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Planet Golf News for Sunday, September 15, 2024
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Sunday, September 15, 2024
PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie
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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]
Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes
Good Morning,
This weekend in golf was nothing short of dramatic, with tension and excitement spanning across several key tournaments. From the heated Solheim Cup to the windy battles at the Amgen Irish Open, there's a lot to unpack. Here's a friendly recap of all the action.
At the Solheim Cup in Virginia, Team USA held a commanding 10-6 lead over Team Europe after two intense days of competition. With 14.5 points needed to clinch the title, the Americans were in a strong position heading into the final day. However, this tournament has a history of surprising comebacks, so nothing is set in stone.
Saturday was a mixed bag of events. Despite an overall stalemate, the morning session had its highlights, with Rose Zhang and Andrea Lee dominating the European duo of Linn Grant and Celine Boutier. Their win of 6 and 4 was one of the most decisive results of the day. Nelly Korda's incredible eagle on the 14th hole helped the USA maintain its momentum, boosting the team's spirits and pushing them to a 10-4 lead before Europe clawed back to close the day at 10-6.
In a surprising turn, Korda, who has been stellar throughout the tournament, was rested during the Saturday afternoon session. This move left fans and even golf legends like Catriona Matthew scratching their heads. But it wasn’t just the on-course play that had people talking. The event’s broadcast by NBC faced harsh criticism, with viewers expressing frustration over poor coverage, loud music, and lack of key match details. Fans were left feeling that the broadcast had let them down, especially compared to previous years.
Despite these hiccups, Sunday holds all the promise of a thrilling finish. Team Europe, led by players like Charley Hull, wasn’t ready to give up. Hull emphasized the unpredictability of the Sunday singles, reminding everyone that a comeback was still possible. All eyes were on the final singles matches to see if Team USA could finally reclaim the trophy they last won in 2017, or if Europe would stage a miraculous comeback.
Over at Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, California, the Procore Championship saw Patton Kizzire leading the pack by four strokes. Kizzire shot a solid 5-under 67, bringing his total to 18-under for the tournament despite battling erratic play off the tee. His approach shots and putting were the key to his performance, helping him maintain his lead despite some misses, including a short par putt on the 10th hole.
David Lipsky followed in second place, while Patrick Fishburn, Greyson Sigg, Mackenzie Hughes, and Corey Conners were all tied for third at 13-under. The defending champion, Sahith Theegala, was six strokes behind at 12-under, leaving Kizzire in a strong position to aim for his first PGA Tour win since 2018.
In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the Sanford International took a turn when Australian rookie Michael Wright surged to the top of the leaderboard with an impressive 65. He was at 8-under par heading into the final round, looking to secure his first win on the PGA Tour Champions. Right on his heels was Richard Green, another Aussie, who matched Wright’s score and sat at 7-under. Steve Stricker, the two-time defending champion, and first-round leader Billy Andrade were tied for third at 5-under. With seasoned players like Ernie Els and Bernhard Langer in the mix, the final day was poised for an exciting finish.
LIV Golf Chicago at Bolingbrook Golf Club saw Jon Rahm take a one-shot lead after a phenomenal bogey-free 64 in the second round. He was at 7-under par overall, just ahead of fellow Spaniard Sergio Garcia. Brooks Koepka, who led after the first round, faltered with a round of 73, dropping to third place. Rahm’s stellar performance not only put him in contention for the tournament win but also moved him closer to securing the season-long Individual Championship and its $18 million bonus. With Rahm and Joaquin Niemann being the only two players eligible for the championship, Sunday’s final round promises high stakes and intense competition.
Rory McIlroy was back in action at the Amgen Irish Open in Northern Ireland, battling strong winds to shoot a 2-under 69 and take the lead at 6-under for the tournament. Despite an eagle on the first hole, McIlroy had to overcome a couple of bogeys, including one on the last hole. Matteo Manassero, the overnight leader, slipped to second place at 5-under after a challenging round with four bogeys. With several players within striking distance and the unpredictable weather conditions expected to continue, the final round was set for an exciting showdown.
The Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation in Tennessee saw Ryan Gerard move into the lead with an 18-under 192 after a superb 6-under 64 in the third round. His consistency throughout the season has him well-positioned to secure his PGA Tour card for 2025. Paul Peterson, who led earlier in the tournament, was just two strokes behind, setting up an interesting final day where every shot would count.
There were plenty of off-the-course stories too. At the Solheim Cup, an unexpected and rather amusing moment saw caddies ripping off their shirts in celebration after Alison Lee holed out from 86 yards, part of a fun bet they had made. Meanwhile, LPGA commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan took responsibility for transportation issues that left fans stranded and frustrated during the event. And over at LIV Golf, despite celebrating a record attendance, the tournament faced criticism for its perceived lack of competition compared to traditional tours.
All in all, it’s been a weekend full of passion, drama, and memorable moments. As these tournaments head into their final rounds, the excitement only continues to build. Whether it’s Team USA’s march toward Solheim glory or Rahm’s quest for the LIV Championship, the world of golf is buzzing with possibilities!
[ Today’s Top Golf News ]
Major Golf Tournaments happening this weekend
Solheim Cup - LPGA - Robert Trent Jones Golf Club - Gainesville, VA
Yesterday the second day of the Solheim Cup unfolded at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia. The day featured intense competition between Team USA and Team Europe in both foursomes and fourball matches.
The morning session consisted of four foursomes matches, where Team USA continued to build on their strong start from the first day. By the end of the morning matches, the United States had extended their lead to 8-4.
In the afternoon, four fourball matches took place. One notable result was Andrea Lee and Rose Zhang of Team USA defeating Linn Grant and Celine Boutier of Team Europe by a decisive margin of 6 and 4. The other matches were still ongoing at the time of the latest update.
As the day progressed, Team USA maintained their advantage, leading the overall competition with a score of 10-6 after four sessions. This puts the Americans in a strong position heading into the final day, as they need to reach 14.5 points to reclaim the Solheim Cup, which they haven't won since 2017.
The European team, despite trailing, showed resilience and fought hard to keep their hopes alive. However, they face an uphill battle on the final day, needing to stage a significant comeback to retain the trophy.
The competition is set to conclude today with 12 singles matches that will determine the ultimate outcome of the 2024 Solheim Cup. With Team USA holding a four-point lead, they are in a favorable position to potentially end their seven-year drought in this prestigious women's team golf tournament.
Solheim Cup Sunday pairings, tee times announced: USA has strong lead
2024 Solheim Cup: Saturday Four-ball Results, Sunday Singles Matches
2024 Solheim Cup Sunday singles pairings, schedule, tee times
2024 Solheim Cup Sunday TV coverage: How to watch, matchups, start time
Solheim Cup 2024: Do Players Get Paid? What Does the Champion Team Win?
Team USA is dominating the Solheim Cup. Here's why it's not over yet - golf.com
Nelly Korda and the U.S. keep rolling in the Solheim Cup and lead Europe 10-6 - apnews.com
After Saturday splits, U.S. nears 1st Solheim Cup win in 7 years - golf.com
2024 Solheim Cup: Europe fights to split another session, but U.S. on brink of victory - nbcsports.com
United States earns Saturday split, holds 10-6 lead at the Solheim Cup - washingtonpost.com
Europe forced to dig deep as United States retain Solheim Cup control - independent.co.uk
SHIRTS OFF FOR ALISON LEE'S HOLE OUT FROM THE FAIRWAY 😤💯
— LPGA (@LPGA)
4:35 PM • Sep 14, 2024
Famous actress @jessicaalba is in the house! 📣👏 @NellyKorda
— LPGA (@LPGA)
4:29 PM • Sep 14, 2024
Solheim Cup Videos
Procore Championship - PGA Tour - Silverado Resort and Spa - Napa, CA
Yesterday the third round of the Procore Championship took place at Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, California. Patton Kizzire emerged as the leader, extending his advantage to four strokes heading into the final round. Despite struggling with erratic play off the tee, Kizzire managed to shoot a 5-under 67, bringing his total to 18-under 198.
David Lipsky, who played alongside Kizzire, holds second place after shooting a 70 in the third round. Patrick Fishburn, a rookie on the tour, made a strong push but ultimately finished with consecutive bogeys, tying for third at 13-under par. Greyson Sigg, Mackenzie Hughes, and Corey Conners also share the third position, all having shot 66 in their rounds.
Kizzire's performance was particularly impressive given his challenges off the tee, missing seven fairways. However, he compensated with strong approach shots and reliable putting. His round included six birdies and one bogey, maintaining his lead despite a missed 5-foot par putt on the 10th hole.
Defending champion Sahith Theegala shot a 69, placing him six strokes behind the leader at 12-under. The tournament record of 21-under at Silverado, set by Theegala last year, is now within Kizzire's reach as he aims for his first PGA Tour victory since 2018.
Procore Championship Videos
Sanford International - PGA Tour Champions - Minnehaha CC - Sioux Falls, SD
Yesterday the Sanford International PGA Tour Champions event at Minnehaha Country Club in Sioux Falls, South Dakota saw a significant shift in the leaderboard. Rookie Michael Wright from Australia surged to the top with an impressive round of 65, giving him a one-stroke lead at 8-under par heading into the final round. Wright, who is seeking his first win on the PGA TOUR Champions in his rookie season, matched the low round of the day to take control of the tournament.
Close behind Wright is Richard Green, currently ranked fourth in the Charles Schwab Cup standings, who also carded a 65 to sit in second place at 7-under par. Green is looking for his first victory on the PGA TOUR Champions and has been in contention several times this season with three runner-up finishes.
Two-time defending champion Steve Stricker and first-round leader Billy Andrade are tied for third at 5-under par, three strokes behind the leader. Stricker, who shot a 68 in the second round, is aiming for a historic three-peat at the Sanford International, which would make him the first player to achieve this feat on both the PGA TOUR and PGA TOUR Champions.
The leaderboard is tightly packed, with seven players, including Charles Schwab Cup leader Ernie Els, 46-time PGA TOUR Champions winner Bernhard Langer, and 2019 Sanford International champion Rocco Mediate, all tied for fifth at 4-under par. Notably, the 67-year-old Langer shot his age (67) for the 19th time on the PGA TOUR Champions.
With the final round set for today, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the tournament, as Wright looks to secure his first victory against a field of experienced champions and contenders.
LIV Golf Chicago - LIV - Bolingbrook Golf Club - Bolingbrook, IL
Yesterday the second round of the LIV Golf Chicago tournament took place at Bolingbrook Golf Club in Bolingbrook, Illinois. Jon Rahm emerged as the new leader after an impressive performance, shooting a bogey-free 6-under 64. This stellar round put Rahm at 7-under par overall, giving him a one-shot lead over fellow Spaniard Sergio Garcia, who carded a 65.
The day saw significant movement on the leaderboard. Brooks Koepka, who had held a four-shot lead after the first round with an opening 62, struggled on Saturday. He posted a 73 with six bogeys, dropping to third place at 5-under par, two shots behind Rahm.
Joaquin Niemann, who is Rahm's closest competitor for the season-long Individual Championship, managed to birdie his last two holes for a 68. This put him in a tie for fourth place at 4-under par, alongside Adrian Meronk and Ian Poulter.
The tournament has added significance as it's the final regular-season event of the 2024 LIV Golf League. Rahm and Niemann are the only two players mathematically eligible to win the Individual Championship and its $18 million bonus. Rahm's strong performance on Saturday not only gave him the tournament lead but also increased his advantage in the season-long race.
In the team competition, Crushers GC and Cleeks GC are tied for the lead at 10-under par. The team aspect adds another layer of excitement to the event, with implications for seedings in the upcoming Team Championship.
The final round on Sunday promises to be thrilling, with Rahm aiming to secure both the tournament victory and the Individual Championship title.
Amgen Irish Open - DP World - Royal Country Down GC - Newcastle, Northern Ireland
On Saturday, the third round of the Amgen Irish Open took place at Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle, Northern Ireland. Rory McIlroy emerged as the leader after carding a 2-under 69, bringing his total to 6-under par for the tournament. McIlroy's round included an eagle on the opening hole, two birdies, and two bogeys, including one on the final hole.
Matteo Manassero, who held the overnight lead, now sits in second place at 5-under par after shooting a 72 in challenging windy conditions. The Italian struggled with four bogeys but managed to keep himself in contention with three birdies.
There's a four-way tie for third place at 3-under par, featuring Robert MacIntyre, Jordan Smith, Erik van Rooyen, and Rasmus Højgaard. MacIntyre and Smith both matched McIlroy's 69, which was among the best scores of the day in difficult weather conditions.
McIlroy, playing in his home country, is seeking his first professional victory on Northern Irish soil. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to win but remained cautious about getting too far ahead of himself. The world No. 3 acknowledged that a win would put a positive spin on his 2024 season, which has seen some near misses.
The final round on Sunday promises to be exciting, with McIlroy holding a slim lead and several contenders within striking distance. The challenging conditions at Royal County Down are expected to continue, potentially setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the tournament.
2024 Irish Open scores: Rory McIlroy takes 54-hole lead into final round at Royal County Down - cbssports.com
'It's a pleasure to play in front of everyone from home...hopefully I can keep giving them something to cheer about.' - newsletter.co.uk
Rory McIlroy: Irish Open win would put shine on year after seizing the lead - irishmirror.ie
Star-studded Irish Open finish on tap as Rory McIlroy pulls clear of Matteo Manassero - nbcsports.com
Rory McIlroy, seeking 18th DP World Tour win, leads Amgen Irish Open with 18 holes to go - golfweek.usatoday.com
Simmons Bank Open - Korn Ferry Tour - Vanderbilt Legends Club - Franklin, TN
On Saturday, the third round of the Simmons Bank Open for the Snedeker Foundation took place at the Vanderbilt Legends Club in Franklin, Tennessee. The tournament, which is part of the Korn Ferry Tour, saw some exciting action on the North Course.
Paul Peterson, who entered the day as the 36-hole leader, continued his strong performance. Peterson had carded a bogey-free 7-under 63 in the second round to take the lead, and he maintained his position at the top of the leaderboard. His consistent play throughout the tournament, with 14 birdies against just one bogey in the first two rounds, has put him in a strong position heading into the final day.
Ryan Gerard, currently ranked 13th on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List, is in close pursuit of Peterson. Gerard has been a model of consistency this season, finding himself in the top five after two rounds for the ninth time this year. His performance this week has further solidified his chances of securing PGA TOUR membership for the next season.
Chris Baker made a significant move up the leaderboard during the second round with an impressive 9-under 61, the lowest round of the tournament so far. This stellar performance propelled him into a tie for fourth place entering the third round.
As the tournament heads into its final day on September 15, the players will be vying not only for the Simmons Bank Open title but also for crucial points in the Korn Ferry Tour standings. The top 120 players on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List after this event will be eligible to compete in next week's tournament, which is the third of four season-ending Korn Ferry Tour Finals events.
Today’s Best Golf Videos
What’s in the Bag (WITB)
Overheard in the Club House
UPCOMING TOURS
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