Author: Laura Gailus

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Junior Golfer AJ Ramos Achieves Historic 59 in Arizona

The 59-round by 14-year-old golfer AJ Ramos is making waves. (Photo: Facebook@Junior Golf Association of Arizona)

AJ Ramos, a prodigious 14-year-old golfer, has etched an extraordinary chapter in the annals of the Arizona Junior Golf Association (AJGA). Over the past weekend, Ramos achieved an astonishing feat by shooting a round of 59 at the Wigwam Golf Club in Litchfield Park, Arizona. This score marks the first instance of such an achievement in the AJGA’s history.

Breakthrough at the Tucson City Junior Championship

It was July 25, 2024, at the Tucson City Junior Championship when young golfer AJ Ramos from Tucson delivered a flawless 59, making it the first of its kind in the tournament’s history.

Held annually at the Randolph Golf Complex, the Tucson City Junior Championship is renowned for attracting talented young golfers from across Arizona. AJ Ramos surpassed all expectations by reaching this historic milestone. With precise shots and outstanding focus, he played an almost perfect game that ultimately led him to this record-setting performance and a new membership in the exclusive 59 Club. Membership in this club is so rare that even players on the PGA Tour or LPGA Tour seldom achieve it.

A Milestone in Junior Golf

The historic moment occurred during the final round of an AJGA tournament. Ramos started his round with a birdie on the first hole and continued his successful streak tirelessly. After nine holes, he was already eight under par. On the back nine, he maintained his impressive performance, finishing the round with an eagle on the 18th hole. His round’s total? Eleven birdies, one eagle, and six pars.

This remarkable achievement not only highlights Ramos’s exceptional talent but also sets a new standard in junior golf, underscoring the bright future that lies ahead for this young golfer.

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Highlights Tours

Scottie Scheffler: “Toughest Nine Holes of My Career”

Scottie Scheffler at The Open Championship 2024 in Troon. (Photo: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler articulated what many of the remaining The Open Championship participants were likely thinking after Moving Day – except for Justin Rose, of course. “I can think of a couple days with some crazy high winds that may have been more challenging, but overall the back nine, I think that was probably the hardest nine holes that I’ll ever play,” said the world number one, before slightly revising his statement: “I shouldn’t say ever. Who knows what the next few Opens will bring? But it’s definitely the hardest that I’ve played to this point in my career.”

The Open Championship 2024 – All Scores

The two-time Masters champion held his own with an even-par round, hitting 13 out of 14 fairways. However, his putter once again let him down, failing to capitalize even from short distances. If he can manage to improve this aspect today, the third major of the year remains within reach.

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Ein Beitrag geteilt von Golf Digest (@golfdigest)

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Highlights Tours

Shane Lowry’s The Open Championship 2024: Drama on the 11th Hole

Shane Lowry's second round at the Open Championship 2024 was marked by a controversy at the 11th hole. (Photo: Getty)

Shane Lowry temporarily lost his lead at the The Open Championship 2024 due to rule disputes. The former Open champion faced unexpected challenges and rule decisions on the second day of the tournament.

The Open Championship 2024 – All Scores

Lowry’s Lead at The Open Championship 2024

Shane Lowry started strong at the The Open Championship 2024. The 2019 champion led after the second round at the Royal Troon Golf Club, having navigated the first ten holes with three birdies and one bogey, securing a two-stroke lead.

The Controversial Incident on the 11th Hole

The 11th hole, one of the course’s most notorious par-4 holes known as “The Railway,” proved troublesome for Lowry. His second shot veered left into a gorse bush. Distracted by a photographer, Lowry claimed his shot was disrupted. Declaring his ball lost, he took a penalty and played a new ball onto the green. However, a spectator found the original ball, forcing Lowry to continue play with it.

The Open Championship 2024 – Live Blog

The Ruling and Its Consequences

According to the golf rules, Lowry had to play the found ball. Despite his protests and frustration towards the photographer, the decision stood. Lowry incurred another penalty for an unplayable ball and played his fourth shot onto the green. He finished the hole with a double bogey, losing his sole lead and tying with England’s Daniel Brown. Despite the setback on the 11th hole, Lowry fought back to regain the solo lead by the end of the day.

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Highlights Tours

Tiger Woods’ Iconic Flex: A Tale from The Open Championship 2024

Tiger Woods at the Open Championship 2024: The golf legend who once used a billboard as a credential to outsmart security.

During the The Open Championship 2024, the golf world is reminded of an amusing story from Woods’ illustrious career.

The Open Championship 2024 – All Scores

A Memorable Encounter at The Open Championship

During The Open Championship in the 2000s, when Tiger Woods was dominating the golf world, an interesting incident occurred. PGA Tour pro Michael Kim shared the anecdote on social media platform X about how Woods handled a forgotten credential. At the Major in the early 2000s, Woods forgot his access card and encountered a vigilant security guard at the lounge entrance.

The Open Championship 2024 Tee Times

A Legendary “Flex” to Remember

Responding with his characteristic composure and resourcefulness, ‘El Tigre’ noticed a prominent poster bearing his image nearby. He cleverly pointed to it and calmly stated to the guard, “That’s my credentials.” The guard had nothing more to say, and Woods continued on his way into the lounge.

Woods’ Return to The Open Championship 2024

Leading up to the The Open Championship 2024, there has been much speculation about Woods’ participation. Despite his advanced age and past injuries, he is determined to compete for the title at Royal Troon Golf Club once more. In a recent interview, he emphasized his readiness and unwavering will to measure himself against the world’s best once again.

The Open Championship 2024 – Live Blog
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Highlights Tours

The Open Qualifying: Justin Rose Returns, Sergio Garcia Falls Short

The Open Qualifying held up and downs for the players. (Photos: Getty)

The Open Qualifying for this year’s tournament at Royal Troon presented a spectacle as seasoned professionals and emerging talents vied for coveted spots.

Fierce Competition at The Open Qualifying

A total of 16 players earned their places at The Open through the Final Qualifying events held at four UK venues. Each site offered four spots, with notable performances at Burnham & Berrow, Dundonald, Royal Cinque Ports, and West Lancashire. At Burnham & Berrow, former US Open champion Justin Rose and English amateur Dominic Clemons each scored eight under par to qualify. Dundonald saw triumphs from Sam Hutsby, Angel Hidalgo, Liam Nolan, and Jack McDonald, while Royal Cinque Ports and West Lancashire witnessed strong showings from Matthew Southgate and Sam Horsfield among others.

Justin Rose Returns to The Open

Justin Rose secured his place at The Open by delivering remarkable rounds of 66 and 68 at Burnham & Berrow. The former US Open champion reaffirmed his status among the elite, stating, “The Open’s been a bit of a fairytale and love story for me since I was 14 and I qualified at Scotscraig. Obviously there was winning the Silver Medal at Royal Birkdale a couple of years later, so The Open has always been super special.“ Furthermore he says: “Sometimes you take it for granted – you’re exempt, you turn up and play for many years, but as you get older, things get a little harder so in some ways it’s good to have to qualify because it makes you appreciate The Open a little more and how special it is. Coming back to Burnham & Berrow was also special – first time back here since ’97. I was grateful to be back here and walk down memory lane.”

Abraham Ancer also secured his spot in a tense playoff, overcoming a triple bogey late in his second round to qualify. Ancer commented on his experience to Mirror Sports US, saying, “It was definitely a rollercoaster but it made it even sweeter going into the playoff and getting the job done.”

Sergio Garcia Misses The Open Again

For the second consecutive year, Sergio Garcia narrowly missed out on qualifying for The Open. Competing at West Lancashire, Garcia finished three under par, falling short by two strokes. His frustration was evident as he faced slow play warnings and struggled with crowd control, which disrupted his concentration.

Garcia expressed his disappointment, noting, “When you have 2,000 people following us with no ropes, nothing. The marshals were trying to do as good a job as they could do but obviously we had to stop pretty much on every tee for two or three minutes to hit our tee shots because people were walking in front of the tee and on the fairway.”

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Panorama

Technology in Golf: A Behind-the-Scenes Look By Marques Brownlee

Marquee Brownlee reveals how much technology really is behind a PGA Tour tournament in his latest video. (Source: Twitter@MKBHD)

Golf broadcasting has been transformed by cutting-edge technology, enhancing the viewing experience and bringing fans closer to the action. Marques Brownlee, tech enthusiast and avid golfer, delves into the intricate tech behind golf broadcasts in his latest video.

Transforming Golf with Hidden Tech

Golf is challenging to watch on TV due to its vast playing field and the small size of the golf ball. Unlike other sports confined to a single area, golf takes place across 18 different holes, making it difficult to follow all the action. To address this, a range of advanced technologies have been implemented, including cameras, lasers, radar, and fiber optic cables.

The Role of Shot Tracer Technology

One of the most crucial innovations in golf broadcasting is the Shot Tracer. This technology allows viewers to see the trajectory of the golf ball, which is otherwise invisible once hit. The system relies on strategically placed towers around the golf course, each equipped with a camera, radar, and wireless transmitter. The radar, known as Trackman, measures the golf ball’s launch speed, angle, and spin rate, enabling precise tracking and immediate data transmission to broadcast trucks.

Real-Time Updates on the PGA Tour Website

For those who can’t watch golf on TV, the PGA Tour website offers a real-time play-by-play portal. This feature allows fans to see live updates from any hole on the course. Volunteers equipped with laser rangefinders and tablets tag the ball’s exact location as soon as it lands, ensuring up-to-the-minute accuracy. The data is then instantly uploaded, providing an interactive and immersive experience for online viewers.

Innovations with Apple Vision Pro

The PGA Tour’s Apple Vision Pro app represents the next level of golf broadcasting. The app offers a combination of live broadcast, real-time leaderboard, and a detailed map of the golf course. The map is created using drone footage, providing an incredibly accurate representation of each hole. This futuristic approach allows viewers to follow the golf ball’s flight and see the course’s layout in unprecedented detail.

Challenges and Logistics

Setting up this advanced technology for each tournament is a massive logistical challenge. It involves transporting and assembling dozens of trailers, miles of fiber optic cables, and numerous towers and cameras. Despite these challenges, the PGA Tour manages to implement this technology for high-profile events, enhancing the viewing experience for fans worldwide.

Watch Marques Brownlee’s Video in full here:

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PGA Tour

Cameron Young Achieves Historic 59 Round on PGA Tour

Cameron Young cards historic round at PGA Tour. (Photo: Getty)

American Cameron Young created a sensation with a 59 round at TPC River Highlands. With that achievement Young joined an elite group of players, becoming only the 13th player in PGA Tour history to achieve this feat.

An Unforgettable Day for Young on the PGA Tour

On Saturday, Cameron Young delivered an extraordinary performance at TPC River Highlands, shooting a 59. With seven birdies and two eagles, both on par-4 holes, he surged to the top of the leaderboard and etched his name into the PGA Tour‘s history books. Young’s achievement is even more impressive given that he hit only six fairways but managed to reach 15 greens and sank nearly 40 meters worth of putts in just 24 strokes.

Cameron Young Joins Exclusive Club with Sub-60 Round

By shooting a 59, Young joins an exclusive group of golfers who have scored sub-60 rounds on the PGA Tour. This is the first such round since Scottie Scheffler‘s 59 in 2020. Young began the day in 43rd position and vaulted to a tie for 10th on the leaderboard.

A Day of Highlights at TPC River Highlands

Young’s round started spectacularly with birdies on the first two holes and an eagle on the third, where he holed out from 130 yards. He continued his streak with additional birdies. Despite challenging conditions and a drive that found the bunker on the 18th hole, he managed a crucial par putt to secure his historic 59. “It’s incredible to see my name on such a short list,” Young remarked after his round.

Young’s 59: A Significant Achievement

Young’s 59 is the first on the PGA Tour since Scottie Scheffler‘s in 2020. It stands alongside remarkable recent rounds, including Bryson DeChambeau‘s 58 at a LIV Golf League event and Joaquin Niemann’s 59 back in February.

For Cameron Young, this achievement marks a significant milestone. Despite a mixed start to the season and some challenging tournaments in recent weeks, he showcased his potential on Saturday. “I didn’t really think about it,” Young said. “Everything just started falling into place after holes 10, 11, and 12.”

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Panorama

Severe Weather at the PGA Tour: Two Injured by Lightning Strike

During the Travelers Championship of the PGA Tour on Saturday afternoon, two spectators were struck by lightning. (Photo: Getty)

On Saturday, two individuals were hospitalized after a lightning strike near the TPC River Highlands, the venue of the Travelers Championship. The lightning hit a tree close to a house north of the fifth green.

Thunderstorm Risks on Golf Courses, Even During PGA Tour Events

Thunderstorms pose a constant threat on golf courses. This risk was highlighted again when weather delays impacted the third round of the Travelers Championship on the PGA Tour. Earlier in the day, Cameron Young shot a remarkable round of 59.

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At around 4:30 PM local time, emergency calls reported a lightning strike to the Cromwell police. Responders found a struck tree and three individuals nearby. Two of them received medical attention and were taken to the hospital for further examination. The third declined treatment. In similar incidents, such as during the 2019 Tour Championship, six people were injured when lightning struck an 18-meter tall tree.

Safety Measures During Lightning on the Golf Course

Lightning strikes are particularly hazardous on golf courses, which are often expansive and open areas. During thunderstorms, golfers should seek immediate shelter, preferably in a clubhouse or a shelter equipped with a lightning protection system. Avoid carrying golf clubs and standing near trees. If the interval between lightning and thunder is less than 30 seconds, players should move to safety immediately. In cases of imminent danger (less than five seconds between lightning and thunder), crouching in a low-lying area such as a bunker is advisable.

First Aid for Lightning Strikes

Should a lightning strike occur despite all precautions, quick first aid is crucial. A lightning strike victim can be severely injured, making it essential to call emergency services immediately. First aid measures like CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation can be life-saving. There is no risk in touching a person struck by lightning, as they do not carry an electrical charge. Such actions can be vital in saving the victim’s life.

Preparation and Caution

Golfers should check the weather forecast before playing and halt play at the first signs of a thunderstorm. Services like the German Weather Service and apps like Lightningmaps.org provide up-to-date information on lightning strikes and weather conditions. Cumulus clouds or the first sounds of thunder are warning signs. When the time between a lightning flash and thunder decreases to six seconds, it’s critical to seek safety. Recognizing and correctly responding to thunderstorms in a timely manner can prevent severe injuries and save lives.

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Highlights Tours

US Golfers Eyeing Olympics 2024: End of Qualification Period

In August, it gets serious for the American golfers at the 2024 Olympics. Who can hope for success of making the team? (Photos: Getty)

As the qualification period for the 2024 Olympics concludes, four US men’s golfers have secured their spots in Paris. Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Wyndham Clark, and Collin Morikawa will represent the United States at the Games.

Scheffler and Schauffele Lead the Team At The Olympics 2024

Scottie Scheffler, ranked first in the Official World Golf Rankings (OWGR), has had a stellar season, including wins at The Players Championship, The Masters, and The Memorial Tournament. Despite a challenging performance at the US Open, Scheffler’s consistent excellence throughout the year ensured his top spot.

Xander Schauffele, currently third in the OWGR, has also had a strong season. He won his first major at the PGA Championship and has consistently finished in the top ten. Schauffele’s experience and previous gold medal win at the 2021 Olympics make him a formidable contender for Paris 2024.

Clark and Morikawa Secure Final Spots

Wyndham Clark, ranked fifth in the OWGR, clinched his spot with strong performances earlier in the season, including a win at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Despite recent inconsistencies, Clark’s high ranking secured his place on the team.

Collin Morikawa, ranked seventh, rounds out the US team. Morikawa’s accuracy and recent top finishes, including a third place at the Masters, have bolstered his ranking. His consistent play and strategic approach make him a valuable asset for the US team.

DeChambeau Misses Out Due to LIV Golf Participation

Bryson DeChambeau, despite a recent US Open 2024 win, did not qualify for the Olympics due to his participation in LIV Golf events, which do not contribute to OWGR points. This exclusion has left him frustrated, but the rules of Olympic qualification are clear, prioritizing OWGR standings.

Conclusion of the Qualification Process

The Olympic Golf Ranking (OGR) determines qualification, aligning closely with the OWGR. The top 15 golfers in the OGR automatically qualify, with a maximum of four per country. The men’s qualification period ended on June 17, 2024, confirming the final roster.

The qualification criteria for the Olympic Golf Tournament. (Photo: IGF)
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British Golfers Set for Olympics 2024 as Qualification Period Ends

In August, it gets serious for the English golfers at the 2024 Olympics. Who can hope for success of making the team? (Photos: Getty)

The Olympic qualification period for the men golfers has ended, with Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick leading the charge for the Paris Olympics.

Fleetwood’s Performance Leading Up to The Olympics 2024

Tommy Fleetwood, ranked 10th in the Olympic Golf Ranking (OGR) and 13th in the World Golf Ranking (OWGR), has demonstrated consistent performance over the past few years. His significant achievements include winning the Nedbank Golf Challenge in 2022 and playing a pivotal role in Team Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in 2023. Fleetwood also secured a top-five finish at the 2024 Masters Tournament, solidifying his position as a key contender for the upcoming Olympics.

Fitzpatrick’s Steady Rise

Matt Fitzpatrick, ranked 11th in the OGR and 18th in the OWGR, has also shown remarkable consistency. The 2022 U.S. Open champion has maintained his presence within the top 50 golfers globally for the past seven years. Notable victories for Fitzpatrick include the 2023 RBC Heritage and the 2022 U.S. Open.

Qualification Process and Criteria

The Olympic Golf Ranking (OGR) determines qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics, scheduled from August 1-10 at Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. The top 15 golfers in the OGR automatically qualify, with a maximum of four players per National Olympic Committee (NOC). Beyond the top 15, the highest-ranked players are selected until the 60-player field is complete, ensuring no more than two players per NOC unless they are within the top 15.

The qualification criteria for the Olympic Golf Tournament. (Photo: IGF)

Women’s Qualification Period Nearing End

The qualification period for women golfers will conclude on June 24, 2024, a week after the men’s. Charley Hull and Georgia Hall are the top British hopefuls. Hull, ranked 9th in both the OGR and OWGR, recently won the Volunteers of America Classic, ending a six-year wait for an LPGA Tour title. Hall, ranked 23rd in the OGR and 36st in the OWGR, has also shown impressive form, including a win at the Aramco Team Series in London. Their performances will determine their positions in the final Olympic lists.