Planet Golf News, Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Austin Eckroat secured his first PGA Tour win at the Cognizant Classic, finishing three shots ahead of Erik van Rooyen and Min Woo Lee. Eckroat shot a final round of 4-under 67 to finish at 17-under 267. This victory earns him $1.62 million, tour status for two years, and a spot in the Masters for the first time. The tournament was delayed due to weather, but Eckroat maintained his lead throughout and sealed the win with a solid par on the final hole.

The 2024 Cognizant Classic at PGA National played easier than previous years due to efforts to produce a gentler course. The redesigned No. 10, converted from a par-4 to a par-5, became the easiest hole on the course. The tournament also experienced a rare Monday finish due to heavy rains. Despite the favorable conditions, Austin Eckroat emerged as the winner with a three-stroke lead, but he was aware of the competition from other golfers.

Austin Eckroat and his wife Sally had a life-changing moment at the Cognizant Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Austin, who had never won a PGA Tour event before, secured his first professional win with a comfortable lead on Monday. Sally flew in to support him after a deal they made, and their emotional celebration in front of a modest gallery was a testament to the significance of the victory. Austin's win grants him eligibility for upcoming signature events and a $1.62 million winner's check.

Paul Azinger claims that the PGA Tour has become a feeder tour for LIV Golf, stating that players are trying to prove themselves on the PGA Tour before getting an invitation to LIV. Azinger believes that the PGA Tour has lost its status and is no longer as competitive as it used to be. While there is debate about whether the PGA Tour is truly a feeder tour, the emergence of top players on both tours suggests a more level playing field.

The 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational is set to begin with top players like Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas in contention. Scheffler, the No. 1 ranked player, is the favorite with odds of 6-1, while Thomas is a longshot at 22-1. The SportsLine model, known for its accurate predictions, has surprising picks for the tournament, including Rory McIlroy struggling and Jordan Spieth making a strong run. For more predictions and the full list of odds, visit the source.

LeBron James and Drake have become investors in the PGA Tour, joining a group of celebrity investors that includes the Fenway Sports Group. Their involvement is expected to help expand the audience of the PGA Tour, and they are committing additional capital as strategic investors. This is not the first time both James and Drake have ventured into sports investing, as they have previously invested in AC Milan and other sports teams.

The Masters is introducing a new hospitality offering called "Map and Flag" for fans attending the tournament. Priced at $17,000 for the week, this premium experience will provide access to premium food, drink, and merchandise options. Map and Flag will join Berckmans Place as one of the most exclusive destinations in sports hospitality at Augusta National.

The road to the Masters looks different this year due to various factors, including the scheduling of tournaments, weather conditions, and the emergence of new players. The article highlights the experiences of golfers like Rory McIlroy and Jake Knapp, as well as the impact of LIV Golf and the upcoming Arnold Palmer Invitational and Players Championship. Austin Eckroat emerges as the winner at PGA National, showcasing the rise of young talents in the game. 

Lydia Ko leads the 2024 golf season earnings with $400,123, outpacing competitors Patty Tavatanakit and Nelly Korda. Other notable performers include Hannah Green, Brooke M. Henderson, Alexa Pano, and Rose Zhang. As the season progresses, the battle for the top spot remains intense, with strategic plays and future prospects shaping the narrative of this year's golf season.

Joaquin Niemann, already invited to the Masters, has received a special invitation to compete in the PGA Championship. Niemann, winner of two LIV Golf events, will use the Masters and PGA Championship to boost his ranking for a guaranteed spot in the U.S. Open.

The Air Jordan 9 Golf "Cool Grey" is set to release in Spring 2024. Crafted from premium leather, this stylish golf shoe features gray tones, a white midsole, and a transparent outsole with spikes for improved stability. Available in men's sizes for $230 USD, these shoes offer a blend of elegance and functionality for golfers.

Puma has introduced a limited-edition collection of golf shoes ahead of the Arnold Palmer Invitational tournament. The collection, which pays tribute to the late golf Hall of Famer Arnold Palmer, includes polos, jackets, shorts, caps, visors, and four limited-edition footwear styles. The shoes feature Palmer's signature color scheme, umbrella logo, and ice-tea emblems. Puma athlete Rickie Fowler will be wearing pieces from the collection during the tournament.

Arnold Palmer, known as one of the most iconic figures in professional golf, earned a total of $6,924,319 in prize money throughout his career. However, his lifetime riches primarily came from endorsement deals and business ventures, accumulating an estimated $885 million in earnings. Palmer's contributions to the sport extended beyond playing, as he designed over 300 golf courses and helped launch the Arnold Palmer Invitational and Golf Channel. He is considered the third-highest earner in the history of all sports, behind Tiger Woods and Michael Jordan.

Anthony Kim remains optimistic despite finishing last in the LIV Golf Jeddah tournament. Despite a 6-over 76 score and several unforced errors, Kim sees positives in his performance and believes he can improve quickly. Kim, who returned to professional golf after a long hiatus, plans to share the story behind his absence but has not done so yet.

Babe Zaharias' U.S. Women's Open-winning clubs were sold for $296,246 in an auction, setting a new record. Other notable items sold included James Brown's personal Ping clubs and Titanic Thompson's lost set of clubs. A gold-plated wedge made for Jeff Maggert also fetched a high price.

As the 2024 Blue Bay LPGA approaches, Lilia Vu holds the world No.1 spot in women's golf rankings. The tournament features a stellar field of top athletes, including Nelly Korda, Allisen Corpuz, and Megan Khang. The event also provides a platform for rising stars and veteran challengers, such as Angel Yin and Cheyenne Knight. The outcomes of the tournament will have implications for the season ahead, with players vying for strategic positioning in the rankings and end-of-season honors.

Brandel Chamblee's latest tweet-storm criticizes LIV Golf, focusing on comparing players, discussing Saudi Arabia's treatment of homosexuals and women, and expressing his dislike for the league. Chamblee has been vocal about his opinions on LIV Golf and has engaged in Twitter battles with Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka in the past.

Hannah Green's victory at the HSBC Women's World Championship in Singapore not only earned her a substantial prize of $270,000 but also highlighted the challenges and learning opportunities in golf. Green emphasized the importance of enjoying the sport and persevering through the tough moments. She also emphasized the role of camaraderie and support among professional golfers. Overall, Green's win and reflections serve as a reality check and inspiration for aspiring players in the golfing world.

Grace Charis has stunned fans with her outfit while playing "jungle golf" at the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club in Hawaii. She shared photos of her bold outfit and the beautiful greenery surrounding the course. Fans were more focused on her look than the stunning views, with many complimenting her appearance. Grace is known for wowing her followers on social media and has a large following as a golf influencer.

In a recent interview, Keith Pelley, the outgoing DP World Tour chief executive, discussed various topics including the rebuilding of the tour, the possibility of a global tour, Rory McIlroy's role in LIV Golf, and the Malta meeting with representatives of LIV Golf. Pelley also addressed the relationship with defectors, defended the PGA Tour card policy, expressed admiration for Jay Monahan, and commented on Jon Rahm's future in the Ryder Cup and the impact of LIV Golf on majors.

Shane Lowry's tantrum during the final round of the Cognizant Classic has made him a contender for PGA Tour tantrum of the year. Lowry, who has a love-to-hate relationship with PGA National, expressed frustration after hitting a wayward shot and threw his iron on the ground in anger. Despite being tied for the lead after 36 holes, Lowry finished four shots behind the champion and endured a frustrating final round.

Austin Eckroat won the 2024 Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches using a Ping G430 LST driver, Ping Blueprint T irons, and Ping Glide Pro Forged wedges. He demonstrated accuracy off the tee and on approach shots, ranking highly in strokes gained/off the tee and strokes gained/approach the green. Eckroat also excelled in putting with his Ping Redwood D66 putter.

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

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

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