In partnership with

Saturday, November 30, 2024

Protect $200k+ Retirement Savings and Add 20% Immediately With GRIPS

If you’re between 45-55, live in the US and have at least $200k in retirement savings, there’s a strategy that can protect your future, ensure your money outlasts you, and keep it growing without worrying about market drops. Don’t risk losing the savings you worked so hard to build. Whether in a 401k or another account, this approach can give you peace of mind AND a larger cushion for retirement when you access the 20% immediate bonus.

See how it works

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

The golf world has been buzzing this week with fascinating stories from both sides of the fairway. From Patrick Reed’s passionate defense of the Ryder Cup’s integrity to the drama unfolding in the Australian Open and the International Series Qatar, there’s been no shortage of compelling headlines. Let’s dive into what’s happening on and off the course.

First up, Patrick Reed has once again stirred the conversation around the Ryder Cup—but this time, his focus is on preserving its values. Reed strongly opposes the idea of paying players for participating, stressing that representing your country should be reward enough. He’s particularly concerned that financial incentives tied to captain’s picks could create unfair pressures or biases. Reed believes the Ryder Cup is about pride, patriotism, and the honor of competition—not the paycheck. It’s a refreshing take in a time when the line between tradition and commerce in golf often feels blurred.

Speaking of blurred lines, LIV Golf is reportedly considering a partnership with the DP World Tour while the PGA Tour negotiations crawl along. This potential deal could smooth scheduling conflicts and offer LIV players more opportunities to compete in Europe, perhaps with added prize money courtesy of the Saudi PIF. While these talks are still in their infancy, they signal an intriguing possibility for collaboration—and another twist in the ongoing reshaping of the professional golf landscape.

Meanwhile, the ISPS HANDA Australian Open has been serving up high drama in Melbourne. Local favorite Lucas Herbert is dominating the men’s competition, holding a commanding lead at the halfway mark. However, it hasn’t been smooth sailing for everyone. Former champion Cameron Smith endured a rough round, slipping down the leaderboard after a slow-play warning rattled his momentum. On the women’s side, South Korean amateur Hyojin Yang has stolen the show, leading the field heading into Round 3. Her steady nerves and sharp game have been a revelation, though local pro Su Oh is still in striking distance, showcasing the depth of Australian talent.

Over in Doha, the International Series Qatar is heating up as Peter Uihlein leads the field into the final round. Uihlein’s stellar second round of 8-under-par put him two shots clear, with fellow LIV Golf players Charl Schwartzel and David Puig not far behind. The tournament has also marked a nostalgic moment, with Anthony Kim making his first cut since 2012. Add in tough wind conditions expected for the last day, and this event is poised for an exciting finish.

Beyond the scorecards, there are plenty of feel-good and thought-provoking stories to savor. Michael Miller’s last-minute, crowdfunded journey to the Australian Open underscores the challenges many golfers face just to compete. And Jim Furyk’s reflective, lighthearted exit interview after the Presidents Cup reminds us of the camaraderie and humor that make team events so special.

As we look to the future, the PGA Tour continues to grapple with significant changes. Whether it’s Joel Dahmen’s dramatic fight to secure his card, Bryson DeChambeau’s social media exploits, or Phil Mickelson teasing a new YouTube challenge series, it’s clear the sport is evolving. With LIV Golf challenging old norms and players finding new ways to connect with fans, the world of professional golf is becoming more dynamic—and perhaps more fragmented—than ever.

With all this action and intrigue, it’s an exciting time to be a golf fan. Whether you’re following the leaderboard in Melbourne, watching the wind wreak havoc in Doha, or musing over the future of the Ryder Cup, one thing’s for sure: the game of golf is alive, well, and more unpredictable than ever.

[ Today’s Top Golf News ] 

[ Today’s Feature Golf Reads ] 

• Feeling a little "stuffed" after yesterday? Here's your post-Thanksgiving game plan for a quick recovery (and it involves golf!) - golfdigest.com

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

ISPS HANDA Australian Open - DP World Tour - Victoria GC - Melbourne, Australia

Tthe ISPS HANDA Australian Open golf tournament in Melbourne, Australia, is well underway with exciting developments in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

In the men’s division, Australian golfer Lucas Herbert has taken a commanding lead at the halfway point of the tournament. Herbert’s exceptional performance has given him a substantial advantage over the rest of the field as he heads into the weekend rounds. Meanwhile, former champion Cameron Smith is still in contention, aiming to close the gap on the leader and make a push for another Australian Open title.

The women’s competition is equally thrilling, with South Korean amateur Hyojin Yang emerging as the sole leader at the start of Round 3. Yang has impressively reached 9-under par for the tournament, showcasing remarkable skill and composure for an amateur player on such a prestigious stage.

It’s worth noting that earlier in the tournament, Australian professional Su Oh was tied for the lead with Yang, demonstrating the strong local talent present in the women’s field.

The Australian Open, being played at Victoria Golf Club, continues to provide an exciting platform for both established professionals and rising stars in the golfing world. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Herbert to see if he can maintain his lead in the men’s competition, while Yang faces the pressure of holding onto her top position in the women’s event.

With the weekend rounds approaching, golf enthusiasts can expect more thrilling action and potential shifts in the leaderboard as players vie for the coveted Australian Open titles in both the men’s and women’s divisions.

• 2024 ISPS Handa Australian Open: Prize Money Breakdown & Winner’s Payout

ISPS HANDA Australian Open Stories

• Herbert leads Australian Open, South Korean amateur tops women's event in Melbourne after 2 rounds - apnews.com

• Lucas Herbert moves four clear at halfway stage - europeantour.com

• Herbert extends his advantage at the Australian Open - rte.ie

• ISPS HANDA Australian Open - Day two digest - europeantour.com

• Lucas Herbert extends Australian Open lead in Melbourne as Gary Hurley misses cut - independent.ie

• 5 big-name golfers who failed to make the cut at the 2024 ISPS Handa Australian Open (men's) ft. Victor Perez - sportskeeda.com

• 5 big-name golfers who failed to make the cut at the 2024 ISPS Handa Australian Open (women's) ft. Emma Ash - sportskeeda.com

• Smith blows big chance in dire Aus Open capitulation - nine.com.au

• Slow play warning rattles Cameron Smith, who plummets down Australian Open leaderboard - sbnation.com

• Smith takes aim at fellow Aussie after horror round - nine.com.au

• Smith Blames Protege Smylie As 'Common Denominator' In Latest Slow Play Warning - golfmonthly.com

• WATCH: Min Woo Lee misses a hole-in-one by inches at the Australian Open - sportskeeda.com

ISPS HANDA Australian Open Videos

International Series Qatar - Asian Tour - Doha Golf Club - Doha, Qatar

As the International Series Qatar at Doha Golf Club heads into its final round, Peter Uihlein stands atop the leaderboard with a commanding lead at 12-under-par. The RangeGoats GC member and former World No.1 amateur showcased his skills with an impressive second round of 8-under 64, giving him a two-stroke advantage over his nearest rival.

Hot on Uihlein’s heels is fellow American and Oklahoma State University alumnus Zach Bauchou, who sits in second place at 10-under-par. The leaderboard features a strong presence of LIV Golf players, with Charl Schwartzel and David Puig tied for fourth at 8-under-par, four shots behind the leader. Louis Oosthuizen is also in contention, five strokes back at 7-under-par.

A group of players, including Dean Burmester, Patrick Reed, Brendan Steele, and Eugenio Chacarra, are tied at 6-under-par, six shots off the pace set by Uihlein. Other notable contenders include Thomas Pieters, Kalle Samooja, and Scott Vincent, all at 5-under-par.

Adding intrigue to the tournament is Anthony Kim, who has made his first cut since 2012 and currently stands at 1-under-par. He shares this position with John Catlin, the current leader of the International Series rankings.

The final round promises to be exciting, with challenging wind conditions expected to test the players’ skills. These conditions could potentially shake up the leaderboard, adding an element of unpredictability to the tournament’s conclusion. The outcome of this event carries significant weight, as it will impact both the International Series Rankings and the Asian Tour Order of Merit, placing additional pressure on the contenders as they vie for victory in Qatar.

International Series Qatar Stories

• Uihlein takes lead into Round 4 of Intl. Series Qatar - livgolf.com

• Watch: Asian Tour Pro's Incredible Slam Dunk Hole-In-One - golfmonthly.com

• "Total embarrassment all round", "I could do that"- Fans react to Anthony Kim making his first ever cut since coming back from retirement - sportskeeda.com

International Series Qatar Videos

Today’s Best Golf Videos

Overheard in the Club House

UPCOMING TOURS

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up HERE for FREE