Xander Schauffele is in position 1. (Photo: Getty)
The PGA Tour takes us this week to the Wells Fargo Championship, held in Charlotte, North Carolina at the prestigious Quail Hollow Club. This report focuses on the highlights of round one at this esteemed event.
The current leader of the tournament is Xander Schauffele, representing the USA, with a total result of -7 under par. The leaderboard’s second place is tightly contested. Collin Morikawa (USA), Alex Noren (SWE), and Rory McIlroy (NIR) share the position, each with a total result of -4 under par. Five players share fifth place. These include USA’s Justin Thomas, Sungjae Im from Korea, Australia’s Jason Day, Sepp Straka from Austria, and Lee Hodges from the USA, each with a daily score of -3 under par.
The Wells Fargo Championship holds an impressive tournament-prize-money of $20,000,000, unrated but undoubtedly substantial.
The video of the PGA Tour Highlights offers a compilation of the most significant moments from round one of the Wells Fargo Championship. In turn, the Wells Fargo Championship Highlights feature the key performances and major golf swings that stood out during the first round.
Given that golf tournaments conclude after four rounds, one can look forward to the escalating competition, as the golfers bring forth their best performance in the forthcoming rounds of the Wells Fargo Championship.
Wells Fargo Championship: The PGA Tour round 1 highlights
About the PGA Tour
The PGA Tour is the largest American professional golf tour. There are 36 tournaments on the tour’s schedule this season. The tournaments mainly take place in the USA, but there are also some international venues over the course of the season. The signature events introduced in 2023 offer higher prize money and a smaller field of participants. There will be a total of eight of these events in the 2024 season. The four Majors and the Players Championship are also part of the PGA Tour. At the end of the tours season, the 70 best players in the FedEx Cup season rankings will play in a three-tournament play-off for overall tour victory and an extra 18 million dollars in prize money.
Compared to the past two years, participation in golf was lower in the first quarter of the year. (Photo: Getty/Sporting Insights)
The average monthly number of rounds played per course in England, Wales and Scotland dropped to 1,385. Compared to the same period in 2023, this represents a decrease of 14%. The greatest impacts were felt in the Midlands and the North, although there were green shoots for the latter in the form of a year-on-year growth in March. Scotland and the South experienced single digit percentage drops against Q1 2023. It should be noted however that 2023 enjoyed strong February and March performances. For March 2024 to finish 3% down year-on-year is a decent result that should not be interpreted as cause for pessimism as golf moves into the critical summer window.
Positive conditions despite falling figures
While the professional game remains unstable and unsettled, the first majors of the season testified to the strength of golf’s current undisputed dominant forces, Scottie Scheffler and Nelly Korda. With rounds played setting regular records in Great Britain over recent years, the split in the men’s professional game has not so far translated to waning interest in amateur participation. In fact, with initiatives like iGolf making many golfers’ experiences more rewarding, conditions remain positive for golf to put up strong numbers through the rest of 2024. The caveat to that is that the continuing high cost of living does appear to be impacting on leisure spend, albeit at lower levels than might have been predicted.
“It’s much too early to worry at this stage”
“A few things are important to bear in mind,” noted Richard Payne, joint managing director of Sporting Insights. First is the relative strength of 2023 and 2022 when looking at any downward shifts in performance. March for example remains ahead of 2019’s numbers. The second is that, while not insubstantial – in fact the appetite for winter golf reflects the hardiness of so many GB golfers – Q1 rounds are dwarfed by summer numbers that are 2-3 times higher on average than we see over Q1, so there is more than enough time for the year to end in growth. Finally, it’s worth pointing out that like any outdoor sport, fluctuations in participation happen. This is the first quarter to see a year on year drop in rounds played since Q1 last year. If declines in rounds played persist throughout the year, then there may be conversations that the industry needs to have, but it’s much too early to worry at this stage.”
For now, clubs across Great Britain will hope for fine weather and regular tee time bookings over the next six months.
Following her accession in 1952, Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II accepted the Patronage of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, which has been accepted by reigning Monarchs since HM King William IV in 1834.
Buckingham Palace presents new patron
Martin Slumbers, Secretary of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, said, “Her late Majesty’s 70-year patronage of the Club was an immense source of pride for its Members.
“We are delighted and deeply honoured to have been advised by Buckingham Palace that His Majesty, The King has accepted patronage of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.
“We now look forward to His Majesty’s support for the work of the Club and our commitment to the sport of golf across the world.
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews was established in 1754 and has evolved through two and a half centuries as a leading authority in the world game. It has a worldwide membership of more than 2,400.
(Text: The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews)
Find the PGA Tour Tee Times for US-Players at the Myrtle Beach Classic here. (Source: Getty)
The PGA Tour is set to descend upon the illustrious Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for the Myrtle Beach Classic. With a hefty prize pool of $4,000,000 and a testing Par 71 course, the PGA Tour tee times have been eagerly anticipated.
Ryan Moore, D.J. Trahan, and Kelly Kraft, all representing the USA, will be at the commencement line at 06:50 for Round 1 with another shot at 11:30 for Round 2. James Hahn, followed by Greyson Sigg, both representing the USA, will tee off at the same time with Carl Yuan from China completing the trio.
An American duo composed of Kevin Streelman and Alex Smalley will be matched with Ben Taylor from England, with tee times of 07:12 for Round 1 and 11:52 for Round 2. Another American, Adam Long will have no tee time for Round 2, while Brandt Snedeker and Chad Ramey, also from the USA, will take their first swing at 07:23, and their second at 12:03 for Round 2.
Interestingly, a full American trio will see Beau Hossler, Ben Griffin, and Blade Brown sharing their tee time of 07:56 in Round 1 and 12:36 in Round 2.
Round-wise Tee Times: An Overview
Player
Teetime Round 1
Teetime Round 2
Players
Ryan Moore
06:50
11:30
D.J. Trahan, Kelly Kraft
James Hahn
06:50
11:30
Greyson Sigg, Carl Yuan
Kevin Streelman
07:12
11:52
Alex Smalley, Ben Taylor
Adam Long
07:23
N/A
Brandt Snedeker, Chad Ramey
Beau Hossler
07:56
12:36
Ben Griffin, Blades Brown
The Myrtle Beach Classic PGA Tour tee times are all accounted for. With players from all over the world preparing to carve their path to victory, the PGA Tour Tee Times are serving as the starting pistol to this highly anticipated event.
Find the PGA Tour Tee Times for British Golfers at the Myrtle Beach Classic here. (Source: Getty)
This championship styled tournament, the Myrtle Beach Classic, is scheduled to take place at the Dunes Golf and Beach Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA. It forms part of the PGA Tour, boasting a highly competitive field. With the par-71 course set to challenge every participant, the four million-dollar purse is an attractive incentive.
The PGA Tour Tee Times for the Myrtle Beach Classic
Brian Davis from England will tee off at 07:01 for Round 1 alongside his coursemates Russell Knox from Scotland and Harry Hall from England. The same trio will commence Round 2 at 11:41.
Ben Taylor, also representing England, will begin his Round 1 at 07:12 with American duo, Kevin Streelman and Alex Smalley accompanying him. Their start time for Round 2 has been set for 11:52.
Martin Laird from Scotland gets his start for Round 1 at 07:34, with Scott Gutschewski from the USA and Chun-an Yu from Taiwan completing the three-man group. Their tee time for Round 2 is 12:14.
Englishman David Skinns begins his quest at 07:56 for Round 1 alongside Paul Barjon from France and Australia’s Harrison Endycott. Their Round 2 commences at 12:36.
Another Brit, Callum Tarren, will start Round 1 at 11:41 with Americans William McGirt and Nick Watney as his group mates. Their Round 2 tee time is scheduled for 07:01.
The final UK contender, Matt Wallace from England, is slotted to begin Round 1 at 12:03 alongside Erik Van Rooyen of South Africa and Nicolas Echavarria from Colombia. Their allotted time for Round 2 is 07:23.
Our final golfer is Robert MacIntyre, representing Scotland, whose Round 1 begins at 12:47, accompanied by Ryan Fox from New Zealand and Alejandro Tosti of Argentina. Their Round 2 start time is early at 08:07.
Player Name
Nationality
Round 1 Time
Round 2 Time
Brian Davis
England
07:01
11:41
Ben Taylor
England
07:12
11:52
Martin Laird
Scotland
07:34
12:14
David Skinns
England
07:56
12:36
Callum Tarren
England
11:41
07:01
Matt Wallace
England
12:03
07:23
Robert MacIntyre
Scotland
12:47
08:07
In conclusion, the PGA Tour Tee Times for the Myrtle Beach Classic shall see a robust turnout of competitors from the UK, each ready to bring their best game to the stimulant fairways of the Dunes Golf and Beach Club.
Kentucky born Justin Thomas prepares on the PGA Tour for the PGA Championship in his home state. (Source: Getty)
The Wells Fargo Championship, a key fixture in the PGA Tour, is slated to get under way at the prestigious Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. This championship carries a massive prize fund totaling $20,000,000 and is anticipated to showcase top-tier golfing action at its finest. The par for this tournament is set at 71, and last year’s victor, Wyndham Clark, is among the players ready for the challenge.
Justin Thomas and Akshay Bhatia together with the canadian Taylor Pendrith will form the first American cohort to tee off at 11:00 for Round 1. Their second round starts at 11:55
A star-studded flight consisting of Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth and Collin Morikawa will tee off at 11:33 tee time is up next. Their second day starts at 12:28.
Max Homa, pegged at 12:39 tee time, playing with Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland and Tom Kim from South Korea. On Friday the trio will tee off at 11:33.
Tony Finau starts the tournament at 12:39 together with canadians Nick Taylor and Adam Hadwin. Their second day starts at 11:33
Another american has a 11:22 tee time on Thursday. Tom Hoge, Andrew Putnam and Adam Schenk will start on Friday at 12:28
Get all the Tee Times for the Wells Fargo Championship 2024 on the PGA Tour. (Source: Getty)
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
One decade after Rory McIlroys win in the darkness the PGA Championship 2024 returns to Kentucky. (Source: PGA of America)
As the dust of the track and the cheers of the fans started to settle at the 150th Kentucky Derby in Churchill Downs, the agitation at nearby Valhalla Golf Club reignited with the preparations for the 106th PGA Championship. And the “most exciting two minutes in sports” gave way to “once in a decade golf celebration in Kentucky”.
The other big sport event in Kentucky: The Kentucky Derby. (Source: PGA of America)
Nose Margin Finishes at the PGA Championship in Kentucky
According to Churchill Downs, Mystik Dan’s win marked the first three-horse photo finish since 1947 and the first race decided by a nose margin since 1996. Like an echo of the Kentucky Derby, the three PGA Championships contested at Valhalla in the last three decades concluded with a photo finish or a nose margin – a playoff or one stroke difference in golf lingo. “I had a heartache in 96 when Mark Brooks beat me in a playoff,” said local golf star Kenny Perry about his defeat at the first PGA Championship in Kentucky. Four years later, Tiger Woods prevailed in a playoff against Bob May to win his fifth and third consecutive major at Valhalla. “Tiger was incredible,” remembers two-time Masters winner José María Olázabal, who shot a 9-under-par 63 course record on the third day and finished tied fourth. “I have great memories of that amazing round and Valhalla, a solid golf course with tough rough,” said the Spaniard. “But I specially remember the Ryder Cup there in 2008, when the Americans played really well.”
The Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club
Perry was part of that American winning team captained by Paul Azinger. “My dad, at 86 years old, came off the green in his bib overalls and gave me a hug. This is where I love to go, and to me, this is the pinnacle of golf in Kentucky,” added Perry about the 2008 Ryder Cup and Valhalla Golf Club. “We were fortunate to have epic and historic finishes,” said Jimmy Kirchdorfer, General Chairman of the 2024 PGA Championship. “A lot of people from Kentucky would say the Ryder Cup, when the US was struggling to win for a while, was the best sporting event they have ever been to.”
The PGA Championships 2024 Returns to Kentucky
After the memorable victory of Rory McIlroy by one-stroke in the 2014 PGA Championship in the darkness, Kirchdorfer, along with the new co-owners of Valhalla Golf Club and its membership have been instrumental in bringing the PGA Championship back to Kentucky one decade later.
LOUISVILLE, KY – AUGUST 10: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland hits his tee shot on 18 during the Final Round of the 96th PGA Championship, at Valhalla Golf Club, on August 10, 2014 in Louisville, KY. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America)
“The tremendous response from the Louisville and Kentucky community has been essential to make this event a record-breaking championship,” said 2024 PGA Championship Director, Ryan Ogle, as he supports his assessment with staggering numbers. Over 200,000 spectators are expected during the week, breaking the record ticket sales set in 2018. Valhalla will accommodate 700,000 square feet of temporary flooring, over 285 tent structures, and 600 TVs will be spread across the property. On The Rocks, the Elijah Craig Bourbon Speakeasy by the 14th hole of Valhalla Golf Club will be one of the massive hospitality structures showcasing the official bourbon cocktail of the 2024 PGA Championship, the Elijah Craig Mulligan. “In terms of size, it will be more than double compared with 2014,” added Ogle, also highlighting the over 500 million households around the world with access to over 250 hours of live coverage.
“I am very excited about the PGA Championship in Kentucky. When the time comes, it will be a very special week,” said two-time PGA Championship winner Justin Thomas, who will be playing a major in Valhalla for the first time.“I have been to Valhalla a handful of times. It is obviously well known and the most famous course in Kentucky, a special place,” added Thomas, who grew up playing golf at Harmony Landing Country Club, in Goshen, Kentucky, where his father Mike is still a pro. Thomas will be the only Kentuckian at the traditional Champions Dinner, hosted by the 2023 winner Brooks Koepka at the home of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs. “Whatever my mom is cooking at home would be my recommendation for food in Kentucky,” noted Thomas as a potential culinary advice to Koepka, who finished T-15 in Valhalla in 2014.
Justin Thomas will be competing in his home state. (Source: PGA of America)
The Return of the People’s Hero
That year, Michael Block, the PGA of America Golf Professional who became the people’s hero in 2023 when he finished T-15 at Oak Hill, made his debut in the PGA Championship in Valhalla after winning the PGA Professional Championship. “Kentucky has been great. We have been staying downtown Louisville all week and everyone has been absolutely fantastic. It was a great experience,” said after missing the cut in 2014 Block, part of the Corebridge Financial Team of 21 PGA of America Professionals competing along the best in the world in the 2024 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club.
The field of the PGA Championship 2024 includes all of the biggest names in golf. (Source: Getty)
The PGA Championship 2024 takes places from May 16th to May 19th at the Valhalla Golf Club. Valhalla, nestled in the beauty of Kentucky, is no stranger to hosting major golfing events, and this marks its fourth time hosting the PGA Championship. Past championships at Valhalla have seen golfing legends like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy claim victory, setting the stage for what promises to be another thrilling tournament.
Brooks Koepka Eyeing Another Title at the PGA Championship
Leading the pack is the three-time and defending PGA Champion, Brooks Koepka. Koepka’s dominance on the course is undeniable, and he will be a force to be reckoned with at Valhalla. Joining him is an impressive field of 16 PGA Champions and 33 Major Champions, each poised to leave their mark on this prestigious event. The diversity of the field is a testament to the global appeal of golf, with players hailing from countries all around the world. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, the 2024 PGA Championship promises to showcase the best talent the sport has to offer. With two spots reserved for winners of this week’s PGA Tour events, the field is sure to see some last-minute additions.
Part of the field at the PGA Championship 2024: Talor Gooch. (Image: Getty)
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.
