Author: Max Hollweck

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Highlights Tours

The Masters Tournament 2024: Sun to thunderstorms – mixed weather forecast

Thunderstorms are expected at the start of The Masters Tournament 2024. The weather is expected to improve afterwards. (Source: Getty)
Thunderstorms are expected at the start of The Masters Tournament 2024. The weather is expected to improve afterwards. (Source: Getty)

As the anticipation for the Masters Tournament 2024 builds, so does the curiosity about what weather conditions the renowned course will offer this time around. In recent years, the Masters has had its fair share of weather-related disruptions. In 2019, Tiger Woods’ iconic win was accelerated due to impending storms, while last year’s leaders navigated through 30 holes on a stormy Sunday. Falling trees also made plenty of headlines last year. Jon Rahm coped best with the conditions in the last edition and is once again considered one of the favorites in 2024.

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The weather forecast for the Masters Tournament 2024

Throughout the week of the tournament, the weather at Augusta National Golf Club is expected to be quite diverse. Monday kicked off the proceedings with mostly sunny skies. As the week progressed, Tuesday witnessed the arrival of some clouds and light showers. Wednesday marks a turning point as the likelihood of precipitation increases. While the day may begin with clouds and a slight 20% chance of light showers, the chances of showers and thunderstorms surge to 70% after midnight. Temperatures are anticipated to stay mild, ranging from a low of 62°F to a high of 80°F. Winds are projected to pick up as well, blowing from the S-SE at 10-15 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph.

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The tournament starts with a thunderstorm warning

Thursday presents a challenge with mostly cloudy skies and a 90% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Winds are expected to be particularly gusty, shifting from S to SW at up to 45 mph. Despite the weather, temperatures should remain relatively warm, ranging from a low of 65°F to a high of 78°F.

The forecast takes a turn for the better on Friday, with conditions improving significantly. Mostly sunny skies and windy conditions are expected, accompanied by a noticeable decrease in humidity. Temperatures will range from a low of 56°F to a high of 73°F. Saturday promises a return to pleasant weather, with mostly sunny and warm conditions anticipated. Temperatures will range from a low of 50°F to a high of 78°F, as winds shift from WNW to W at 7-12 mph.

The final day of the tournament, Sunday, might see mostly cloudy skies, but temperatures are expected to rise, ranging from a low of 61°F to a high of 82°F. Winds are expected to blow from the SW at 6-13 mph, with gusts reaching up to 17 mph. Despite the potential for cloudy conditions, the warmth in the air ensures an exciting and climactic end to the tournament.

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Highlights Tours

The Masters Tournament 2024: Spanish flair at the Champions Dinner

Jon Rahm served Spanish tapas at the Champions Dinner of The Masters Tournament 2024. (Source: Instagram @themasters)
Jon Rahm served Spanish tapas at the Champions Dinner of The Masters Tournament 2024. (Source: Instagram @themasters)

The Champions Dinner is traditionally held on the Tuesday before the Masters. The first Masters Champions Dinner was organized by Ben Hogan in 1952. Since the following year, the event has become a tradition at the club. Only the winners of the Masters are invited, with the exception of a few personalities such as Bobby Jones, Clifford Roberts or the President of Augusta National Golf Club. As a special honor, the reigning Masters winner, who is inducted into the Masters Club on this evening, may choose the menu for the dinner, but must also pay for it. At the Masters Tournament 2024, this honor goes to Jon Rahm, who served his favorite dishes from spanish cuisine.

The Masters Tournament 2024: Jon Rahms Champions Dinner

Jon Rahm took his guests on a journey to his Spanish homeland, more specifically to the Basque Country. A selection of tapas and pinchos was served as an appetizer during the cocktail reception: Idiazabal cheese with black truffle, tortilla de patatas, chistorra sausage with potatoes, chicken croquettes, traditional lentil stew based on Rahm’s mother’s recipe and, as a highlight, a fresh Iberico ham.

The menu continued with a basque crab salad followed by either basque ribeye steak or pil-pil style turbot. Finally, there were milhojas. A puff pastry with vanilla pudding and only very small layers. As the cake was also served at Rahm’s wedding, this course was a foregone conclusion for the Spaniard shortly after his victory.

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A Night of Tradition: Jon Rahm joins the Masters Club

The annual Champions Dinner, hosted by Ben Crenshaw, saw Rahm take his place at the head of the table, alongside veterans and icons of the sport. Larry Mize, the 1987 champion, described the evening as both great and emotional, emphasizing the significance of honoring not only Rahm but also the legacies of Seve Ballesteros and Jackie Burke, who was remembered fondly by the attendees.

For Rahm, it was a momentous occasion, not only as the newest member but also as the first representative of LIV Golf to host the dinner, bridging the gap between traditional PGA Tour players and those associated with the emerging league. The evening began with Crenshaw extending a warm welcome to Rahm, presenting him with a symbolic gift—an inscribed gold locket in the shape of the Masters Club emblem. It was a gesture of acceptance and acknowledgment of Rahm’s place among the golfing elite. Stories of Seve Ballesteros echoed throughout the room, with Bernhard Langer sharing a captivating tale from the 1983 Ryder Cup. Langer recounted Ballesteros’ remarkable shot from a bunker.

Amidst the celebration, the passing of Jackie Burke, the 1956 Masters Champion, was also acknowledged, adding a bittersweet note to the evening. Burke, a revered figure in golfing history, left behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.

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Highlights Tours

The Masters Tournament 2024: Will Rory McIlroy play at the Par-3-Contest?

Will Rory McIlroy compete at the Par-3-Contest of the US Masters 2024?
Will Rory McIlroy compete at the Par-3-Contest of the US Masters 2024?

The Par-3-contest of the Masters Tournament is traditionally held on the wednesday before the tournament begins. The players spend a day with their families on the golf course and the main focus of this small tournament is on having fun. However, more and more players are considering whether they want to take part in the event at all. As no player who has ever won the Par-3-Contest has went on to win the green jacket the same year, rumor has it that a curse lies on the winner of the competition.

Rory McIlroy and Erica Stoll File for Divorce Amid Major Preparations

Rory McIlroy at the Masters Tournament Par-3-Contest

Rory McIlroy’s “game plan” for the Masters seems to be finalised. The Northern Irishman plans to arrive later than ever before on Tuesday evening, as revealed in a practice round with TGL team mate Keegan Bradley.

Even though McIlroy has never won the Par-3-Tournament and therefore no curse can’t be blamed for not winning the masters, the world number two is thinking about eliminating any risk that could stand in the way of a win at Augusta National.

He goes on explaining, he is going to skip the iconic Par 3 Contest on Wednesday in order to “shake things up” in his preparation for the first Major of the season.

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What is the Par-3-Contest

The Par 3 Contest is one of the most cherished traditions at the Masters. Taking place on the Wednesday of Tournament week, this year on April 10th, players, family members, and fans alike gather to witness this special event. Originally intended as a means of stress relief before the main tournament, the Par 3 Contest has evolved into a staple of the Masters since its debut in 1960. Participants, including current players and former champions, compete on a nine-hole course skillfully integrated into the northeast corner of the Augusta National Golf Club. Under the watchful eyes of spectators and often with family members acting as caddies, short shots are played over DeSoto Springs Pond and Ike’s Pond. Yet, the true allure of the Par 3 Contest lies not only in the competitive spirit but also in the familial atmosphere it fosters. Children and grandchildren, clad in miniature Augusta National overalls, provide heartwarming moments as they accompany players with their light bags or carry the flag. It’s an opportunity to celebrate tradition and community spirit, away from the intense competition of the main Masters tournament.

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Professionals

Can Scottie Scheffler Get The Grand Slam?

Does Scottie Scheffler have what it takes to win a Grand Slam? (Source: Getty)
Does Scottie Scheffler have what it takes to win a Grand Slam? (Source: Getty)

In 119 PGA Tour events, Scottie Scheffler has made the cut an incredible 100 times, finished in the top 10 50 times and won a total of eight times on tour. These include victories at prestigious tournaments such as the WM Phoenix Open, the Players Championship and even the Masters. Scheffler has collected over 54 million dollars in prize money to date and, at the age of 27, is already one of the best golfers of his generation. But does the world number one also have what it takes to achieve a career Grand Slam?

Scottie Schefflers magical PGA Tour journey

Scottie Scheffler joined the PGA Tour in 2018 and shook up the tour just one year later. In the 2019/2020 season, Scheffler already achieved seven top 10 finishes in 23 events and showed his terrific skills on the golf course. His breakthrough finally came just one year later when he earned his first runner-up on the PGA Tour at the World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play and advanced to the Tour Championship for the second consecutive season, finishing the season No. 22 in the FedExCup standings. Recorded eight top-10s, one more than his total from his rookie season, made the cut in 24 of 29 starts. Following the Tour Championship, he even was selected as a captain’s pick to represent the United States at the Ryder Cup, marking his first appearance at the event.

In the following two years Scottie Scheffler began to show that he is going to be one of the best golfers who has ever played on Tour. Scheffler won the Jack Nicklaus Award as PGA Tour Player of the Year of the 2021/20222 season. Furthermore he earned his first four PGA Tour titles in a span of only six starts, including his first major championship title, winning the WM Phoenix Open, Arnold Palmer Invitational, World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play and the Masters Tournament. After this incredible achievement he moved to No. 1 in the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time in his career following his third victory (March 27), becoming the 25th player in the OWGR era to reach the No. 1 position. He moved on to winning multiple times again the following season and breaking a couple of records.

2024 and grand slam hopes

In the 2024 Scottie Scheffler so far kep up his amazing golf. He won the Arnold Palmer Invitational and clinched the title at the Players Championship for the scond year in a row. Now, as the major season awaits, Scheffler is one of the absolute top favorites in all major tournaments. The exceptional golfer must even be expected to win the grand slam. Nevertheless it is certain that Scheffler is one of the hottest contenders alongside Brooks Koepka and Rory McIlroy to join the select circle of career grand slam winners.

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Highlights Tours

Can Jon Rahm and other LIV Players start at the Masters?

Jon Rahm and many other LIV Players have managed to win at the Masters. Can one of the 13 LIV Golfers clinch the title this year at Augusta? (Source: Getty)
Jon Rahm and many other LIV Players have managed to win at the Masters. Can one of the 13 LIV Golfers clinch the title this year at Augusta? (Source: Getty)

The Masters is drawing ever closer and many players are among the big favorites. In addition to the superstars of the PGA Tour such as Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth, some players from the rival LIV Tour are also laying claim to the title. These include former Masters Winners Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia or Dustin Johnson. Find out here why the LIV Stars are allowed to compete and what chances they have.

Jon Rahm and Co.: 13 LIV Players to start at the Masters Tournament

LIV Golf star Sergio Garcia has sent a clear message to the rest of the field: Those from the Saudi-backed circuit are “coming for that Green Jacket”. Garcia, one of the 13 players from the LIV Golf League set to tee it up at The Masters from April 11-14, has already secured a lifelong exemption to the event after his dramatic playoff victory at Augusta National in 2017.

Also returning as defending champion is Jon Rahm, who clinched victory last year with a four-shot lead over fellow LIV Golf League members Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka, the latter of whom went on to win the PGA Championship the following month. The roster of LIV Players vying for the coveted Green Jacket reads like a who’s who of golf: Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Bubba Watson, and Charl Schwartzel, all former recipients of the esteemed jacket and therefore holders of lifelong exemptions at the Masters, alongside Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith, who qualified as recent winners of a different major.

But there are also fresh faces ready to make their mark. Tyrrell Hatton earned his spot after qualifying for the PGA Tour’s season-ending Tour Championship last August. Adrian Meronk secured his place by finishing 2023 inside the world’s top 50. Joaquin Niemann accepted a special invitation following three top-five finishes on the DP World Tour.

Rahm believes that a LIV Player can clinch the title at the Masters

With 88 players set to feature at The Masters and one final spot available to the winner of the Valero Texas Open, just over 14 percent of the major field will hail from the LIV Golf League.

Golf pundit Nick Dougherty believes Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, and Rory McIlroy will be among the contenders vying for the Green Jacket in Augusta, with hopes resting on McIlroy to complete a career grand slam and etch his name into history. “There is quite a few major champions in LIV and there is a few that are major champion quality golfers,” defending champion Jon Rahm said. “So just pure numbers, if you go with math, wouldn’t be the highest, but I’m confident that one of us can get it done this year.”

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Has Rory McIlroy won the Masters Tournament?

Has Rory McIlroy won the Masters Tournament before?
Has Rory McIlroy won the Masters Tournament before?

Rory McIlroy is one of the best golfers of his generation and beyond. The Northern Irishman has already won numerous titles on the PGA Tour in his career and McIlroy has also won several of the four major events. However, the Northern Irishman is only one title short of becoming a legend.

Rory McIlroys outstanding carrer

Rory McIlroy won his first professional event at the age of just 20, launching his great career. Two years later, he achieved his first triumph at a major event when he won the US Open with the best score ever achieved at this tournament of 16 strokes under par. In March 2012, at the age of 22, he became the second youngest number 1 in the world golf rankings of all time and won his second major at the PGA Championship in August of the same year. McIlroy scored his third major success in 2014 with his victory at the British Open, which means he is now only missing a Masters victory for the career grand slam. In the same year, McIlroy also achieved his fourth and last Major success to date when he won the PGA Championship for the second time.

McIlroys Masters Tournament tragedy

McIlroy is making his 16th Masters Tournament appearance in 2024. He won over four million dollars in Augusta and in 2022 he came closer than ever before to a victory with second place. Nevertheless, McIlroy’s story at the Masters could be described as tragic.

This dates back to 2011 when McIlroy caused a sensation at augusta for the first time. In April, the then 21-year-old blew a four-shot lead after the third day of the Masters and finished the tournament in a tie for 15th place. That was the first time McIlroy was halfway into the green jacket that he has not yet been allowed to wear. In the following three years, McIlroy went on a real winning spree and won four majors during this time, but since 2014 his run has come to a halt. McIlroy is just one win away from joining Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods as the only players to win a career Grand Slam at the US Masters. But although he came close time and again, it just doesn’t seem to work out for the Northern Irishman at Augusta. The 34-year-old has finished the tournament in the top 10 seven times in the last ten years, even finishing in the top five four times. After missing the cut in 2023, McIlroy will make another attempt to finally put an end to his Augusta-Curse and win a major tournament again after ten years to complete the career grand slam.

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Highlights Tours

US Masters 2024: The Augusta National Women’s Amateur

Rose Zhang won the Augusta National Women's Amateur in 2023. Meanwhile she became a LPGA Champion. (Source: Getty)
Rose Zhang won the Augusta National Women's Amateur in 2023. Meanwhile she became a LPGA Champion. (Source: Getty)

Since 2019, Augusta National has hosted the Augusta National Women’s Amateur every year before the US Masters. 72 amateur players take part in the event and compete in a 54-hole stroke play. After two rounds, there is a cut and the 30 best players and tied players are allowed to play the final round on the legendary Augusta National course.

US Masters 2024: Das Augusta National Women’s Amateur

The Augusta National Women’s Amateur (ANWA) was held for the first time in 2019. The aim of the organizers is to further increase interest in women’s golf and also to enable some female players the dream of playing on the legendary course of the golf club. The first edition was won by the then leader of the amateur world rankings, Jennifer Kupcho. Three years later, the 16-year-old Anna Davis was crowned the winner and in 2023 the current LPGA Tour player Rose Zhang took her career to the next level with a victory in Augusta. After her win at Augusta National Zhang quickly turned professional on the LPGA Tour. Since then the just 20 year old has made five top 10 finishes on Tour, three of them at major tournaments.

The first 36 holes will be played at the Champions Retreat Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia, on April 3 and 4. An official practice on the Augusta National Course will take place on April 5, followed by the final round on April 6, where the best players will compete for victory. Qualification for the tournament is based on various criteria, including the current champions of various national and international amateur tournaments as well as the top performers of the past year according to the Women’s World Amateur Golf Ranking. In addition, special invitations are awarded by the ANWA committee. A variety of opportunities await the winner of the ANWA 2024, provided she remains an amateur player. In addition to participating in the next five editions of the ANWA, she will receive invitations to some of the most prestigious women’s golf tournaments in the world, including the U.S. Women’s Open, the Women’s Open, the Chevron Championship and the Evian Championship.

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Panorama

Jon Rahm and wife Kelley expecting third child

Jon Rahm and his wife Kelley are expecting a new addition to their family. (Source: Getty)
Jon Rahm and his wife Kelley are expecting a new addition to their family. (Source: Getty)

Amid the hustle and bustle right before the 2024 US Masters, reigning champion Jon Rahm remains grounded by his growing family. The social media post announcing the pregnancy was met with enthusiasm from fans and peers alike. In the accompanying photo, Rahm and Kelley are seen with their two children, Kepa and Eneko, sharing the ultrasound image of their soon-to-be addition.

Jon Rahm and wife Kelley expecting their third child

While specific details such as the baby’s gender and due date were not disclosed, the Rahm family’s excitement is palpable. Rahm’s playful comment about “officially moving to zone defense” adds a lighthearted touch to the announcement.

The golf community joins the superstar and his wife in celebrating their family happiness. For example, Layna Finau, wife of Tony Finau and mother of several children herself, commented under the post and congratulated the parents-to-be. Rahm’s compatriot Sergio Garcia also offered his congratulations, as did other LIV colleagues.

A college lovestory

Jon Rahm’s journey to golfing stardom is well-documented, but behind every successful man is often an equally remarkable woman. In Rahm’s case, that woman is his wife, Kelley Cahill. Their love story traces back to their college days at Arizona State University, where they began dating. Their relationship reached new heights when Rahm proposed to Cahill in June 2018, just before competing in the U.S. Open. The heartfelt proposal, complete with a ring designed by Rahm himself, set the stage for their fairy-tale wedding in Rahm’s hometown of Bilbao, Spain, in December 2019. Since tying the knot, Rahm and Cahill have welcomed two sons, Kepa and Eneko, into their family. Now the couple awaits a new addition to their family.

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Senior Tours

Greetings for Bernhard Langer from fellow tour players

Greetings for the injured Bernhard Langer fromm fellow tour players. (Source: Getty)
Greetings for the injured Bernhard Langer fromm fellow tour players. (Source: Getty)

Bernhard Langer, who is the oldest player on the PGA Tour Champions and therefore get’s calles “Dad” by his fellow tour players, got injured in February. Now his friends on the tour send their best wishes to “Dad”.

Recovery wishes for Bernhard Langer

Fred Couples. Padraig Harrington, Ernie Els and Steve Stricker have contacted their friend bernhard langer via video message. They sent the video from Newport Beach, where Langer has won before. “Hopefully you’re on the couch relaxing, I know that’s where I would be”, said Fred Couples and hopes to see Langer back in action soon. Padraig Harrington said he would look up to him and what he does. “Everybody’s learning from you and we miss you out here”, says the Ire. Furthermore Ernie Els sent his best wishes to Langer wishing him a speedy recovery. Last but not least Steve Stricker had a message for “Dad”: “Hi Dad, we sure miss you out here, but I have one question for you. What do you miss the most about being out here on the Champions Tour?” Langer is still due to answer that question. But as the keen golfer he is, Langer probably misses everything what playing professional golf is about.

Achilles Tendon Rupture in February

In February the exceptional German golfer ruptured his Achilles tendon during a training session in Boca Raton, Florida. Following his injury, he underwent surgery directly in Miami. According to sports physician Dr. Tino Lorenz, surgery for an Achilles tendon rupture is one of the more complicated procedures and requires a recovery period of three to six months. Although the downtime for professional athletes can be reduced through improved rehabilitation conditions, it remains questionable whether Bernhard Langer will return to the course one last time on the DP World Tour on his farewell tour. The BMW International Open will take place in Munich at the beginning of July. A full recovery by then seems quite realistic.

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Professionals

Phil Mickelson: Brother Tim announces retirement as caddie

Tim Mickelson, Phil Mickelson's brother, is stepping down from his big brother's bag after eight years. (Source: Getty)
Tim Mickelson, Phil Mickelson's brother, is stepping down from his big brother's bag after eight years. (Source: Getty)

Phil Mickelson, six-time major winner and current LIV golfer, has to look for a new caddie. After an eight-year era at the 53-year-old’s bag, Phil’s brother Tim announced his retirement from active caddie duties on March 26.

Tim Mickelson no longer caddies for brother Phil

Phil Mickelson shared the news on social media, paying tribute to his brother for the many great experiences they had together. In a post on social media, Mickelson expressed his gratitude for their time together and emphasized how special it was for him to be able to share these successes with his brother. “There have been many great moments in my career, and to be able to share them with my brother Tim was overwhelming,” Mickelson wrote. “I’ve been fortunate to have him by my side as my caddie for the last eight years and to know him as my brother for life. So much has changed since he was single and we worked together. He has found his life partner, Maranda, they have had their second son and hopefully their family will continue to grow. Even though Tim is retiring from being a caddie, I will always remember the many great moments on the golf course and look forward to many more special moments off the course.”

Tim Mickelson, who is now 46, took over the role as his brother’s caddie two years after he stepped down as head coach of the men’s golf team at Arizona State University. During his time as his brother’s caddie, Tim was instrumental in helping Phil Mickelson win three PGA Tour titles, including the 2021 PGA Championship, which gave Mickelson his sixth major title and the record as the oldest major winner of all time.

Has Phil Mickelson already found a new caddie?

As for the succession on Mickelson’s bag, Golfweek reported that Jon Yarbrough, who caddied for Scott Stallings for nearly a decade, would start alongside Mickelson next week at the LIV Golf event at Trump Doral in Florida. Stallings confirmed that Yarbrough was no longer working with him, saying in a post on social media Tuesday directed at Yarbrough: “You made me better as a player inside the ropes and as a man outside the ropes. Thank you for everything.”