Planet Golf News for Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Is this week’s Solheim Cup a must-win for Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson, and Team USA? | 2024 Individual Championship concludes in Chicago | U.S. Presidents Cup duo takes favorite status into Procore Championship

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PGN News Team
September 10, 2024 • Reading Time: 19 minutes

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

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Former President Barack Obama a surprise guest at U.S. Solheim Cup team dinner

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

It's shaping up to be an exceptionally busy week in the world of golf, with significant events happening across multiple tours. The 2024 Solheim Cup is in full swing, and Team USA is under pressure, especially for stars like Nelly Korda and Lexi Thompson. This is a crucial event for the American team, which hasn’t won since 2017. Lexi, in what could be her last Solheim Cup, alongside other top players like Korda and Lilia Vu, must lead their team against a strong European lineup. With Europe dominating in recent years, this event feels like a must-win for Team USA to reassert its prowess.

At the same time, the PGA Tour season kicks off its FedExCup Fall series with the Procore Championship at Silverado Resort in Napa, California. Sahith Theegala returns as the defending champion, with players like Max Homa and Wyndham Clark also in the field, eager to rack up FedExCup points for the 2025 season. For many, this is an important opportunity to solidify their PGA Tour status, so the stakes are high.

Meanwhile, the LIV Golf Chicago event will be the focus of intense individual competition, with Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann battling for the season-long individual championship. The event will not only determine the 2024 LIV Golf League champion but also finalize seedings for the upcoming Team Championship. The course selection has sparked some debate, but the $25 million purse ensures the pressure will be on for every player in the field.

And over in Northern Ireland, the DP World Tour’s Amgen Irish Open is setting the stage for some thrilling golf at Royal County Down. Rory McIlroy, seeking his second Irish Open victory, leads a stellar field that includes Shane Lowry and Pádraig Harrington. This iconic venue, often hailed as one of the best in the world, will present a beautiful yet challenging test for the golfers, all competing for a substantial $6 million purse.

Even the Korn Ferry Tour is joining the action with the Simmons Bank Open at Vanderbilt Legends Club. This event marks a crucial playoff stop where players are battling for one of the coveted 30 PGA Tour cards available for the 2025 season.

Golf might be competing with the NFL for viewership this week, but with so many high-stakes tournaments and thrilling storylines, fans of the sport are in for a treat. Whether it's the Solheim Cup's dramatic rivalry, LIV Golf’s season-ending intensity, or Rory McIlroy aiming for another Irish Open title, golf fans won’t want to miss a second.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Is this week’s Solheim Cup a must-win for Nelly Korda, Lexi Thompson, and Team USA?

The Solheim Cup is crucial for Team USA, facing pressure as they haven't won since 2017 and Lexi Thompson is making her final appearance. With top players like Nelly Korda and Lilia Vu, the U.S. team must leverage their talent against a historically successful European team. The Americans have a poor Solheim Cup record, making this tournament a must-win for them.

Why is Golf Trying to Compete With the NFL

Golf tournaments like the Solheim Cup, LIV Golf, and the PGA Tour face challenges competing against the NFL, which draws significantly larger audiences. Despite golf's established seasons, scheduling conflicts with NFL games raise questions about viewership potential. Adjustments have been made to golf event timings, but the disparity in audience numbers suggests that competing directly with the NFL may not be a strategic move for golf organizations.

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

Procore Championship - PGA Tour - Silverado Resort and Spa - Napa, CA

The event, marking the kickoff of the 2024 FedExCup Fall season on the PGA Tour, will be held from September 12-15 at the Silverado Resort—North Course. Formerly known as the Fortinet Championship, this tournament will feature a field of 144 players, reduced from 174 in the previous year.

Sahith Theegala returns as the defending champion, having secured his first PGA Tour victory at this event in 2023. The field also includes notable participants such as Presidents Cup members Mackenzie Hughes, Wyndham Clark, Max Homa, and Min Woo Lee.

The Procore Championship holds particular significance for many PGA Tour professionals as they aim to improve their standings and secure their positions for the 2025 season. This event offers a crucial opportunity for players to earn FedExCup points and potentially enhance their tour status for the upcoming year.

The First Look: Procore Championship

The Procore Championship marks the start of the 2024 PGA TOUR's FedExCup Fall, taking place at Silverado Resort in Napa, California. This event allows players to secure or improve their TOUR status for the 2025 season, with the top 125 retaining exempt status. Defending champion Sahith Theegala and notable competitors like Max Homa and Wyndham Clark will participate. The tournament features a revamped course layout and offers 500 FedExCup points to the winner. Coverage will be available on Golf Channel and PGA TOUR LIVE.

After missing deadline to register, Mark Hubbard Monday qualifies for Procore Championship

Mark Hubbard qualified for the Procore Championship after missing the registration deadline by 23 minutes. He secured his spot with a 7-under 65 at the Monday qualifier, joining Cole Sherwood, Sangmoon Bae, and Sam Choi. Despite recent challenges, Hubbard expressed pride in his recovery and preparation, emphasizing the significance of the event for him personally and professionally.

Procore Championship Videos

Solheim Cup - LPGA - Robert Trent Jones Golf Club - Gainesville, VA

The 2024 Solheim Cup is set to begin on Friday at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia. This marks the 19th edition of the prestigious women's golf competition between the United States and Europe. The event will bring together the world's best female golfers for three days of intense competition, concluding on Sunday, September 15.

As of the latest update, the United States holds a 10-8 advantage over Europe in overall Solheim Cup competition. However, Europe retained the Cup in the 2023 edition after a 14-14 tie at Finca Cortesin in Spain.

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, located just 35 miles west of Washington D.C., is hosting its first major women's competition, having previously hosted four Presidents Cup tournaments. Golf enthusiasts and fans alike are eagerly anticipating this exciting event in the world of women's professional golf.

NBC Sports hits home run with scheduled wall-to-wall Solheim Cup TV coverage

NBC Sports will provide extensive coverage of the Solheim Cup, featuring live broadcasts of every match and shot, marking a significant moment for women's golf. The tournament, taking place at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, showcases top players from the USA and Europe, with the American team led by Nelly Korda and Lilia Vu, while the Europeans are led by Celine Boutier and Charley Hull. The full television schedule includes coverage on Golf Channel and NBC from September 13 to 15, 2024.

Rich History of International Competition at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club

Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, known for its rich history in international golf competitions, was established by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones, who considered it his favorite design. The club has hosted significant events like the Presidents Cup and is now the venue for the Solheim Cup. The course has undergone renovations to adapt to modern golfing standards while maintaining its original character, making it a premier location for showcasing top-level women's golf.

Nobody is enjoying Solheim Cup week more than this U.S. rookie

The 2024 Solheim Cup features the top 12 American and European women golfers competing at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. Rookie Sarah Schmelzel, who has had a strong season with seven top-10 finishes, is making her debut. The event follows a historic tie in 2023 and sees returning captains Stacy Lewis and Suzann Pettersen. Schmelzel is excited about the fan atmosphere and has ideas for American fan costumes to enhance the experience.

Five Things to Know About the 2024 Solheim Cup

The 2024 Solheim Cup features a rematch between the U.S. and European teams after their 2023 tie. This biennial competition showcases the best female golfers, with the U.S. leading in overall victories. The event will be held from September 13-15, 2024, at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia, using a match play format. The teams consist of 12 players each, selected through a qualification process, with both captains returning from the previous year. The Europeans aim for a fourth consecutive win, while the U.S. seeks to resolve unfinished business from the last match.

2024 Solheim Cup: Ranking the Rookies in Team USA & Europe by Wins, GIR, Driving Distance, & More

The 2024 Solheim Cup will feature rookies Lauren Coughlin and Sarah Schmelzel from Team USA, and Esther Henseleit from Europe. Coughlin leads with two wins this year, while Henseleit excels in Greens in Regulation (GIR) and driving distance. Coughlin has the highest career earnings among the rookies, but the tournament will ultimately determine their impact on the teams.

Solheim Cup 2024: Suzann Pettersen happy for Team Europe to be 'underdogs' ahead of facing Team USA

Suzann Pettersen expresses her satisfaction with Team Europe being considered the underdogs ahead of the Solheim Cup 2024 against Team USA.

Junior Solheim Cup kicks off, the 13th edition

The 13th edition of the PING Junior Solheim Cup will occur on September 9-10, 2024, at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia, featuring under-18 teams from Europe and the USA. The tournament includes six fourball matches and six foursomes on the first day, followed by twelve singles matches on the second day. The US team has historically dominated the event, but the last two matches were won by the European team. The Solheim Cup is a biennial tournament established in 1990, mirroring the Ryder Cup format.

Solheim Cup Videos

Sanford International - PGA Tour Champions - Minnehaha CC - Sioux Falls, SD

The Sanford International PGA Tour Champions event kicks off at Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls, South Dakota Friday. This marks the 7th year of the tournament, which runs thru Sunday.

The event features some of the best professional golfers in the sport, competing for a two-million-dollar purse. Three-time champion Steve Stricker has officially committed to participating in this year's tournament. Stricker, who won the inaugural event in 2018 and has been the defending champion for the past two years, is currently ranked sixth in the Charles Schwab Cup standings.

LIV Golf Chicago - LIV - Bolingbrook Golf Club - Bolingbrook, IL

Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming LIV Golf Chicago event at Bolingbrook Golf Club in Bolingbrook, Illinois. This tournament, scheduled for September 13-15, will serve as the 2024 LIV Golf League Individual Championship and is the penultimate event of the season.

The event carries high stakes for the participants, as it will determine the 2024 LIV Golf League Individual Champion and finalize positions in the individual standings. Additionally, the tournament will set the seedings for the 2024 Team Championship, adding another layer of importance to the competition.

LIV Golf's roster boasts 14 major champions, including notable names such as Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, and Phil Mickelson. The competition is expected to be fierce, with players vying not only for the individual title but also for roster spots in the 2025 season.

However, the choice of Bolingbrook Golf Club as the venue has stirred some controversy in the golf world. Critics have questioned whether the course, which has limited experience hosting professional events, will provide sufficient challenge for the elite field. This has led to debates about the integrity of the competition and LIV Golf's course selection criteria.

As the golf world turns its attention to Bolingbrook, all eyes will be on the players as they compete for the $25 million purse and the prestigious individual championship title.

Despite Bubba Watson’s 2024 Slump, It’s Dustin Johnson Who Is Under Danger at LIV Chicago

Despite Bubba Watson's struggles in the 2024 LIV Golf season, he is safe from relegation due to his captaincy. In contrast, Dustin Johnson's team, 4Aces GC, faces pressure as two of its members, Pat Perez and Harold Varner III, have not achieved top-10 finishes and risk being dropped. The upcoming LIV Golf Chicago event will be crucial for these golfers to secure their positions for the next season.

2024 Individual Championship concludes in Chicago

The 2024 LIV Golf Individual Championship in Chicago, taking place from September 13-15, will determine the season-long individual title between Jon Rahm and Joaquin Niemann, along with final team seedings and Lock Zone placements for 2025. Rahm leads Niemann by a narrow margin, with various scenarios affecting their chances for the title. Additionally, players ranked 49th or below face relegation, while the top three teams will earn byes for the upcoming Dallas Team Championship.

Amgen Irish Open - DP World - Royal Country Down GC - Newcastle, Northern Ireland

The 2024 Amgen Irish Open is set to tee off beginning Thursday at the prestigious Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle, Northern Ireland. This DP World Tour event has attracted a stellar field, headlined by Northern Ireland's own Rory McIlroy, who is seeking his second Irish Open victory.

The tournament boasts a significant purse of $6 million, with the winner set to receive $1,020,000. This represents the largest prize for a non-Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour this season.

Royal County Down, ranked as Golf Digest's Number One Golf Course in the World four times since 2007, is expected to provide a formidable challenge for the world-class field. The course is renowned for its stunning setting, with the tournament playing out against the backdrop of the rugged Mourne Mountains and the golden shores of the Irish Sea.

Other notable players in the field include Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington, Séamus Power, and rising star Tom McKibbin. The defending champion is Sweden's Vincent Norrman.

Rory McIlroy targets another Irish Open: ‘It would be up there with one of the biggest wins that I've had’

Rory McIlroy aims to win his second Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Down, considering it one of the most meaningful victories of his career. He reflects on past performances, the support from Northern Ireland fans, and his desire to improve his game after a busy year. McIlroy has won three tournaments this year and hopes to refine his technique with coach Michael Bannon. He also expresses the importance of uniting top golfers and looks forward to upcoming events, including an exhibition match in Las Vegas.

Meet the 11 Irish teeing it up in Royal County Down

Eleven Irish golfers will compete in the Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Down, seeking a home victory since Rory McIlroy's win in 2016. Notable players include McIlroy, Shane Lowry, and Pádraig Harrington, each with unique histories and aspirations for the tournament. The event marks a significant opportunity for both seasoned professionals and newcomers, including amateur Max Kennedy and Seán Keeling, as they aim to make their mark in this prestigious competition.

Irish Open: Royal County Down will test Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry; offer golf fans terrific viewing

The Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Down will feature top players like Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, showcasing a challenging course known for its beauty and unpredictability. The event promises thrilling golf as players navigate the stunning yet difficult layout, with various scoring opportunities and obstacles. Fans can watch the tournament on Golf Channel and NBC Sports App from September 12 to 15, 2024.

Simmons Bank Open - Korn Ferry Tour - Vanderbilt Legends Club - Franklin, TN

The golf world is eagerly anticipating the upcoming Simmons Bank Open, a Korn Ferry Tour event set to take place at the Vanderbilt Legends Club in Franklin, Tennessee. The tournament is scheduled for September 12-15, 2024, marking a significant change in venue and timing for this prestigious event.

This year's tournament represents the beginning of a new five-year partnership between Vanderbilt University and the Korn Ferry Tour. The event will be played on the North Course at Vanderbilt Legends Club, keeping the Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation in the Middle Tennessee area, where it has been held since its inception in 2016.

The move to Vanderbilt Legends Club is part of a larger effort to enhance the tournament's profile and impact. As a Korn Ferry Tour Finals event, players will compete for increased purses and points, with the ultimate goal of securing one of 30 PGA TOUR cards available based on the season-long points race.

Simmons Bank Open to Take Place at Vanderbilt Legends Club

The Simmons Bank Open will take place at Vanderbilt Legends Club from September 12-15, 2024, featuring top golfers competing for PGA Tour spots. The event, part of the Korn Ferry Tour playoffs, aims to raise funds for local charities and includes various ticket options and fan engagement activities. Since its inception, the tournament has raised over $850,000 for local causes, with a focus on community involvement and entertainment.

Presidents Cup (9/26-9/29)-PGA - The Royal Montreal Golf Club - LLe Bizard, PQ

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to serves as honorary chairman at Presidents Cup

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will serve as honorary chairman at the Presidents Cup, held at Royal Montreal Golf Club. He emphasizes the unifying power of sports and encourages Canadians to celebrate the tournament. The event continues a tradition started in 1994, with former leaders like Gerald R. Ford and Stephen Harper having previously held the position. Canadian Mike Weir will captain the International team, while Jim Furyk will lead the U.S. team.

Next Year: The Ryder Cup

Fact or Fiction: Jon Rahm's Legacy Is Now All About the Ryder Cup, Not LIV Golf

Jon Rahm's legacy is increasingly tied to his performance in the Ryder Cup rather than LIV Golf, as success in the Ryder Cup could solidify his status alongside legends like Seve Ballesteros and Sergio Garcia. Continued participation and success in the Ryder Cup are essential for Rahm to enhance his legacy, especially as he navigates his career within LIV Golf.

Matt Wallace aims to qualify for the 2025 Ryder Cup after winning European Masters

Matt Wallace aims to qualify for the 2025 Ryder Cup after winning the Omega European Masters, marking his first victory in six years. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining momentum and focusing on upcoming tournaments to secure his spot on the team, currently ranking first in Ryder Cup points for Team Europe. Wallace reflects on his playoff experience and the need for a strong mindset to capitalize on opportunities.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

Overheard in the Club House

6 LIV Golf stars facing relegation from breakaway league as brutal dumping looms

Six LIV Golf players, including Pat Perez and Harold Varner III, face potential relegation from the league due to poor performance as the regular season concludes. Their futures depend on strong showings in upcoming events to avoid dropping out of the league for 2025.

Norman sent brutal reminder to LIV stars as dumping from breakaway league looms

Greg Norman emphasizes the competitive atmosphere within LIV Golf as players fear losing their spots amid ongoing changes and potential relegation. He highlights the urgency for current players to maintain their positions due to new opportunities for incoming talent, while also noting that franchises can negotiate with players from other tours.

$18K Jason Day Move Sends Golf Fans Into Frenzy as Once Ridiculed Move Turns Into a ‘Class Act’

Jason Day's controversial vest worn during the Masters auctioned for $18,000, with Day matching the bid for charity. Initially ridiculed for his attire, Day's actions have shifted public perception, showcasing his commitment to helping children in need and earning praise for his sportsmanship.

Bubba Watson could be 'kicked out' of LIV Golf after failing to find form

Bubba Watson faces uncertainty in his future with LIV Golf as his three-year contract ends in 2025 and he has struggled with form. LIV CEO Greg Norman acknowledged the pressure on Watson, who needs to perform well in upcoming events to secure a playing extension.

Latest Official World Golf Ranking

Click HERE for the latest Official World Golf Ranking

Latest FedExCup Standings

Click HERE for the latest Official World Golf Ranking

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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