Author: Laura Gailus

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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.

Click Here for Live Updates

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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Highlights Tours

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.

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Panorama

Rory McIlroy Takes Break Following Heartbreaking US Open 2024 Defeat

Rory McIlroy announces break after a heartbreaking US Open 2024 loss, aiming to return stronger and more determined. (Photo: Getty)

The Northern Irish golfer took to X on Monday to reveal that he is stepping back temporarily following a disappointing performance at the US Open 2024. McIlroy, who boasts four Major titles, plans to take a few weeks off to recover mentally and physically.

A Painful Loss at the US Open 2024

McIlroy endured a tough defeat at the US Open 2024 in Pinehurst, missing out on his first Major win in nearly a decade. With a two-shot lead and five holes to play, McIlroy seemed poised for victory. However, bogeys on the 16th and 18th holes cost him dearly. The most painful moments came with two missed short putts: a 75-centimeter putt on the 16th hole and a 1.1-meter putt on the 18th, ultimately costing him the title.

McIlroy’s Reaction and Break Announcement

In a statement on X, McIlroy announced his decision to take a break, returning only for the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open. Reflecting on his loss, McIlroy emphasized looking at the positives despite the setbacks. “I have always shown resilience and will do so again,” said McIlroy. He added, “Yesterday was a tough day, probably the toughest in my nearly 17 years as a professional golfer.” Despite the missed putts that cost him the title, McIlroy highlighted, “The positives of the week far outweigh the negatives.”

Seventeen Years of Professional Golf: A Retrospective

McIlroy has been a professional golfer for nearly two decades, starting with a spectacular win at the US Open in 2011, followed by several other Major titles. However, since his victory at the 2014 PGA Championship, he has been chasing another Major win. Despite numerous top-10 finishes in recent years, the breakthrough has eluded him. After missing the crucial putts on the 16th and 18th holes, McIlroy left Pinehurst No. 2 without speaking to the media.

Bryson DeChambeau Wins the US Open 2024

Bryson DeChambeau claimed his second US Open title, making a decisive pitch from a fairway bunker onto the 18th green and sinking the winning putt. In his statement, McIlroy congratulated DeChambeau, calling him a “worthy champion.” McIlroy departed the course shortly after the tournament concluded without addressing the media. “Firstly, I’d like to congratulate Bryson. He is a worthy champion and exactly what professional golf needs right now,” said McIlroy.

Bryson DeChambeau’s US Open 2024 Win

Support from Peers and Fans

McIlroy received an outpouring of support from colleagues and fans on social media. Shane Lowry, who won the Zurich Classic with McIlroy this year, wrote on X: “From the outside looking in, this game looks easy. But in reality, it’s the toughest of all.” Billy Horschel, speaking of his own struggles, called McIlroy “the greatest player of my generation.”

Future Plans for Rory McIlroy

McIlroy will take several weeks off to prepare for upcoming tournaments. The Genesis Scottish Open, which he won in 2023, starts on July 11, followed by The Open at Royal Troon on July 18. McIlroy hopes to return stronger and end his nearly ten-year Major drought. “I’ll take some time to process everything and build up for my title defense at the Genesis Scottish Open and The Open,” McIlroy explained.

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Highlights Tours

Sepp Straka Scores Hole-in-One During Second Round of US Open 2024

Sepp Straka scores an ace in his second round. (Photo: Getty)

On Friday morning, Sepp Straka experienced a true magic moment at the US Open 2024 on Pinehurst No. 2. With a hole-in-one, the Austrian catapulted himself into the headlines and brought smiles to the faces of the spectators.

A Early Setback at the US Open 2024

The Friday could have started better for Straka. On the third hole, his second shot bounced off the flagstick and landed in the bunker. What followed was a painful triple-bogey that set him back to three over par—a tough blow for the usually confident player.

The Magical Moment on the Ninth Hole

But then came the moment that changed everything. On the ninth hole, a 177-yard par-3, Straka showed his full class. The 31-year-old hit his tee shot perfectly onto the green—about 26 feet from the pin—and the ball rolled straight into the hole as if by magic. Straka celebrated the first hole-in-one of this year’s US Open together with his caddie Duane Bock and American playing partners JT Poston and Peter Malnati.

A Special Entry in History

With this ace, Straka joins the few players who have achieved a hole-in-one on the ninth hole of Pinehurst No. 2. Before him, only Peter Jacobsen (2005) and Zach Johnson (2014) managed this feat.

The Road to the Cut

The hole-in-one brought Straka back into the tournament, as he was previously within range of the cut. In his career, Straka has already celebrated successes, including victories at the 2022 Honda Classic and the 2023 John Deere Classic. His best result at a major so far was a tied second place at last year’s British Open.

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LIV Tour

LIV Golf Stars Face Luggage Mishap in Houston

Three thirds of Majestic GC arrived in Houston only to find their clubs missing. (Photos: X@MajesticksGC)

Several LIV Golf players encountered an unexpected problem upon arriving in Houston for the upcoming tournament: their luggage and golf clubs were left behind in London. Among those affected were Majesticks GC co-captains Henrik Stenson, Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Legion XIII player Tyrrell Hatton.

Lost Clubs Cause Stir at LIV Golf Houston

Upon landing in Houston, Ian Poulter captured the group’s reactions in a humorous video posted on Majesticks GC’s official X account. The video shows Poulter asking his fellow golfers about their missing luggage, receiving similar frustrated and sarcastic responses from each.

Henrik Stenson, one of the Majesticks GC co-captains, appeared baffled by the situation but responded light-heartedly when Poulter asked, “H, where’s your clubs?” Stenson replied, “Um… hopefully Heathrow.” This incident occurred as the players prepared for LIV Golf Houston, the first event after a mid-season break.

Players Maintain Good Spirits Despite Misfortune

Lee Westwood was seen outside the airport, where Poulter questioned him about his missing case. Westwood’s response, “Heathrow. Where am I? Houston,” highlighted the frustrating situation. Despite the inconvenience, the players managed to stay in good spirits, laughing and joking about the mishap.

Tyrrell Hatton, another player whose clubs were left behind, was equally unamused yet maintained a sense of humor. When Poulter asked Hatton about his clubs and suitcase, Hatton’s blunt responses included expletives, underlining his frustration but also showcasing his ability to laugh off the misfortune.

Ian Poulter was particularly vocal about his disappointment. Mid-flight, he received an email from British Airways informing him that his bag had not traveled with him. Poulter shared his frustration on Instagram, criticizing the airline for the mishap, especially given that he had checked in well in advance.

Implications for LIV Golf Houston

The timing of this incident was far from ideal. With the tournament set to begin on Friday, the players are left in a precarious position. The three Majesticks GC players, in particular, are under pressure t as their team was currently ranked 12th out of 13.

Despite the setback, the players maintained a good sense of humor and were able to laugh, but the situation undoubtedly added stress as they prepared for the tournament.

Looking Ahead to the Tournament

For Tyrrell Hatton, who has had a successful season and is currently 11th in the individual standings, the loss of his clubs is an unwelcome distraction. However, with several days left before the tournament, there is hope that the players will be reunited with their equipment in time.

The LIV Golf Houston event is crucial, not only for individual standings but also for team rankings. The incident with the missing clubs has added an unexpected twist to the lead-up to the tournament.