Planet Golf News for Tuesday, May 14, 2024

It's a boy! Scottie Scheffler arrives at PGA Championship with a newborn at home, Jimmy Dunne, author of PGA Tour's secret deal with Saudi Arabia, resigns citing 'no meaningful progress' on PIF-Tour deal

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

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Rory McIlroy Rolls at Wells Fargo, Next Task Is to Try to End 10-Year Major Drought

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Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

In the dynamic world of golf, this week is buzzing with excitement and a touch of nostalgia. At the heart of the action is the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. The tournament is set to be a thrilling affair with record crowds expected and a forecast that hints at rain, possibly echoing the wet 2014 championship at the same venue.

The PGA Championship promises high drama, featuring Scottie Scheffler who just became a new dad and arrives as the favorite. We've also got Tiger Woods turning back the clock with a thick goatee and sporting memories of his legendary win at Valhalla back in 2000. Meanwhile, Brooks Koepka, the defending champion, returns with his signature focus, aiming to capture the title once more. Amidst these familiar faces, there's a wave of anticipation for Rory McIlroy, who is back on a course where he clinched his last major a decade ago.

The storyline extends beyond the usual suspects. Jordan Spieth's pursuit of a career Grand Slam at Valhalla isn't grabbing as many headlines this time around, overshadowed by the strong field and compelling narratives from other players. Meanwhile, PGA Tour veteran Jimmy Dunne has resigned from the PGA Tour's policy board, citing frustration over stalled negotiations with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund—a move signaling ongoing shifts within the sport's governance.

Not to be overlooked is the Mizuho Americas Open in Jersey City, a beacon on the LPGA Tour. This event stands out not just for its competition but also for its initiatives like the DrivHER Summit aimed at empowering the next generation of women leaders. Defending champion Rose Zhang returns, her eyes set on replicating last year’s stunning victory in her professional debut.

Over in Kansas City, the AdventHealth Championship brings local flair to the Korn Ferry Tour, promising to keep all proceeds within the community and enhancing its charitable impact.

From iconic moments to fresh challenges, the world of golf is as vibrant and intriguing as ever. Whether it's the lush greens of Valhalla or the strategic plays at Liberty National, each stroke carries with it stories of triumph, lessons in resilience, and a shared love for the game. As we look forward to the outcomes of these prestigious tournaments, the anticipation is palpable—each player, each round could write a new chapter in golf's rich history.

[ Today’s Top Stories ] 

Golf Tournaments happening this week

PGA Championship - Louisville, KY [PGA]

The 2024 PGA Championship is set to take place at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, from Thursday, May 16, through Sunday, May 19. This event marks the second of four major golf tournaments in 2024, following Scottie Scheffler's win at the Masters Tournament in mid-April. The field of players includes notable names such as 2023 winner Brooks Koepka, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler, among others. McIlroy, in particular, is returning to the course where he won his last major 10 years ago.

The weather forecast for the tournament indicates that rain could play a significant role, similar to the 2014 PGA Championship at the same venue. Rain is expected to arrive as early as Monday evening and persist for several days, with scattered showers and thunderstorms forecasted, particularly on Tuesday and Wednesday. Conditions are expected to improve slightly on Thursday, but another low-pressure system could bring more showers and thunderstorms on Friday and Saturday.

Valhalla Golf Club has undergone changes since it last hosted the PGA Championship, with the fairways now featuring Zeon Zoysiagrass, which plays much faster and firmer. This change, along with the removal of strips of bluegrass rough between the fairways and fairway bunkers, is expected to put a greater emphasis on accurate driving and controlled shotmaking.

The tournament will be broadcasted on ESPN and ESPN+ for the first two rounds, with CBS joining ESPN for coverage on Saturday and Sunday.

In terms of predictions and odds, Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Brooks Koepka are among the favorites to win, with Tiger Woods listed with odds of +12500, indicating he is considered a longshot for the title.

Mizuho Americas Open - Jersey City, NJ [LPGA]

The Mizuho Americas Open, a prominent event on the LPGA Tour, is making headlines again as it returns to Liberty National in Jersey City, New Jersey, from May 13-19, 2024. This tournament has quickly become a notable fixture in women's golf, thanks to its unique blend of competition, mentorship, and empowerment initiatives.

A significant highlight of this year's event is the inaugural Mizuho DrivHER Summit, organized in collaboration with Girls Inc. Scheduled for May 15, 2024, the summit aims to inspire the next generation of women leaders through panels, interactive workshops, and presentations from accomplished women. Notable speakers include Michelle Wie West, an LPGA legend and the tournament host; Mollie Marcoux Samaan, the LPGA Commissioner; and Stephanie J. Hull, Ph.D., President & CEO of Girls Inc. Additionally, Mizuho will announce three recipients of the 2024 Mizuho Americas Scholarships, each receiving a $5,000 grant to support their college education[1].

The tournament itself boasts a unique format, allowing 24 junior girls aged 12 to 19 to compete alongside LPGA stars in a 72-hole Stableford competition, while the Tour members engage in their standard 72-hole stroke play event. This format not only promotes competition but also fosters mentorship between the junior golfers and professional athletes.

Rose Zhang, a rising star in women's golf, made history at the Mizuho Americas Open by becoming the first non-Tour member to win in their professional LPGA debut since 1951. Zhang's victory last year has set high expectations for her performance in this year's tournament as she aims to defend her title.

The 2024 Mizuho Americas Open has also seen an increase in its purse to $3 million, highlighting the event's growing prestige and commitment to supporting women's golf at the highest levels.

AdventHealth Championship - Kansas City, MO - [Korn Ferry]

The AdventHealth Championship, a prominent PGA TOUR-sanctioned event on the Korn Ferry Tour, is set to take place from May 13-19, 2024, at the Blue Hills Country Club in Kansas City, Missouri. This tournament, which has been a part of the Kansas City sports landscape since 2009 under various names, including the Digital Ally Open and Kansas City Golf Classic, has recently been fully acquired by AdventHealth. This acquisition marks a significant shift as all proceeds from the event will now remain within the local community, enhancing its impact on local charities and community needs.

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