Category: Tour News

Categories
Tour News

The Masters Tournament 2024: Can Jon Rahm defend his title?

What are the odds of Jon Rahm defending his title in The Masters Tournament 2024? (Image: Getty)
What are the odds of Jon Rahm defending his title in The Masters Tournament 2024? (Image: Getty)

As the The Masters Tournament 2024 is coming closer, the discussions about possible title contenders are getting louder. Of course a relevant influencing factor to suggest who’s could be coming out on top is the current form. When looking at the PGA Tour, names like Scottie Scheffler, Windham Clark, or Rory McIlroy come to mind. However, at the Masters, one should not forget about players who currently play on the LIV Tour. Among them – the defending champion Jon Rahm.

The Masters Tournament 2024: 3 reasons why Jon Rahm will defend his title

With his latest move to the LIV Golf League Jon Rahm may have been off the radar for some golf fans. The Masters Tournament 2024 will be his first major after leaving the PGA Tour. Here are three reasons why Jon Rahm is keen to defend his title at this weeks major tournament.

1. Stats don’t lie

To silence critics right away, let’s start with some of his statistics, which are famously indisputable. Within his last 20 major appearances, he finished within the top 10 ten times, meaning half of his majors played since 2019. Overall, he has won two of these majors and narrowly missed victory in several others. The statistics also suggest a rising form curve throughout his career in these events since first turning pro in 2016.

2. Jon Rahm is in good form

Which leads us to the next argument as to why Jon Rahm will win the Masters again: His current form speaks for itself. Since joining LIV Golf, the Spaniard is yet to finish outside of the top 10. Starting off early in February, the reigning Masters champion finished tied for 3rd at the Mayakoba event. He followed up finishing 8th and 5th, then tied for 8th place in Hong Kong, with a tied 4th place at last weeks event in Miami. It can’t be denied that these are impressive and very consistent results, although there is one flaw. He did not yet win a tournament this year.

3. He is the reigning champion

Maybe reminiscing on his last victory may bring back his winner qualities. It surely is one he will fondly remember and dates back exactly one year today. With a very convincing 4-shot-lead, he brought his last Masters to the finish line, securing his second major victory of his career after winning the US Open in 2021. Even though it is difficult to predict the outcome with the tough conditions at the Augusta National Golf Club, it surely helps when players can start the tournament with some good confidence.

Categories
Tour News

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.

Follow Rory McIlroy at the Masters Tournament live

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.

Categories
Tour News

The Masters Tournament 2024: Masters Week Starts With Rare Solar Eclipse

Patrons witness a rare natural spectacle at the The Masters Tournament 2024. (Image: Getty)
Patrons witness a rare natural spectacle at the The Masters Tournament 2024. (Image: Getty)

There is only a few days left to wait until the prestigious The Masters Tournament 2024 officially begins. And although the tournament’s opening round doesn’t tee off until Thursday, many golf enthusiasts were already treated to the first highlight on Monday. Taking place off the course – a solar eclipse left many spectators in awe.

Follow all Masters Tournament Live Scores

The Masters Tournament 2024: An unparalleled setting for a natural spectacle

The start of the Masters week already offered plenty on Monday. A majority of the 89 players qualified for the tournament in Augusta played their first practice round. Among them was Tiger Woods, whom spectators could follow early in the morning on the back nine alongside Will Zalatoris. However, the event that garnered the most attention took place in the sky. Through the eclipse glasses distributed at the event, spectators, caddies, and players could witness the partial solar eclipse in its maximum obscuration around 3 p.m. in the afternoon.

Total Solar Eclipse in Some Parts of the Continent

In a narrow strip, the rare natural phenomenon traveled from Mexico across the USA to Canada. During this event, the moon moved directly in front of the sun, obscuring it and causing relative darkness in the middle of the day. While 14 states in the USA experienced a total solar eclipse, the venue of the The Masters Tournament 2024 in the state of Georgia enjoyed at least a partial solar eclipse of up to 76%. The next solar eclipse of a similar magnitude is not expected until 2044.

Live Blog: Follow the Masters Tournament 2024

Indeed, this natural event was not the first to attract attention at a Masters. In 1940, an annular solar eclipse occurred, obscuring about 90 percent of the sun. It happened just after 5 p.m. and lasted about 2½ hours.

Categories
PGA Tour

The Masters Tournament 2024: Journey To The Coveted Green Jacket

Before the Masters Tournament 2024 starts on Thursday, fans can look forward to a diverse pre-tournament program. (Photo: Getty)

As one of golf’s most prestigious events, the Masters Tournament 2024 commands attention worldwide. Starting April 11, golf’s elite will gather at Augusta National Golf Club, vying for the legendary “Green Jacket.”

But the tournament excitement already begins before Thursday’s opening tee-off, featuring unique events like the Champions Dinner on Tuesday and the Par-3 Contest on Wednesday. Golf Post will guide you through the year’s first major, from the initial preparations to the final putt.

Your Guide To The Masters Tournament 2024

Players arrive on Sunday and Monday for practice rounds. By tradition, former champions can play the course with a guest of their choice on the Sunday preceding Masters Week. Up until Wednesday, all players will be preparing at Augusta National. Pay special attention to Hole 16, where players often attempt to skip the ball over the water hazard to reach the green on the other side.

Tuesday, April 9

The traditional Champions Dinner, hosted by defending champion Jon Rahm, promises a feast for the senses. Rahm, who made history at Augusta National last year, honors his Spanish heritage with his menu selection. This year, the interaction between LIV Golf League representatives and the PGA Tour is highly anticipated, especially since Rahm switched to the LIV Tour just eight months after his Masters win.

Additionally, on Tuesday at 6:00 PM, the tee times and pairings for the first and second rounds will be announced, ensuring fans know when to tune in to see their favorites.

Wednesday, April 10

The Par-3 Contest, a cheerful prelude to the serious competition, brings players, their families, and fans together in a relaxed setting on Augusta National’s Par-3 course. Children serving as caddies, light-hearted moments, and the occasional hole-in-one make this event a true highlight. Yet, historically, winning this contest has not been a good omen for securing the Masters victory that same year.

Thursday, April 11 to Sunday, April 14

With the start of the first round on Thursday, the battle for one of golf’s most coveted symbols, the Green Jacket, commences. Honorary starters, golf legends like Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Tom Watson, initiate the tournament with the traditional first tee shot. Thursday and Friday see the Masters tournament field begin in threesomes. The first tee-off is expected early afternoon local time. Only those within the Top 50 and ties or within ten strokes of the lead will advance to the weekend at Augusta.

Follow all Masters Tournament Live Scores

Over the days leading to Sunday, the field narrows until only the champion remains, earning not just the traditional Green Jacket but also a $3.24 million prize.

Who Is Competing In The Masters Tournament 2024?

The participant list reads like a who’s who of golf: Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler are just a few names expected to make waves at Augusta’s fairways. Tiger Woods also returns to professional tournament play here, his first since having to withdraw from the second round of the Genesis Invitational 2024 in February.

Categories
Tour News

Watch: PGA Tour highlights from round 4 of the Valero Texas Open

Akshay Bhatia with the trophy. (Photo: Getty)
Akshay Bhatia with the trophy. (Photo: Getty)

The PGA Tour continued its schedule with the Valero Texas Open, hosted in San Antonio, Texas, USA, on the challenging TPC San Antonio Oaks Course. The tournament attracted a large number of participants and was in full swing with round 4 being played.

On the leaderboard, Akshay Bhatia, Denny McCarthy, Rory McIlroy, Russell Henley, and Adam Schenk and Brendon Todd emerged as the top six players. After the fourth round, Bhatia and McCarthy were tied for the first position, both with a total score of -20. McIlroy held the third spot with a total score of -11, followed by Henley with -10, and Schenk and Todd at -9.

During the fourth round, Denny McCarthy had an impressive daily score of -9, making him one of the top performers of the day. Other commendable performances of the day came from Akshay Bhatia and Rory McIlroy, who showcased their skills with daily scores of -5 and -6, respectively. McCarthy forced a play-off against Akshay Bhatia, but lost it, allowing Bhatia to celebrate the victory.

One of the main highlights of the tournament was the significant prize money of $9,200,000, which has been a motivating factor for the players.

Finally, it would be incomplete if we didn’t mention the exciting “Valero Texas Open Highlights” video. It is a clear snapshot of the events of round 4, capturing the key moments and bringing together the “PGA Tour Highlights”.

show Valero Texas Open Leaderboard

Valero Texas Open: 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.

Categories
Tour News

The Masters Tournament 2024: What Are Rory McIlroy’s Winning Odds?

Looking for his fifth major title at the US Masters: Rory McIlroy. (Image: Getty)
Looking for his fifth major title at the US Masters: Rory McIlroy. (Image: Getty)

Only one week from now the Masters Tournament will hold a new champion. Well, that is of course if the reigning champion Jon Rahm doesn’t defend his title. As per usual, no major is being played without having various discussions about possible outcomes, title contenders or dark horses. When talking title contenders, none of these discussions can be had without including Rory McIlroy. We’re having a look at what the odds for a McIlroy win look like and why even though ranked second in the Official World Golf Ranking, most may not hold him as one of the favorites to win at Augusta.

Essentially, McIlroy is currently not in bad form and has repeatedly won tournaments such as the Hero Dubai Desert Classic or the Genesis Scottish Open. However, it still seems wrong to include the world number two in the tight circle of favorites on par with players like Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm. The reason for this is obvious: McIlroy has not won a major tournament in the past ten years.

The trophy cabinet desperately awaits another major title

His last victory in a major dates back to 2014 when he won the PGA Championship. It marks his fourth major title after winning the US Open in 2011, the PGA Championship in 2012 and the Open Championship in 2014. Since then, he has been unable to fulfill his dream of a Grand Slam, winning all four major tournaments. Only the Masters Tournament is missing for him to achieve this. However, considering his lack of success at majors in recent years, there are hardly any arguments to suggest why he should fulfill his Grand Slam dream at the upcoming Masters. But let’s stop the pessimism and have a look at the bright side for a moment.

Why there is hope for optimism at the Masters Tournament 2024

With all that being said, it’s not like Rory McIlroy doesn’t perform in his major appearances. In the last five years, the North Irish player placed inside the top 10 at major tournaments twelve times. He just didn’t get lucky enough to win one of them. However his past results at the Masters Tournament were very inconsistent. Last year didn’t go as planned, as he missed the cut, just like in 2021. In between he had a very close shot at the title with his runner-up finish in 2022. In 2020 he finished tied for fifth place.

His current form also suggests that a good finish at the Masters this year isn’t beyond imagination. This year started off great, with a tied runner-up finish at the Dubai Invitational and a victory in the following week. McIlroy also placed inside the top-20 at the Players Championship and secured a third place the Valero Texas Open, looking to build some confidence for the upcoming week.

Categories
LIV Golf

LIV Tour Live Blog: Dean Burmester’s path to victory

Exuberant celebration: Dean Burmester in the champagne shower. (Photo: Getty)
Exuberant celebration: Dean Burmester in the champagne shower. (Photo: Getty)

Miami 2024 Live Scores

The Miami in the season 2024 is being played in Miami, USA at the Trump National Doral. The tournament starts at the Friday, 5th of April and ends at the Sunday, 7th of April 2024.
The Miami is part of the LIV Tour in the season 2024. In 2024 all players competing for a total prize money of $20.000.000.
The course for the tournament at Trump National Doral plays at Par 72.

The stars of the LIV Golf Tour are meeting this week for a final test before the US Masters. Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Co. have the last chance to hone their tournament form in Miami before their first clash with the PGA Tour players this year in Augusta.

LIV Golf League live

LIV Golf is a relatively new tournament series that differs from traditional golf tournaments. Financially supported by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, LIV Golf is characterised by high prize money and a unique format. The tournaments are shorter, often only three rounds, and include both individual and team competitions, which is a departure from traditional golf.

The tournaments are conducted in a shotgun format with all players playing at the same time. The league consists of 13 teams, each one with four players including usually one team captain. LIV Golf hosts tournaments all over the world.

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour Live Blog: Akshay Bhatia wins after a thriller, Rory McIlroy third

Akshay Bhatia. (Photo: Getty)
Akshay Bhatia. (Photo: Getty)

Valero Texas Open 2024 Live Scores

The Valero Texas Open in the season 2024 is being played in San Antonio, Texas, United States of America at the TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course). The tournament starts at the Thursday, 4th of April and ends at the Sunday, 7th of April 2024.
The Valero Texas Open is part of the PGA Tour in the season 2024. In 2024 all players competing for a total prize money of $9,200,000.
The course for the tournament at TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course) plays at Par 72.

After his victory in Houston, Stephan Jäger is taking a short break before the US Masters. Rory McIlroy, Brian Harman, Tommy Fleetwood & Co. are already warming up for the Major.

Bhatia leads after the second round

The stars of the PGA Tour can fine-tune their final tournament form for the first major of the year at the Valero Texas Open. Ahead of the start of the US Masters, players who are not competing in Augusta in particular showed their form on Thursday. American Akshay Bhatia is in the lead (-15), followed by his compatriots Denny McCarthy (-11) and Brendon Todd (-8).

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.

Categories
Korn Ferry Tour

Korn Ferry Tour Live Blog: Steven Fisk wins after a short playoff

Steven Fisk. (Photo: Getty)
Steven Fisk. (Photo: Getty)

Club Car Championship at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club 2024 Live Scores

The Club Car Championship at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club in the season 2024 is being played in Savannah, Georgia, United States of America at the The Landings Golf & Athletic Club. The tournament starts at Thursday, 4th of April and ends at Sunday, 7th of April 2024.
The Club Car Championship at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club is part of the Korn Ferry Tour in the season 2024. In 2024 all players competing for a total prize money of $1,000,000.
The course for the tournament at The Landings Golf & Athletic Club plays at Par 72.

Shared tie at the top

After the third round, Philip Knowles and Kevin Roy are tied for the lead, standing at -11. Their compatriots are following up closely, with American dominance in the top 10.

Korn Ferry Tour live

The Korn Ferry Tour is a professional golf tournament series that serves as a development pathway and stepping stone for golfers who want to make it onto the PGA Tour. The tour provides a platform for professional golfers to gain experience, improve their skills and secure a place on the more prestigious PGA Tour.

Qualification for the PGA Tour via the Korn Ferry Tour is based on money ranking or performance in the Korn Ferry Tour Finals. Each year, the top players on the tour receive PGA Tour cards, which for many golfers is the main goal of their participation. The tournaments on the Korn Ferry Tour take place mainly in the United States, but attract players from all over the world. This makes it an international stage for up-and-coming talent.

The name of the tour has changed several times over the years and depends on the respective main sponsor. Since 2019, Korn Ferry, a global management consulting firm, has been the name sponsor. The structure and format of the tournaments on the Korn Ferry Tour are very similar to those of the PGA Tour, with four rounds over four days, starting on a Thursday and a cut after the first two rounds.

Categories
Ladies European Tour

Live Blog Ladies European Tour: Three winners after the tournament was abandoned

Nicole Broch Estrup, Pei-Ying Tsai and Jess Whitting winning. (Photo: Instagram/@letgolf)
Nicole Broch Estrup, Pei-Ying Tsai and Jess Whitting winning. (Photo: Instagram/@letgolf)

Australian Women’s Classic 2024 Live Scores

The Australian Women’s Classic in the season 2024 is being played in Bonville, Australia at the Bonville Golf Resort. The tournament starts at the Friday, 5th of April and ends at the Sunday, 7th of April 2024.
The Australian Women’s Classic is part of the Ladies European Tour in the season 2024. In 2024 all players competing for a total prize money of €300,000.
The course for the tournament at Bonville Golf Resort plays at Par 72.

The ladies of the Ladies European Tour are staying Down Under. Five German golfers are taking part in the Australian Women’s Classic.

Three-way-tie promises exciting final day

Going into the final round, there is a three-way-tie between Jess Whitting, Pei-Ying Tsai and Nicole Broich Estrup, each standing at -6, with their competitors following up closely behind.

Ladies European Tour live

The Ladies European Tour is the leading professional golf tournament series for women in Europe. It is the European counterpart to the LPGA Tour (Ladies Professional Golf Association), which mainly takes place in the USA. The LET offers talented female golfers the opportunity to compete at a high level and serves as a platform for players to make a name for themselves internationally.

The tour includes a variety of tournaments in different European countries as well as outside of Europe. This international presence allows players to prove themselves on different courses and in different competitive conditions. For many players, the LET is an important step in their career.