Planet Golf News for Wednesday, August 21, 2024

FedEx Cup Playoffs bubble watch: Who will make it to East Lake?

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

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The Women's Open is at St. Andrews. The Old Course is ready to challenge the field.

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

This week is an exciting time in golf with major events unfolding and key decisions being made. It's crunch time for players aiming to qualify for the Presidents Cup and the Solheim Cup, as well as those vying for a coveted spot in the Tour Championship at East Lake.

The BMW Championship is the last chance for players to solidify their place in the FedEx Cup Playoffs, and the stakes are sky-high. Tommy Fleetwood is teetering just outside the top 50, while Viktor Hovland, Eric Cole, and Nick Dunlap are making their moves. Players like Keegan Bradley and Denny McCarthy are on the bubble, with their futures hanging in the balance depending on their performances at Castle Pines Golf Club in Colorado. Speaking of Castle Pines, the course's lengthy, altitude-influenced layout is set to be a major factor this week, presenting a challenge even for seasoned players like Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and hometown favorite Wyndham Clark. With a $20 million purse on the line and no cuts in the field, every stroke counts as players eye the top 30 spots for the Tour Championship.

But the excitement isn’t limited to the men’s game. Across the pond, the AIG Women’s Open is about to get underway at the historic Old Course at St. Andrews. As the final major of the year, this tournament carries extra significance, particularly for those looking to make a final impression before the Solheim Cup rosters are locked in. Defending champion Lilia Vu is back in the field, joined by top stars like Nelly Korda and Lydia Ko, all competing for a share of the $9 million purse. St. Andrews presents a unique challenge, with its unpredictable weather and tricky links conditions, forcing players to bring their A-game. This event also serves as a stage for the Solheim Cup hopefuls, with captains Stacy Lewis and Suzann Pettersen making their final assessments.

Meanwhile, the PGA Tour Champions heads to Michigan for The Ally Challenge, where veterans of the game will compete at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club. Unfortunately, defending champion Vijay Singh has withdrawn due to a foot injury, opening the door for other contenders to shine.

Elsewhere, the Danish Golf Championship on the DP World Tour and the Albertsons Boise Open on the Korn Ferry Tour add even more variety to this week’s action. Both events offer players crucial opportunities to advance their careers, with Danish players looking to perform well on home soil and Korn Ferry participants hoping to earn their PGA Tour cards for next season.

With so much happening, it’s hard to keep up with all the action, but one thing is clear: this is a pivotal week in golf, where careers can be made or broken. Whether it's the pressure of FedEx Cup points, the historic allure of St. Andrews, or the quest for Solheim Cup spots, the stakes have never been higher. Keep an eye on the leaderboard, because it’s going to be a thrilling ride.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

BMW Championship - PGA - Castle Pines Golf Club - Castle Rock, CO

The 2024 BMW Championship will be held at Castle Pines Golf Club in Castle Rock, Colorado, from August 20 to 25, marking the PGA Tour's return to Colorado for the first time since 2014. The event will feature the top 50 players in the FedExCup standings competing for a $20 million purse, with $4 million going to the winner. The championship rounds will take place from August 22 to 25. Key participants include Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, Justin Thomas, and local favorite and U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark. The course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is known for its challenging 8,130-yard, par-72 layout and scenic beauty.

BMW Championship Videos

AIG Women’s Open - LPGA - St. Andrews Links (Old Course) - St. Andrews, Scotland

The 2024 AIG Women's Open will take place at the Old Course at St Andrews, Scotland, starting today, marking the final major of the year and only the third time this prestigious event has been held at this historic venue. The tournament will feature 144 top golfers, including defending champion Lilia Vu, world number one Nelly Korda, Olympic gold medalist Lydia Ko, and home favorite Charley Hull. With a $9 million purse at stake, the event will also play a crucial role in deciding the winner of the Rolex ANNIKA Major Award and finalizing the U.S. and European Solheim Cup teams.

AIG Women’s Open Videos

The Ally Challenge - PGA Tour Champions - Warwick Hills G&CC - Grand Blanc, MI

The Ally Challenge, presented by McLaren, is a notable PGA Tour Champions event taking place at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club in Grand Blanc, Michigan, beginning tomorrow. This 54-hole stroke play tournament will feature 78 seasoned professionals competing for a $2.2 million purse. Warwick Hills, renowned for hosting the Buick Open from 1958 to 2009, continues its golf legacy through The Ally Challenge, which began in 2018. The 2024 field includes defending champion Vijay Singh, past winners Jim Furyk, Joe Durant, Jerry Kelly, and former Buick Open champions.

Danish Golf Championship - DP World - Lubker Golf Resort - Aarhus, Denmark

The 2024 Danish Golf Championship, part of the DP World Tour, will be held at the Lübker Golf Resort near Aarhus, Denmark, beginning tomorrow. This prestigious event, previously known as Made in HimmerLand, will feature 156 top golfers from around the world, including prominent Danish players. With a total purse of approximately 17.5 million DKK (about $2.5 million), it promises to be one of Denmark's biggest sporting events of the year. The event is expected to attract around 70,000 to 80,000 spectators, both local and international.

Albertsons Boise Open pres. by Chevron - Korn Ferry - Hillcrest Country Club - Boise, ID

The 2024 Albertsons Boise Open, presented by Chevron, will take place from beginning tomorrow at Hillcrest Country Club in Boise, Idaho. This event is part of the Korn Ferry Tour Finals, which determines the top 30 players earning PGA TOUR cards for the following season. The tournament features 156 players competing for a $1.5 million purse.

Upcoming: Solheim Cup (9/13-9/15)

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Overheard in the Club House

UPCOMING TOURS

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