Categories
Live

Watch: PGA Tour highlights from round 1 of the TOUR Championship

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - AUGUST 28: Scottie Scheffler of the United States plays a shot on the 18th hole during a practice round prior to the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on August 28, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The TOUR Championship, part of the PGA Tour, is currently being held at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. The tournament’s total prize money is $25 million.

In Round 1, Scottie Scheffler from the USA is leading the field with a total score of -16, having posted a 65. Tied for second are Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele, both also from the USA, with total scores of -9. Adam Scott of Australia, Sam Burns of the USA, Wyndham Clark of the USA, Hideki Matsuyama of Japan, and Keegan Bradley of the USA are tied for the fourth position, each with a total score of -8.

On the first day of the TOUR Championship, the three players who recorded the best daily scores were Scottie Scheffler with a 65 (daily score of -6), Collin Morikawa with a 66 (daily score of -5), and Adam Scott with a 66 (daily score of -5).

The highlights video showcases the standout moments from Round 1 of the TOUR Championship. The compilation provides an in-depth look at the key shots and performances that defined the day.

show TOUR Championship Leaderboard

TOUR 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.

Categories
Panorama

Scottie Schefflers Cap Sold for Impressive Price

This white cap by Scottie Scheffler was last auctioned for a four-figure sum. (Image: Getty)
This white cap by Scottie Scheffler was last auctioned for a four-figure sum. (Image: Getty)

Do you remember May 17, 2024? – That’s right, that was the Friday on which world number one Scottie Scheffler was arrested. Pictures of Scheffler in prison garb went around the world and it was unclear whether he would even make it to his second round tee time at the PGA Championship. As is well known, he did make it and even played an impressive – for the circumstances – round of 66. The white Nike golf cap he was wearing that day was auctioned off at a Kids Cancer Alliance charity event along with three golf balls signed by Scheffler for 2,375 dollars.

Image: Getty

Scheffler had signed the cap and donated it to the organization along with the golf balls. The event took place in Louisville, where the 2024 PGA Championship was also held.

Scottie Scheffler: His white cap was worth almost as much to the bidders as the bat of a famous baseball player

To put it in perspective: Scheffler’s simple-looking white cap fetched almost as much money as Shohei Ohtani’s signed baseball bat, at just under 2,400 dollars. Ohtani, of the Los Angeles Dodgers, is currently the most popular baseball player in the world. The baseball exhibit was auctioned for 2,750 dollars.

Categories
Travel

Year-Round Access and Unique Features at Älmhults GK in SmĂ„land, Sweden

(Image: Älmhults GK)

Älmhults Golfklubb (GK) is located in Älmhult, Sweden, within the SmĂ„land region. The course offers a robust golfing experience and is available for play year-round, closing only under snow conditions.

Golfing in the Heart of SmÄland

Access to the course is inclusive, allowing entry to everyone, and even dogs are permitted. Players are encouraged to read the course map before starting their round to familiarize themselves with the layout. One of the notable features is the green of hole 11, which presents a significant challenge regardless of the flag’s position.

Special green fee arrangements are available for married couples, adding to the course’s accessibility. Additionally, Älmhults GK collaborates with the IKEA Hotell to provide accommodation packages. This partnership aims to offer a comprehensive and convenient experience for visiting golfers.

The course also accommodates visitors traveling in motorhomes, with designated space for up to eight vehicles. This service enhances the course’s appeal, catering to a broad spectrum of golfing tourists.

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour: These 10 Golfers Earned the Most Prize Money in 2024

The top earners of the 2024 PGA Tour season (Source: Getty)
The top earners of the 2024 PGA Tour season (Source: Getty)

The 2024 PGA Tour season was not only a sporting highlight, but also a record year financially. Never before has so much prize money been paid out on the PGA Tour as this year. Every victory, whether at the prestigious majors or the regular tournaments, not only meant glory for the players, but also considerable sums in their accounts. Five players even broke the ten million dollar mark in official prize money.

Although there will be plenty more money handed out this week at the Tour Championship, including the 18 million dollars awarded to the winner, this is considered bonus money and not official earnings for the 2024 season. We are therefore already looking at the top earners for the 2024 season.

Follow the Tour Championship LIVE

The Top Earners of the 2024 PGA Tour Season

1. Scottie Scheffler – $29,228,357

Scottie Scheffler dominated the 2024 season, securing the top spot on the money list with over $29 million. A significant portion of this amount came from his triumph at the prestigious Masters Tournament, which not only earned him the green jacket but also provided a substantial boost to his bank account.

2. Xander Schauffele – $18,355,910

With his victory at the 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon, where he lifted the legendary Claret Jug, Xander Schauffele secured second place on the money list. His consistent play throughout the season paid off, allowing him to earn nearly $18.4 million on the Tour.

3. Hideki Matsuyama – $11,237,611

Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama impressed with his win at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. This success significantly contributed to his earnings of over $11 million, securing his place in the top 5 of the money list just before the season’s end.

4. Wyndham Clark – $10,901,416

Wyndham Clark delivered an outstanding performance at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, where he claimed victory despite challenging weather conditions. His total earnings of nearly $10.9 million earned him the fourth spot on the list.

5. Rory McIlroy – $10,893,790

Northern Irish superstar Rory McIlroy secured his place in the top 5 of the money list with his win at the Wells Fargo Championship and other consistent performances. He landed just behind Clark with earnings of around $10.89 million.

6. Ludvig Aberg – $9,728,857

Swedish rising star Ludvig Aberg impressed with his performance on the Tour, consistently contending for victories in nearly all major tournaments. With almost $9.73 million in prize money, he highlighted his immense potential.

7. Collin Morikawa – $8,365,977

Collin Morikawa earned over $8.3 million. Although he didn’t secure a win this season, the world No. 6 delivered seven top-10 finishes in 20 tournaments, securing his place in the top 10 of the money list.

8. Sahith Theegala – $8,281,285

Sahith Theegala continued his impressive development, earning over $8.28 million in the 2024 season. Like Morikawa, the 26-year-old didn’t claim a title but displayed consistently strong performances. Nineteen cuts in 23 tournaments, including seven top-10 finishes, significantly boosted the Californian’s bank account.

9. Keegan Bradley – $6,879,455

Keegan Bradley earned nearly $6.88 million. In addition to his win at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, he added another highlight to his season by triumphing at the BMW Championship. This rounded off a very successful season for the newly appointed Ryder Cup captain.

10. Patrick Cantlay – $6,279,965

Rounding out the top 10 is Patrick Cantlay, who also had a solid season, securing a spot among the top earners with over $6.27 million in earnings. Cantlay remained largely in the top 10 of the world rankings throughout the season, thanks to 17 out of 18 successful cuts and four top-10 finishes, ensuring his substantial earnings.

Categories
Ladies Tours

AIG Women’s Open 2025 to Be Largest Ever Women’s Sporting Event Staged in Wales

The Women's Open 2025 will be hosted at the Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales. (Source: R&A Media)
The Women's Open 2025 will be hosted at the Royal Porthcawl Golf Club in Wales. (Source: R&A Media)

Following a historic week in St Andrews the AIG Women’s Open heads to Royal Porthcawl in 2025 where it will be the largest women’s sporting event to be played in Wales. The Championship which delivers an exceptional off-course experience to match the dramatic on-course action will be played from 30 July- 3 August 2025.

A complete success: the Women’s Open in St. Andrews

A bumper crowd of 52,887 fans watched Lydia Ko carve her name into the history books by winning the AIG Women’s Open by two shots at the Old Course in St Andrews. Reflecting on her win in St Andrews which followed an Olympic Gold Medal in Paris, Ko said, “It’s been a crazy past few weeks. Something that was too good to be true happened. I honestly didn’t think it could be any better and here I am as the AIG Women’s Open Champion this week. Obviously, being here at the Old Course at St Andrews makes it so much more special.”

While the world’s best women’s golfers put on an incredible display of golf at the home of golf, entertainment off the course also delighted fans in the Festival Village as BRIT and Ivor Novello-nominated singer-songwriter Tom Grennan headlined a spectacular concert.

Spectators attending the Championship also watched a screening of fans favourite, ‘Happy Gilmore’, in an open air cinema on Friday night, as well as enjoying a variety of attractions such as  golf lessons, lawn games, mini golf, shopping, bars, food trucks and live Q&A features with some of the biggest names in golf on the Sessions Stage.

Royal Porthcawl to host AIG Women’s Open 2025

Royal Porthcawl, a links which borders the Bristol Channel, will be a fitting test with the changeable wind directions a constant challenge. It has previously hosted The Amateur Championship on six occasions, the Walker Cup, featuring a young Tiger Woods, the Curtis Cup and on three occasions the Senior Open presented by Rolex.

Ko added, “I’ve never been to Wales. So it’s exciting to go to these new venues. It’s pretty crazy to say that I’m going to be the defending champion there in Wales.” 

Martin Slumbers, CEO of The R&A, commented, “The AIG Women’s Open is a world class championship which attracts the best players in the world. We have enjoyed an incredibly successful week in St Andrews and we now turn our focus to Wales where we will play the Championship at Royal Porthcawl for the first time.

“The famous Welsh links has  a cherished  history of hosting prestigious championships and the players will enjoy the challenge of competing for the AIG Women’s Open at another outstanding venue.

“It will be the largest women’s sporting event to be played in Wales and we hope to attract many Welsh sports fans, and those from further afield, to come and enjoy a true celebration of golf.”

The Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Ken Skates, said: “We’ll look forward to providing an unforgettable welcome to players, fans and spectators when the AIG Women’s Open comes to Wales in 2025. Porthcawl is sure to provide a warm Welsh Croeso to this prestigious golfing major and offers a course that will provide a true test to the very best players in the world.”

Categories
Highlights Tours

Solheim Cup: Jennifer Kupcho, Sarah Schmelzel and Lexi Thompson Complete US Team

Stacy Lewis has named Jennifer Kupcho, Sarah Schmelzel and Lexi Thompson to the team for the 2024 Solheim Cup. (Source: Getty)
Stacy Lewis has named Jennifer Kupcho, Sarah Schmelzel and Lexi Thompson to the team for the 2024 Solheim Cup. (Source: Getty)

U.S. Solheim Cup Team Captain Stacy Lewis has selected Jennifer Kupcho, Sarah Schmelzel and Lexi Thompson as her captain’s picks for the 2024 Solheim Cup, to be held Sept. 13-15 at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Va.

Kupcho, Schmelzel and Thompson join the nine automatic qualifiers for the U.S. Team who were named following the completion of play at the AIG Women’s Open. Nelly Korda, Lilia Vu, Lauren Coughlin, Ally Ewing, Allisen Corpuz, Megan Khang and Andrea Lee qualified via the U.S. Solheim Cup Team Standings, while Rose Zhang and Alison Lee qualified via the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.

Lots of Experience for the US Team

hompson will represent the U.S. for the seventh consecutive time, joining 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023. She moves into a tie for third for the most times competing for the U.S., joining Paula Creamer, Rosie Jones and Morgan Pressel, trailing only Cristie Kerr and Juli Inkster with nine appearances and Beth Daniel and Meg Mallon with eight.

“Lexi was probably the easiest pick to make of these three, with her experience. I know what Lexi can do at a Solheim Cup and that definitely helped her get a pick,” said Lewis. “She’s somebody who is going to help the team out a lot, on the golf course and also off. With her experience, everybody on the team’s going to be watching what she does to try to learn from her. I am very happy to have Lexi back.”

“It means the world to me. To be able to represent my country, it’s the highest honor that you can possibly have,” said Thompson of being selected to the U.S. Solheim Cup Team. “To be there again this year, especially stateside, it’s a dream come true. To be able to play alongside my teammates and under my captains and assistant captains, it’s everything I could ask for.”

Kupcho will wear the Red, White and Blue for the third time, while Schmelzel will join Lauren Coughlin as a U.S. Solheim Cup Team rookie.

“I think Jennifer probably more so than anyone is a great fit for this golf course. I love how high and how straight she hits a golf ball. You can see it in how many strokes she gains off the tee and her ball striking is always what carries her,” said Lewis. “Sarah’s just super solid and doesn’t beat herself up. She’s a player who can play both formats with a lot of different people. She’s somebody that we’ve been watching for a long time and so we’re excited for her to be playing her first Solheim Cup and teeing it up in Virginia.”

“I am so happy to be part of the U.S. Team again, back in the team atmosphere,” said Kupcho. I’m most excited to be back on U.S. soil and just representing the U.S. in my country is so special to me. I’m so, so excited to do this for my third time and to play under Stacy, who is a great captain.”

“It’s obviously something that I’ve thought about ever since I started getting invited to the Solheim meetings last year,” said Schmelzel. “It’s something that just kind of sits in the back of your mind, and it’s always there in the back of your mind. It’s always something that you’re working toward, so to finally get to that moment and realize that it had come to fruition, it was honestly really surreal.”

The Solheim Cup 2024

Players started accruing points toward the U.S. Solheim Cup points standings at the 2023 Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions. Points were awarded to the top 40 participants at each ranking event, with double points awarded at the five major championships. In the Solheim Cup year, all points values increased by 50%. The full points breakdown is available at www.solheimcupusa.com/usa-points-standings/how-to-qualify.

The biennial Solheim Cup is the most prestigious international team event in women’s professional golf. In 2022, the European Team retained the Cup following a 14-14 tie with the U.S. Team at Finca Cortesin in Spain. The U.S. Team leads the European Team, 10-7-1, all-time in Solheim Cup competition.

Solheim Cup 2024: Team USA

Player Qualification
Nelly Korda U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Lilia Vu U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Lauren Coughlin U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Ally Ewing U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Allisen Corpuz U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Megan Khang U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Andrea Lee U.S. Solheim Cup Standings
Rose Zhang World Rankings
Alison Lee World Rankings
Lexi Thompson Captain’s Pick
Jennifer Kupcho Captain’s Pick
Sarah Schmelzel Captain’s Pick
Categories
Travel

Baviera Golf in Andalusia with Mountain and Sea Views

Image: Baviera Golf
Image: Baviera Golf

Baviera Golf is located in Caleta de VĂ©lez, a region in the province of MĂĄlaga, in Andalucia, Spain. The course offers a variety of features that cater to both casual and seasoned golf enthusiasts. The location provides a combination of mountain views and glimpses of the Mediterranean Sea, enhancing the overall golfing experience.

Great Golf Experience Between Sea and Mountain Views

The course is known for its good quality and service, which accommodates all players. This implies a focus on maintaining the grounds and providing a pleasant environment for golfers. The course is described as very walkable, making it accessible for a wide range of players. Throughout the course, golfers can enjoy views towards the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, creating a visually appealing setting as they play.

When playing at Baviera Golf, it is suggested that golfers think strategically at the tee box. Sometimes, using a driver is not the optimal choice. This indicates that the course layout and hole designs may require more precise shot placement and club selection. Additionally, some greens are well protected by water hazards, adding a level of challenge and requiring careful planning from golfers.

Baviera Golf also offers twilight sessions, providing an opportunity for golfers to enjoy the course later in the day. This can be particularly enjoyable as the natural lighting changes, likely enhancing the visual appeal of the course. The course’s varied features and strategic challenges contribute to a comprehensive golfing experience suitable for a broad range of players.

In summary, Baviera Golf, situated in Caleta de VĂ©lez in MĂĄlaga, Andalucia, offers quality service and a walkable course with mountain and Mediterranean Sea views. Golfers are advised to make strategic decisions at the tee box, particularly considering water hazards near some greens. The availability of twilight sessions provides additional flexibility for players. The combination of these features makes Baviera Golf a noteworthy option for golfing in the region.

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour Tee Times: Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele and Other American Players

PGA Tour Tee Times US Players (Image: Getty)
PGA Tour Tee Times US Players (Image: Getty)

The TOUR Championship at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia, is set to begin with much anticipation. As part of the PGA Tour, this tournament boasts a Par 71 course and a winners prize pool of $25 million. Viktor Hovland, the defending champion, will also be in action. The groups are determined by the current FedExCup standings. Round 2 tee times will be announced after Round 1.

PGA Tour Tee Times for American Players

Scottie Scheffler will tee off at 2:00 pm local time, alongside Xander Schauffele from the USA.

Justin Thomas will start his first round at 11:16 am local time, playing alongside Christiaan Bezuidenhout from South Africa.

Tom Hoge is paired with Aaron Rai from England. They will start round 1 at 11:27 am local time.

Billy Horschel’s first round begins at 12:00 pm local time, playing with Tommy Fleetwood from England.

Round Time Player Player Nationalities
1 11:16 AM Justin Thomas Christiaan Bezuidenhout USA, RSA
1 11:27 AM Tom Hoge Aaron Rai USA, ENG
1 11:38 AM Chris Kirk Taylor Pendrith USA, CAN
1 12:00 PM Billy Horschel Tommy Fleetwood USA, ENG
1 2:00 PM Scottie Scheffler Xander Schauffele USA, USA
PGA Tour Tee Times: TOUR Championship

Text written with the help of AI

Categories
PGA Tour

PGA Tour Tee Times: Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and Robert MacIntyre

PGA Tour Tee Times (Image: Getty)
PGA Tour Tee Times (Image: Getty)

The TOUR Championship, part of the PGA Tour, is set to take place at the East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia. The par-71 course will host top golfers competing for the $25 million winners prize. Last year’s champion, Viktor Hovland, will return to defend his title. The groups are determined by the current FedExCup standings. Round 2 tee times will be announced after round 1.

Rory McIlroy starts his first round at 1:38 pm local time. He will be playing alongside Ludvig Aberg from Sweden.

Tommy Fleetwood begins his round at 12:00 pm local time, paired with Billy Horschel from the USA.

Robert MacIntyre tees off at 12:16 pm local time with Akshay Bhatia from the USA.

Aaron Rai is set to start at 11:27 am local time, joined by Tom Hoge from the USA.

Round Time Player Nationality Playing With Nationality
1 11:27 AM Aaron Rai ENG Tom Hoge USA    
1 12:00 PM Tommy Fleetwood ENG Billy Horschel USA    
1 12:16 PM Robert MacIntyre SCO Akshay Bhatia USA    
1 1:38 PM Rory McIlroy NIR Ludvig Aberg SWE    
PGA Tour Tee Times: TOUR Championship

Text written with the help of AI

Categories
Highlights Tours

Solheim Cup Captain’s Picks: Team Europe Is Now Complete

Georgia Hall will be a part of the Solheim Cup once again. (Image: Getty)
Georgia Hall will be a part of the Solheim Cup once again. (Image: Getty)

Suzann Pettersen named her four captain’s picks for the 2024 Solheim Cup on Sky Sports on Monday. Albane Valenzuela, Anna Nordqvist, Emily Kristine Pedersen and Georgia Hall will complete the 12-strong team. After the picks, it is also clear that the European team has only two changes compared to the 2023 Solheim Cup. Albane Valenzuela and Esther Henseleit are the two rookies in the team for the competition at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. Prior to the picks, eight players – including Charley Hull– had already qualified with their performances. Team Europe:

Player Nation Qualification
Albane Valenzuela Switzerland Captain’s Pick
Anna Nordqvist Sweden Captain’s Pick
Carlota Ciganda Spain World Ranking
Celine Boutier France World Ranking
Charley Hull England LET-Ranking
Emily Kristine Pedersen Denmark Captain’s Pick
Esther Henseleit Germany LET-Ranking
Georgia Hall England Captain’s Pick
Leona Maguire Ireland World Ranking
Linn Grant Sweden World Ranking
Madelene Sagström Sweden World Ranking
Maja Stark Sweden World Ranking

Playing vice-captain Anna Nordqvist and fifth consecutive appearance for Georgia Hall

Anna Nordqvist will take on the role of playing vice-captain, as she did in 2023. It will be Nordqvist’s ninth appearance – the most ever by a Swede. Emily Kristine Pedersen from Denmark will be playing a Solheim Cup for the fourth time overall, while it will be Georgia Hall’s fifth in a row.”I love being part of Team Europe, this will be my fifth Solheim Cup and it’s always great to be able to represent Europe,” said Hall.

Solheim Cup 2024

The Solheim Cup 2024 will take place from September 13 to 15, 2024 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia, USA. The Europeans are aiming to claim the trophy for the fourth time in a row when they visit the States. The Europeans have won two of the last three editions and retained the Cup with a draw as defending champions in 2023.