Planet Golf News for Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Can Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry overcome the Zurich 'curse'?, 15-year-old amateur playing in her first LPGA event hopes to inspire other Black golfers

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

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[ THE LEADERBOARD ]

Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes

Good Morning,

In the world of golf this Wednesday, we've got a mix of Olympic dreams, innovative broadcasting strategies, and a whole lot of player insight on various tournaments and new rules.

Starting with a bit of a bummer for golf fans, basketball star Steph Curry won't be showing his golfing skills at the 2024 American Century Championship in Tahoe. Instead, he's taking his basketball talents to the Paris Olympics, marking his first participation in the Olympics. It’s not all sad news though; the Curry family will still be represented by Dell and Seth.

Meanwhile, the USGA's CEO Mike Whan is playing it cool with LIV Golf. He's open to the idea of them joining the U.S. Open fray, but not just yet. They’re watching how LIV shapes up before making any moves. It seems like it’s a wait-and-watch game for now.

NBC’s Golf chief, Sam Flood, is out there debunking what he calls ‘false’ allegations about the network’s financial and strategic approaches to golf broadcasting. He's all about pushing the boundaries to enhance viewer experience and growing the game—challenges be damned.

The PGA Tour’s new equity ownership plan has the pros buzzing, some more pleased than others. Players like Jordan Spieth and Adam Scott are peeking at their phones to see what their shares look like, with the rollout stirring up a mix of excitement and confusion among the ranks.

Speaking of coverage, when comparing shots shown per hour, LIV Golf is apparently outshooting the PGA Tour—120 to 88. Seems like PGA might need to step up their game to keep fans glued to the screen.

Tournament wise, we’ve got a busy week. The Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow is seeing favorites like Rory McIlroy expected to shine, despite some notable withdrawals like Ludvig Aberg due to a knee issue. Shane Lowry, fresh from his Zurich win, is looking to shake off his past poor performances here.

Then there’s the Cognizant Founders Cup in Clifton, NJ, where the LPGA stars like Nelly Korda are set to dazzle. Amidst the elite, 15-year-old amateur Ashley Shaw is making her LPGA debut, hoping to inspire other Black golfers with her presence.

Down in Myrtle Beach, SC, the Myrtle Beach Classic is kicking off as a new event on the PGA Tour calendar. It’s set against the charming backdrop of The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, with Erik van Rooyen tipped as a favorite in a field full of hungry competitors.

And not to be overlooked, the Regions Tradition in Birmingham, AL, is where the seniors show they’ve still got it. With a hefty prize and prestige on the line, past champs like Miguel Angel Jimenez and Bernhard Langer are eyeing another title.

From Olympic aspirations to innovative broadcast strategies and a packed tournament schedule, the golf world is swinging with stories. Whether breaking curses or breaking new ground, there's never a dull moment on and off the greens!

[ Today’s Top Stories ] 

Golf Tournaments happening this week

Wells Fargo Championship - Charlotte, NC

The latest news about the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship, which is set to commence on Thursday, May 9, at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C., includes insights into betting guides, odds, player withdrawals, and strategies for the upcoming event. Here's a summary of the key points:

Cognizant Founders Cup - Clifton, NJ

The Cognizant Founders Cup returns to Upper Montclair Country Club in New Jersey for the third consecutive year. The event, which is a significant part of the LPGA Tour, boasts a prize fund of $3 million, with the winner set to receive $450,000. The field is highlighted by top players including Nelly Korda, who is aiming for an unprecedented sixth consecutive title, and Jin Young Ko, the defending champion seeking her fourth victory at this event. The tournament is scheduled from May 9 to May 12, 2024, and will be broadcast on various platforms including ESPN+ and Peacock, offering extensive coverage for golf enthusiasts

Myrtle Beach Classic - Myrtle Beach, SC

The Myrtle Beach Classic in Myrtle Beach, SC, highlights the commencement of this new event on the PGA Tour, set to begin on Thursday at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club. This tournament marks the third Additional Event of the PGA Tour season and will take place opposite the Wells Fargo Championship. Erik van Rooyen is the favorite to win, with odds of 25-1. The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, known for its long, narrow fairways and elevated greens, has previously hosted significant golf events, including the PGA Tour Champions season-ending Charles Schwab Cup Championship and the PGA Tour Q-School Finals.

The Myrtle Beach Classic offers a prize money payout of $4 million, with the winner receiving $720,000 and 300 FedEx Cup points. This event features a full field and a cut, ensuring that only those who make it to the weekend will share the purse. The highest-ranked player in the field is World No.61 Ryan Fox.

In terms of weather, the forecast for Myrtle Beach through Friday includes the threat of inclement weather, but the weekend is expected to be gorgeous with daytime highs in the 70s.

Regions Tradition - Birmingham, AL

The 2024 Regions Tradition is set to take place from May 9-12 at the Greystone Golf & Country Club in Birmingham, Alabama. This event marks the first of five senior major championships of the year. The course, known as the Founders Course, is a par-72 stretching 7,277 yards. The prize purse for the tournament is $2.5 million, with defending champion Steve Stricker returning after winning the 2023 event with a score of 23-under-par.

The field for the 2024 Regions Tradition includes prominent golfers like Miguel Angel Jimenez and Bernhard Langer, both past winners. The tournament is a key event for players competing for points towards the Charles Schwab Cup.

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Marie Birdie is a female-founded and owned golf and active wear brand for tween and teen girls. Our mission is to inspire, delight, and empower girls to enjoy an active lifestyle while playing golf.

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