The PGA Tour is primed and ready for the Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina. This prestigious event, hosted at the Quail Hollow Club, boasts a hefty prize pool of $20,000,000, attracting golfers from around the globe to vie for the top spot. As players seek to take the title from defending champion, Wyndham Clark, they will be tested on the par 71 course that challenges skill and strategy simultaneously.
PGA Tour Tee Times: British, Welsh, and Scottish Players
Justin Rose, an English standout, will be starting his first round at 11:55 alongside Grayson Murray and Webb Simpson from the United States and Their second round starts at 12:50
In the mix is also Tommy Fleetwood of England, getting his start at 12:28 with American Chris Kirk and compatriot Taylor Moore. They will tee off at 11:22 on Friday
Favourite Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland will kick off with an 12:39 tee time, in the company of Max Homa from the US and South Koreas Tom Kim. The second tee time is on 11:33
Matthew Fitzpatrick, hailing from England, is scheduled to begin his first round at 12:50. He will play alongside Adam Svensson from Canada and Corey Conners also from Canada. His second round starts at 11:44
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”.
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.
“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.
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 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.
From May 16th to 19th, the PGA Championship 2024 will take place at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. Following the US Masters 2024 in April, it’s the second major of the year. Among the players in the field is Talor Gooch, who typically competes in the LIV Golf League. The PGA extended a special invitation to him for the tournament.
PGA Championship 2024 with Talor Gooch
As announced by Talor Gooch via social media, the American has received an invitation from the PGA of America for the PGA Championship 2024. It will be Gooch’s fifth appearance in the tournament. In addition to him, Joaquin Niemann, who also plays in the LIV Golf League, received a special invitation. An official list of participants in the major will follow in the coming days. However, it is known that the two LIV players will compete next week and will be part of the 156-player field.
After not receiving an invitation for Talor Gooch for the US Masters 2024 in April, the PGA Championship 2024 marks the first major of the year for the 32-year-old. Leading up to the Masters, Gooch made headlines by criticizing the PGA for the absence of invitations for some LIV players, questioning the level of the tournament.
Talor Gooch has already participated in the past four PGA Championships. His best finish came in 2022 with a tied 20th place. Last year, he missed the cut.
After winning five out of six starts in this years LPGA Tour season, Nelly Korda is undoubtful the best player so far. The Amerikan only left out a win at the season opener Tournament of Champions, but secured four wins and a major championship at the Chevron Championship in April. After a weeks rest she now returns to the course and tees off at the Cognizant Founders Cup right outside of New York City.
The perfect opportunity to attend one of the fashion world most hiped events. With this years invitation to the Met Gala, Nelly Korda joins other sport stars like Serena Williams and Lewis Hamilton.
Nelly Korda at the Met Gala
In a stunning gown with red flowers and vines over a sheer underdress, designed by Oscar de la Renta, Korda delivered a look that fitted the theme of this year’s event perfectly. Under the motto “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” and the dress code “The Garden of Time”, Korda opted for a literal interpretation.
The design label also dressed celebrities such as Kris and Kylie Jenner as well as actress Pamela Anderson and actress and singer Sabrina Carpenter for this year’s gala.
With stars like Matt Damon, Zendaya or Keith Urban attending, the fundraiser event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute raises eight-figure sums each year.
As the DP World Tour unfolds, golf enthusiasts avidly follow the prestigious Race to Dubai. This competitive leaderboard evolves with each tournament, reflecting the relentless pursuit of excellence among the world’s top golfers. Thus far, the saison has revealed an array of stunning performances and notable victories. Rory McIlroy has been the safe leader for some time now. Presently, McIlroy continues to lead the rankings, cementing his position as a formidable competitor. Meanwhile, the presence of English talent is unmistakable, with a total of 20 English players gracing the top 120 positions in the Race to Dubai rankings.
Race to Dubai: England’s Finest
The race sees a strong representation by English golfers, with three of them notably excelling. Leading the contingent behind Rory McIlroy is Tommy Fleetwood, residing in the 5th position with 1142.6 points across 3 events, including a well-deserved victory. Following Fleetwood are Jordan Smith and Laurie Canter, ranking 25th and 29th respectively, solidifying their standings through consistent play. Andy Sullivan follows directly behind in 30th place and Sam Bairstow in 31st place. With England boasting 20 players within the upper echelon, these six have set high benchmarks for their compatriots to aspire.
Elite Golfers Dominate Race to Dubai
At the pinnacle of the Race to Dubai stands Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, whose unparalleled performance across 3 events has accumulated an impressive 1699.5 points, including a victory. Trailing him are Rikuya Hoshino from Japan and Jesper Svensson from Sweden, holding 2nd and 3rd places with their respective wins. Adding to the mix are Sebastian Söderberg and Tommy Fleetwood, completing the top 5 with their relentless pursuit and remarkable skill displayed throughout the season.
How the DP World Tour Race to Dubai works
The Race to Dubai is the season ranking of the DP World Tour (former European Tour). The top 60 players in the Race to Dubai ranking are allowed to take part in the final play-off tournament of the former European Tour at the end of the season. The season ranking also determines who is allowed to play on the DP World Tour the following year. At each tournament, the players who make the cut collect points. The total number of points awarded at a tournament depends on the value of the event. Major tournaments earn the most points. For winning a DP World Tour tournament, the winner receives at least 460 points and a good 300,000 euros.
As the DP World Tour progresses, the golfing elite continue their pursuit of points and prestige in the Race to Dubai rankings. With the season unfolding, numerous tournaments have been played, Rory McIlroy currently leads the Race to Dubai. His leadership is part of the dynamic that includes three American players standing strong amongst the top 120 competitors in the rankings, a testament to the global nature of the tour.
Top American Players in Race to Dubai
Focusing on the American contingent, Johannes Veerman is charting a course through the rankings after 10 events, placing 24th with 554.72 points. He is trailed closely by Jordan Gumberg at 28th place, with 523.70 points through 8 events, including one win. Sean Crocker rounds out the American presence, at 99th position, amassing 174.17 points over 9 events.
Analyzing the Race to Dubai Top 5
The top echelons of the Race to Dubai rankings depict a tight battle among elite golfers. McIlroy sits comfortably at the top after 3 events, holding 1,699.5 points with one victory. Behind him, Japan’s Rikuya Hoshino is the second-ranking golfer with 1,258.1 points from 10 events and one victory. Next, Jesper Svensson of Sweden after 12 events, places third with 1,197.24 points and one title to his name. Swede Sebastian Soderberg, with no wins in 10 events, is fourth with 1,145.9 points. England’s Tommy Fleetwood rounds out the top five with one win in just 3 events, totaling 1,142.6 points.
How the DP World Tour Race to Dubai works
The Race to Dubai is the season ranking of the DP World Tour (former European Tour). The top 60 players in the Race to Dubai ranking are allowed to take part in the final play-off tournament of the former European Tour at the end of the season. The season ranking also determines who is allowed to play on the DP World Tour the following year. At each tournament, the players who make the cut collect points. The total number of points awarded at a tournament depends on the value of the event. Major tournaments earn the most points. For winning a DP World Tour tournament, the winner receives at least 460 points and a good 300,000 euros.
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.
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.
At the summit of the World Golf Ranking, Scottie Scheffler of the USA retains his number one position, continuing his firm hold on the lead. Fellow American Wyndham Clark remains at number three, maintaining his presence in the upper echelon of the rankings. Both players have shown consistency, keeping their standings intact from the previous week.
World Golf Ranking: American dominance, Kohles with a big leap
In the second tier of top American golfers, Xander Schauffele holds steady at number four, Patrick Cantlay at number eight, and Brian Harman at number nine, all preserving their positions from the previous week, indicating a stable performance among the leading American contenders in the World Golf Ranking. Max Homa completes the US American dominance in the Top-Ten at position ten.
There is also good news for one US player at the end of the top 100 players in the World Golf Ranking. After Ben Kohles finished second behind Canada’s Taylor Pendrith at THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson on the PGA, the 34-year-old climbed from 139th to a career-best 82nd place.
The World Golf Ranking narratives continue to evolve with shifts at the top. Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland, a perennial figure in elite golf, is stationed at number two, a spot he has successfully defended from the prior week. Jon Rahm of Spain, at number five, and Viktor Hovland from Norway, ranked at number seven, contribute to the diverse international contingent in the upper ranks, reflecting the global competitiveness of the sport.