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- Planet Golf News for Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Planet Golf News for Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Will Zalatoris forced out of CJ Cup Byron Nelson on PGA Tour, China Open tips: In-form Yannik Paul ready to bounce back from Japan setback, LIV Golf Coming to Bolingbrook
PGN News Team
May 01, 2024 • Reading Time: 13 minutes
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Wednesday, May 1, 2024
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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]
Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes
Good Morning,
In the world of golf, there’s no shortage of drama and excitement, both on and off the greens. LIV Golf founder Greg Norman, despite his legendary status with two Claret Jug victories under his belt, finds himself on the outside looking in for The Open at Royal Troon, due to his ties with the controversial Saudi-funded LIV Golf. He’ll have to be a spectator like the rest of us if he wants to catch the action.
Over at the PGA Tour, Will Zalatoris has had to step back from the CJ Cup Byron Nelson because of a persistent back issue, which also required surgery previously. It’s a tough break, especially since he was on a roll with strong finishes in major events recently.
The CJ Cup itself is brewing with potential surprises and disappointments. Jason Day, a former favorite, has been struggling with his game lately, which doesn't bode well for his defense of the title. Meanwhile, underdog Tom Hoge is showing promise, defying his long shot status with a strong season start, making him a solid bet.
Amidst the regular PGA tour events, the LIV Golf circuit is also making waves with its upcoming Singapore tournament. Top players like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau are set to compete, with Rahm being tipped to possibly snag his first LIV title amidst the beautiful backdrop of the Serapong Course.
On the seniors’ side, the Insperity Invitational at the Woodlands is shaping up to be an all-play event with a $2.7 million purse. It’s a chance for the legends to showcase they still have plenty of fire left.
Meanwhile, the Volvo China Open is making a return to the DP World Tour after a hiatus, bringing with it a chance for players to clinch a spot in the PGA Championship. It’s a critical point in the tour with high stakes and hefty rewards.
Off the course, there’s been some interesting movement too. Mike Norvell and Urban Meyer turned heads with their win at the Peach Bowl Challenge, proving that golf can make for strange but successful bedfellows. And in gear news, Brendan Steele’s winning set at the LIV Golf Adelaide highlighted a mix of brands, showing that it’s the skill that counts, not just the tools.
In all, the golf world is as vibrant and unpredictable as ever, with players old and new making headlines and shaping the future of the game.
[ Today’s Top Stories ]
Golf Tournaments happening this week
CJ Cup Byron Nelson
The latest news from the CJ Cup Byron Nelson golf tournament includes several key developments:
- Jason Day's Performance Concerns: Jason Day, the defending champion and one of the top favorites for the 2024 CJ Cup Byron Nelson, is predicted to underperform according to a model by SportsLine. Despite starting the season strong, Day has struggled recently, missing the cut in his last five events. His performance issues are attributed to poor rankings in approach shots from more than 200 yards, green in regulation percentage, and strokes gained: approach to green.
- Tom Hoge's Potential: Tom Hoge, considered a longshot with 28-1 odds, is expected to make a strong run at the title. His chances of winning are deemed better than his odds suggest, making him an attractive option for bettors. Hoge is currently ranked inside the top 20 in the FedEx Cup standings and has made the cut in 11 of his first 13 events this season.
- Will Zalatoris Withdraws: Will Zalatoris has withdrawn from the tournament due to a flare-up with his surgically repaired back. This is a significant loss for the tournament as Zalatoris is a local golfer from Plano, Texas, and his withdrawal was announced just days before the event. Zalatoris had been making a strong comeback with top-10 finishes at the Genesis Invitational, Arnold Palmer Invitational, and Masters Tournament.
- Expert Picks and Predictions: PGA TOUR Expert Picks have highlighted several players to watch, including Tom Kim, who is backed for his winning formula in shootouts, and Stephan Jaeger, who has a proven track record on the par 4s at TPC Craig Ranch. Other notable mentions include Seamus Power for a top 10 finish and Andrew Novak as a longshot.
- Daily Fantasy Sports Insights: For those interested in PGA DFS, Adam Schenk and Mark Hubbard are among the mid-range plays recommended for THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson. Schenk is noted for his versatile skillset, while Hubbard's accuracy and birdie-making ability make him a strong contender.
LIV Golf Singapore
The upcoming LIV Golf Singapore event is scheduled to take place from May 3 to May 5, 2024, at the Serapong Course on Sentosa Golf Club, which is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and sustainable design. This event is part of the LIV Golf League's regular season and features a championship shotgun start, emphasizing the excitement and competitive nature of the tournament.
The top players participating in the LIV Golf Singapore tournament include Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau, Joaquin Niemann, Louis Oosthuizen, and Dean Burmester. These players are highlighted in the power rankings for the event, with Jon Rahm being a particularly strong contender despite not having won on the LIV circuit this season. His performance, along with that of Bryson DeChambeau and Joaquin Niemann, who have shown strong forms in previous tournaments, makes them notable participants in the Singapore event.
Insperity Invitational
The Insperity Invitational golf tournament, a notable event on the PGA Tour Champions circuit, is set to take place at the Woodlands Country Club in Texas. The tournament will run from April 29th to May 5th, 2024, and is presented by UnitedHealthcare.
This year's tournament features a competitive field with no cuts, meaning all 78 players will compete throughout the three-day event. The total purse for the tournament is $2.7 million, with the winner receiving $405,000, adhering to the standard 15% payout rule of the PGA Tour Champions.
The event schedule includes various activities starting with the Woodforest National Bank Championship Pro-Am on May 1st and 2nd. The championship play begins on May 3rd, with additional events like the John Daly Grip it and Rip it Long Drive Competition and the Folds of Honor Greats of Golf Competition on subsequent days. The final round of championship play will conclude on May 5th, followed by the trophy presentation.
Volvo China Open
The Volvo China Open golf tournament is returning to the DP World Tour schedule after a hiatus since 2019. Players to watch include Sebastian Soderberg, Tom McKibbin, and Jordan Smith. The tournament has been held annually in China since 1995 and is currently played at Hidden Grace Golf Club. Bernd Wiesberger, Alexander Levy, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Johannes Veerman, and Ivan Cantero Gutierrez are among the top contenders for the event.
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