Planet Golf News for Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Get ready! It's TGL Day! Everything you need to know about TGL and all about the technology powering this next generation golf concept. Hit or miss? We'll see tonight.

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PGN News Team
January 07, 2025

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Three Minutes

Good Morning,

The golf world is kicking off 2025 with a bang—or at least, it’s trying to. Between the glitzy debut of the Tomorrow Golf League (TGL), Scottie Scheffler’s kitchen mishap, and shiny new gear to drool over, there’s plenty to talk about. Let’s dive into the highlights, or as we like to call it, “Will this be the year golf gets weird? Spoiler: Yes.”

TGL: The Future of Golf or an Expensive Experiment?

Let’s start with the TGL, aka golf’s boldest attempt to modernize itself since someone decided to wear joggers on the course. Backed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, this indoor simulator league is set to premiere tonight, and the hype is real. TGL promises to redefine golf, combining cutting-edge technology, a ridiculous amount of real grass indoors (seriously, Tahoma 31 Bermuda blend, look it up), and mic’d-up players bantering live. Think Topgolf meets the PGA Tour, with a sprinkling of NHL-style playoffs and a tech vibe that screams “golf, but make it TikTok-friendly.”

The first match pits the New York Golf Club (Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, et al.) against The Bay Golf Club (Ludvig Åberg and crew). It’s a 15-hole, fast-paced format designed to wrap up in two hours, perfect for fans with short attention spans—or anyone who’s ever dozed off during the back nine. The question is: Will this be the future of golf, or an expensive attempt to fix something that wasn’t really broken? Either way, we’ll find out tonight. Grab some popcorn and catch it on ESPN. Betting on the outcome? Forget it—this league is too unpredictable for Vegas.

Scottie Scheffler vs. A Glass—And The Glass Won

In news you couldn’t make up, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler has been sidelined by… Christmas dinner. Yep, the guy who dominated the PGA Tour last season, winning everything short of the moon, sliced his hand on a shattered glass while preparing a festive meal. As you’ll recall, the injury required surgery, and now forcing him to skip The American Express. This marks his second missed event of the season, and while he’s hoping to return for Pebble Beach, fans might want to send the guy some oven mitts next holiday season.

It’s an unfortunate setback for Scheffler, who’s riding high after a career year. But hey, if there’s one thing golfers love more than victory, it’s a good comeback story. Pebble Beach, here we come (hopefully with fewer sharp objects).

PIP Out, Player Equity In: Because Golf Loves Acronyms

Speaking of changes, the PGA Tour has officially retired its Player Impact Program (PIP)—you know, the one where guys like Tiger Woods got millions for just being famous. Over four years, PIP handed out $290 million, with Woods and McIlroy cashing in big time. Now, it’s being replaced by the Player Equity Program, which shifts focus to performance. Translation? Less cash for Instagram followers, more for actually playing golf. Tiger snagged the final $10 million PIP prize, proving once again that he’s golf royalty, even with only five starts last year.

Sony Open: Sun, Sand, and Scoring Records

Over in Hawaii, the Sony Open is about to tee off at Waialae Country Club, where Hideki Matsuyama is the heavy favorite after obliterating the field at The Sentry with a 35-under-par performance. Waialae’s famous “W” coconut trees will serve as the backdrop for 144 players chasing a $1.5 million top prize. While the action promises to be exciting, there’s a somber note this year: defending champion Grayson Murray, who tragically passed away in 2024, will be deeply missed. The tournament is dedicating tributes in his honor, reminding us that golf is more than just a game. In a heartwarming gesture, the family of the late golfer has launched a foundation in his memory to support mental health awareness. It’s a reminder that behind all the headlines and highlights, the golf world is a community that cares.

Gearheads, Rejoice! New Toys Are Here

For those who love shiny new toys, Mizuno and Srixon have rolled out some drool-worthy equipment. Mizuno’s JPX 925 irons boast better performance and come in a slick black finish, while Srixon’s latest Z-STAR balls promise a perfect blend of distance and spin. If that’s not enough, Hideki Matsuyama broke records with a prototype Scotty Cameron putter, which might already be on every golf nerd’s wishlist. Long story short: your bank account might not survive January.

The Vibe

So, what’s the vibe for 2025? Innovation, experimentation, and probably a few more weird twists along the way. Whether the TGL is golf’s future or just a really expensive tech demo, one thing’s for sure: we’ll all be watching—and cracking jokes—every step of the way. Cheers to a wild year ahead!

Today’s Top Golf News 

TGL Golf explained: Format, rules and how the indoor simulator league operates

The Tomorrow's Golf League (TGL) is an innovative indoor simulator golf league set to debut on January 7, 2025, backed by notable figures like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Competing within the custom-built SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the league consists of six teams of PGA Tour professionals who will engage in a unique match format, featuring team and head-to-head competitions over 15 holes. The scoring system mirrors that of the NHL, where teams earn points based on their performance, with the top four teams advancing to playoffs culminating in a Championship Series. Despite setbacks, including a roof collapse that delayed the league's launch, TGL aims to revolutionize the golfing experience.

Scottie Scheffler Withdraws from American Express After Christmas Dinner Injury

Scottie Scheffler’s 2025 debut on the PGA Tour is on hold, and the culprit isn’t a grueling practice session or an unfortunate run-in with a bunker rake—it’s a Christmas dinner gone awry. The world’s No. 1 golfer announced via Instagram that a freak hand injury from Christmas Day has forced him to withdraw from The American Express in La Quinta, California. The injury, caused by a shattered glass while preparing a festive meal, required surgery to remove fragments from his hand.

Scheffler, who has had a stellar career run recently—seven PGA Tour wins last season, an Olympic gold, and a third consecutive Player of the Year award—now has his sights set on returning at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at the end of January. Despite his optimistic timeline, this marks the second event he’s missed due to the injury, after sitting out The Sentry, which Hideki Matsuyama won in style.

Scheffler’s manager reassured fans that his recovery is on track, with a four-week timeline initially anticipated. Still, it’s safe to say no one expected one of golf’s greatest to be temporarily sidelined by kitchen hazards. Between his dominance on the course and his culinary misadventures, it seems like Scheffler might want to stick to the fairways and let someone else handle the cooking next holiday season.

As for his hopeful Pebble Beach return, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely—both for his golfing prowess and, perhaps, his recipe choices.

The Player Impact Program Is No More… Here’s How Much Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Other PGA Tour Stars Have Won

The Player Impact Program, rewarding PGA Tour players based on their impact, is being replaced by the Player Equity Program. Over its four years, $290 million was distributed, with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy earning the most. The new program will allocate $100 million annually from 2025 to 2030 based on performance metrics.

2025 Masters Tournament dates, schedule of events at Augusta National Golf Club

The 89th Masters Tournament is set to take place at Augusta National Golf Club, featuring a week filled with exciting events for golf enthusiasts. The schedule includes the Augusta National Women's Amateur from April 2-5, followed by the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals on April 6 - where Sarasota’s own Joey Wolf will be vying to win the girls 9-year-old category. Practice rounds will occur from April 7 to April 9, culminating in the Masters Par 3 Contest on April 9. The tournament officially begins on April 10 with the Honorary Starters ceremony and the first round, continuing with the second round on April 11, the third round on April 12, and concluding with the final round on April 13.

Major Golf Tournaments happening this week

A TGL Primer

TGL - PGA Tour - SoFi Stadium - Palm Beach Gardens, FL

The TGL (Tomorrow Golf League) will debut this evening at the SoFi Center in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The inaugural match features the New York Golf Club competing against The Bay Golf Club, starting at 9 p.m. ET. The SoFi Center is a state-of-the-art venue spanning nearly 250,000 square feet, designed specifically for TGL. It accommodates approximately 1,500 spectators and offers an intimate and immersive viewing experience. The facility combines cutting-edge technology with traditional golf elements, including a massive simulator screen and a dynamic green that can replicate various course conditions.

The New York Golf Club includes players Xander Schauffele, Matt Fitzpatrick, Rickie Fowler, and Cameron Young, while The Bay Golf Club features Ludvig Åberg, Wyndham Clark, Min Woo Lee, and Shane Lowry. Each team comprises four players, with three participating in each match. Matches are designed to last about two hours, featuring a 15-hole format split into two segments. The first nine holes follow a 3 vs. 3 alternate shot format, while the final six holes consist of rotating head-to-head matchups. This fast-paced structure is intended to engage both players and fans alike.

The event will be broadcast live on ESPN and available for streaming on ESPN+. The broadcast promises unparalleled access, with players mic’d up throughout the match, offering fans real-time insights into their strategies and interactions. Tickets for the event are available for purchase, with the arena’s design ensuring fans are close to the action, creating a “greenside” experience akin to sitting courtside at an NBA game.

TGL is a tech-driven golf league co-founded by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, aiming to modernize golf and draw in new audiences. The league comprises six teams, each with four PGA Tour players, competing in a 15-match regular season followed by playoffs. The season concludes with a best-of-three Finals Series for the SoFi Cup, scheduled for March 24 and 25, 2025. This innovative league is expected to redefine the way fans experience golf, combining technology, strategy, and top-tier talent.

TGL Stories

Tour Confidential: TGL season preview, lingering questions and more

The document provides a preview of the inaugural season of the TGL golf simulator league, backed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, highlighting the anticipation surrounding its launch after a year-long delay. It discusses key topics, including the format's potential for entertainment, the importance of player interactions, and the need for engaging personalities to attract viewers. The first match, featuring teams from the New York Golf Club and The Bay Golf Club, raises questions about its ability to draw public interest without Woods' participation. The article emphasizes that the league's success will depend on its capacity to deliver excitement and authenticity, as well as how well it captures the essence of competitive golf while being innovative.

10 Big PGA Tour Names Not Signed Up To TGL In 2025

The document discusses the notable absence of ten prominent PGA Tour golfers from the upcoming TGL league set to begin in 2025, despite the league's star-studded lineup, including Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Among those not participating are World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, three-time Major winner Jordan Spieth, and fan favorites like Tony Finau and Jason Day, each citing various personal commitments or injuries as reasons for their exclusion. The piece highlights the star power these players bring to the sport and speculates on their potential involvement in future seasons, emphasizing the excitement and anticipation surrounding TGL's inaugural run.

Built from the grass up: How and why TGL is playing off real turf

TGL, the new tech-infused indoor golf league, aims to blend traditional golf elements with modern technology by playing on real grass, specifically a Tahoma 31 Bermuda blend, while also incorporating innovative features like a rotating putting surface and engineered artificial turf for close-range shots. The league, which has generated excitement and positive feedback from players such as Rory McIlroy and Billy Horschel, emphasizes maintaining a genuine playing experience despite its non-traditional indoor setting. After months of preparation and collaboration with turf experts, TGL is set to launch its debut season, showcasing a unique approach that differentiates itself from conventional pro golf while still honoring the game's roots.

Are LIV Golfers Involved In TGL?

LIV Golf players are excluded from the TGL due to its partnership with the PGA Tour, preventing them from qualifying. The first match is set for January 7, 2025, featuring only PGA Tour stars, while discussions continue about potential future participation of LIV players.

TGL Videos

The First Look: Sony Open in Hawaii

Sony Open in Hawaii - PGA Tour - Walalae Country Club - Honolulu, HI

The 2025 Sony Open in Hawaii, the second event of the PGA TOUR season and the first full-field event, is set to take place from January 9-12 at Waialae Country Club in Honolulu. This prestigious tournament, which has been a staple of the PGA Tour since 1965, will feature 144 players competing for a purse of $8.7 million, with the winner receiving approximately $1.5 million.

Waialae Country Club, a par-70 course measuring 7,044 yards, presents a stark contrast to the previous week's venue at Kapalua. The course is known for its flat, tight layout and is famous for its iconic 'W' formed by coconut trees near the seventh hole, creating a unique natural logo and scenic backdrop.

Hideki Matsuyama, fresh off his record-setting victory at The Sentry, enters as the favorite with +900 odds. Other notable players in the field include Corey Conners, Tom Kim, Russell Henley, and Keegan Bradley. The tournament will also see the season debuts of several players, including four-time TOUR winner Aaron Baddeley.

This event marks the first opportunity for players to earn FedExCup points towards the Aon Swing 5, which qualifies golfers for upcoming signature events. The Sony Open is also recognized for its commitment to the Hawaiian community, having raised over $25 million for local charities since its inception.

The absence of defending champion Grayson Murray, who tragically passed away in 2024, will be felt throughout the tournament. As the PGA Tour continues its Hawaiian swing, the Sony Open promises to deliver exciting golf action and serve as a platform for players to start their 2025 season on a high note.

Sony Open Stories

Monday qualifiers: Sony Open in Hawaii - PGA TOUR

The top four finishers in Monday's qualifier at Kapolei Golf Club will qualify for the Sony Open in Hawaii, with notable participants including Cameron Kuchar and Y.E. Yang. The event features a hole-by-hole playoff to resolve ties.

These are the seven golfers who have won the Hawaii Double (Sentry, Sony) on PGA Tour

Seven golfers have achieved the Hawaiian Double by winning both The Sentry and the Sony Open: Hideki Matsuyama, Justin Thomas, Cameron Smith, Zach Johnson, Vijay Singh, Ernie Els, and Jim Furyk. Matsuyama set a scoring record at The Sentry in 2025.

2025 Sony Open in Hawaii odds: Hideki Matsuyama is betting favorite in Honolulu

Hideki Matsuyama is the betting favorite for the 2025 Sony Open in Hawaii with odds of +900, followed by Corey Conners at +1600 and Tom Kim at +1800. Matsuyama aims for his second consecutive win after his recent victory at the Sentry.

Sony Open Videos

Team Cup 2025: Format, Teams, How To Watch - Everything You Need To Know

Team Cup - DP World Tour - Abu Dhabi Golf Resort, Abu Dhabi, UAE

The 2025 Team Cup is set to take place from January 10-12 at the Abu Dhabi Golf Resort, marking the second edition of this exciting DP World Tour event. The competition pits a team of 10 golfers from Great Britain & Ireland against 10 players from Continental Europe in a Ryder Cup-style format. The event was introduced by European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald to give potential future Ryder Cup players experience in team competition.

The tournament will feature fourballs on Friday, two sessions of foursomes on Saturday, and singles matches on Sunday. Every player will participate in each session, providing ample opportunity for all competitors to showcase their skills. Continental Europe won the inaugural event in 2023 with a score of 14.5 to 10.5, and they'll be looking to defend their title this year.

Justin Rose will captain the GB&I team, while Francesco Molinari leads the Continental Europe side. Notable players include Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, and the Hojgaard twins. The event serves as a warm-up for the 2025 Ryder Cup, which will take place in September at Bethpage Black in New York.

The Abu Dhabi Golf Resort, designed by Peter Harradine, will provide a challenging 7,600-yard layout featuring wide fairways, receptive greens, and plenty of water and sand hazards. The iconic Falcon Clubhouse will serve as a centerpiece for the event, offering spectacular views of the 9th and 18th holes.

Spectators can enjoy free general admission tickets with pre-registration, while premium packages are available for those seeking a more exclusive experience. The Championship Village will offer family-friendly activities, food outlets, and live entertainment, making the Team Cup an exciting event for golf enthusiasts and casual fans alike.

With a substantial prize pool of $15 million, the Team Cup promises to deliver high-stakes competition and showcase some of Europe's top golfing talents. As the DP World Tour kicks off its 2025 season, this event will set the stage for an exciting year of golf and provide valuable insights for the upcoming Ryder Cup team selection.

Ryder Cup (Sept 25-28, 2025)

Keegan Bradley's 'Stubbornness' Is a Warning Sign for the American Ryder Cup Team, Golf Legend Speaks Out

Keegan Bradley's appointment as captain of Team U.S.A. for the Ryder Cup has sparked controversy, particularly regarding his ambition to serve as a playing captain. While he is enthusiastic about the tournament, some experts, including Dame Laura Davies, caution that attempting to fulfill both roles simultaneously could hinder his effectiveness as a leader. They emphasize that the responsibilities of a captain and a player are fundamentally different, suggesting that Bradley may struggle to manage both effectively. Despite these concerns, Bradley remains determined to embrace the challenge, believing he can navigate the complexities of being both a player and a captain.

Today’s Best Golf Videos

What’s in the Bag (WITB)

Mizuno JPX 925 Forged and Forged Black irons: 4 things to know

The Mizuno JPX 925 Forged and Forged Black irons represent a significant advancement in golf club technology, featuring a new two-part forging process that enhances ball speed and feel. Key innovations include the CORETECH design which increases the coefficient of restitution (COR) by 14 points, allowing for improved performance on off-center strikes. The irons also introduce a Triple Cut Sole for better turf interaction and come in a striking black finish option for the first time, alongside the traditional satin chrome. Available for pre-order starting January 24, 2025, the new irons are priced at $200 for the chrome finish and $215 for the black finish, with release set for February 6, 2025.

Srixon Z-STAR, XV and Diamond golf balls: 4 things to know

Srixon has launched its latest Z-STAR series of golf balls, which includes the Z-STAR, Z-STAR XV, and Z-STAR Diamond models. These balls feature the new FastLayer DG Core 2.0, providing a balance of softness, distance, and spin, along with three color options: Pure White, Tour Yellow, and a unique Divide design. Enhanced durability is achieved through a new biomass urethane cover and Spin Skin+ coating, aimed at improving spin performance while resisting dirt and grime. These golf balls will be available for retail starting January 24, 2025, at a price of $49.99.

The Prototype Scotty Cameron Putter Hideki Matsuyama Used To Shoot A PGA Tour Scoring Record At The Sentry

Hideki Matsuyama set a new PGA Tour scoring record at The Sentry, shooting 35-under-par with rounds of 65, 65, 62, and 65, while using a prototype Scotty Cameron 009M putter featuring a center shaft. Noticing that more players were experimenting with this type of putter, Matsuyama decided to try one himself, leading to significant improvements in his putting performance, as he averaged just 26.75 putts per round. Despite his success, Matsuyama remained somewhat secretive about the exact reasons for the putter's effectiveness, simply stating that it worked well for him, and he is known to have a large collection of Scotty Cameron putters, often seeking new designs to inspire his game.

Overheard in the Club House

Grayson Murray's parents start foundation for mental health awareness

Grayson Murray's parents have launched a foundation in his memory to raise awareness and support for mental health and addiction challenges, inspired by his openness about his struggles. The foundation aims to promote understanding and provide access to essential care services.

Nelly Korda appears as first guest on Golf Channel's new morning show, 5 Clubs

World No. 1 golfer Nelly Korda was the first guest on Golf Channel's new morning show, "5 Clubs," discussing her seven-win 2024 season and the pressures of competition. Host Gary Williams aims to explore the golf industry with various guests and analysts, airing the show Monday through Wednesday at 8 a.m. ET.

Taylor Pendrith reveals incredible number of career albatrosses after big bird at Kapalua

Taylor Pendrith achieved his first albatross of 2025 at The Sentry, marking the first albatross in the tournament's history. This was his eighth career albatross, with only one occurring in tournament play, alongside three hole-in-ones. Pendrith aims for improved performance in the upcoming season.

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 2025

Click to see the entire PGA Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

LIV Golf Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire LIV Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

LPGA Tour Schedule 2025

Click to see the entire LPGA Tour Schedule for 2025 including the Previous winners and Purse.

TGL Schedule 2025

View the latest match schedule for TGL presented by SoFi, including times, dates and broadcast partners.

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