's recent string of disappointments has kept her out of the Dow Championship field. After a stellar start to the year with six victories, she's faced three consecutive missed cuts, prompting a hiatus. While her world ranking remains relatively unaffected, her absence raises concerns about her future form. Korda is using this time to regroup and plans to make a strong comeback in the upcoming tournaments.

The PGA Tour Champions are eagerly awaiting Tiger Woods' debut on their circuit. At 48, Woods is nearing eligibility for the senior tour, which he can join at 50. Tour President Miller Brady has hinted at an "ideal" debut for Woods at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship in January 2026, possibly alongside Fred Couples.

The Rocket Mortgage Classic is set to tee off at the Detroit Golf Club from June 27-30. Known for its birdie-friendly layout, the event will see long hitters and skilled putters shine on the par 72, 7,370-yard course. While none of the top 10 players will participate, the field boasts notable names like Tom Kim, Cameron Young, Min Woo Lee, and Akshay Bhatia. Defending champion Rickie Fowler, who clinched last year's title in a thrilling playoff, is also in the mix. Young, fresh from shooting a 59 at the Travelers Championship, and Fowler's experience make them players to watch.

Nick Bienz, a Golf Galaxy employee, secured his first PGA Tour start at the Rocket Mortgage Classic after a marathon playoff, fueled by three beers. Bienz shot a 7-under 65 and triumphed in a 5-for-4 playoff, clinching his spot with a crucial birdie.

The Dow Championship, taking place at Midland Country Club from June 27-30, offers a unique team competition format on the LPGA Tour. Teams of two will compete in alternating rounds of foursomes and four-ball, with no cut, allowing all participants to play the full four days. Notable teams include Lexi Thompson and Brooke Henderson, and Lydia Ko and Danielle Kang. The event promises a fun and competitive atmosphere, with live coverage available on multiple platforms.

The U.S. Senior Open Championship will be held at the historic Newport Country Club from June 27-30. Defending champion Bernhard Langer, alongside notable players like Jim Furyk and Retief Goosen, will compete on a challenging course known for its coastal winds. The tournament offers a significant purse and an exemption to the next year's U.S. Open for the winner.

The 81st Italian Open, taking place at Adriatic Golf Club Cervia from June 27-30, returns to the Emilia-Romagna region after 31 years. Featuring 156 golfers competing over 72 holes, the event boasts a $3,250,000 prize pool. Italian stars Matteo Manassero and Guido Migliozzi are expected to perform well on their home turf, just a month before the Paris Olympics.

The Memorial Health Championship on the Korn Ferry Tour runs from June 24-30 at Panther Creek Country Club. With a competitive field including top players like Ben Kohles and Chan Kim, this event is a crucial stop for golfers aiming to secure their PGA TOUR cards.

The field for the 2024 Paris Olympics golf tournament is set, with notable absentees like Bryson DeChambeau due to his involvement in the LIV Golf League. The U.S. team includes Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Wyndham Clark, and Collin Morikawa. On the women's side, Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, and Rose Zhang will represent Team USA, with Lydia Ko and Momoka Kobori qualifying for New Zealand.

Stay tuned for more updates and exciting developments from the world of golf as these tournaments unfold during the week.

[ Today’s Top Golf Stories ] 

Eight-hole playoff finalizes Monday qualifiers for Rocket Mortgage

In a dramatic Monday qualifier for the Rocket Mortgage Classic, it took eight playoff holes to determine the final two spots. Brandon Berry, Angelo Giantsopoulos, Danny Guise, and Nick Bienz advanced from a 5-for-4 playoff. Berry and Guise have had success in Monday qualifiers before, while Giantsopoulos and Bienz will make their PGA TOUR debut. Doc Redman's success as a Monday qualifier in the past serves as inspiration for these qualifiers.

After Repeated Failures, Is Nelly Korda Playing in the 2024 Dow Championship?

Nelly Korda's recent struggles in golf have led to her absence from the Dow Championship field. After a strong start to the year with six wins, she has faced three consecutive missed cuts in her last three outings. While her absence may not significantly impact her Rolex World Ranking, it raises doubts about her future performance. Korda aims to reset and make a comeback in the upcoming events.

PGA Tour Champions Issues Major Tiger Woods Announcement

PGA Tour Champions is preparing for Tiger Woods' eventual debut on the men's professional senior tour. Woods, currently 48 years old, will become eligible to play PGA Tour Champions events when he turns 50 on December 30, 2025. Tour President Miller Brady has already envisioned Woods' "ideal" debut, suggesting that the Mitsubishi Electric in January 2026 could be his first start, possibly paired with Fred Couples.

Golf Tournaments happening this week

Rocket Mortgage Classic- PGA - Detroit Golf Club - Detroit, MI

The 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic, a PGA Tour event, is set to take place from June 27-30 at the Detroit Golf Club in Detroit, Michigan. This tournament, held on the North Course of the historic club, is known for its birdie-friendly layout, favoring long hitters and strong putters. The course, a par 72 spanning 7,370 yards, has seen winning scores ranging from 18-under to 26-under par since its inception in 2019.

This year's field, while not featuring any of the world's top 10 ranked players, includes several notable contenders. Among the top favorites are Tom Kim, who leads the betting odds at +1200, and Cameron Young, who follows closely at +1400. Other strong contenders include Min Woo Lee and Akshay Bhatia, both at +2000, and Will Zalatoris at +3000.

Cameron Young, in particular, is a standout. He recently shot an impressive 59 at the Travelers Championship and has shown strong performance metrics, including ranking 31st in Driving Distance and 10th in Total Driving. His ability to excel off the tee makes him a formidable competitor at the Detroit Golf Club.

Maverick McNealy is another player to watch. He has been improving steadily, with recent top finishes including a tie for 17th at the Charles Schwab Challenge and a tie for seventh at the RBC Canadian Open. McNealy's enhanced driving accuracy and solid short game could give him an edge in this tournament.

Rickie Fowler, the defending champion, is also in the mix. Fowler won last year's event in a playoff, finishing at 24-under par. His experience and past success at this course make him a potential repeat winner.

Defending champion Rickie Fowler, Mr. 59 Cameron Young highlight 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic field

The 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic field includes defending champion Rickie Fowler and Cameron Young, with a total of 152 spots accounted for. The tournament will feature top-ranked golfers such as Tom Kim, Cameron Young, Chris Kirk, and Rickie Fowler. Previous winners Cam Davis and Nate Lashley will also be returning, along with several major winners. The tournament will be held from June 27-30 at Detroit Golf Club.

2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic Full Field: Three of World Top 30 Heading to Detroit

The 2024 Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit will feature three players from the top 30 of the Official World Golf Ranking: Tom Kim (No. 16), Cameron Young (No. 23), and Akshay Bhatia (No. 29). Rickie Fowler, ranked No. 50, will also be defending his title. The tournament will primarily showcase players aiming to earn points and money for the upcoming FedEx Cup playoffs.

Golf Galaxy employee downs 3 beers, qualifies for PGA Tour debut via marathon playoff

Nick Bienz, an employee at Golf Galaxy, qualified for his first career PGA Tour start at the Rocket Mortgage Classic after downing three beers and participating in a marathon playoff. Bienz shot a 7-under 65 in the open qualifier and found himself in a 5-for-4 playoff. After several playoff holes, Bienz holed a 4-footer for birdie to secure his spot in the tournament.

Dow Championship - LPGA - Midland CC - Midland, MI

The 2024 Dow Championship is set to take place from June 27-30 at the Midland Country Club in Midland, Michigan. This event marks the conclusion of a busy stretch of five consecutive tournaments on the LPGA Tour and offers a unique format compared to traditional stroke play events.

The Dow Championship is a team competition that brings a lighthearted and fun atmosphere to the LPGA Tour. Unlike most tournaments, there is no cut in this event, allowing all teams to compete for the full four days. The format features two-player teams competing in various formats throughout the tournament, adding an exciting dynamic to the competition.

The Midland Country Club, which hosts the event, boasts a championship golf course designed by Ralph Plummer. The course underwent a significant renovation in 2015, offering a challenging layout that stretches to 7,483 yards and features over 50 well-placed bunkers. This setting will provide an excellent test for the world's best female golfers as they compete in teams.

Five Things to Know About the 2024 Dow Championship

The 2024 Dow Championship is a team competition in women's golf that concludes a busy stretch of five consecutive events. The tournament has made changes including a name change, schedule adjustment, increased purse, and expanded field. Teams will compete over 72 holes in alternating rounds of foursomes and four-ball. Featured teams include Lexi Thompson and Brooke Henderson, Celine Boutier and Yuka Saso, Rose Zhang and Alexa Pano, Lydia Ko and Danielle Kang, Charley Hull and Georgia Hall, and Ruoning Yin and Atthaya Thitikul. Previous champions include Jasmine Suwannapura and Cydney Clanton, Ariya and Moriya Jutanugarn, Jennifer Kupcho and Lizette Salas, and Elizabeth Szokol and Cheyenne Knight. Live coverage of the tournament is available on Golf Channel, Peacock, NBC Sports app, and CBS.

Is There a Cut at the 2024 Dow Championship? LPGA Team Event's Unique Format Explored

The Dow Championship is a unique team event in the LPGA Tour where 144 players form 72 teams and compete in a 72-hole stroke play format with alternating rounds of foursomes and four-balls. There will be a cut after 36 holes, and the low 35 teams will move forward to the weekend. The event also features sustainability initiatives, a Pro-Am Tournament, youth programming, and affordable ticket prices.

U.S. Senior Open Championship - PGA Tour - Newport Country Club - Newport, RI

The 44th U.S. Senior Open Championship, a major event in senior golf, will take place from June 27-30, 2024, at the historic Newport Country Club in Newport, Rhode Island. This championship is one of the five major championships in senior golf and is administered by the United States Golf Association (USGA). The tournament is open to both professional and amateur golfers aged 50 and above, although it has historically been dominated by professional players.

Newport Country Club, known for its rich history and challenging course, will host this prestigious event. The club has previously hosted significant tournaments, including the inaugural U.S. Open in 1895 and the U.S. Women's Open in 2006. The course's layout and coastal winds are expected to provide a rigorous test for the senior golfers.

Among the top contenders for the 2024 U.S. Senior Open are several notable names from the PGA Tour Champions. Bernhard Langer, the defending champion from 2023, is a key player to watch. Langer, who has multiple U.S. Senior Open titles, continues to be a formidable competitor in senior golf. Other prominent contenders include Jim Furyk, who won the U.S. Senior Open in 2021 and has a strong track record in major championships, and Retief Goosen, a two-time U.S. Open champion who has transitioned successfully to the senior circuit. Additionally, players like Miguel Ángel Jiménez and Steve Stricker, both of whom have had successful careers on the PGA Tour and have shown strong performances in senior majors, are expected to be in contention.

The U.S. Senior Open not only offers a significant purse but also provides the winner with an exemption into the following year's U.S. Open, adding to the stakes of the competition.

U.S. Senior Open Wildcard is the Weather in Newport 

The U.S. Senior Open at Newport Country Club is hoping for dry and windy weather similar to a recent tournament at Pinehurst. The course, with its varying rough and fescue, relies on rain for water. The forecast for the tournament is mostly sunny with temperatures in the mid-70s and a steady 10-13 mph wind. The weather will heavily influence the outcome of the tournament and the setup of the course.

Fujikura CEO gets ultimate 'bonus' by qualifying for the U.S. Senior Open

Dave Schnider, CEO of Fujikura Composites America, has qualified for the U.S. Senior Open, a major golf tournament. Schnider's qualification is seen as a significant achievement for someone in the golf industry, and he will be playing with his 15-year-old son as his caddie. Schnider's dedication to golf has also benefited his company, as his passion for the sport helps him understand the needs of consumers and contribute to product development. The opportunity to play in the U.S. Senior Open has garnered support and recognition for Fujikura as well.

Italian Open - DP World Tour - Adriatic Golf Club Cervia -Ravenna, Italy

The 81st Italian Open, presented by Regione Emilia-Romagna, is set to take place from June 27 to 30, 2024, at the prestigious Adriatic Golf Club Cervia in Ravenna, Italy. This event marks a significant return of the Italian Open to the Emilia-Romagna region after a 31-year hiatus, with the last edition held in the region being in 1993 in Modena.

The Adriatic Golf Club Cervia offers an exceptional course for the competition, featuring 27 holes spread across nearly 100 hectares bordering the ancient pine forest of Cervia Milano Marittima. The tournament will see 156 professional golfers competing over 72 holes, with 18 holes played each day. The event boasts an impressive prize pool of $3,250,000, highlighting its importance in the golfing calendar.

As part of the DP World Tour, the Italian Open attracts top-tier talent from around the world. The Italian contingent will likely be well-represented, with players such as Matteo Manassero and Guido Migliozzi, both of whom have qualified for the Paris Olympics, expected to participate. Their local knowledge and recent form could make them strong contenders on home soil.

The Italian Open holds particular significance this year as it takes place just one month before the start of the Paris Olympics. This timing makes it a crucial event for players looking to fine-tune their game and potentially secure last-minute Olympic qualification.

Memorial Health Championship pres. by LRS - Korn Ferry Tour - Panther Creek CC - Springfield, IL

The Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS is an upcoming event on the Korn Ferry Tour, scheduled to take place from June 24 to June 30, 2024, at Panther Creek Country Club in Springfield, Illinois. This tournament, which has been a staple on the Korn Ferry Tour since its inception in 2016, is known for its competitive field and significant role in the journey of golfers aiming to secure their PGA TOUR cards.

The event will feature a strong lineup, including three past champions and 20 of the top 30 golfers on the Korn Ferry Tour. Among the top contenders expected to participate are Ben Kohles, who led the 2023 Korn Ferry Tour Points List with two victories and eight top-10 finishes, and Chan Kim, who secured the second spot with two wins and three top-10 finishes. Alejandro Tosti, who finished third on the Points List with one win and ten top-10 finishes, is also a key player to watch. Rico Hoey, known for his strong driving ability, and Ben Silverman, who had a consistent performance throughout the 2023 season, are other notable contenders.

Paris Olympics

Olympics golf 2024 guide: Which players are in the field for Paris?

The field for the 2024 Paris Olympics golf tournament will consist of 60 players, with each nation selecting its two strongest golfers based on the Official World Golf Rankings. Some notable players who have missed out on the competition include Bryson DeChambeau, Cameron Smith, and former Olympic champion Justin Rose. The men's competition will take place from August 1-4, marking the third consecutive Olympic games to include golf since its reintroduction in 2016.

Olympics 2024: Nelly Korda looks to seize 2nd gold medal, set to lead amazing USA golf team

The article discusses the upcoming Olympic Women's Golf Competition at Le Golf National in Paris. Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, and Rose Zhang will represent Team USA, while Jin Young Ko, Amy Yang, and Hyo Joo Kim will represent South Korea. The article provides a list of participants from various countries and their current world rankings.

Meet the 60 players who qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympic women's golf competition in Paris

This document provides a list of the 60 players who have qualified for the 2024 Summer Olympic women's golf competition in Paris. The field includes top-ranked players from various countries and highlights the significance of the tournament and the qualification process.

Golfers Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar qualify for Paris Olympics 2024 - CNBC TV18

Indian golfers Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar have qualified for the Paris Olympics 2024 through world rankings. They join Shubhankar Sharma and Gaganjeet Bhullar to form a four-member Indian team. Aditi will be making her third Olympic appearance, while Diksha will be competing for the second time. The qualification is determined by rankings, with a maximum limit of four golfers allowed from a single country.

Why is Bryson DeChambeau not playing in the Olympics?

Despite his victory at the US Open, Bryson DeChambeau will not be representing the USA in the 2024 Olympic Games. The Olympic Golf Rankings (OGR) determined the four American players based on the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR), and DeChambeau did not make the cut due to his participation in the Saudi-funded LIV Golf League, which was rejected by the rankings board. The four American players heading to the Olympics are Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Wyndham Clark, and Collin Morikawa.

Tommy Fleetwood celebrates a 'proud moment in his career' after making the 2024 GB Golf Olympics team

Tommy Fleetwood, the British golfer, has been selected to represent Great Britain in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. This will be his second Olympics, and he will be competing alongside Matt Fitzpatrick. Fleetwood expressed his pride and excitement for the opportunity. The Olympic Golf event will consist of a 72-hole stroke play competition, with the men's event starting on August 1 and the women's event starting on August 7.

Kiwi golfers Lydia Ko and Momoka Kobori eligible for Olympic selection

New Zealand golfers Lydia Ko and Momoka Kobori have qualified for selection for the Paris Olympics. The 60-player field for the Olympic women's golf competition has been determined, with two players per country unless they are ranked in the top 15, in which case up to four can qualify. Lydia Ko, who won silver in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 and bronze in Tokyo in 2021, will be aiming for her third medal in Paris.

Today’s Best Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Guido Migliozzi: What's in the bag?

Guido Migliozzi, a four-time champion on the DP World Tour, won the historic KLM Open in a three-man play-off. He made several changes to his bag this year, including swapping his four iron for a TaylorMade P-DHY driving iron and switching driver shafts. He used a TaylorMade Qi10 driver, BRNR Mini Driver, P-7MC irons, TaylorMade wedges, and a TaylorMade Spider Tour Z putter for his play-off victory.

This gear constant has propelled Scottie Scheffler to new heights

Scottie Scheffler's switch to the TaylorMade Qi10 driver has played a significant role in his success, with six victories this season. The driver's lower spin rate, launch angle, and consistent spin rates on off-center strikes have contributed to Scheffler's improved accuracy and performance on the course.

Overheard in the Club House

It's a fair question: What keeps pros over 60 staying with the grind on senior circuit?

Many players on the PGA Tour Champions continue to compete despite not needing the money or enjoying the challenges of the profession. They still love to compete and beat each other's brains out. While there is no single answer, their passion for the game and the desire to solve the puzzle of winning a golf tournament are some of the reasons they continue to stay on the senior circuit.

Tiger Woods should play in U.S. Senior Open when ready in 2 years; could make history

Tiger Woods should play in the U.S. Senior Open in two years, as winning the title would make him the most decorated USGA Champion of all time with 10 championships. The PGA Tour Champions allows the use of a cart, which would benefit Woods. His participation would generate high interest from fans and sponsors and could potentially boost the Champions Tour ratings.

Lexi Thompson's inspiring finish, cryptic comments leave us wanting more

Lexi Thompson's inspiring finish at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship leaves us wanting more. Despite a rough start, Thompson battled back with a series of birdies, showcasing her resilience and determination. While she has announced her retirement from full-time play on the LPGA Tour, her recent performance raises questions about a potential reversal of that decision. Overall, Thompson's performance was both inspiring and frustrating, leaving us wondering what could have been.

Tyrrell Hatton’s LIV Golf win could propel him to Open Championship glory at Royal Troon

Tyrrell Hatton's recent win at LIV Golf could be a stepping stone to success at the upcoming Open Championship at Royal Troon. Hatton's victory marked his first professional win in over three years, and his solid performance in recent years, including consistent cuts in majors and top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour, positions him as a contender for a major championship victory. With his previous success on links courses and his strong ball-striking and short game, Hatton is poised for a breakthrough.

The confusing case of Rory McIlroy's golf swing, explained

This article discusses the changes in Rory McIlroy's golf swing and the impact it has on his performance. While his putting has been inconsistent, the focus is on his swing and how it has evolved over the years. The article analyzes the differences in his swing and explores whether these changes matter and if he should consider making adjustments. Despite the debate, it is acknowledged that Rory has the talent and potential to succeed, and minor tweaks to his swing may be beneficial.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

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Latest FedExCup Standings

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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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