Category: Live

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour: Tour Championship changing to a group format?

A change to the Tour Championship format might be in the works. (Photo: Getty)
A change to the Tour Championship format might be in the works. (Photo: Getty)

Schedule: The PGA Tour is considering a change to the tournament format for the Tour Championship. According to US media reports, a bracket solution is being discussed for the season finale at East Lake Country Club, i.e. dividing the field of participants into two groups, which will then play out the champion in stroke play and match play. The current format is controversial among active players, but a format with direct duels would be well received. ‘I’d like to see something the players are excited about and the fans are excited about,’ said Patrick Cantlay, a member of the PGA Tour Policy Board, which has to approve a change. As only the top 30 players of the season or the play-offs are competing in East Lake anyway, the problem that makes a match play format unattractive for standard tournaments would also be obsolete: because no underdogs could fight their way through to the semi-finals or final and then possibly rather unattractive names with low ratings would duel each other at prime time on Sunday.

Categories
Highlights Tours

TGL “Boston Common Golf”: Blend of Politics and Bullfrog Emblem

Rory McIlroy, Keegan Bradley, Hideki Matsuyama, and Adam Scott make up the Boston Common Golf team. (Photos: TGL Media Hub and Getty)

Boston is one of the most iconic sports cities in the United States, so it’s no surprise that the inaugural season of the high-tech TGL golf league includes a team from this New England hub. Named “Boston Common Golf,” the team is headlined by TGL co-founder Rory McIlroy. No Boston-based sports lineup would be complete without Keegan Bradley, a passionate fan of the Celtics, Red Sox, and New England Patriots. The team is rounded out by Adam Scott and Hideki Matsuyama. Backing the team financially are the Fenway Sports Group (FSG), pop sensation Niall Horan, and McIlroy himself.

A Touch of Politics

The inclusion of Rory McIlroy and Adam Scott on the roster seems far from coincidental. Both players are members of the PGA Tour’s Transaction Subcommittee, which is negotiating with the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). Also on this committee is John W. Henry, principal owner of Fenway Sports Group. The FSG is a key player in the Strategic Sports Group (SSG), which struck a multi-billion-dollar deal with the PGA Tour in January 2024. The SSG features numerous billionaires who own major U.S. sports franchises.

Team Identity

The team’s name pays homage to Boston Common, the first public park in the United States. Appropriately, the logo features a bullfrog—a nod to the Frog Pond located in the heart of Boston Common. According to the team’s official website, the team colors also hold special significance:

“The primary color for Boston Common Golf, Common Green, symbolizes the richness of the sport and city: namely, the abundance of green spaces, the proud Irish heritage, and the walls of Fenway Sports Group’s namesake. Along with Earth White and Navy, the palette includes a pop of vibrant lime green (Boston Volt) to represent a new, modern vision for golf and the vivid digital and dimensional environment in the SoFi Center – TGL’s new tech-forward venue in Palm Beach, Florida.”

 
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an
 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von Boston Common Golf (@commongolf)

Quick Facts About “Boston Common Golf”

Team NameBoston Common Golf
Team MembersAdam Scott (Australia), Hideki Matsuyama (Japan), Keegan Bradley (USA), Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland)
InvestorsFenway Sports Group (FSG), Niall Horan (Singer), Rory McIlroy
LogoBullfrog with its inflated chest forming a golf ball
Team ColorsCommon Green, Earth White, Navy, and Lime Green

Upcoming Matches

  • January 27, 2025: vs. Jupiter Links GC
  • February 4, 2025: vs. Los Angeles Golf Club
  • February 17, 2025: vs. The Bay Golf Club
  • February 24, 2025: vs. Atlanta Drive GC
  • March 3, 2025: vs. New York Golf Club
Categories
PGA Tour

TGL “Jupiter Links GC”: Tiger’s Team in Signature “Tiger Red”

Jupiter Links GC featuring Tiger Woods, Tom Kim, Kevin Kisner, and Max Homa. (Images: Getty and TGL Media Hub)

The Jupiter Links Golf Club represents the TGL team of co-founder Tiger Woods. Joined by Kevin Kisner, Max Homa, and Tom Kim, Tiger has assembled a dynamic roster of distinctive personalities.

Kevin Kisner, a four-time PGA Tour winner, is known as much for his candid TV appearances with NBC as for his golfing prowess, even though his current form falls short of his peak. Meanwhile, Max Homa, a fan-favorite on social media, is celebrated as one of the most exciting players of the new generation.

Speaking of rising stars, the inclusion of Tom Kim is a testament to Tiger’s eye for talent. The 22-year-old South Korean has already claimed three PGA Tour titles, showcasing his passion and charisma on the course. A standout moment was his role as an emotional leader during the 2024 Presidents Cup, where he electrified crowds with his performances.

Naming and Branding: A Nod to Jupiter and the Sunshine State

Named after Tiger’s hometown of Jupiter, Florida, the team has backing from TGR Ventures (Tiger Woods) and David Blitzer, a prominent investor involved with teams like the Washington Commanders (NFL) and Philadelphia 76ers (NBA).

“The Palm Flag” and “Tiger Red”

The team logo, dubbed the “Palm Flag,” blends beach and golf themes. It features a palm tree and a golf flag, with a segmented flagpole representing the three players who compete in each match. The red circle at the base symbolizes the rising sun on the horizon.

When it comes to colors, the legendary “Tiger Red” is front and center, paying homage to Tiger’s iconic Sunday attire. Complementary tones include midnight blue, sand, and sunrise red, reflecting Jupiter’s coastal charm.

Fast Facts About Jupiter Links GC

Team NameJupiter Links GC
PlayersTiger Woods, Kevin Kisner, Max Homa (USA), Tom Kim (KOR)
InvestorsTiger Woods (TGR Ventures), David Blitzer
LogoPalm Flag
Team ColorsTiger Red, Midnight Blue, Sand, Sunrise Red

Schedule

  • January 14, 2025: vs. Los Angeles Golf Club
  • January 27, 2025: vs. Boston Common Golf
  • February 18, 2025: vs. New York Golf Club
  • February 25, 2025: vs. The Bay Golf Club
  • March 4, 2025: vs. Atlanta Drive GC
Categories
PGA Tour

Scottie Scheffler Withdraws from Season Opener

Scottie Scheffler during the third round of “The Sentry” 2024 in Maui, Hawaii. (Image: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler during the third round of “The Sentry” 2024 in Maui, Hawaii. (Image: Getty)

Scottie Scheffler misses the PGA Tour season opener in Hawaii. The 28-year-old suffered an injury to his right palm while preparing dinner on Dec. 25. Scheffler’s manager, Blake Smith, said in a statement released Friday: “On Christmas Day while preparing dinner, Scottie sustained a puncture wound to the palm of his right hand from a broken glass. Small glass fragments remained in the palm which required surgery. He has been told that he should be back to 100 percent in three to four weeks. Unfortunately, he will have to withdraw from The Sentry.”

The US American will therefore not be able to compete at “The Sentry” in Hawaii, the season opener. The tournament takes place from January 2 to 5 on Maui, a Hawaiian island. The venue is the “Plantation Course at Kapalua” (par 73). Scheffler’s next planned tournament is “The American Express” from January 16 to 19, according to his manager Blake Smith.

Scottie Scheffler and his historic season

Scottie Scheffler has had a memorable 2024 season. He won seven official PGA Tour tournaments, including the US Masters and the Players Championship, where he became the first player ever to successfully defend the title. In August, he won Olympic gold and shed tears at the award ceremony afterwards. Scheffler was also successful in team competitions in 2024. With Team USA, he defeated Team International by 18 1/2 to 11 1/2 points at the Presidents Cup in Canada at the end of September.

As a logical consequence of all this success, Scheffler was voted Player of the Year on the PGA Tour (Jack Nicklaus Award) for the third time in a row. He is also the first player since Tiger Woods in 2009 to spend an entire year at the top of the world rankings.

Categories
PGA Tour Champions

Charlie Woods plays the first ace of his life at the PNC Championship 2024

Charlie and Tiger Woods celebrate Charlie's hole-in-one. (Photo: Getty)
Charlie and Tiger Woods celebrate Charlie's hole-in-one. (Photo: Getty)

For Charlie Woods, it was the first ace of his life. And at the PNC Championship, where all eyes have been on the teenager for several years. Except, in this case, those of his father Tiger Woods. He was busy with his bag when Charlie hit the ball into the hole from the tee on the par-3 4th.

Hole-in-one for Charlie Woods

It was a picture-book Sunday at the Ritz-Carlton GC in Florida. Team Langer and Team Woods met in the final flight and played a cat-and-mouse game over 18 holes to make it into the play-off. Early in the day, 15-year-old Charlie Woods provided a highlight when he holed out for an ace on the first par-3 of the course. Pictures between surprise and joy:

Charlie Woods just made his first ever hole-in-one!! 📺: GOLF Channel pic.twitter.com/yEvN3HuYWP — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 22, 2024

Although it was the first hole-in-one in ten years (and the second ever) at the PNC Championship, it wasn’t to stop there. Paddy Harington, son of Padraig Harrington, also played an ace. Just a few moments after Charlie’s hole-in-one on the 4th, he put the ball in the hole on the 8th.

The 2nd(!!) ace of the day 🤯 Paddy Harrington makes a hole-in-one to tie the lead! pic.twitter.com/Al3AEbr5wX — PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) December 22, 2024

Charlie and Paddy were not the only players to attract attention. Carson Kuchar, the son of Matt Kuchar, also wowed the crowd. He put the ball into the hole on the par-4 16th with his second shot: hole-out eagle for Team Kuchar.

Eagle from long range 😲 Carson Kuchar holes it for eagle on No. 16! 📺: NBC pic.twitter.com/Eny6z8hOEi — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 22, 2024

And last but not least, we look at Gary Player, who at 89 was the oldest player in the field at the 2024 PNC Championship. In round 1, he played “only” even par with his grandson Alexander Hall. On Sunday, they improved by a total of ten strokes. The highlight: Gary Player holed his final putt on the 18th for eagle.

Gary Player for eagle! The 89-year-old goes out with a bang on No. 18 🔥 pic.twitter.com/j8om5RUOM9 — PGA TOUR Champions (@ChampionsTour) December 22, 2024

Categories
PGA Tour

TGL: Internationality and Team Spirit at The Bay Golf Club

The players of The Bay Golf Club: Ludvig Åberg, Wyndham Clark, Min Woo Lee, Shane Lowry. (Photos: Getty)
The players of The Bay Golf Club: Ludvig Åberg, Wyndham Clark, Min Woo Lee, Shane Lowry. (Photos: Getty)

The Bay Golf Club will start in the TGL from January 2025. The American West Coast team bears the name of the “Bay Area” around San Francisco. The main investor is Avenue Sports Fund, and NBA superstar Stephen Curry is also on board.

Marc Lasry, CEO of Avenue Capital Group, emphasized the importance of the region and the innovative focus of the team: “Avenue Sports Fund invested in The Bay Golf Club because we are excited to bring a new team and innovative game to the growing number of Golf fans regionally and nationally,” said Lasry.

TGL: Players at The Bay Golf Club

The team is characterized in particular by the internationality of its squad: With team members from Sweden, the USA, Ireland and Australia, it unites three continents.

Ludvig Åberg experienced a meteoric rise as a professional. The talented Swede turned professional in 2023 and quickly established himself on the PGA Tour. In the same year, he celebrated his first title win at the RSM Classic and successfully represented Team Europe at the Ryder Cup.

The team also has a major winner in Wyndham Clark: the American triumphed at the US Open in 2023 and added two more PGA Tour titles to his record. In 2024, he represented the USA at the Olympic Games and the Presidents Cup.

The third member of the team, Min Woo Lee, has already celebrated international success and achieved several top 10 finishes on the PGA Tour. The Australian is also very active on social media and is appreciated for his humorous nature.

Shane Lowry is known for his great passion for team competitions, which he also demonstrated as part of the victorious 2023 Ryder Cup team. His victory at the Open in 2019 represents his greatest individual success. The professional from Ireland, who has been active on the international golf scene since 2009, brings a wealth of experience with him.

Behind the Scenes in the Simulator

A series of short videos published by The Bay Golf Club on Instagram give an insight into the team’s press day. You can see game scenes in the simulator, including playing from an indoor bunker and on the putting green.

 
Sieh dir diesen Beitrag auf Instagram an
 

Ein Beitrag geteilt von the smylie show (@thesmylieshow)

TGL: The Most Important Information on “The Bay Golf Club” at a Glance

Teamname The Bay Golf Club
The Four Players  Ludvig Åberg (Sweden), Wyndham Clark (USA), Min Woo Lee (Australia), Shane Lowry (Ireland)
Ownership Avenue Sports Fund with Marc Lasry, Stephen Curry
Limited Partners Andre Iguodala, Klay Thompson, Alex Albon, Leonardo Fioravanti, Kanoa Igarashi, John Stones
Logo Landscape with three sequoias, a golf ball in the background
Team Colors Green, Turquoise

Match Dates:

  • January 7, 2025: vs. New York Golf Club
  • February 17, 2025: vs. Atlanta Drive Golf Club
  • February 17, 2025: vs. Boston Common Golf
  • February 25, 2025: vs. Florida Jupiter Links Golf Club
  • March 3, 2025: vs. Los Angeles Golf Club
Categories
LIV Tour PGA Tour

PGA destroys LIV Golf: A showdown at Shadow Creek

The Showdown: Brooks Koepka and DeChambeau (LIV) against Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy (PGA) (Photo: Getty)
The Showdown: Brooks Koepka and DeChambeau (LIV) against Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy (PGA) (Photo: Getty)

It was billed as a clash of giants, but in the end the “showdown” between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour at Shadow Creek turned out to be a one-sided affair. Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy (PGA Tour) gave their opponents Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka (LIV Golf) no chance and showed who currently has the upper hand in professional golf.

Rory McIlroy’s: A picture-book eagle putt

Scheffler and McIlroy made it clear from the very first minute that they had arrived as favorites. Rory McIlroy, who was on top form right from the start, provided the highlight of the evening with an eagle putt over 12 meters on the fourth hole. “Rory’s start was important for our team,” said Scheffler, praising his partner. This gave the PGA stars an unassailable lead early on.

Rusty and outclassed: LIV remains without a chance

DeChambeau and Koepka, who had not competed since the end of the LIV season in September, looked visibly rusty and were unable to counter the pressure from their opponents.

The format of the match was divided into three segments: a six-hole four-ball match, a six-hole four-ball match and singles matches over the last six holes. Despite the different formats, the LIV players were not in the lead in any of the matches. In the four-ball, they were already hopelessly behind after just four holes, and Koepka also sealed the loss of points in the foursome with a three-putt bogey on the last hole.

The singles matches on the last six holes finally decided the outcome: McIlroy and Scheffler won confidently, and the match ended on the 16th hole – before the spectators even got to see the famous par-3 17th hole at Shadow Creek.

DeChambeau, who wore an oversized jacket against the chilly evening air during the match, was nevertheless combative: “I’d love to get another opportunity,” said DeChambeau. “It was a bit of a pillow fight for us.”

Scheffler and McIlroy’s victory earned them 5 million dollars each in cryptocurrency and capped off a successful year for both players. Scheffler had previously won in the Bahamas, while McIlroy had won the European Tour final in Dubai.

Categories
Highlights Tours

More money for U.S. Ryder Cup team: $200,000 available for the first time

Team USA celebrates the 2021 Ryder Cup victory - at that time without payment (Photo: Getty)
Team USA celebrates the 2021 Ryder Cup victory - at that time without payment (Photo: Getty)

The PGA of America has made a historic decision: Effective immediately, American Ryder Cup players and captains will receive direct compensation. Of the total 500,000 dollars that each player receives for their participation, 300,000 dollars will continue to go to charitable organizations. However, the remaining 200,000 dollars can be used freely by the athletes for the first time. The new regulation is causing discussion on both sides of the Atlantic.

Ryder Cup: Pay to play – or paid to play?

The PGA emphasized in its statement that the players had not actively asked for compensation. Nevertheless, the PGA believes it is justified to reward the players’ achievements. An official statement said: “The players and captains of the past and present are responsible for making the Ryder Cup one of the most special competitions in golf and one of the most sought-after events on the international sporting scene.” Since 1999, the amount of 200,000 dollars for charity has not been adjusted.

The news of the new compensation scheme triggered controversial reactions. European players such as Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry made it clear that for them the honor of taking part in the Ryder Cup was above all else – so much so that they would even pay for it. Tiger Woods countered these comments with a clear statement: “If the Europeans want to pay for the Ryder Cup, that’s their decision.”

Despite the new addition, the American team seems to be keeping charity in mind. Captain Keegan Bradley announced that the players could donate the entire amount of 500,000 dollars. However, the decision of how to use the 200,000 dollars is up to each player. The discussion over the payments has sparked an unexpectedly emotional December – nine months before the 2025 Ryder Cup at the iconic Bethpage Black. While the USA is changing its structure, Europe is sticking to its tradition of playing exclusively for charity.

Categories
European Tour

Gambling in golf: DP World Tour pro suspended for golf betting

DP World Tour pro Marco Penge is suspended for match-fixing (Photo: Getty)
DP World Tour pro Marco Penge is suspended for match-fixing (Photo: Getty)

The English DP World Tour player Marco Penge has been banned for three months after it was revealed that he had placed bets on golf tournaments on several occasions. In addition, the Tour imposed a fine of 2,000 pounds on the Englishman. The suspension, which began on December 13, 2024, does not allow Penge to participate in tournaments again until February 13, 2025. One month of the sentence was suspended to prevent him from committing further offenses. The 26-year-old Englishman violated Rule 3(a)(i) of the Tour’s Integrity Program.

No betting on own games according to DP World Tour

According to the DP World Tour, Penge did not place any bets on his own matches or tournament events in which he was involved. This ensured that the integrity of the competitions in question was not compromised. A DP World Tour spokesperson stated: “Penge did not place bets on himself or on the outcome of tournaments on the days he participated.”

The disciplinary committee, made up of legal and sporting experts, took into account Penge’s “immediate admission” and his cooperation, which mitigated the penalty imposed. “His candor and cooperation with the proceedings played a decisive role in the imposition of the penalty,” the spokesperson added.

Gambling in golf

Penge is not the first golfer to be sanctioned for gambling. In 2023, Vince India and Jake Staiano of the Korn Ferry Tour were hit with similar penalties. Staiano had only bet a total of 116 dollars, which was nevertheless penalized as a violation of the gambling guidelines. Marco Penge had earned a DP World Tour card in 2023 after topping the Challenge Tour Order of Merit. His first full season on the DP World Tour was bumpy. However, his good performance at the Genesis Championship in November 2024 secured him Tour status for 2025 after making the cut in Korea.

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour seeks CEO for the first time: New leadership for new challenges

PGA Tour seeks CEO to support Jay Monahan for the first time (Photo: Getty)
PGA Tour seeks CEO to support Jay Monahan for the first time (Photo: Getty)

The PGA Tour is facing a historic change: for the first time in its history, a CEO is being sought who will work closely with Commissioner Jay Monahan. Monahan, the PGA Tour’s top executive since 2017, has initiated numerous reforms during his tenure, including the expansion of international tournaments and the increase in prize money. He currently faces the challenge of leading the Tour through a period of profound change, characterized by economic investment and competition from LIV Golf.

This decision marks a milestone in the restructuring of the organization, which is being driven by a $1.5 billion investment from private equity firms, notably Strategic Sports Group (SSG), as well as strategic partnerships such as with Fenway Sports Group. SSG is an alliance of leading US sports entrepreneurs working with the PGA Tour to strengthen its commercial objectives. In early 2024, the SSG made a $1.5 billion investment that went towards the creation of PGA Tour Enterprises, a for-profit subsidiary of the Tour.

Strategic realignment for the economic future of the PGA Tour

Jay Monahan announced the search in a year-end message and emphasized the opportunity to bring new perspectives to the leadership team. “Everything is on the table,” Monahan explained optimistically. The aim of the realignment is to secure the sporting and economic future of the PGA Tour and at the same time strengthen the integration of player interests.

While the Tour is seeking an agreement with the Saudi Public Investment Fund, which is a minority investor in LIV Golf, negotiations are still ongoing. Nevertheless, the first signs of rapprochement between PGA Tour and LIV Golf players can be seen at “The Showdown”, an exhibition match between top players from both camps – a small step towards reconciliation on the golf horizon.

The new CEO will play a key role in the strategic leadership of PGA Tour Enterprises, which oversees the Tour’s profitable businesses. The search committee, led by Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, includes high-profile members such as Tiger Woods and Adam Scott. In parallel, the PGA Tour is planning innovative changes, including the modernization of the PGA Tour Studios for content production and the introduction of new competition formats, such as the TGL (Tomorrow Golf League), which launches in January.

The restructuring of the PGA Tour takes place in an environment of numerous changes in professional golf. In addition to the PGA Tour’s CEO search, the LPGA, the PGA of America and LIV Golf are also looking for new leadership.