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Planet Golf News for Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Planet Golf News for Tuesday, March 26, 2024

PGN News Team
March 26, 2024

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes from Planet Golf News

Good Morning,

Ah, the world of golf is never dull, right? From spectacular debuts to controversies that make you scratch your head, let’s dive into the latest happenings on the greens this Tuesday morning.

First up, the 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open at the Memorial Park Golf Course has golf aficionados buzzing with excitement this week. With top-tier players like Scottie Scheffler and Tony Finau teeing off, the competition promises some serious fireworks. And how about those Monday qualifiers? Callum McNeill and his crew turned heads, proving once again that dreams do kick off on Mondays!

Over at the LPGA, the Ford Championship presented by KCC in Arizona is turning up the heat with a hefty purse and a lineup that reads like the who's who of women’s golf. Kim Paez's journey from PGA coach to playing among stars like Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko is the kind of story that gives you goosebumps.

Then there’s the Masters, with Scottie Scheffler eyeing another green jacket amidst the Augusta glory. But the buzz isn’t all about victories and birdies. Tiger Woods' slim chances at the Masters and Johnson Wagner's humorous yet unlikely plans to spice up Augusta with golf ball throwing videos remind us of the game's unpredictable charm.

Speaking of unpredictability, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans is bringing a team twist to the PGA TOUR in a few weeks. Rory McIlroy teaming up with Shane Lowry? That's a duo set to make waves, especially with a record $8.9 million purse on the line.

The Galleri Classic on the PGA Tour Champions circuit is where legends like Fred Couples and Ernie Els show they’ve still got game. And it's not just about the competition; it’s a reminder of the impact these tournaments have beyond the course, supporting cancer-related causes.

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy are launching the TGL, a simulator golf league that promises to mix things up with a blend of virtual and real-life golfing prowess. It’s a fresh take that could bring a new audience to the sport.

Now, onto the controversies and commentaries. Peter Malnati’s victory at the Valspar Championship stirred the pot with discussions about the fairness of golf's rules. And then there's the debate over whether the best golfers should face off against each other all the time. It’s a conversation that taps into the essence of what makes golf so compelling — its unpredictability and the chance for underdogs to shine.

Luxury and lifestyle intersect at Panther National in Palm Beach, where golfing meets opulence. And Rachel Heck's decision not to turn pro but rather serve as an Air Force lieutenant and venture into private equity is a powerful reminder that success isn’t just measured by titles or trophies.

In the locker room, we've got stories that hit close to home. Gabby Herzig brings her passion for golf to The Athletic’s readers, while a man’s breakup story during a golf trip reminds us of the game's comforting embrace during tough times. PGA Tour rookie Chandler Phillips shares a candid reflection on the impact of a scary incident on the course, highlighting the emotional rollercoaster professional athletes often ride.

Golf is more than just a game; it’s a mosaic of triumphs, tribulations, and tales that transcend the sport. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or someone who can’t tell a birdie from an eagle, the stories unfolding across these courses remind us why we’re drawn to the drama, the dreams, and the drive to keep swinging.

[Today’s Top 10 Stories In Depth]

[1] 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open

About / Recap

The 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open will be held at the Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston March 28th - March 31st. The event will be televised on Golf Channel and NBC, with streaming available on Peacock and ESPN+. The tournament features top players such as Scottie Scheffler, Wyndham Clark, Tony Finau, Jason Day, and Will Zalatoris.

Odds

Stories

Monday qualifiers: Texas Children's Houston Open

Callum McNeill, Rhein Gibson, Emilio Gonzalez, and Sung Kang qualified for the Texas Children's Houston Open after the Monday qualifiers. McNeill, making his TOUR debut, carded a 6-under 66 to secure his spot. Gibson, Gonzalez, and Kang advanced via a playoff. McNeill's journey to professional golf has been supported by mentors like Hal Sutton, and he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. The qualifiers will now compete in the tournament at Memorial Park.

[2] LPGA Ford Championship presented by KCC

About / Recap

The Ford Championship presented by KCC is the inaugural event on the LPGA Tour with the largest purse so far this season. The tournament is being held at Seville Golf and Country Club in Arizona March 28th - March 31st and features a star-studded field, including top-ranked players like Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko. The winner of the tournament will receive a payout of $337,500, the largest of the season. Viewers can watch the tournament on Sky Sports Golf in the UK and Golf Channel in the US.

Stories

Pep in Her Step: Kim Paez, PGA, Ready for LPGA Debut at Ford Championship

Kim Paez, a PGA Player Development Director for PING and a PGA Coach, has qualified for the 2024 KPMG Women's PGA Championship and received a sponsor's exemption to play in the Ford Championship presented by KCC. Paez is excited for her LPGA debut and is grateful for the opportunities being a PGA of America Golf Professional has provided her. She is focused on improving her mental game and looks forward to playing with the best in the world.

[3] The Masters

About / Recap

World No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler will be in pursuit of his second green jacket when the 2024 Masters tees off at Augusta National Golf Club on Thursday, April 11. Scheffler won the Masters in 2022 and is setting the foundation early in his 2024 season to a return atop the leaderboard. He has six top-10 finishes in seven starts, including a win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational, which has led him to being the favorite in the latest 2024 Masters odds at 5-1.

Odds

2024 Masters odds, field: Surprising PGA picks, predictions from advanced golf model that hit 10 majors

Stories

Tiger Woods' Masters chances look nonexistent as golf icon's return confirmed

Tiger Woods' chances of winning the Masters seem slim as his odds have increased and he has had limited preparation. Despite his previous success, bookies and punters are not confident in his ability to repeat history. Woods' pre-tournament odds have been getting longer, and he is currently listed at 160/1.

There is no way Augusta National will let Johnson Wagner do this, but we wish they would

Johnson Wagner's entertaining golf ball throwing videos during the Players Championship have gained him media attention and praise on Golf Twitter. In a podcast interview, Wagner discusses his plans to create similar videos from the majors, including Augusta National. While aware of the traditional leanings of Augusta National, Wagner humorously suggests creating TV gold from the grounds. The article also mentions Wagner's past success in amateur golf and compares it to Scottie Scheffler's performance in 2024.

[4] 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans

About / Recap

The 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans is a prominent event on the PGA TOUR, scheduled to take place from April 25 to April 28 at TPC Louisiana. This tournament is unique in the PGA TOUR for being a team event, a format that was introduced in 2017. The event has a rich history dating back to 1938 and has seen many golf greats among its past winners, such as Byron Nelson, Jack Nicklaus, and Vijay Singh. TPC Louisiana has been the host venue since 2005, with the exception of 2006 due to Hurricane Katrina.

The tournament employs an alternating-round Four-ball and Foursomes format. The first and third rounds are played as Four-ball, where each player plays their own ball, and the best score on each hole is recorded for the team. The second and final rounds are played as Foursomes, where players alternate shots after the tee shots, which are also alternated between team members on odd and even-numbered holes.

The field consists of 80 teams (160 players), with the top available players from the PGA TOUR Priority Rankings selecting their partners. These partners must have PGA TOUR status unless they are chosen as a tournament sponsor exemption. The event implements a cut after the second round to the low 33 teams and ties. Winners of the Zurich Classic receive FedExCup points, official money, and a two-year winner’s exemption, among other benefits.

For the 2024 edition, the purse totals a record $8.9 million, with each member of the winning team earning $1,286,050 and 400 FedExCup points. Notably, Rory McIlroy, a 24-time PGA TOUR winner including four major titles, will make his debut at the Zurich Classic, teaming up with Shane Lowry, who won The Open Championship in 2019.

Stories

Rory McIlroy to team up with Shane Lowry at 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans

Rory McIlroy will be teaming up with Shane Lowry at the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans. This will be McIlroy's first appearance at the team event, while Lowry has previously played in the tournament. They have been teammates on the last two Ryder Cups but have only played together once. McIlroy's best finish this season was T-19 at the Players Championship, while Lowry has had a pair of top-five finishes.

[5] The Galleri Classic

About / Recap

The Galleri Classic is a prominent golf tournament featured on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, catering specifically to the 50-and-over age group. This event, named after GRAIL's multi-cancer early detection test, has quickly established itself as a significant competition within the golfing community. The 2024 edition of the Galleri Classic is set to take place from March 25 to March 31 at the renowned Mission Hills Country Club, located in Rancho Mirage, California.

The tournament boasts a rich field of competitors, including 78 legends of golf vying for a substantial purse of $2.2 million. Among the notable participants are defending champion David Toms, 2023 tour player of the year Steve Stricker, and 2022 player of the year Steve Alker. The field also includes major champions such as Fred Couples, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh, John Daly, Jim Furyk, Padraig Harrington, Darren Clarke, Retief Goosen, Lee Janzen, Mark O'Meara, Jose Maria Olazabal, Corey Pavin, Jeff Sluman, Mike Weir, and Y.E. Yang, alongside other top players like Colin Montgomerie, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Rocco Mediate, and Joe Durant.

The Galleri Classic is not only a competition but also a charitable event, with proceeds supporting cancer-related causes. The competition unfolds over 54 holes of stroke play, with no cut for the 78-player field, ensuring that all participants play through the entire weekend. The tournament begins on Friday, March 29, and concludes on Sunday, March 31. All three rounds of the tournament are broadcast by Golf Channel.

Stories

Steve Stricker, Fred Couples, Ernie Els among 10 players to watch in Galleri Classic golf tourney

The Galleri Classic golf tournament on the PGA Tour Champions features 10 players to watch, including Steve Stricker, Steven Alker, David Toms, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Stephen Ames, Fred Couples, Ernie Els, John Daly, Retief Goosen, and Joe Durant. These players have had successful seasons and are expected to be contenders in the tournament.

[6] It’s a Simulation

Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy's TGL confirms launch on Tuesday nights beginning January 2025

Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy's TGL simulator golf league will launch in January 2025, with the opening three matches taking place on the first three Tuesdays of the month. The league's facility in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, was initially damaged, causing a one-year delay. The league will feature a 15-match regular season and a best-of-three championship in the postseason. The matches will have a combination of triples and singles format, with players hitting shots into a simulator screen. Several teams and players have committed to participating in the league.

[7] Controversy

Monday Rap: Peter Malnati Continues The Longshot Trend With Some Major Help From The Rules Of Golf

Peter Malnati won the Valspar Championship with the help of a rules advantage, highlighting a flaw in golf's rules. The incident involved a free drop due to an immovable obstruction, which allowed Malnati to improve his playing conditions. The article argues for a change in the rules to prevent such advantages. Additionally, the article mentions Cameron Young's near-miss and Nelly Korda's victory in the LPGA.

[8] Commentary

Do We Really Want The Best Golfers Playing Against Each Other All The Time? I Certainly Don't And I'm Amazed So Many People Do...

The author questions the idea of having the best golfers play against each other all the time, drawing parallels to the failed European Super League in football. They argue that watching tournaments play out naturally, with a mix of players, is more exciting and memorable than manufactured competitions. The author suggests occasional meetings of the best players, including the four Majors, rather than a weekly occurrence. They also highlight the beauty of golf and the importance of appreciating the sport for what it is.

[9] @The Club

Palm Beach’s latest and greatest golf club will set you back $500K

Panther National is a new golf and lifestyle community in Palm Beach County, Florida, created by Dominik Senn and developer Centaur Group. With a focus on modern luxury, the development offers a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, a clubhouse with various amenities, and single-family homes ranging from $4 million to $6 million. The community has seen strong sales, attracting buyers in their mid-50s and celebrities. Panther National aims to be a top golf destination in the United States and Florida.

[10] Golf Dreams

Saying her golf dreams changed, former NCAA champ Rachel Heck isn't turning pro

Rachel Heck, the first woman in Stanford golf history to win an individual NCAA title, has announced that she will not pursue a professional golf career. Instead, she will continue as one of the most decorated female amateur players in history and start a career in private equity after becoming an Air Force lieutenant. Heck reflects on her journey and the decision to step away from professional golf, citing a desire for a different life off the course.

Heard in the Locker Room

Gabby Herzig: Bringing passion for the game to an expanded golf desk

Gabby Herzig, a passionate golfer and advocate for vivid sports journalism, joins The Athletic to cover golf. With a background in competitive golf and experience in sports media, Herzig is excited to contribute to The Athletic's passionate audience with meaningful golf stories. Her love for the game and dedication to ethical journalism make her a valuable addition to the team.

Man dumped while on golf trip, will be ‘looking at putters and drivers’ when back

While on a golf trip in Tampa, a man received a text from his girlfriend breaking up with him and leaving their apartment. Despite the unfortunate news, he plans to continue enjoying his time on the golf course and even mentioned looking at putters and drivers when he returns home. The Reddit community offered supportive messages and some even expressed their intention to buy a club in his honor.

'I wasn't right': Shaken PGA Tour rookie gets candid after scary incident

PGA Tour rookie Chandler Phillips opens up about a scary incident during the Valspar Championship where his shot hit two spectators. Despite achieving his best finish and a significant payday, Phillips was shaken and struggled to concentrate on the tournament. He expressed remorse and concern for the injured spectators, highlighting the emotional toll these incidents can have on players.

Pro sets unwanted Tour mark. But line about the 'drive home' also stands out

Cameron Young reflects on his performance at the Valspar Championship, where he tied for fifth but fell short of his first PGA Tour win. Despite numerous second-place finishes in previous tournaments, Young remains optimistic and focused on improving his game. However, he acknowledges the emotional toll of the competition and the long drive home with his young children.

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