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Ladies Tours

Solheim Cup 2024: Empty Grandstands on the First Tee

The first tee shot at a continental competition is an unrivalled experience. Fans get up in the middle of the night to sit on the first tee at dawn and create a great atmosphere, eagerly awaiting the first flights. The Solheim Cup is usually no exception.

Spectators miss the first tee shot at the Solheim Cup 2024

On the first day of the Solheim Cup 2024 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, however, many fans were denied this joy. The reason: too few buses to take spectators from the car park to the golf course. Fans report on X (formerly Twitter) that they have been waiting at the car park for over an hour and still have ‘1000’ people in front of them in the huge queue that has formed. A queue that is not moving as the first tee shot approaches.

‘The first tee on Friday morning of a Solheim is typically the best atmosphere of the year. For the fans to not be here is an absolute travesty.’ writes Beth Ann Nichols of Golfweek.

Just before the first tee shots, much of the grandstand on the first tee was still empty.

blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”>

First tee shot goes in the air at 7:05 (in 25 minutes) and there are so many empty seats. Serious transportation issues going on this morning. Wish they could push back tee times but too much golf to get in. pic.twitter.com/VMSK9V2bh0

— Beth Ann Nichols (@GolfweekNichols) September 13, 2024

With only four flights, the spectacle is not only over quickly, but with so many people waiting, it is foreseeable that many will also miss a large part of the morning session. “Complete disaster”, writes Nichols who covers the issue on X.

The transport problems were already becoming apparent the day before, when it took a very long time after the opening ceremony before all the spectators could be transported back.

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Highlights Tours

Solheim Cup 2024: “Housegate” – First Drama Even Before the Start of the Tournament

The Solheim Cup is always good for drama, the best example being the story of the tearful “Gimme Gates” of 2015 involving Suzann Pettersen and Charley Hull, which was rekindled with the return of Alison Lee to the American team. The 2024 Solheim Cup had its first controversy even before the start. As Sky Sports reported, there was a dispute about the European team room. The Europeans made themselves a little too comfortable for the taste of their opponents.

The two team rooms, which are more like team houses, are located near the driving range of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course and as hosts, the Americans had first choice. They left the Europeans the smaller of the two houses, which has the advantage of being directly adjacent to the driving range. Team USA complained when Team Europe used the driving bays in the house, saying that this was not permitted under the contract and that the tables and chairs that Team Europe had placed outside were also against the contract.

US skipper Stacy Lewis explained why these seemingly mundane facts upset the American team: “The inside of their hut doesn’t have much room for tables, so their tables have to be outside. Our players were warming up while having breakfast and chatting. We just tried to give everyone some space so we didn’t have to listen to them eat breakfast. There’s no bad blood.” The problem was solved, they said, by simply moving Team USA further down the driving range.

A Look Into the Past

It’s not just dramas that are being rehashed at the Solheim Cup. The LPGA Tour dug deep into the stars’ social media and found some very special pictures that were crying out to be signed.

“Full Glam” Before the Start of the Tournament

Before the team colors take center stage on Friday, the players had have the opportunity to really dress up at the tournament’s accompanying events. While the players familiarize themselves with the course the days before, the first of these highlights was scheduled for Wednesday with the gala dinner. The Smithsonian American Art Museum with its impressive Kogod Courtyard was prepared for the event. Team Europe appeared together in cream-colored outfits, while Team USA presented itself in navy and black dresses.

And before the tournament can really get underway, one thing is still missing: the opening ceremony.

Support for Team Europe

Team Europe may not have a former president who has visited the team, but it still gets all kinds of support from European (golf) stars.

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Ladies Tours

Solheim Cup 2024: Pairings and Tee Times for Day 1

This week at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, defending champions Team Europe will face Team USA, who have the home advantage at the 2024 Solheim Cup. The Europeans have taken home the trophy three times in a row, but the American fans will not make it easy for Suzann Pettersen’s team.

There are five sessions in total. Friday and Saturday will start with the Foursomes at 7:05 AM. In four matches, two Europeans will compete against two Americans, who will take it in turns to play a ball. The pairings have already been decided independently of each other by the captains on Thursday.

The fourballs will continue at 12 PM on Friday and Saturday, with the pairings often being decided before the first matches have been completed. In the fourballs, two Europeans and two Americans will again compete in one of four matches, but each will play their own ball. The better result of a team is counted.

The singles follow on Sunday. All twelve players from one team will compete head-to-head against the 12 players from the other team. The matches will start at 08:50 AM.

Tee Times Solheim Cup 2024 Day 1 – Foursomes

Match Tee Time Players (USA) Players (Europa)
1 07:05 Nelly Korda / Allisen Corpuz Charley Hull /Esther Henseleit
2 07:17 Rose Zhang / Lauren Coughlin Albane Valenzuela / Celine Boutier
3 07:29 Ally Ewing / Jennifer Kupcho Maja Stark / Emily Pedersen
4 07:41 Lilia Vu / Sarah Schmelzel Linn Grant / Carlota Ciganda
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Highlights Tours

Jon Rahm and the Ryder Cup Question

Jon Rahm could miss the 2025 Ryder Cup. In order to be eligible for the team event, Rahm needs to be eligible to play on the DP World Tour. He will only retain this if he plays four events (excluding majors) on the DP World Tour before the end of the 2024 season. The Spaniard has currently only played one event with his appearance at the Olympics. The Spaniard would like to fulfill the other three appearances at the Open de Espana, the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and the Andalucia Masters. However, in order to be allowed to play there at all, he must pay the fines imposed by the Tour or appeal against them. The two-time major champion commented on the issue ahead of the LIV event in Chicago.

Jon Rahm: “ I Don’t Intend to Pay the Fines”

“We keep trying to have a discussion with [the DPWT] about how we can make this happen” said Rahm, who was asked about the issue at the LIV Chicago PK. The 29-year-old doesn’t have much time left, as the first of the three tournaments on the agenda, the Open de Espana, takes place from September 26-29.

Rahm’s LIV teammate Tyrrell Hatton has appealed against the sanctions (fines and suspensions). This appeal allows for a provisional stay of execution and thus participation in the DP World Tour tournaments. Even if the DP World Tour ultimately wins the case (previous cases involving other players have gone in the Tour’s favor), the players can still take part in the tournaments thanks to the postponement and thus meet the required number of participations.

Update: According to ESPN Jon Rahm appealed against the sanctions on Thursday and is therefore allowed to play DP World Tour events until an independent panel decides whether he has to pay the fine.

Brooks Koepka also Wants to Play in the Links Championship – Just Like the LIV Boss in 2023

Brooks Koepka also announced in the run-up to the tournament in Chicago that he wants to tee it up at the Links Championship in October. “St. Andrews is my favorite course in the world,” Koepka said. The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship takes place on three courses, including the Old Course in St. Andrews. LIV players are regular guests on the former European Tour – but not only the players, but also PIF boss Yasir Al-Rumayyan. He took part in the prestigious Links Championship as an amateur in 2023. Curious: the head of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia was initially known by the pseudonym Andrew Watermann.

Incidentally, Al-Rumayyan’s LIV golfers have already won seven tournaments in the current DP World Tour season, and five of the first six events of the season were won by LIV players.

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Live

PGA Tour Tee Times: Danny Willett at the Procore Championship

The PGA Tour Tee Times for the upcoming Procore Championship in Napa, California, USA, are set. The tournament will be held at the Silverado Resort (North Course) with a Par of 72 and a prize fund of $6,000,000. The PGA Tour event will be televised on Sky with the following schedule: Thursday at 19:00, Saturday and Sunday at 00:30, and Monday at 00:00. The current titleholder of the tournament is Sahith Theegala.

PGA Tour Tee Times for the Procore Championship

Danny Willett, representing England, will start his first round at 07:00 alongside Nick Watney from the USA and Chesson Hadley from the USA. In the second round, they will tee off at 12:05.

Russell Knox, from Scotland, will tee off at 08:17 for his first round with Kevin Chappell (USA) and Martin Trainer (FRA). His second-round tee time is 13:22.

Martin Laird, also from Scotland, starts his first round at 08:17 with Ryan Palmer from the USA and Matthias Schmid from Germany. Their second-round start time is set for 13:22.

Ben Taylor, representing England, will start his first round at 08:06 and will be grouped with Wesley Bryan (USA) and Hayden Buckley (USA). Their second-round start time is 13:11.

Callum Tarren, from England, will tee off at 08:28 for his first round with Zac Blair from the USA and Brandon Wu from the USA. Their second-round tee time is 13:33.

Player First Round Tee Time Second Round Tee Time Playing Partners
Danny Willett (ENG) 07:00 12:05 Nick Watney (USA), Chesson Hadley (USA)
Russell Knox (SCO) 08:17 13:22 Kevin Chappell (USA), Martin Trainer (FRA)
Martin Laird (SCO) 08:17 13:22 Ryan Palmer (USA), Matthias Schmid (GER)
Ben Taylor (ENG) 08:06 13:11 Wesley Bryan (USA), Hayden Buckley (USA)
Callum Tarren (ENG) 08:28 13:33 Zac Blair (USA), Brandon Wu (USA)
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Live

PGA Tour Tee Times: Defending Champion Plays With Clark and Homa

The PGA Tour Tee Times for the Procore Championship at the Silverado Resort (North Course) in Napa, California, USA, are set. This tournament, part of the PGA Tour, will be played on a Par 72 course with a total prize purse of $6,000,000. Defending champion Sahith Theegala will be looking to defend his title.

PGA Tour Tee Times for American Golfers

Stewart Cink will be teeing off at 7:55 AM in the first round and 1:00 PM in the second round. He will be playing alongside Lucas Glover from the USA and Matt Kuchar, also from the USA. Keep an eye on these PGA Tour Tee Times for crucial moments.

Harris English starts his first round at 7:44 AM and his second at 12:49 PM, accompanied by fellow Americans Chad Ramey and Adam Schenk. Be sure to follow these PGA Tour Tee Times as they unfold.

Kevin Kisner will commence his first round at 7:55 AM and his second round at 1:00 PM. He will be joined by Andrew Putnam and Keith Mitchell, both also from the USA. Keep these PGA Tour Tee Times in mind for upcoming action.

Brandt Snedeker is scheduled to start his first round at 1:00 PM, followed by his second round at 7:55 AM. His playing partners will be Camilo Villegas from Colombia and Chris Gotterup from the USA. Don’t miss these key PGA Tour Tee Times.

Sahith Theegala will be teeing off the first round at 07:44 AM and the second round at 12:49 PM. His group includes Wyndham Clark and Max Homa both from the USA.

Player First Round Tee Time Second Round Tee Time Playing Partners
Stewart Cink 7:55 AM 1:00 PM Lucas Glover (USA), Matt Kuchar (USA)
Harris English 7:44 AM 12:49 PM Chad Ramey (USA), Adam Schenk (USA)
Kevin Kisner 7:55 AM 1:00 PM Andrew Putnam (USA), Keith Mitchell (USA)
Brandt Snedeker 1:00 PM 7:55 AM Camilo Villegas (Colombia), Chris Gotterup (USA)
Sahith Theegala 7:44 AM 12:49 PM Wyndham Clark (USA), Max Homa (USA)
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Ladies Tours

Junior Solheim Cup 2024: USA Secures Record Victory

The American team led by Beth Daniel dominated this year’s edition of the PING Junior Solheim Cup and celebrated the biggest victory in the tournament’s history. With a final score of 18.5 to 5.5, the American junior stars impressively beat the European team led by captain Gwladys Nocera at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia.

Record Victory at the Junior Solheim Cup 2024

Before the final day of competition, the Americans were already leading 8-4 after the fourball and foursomes matches on Monday. On the decisive Tuesday, Team USA then went on a remarkable run in the singles, winning ten out of twelve matches. Of particular note was the performance of Jude Lee, who secured her victory with a 5&4 against Perla Sol Sigurbrandsdottir from Iceland and thus contributed the decisive point to the overall victory. “It was just incredible to play with the best girls in the world,” said Lee after her match. “It’s an experience we’ll all never forget.”

The American team put in an impressive overall performance, led by players such as Elizabeth Rudisill, who defeated world number nine Andrea Revuelta from Spain 3&2. Natalie Yen, Anna Fang and Madison Messimer also contributed to the outstanding result with clear victories. The only European to score a full point in the singles was Martina Navarro from Spain, who defeated Nikki Oh 2&1. Overall, the American team performed well in all game formats and dominated the European team in four-ball, foursomes and singles.

The record for the highest winning score at this tournament previously stood at 17 to 7 and was also set by Team USA in the inaugural event in 2002. This year, the American team surpassed this record and celebrated its first victory since 2019.

Beth Daniel Full of Pride

Beth Daniel, captain of the American team and LPGA Hall of Famer, was proud of her team: “My players were simply fantastic. They fought hard and every one of them wanted this win. I think the home advantage gave us extra motivation.” Nocera also paid tribute to her opponents: “Team USA played unbelievably. They had a very strong team and took revenge for last year’s defeat. We will be ready again in two years’ time.”

This is the Junior Solheim Cup

The Junior Solheim Cup, which was launched in 2002, pits the best young female golfers in the USA and Europe against each other in a match play format. Inspired by the professional Solheim Cup, the event is held every two years, alternating between the USA and Europe. In two years’ time, the Junior Solheim Cup will be held in the Netherlands for the first time. Europe will then do everything it can to bring back the trophy and build on this year’s experience with talents such as Andrea Revuelta, Alice Kong and Louise Uma Landgraf. The American team now leads the overall standings with a 9:4 record.

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European Tour

DP World Tour: MacIntyre And Murray Team Up At BMW PGA Championship

Scottish sporting stars Robert MacIntyre and Andy Murray are set to team up in the BMW PGA Championship Pro-Am, as the worlds of sport and entertainment come together at Wentworth Club.

Three-time Grand Slam winner and former tennis World Number One Murray, who called time on his stellar tennis career following this summer’s Paris Olympics, will make his debut in the star-studded BMW PGA Championship Celebrity Pro-Am of the DP World Tour on the Wednesday of tournament week, alongside famous names including football icon Gareth Bale and Hollywood actor Tom Holland, who returns for a third appearance alongside his twin siblings Harry and Sam.

Scottish Duo at DP World Tour

Murray will have the perfect partner at the famous Surrey venue in Rolex Series winner MacIntyre, who is looking forward to partnering with his fellow Scot. He said: “Andy is a hero to so many people in Scotland – and across the world – and it’s pretty exciting to be playing alongside him in his BMW PGA Championship debut.

“He’s been absolutely dedicated to tennis during his incredible career, but it looks like he’s been playing plenty of golf since his retirement, so I’m looking forward to seeing if all that practice has paid off!”

MacIntyre will be part of a world-class field when the BMW PGA Championship gets under way on Thursday, including fellow 2023 Ryder Cup stars Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Shane Lowry, Matt Fitzpatrick, Nicolai Højgaard, Justin Rose, and Sepp Straka.

Ryan Fox returns to defend his title at the third Rolex Series event of the season, alongside a host of former winners including European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald, Billy Horschel, Byeong Hun An, Matteo Manassero, Francesco Molinari, Alex Noren and Danny Willett.

Most recent winner Matt Wallace, who claimed his fifth DP World Tour title in Crans Montana on Sunday, and Major winner Adam Scott, currently fourth in the Race to Dubai Rankings in Partnership with Rolex, also return to Wentworth Club. Meanwhile, PGA TOUR winners Will Zalatoris, Si Woo Kim and Peter Malnati will make their BMW PGA Championship debuts.

Festival of Sort

The BMW PGA Championship Festival of Golf takes place just outside central London, attracting more than 100,000 spectators each year, with the world class action inside the ropes set to be complemented by live entertainment on the Showstage from Groove Armada (Saturday) and Sigala (Sunday) and an unrivalled atmosphere in the vibrant Spectator Village.

The week starts with the G4D TOUR @ BMW PGA Championship, with some of the best golfers with a disability competing for the penultimate G4D Tour title on the iconic West Course on Monday and Tuesday.

That is followed by the star-studded Celebrity Pro-Am, which will see global celebrities and some of golf’s most famous names take to the fairways side-by-side. Further famous faces taking part this year include footballers Troy Deeney and Jordan Pickford, Rugby player Jamie George, TV stars Anton Du Beke and Michael McIntyre, cricketers James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ollie Pope and Olympic swimming medallist James Guy, with more celebrities to be announced.

The Rolex Series tournament assumes a key position on the DP World Tour’s 2024 Global Schedule as part of the ‘Back 9’, encompassing nine of the Tour’s most historic tournaments and national opens, running from August to October. It gives members their final opportunities to secure their playing rights for 2025 and also advance to the season-ending ‘DP World Tour Play-Offs’.

BMW group owners will once again receive preferred parking benefits, while park & ride and shuttle services from local train stations will be available free of charge to all spectators.

(Text provided by DP World Tour Communications)

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European Tour

DP World Tour Tee Times: Chase Hanna and Co at Amgen Irish Open

The tee times for the DP World Tour’s Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, have been officially announced. Competitors will vie for a lucrative $6 million prize fund. The tournament, a key stop on the DP World Tour, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports: Thursday from 14:00, Friday from 09:00, Saturday from 16:00, and Sunday from 13:30. Vincent Norrman is the defending champion, with this year’s event taking place on the renowned par-71 course.

DP World Tour Tee Times: US-Players in Northern Ireland

Chase Hanna, one of the American golfers in the field, is set to tee off at 07:50 for his first round, alongside Sweden’s Marcus Kinhult and Gunner Wiebe from the USA. Their second round begins at 12:50 with the same group.

John Catlin’s tee times see him starting his first round at 08:30, paired with England’s Ross Fisher and Søren Kjeldsen from Denmark. They will begin their second round at 13:30.

Jordan Gumberg will tee off for his first round at 09:10, alongside Matthew Baldwin from England and Simon Forsström from Sweden. Their second round is scheduled to start at 14:10.

Jimmy Walker’s first-round tee time is set for 13:20, with playing partners Edoardo Molinari from Italy and Denmark’s Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen. Their second round will begin at 08:20.

Sean Crocker’s group will start their first round at 13:50. He will be joined by England’s Daniel Gavins and Ockie Strydom from South Africa. Their second round will tee off at 08:50.

Below is a complete overview of the American players, their tee times, and their respective playing partners for the Amgen Irish Open.

Round Time Player 1 (USA) Player 2 Player 3
1 07:50 Chase Hanna Marcus Kinhult (SWE) Gunner Wiebe (USA)
1 08:30 John Catlin Ross Fisher (ENG) Søren Kjeldsen (DEN)
1 09:10 Jordan Gumberg Matthew Baldwin (ENG) Simon Forsström (SWE)
1 13:20 Jimmy Walker Edoardo Molinari (ITA) Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen (DEN)
1 13:50 Sean Crocker Daniel Gavins (ENG) Ockie Strydom (RSA)
2 08:20 Jimmy Walker Edoardo Molinari (ITA) Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen (DEN)
2 08:30 John Catlin Ross Fisher (ENG) Søren Kjeldsen (DEN)
2 08:50 Sean Crocker Daniel Gavins (ENG) Ockie Strydom (RSA)
2 12:50 Chase Hanna Marcus Kinhult (SWE) Gunner Wiebe (USA)
2 14:10 Jordan Gumberg Matthew Baldwin (ENG) Simon Forsström (SWE)
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European Tour

DP World Tour Tee Times: Robert MacIntyre and Others at Amgen Irish Open

The stage is set for the Amgen Irish Open, part of the prestigious DP World Tour, at the iconic Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle, Northern Ireland. With a prize fund of $6 million, the tournament promises top-tier competition, as players from around the globe tee off this Thursday. Defending champion Vincent Norrman is looking to maintain his crown on the par-71 course. Fans can catch all the action live on Sky Sports, with coverage starting at 14:00 on Thursday, followed by 09:00 on Friday, 16:00 on Saturday, and 13:30 on Sunday.

DP World Tour Tee Times: UK Players to Watch

Alex Fitzpatrick will commence his first round at 07:30 from the 1st tee, alongside Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen and Japan’s Rikuyo Hoshino. He will tee off for his second round at 12:30 from the 10th tee.

James Morrison starts his first round at 07:40 from the 1st tee. His playing partners are Japan’s Masahiro Kawamura and France’s Clément Sordet. Morrison’s second round begins at 12:40 from the 10th tee.

Luke Donald, a veteran in the field, tees off at 07:40 with Frederic Lacroix of France and Rasmus Højgaard of Denmark. Donald will start his second round at 12:40 from the 10th tee.

Connor Syme begins at 08:00 from the 1st tee, paired with Denmark’s Jeff Winther and Spain’s Alfredo Garcia-Heredia. His second round kicks off at 13:00 from the 10th tee.

David Law is set to tee off at 08:50, with France’s Adrien Saddier and South Africa’s Jayden Trey Schaper as his partners. Law’s second round will begin at 13:50 from the 10th tee.

Richie Ramsay also starts at 08:50 from the 1st tee, alongside South Africa’s Jacques Kruyswijk and Japan’s Yuto Katsuragawa. His second round starts at 13:50 from the 10th tee.

Scott Jamieson hits the course at 09:00 from the 1st tee with Spain’s Jorge Campillo and Scotland’s Grant Forrest. His second round starts at 14:00 from the 10th tee.

Grant Forrest, sharing his first-round time and playing partners with Jamieson, tees off at 09:00. His second round will also start at 14:00 from the 10th tee.

Stephen Gallacher begins his first round at 13:00 from the 1st tee, joined by Antoine Rozner of France and Sami Valimaki of Finland. His second round starts at 08:00 from the 10th tee.

Robert MacIntyre, one of the UK’s standout players, tees off at 12:40 from the 1st tee alongside Ireland’s Shane Lowry and New Zealand’s Ryan Fox. MacIntyre’s second round begins at 07:40 from the 10th tee.

Calum Hill rounds out the UK field, starting his first round at 12:30 from the 1st tee, with Italy’s Renato Paratore and Germany’s Yannik Paul as his playing partners. Hill’s second round will begin at 07:30 from the 10th tee.

PlayerRound 1 Tee TimeRound 2 Tee TimePlaying Partners (Nationality)
Alex Fitzpatrick07:3012:30Thorbjorn Olesen (DEN), Rikuyo Hoshino (JPN)
James Morrison07:4012:40Masahiro Kawamura (JPN), Clément Sordet (FRA)
Luke Donald07:4012:40Frederic Lacroix (FRA), Rasmus Højgaard (DEN)
Connor Syme08:0013:00Jeff Winther (DEN), Alfredo Garcia-Heredia (ESP)
David Law08:5013:50Adrien Saddier (FRA), Jayden Trey Schaper (RSA)
Richie Ramsay08:5013:50Jacques Kruyswijk (RSA), Yuto Katsuragawa (JPN)
Scott Jamieson09:0014:00Jorge Campillo (ESP), Grant Forrest (SCO)
Grant Forrest09:0014:00Scott Jamieson (SCO), Jorge Campillo (ESP)
Stephen Gallacher13:0008:00Antoine Rozner (FRA), Sami Valimaki (FIN)
Robert MacIntyre12:4007:40Shane Lowry (IRL), Ryan Fox (NZL)
Calum Hill12:3007:30Renato Paratore (ITA), Yannik Paul (GER)