Planet Golf News for Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Golfers battle weather in first practice round for US Women's Open, LIV pro wins Senior PGA but gets denied customary PGA Tour Champions exemption

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PGN News Team
May 28, 2024

Tuesday, May 28, 2024

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

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Meadow secures late spot in US Women's Open

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

In the latest golf news, Richard Bland's victory at the Senior PGA Championship has stirred significant controversy. Despite his impressive win, the LIV Golf pro was denied the customary exemption onto the PGA Tour Champions circuit due to his association with LIV Golf. This decision has left fans divided, with some praising LIV Golf while others criticize the PGA Tour's stance. Bland’s win highlights the ongoing tension between LIV Golf and traditional golf institutions.

Meanwhile, the RBC Canadian Open is set to captivate golf enthusiasts this week. Hosted at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club, this historic tournament promises exciting action with big names like Rory McIlroy and defending champion Nick Taylor in the mix. Local favorites Corey Conners and Adam Hadwin add to the anticipation, aiming to make a significant impact on home soil. Despite the excitement, significant rainfall has closed spectator access on today (Tuesday), but the event is expected to proceed smoothly with top-tier competition and potential historic moments.

On the women’s side, the U.S. Women's Open presented by Ally is gearing up at the Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania. This year’s championship boasts a stellar lineup, including current world No. 1 Nelly Korda, who is chasing her seventh win of the season and her third career major. The course, known for its challenging layout, will test the skills of seasoned champions like Lydia Ko and Brooke Henderson. Defending champion Allisen Corpuz returns her trophy, reflecting on a memorable year as she prepares to defend her title. The presence of past champions and rising stars promises a thrilling showdown in women's golf.

The Principal Charity Classic in Des Moines, Iowa, and the European Open in Hamburg, Germany, also take center stage this week. The Principal Charity Classic will feature top PGA TOUR Champions players competing to raise funds for Iowa children's charities. The European Open, known for its challenging course and unique attractions, sees top contenders like Rikuya Hoshino and Rasmus Hojgaard vying for the title. These tournaments offer a mix of competitive play and community-focused initiatives, adding to the rich tapestry of this week’s golf events.

In other news, the Korn Ferry Tour’s UNC Health Championship in Raleigh, North Carolina, is another highlight, offering aspiring golfers a chance to earn their PGA TOUR cards. The challenging Raleigh Country Club course promises to deliver an exciting contest as players strive to make their mark.

On a lighter note, Brooks Koepka's wife, Jena Sims, shared an amusing story about how their romance began at the 2015 Masters, bringing a touch of personal charm to the golf world. Meanwhile, Bryson DeChambeau delighted fans with a hilarious sock-giving incident during a putting contest in Australia, showcasing the lighter side of competitive golf.

[ Today’s Top Stories ] 

LIV pro wins Senior PGA but gets denied customary PGA Tour Champions exemption

Richard Bland, a player from LIV Golf, won the 2024 Senior PGA Championship but was denied the customary exemption onto the PGA Tour Champions circuit. Despite his victory, Bland is still barred from playing in Tour-affiliated events due to his status as a LIV golfer.

Golf Tournaments happening this week

RBC Canadian Open - Hamilton, ON

The upcoming RBC Canadian Open is set to take place from May 30 to June 2, 2024, with practice rounds beginning on May 28. This prestigious event will be held at the Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ontario, marking the seventh time the tournament has been hosted at this historic venue. The RBC Canadian Open is the third oldest continually running tournament on the PGA TOUR, after The Open Championship and the U.S. Open.

The notable players participating in the 2024 RBC Canadian Open include Rory McIlroy, who is currently ranked world No. 2. Nick Taylor, the defending champion, will also be competing as he aims to retain his title. Additionally, Canadian players Corey Conners and Adam Hadwin will be part of the field, adding significant local interest to the event.

The First Look: RBC Canadian Open

The RBC Canadian Open returns to the Hamilton Golf and Country Club, where Nick Taylor became the first Canadian to win in 69 years. The tournament offers a chance for Canadian golfers to make history by winning back-to-back years. The event is also important for players to earn points in the Aon Swing 5 and qualify for The Open Championship. The course has undergone renovations since the last tournament, and notable players like Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott will be participating.

Lowry & McIlroy look set for another RBC Canadian Open title battle in Hamilton

Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are favored to compete for the RBC Canadian Open title in Hamilton. McIlroy, a two-time winner, and Lowry, the runner-up in the previous edition, have been in good form recently. Both players have a strong chance of winning the tournament, which will be held at Hamilton Golf and Country Club.

‘Significant rainfall’ closes Tuesday spectator access at RBC Canadian Open

Due to significant rainfall, the Hamilton Golf and Country Club will be closed to spectators on Tuesday for the RBC Canadian Open. Environment Canada predicts up to 25 millimetres of rain on Monday and Tuesday.

U.S. Women's Open pres. by Ally - Lancaster, PA

The 79th edition of the U.S. Women’s Open, the longest-running major championship in women’s golf, is set to begin on Thursday at Lancaster Country Club in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. With a substantial purse of $12 million and Ally as the presenting sponsor, this year's championship promises thrilling competition and notable storylines.

This year’s U.S. Women’s Open boasts a stellar field of 156 players, including many past major champions. Nelly Korda, the two-time major winner and current Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings No. 1, is aiming for her seventh win of the 2024 season. She is joined by other major champions such as Celine Boutier, Ashleigh Buhai, Brooke Henderson, Lydia Ko, and Hannah Green. Green, the only other multiple winner on the LPGA Tour this season, will be competing following victories at the HSBC Women’s World Championship and the JM Eagle LA Championship.

The competition also includes eight past U.S. Women’s Open champions like Brittany Lang, Ariya Jutanugarn, and Jeongeun Lee. Notably, In Gee Chun, who won the Open when it was last held at Lancaster in 2015, returns with a strong connection to the community, having established an educational foundation that supports local scholarships.

Nearly 1,900 entries were received for this year's championship, with just over 60 players advancing from 26 qualifying sites. Noteworthy qualifiers include Gabi Ruffels, who enters her fifth U.S. Women’s Open after top-three finishes on the LPGA Tour, and Lucy Li, who first competed in the Open at just 11 years old. Other qualifiers like Moriya Jutanugarn, Sydnee Michaels, and Caroline Masson also secured their spots through rigorous 36-hole qualifiers.

The course, designed by William Flynn, presents a complete test of golf with varied par 4s, distinct par 3s, and two par 5s. The course will play to 6,583 yards and a par 70, with significant changes from 2015, including a lengthened par-5 13th hole and four new bunkers.

Allisen Corpuz, who became a major champion with her victory at the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open at Pebble Beach, will defend her title. Despite struggling to match her major-winning form this year, Corpuz has had some notable finishes, including a runner-up spot shortly after her victory and a tie for sixth at the AIG Women’s Open.

Nelly Korda arrives at Lancaster Country Club in pursuit of her seventh win of the year and her third career major. Korda has been dominant this season, winning the Chevron Championship and the Mizuho Americas Open. Her precision in hitting fairways and greens, combined with leading statistics in greens in regulation and scoring average, makes her a formidable contender. This will be Korda’s 10th U.S. Women’s Open, though she did not compete at Lancaster in 2015.

"Thanks for a great year" - Defending champion Allisen Corpuz returns the U.S. Women's Open trophy

Allisen Corpuz returns her U.S. Women's Open trophy, thanking everyone for a great year. The trophy must be returned before the start of the next edition of the event. Corpuz's victory in the 2023 U.S. Women's Open at Pebble Beach was her biggest triumph to date, and she finished with a three-stroke lead over Charley Hull and Jiyay Shin.

Nelly Korda Faces Mental Challenge at U.S. Women’s Open

Nelly Korda faces a mental challenge as she aims to win her second straight major at the U.S. Women's Open. She is the overwhelming favorite, but will have to fight the nerves and mental pressure that come with wanting to win so badly. Korda has been in great form, winning multiple tournaments this year and ranking highly in key statistics. However, her driving accuracy could be a challenge on the tough course. The conversation around her potentially winning the grand slam adds to the mental distractions. The U.S. Open will test both her physical and mental skills.

LPGA star Lexi Thompson to reach unique milestone at the US Women’s Open

LPGA star Lexi Thompson is on the verge of reaching a unique milestone at the U.S. Women's Open. With her 18th consecutive start at the event, she will achieve this mark before turning 30. Thompson has had an impressive career, being the youngest player to reach multiple milestones on the LPGA Tour and achieving success at a young age. She has made 12 cuts and had five Top 10 finishes in her previous appearances at the U.S. Women's Open, with her best result being second place in 2019.

Kemp makes it six Aussie golfers at Women's US Open

Sarah Kemp has been added as a late entry, making it six Australian golfers competing in the Women's US Open. Hannah Green and Minjee Lee will lead the Australian challenge, with Gabriela Ruffels, Steph Kyriacou, and Keeley Marx also participating.

Stephanie Meadow: Northern Irishwoman handed late US Women's Open spot

Stephanie Meadow, a golfer from Northern Ireland, has secured a late entry into the US Women's Open. This will be her eighth appearance in the tournament. Meadow narrowly missed out on qualifying earlier this month but has now been given one of four alternative spots. She will join other Irish players in the field, including Leona Maguire and Aine Donegan.

Principal Charity Classic - Des Moines, IA

The upcoming Principal Charity Classic golf tournament will take place from May 29 to June 2, 2024, at the Wakonda Club in Des Moines, Iowa. This annual PGA TOUR Champions event, sponsored by Principal Financial Group, aims to raise funds for Iowa children's charities, focusing on education, health, financial security, and stability.

The tournament features an 81-player field competing in a 54-hole stroke play format with a total purse of $2 million, awarding $300,000 to the winner. The event includes a Pre-Qualifier on May 24 and an Event Qualifier on May 28, both held at the Veenker Memorial Golf Course in Ames, Iowa.

The 2023 champion was Stephen Ames, who won with a score of -17.

European Open - Hamburg, Germany

The 2024 European Open, part of the DP World Tour, will take place from May 30 to June 2 at the Porsche North Course at Green Eagle Golf Courses in Hamburg, Germany. This marks the 41st edition of the tournament and the seventh consecutive year it will be held at this venue. The course is known for its length, measuring 7,882 yards, and is considered one of the most challenging in professional golf due to its undulating greens and numerous water hazards.

The tournament follows a standard stroke play format over 72 holes, with a cut after the first 36 holes. The player with the lowest score over four rounds will be declared the winner. The event is notable for its unique attractions, including a 40-meter-high Ferris wheel and a Porsche automobile prize for a hole-in-one on the 17th hole.

The field will feature several prominent players, including Japan's Rikuya Hoshino and Sweden's Jesper Svensson, who are currently second and third in the Race to Dubai Rankings, respectively. Other notable participants include Rasmus Hojgaard and 2016 Masters Champion Danny Willett. Last year's champion, Tom McKibbin, will also return to defend his title.

The winner of the European Open will receive $340,000 from a total purse of $2.5 million, along with 3,000 points in the Race to Dubai.

UNC Health Championship pres. by STITCH - Korn Ferry - Raleigh, NC

The UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH is an upcoming golf tournament on the Korn Ferry Tour. It will take place from May 30, 2024, to June 2, 2024, at the Raleigh Country Club in Raleigh, North Carolina. This event is part of the Korn Ferry Tour, which is a developmental tour for the PGA TOUR. The tournament will feature daily competitions over the course of four days, showcasing talented golfers aiming to secure their PGA TOUR cards. The Raleigh Country Club, known for its challenging course designed by Donald Ross, will host the event.

Today’s Best Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Minjee Lee WITB For 2024 U.S. Women's Open: Australian Pro's Golf Bag Explored

Minjee Lee, an Australian golfer, has made a switch to Callaway clubs for the 2024 U.S. Women's Open. Her bag now includes a Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Driver, Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond Fairway Wood, Callaway Paradym Ai-Smoke Hybrid, Callaway Apex CB Irons, Callaway Chrome Tour Ball, Callaway Jaws Raw Wedges, and Odyssey Ai-One Milled Two T Putter. Lee is confident in her new equipment and hopes it will help her perform well in the upcoming championship.

Air Jordan 14 Golf “Oxidized Green” Releases Spring 2025

The Air Jordan 14 Golf "Oxidized Green" will be released in Spring 2025. This popular colorway, originally worn by Michael Jordan during his final championship season, has been adapted for the golf course with upgrades such as a ribbed stitched upper and a golf-ready spike plate. The shoes feature the classic Jumpman branding and "23" on the heels, with Oxidized Green accents. Stay tuned for more updates on the release date and retail price.

Overheard in the Locker Room

Brooks Koepka's Wife Exposes Golf's DM Drama and Romance

Brooks Koepka's wife, Jena Sims, reveals the story of their romance, including how they met at the 2015 Masters and how she initiated contact by sliding into his DMs. Sims defends her actions and shares that other women golfers have done the same. The couple celebrated their two-year anniversary in May 2020 and got engaged a year later. Sims also expresses her aspirations to become a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit rookie.

"I lost my socks in a putting contest": Bryson DeChambeau shares hilarious interaction with Aussie fans

Bryson DeChambeau shares a hilarious interaction with fans in Australia during a putting contest, where he promised to give his socks if he missed a putt. True to his word, he gave his socks to a fan after narrowly missing the putt. DeChambeau praised Aussie fans and his video of the incident gained significant views. He then performed well at the PGA Championship but narrowly lost to Xander Schauffele. DeChambeau is now preparing for the U.S. Open and using YouTube videos for guidance.

Will Rory McIlroy Have to Give Up TGL & Boston Common Golf to Wife Erica Amid Alimony & Settlement Talks?

Rory McIlroy's divorce from his wife Erica Stoll raises questions about the division of assets, including his ownership of the tech-infused league TGL. If the court deems their prenuptial agreement valid, McIlroy will likely keep most of his wealth, including shares and assets. However, if the prenup is not upheld, he may have to divide his assets, including business interests. Reports suggest McIlroy may give his former mansion to Stoll for the sake of their daughter, Poppy.

To those finally examining police overreach due to Scottie Scheffler's arrest: Welcome

The arrest of golfer Scottie Scheffler has sparked widespread outrage and scrutiny of police overreach, particularly within the Louisville Metro Police Department. Video footage of the arrest has raised suspicions about the incident, with Scheffler's lawyer maintaining his client's innocence. The arresting officer has been disciplined for not activating his body camera, a policy implemented after the shooting of Breonna Taylor. This incident has prompted a broader conversation about police culture, abuses, and the need for accountability and transparency.

Go ahead and roll your eyes, but please remember these helpful tips to avoid skin cancer

To avoid skin cancer, choose sunscreen with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, apply a physical blocker, check clothing for high UPF, reapply sunscreen every two hours, protect your lips, consider playing golf early or late in the day, cover your hands and ears, and get regular check-ups with a dermatologist. Here are some recommended sunscreens for golf.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

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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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