Author: Laura Gailus

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Professionals

Road to the Olympic Games 2024: British Golfers Eye Qualification

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 qualification process for the 2024 Olympics is in full swing, and British golfers Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, Charley Hull, and Georgia Hall are among the top contenders aiming for a place in Paris.

Men’s Olympics Qualification

Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick are leading the British men’s golf contingent. Fleetwood, currently ranked 9th in the Olympic Golf Rankings (OGR) and 11th in the World Golf Rankings (OWGR), has had a successful few years. He won the Nedbank Golf Challenge in 2022, played a key role in Team Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in 2023, and recently secured a top-five finish at the 2024 Masters Tournament.

Matt Fitzpatrick, ranked 10th in the OGR and 14th in the OWGR, is also a strong contender. Fitzpatrick, the 2022 U.S. Open champion, has consistently remained within the top 50 golfers worldwide over the past seven years. His notable victories include the 2023 RBC Heritage and the 2022 U.S. Open, showcasing his readiness for Olympic competition.

Women’s Olympic Qualification

On the women’s side, Charley Hull and Georgia Hall are the top British hopefuls. Hull, ranked 7th in both the OGR and OWGR, recently ended a six-year wait for an LPGA Tour title by winning the Volunteers of America Classic in Texas. Her consistent performance, including five top-10 finishes this year, makes her a strong candidate for Olympic success.

Georgia Hall, ranked 23rd in the OGR and 31st in the OWGR, has also shown impressive form. The former Open champion looks forward to competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Hall’s recent appearances include a win at the Aramco Team Series in London.

Olympic Qualification Process

The Olympic Golf Ranking (OGR) determines the qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will take place from August 1 -10 on 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 filled, ensuring no more than two players per NOC unless they are within the top 15.

The men’s qualification period ends on June 17, 2024, while the women’s ends on June 24, 2024. The final lists will be published shortly after these dates, confirming the golfers who will compete in Paris.

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

With their strong performances and current rankings, Fleetwood, Fitzpatrick, Hull, and Hall are well-positioned to represent Great Britain at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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Panorama

Dashcam Video Released Shows Scottie Scheffler’s Encounter with Police

Scottie Scheffler on the first day of the Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth. (Photo: Getty)

A recent dashcam video released by the Louisville Metro Police Department depicts golf star Scottie Scheffler during his encounter with law enforcement on May 17. The involved officer faces disciplinary action for a rule violation.

The dashcam footage captured Scottie Scheffler attempting to bypass a roadblock near Valhalla Golf Club. Scheffler, en route to his second round at the 2024 PGA Championship, was subsequently apprehended by a police officer.

Scottie Scheffler at the PGA Championship: The Police Incident

Detective Bryan Gillis stopped Scottie Scheffler on May 17 as he entered the closed lanes. Gillis reported Scheffler disregarding instructions and proceeding, causing the officer to fall to the ground. Scheffler was charged with aggravated assault, property damage, reckless driving, and disobeying a law enforcement officer, charges he denies. Detective Bryan Gillis did not activate his bodycam during the incident and was disciplined as a result.

Release of Dashcam Footage

The dashcam video released by the police shows Scheffler slowly passing a barrier at around 5 mph on his way to Valhalla Golf Club, before being surrounded and arrested by officers. This blockade was set up due to a fatal traffic accident that occurred on the morning of the PGA Championship’s second round. Scheffler claims he misunderstood police instructions and never intended to disobey them. There are also recordings from a fixed camera capturing the events.

Scottie Scheffler’s View On The Incident

Scheffler explained he was in a chaotic situation and misunderstood the officer’s instructions. His attorney, Steve Romines, emphasized Scheffler never assaulted an officer. The defense is preparing to resolve the case in court.

Disciplinary Action Against Officer Involved in Scottie Scheffler Incident

The officer in question, Detective Bryan Gillis, was disciplined for failing to activate his bodycam during the incident. According to LMPD Chief Jacquelyn Gwinn-Villaroel, this is a violation of departmental guidelines. Gillis received a “corrective action” noted in his personnel file. The police department stressed the importance of all officers activating their cameras in such situations.

The incident has sparked attention both within the police force and among the public. Scheffler himself emphasized his appreciation for law enforcement’s work and regretted the misunderstanding.

Scheffler’s next court appearance has been postponed to June 3. In the meantime, he will continue participating in tournaments, including the PGA Tour’s Charles Schwab Challenge in Fort Worth, Texas, as both parties prepare for a legal resolution.

The Released Video Footage

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Professionals

Scottie Scheffler’s Court Date Postponed Following Arrest

Scottie Schefflers court date was moved back to June following his arrest at the PGA Championship 2024. (Photo: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler’s court date, initially set for May 21st, has been postponed to June 3rd, according to his attorney Steve Romines, who informed the Golf Channel. Scheffler, currently the world’s number one golfer and this year’s US Masters champion, was arrested last Friday before the second round of the 2024 PGA Championship on multiple charges, including aggravated assault on a police officer.

Romines stated that Scheffler will plead not guilty to all charges. “I’ve been defending criminal cases for 30 years and have learned to never be surprised,” Romines commented, adding, “whoever reported [the charges] were going to be dismissed was not accurate.”

What Happened During Scottie Scheffler’s Arrest?

According to the police report, the incident occurred when Scottie Scheffler tried to escape a traffic jam that build because of a deadly accident friday morning. Detective Bryan Gillis stopped him and gave instructions that Scheffler refused to follow. Scheffler then accelerated, causing Det. Gillis to fall to the ground. Scheffler described the incident as a “big misunderstanding” and expressed confidence that the situation would be resolved.

In addition to aggravated assault, Scottie Scheffler was also charged with three other misdemeanors: vandalism, reckless driving, and disregarding an officer’s signals. He was booked into the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections and released at 8:40 AM, allowing him to return in time for his second round at Valhalla.

Scottie Scheffler’s Performance at the PGA Championship Despite Arrest

Scottie Scheffler entered the week as a favorite, having won the US Masters and claimed his fourth PGA Tour victory in five starts at the RBC Heritage. Despite the arrest and tumultuous circumstances, Scheffler managed to finish in a tie for eighth place. “On the course I have always been proud of my toughness out there,” Scheffler told CBS. “I try to keep the off course as quiet as possible and this week was obviously not that way, but I’m proud of the way we competed and posted a decent finish running on fumes.”

Despite the ongoing legal issues, Scottie Scheffler plans to participate in the Charles Schwab Challenge of the PGA Tour in Fort Worth, Texas.

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Highlights Tours

PGA Championship 2024: Top Contenders and Potential Surprises

PGA Championship 2024: Which players are among the favorites? (Photos: Getty)

As the PGA Championship 2024 approaches, the golfing world is focused on Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. This prestigious event, one of golf’s four major championships, will challenge players with its Jack Nicklaus-designed course, known for its length and strategic demands. Who will lift the Wanamaker Trophy this year? With a field filled with world-class golfers, including top favorites Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Brooks Koepka, an exciting tournament is guaranteed. Here’s a look at the leading contenders and their chances.

Top Favorites for the PGA Championship 2024: Scheffler, McIlroy, and Koepka

Scottie Scheffler

Scottie Scheffler enters the PGA Championship 2024 as a clear favorite. Currently ranked number one in the world, Scheffler has already secured four tournament victories this season, including the Masters Tournament 2024. With four wins and a runner-up finish in his last five starts, over $18 million in prize money, and nine top-10 finishes from ten events, he is in exceptional form. Returning from a brief break for the birth of his first child, Scheffler is poised to claim his third major title.

Rory McIlroy

Rory McIlroy is another top contender this year. The Northern Irishman recently won the Zurich Classic alongside Shane Lowry and the Wells Fargo Championship. A previous winner at Valhalla a decade ago and currently second in the world rankings, McIlroy brings confidence to Louisville. With his impressive driving distance and strong long game, McIlroy has a great chance to capture the title.

Brooks Koepka

Reigning PGA Champion Brooks Koepka is also a formidable candidate. Koepka has already claimed a victory on the LIV Golf Tour this year and has a proven track record in major championships. With five major wins, including three PGA Championship titles, Koepka is known for his prowess in big tournaments and poses a significant threat on the challenging Valhalla course.

View all live scores for the PGA Championship 2024

Potential Surprises: Ludvig Åberg and Xander Schauffele

Ludvig Åberg

In his first professional season, Ludvig Åberg has established himself as one of the best players, highlighted by a second-place finish at Pebble Beach and an impressive debut in major tournaments. Over his last four events, the young Swede has gained over 15.5 strokes with his approach shots and is among the top off-the-tee players. Despite limited major experience and a recent knee injury, Åberg has the potential to surprise at the PGA Championship.

Xander Schauffele

Xander Schauffele has consistently performed well over recent years and is currently ranked third in the world. Although he has faced challenges in securing tournament victories, Schauffele’s strength in long games and on the greens could finally lead him to his first major title in Valhalla.

Other Contenders: Max Homa, Collin Morikawa, and Sepp Straka

Aside from the top favorites, other players like Max Homa, Collin Morikawa, and Sepp Straka are also worth watching.

Max Homa

Max Homa has steadily improved over the past few years, recently showcasing a strong performance at the Masters. The American has thrived on long, demanding courses, having won three of his six PGA Tour titles on such layouts, making him well-suited for the conditions in Louisville.

Collin Morikawa

Collin Morikawa has regained his form since adjusting his putting style. The switch to a mallet putter has yielded significant improvements, making him a serious contender in Valhalla. Morikawa’s accuracy off the tee and putting skills make him a formidable competitor.

Sepp Straka

Sepp Straka may not be the longest off the tee, but his accuracy could be advantageous on Valhalla’s demanding layout. Straka has shown consistent performance this season and could spring a surprise. With solid results in recent major tournaments, including a runner-up finish at the British Open 2023, Straka has the potential to reach the top ranks.

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Panorama

Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll File for Divorce Amid Major Preparations

Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll announce divorce after seven years of marriage. (Photo: Getty)
Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll announce divorce after seven years of marriage. (Photo: Getty)

Rory McIlroy, the Northern Irish golfer, filed for divorce from his wife Erica Stoll. The filing, which was submitted in Palm Beach County in Florida, declares their marriage as “irretrievably broken.” This news comes just days before the start of the second major of the year, the PGA Championships of 2024.

McIlroy’s Statement on Divorce

McIlroy’s team confirmed the news and emphasized McIlroy’s desire for a respectful and amicable process. In a statement published by the New York Post his manager, Sean O’Flaherty, stressed the importance of handling this difficult time with dignity.

The divorce petition, asks for the enforcement of a prenuptial agreement. The couple signed this agreement on March 7, 2017, just before their wedding on April 21, 2017, at Ashford Castle in Ireland. The ceremony was a high-profile event attended by celebrities like Ed Sheeran and Chris Martin.

McIlroy and Stoll have one daughter, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy, born in 2020. The divorce documents request shared parental responsibility and a co-parenting plan to ensure equal timesharing. The petition also highlights that both parties are capable of supporting their child financially.

Thomas Julian Sasser, McIlroy’s divorce attorney, is well-known for handling high-profile cases, including those of Tiger Woods and Jeff Gordon.

Divorce Filing Amid PGA Championship Preparations

Erica Stoll has been a supportive presence throughout McIlroy’s career, often seen at tournaments on the PGA Tour and even serving as his caddie on occasion. Public records list their residence in Jupiter, Florida, an estate valued at over $22 million.

McIlroy and Stoll’s relationship began at the 2012 Ryder Cup, where Stoll worked as a PGA transport official. They started dating in 2014, shortly after McIlroy ended his engagement with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. The 35-year-old recently won the Wells Fargo Championship and is among the favorites for the upcoming PGA Championship.

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PGA Tour

PGA Tour: 16-Year-Old Golfer Kris Kim To Debut in CJ Cup Byron Nelson

Teenage prodigy Kris Kim will debut in Texas this week. (Photo: Getty)

At just 16 years old, British golfer Kris Kim will compete against the creme-de-la-creme of international players, including former world number ones Jordan Spieth, Adam Scott, and Jason Day in the PGA Tour. This major sports milestone for the teenage prodigy will occur on Thursday, May 2nd at the CJ Cup Byron Nelson, hosted in McKinney, Texas.

Kim has rapidly ascended the ranks in the junior golf world, drawing attention after his critical contributions to Europe’s victory in last year’s Junior Ryder Cup. His recent achievements also include winning the Boys’ Amateur Championship, the European Individual Championship, and the McGregor Trophy.

The Rising Star from a Golfing Lineage

Kris Kim’s entry into the professional golf scene is bolstered by his lineage; his mother, Ji-Hyun Suh, is a former LPGA player from South Korea. Suh, who started her professional career in the late 90s, has been instrumental in coaching her son. Kris mentioned the invaluable advice and strategic insights he receives from his mother, emphasizing her role in his mental and technical preparation for the game.

Educational Commitments and Inspirations

Despite his rigorous sports schedule and now the PGA Tour, Kim is also managing academic responsibilities, specifically his preparation for the GCSE exams. He acknowledged the difficulty in balancing his studies with his golf career but remains committed to excelling in both arenas.

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Panorama

Tiger Woods Discusses Sun Day Red and Masters Memes on Jimmy Fallon

Tiger Woods visited Jimmy Kimmel's Talkshow on Tuesday. (Source: Youtube)

Tiger Woods appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” where he offered both humor and deep insights into his illustrious career and recent ventures. Beyond his unmatched legacy in golf, Woods is now making waves in the fashion world with his Sun Day Red apparel line, which was a key topic of discussion during the show.

An Evening of Insights and Laughter with Tiger Woods on Jimmy Fallon

Woods described the line as being crafted to boost athletic performance, bringing a fresh aesthetic to golf wear. He emphasized that the focus is on the athlete, aiming to enhance performance through thoughtful design.

He also delved into the history behind the brand, linking it to the red shirts he famously wore during Sunday tournaments—a nod to his mother’s belief that red was his “power color.” Despite experimenting with blue, Woods shared with a chuckle that he quickly realized red truly was the better choice as his game seemed off in other colors.

“The red story is actually a good one. It comes from my mom. My mom thought it was, being a capricorn, whatever, it was power color, some BS thing like that. I end up wearing red and winning some junior golf tournaments. And then to spite her, I wore blue and I did not win those tournaments, so, Mom is always right.”

The episode wasn’t solely about fashion; it also included a humorous discussion about a viral meme from this year’s Masters Tournament, showing Woods seemingly greeting a tree.

Woods shared personal anecdotes as well, particularly about his children, shedding light on his role as a father amidst his sporting achievements. He recounted how his son Charlie started imitating golf swings early on, using whatever was at hand around the house.

The friendly banter continued with Woods challenging Fallon to a ping-pong match, hinting at a lighthearted rivalry beyond the golf greens.

While delving into new fields, Woods’ passion for golf remains steadfast. He discussed his recent play at the Masters and his preparation for the upcoming PGA Championship, underscoring his readiness to compete at elite levels.

Watch Tiger Woods full appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”

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LIV Tour

LIV Tour 2024: Chicago to Host Individual Championship

Championship. (Photo: Getty)
Championship. (Photo: Getty)

Bolingbrook Golf Club is preparing to host the LIV Tour Individual Championship 2024 from September 13-15. As the final tournament before the LIV Golf Team Championship, it will also serve as the last chance for players to earn points in the individual standings.

The Culmination of the LIV Tour in Chicago

Bolingbrook Golf Club will be the venue for the individual championship and the 13th tournament of the LIV Tour season, located about 30 miles from downtown Chicago. The golf course, designed by Arthur Hills and Steve Forrest, is known for its challenging 156-yard island green at the 15th hole and attracts golf enthusiasts with its rolling fairways and elevated greens spread around seven lakes. The facility, which hosted the PGA’s Forme Tour in 2021, offers a challenging 600-yard par 5 for LIV Tour golfers. The tournament will not only attract golfers but also numerous fans who want to experience the atmosphere of the LIV Tour up close.

Tickets for the championship will be available for sale starting next Wednesday, May 8, at 10 AM on LIVGolf.com.

The Individual Championship of the LIV Tour

The tournament plays a crucial role for players who want to position themselves in the individual rankings and qualify for the 2024 Team Championship. Players who make it into the so-called Lock Zone (Top 24) secure their spot in the league for 2025, while those in the Open Zone (rank 25-48) remain as free agents, who can be re-signed by their current team or picked up by another team. Players in the Drop Zone (rank 49 and below) are relegated from the league and qualify for the 2024 LIV Golf Promotions Tournament.

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Highlights Tours

The Masters Tournament: Scottie Scheffler Secures Sole Lead after third round

Scottie Scheffler emerges as sole leader after the third round of the Masters Tournament 2024 at Augusta National. (Photo: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler delivered an impressive performance in the third round of the Masters Tournament 2024, concluding the day in sole possession of first place.

Follow Scottie Scheffler at the Masters Tournament live

The Masters Tournament 2024: Scheffler early Birdie Bonanza

Scheffler’s round began with a birdie on the first hole, as well as the third hole, bringing him to two under par early in the round. This early gain set a positive tone, though he gave a stroke back on the fourth, rounding out the front nine with a score of 35, one under par.

Back Nine Battle: Scheffler’s Resilience

The back nine proved more challenging for Scheffler, including a double bogey on the 10th and a bogey on the 11th that momentarily knocked him off the lead. However, a critical par save on the 12th and an eagle on the 13th marked a significant turnaround, allowing him to regain momentum and maintain his position atop the leaderboard. In his recount of this shot during the press conference he highlighted his technical skill but also the emotional release of executing under pressure. “And then that putt on 13 was nice because it was trickling up towards the cup. I didn’t know whether or not it was going to get there, and it kind of just nudged right over the edge and went in. So it was exciting, and it was nice to be able to steal a couple shots there on 13 and get back in the tournament,” Scheffler reflected.
He finished the round with a 36 on the back nine after playing another two birdies on 15 and 18 and a bogey on 17, mirroring his front nine score and cementing his lead with a total of 71 for the day.

Scottie Scheffler on Conquering Augusta’s Third Round

During the press conference, Scottie Scheffler discussed the difficulties faced during the round, especially with the gusts affecting his play on the 10th and 11th holes and highlighted the importance of resilience. “You know, things happen pretty fast out there… But it’s a major championship. I don’t think Augusta wants their golf course to be very easy,” he commented.

He described the greens as “ridiculously fast and firm,” a condition that significantly impacted his putting game, particularly on the 14th hole where he likened putting down the hill to “putting up to a small volcano.” This detail underscores the precision required at Augusta and how course conditions can dramatically influence play.

Scheffler also discussed his strategy on the back nine, particularly the par 5s, which were crucial for reclaiming momentum. His eagle on the 13th and a birdie on the 15th were critical moments that helped stabilize his round and also propelled him back into a leading position. “It was nice kind of turning my Saturday around… It’s nice to get a few shots back there on the back nine.”

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Highlights Tours

The Masters Tournament 2024: Tiger Woods’s Turbulent Turn in Round Three

Tiger Woods contemplates his putt on the final green at The Masters 2024 after a challenging day. (Photo: Getty)

Tiger Woods experienced a challenging third round at the Masters Tournament 2024, finishing the day with a score of 82, ten strokes over par. Starting the round at even par, Woods’s performance was hampered by difficulties in both his long game and putting. Notable struggles were consecutive bogeys at holes 6 and 7 and a double bogey on hole 8, significantly impacting his score.

Tiger’s Trials: Woods Wobbles in Round 3 at the Masters Tournament 2024

Throughout the third round, Woods’s score fluctuated, topping with a glimpse of hope with a par at the 5th hole, but quickly being overshadowed by a three-putt on the 6th and a flubbed chip on the 7th. He closed the front nine with six strokes over par. The back nine continued to challenge him, with additional bogeys and a lack of recovery shots that would have helped to stabilize his round.

In a post-round interview, Woods acknowledged his struggles, stating he did not perform well in hitting and putting, which continued throughout the day. “Just hit the ball in all the places that I know I shouldn’t hit it,” Woods explained, emphasizing the impact of missed opportunities on his overall performance. When asked about his physical condition, Woods noted the exhaustion from the previous day’s efforts, yet remained optimistic about his preparation for the final round, trusting his team to ready him for day four.

Between the Fairways: Tiger Woods Opens Up After The Masters Round 3

Question: Tiger, what was the biggest challenge you were facing out there today? 

Tiger Woods: The fact that I was not hitting it very good or putting well. I didn’t have a very good warmup session, and I kept it going all day today. Just hit the ball in all the places that I know I shouldn’t hit it. 
And I missed a lot of putts. Easy, makable putts. I missed a lot of them. 

Question: Tiger on 9 it looked like that was a painful swing out of the right side there. 

Tiger Woods: Yeah. 

Question: Was there any moment that was worse than the others today that caused it to be worse for you the rest of the day? 

Tiger Woods: All day. 

Question: Was it a lack of maybe mental reps? 

Tiger Woods: I wouldn’t say necessarily mental reps. It’s just that I haven’t competed and played much. When I had chances to get it flipped around and when I made that putt at 5, I promptly three-putted 6 and flub a chip at 7 and just got it going the wrong way, and when I had opportunities to flip it, I didn’t. 

Question: How much did yesterday wear you out physically? 

Tiger Woods: Oh, yeah, it did. 

Question: How about being ready for tomorrow? 

Tiger Woods: My team will get me ready. Club has have been awesome. It will be a long night and a long warmup session, but we’ll be ready.