Without the biggest stars, the US players are competing on the PGA Tour this week. (Photo: Getty)
The PGA Tour boasts yet another exciting competition in the form of the Cognizant Classic 2024. The event is conveniently set in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Of special note, the tourney will take place at the acclaimed PGA National Resort (The Champions) with with prize money of 9,000,000 USD.
One of the top US-Players playing on the PGA Tour at the Cognizant Classic 2024 this week is World’s number 23 Cameron Young. Young starts the tournament on Thursday with fellow American players Nick Dunlap and Akshay Bhatia at 01:51 PM. On Friday the trio starts at 06:51 PM.
Another American player to watch is defending champion Chris Kirk. He starts his campaign with no other than Rory McIlroy and last week’s champion Jake Knapp at 01:40 PM on Thursday and 06:40 PM on Friday.
At the same time Rickie Fowler starts playing with Sepp Straka from Austria and Sungjae Im from South Korea. Fowler is one of America’s best players in the tournament.
Also worth mentioning is Russell Henley, who starts the tournament at 06:29 PM with his flight consisting of his compatriots Eric Cole and Daniel Berger. The tournament continues for the trio on Friday at 01:29 PM.
With Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick and Co. the UK golfers are strongly represented on the PGA Tour this week. (Photos: Getty)
The PGA Tour welcomes top players to its Cognizant Classic hosted in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, USA. The tournament, which boasts a prize fund of $9,000,000, will take place at PGA National Resort (The Champions). Title defender Chris Kirk is set to return, aiming to secure victory on the Par-71 course. Play begins with round 1 on Thursday, with round 2 following on Friday.
PGA Tour: Tee Times for British, Welsh, and Scottish Players
Callum Tarren from England tees off for the first round at 06:45, in the company of South Korean Byeong Hun An and US-American Dylan Wu. For the second round, Tarren’s PGA Tour Tee Time is set at 11:45.
Another English contender, Harry Hall, shares a 06:56 first-round tee time with Americans Ryan Moore and Austin Eckroat. The Friday tee time for Hall and his group is set at 11:56.
On his side, English golfer Matt Wallace lines up alongside Americans Billy Horschel and Canadian Corey Conners for their initial round at 07:18. The trio starts the second day at 12:18.
Step into the green with Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland, pairing with Americans Chris Kirk and Jake Knapp. Their rounds begin at 07:40 on Thursday and 12:40 at Friday.
As the day progresses, Justin Rose, another English participant, will start with South Korea’s Tom Kim and fellow English player Matthew Fitzpatrick at a tee time of 12:51. The second day starts at 07:51.
Debuting in the later portion of the day is Ben Taylor, playing with Americans Joseph Bramlett and Canadian Taylor Pendrith, teeing off at 13:13. Their tee time for the second round is set at 08:13.
Scottish player Martin Laird will be teeing off at 11:45 alongside the American Ben Griffin and South Africa’s Christiaan Bezuidenhout. On day two, the group’s tee time is set at 06:45.
David Skinns from England begins his campaign at 13:24 paired along with Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen and American Chris Gotterup. Their tee time is set at 08:24 for the second round.
Robert MacIntyre from Scotland tees off at 13:35, playing with United States’ Piercon Coody and Norman Xiong. Their second-round tee time is set at 08:35.
Alison Lee signs as new Ecco Golf ambassador. (Photo: Ecco Golf)
Leaders in golf shoe innovation, ECCO GOLF, have announced the signing of LPGA Tour star Alison Lee to its team of brand ambassadors. The 29-year-old Los Angeles native brings a wealth of talent and joins off the back of her most impressive year on tour to-date.
Alison Lee becomes brand ambassador for Ecco Golf
The World Number 18’s journey into professional golf was meteoric, going from college golfer to LPGA Tour player in just a year and a half, before featuring at the 2015 Solheim Cup for Team USA.
Whilst Lee is still chasing her first LPGA Tour victory, she has stepped into the winners’ circle twice on the Ladies European Tour to-date, having won the Aramco Team Series Sotogrande in 2021, and the Aramco Team Series Riyadh in 2023.
Lee, who has been a fan of ECCO GOLF shoes for a number of years, will step into the 2024 season wearing ECCO GOLF TRAY. “I can’t wait to get started in 2024 wearing ECCO GOLF shoes. They are by far the most comfortable golf shoes I’ve ever worn, and having the opportunity to take the next step with the brand as a global ambassador is a wonderful opportunity,” she commented.
(Photo: Ecco Golf)
Timo Vollrath, Head of Global Marketing at ECCO GOLF, expressed his excitement about the new partnership: “We are thrilled to welcome Alison to the ECCO GOLF family,” he said. “Her impressive journey in golf perfectly embodies the values we have here at ECCO. We believe this partnership can help to elevate Alison’s game, and we’re excited to work with her in 2024 and beyond.”
The Ecco Golf Tray: a sporty sneaker for the golf course
The breathable and water-repellent golf sneaker seems to have won over Alison Lee. Thanks to Ecco’s Hydromax technology and a hard-wearing leather upper, the white studded shoe is said to be water-repellent and support good performance even in bad weather. The DriTan technology is said to save a lot of chemicals and water during the tanning process of the shoes. In addition, the E-DTS Twist sole with enlarged studs in high-wear areas ensures good grip in many conditions, according to Ecco Golf. The removable insole is also padded and breathable for even more comfort. With many exciting color variations, the shoe is also a visual highlight, which will also be seen on the fairways of the LPGA Tour in the future.
David Law is one many UK Players starting at the SDC Championship 2024. (Photo: Getty)
The SDC Championship, part of the European Tour, is poised to kick-off at St. Francis Links, St. Francis Bay, South Africa. The venue sits in picturesque surroundings in South Africa, with a course par of 72. The Championship will begin with Round 1 on Thursday, followed by Round 2 on Friday. The tournament comes with a notable prize fund of $1,500,000, and defending champ Matthew Baldwin is due to take to the course again.
DP World Tour Tee Times for UK Players: A Detailed Guide
Will Enefer from England is set to start Round 1 with a tee time of 06:40, partnered by Albert Venter from South Africa and Guxin Chen from China. For Round 2, this trio takes off at 11:40.
Scottish player David Law starts his first round at 07:20 in the company of Thomas Aiken and Hennie Otto, both from South Africa. They move to the second round with a tee time of 12:20.
Daniel Brown of England is grouped with Jordan Gumberg from the USA and Tom Vaillant from France. They are scheduled to tee off for the first round at 07:30 and the second round at 12:30.
Stuart Manley from Wales has a Round 1 tee time of 07:40, accompanied by Jaco Van Zyl from South Africa and Gavin Green from Malaysia. They will tee off the second round at 13:00.
Sam Bairstow has a Round 1 tee time of 07:50, accompanied by Clement Sordet from France and Lyre Row from South Africa. They will tee off the second round at 12:50.
English player Andrew Johnston starts his first round at 8:00 in the company of Michael Anthony (RSA) and Ricardo Gouveia from Portugal. They move to the second round with a tee time of 12:20.
England’s Oliver Wilson gets his tee times of 07:40 and 12:40 for the first and second rounds, respectively. He will tee off with Marcus Armitage from England and Wilco Nienaber from South Africa.
Robin Williams from England is set to start his first round at 11:40, accompanied by Keagan Thomas from South Africa and Reinhardt Blaauw. Their Round 2 commences with a tee time of 06:40.
Further English players participating in the tournament are Matthew Baldwin, Jordan Smith, Clements Todd, James Morrison , Ross Fisher, Lewis Tom, andy Sullivan and Jack Hawksby.
Connor Syme, Ramsay Riche and Ewen Ferguson are furher Scottish players taking part in the tournament.
Gunner Wiebe is one of five US-Players at the SDC Championship 2024. (Photo: Getty)
Taking place at the exquisite St. Francis Links in St. Francis Bay, South Africa, the SDC Championship forms part of the prestigious European Tour. This highly anticiapted event promises to showcase some fantastic golf from a global selection of players, vying for the $1,500,000 purse. Reigning champion Matthew Baldwin will be contending against other elite players while playing a 72 pars course.
Starting off on Thursday, Gunner Wiebe from the USA hits the fairways at 6:50 am in the first round, flanked by Matteo Manassero from Italy and Sebastian Friedrichsen from Denmark. The first round’s second look at Wiebe will be at 11:50 am on Friday.
Jordan Gumberg, another American representative, commences his quest at 7:30 am with French golfer Tom Vaillant and English player Daniel Brown. His audience can again catch him in action for the second round at 12:30 pm on Friday.
Dan Erickson will have his first round start at 8:10 am in the company of Martin Rohwer, an RSA player and Joel Girrbach from Switzerland. Erickson’s fans can tune in at 1:10 pm on Friday for his second round performance.
James Nicholas will commence his play at 8:10 am with South African golfer Rupert Kaminski and Trevor Fisher Jnr, also from South Africa. Nicholas is slated for a 1:10 pm start time for the second round.
Chase Hanna will be the final American participant in the SDC Championship, commencing his first round at 1:30 pm with Swedish player Fredrik From and Jack Hawksby from England. Golfers worldwide will get a second look at Hanna at 8:30 am on Friday.
Kentucky and Old Country Traditions Converge in Valhalla.
The scenario of the 2024 PGA Championship and McIlroy’s last major victory. (Source: PGA of America / Visit Kentucky)
Rory McIlroy’s victory in darkness at the 2014 PGA Championship in Valhalla Golf Club, resisting the rallies of local favorites Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler in a rain-delayed final round, was the Northern Irishman’s last win in a major. However, it was not the last time nor the first time someone from the Old Country left an imprint in Valhalla and Kentucky.
LOUISVILLE, KY – AUGUST 10: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland poses with the Wanamaker Trophy during the Award Ceremony for the 96th PGA Championship, at Valhalla Golf Club, on August 10, 2014 in Louisville, KY. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America)
Limestone: Kentucky’s Heritage
“We have exposed limestone throughout the golf course, and we are pretty much in the heart of limestone,” said Jimmy Kirchdorfer, General Chairman of Valhalla Golf Club. “That is the reason the early settlers decided to raise horses and have the whisky industry here. Limestone is the key to our Kentucky heritage. ”Limestone is the foundation of Valhalla and most Kentucky traditions, from bluegrass (both the plant and the music), to horses and bourbon. “It imbues the water with important minerals that are consumed by the yeast during the fermentation process. Then it filters the water and removes iron, which will interact with the components in the oak barrel and discolor the bourbon,” explained Dubliner Conor O’Driscoll, the seventh Master Distiller in Heaven Hill Distillery. “If you look at our portfolio, Henry McKenna, was an Irishman, Evan Williams was a Welshman. It was the Irish and the Scots who brought whiskey to America. Of course, the Irish invented it… or so they affirm,” said for the craic (jokingly in Irish or Scottish) O’Driscoll, the druid also behind the blending of Elijah Craig, a name associated with the invention of bourbon.
Fine Whiskey from Kentucky (Photo by Visit Kentucky)
The Ryder Cup at Valhalla
Coinciding with the anniversary of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, O’Driscoll met his wife around 25 years ago at the Kentucky Derby, another melting pot of international influences in the Bluegrass State, including some winningest riders from Mexico and Puerto Rico. “I went to the Kentucky Derby and that’s when it all kind of came together, the event was very international,” said Englishman Josh Webber, part of the groundcrew during the 2008 Ryder Cup and the 2014 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club. “The Derby was a fantastic experience. I went to the horse race and never saw a horse. We were in the infield partying,” added Irishman Paul O’Donoghue.
The famous Kentuck Derby (Photo by Visit Kentucky)
Webber and O’Donoghue were the only Europeans under Superintendent Mark Wilson’s orders during the memorable Ryder Cup at Valhalla. “When I was mowing greens, I had the European flag wrapped around my shoulders and I wore a crown”, remembered Webber. “We always had the European flag flying and Mark went and bought 200 American flags for the rest of the team,” O’Donohue recalled.
Webber and O’Donoghue at the Ryder Cup 2008 (Photo by PGA of America)
Both then young men from the Old Country in Kentucky –now superintendents in Southern England and The Netherlands—treasure the memories of their time in Valhalla and the “massive similarities between the soil in the Islands and Kentucky,” even the whiskey, the grass, and the music. “Except for one or two places, Ireland is mainly limestone, which gives you the green”, explained O’Donohue. “The only reason we call it bluegrass in Kentucky is because when it is hot it turns blue”, added the Irish superintendent about the origin of the name of the grass and the Bluegrass genre, derived from traditional Scottish, Irish, and English music. Bluegrass songs about family, horses, bourbon, and even limestone played in the background during the time Webber and O’Donohue spent under the wing of Kentucky Golf Hall of Famer Mark Wilson in Valhalla Golf Club. “Being part of the building of Valhalla put the wind on my back and launched me downhill,” said Wilson, who started his career in the seventies along with the first class of formally educated superintendents in the country.
Mark Wilson at the Ryder Cup 2008 (Photo by PGA of America)
Epic finishes in Kentucky
“For 22 years I mowed the bent grass fairways of Valhalla with green mowers and cut the clippings. And every winter we had to extent the site and the venue,” said now-retired Wilson, privileged witness of one Ryder Cup and three PGA Championships in Valhalla. “We were fortunate to have epic and historic finishes. I remember all of them,” said Kirchdorfer. “Tiger beating Bob May in a playoff in 2000 was spectacular,” he remembers about Tiger Woods’ victory, the first time since 1953 (Ben Hogan) that a player had won three major championships in the same calendar year. “The 2008 Ryder Cup, when the US was struggling to win until the end and we had two players from Kentucky, Kenny Perry and JB Holmes, was very special. A lot of people from Kentucky would say it was the best sporting event they have ever been to,” said Kirchdorfer.
“Valhalla is fantastic. It always seems to provide a very exciting finish in these championships. I watched the 2000 PGA here when Tiger won against Bob May, and I was sitting at home watching the Ryder Cup, as well. It seems like it always provides a great finish,” said McIlroy after winning his fourth major in Valhalla at 25 years of age. A decade later, two weeks after the 150 th Kentucky Derby, and on the 25 th Anniversary of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Rory McIlory, from the Old Country, could break the spell and win his fifth major at the 106 th PGA Championship in Valhalla Golf Club. “I had a great time here and hopefully I am going to come back one day to Valhalla and try and win this thing again,” were some of his last words in 2014 before departing Kentucky with the Wannamaker Trophy.
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)
Johannes Veerman is still the best US player - Nicolo Galletti is approaching the top 100. (Photos: Getty)
As the DP World Tour season unfolds, players are battling for supremacy in the prestigious Race to Dubai ranking. This season has already entertained fans with a number of high-profile tournaments, with the Kenya Open being the latest, won by Dutchman Darius van Driel. Currently, Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland stands at the pinnacle of the Race to Dubai ranking as the leader. Notably, the representation from the USA is significant with 6 American players ranked within the top 120 on the DP World Tour leaderboard.
Race To Dubai: Veerman leads US players – Galletti climbs after Kenya Open
The American presence in the Race to Dubai is marked by top performers who have shown grit and determination throughout the season. In particular, three American players have solidified their positions within the rankings. Although Johannes Veerman dropped five places in the ranking and is now only in 45th place, the 31-year-old remains the best American in the Race To Dubai. The second-best US player is Sean Crocker in 58th place, while John Catlin is third at 87th. Nicolo Galletti caused a stir among the US players as he climbed 46 places after his T11 finish at the Kenya Open to 116th place and is slowly making his way into the top 100.
Dominance at the Top: Race to Dubai’s Elite
Shifting focus to the leading pack, the Race to Dubai’s top 5 rankings encapsulate the essence of the global nature of the DP World Tour, with the leading player Rory McIlroy (1.596,0 points), who has already made a mark this season with an impressive win. He is followed by Rikuya Hoshino (1.222,7) from Japan and Adrian Meronk (1.023,4) from Poland. Joaquin Niemann (966,73) from Chile and Zander Lombard (763,71) from South Africa complete the Top-Five in the ranking.
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.
The english golfers are struggling in the FedExCup Rankings. (Source: Getty)
The PGA Tour season is well underway. The latest tournament victories have shaken up the FedExCup leaderboard, causing a ripple effect among the rankings. Currently, Matthieu Pavon from France holds the lead in the FedExCup rankings, bolstered by his recent tournament success. His impressive points tally stands at 949 after just four events, including three top-ten finishes and a coveted victory. Meanwhile, the English contingent is struggling with no player inside the top 50.
The english golfers stay behind in the FedExCup ranking
Two Englishmen have particularly distinguished themselves this season. Tommy Fleetwood, currently 52nd in the FedExCup standings, has tallied 195 points across three events, solidifying his status with a top-ten finish. Justin Rose, a familiar name and another English standout, sits at 56th place, securing 185 points in four events. Both players have higher ambitions, but are fighting to catch up with the top.
Matthieu Pavon leads the pack
Top FedExCup contenders, as we look at the very top of the leaderboard, Matthieu Pavon’s performance remains the highlight, leading the pack as the number one contender. Close behind him are the American golfers, Scottie Scheffler and Chris Kirk, occupying the second and fourth spots with 848 and 813 points respectively. Each has played five events and has multiple top-ten finishes to their name. Meanwhile, Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama and Wyndham Clark from the USA round out the top five. Matsuyama has accrued 825 points from six events, and Clark has 773 from five, both securing wins this season. The fight for supremacy in the FedExCup will undoubtedly continue to be a spectacle as we advance through the PGA Tour calendar.
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.
Matthew Jordan impressed with his T4-finish at the Kenya Open, while the other English players around Fleetwood fall in the Race To Dubai ranking. (Photos: Getty)
The journey through the current season of the DP World Tour has seen golfers teeing off across various locations, accumulating points to bolster their positions in the Race to Dubai rankings. The DP World Tour resumed play after a week’s break with the Kenya Open. While Dutchman Darius van Driel won the tournament in East Africa, an Englishman, Matthew Jordan, also impressed in a tie for fourth place. The rankings currently boast an impressive contingent of English golfers, with 21 of them carving their names into the top 120, showcasing the depth of talent stemming from England.
Race To Dubai: The top English players in the Ranking
Even after a tough week in the Race to Dubai, the three leading English players are still in a comfortable position. Tommy Fleetwood (12th rank, 625.6 points) aswell as Laurie Canter (16th rank, 479.15 points), and Richard Mansell (27th rank, 303.3 points) fall back two spots in the ranking. Especially Fleetwood, who trumpeted his presence with a win to his name this season counts as the biggest star among the English players. Also worth mentioning is Matthew Jordan, who climbed a whole 54 places in the Race To Dubai with his tied fourth place at the Kenya Open and thus finds himself in the Top 50. Jordan now is in 46th place with 212.2 points.
Rory McIlroy leads the Top-Five in the Race To Dubai
As the Race to Dubai heats up, the global golfing community casts its gaze upon the crème de la crème vying for the top spots. Currently leading the pack is Rory McIlroy, a seasoned campaigner whose mastery and presence on the course have garnered him a total of 1596 points over just two events, including a victory. A whisker away, in second place, is Japan’s Rikuya Hoshino (2nd rank, 1222.7 points, seven events, one victory), followed by Poland’s Adrian Meronk (3rd rank, 1023.4 points). The top five is rounded out with Joaquin Niemann of Chile (4th rank, 966.73 points) and South Africa’s Zander Lombard (5th rank, 763.71 points), both making significant strides in their quest to ascend the Race to Dubai rankings.
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.
Jake Knapp makes the top 10 of the FedExCup Rankings after maiden tour win. (Source: Getty)
As the PGA Tour season unfolds, numerous tournaments have already showcased the precision and skill of the world’s elite golfers. Notably, the recent event captivated audiences with thrilling gameplay and led to Matthieu Pavon clinching the top spot. In an impressive display of talent, 58 US players have positioned themselves within the top 100 of the FedExCup rankings, evidencing the country’s strong presence in the sport.
Two American golfers, Scottie Scheffler and Chris Kirk, have been stellar this season, accumulating 848 and 813 points respectively. Scheffler, who has played five events and managed four Top Ten finishes without a victory, retains his position at second place, just behind leader Pavon. Kirk’s victory and additional Top Ten finish have propelled him to his current fourth place ranking. These athletes’ consistent performances highlight the depth of American talent within the PGA Tour and their pursuit of the esteemed FedExCup.
The most notable performer of the week is American golfer Jake Knapp. Knapp clinched a two-shot victory at the Mexico Open, marking his inaugural win on the PGA Tour. This triumph propelled him from outside the top 50 (53rd) to a position within the top 10 of the FedExCup standings (8th).
Top-5 FedExCup Standout Performances
Leading the pack, French golfer Matthieu Pavon holds firm at first place with 949 points, a result of his recent victory and 3 Top Ten finishes after 4 events. He is followed by the aforementioned Scheffler, with Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama trailing slightly at 825 points in the third position after winning one tournament and featuring in a Top Ten finish across 6 events. The American duo of Kirk and Wyndham Clark complete the Top-5, both securing a win and additional Top Ten finishes in their 5 respective tournaments. Clark notably rounds out the fifth spot with 773 points, showcasing the continuous battle for supremacy on the PGA Tour amongst globally recognized talents.
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.
