Xander Schauffele is in position 1. (Photo: Getty)
The PGA Tour takes us this week to the Wells Fargo Championship, held in Charlotte, North Carolina at the prestigious Quail Hollow Club. This report focuses on the highlights of round one at this esteemed event.
The current leader of the tournament is Xander Schauffele, representing the USA, with a total result of -7 under par. The leaderboard’s second place is tightly contested. Collin Morikawa (USA), Alex Noren (SWE), and Rory McIlroy (NIR) share the position, each with a total result of -4 under par. Five players share fifth place. These include USA’s Justin Thomas, Sungjae Im from Korea, Australia’s Jason Day, Sepp Straka from Austria, and Lee Hodges from the USA, each with a daily score of -3 under par.
The Wells Fargo Championship holds an impressive tournament-prize-money of $20,000,000, unrated but undoubtedly substantial.
The video of the PGA Tour Highlights offers a compilation of the most significant moments from round one of the Wells Fargo Championship. In turn, the Wells Fargo Championship Highlights feature the key performances and major golf swings that stood out during the first round.
Given that golf tournaments conclude after four rounds, one can look forward to the escalating competition, as the golfers bring forth their best performance in the forthcoming rounds of the Wells Fargo Championship.
Wells Fargo Championship: The PGA Tour round 1 highlights
About the PGA Tour
The PGA Tour is the largest American professional golf tour. There are 36 tournaments on the tour’s schedule this season. The tournaments mainly take place in the USA, but there are also some international venues over the course of the season. The signature events introduced in 2023 offer higher prize money and a smaller field of participants. There will be a total of eight of these events in the 2024 season. The four Majors and the Players Championship are also part of the PGA Tour. At the end of the tours season, the 70 best players in the FedEx Cup season rankings will play in a three-tournament play-off for overall tour victory and an extra 18 million dollars in prize money.
One decade after Rory McIlroys win in the darkness the PGA Championship 2024 returns to Kentucky. (Source: PGA of America)
As the dust of the track and the cheers of the fans started to settle at the 150th Kentucky Derby in Churchill Downs, the agitation at nearby Valhalla Golf Club reignited with the preparations for the 106th PGA Championship. And the “most exciting two minutes in sports” gave way to “once in a decade golf celebration in Kentucky”.
The other big sport event in Kentucky: The Kentucky Derby. (Source: PGA of America)
Nose Margin Finishes at the PGA Championship in Kentucky
According to Churchill Downs, Mystik Dan’s win marked the first three-horse photo finish since 1947 and the first race decided by a nose margin since 1996. Like an echo of the Kentucky Derby, the three PGA Championships contested at Valhalla in the last three decades concluded with a photo finish or a nose margin – a playoff or one stroke difference in golf lingo. “I had a heartache in 96 when Mark Brooks beat me in a playoff,” said local golf star Kenny Perry about his defeat at the first PGA Championship in Kentucky. Four years later, Tiger Woods prevailed in a playoff against Bob May to win his fifth and third consecutive major at Valhalla. “Tiger was incredible,” remembers two-time Masters winner José María Olázabal, who shot a 9-under-par 63 course record on the third day and finished tied fourth. “I have great memories of that amazing round and Valhalla, a solid golf course with tough rough,” said the Spaniard. “But I specially remember the Ryder Cup there in 2008, when the Americans played really well.”
The Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club
Perry was part of that American winning team captained by Paul Azinger. “My dad, at 86 years old, came off the green in his bib overalls and gave me a hug. This is where I love to go, and to me, this is the pinnacle of golf in Kentucky,” added Perry about the 2008 Ryder Cup and Valhalla Golf Club. “We were fortunate to have epic and historic finishes,” said Jimmy Kirchdorfer, General Chairman of the 2024 PGA Championship. “A lot of people from Kentucky would say the Ryder Cup, when the US was struggling to win for a while, was the best sporting event they have ever been to.”
The PGA Championships 2024 Returns to Kentucky
After the memorable victory of Rory McIlroy by one-stroke in the 2014 PGA Championship in the darkness, Kirchdorfer, along with the new co-owners of Valhalla Golf Club and its membership have been instrumental in bringing the PGA Championship back to Kentucky one decade later.
LOUISVILLE, KY – AUGUST 10: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits his tee shot on 18 during the Final Round of the 96th PGA Championship, at Valhalla Golf Club, on August 10, 2014 in Louisville, KY. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America)
“The tremendous response from the Louisville and Kentucky community has been essential to make this event a record-breaking championship,” said 2024 PGA Championship Director, Ryan Ogle, as he supports his assessment with staggering numbers. Over 200,000 spectators are expected during the week, breaking the record ticket sales set in 2018. Valhalla will accommodate 700,000 square feet of temporary flooring, over 285 tent structures, and 600 TVs will be spread across the property. On The Rocks, the Elijah Craig Bourbon Speakeasy by the 14th hole of Valhalla Golf Club will be one of the massive hospitality structures showcasing the official bourbon cocktail of the 2024 PGA Championship, the Elijah Craig Mulligan. “In terms of size, it will be more than double compared with 2014,” added Ogle, also highlighting the over 500 million households around the world with access to over 250 hours of live coverage.
“I am very excited about the PGA Championship in Kentucky. When the time comes, it will be a very special week,” said two-time PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas, who will be playing a major in Valhalla for the first time.“I have been to Valhalla a handful of times. It is obviously well known and the most famous course in Kentucky, a special place,” added Thomas, who grew up playing golf at Harmony Landing Country Club, in Goshen, Kentucky, where his father Mike is still a pro. Thomas will be the only Kentuckian at the traditional Champions Dinner, hosted by the 2023 winner Brooks Koepka at the home of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs. “Whatever my mom is cooking at home would be my recommendation for food in Kentucky,” noted Thomas as a potential culinary advice to Koepka, who finished T-15 in Valhalla in 2014.
Justin Thomas will be competing in his home state. (Source: PGA of America)
The Return of the People’s Hero
That year, Michael Block, the PGA of America Golf Professional who became the people’s hero in 2023 when he finished T-15 at Oak Hill, made his debut in the PGA Championship in Valhalla after winning the PGA Professional Championship. “Kentucky has been great. We have been staying downtown Louisville all week and everyone has been absolutely fantastic. It was a great experience,” said after missing the cut in 2014 Block, part of the Corebridge Financial Team of 21 PGA of America Professionals competing along the best in the world in the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club.
The field of the PGA Championship 2024 includes all of the biggest names in golf. (Source: Getty)
The PGA Championship 2024 takes places from May 16th to May 19th at the Valhalla Golf Club. Valhalla, nestled in the beauty of Kentucky, is no stranger to hosting major golfing events, and this marks its fourth time hosting the PGA Championship. Past championships at Valhalla have seen golfing legends like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy claim victory, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling tournament.
Brooks Koepka Eyeing Another Title at the PGA Championship
Leading the pack is the three-time and defending PGA Champion, Brooks Koepka. Koepka’s dominance on the course is undeniable, and he will be a force to be reckoned with at Valhalla. Joining him is an impressive field of 16 PGA Champions and 33 Major Champions, each poised to leave their mark on this prestigious event. The diversity of the field is a testament to the global appeal of golf, with players hailing from countries all around the world. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, the 2024 PGA Championship promises to showcase the best talent the sport has to offer. With two spots reserved for winners of this week’s PGA Tour events, the field is sure to see some last-minute additions.
With the PGA Tour season in full swing, professional golfers have been ardently competing in various tournaments to amass points that are crucial for climbing up the FedExCup rankings. Currently, Scottie Scheffler is the golfer leading the pack in the FedExCup rankings, with five English players successfully securing their spots in the top 100.
Dynamic Shifts in FedExCup Standings
The prominence of English golfers within the FedExCup becomes evident when scrutinizing the performances of the top two English players in the rankings. Matt Fitzpatrick, who sits at number 33 in the current rankings, has actively participated in 12 events this season, securing a total of 733 points. Despite not achieving a victory, Fitzpatrick has maintained consistent form with two top-10 finishes. Similarly, Tommy Fleetwood, ranked 39th, has amassed 639 points through his participation in 8 events, achieving three top-10 placements.
Top-5 FedExCup Contenders’ Analysis
A closer look at the FedExCup rankings reveals the formidable competition at its echelon. Scheffler, the current leader, with an impressive total of 3,915 points from 10 events, continues to hold his ground with 9 top-10 finishes and 4 victories. Behind him, Wyndham Clark at second, Xander Schauffele in third, Sahith Theegala in fourth, and Ludvig Åberg from Sweden completing the top-five have all held steady in their previous week’s positions. They respectively boast a balance of performance, with Clark enjoying a victory among his 4 top-10 finishes, Schauffele with 7 top-ten placements, Theegala and Åberg each with 5 top-ten finishes, and Matsuyama also holding a victory to his name.
How the PGA Tours FedEx Cup works
The FedExCup is the season ranking of the PGA Tour. The top 30 players in the FedExCup ranking are allowed to take part in the PGA Tour’s final play-off tournament at the end of the season. The season ranking also determines who is allowed to play on the PGA Tour the following year. At each tournament, the players who make the cut collect points. The total number of points earned at a tournament depends on the value of the event. Major tournaments earn the most points. The winner receives 500 points for winning a normal PGA Tour tournament.
Scottie Scheffler unassailable at the top. (Photo: Getty)
As the PGA Tour season progresses, numerous tournaments have already set the stage for a thrilling FedExCup race. The latest contest to shape the rankings was a display of skill and precision, ultimately leading to Scottie Scheffler’s victory. His stellar performance cements his position at the top of the FedExCup rankings, while 60 American players have secured their spot among the top 100, showcasing the depth of talent in the USA.
Dynamic Duel: Scheffler and Clark, FedExCup Standouts
Two American players are currently making waves in the FedExCup rankings. Scottie Scheffler, with remarkable consistency across 10 events, has accumulated a total of 3,915 points and boasts an impressive 9 top ten finishes, including 4 victories. His closest American competitor is Wyndham Clark, who occupies the second rank despite only securing 1,892 point so far. Clark has also played 10 events with 4 top ten finishes and a single victory to his name.
Top-5 FedExCup Gladiators: The Pursuit of Excellence
Leading the charge in the FedExCup rankings is the indomitable Scottie Scheffler, while Wyndham Clark, Xander Schauffele, Sahith Theegala, and Ludvig Åberg round out the top five positions. Xander Schauffele stands third without a win but has made a solid 7 top ten finishes in 11 events. Theegala, in fourth, with 5 top ten finishes, has participated in 12 events but is still eyeing his first victory. Åberg, hailing from Sweden, mirrors Theegala’s record of top ten finishes, but only played at 10 events.
How the PGA Tours FedEx Cup works
The FedExCup is the season ranking of the PGA Tour. The top 30 players in the FedExCup ranking are allowed to take part in the PGA Tour’s final play-off tournament at the end of the season. The season ranking also determines who is allowed to play on the PGA Tour the following year. At each tournament, the players who make the cut collect points. The total number of points earned at a tournament depends on the value of the event. Major tournaments earn the most points. The winner receives 500 points for winning a normal PGA Tour tournament.
MCKINNEY, TEXAS - MAY 04: Taylor Pendrith of Canada chips on the ninth hole during the third round of THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson at TPC Craig Ranch on May 04, 2024 in McKinney, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
The PGA Tour finished its thrilling ride as “THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson” took center stage at TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Texas, USA. Now at round four, spectators eagerly anticipated the outcome of this high-stakes match.
With $9,500,000 on the line, the leaderboard showcases a stellar display of golf prowess. Taylor Pendrith of Canada tops the list with a total score of -23, followed by Ben Kohles of the United States with -22. Alex Noren of Sweden takes the third spot with a score of -21. Korean S.H. Kim matches strides with England’s Aaron Rai, both posting a total score of -20.
Meanwhile, the daily score, otherwise known as the performance of the day, saw powerful swings from American Kevin Chappell and Puerto Rico’s Rafael Campos, both securing a daily score of -8.
For those seeking the PGA Tour Highlights and THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson Highlights, a compilation of the day’s best moments provides an exciting recap of round four. The end of these tournaments signifies yet another thrilling chapter in PGA Tour history, with players demonstrating exceptional talent and fierce competitiveness.
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson: The PGA Tour round 4 highlights
About the PGA Tour
The PGA Tour is the largest American professional golf tour. There are 36 tournaments on the tour’s schedule this season. The tournaments mainly take place in the USA, but there are also some international venues over the course of the season. The signature events introduced in 2023 offer higher prize money and a smaller field of participants. There will be a total of eight of these events in the 2024 season. The four Majors and the Players Championship are also part of the PGA Tour. At the end of the tours season, the 70 best players in the FedEx Cup season rankings will play in a three-tournament play-off for overall tour victory and an extra 18 million dollars in prize money.
At the top of the table at this weeks PGA Tour event: Taylor Pendrith. (Image: Getty)
THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson 2024 Live Scores
The THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson in the season 2024 is being played in McKinney, Texas, United States of America at the TPC Craig Ranch. The tournament starts at the Thursday, 2nd of May and ends at the Sunday, 5th of May 2024.
The THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson is part of the PGA Tour in the season 2024. In 2024 all players competing for a total prize money of $9,500,000.
The course for the tournament at TPC Craig Ranch plays at Par 71.
After the team tournament last week, the PGA Tour returns to its usual format. In Texas, the players will compete in the tournament dedicated to the American golf legend Byron Nelson.
PGA Tour live
Through the Golf Post Live Blog you can follow all results on the PGA Tour live. Alongside the DP World Tour (formerly the European Tour), the PGA Tour is the world’s largest tournament series in men’s professional golf. The tour attracts prize money that is just as high as the level of the international elite that comes together at quite a few of the tournaments. The annual highlights of the season are the four major tournaments (co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour), the Players Championship and the final FedExCup playoffs, which conclude the season every year. Signature events were created for this purpose. These include the three FedExCup playoff tournaments, The Sentry, the invitational tournaments (Genesis Invitational, Arnold Palmer Invitational and Memorial Tournament) and four other tournaments, which can change annually.
The PGA Tour has gained its importance primarily through its ability to retain top players through the attractiveness of the tournaments and the size of the prize money, which has risen steadily in recent years. The FedExCup is the American equivalent of the European Race to Dubai, with players collecting points throughout the season until the FedExCup winner is crowned in three tournaments in August. The FedExCup playoffs consist of three tournaments: the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the BMW Championship and the final Tour Championship. The winner of the Tour Championship also becomes the winner of the FedEx Cup and secures the record jackpot of 25 million US dollars.
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.
16-year-old Kris Kim has quite the knowledgeable and experienced coach in his corner ahead of his PGA Tour debut this week, a former LPGA Tour pro who also just happens to be his mum! (quotes per @iaincartergolf)https://t.co/Syni4JqAEw
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.
Discover the PGA Tour Tee Times of your favorite British golfers. (Photos: Getty)
The PGA Tour brings us The CJ CUP Byron Nelson, which will take place in McKinney, Texas, USA. The event will be sprawled on the lush greens of the TPC Craig Ranch Club. The tournament, carrying a prize purse of $9,500,000 will see last year’s defender, Jason Day, attempting to maintain his title. The tournament will be played on a par 71 course.
The PGA Tour Tee Times and Groups for the British Players
Ben Taylor from England is all set to play the first round at the CJ CUP Byron Nelson at 13:12, where he will pair up with his group members, Ryan Palmer and Josh Teater from USA. The second day will see the same group teeing off for round two.
Next, Matt Wallace, another English golfer, will kick off his tournament at 13:23 in round 1. His group includes Daniel Berger and Cameron Champ from USA. Wallace will stick with the same group for the second round with the PGA Tour Tee Times mentioned in the table below.
English-man Callum Tarren is scheduled for a later tee time of 14:18 with his group members Maverick McNealy and Chesson Hadley representing USA. They will return together for the second-round together at the same time.
From Scotland, Robert MacIntyre will play alongside Ze-cheng Dou from China and Raul Pereda from Mexico, starting their round at 14:29. They will keep the same setup for the second-round.
The 16-year old British golf prodigy Kris Kim will be teeting off at hole 10 15:02 with American Duo Max Greyserman and Norman Xiong.
Harry Hall from England will begin his participation at 18:22. He will play alongside David Lipsky from the USA and Sung Kang from Korea. The three will team up yet again at the same time for the second round on the following day.
Martin Laird from Scotland will begin his first round of play in the afternoon at 19:17 along with Troy Merritt and Ryan Moore representing the USA. The trio will join forces again for round two.
The other player from England, Aaron Rai is scheduled to tee off at 19:28 in round one, sharing the greens with Henrik Norlander from Sweden and Sam Ryder from the USA. This lot is grouped together for the second round as well.
David Skinns, another player from England, tees off at 20:12 with Tom Whitney from the USA and Paul Barjon from France. They will maintain the same grouping in the second round.
Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry celebrate thei PGA Tour victory with a round of karaoke. (Image: getty)
The Zurich Classic is one of just a few team events in professional golf. Naturally, the pros make a special point of playing with their mates not only in the practice rounds, but also in a tournament. One example is the Irish duo Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry. The long-standing friendship between these two players is no secret and both enjoyed a weekend of top-class golf. To top it off, they even claimed victory in their first appearance as a team at the PGA Tour’s Zurich Classic 2024.
Rory McIlroy: “To win any PGA TOUR event is very cool, but to do it with one of your closest friends is awesome”
“We went out there, we had loads of fun, and we won the tournament. You couldn’t ask for a better week,” Lowry said after their win. And McIlroy added: “To win any PGA TOUR event is very cool, but to do it with one of your closest friends … Think about where we met and where we’ve come from, to be on this stage and do this together – just awesome to be able to do it alongside this guy.” And all of this happened because McIlroy “proposed” to Lowry at a “drunken lunch”, as the Northern Irishman told Claire Rodgers before the event.
In addition to the trophy, the duo received WWE-style belts. Well, for McIlroy it was a good fit and a perfect addition to the outfit. Shane Lowry, on the other hand, had a little trouble putting it on.
To celebrate McIlroy’s 25th career PGA Tour victory and Lowry’s first win since 2019, the pair took to the stage after the tournament and sang a perfect rendition of ‘Don’t stop believing’ by Journey.
Team McIlroy/Lowry celebrate with a round of karaoke
