Planet Golf News for Tuesday, September 17, 2024

DP World Tour reject LIV Golf's offer to pay Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton fines | Which Solheim Cup Stars Are Playing On The LPGA Tour This Week?

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

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Rory McIlroy turns attention to BMW PGA Championship after near-miss on home soil at Amgen Irish Open

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Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

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Golf World Round-Up: O'Meara's Retirement, LIV Drama, and Tournament Previews

There’s plenty of buzz in the golf world this week, starting with a legendary figure announcing his retirement and moving through exciting updates on upcoming tournaments. Let’s dive in!

First off, a bittersweet moment for golf fans everywhere: Hall of Famer Mark O'Meara has announced his retirement from professional golf. O'Meara, best known for his incredible victories at the 1998 Masters and The Open Championship, is set to hang up his clubs after the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach. The choice of Pebble Beach is fitting since he boasts five wins there. His retirement marks the end of a remarkable career, and his legacy will continue to inspire both seasoned golfers and young hopefuls alike.

In the LIV Golf realm, tensions remain high as LIV attempted to strike a deal with the DP World Tour. The aim was to alleviate fines imposed on players, notably Jon Rahm. However, the tour declined, choosing to uphold its strict rules. The fallout complicates relationships, particularly as the DP World Tour maintains its close alliance with the PGA Tour. Rahm's appeals to participate in key events, including the Ryder Cup, highlight the complexities and inconsistencies surrounding the enforcement of these regulations. LIV Golf's ongoing negotiations and the enforcement of sanctions suggest that the friction between tours is far from over.

Meanwhile, the ladies of the LPGA are gearing up for an exciting week at the Kroger Queen City Championship. TPC River’s Bend in Maineville, Ohio, will host this year's event, with a star-studded lineup competing for the $2 million purse. Nelly Korda headlines the field, joined by the 2023 Solheim Cup MVP, Rose Zhang, and seasoned pros like Lexi Thompson and defending champion Minjee Lee. This tournament is sure to be a showdown, featuring 12 Solheim Cup stars eager to ride their recent momentum or find redemption.

Over at Pebble Beach, the PURE Insurance Championship is also set to make waves on the Champions Tour. This pro-junior event, featuring young talents from The First Tee program, partners them with PGA TOUR Champions players for a unique golfing experience. The tournament not only serves as a platform for legends like Mark O'Meara, who will play his final event here, but also provides young golfers an opportunity of a lifetime. Add the stunning backdrops of Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill, and you've got a must-watch event.

In Texas, the LIV Golf Team Championship is coming to a head at the Maridoe Golf Club in Carrollton. With a hefty $50 million purse, including $14 million for the winning team, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Bryson DeChambeau's Crushers GC secured the top seed after their victory in Chicago and will have a bye into the semifinals. The competition promises drama with a unique format that includes head-to-head matches among all 13 teams, determining final player standings for the 2024 season. Jon Rahm, fresh off clinching the Individual Championship in Chicago, will lead his team, but the Crushers won’t go down without a fight.

Across the pond in Surrey, England, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Golf Club is set to bring together an impressive field, including Ryder Cup team members like Rory McIlroy and captain Luke Donald. The tournament, which boasts an increased purse of $9 million, serves as a significant test for European players ahead of the Ryder Cup. Notable past champions, including Shane Lowry and Jon Rahm, are returning, with McIlroy looking to rebound after a near-miss at the Irish Open. The celebrity pro-am has already generated buzz, with stars like Gareth Bale and Andy Murray teeing off alongside the pros. With a stunning Harry Colt-designed course, the BMW PGA Championship will be a highlight of the golf calendar.

Over in the U.S., the Korn Ferry Tour's Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship is teeing off at The Ohio State University Golf Club. This tournament is pivotal for players chasing their PGA Tour dreams. It's the third of four Korn Ferry Tour Finals events, making it crucial for those aspiring to secure a PGA Tour card for next season. Frankie Capan III is already celebrating after clinching his top-30 spot on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List, earning his PGA Tour card for 2025.

Looking ahead to next week, the 2024 Presidents Cup is stirring up intrigue as the International team appears to have the upper hand in the warm-up events. With players like Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele leading the U.S. team, there’s still a strong American presence, but recent form suggests the International team is hungry for victory. With Montreal’s home crowd cheering them on, it’s shaping up to be a showdown.

Rounding out the news, Steve Stricker pulled off a remarkable second three-peat at the Sanford International, dedicating his win to his late father. Meanwhile, Oakmont gears up for the 2025 U.S. Open with revamped greens, promising an even tougher challenge for players when the tournament returns.

In essence, golf fans have a lot to look forward to with tournaments on both the men's and women's circuits heating up. With retirements, team championships, and exciting young talents emerging, the golf world is buzzing with activity. Let’s see who makes their mark this week!

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

Hall of Famer Mark O’Meara announces retirement

Mark O'Meara, a Hall of Famer, announced his retirement, with his final event being the PURE Insurance Championship at Pebble Beach, where he achieved significant success throughout his career. O'Meara won five times at Pebble Beach and is celebrated for his victories, including the 1998 Masters and The Open Championship, as well as his induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

LIV Golf Tried to Strike a Deal With the DP World Tour, but Another Alliance Precluded It

LIV Golf attempted to negotiate with the DP World Tour to eliminate fines for its players, including Jon Rahm, but the offer was rejected. The DP World Tour is enforcing its rules despite potential negative impacts on its events and sponsors. Rahm appealed his fines to remain eligible for upcoming tournaments and the Ryder Cup, highlighting inconsistencies in the enforcement of sanctions. The DP World Tour's alliance with the PGA Tour complicates its relationship with LIV Golf, as it adheres to strict protocols while negotiations with LIV's funding source continue.

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

Kroger Queen City Championship - LPGA - TPC River’s Bend - Maineville, OH

The Kroger Queen City Championship, an LPGA Tour event, is set to take place from September 19-22, 2024, at TPC River's Bend in Maineville, Ohio. The event will feature 144 of the world's top female golfers competing for a $2 million purse.

TPC River's Bend, an Arnold Palmer-designed course, has a history of hosting large-scale events, including PGA Tour Champions and Korn Ferry Tour tournaments.

The 2024 Kroger Queen City Championship is set to feature an impressive lineup of LPGA stars. Nelly Korda, one of the top American players on the tour, is expected to headline the event. She'll be joined by Rose Zhang, the 2023 Solheim Cup MVP who had a perfect 4-0-0 record in her debut. Charley Hull, last year's runner-up and fresh off a strong Solheim Cup performance, will also be in attendance. Veteran American player Lexi Thompson will be looking to secure her 12th LPGA Tour title, while defending champion Minjee Lee returns to defend her crown.

The field also includes Irish star Leona Maguire, who's aiming to bounce back after limited play at the Solheim Cup, and former major champion Georgia Hall from England. Rising Swedish star Linn Grant and experienced compatriot Anna Nordqvist, a multiple major winner, will add to the international flavor of the tournament. American Andrea Lee rounds out the list of notable participants as she seeks her second LPGA Tour victory.

In total, 12 of the 24 players who competed in the recent Solheim Cup will be present at TPC River's Bend, including 4 Americans and 8 Europeans. These top players will be eager to capitalize on their recent team competition experience and translate it into success at this regular LPGA Tour event.

The championship, presented by Procter & Gamble, has gained significant traction in its first two years, drawing approximately 50,000 fans annually and generating an estimated $12 million in economic impact for the Cincinnati area. The tournament will be broadcast live on the Golf Channel, reaching over 220 countries worldwide.

Which Solheim Cup Stars Are Playing On The LPGA Tour This Week?

Twelve players from the recent Solheim Cup are competing in the LPGA's Kroger Queen City Championship, including notable golfers like Nelly Korda, Rose Zhang, and Charley Hull. The tournament follows a thrilling Solheim Cup where Team USA narrowly defeated Europe, and players are eager to continue their momentum or redeem themselves after the event.

PURE Insurance Championship - Champions Tour - Spyglass Hill GC - Pebble Beach, CA

The 2024 PURE Insurance Championship Impacting The First Tee is set to return to Pebble Beach Golf Links from September 20-22, 2024. This unique pro-junior event, a favorite among PGA TOUR Champions players, pairs professional golfers with First Tee juniors aged 14 to 18, along with two amateurs in each foursome.

The tournament is part of the 2024 PGA TOUR Champions schedule, which features 28 events and the highest purse in Champions Tour history, totaling more than $67 million. The PURE Insurance Championship serves as an international showcase for First Tee, an initiative promoting character development and life-enhancing values through golf for young people.

In the 2023 edition, Thongchai Jaidee emerged victorious after a four-hole playoff against Justin Leonard, marking Jaidee's second PGA TOUR Champions career win. The event is played on two spectacular courses: Pebble Beach Golf Links and Spyglass Hill Golf Course.

The tournament not only provides a competitive platform for golf legends but also offers a unique opportunity for junior golfers. For instance, local teens like Abby Vernier and Gabby Hultstrand are set to participate in the upcoming event, describing it as a "crazy" opportunity.

Additionally, the 2024 tournament will be particularly significant as Hall of Famer Mark O'Meara has announced it will be his final professional event before retirement. O'Meara, who has won five PGA TOUR titles at Pebble Beach, chose this venue as a fitting end to his illustrious career.

LIV Dallas - Match Play and LIV Golf Dallas Stroke Play - Maridoe Golf Club - Carrollton, TX

The LIV Golf Team Championship, the season-ending event for the Saudi-backed tour, is set to take place at Maridoe Golf Club in Carrollton, Texas from September 20-22, 2024.

The Crushers GC, led by Bryson DeChambeau, have secured the top seed for the championship after winning the LIV Golf Chicago event. They, along with Legion XIII and Ripper GC, have earned byes to the semifinals due to their top-three finish in the team standings.

The championship will feature a new format this year, with all 13 teams competing in head-to-head matches at some stage. Teams ranked 4th to 13th will face off in quarter-final matches on Friday, with the winners advancing to join the top three seeds in Saturday's semifinals.

The event carries a significant prize purse of $50 million, with $14 million going to the winning team. This makes it one of the most lucrative team events in golf.

Maridoe Golf Club, designed by Steve Smyers, is known for its challenging layout. The 7,817-yard course features a 31-acre lake that comes into play on several holes, demanding both distance and accuracy from players.

Jon Rahm, who recently clinched the Individual Championship in Chicago, will be looking to lead his team to victory in Dallas. However, they'll face stiff competition from DeChambeau's Crushers, who are not only the top seeds but also the defending champions from last year's event.

The Team Championship will also determine final player standings for the 2024 season, with implications for team rosters in 2025. Players finishing in the top 24 will remain with their current teams, while those in the 25-48 range may need to be re-signed or picked up by other teams.

As the LIV Golf season reaches its climax, the Dallas event promises to be a thrilling conclusion to what has been a controversial but impactful year in professional golf.

LIV Golf Dallas Team Championship: Everything to know ahead of the event at Maridoe

The LIV Golf Dallas Team Championship at Maridoe Golf Club will take place from September 20-22, 2024, featuring a unique format with 13 teams competing in a three-day tournament. The event marks the end of the LIV Golf season, with significant prize money and a shotgun start format. Local golfers, including Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed, will participate, and the tournament will be broadcasted live on various platforms.

LIV Ends Season With More Money for Rahm, Relegation Drama

LIV Golf concludes its third season with a $50 million team championship in Dallas, featuring Jon Rahm earning an additional $18 million bonus, totaling $34.73 million in winnings. The tournament has significant payouts for teams, with the top prize being $14 million. The season also highlights a promotion and relegation system where only the top 24 finishers secure spots for next year, raising concerns for struggling team captains like Bubba Watson.

BMW PGA Championship - DP World Tour - Wentworth Golf Club - Surrey, England

The BMW PGA Championship, the DP World Tour's flagship event, is set to begin at Wentworth Golf Club in Surrey, England. This year marks the 20th edition with BMW as the title sponsor. The tournament attracts a star-studded field, with Rory McIlroy leading the charge after a near-miss at the Irish Open.

The event features a strong lineup of European Ryder Cup team members, including rookies Ludvig Aberg, Nicolai Hojgaard, and Robert MacIntyre. Team captain Luke Donald, a two-time BMW PGA Championship winner, will also be playing.

The pro-am event on Wednesday has garnered attention, with celebrities like Gareth Bale, Stuart Broad, and Andy Murray teeing off alongside professional golfers. The pro-am will have a shotgun start at 8am and 1:30pm.

The tournament's purse has increased to $9 million, up $1 million from last year. The winner will take home $1.53 million.

Last year's champion, Shane Lowry, will be looking to defend his title. Other notable players in the field include Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood, and Viktor Hovland.

The West Course at Wentworth, a par 72 measuring 7,282 yards, will host the championship. The course, originally designed by Harry Colt and later remodeled by Ernie Els, is known for its parkland layout and strategic water hazards.

With the Ryder Cup approaching, the BMW PGA Championship serves as a crucial event for European players to showcase their form. The tournament is part of the DP World Tour's 'Back 9', a series of nine historic tournaments leading up to the season-ending 'DP World Tour Play-Offs'.

Which PGA Tour Regulars Are In The BMW PGA Championship Field?

The BMW PGA Championship, a key event in the DP World Tour, features several PGA Tour regulars, including World No. 3 Rory McIlroy, defending champion Ryan Fox, and former winners Shane Lowry and Billy Horschel. Other notable participants include Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Adam Scott, among others, highlighting the tournament's prestigious nature and significant purse.

BMW PGA Championship Celebrity Pro-Am Tee Times 2024

The BMW PGA Championship Celebrity Pro-Am today features Rory McIlroy playing with Gareth Bale and Stuart Broad, among other notable pairings. The event includes 40 groups starting at 8:00 AM and 1:30 PM BST, with various celebrities and professional golfers participating, including Tommy Fleetwood, Andy Murray, and Jordan Pickford.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship - Korn Ferry Tour - OSU Golf Club - Columbus, OH

The Nationwide Children's Hospital Championship, a pivotal event on the Korn Ferry Tour, is set to tee off at the Ohio State University Golf Club's Scarlet Course in Columbus, Ohio. This tournament is the third of four Korn Ferry Tour Finals events, playing a crucial role in determining which players will earn PGA Tour cards for the upcoming season.

The championship holds significant importance for aspiring professional golfers, as it offers a pathway to the PGA Tour. Approximately 120 players will compete in this 18th edition of the tournament, with the top 75 players on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List after the event advancing to the season-ending Korn Ferry Tour Championship. This advancement also secures full 2024 Korn Ferry Tour status for these players, with 30 PGA Tour cards ultimately being awarded after the Tour Championship.

The event has a history of showcasing future golf stars, with many current top-30 players in the world having competed in this tournament earlier in their careers.

Upcoming next week: The Presidents Cup - PGA Tour - The Royal Montreal Golf Club - Montreal, PQ

The 2024 Presidents Cup is set to take place from September 24-29 at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Quebec. Both the International and U.S. teams have finalized their 12-man rosters, with captains Mike Weir and Jim Furyk announcing their six wildcard picks each to complement the six automatic qualifiers.

Is the United States in trouble at 2024 Presidents Cup? Internationals outshine Americans in warm-up event

Ahead of the 2024 Presidents Cup, the U.S. team appears less prepared compared to the International team, which showcased better performance in a recent warm-up event. Despite having top players like Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, concerns arise over the U.S. players' recent form and lack of competitive play. The International team, led by Mike Weir, is motivated and could pose a significant challenge, especially with a supportive home crowd in Montreal. While the U.S. remains favored to win, the match may not be as straightforward as anticipated due to the current dynamics and pressures.

Aussie stars left in limbo amid prestigious PGA Tour push with veteran’s card at stake

Min Woo Lee is striving to secure a spot in two major PGA Tour events while preparing for his Presidents Cup debut, currently holding 60th in the FedEx Cup standings. With seven tournaments left in the Fall schedule, he faces competition for entry into the Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The Genesis Invitational. Meanwhile, Aaron Baddeley struggles to retain his tour card, sitting at 152nd in the rankings and needing significant improvement in upcoming events to secure his status for next season.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

Overheard in the Club House

Frankie Capan III clinches top-30 spot on Korn Ferry Tour points list, earns PGA Tour card for 2025

Frankie Capan III secured a top-30 position on the 2024 Korn Ferry Tour Points List by tying for 12th at the Simmons Bank Open, earning a PGA Tour card for 2025. The 24-year-old from Minnesota, a former FGCU golfer, has had a successful season with five top-10 finishes and made history by shooting a 13-under 58 in May. Capan has earned nearly $350,000 this season and is the 14th player to gain PGA Tour status for 2025.

Shane Lowry: ‘If I’m being honest, I’d probably take a little bit less consistency and a win or two’

Shane Lowry aims for a win in one of his last five events of the year, starting with the BMW PGA Championship. After finishing 12th in his last tournament, he expressed a desire for fewer consistent finishes and more victories. He feels capable of securing his first individual win since 2022 and is focusing on conserving energy while preparing for upcoming events. Séamus Power and Tom McKibbin also competed, with Power uncertain about his return to Europe after recent surgery, while amateur Seán Keeling reflected positively on his experience despite finishing 67th.

McIlroy and Lowry chasing big prize money as attention switches from Irish Open

Rory McIlroy finished second in the Irish Open, earning €595,419, while Shane Lowry tied for 12th and looks forward to the Wentworth tournament with €8.1 million in prize money. McIlroy expressed disappointment over missed opportunities but appreciated the support from fans, while Lowry praised the Irish Open as a top tournament.

Jordan Spieth Cheers On Junior Golfers At Debut Crush It! Cup

Jordan Spieth hosted the inaugural Crush It! Cup at Brookhaven Country Club, supporting junior golfers who qualified through a fundraising marathon. Despite recovering from wrist surgery, Spieth engaged with the young players, sharing coaching tips and reflecting on his own early experiences at the club. The event raised $250,000 for the Jordan Spieth Family Foundation, which supports various charitable causes. Spieth emphasized the importance of junior golf and the inclusive values shared with Invited, the event's organizer.

Steve Stricker does something no golfer has ever accomplished with second 3-peat and dedicates the win to his late father

Steve Stricker made history by achieving a second 3-peat at the Sanford International, becoming the first golfer to win three consecutive times on both the PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions. His victory was dedicated to his late father, Bob Stricker, who passed away earlier in the year, and Stricker expressed the emotional weight of the win during interviews. Despite a challenging season, he secured the win after a playoff, reflecting on his father's influence throughout his career.

Oakmont's massive greens will be even bigger when the US Open returns next summer for a 10th time

Oakmont will host the U.S. Open for the 10th time in 2025, featuring expanded greens and significant renovations by architect Gil Hanse. The course will play at 7,372 yards with new pin placements, enhancing its challenge. Changes include rebuilt hazards and updated bunkers, aimed at maintaining consistent playing surfaces. The greens, considered the course's primary defense, will be even more daunting, emphasizing precision in play.

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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