FedExCup: Rory McIlroy moved up the rankings after his recent victory. (Image: Getty)
As the PGA Tour season progresses, the fierce competition vying for the top spots in the FedExCup rankings is intensifying. With several tournaments already in the books, the latest tournament has just concluded with a dominant victory by Rory McIlroy. The win moved McIlroy from 16th to 4th in the FedExCup standings. Currently, the honor of leading the FedExCup rankings goes to American player Scottie Scheffler, who has built a strong lead with his consistent high-level play. Remarkably, there are five British players firmly positioned within the top 100.
Following the British Golfers’ Trail in the FedExCup
The British contingent on the PGA Tour has been showcasing their skills throughout the season. Among them, Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick have emerged as leading figures besides Rory McIlroy. Fleetwood, with three Top-10 finishes and a respectable amount of points, stands as a beacon of English talent in the rankings. Fitzpatrick, his compatriot, follows closely with his own set of impressive performances, adding to England’s formidable presence on the tour.
Scottie Scheffler is maintaining his lead with an imposing points total and a remarkable number of victories this season. The rest of the top five are Xander Schauffele, Wyndham Clark, Rory McIlroy, and Sahith Theegala
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.
Happy about the new addition to the family: Scottie Scheffler. (Image: Getty)
For world number one Scottie Scheffler, a lot has happened in the past few days. Recently, the American golfer took a short break from the PGA Tour. Last week, his son was born. Scheffler had already announced beforehand that he would exclude participation in the PGA Championship 2024 if the birth of his child falls within the tournament period. After the birth, there is now nothing standing in the way of his participation in the second major of the year.
Scottie Scheffler’s announces Family Addition
Scheffler recently provided an update to his fans via Instagram, where he directed heartfelt words to his newborn: “Welcome to the world little one. Your mom & dad love you so much.”
For PGA Tour star Scottie Scheffler and his wife Meredith Scudder, it is their first child. Although there has been no confirmation from the parents themselves, the official PGA Tour website announced that they have welcomed a baby boy named Bennett. Scheffler’s son was born on May 8th.
PGA Championship 2024: Scottie Scheffler to Compete in Major
These news should bring joy not only to Scottie Scheffler and his wife but also to golf fans, as Scheffler will not only become a father for the first time but also compete in the second major tournament of the year, the PGA Championship 2024. Previously, the 27-year-old had announced that he would exclude participation if the birth fell during the tournament period. With son Bennett being born last week, he will be part of the field for the PGA Championship 2024, competing for his second major title of the year.
Jimmy Dunne resigns from PGA Tour Policy Board. (Photo: Getty)
Jimmy Dunne, one of the initiators of the Framework Agreement between the PGA Tour and the PIF, is stepping down from his position on the PGA Tour’s Policy Board. The reason for this is that ‘no meaningful progress has been made towards a transaction with the PIF’ and he therefore considers his role on the Policy Board to be ‘utterly superfluous’, Dunne said in a letter explaining his resignation.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here’s Jimmy Dunne’s resignation letter from the PGA Tour board.</p>
Jimmy negotiated the Framework Agreement with the Saudi PIF. Then the players reacted and took the majority on the board. Dunne been completely shut off from negotiations. Also very close with Rory McIlroy. <a href="https://t.co/OGQfXDGynz">pic.twitter.com/OGQfXDGynz</a>
— Dan Rapaport (@Daniel_Rapaport) <a href="https://twitter.com/Daniel_Rapaport/status/1790129047264985197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Jimmy Dunne negotiated with the Public Investment Fund on behalf of the PGA Tour
Jimmy Dunne was one of the few people who not only knew about the deal between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, but was also heavily involved in the negotiations. To stem the threat from LIV Golf, Dunne approached the PIF on behalf of Monahan with the aim of settling the ongoing legal proceedings and bringing about a reunification of the sport. Together with the DP World Tour, the parties reached a framework agreement that ended the legal disputes and would lead to further negotiations. The deadline was actually 31 December 2023, but as a result was not yet in sight, it was agreed to continue negotiations.
Dunne himself had not been part of the negotiations since June 2023. His intention had been to vote as part of the Policy Board should an agreement be reached with the PIF. ‘Since the players on the Policy Board now outnumber the independent directors and no meaningful progress has been made towards a transaction with the PIF, I feel like my vote and role is utterly superfluous.’ However, Dunne reiterates that an agreement is important for professional sport in order to win back the interest of the fans.
Rory McIlroy had also expressed his frustration at the slow progress of negotiations before he resigned from his position on the Players’ Advisory Council in autumn 2023. However, Jay Monahan assured in March that talks were now progressing more quickly.
Earlier this year, Strategic Sports Group also invested billions in the PGA Tour, leading to the creation of PGA Tour Enterprises, which puts the Tour in a better position financially but is not yet a step towards an agreement with the PIF or a solution to the split between the Tour and LIV Golf.
World Golf Ranking: Rory McIlroy at the Wells Fargo Championship (Image: Getty)
Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland maintains his 2nd position in the World Golf Ranking, reinforcing his status as the top-ranked golfer from the United Kingdom. Tommy Fleetwood from England, ranking 11th, has held steady with no movement since last week, confirming his position within the elite ranks.
Matt Fitzpatrick from England, occupying the 14th position, sustains his place with no change from the previous week. Tyrrell Hatton, also from England, experiences a negative shift, dropping to the 18th spot from 17th. Scotsman Robert MacIntyre, ranked 84th, remains consistent with his previous ranking.
New Top Three in World Golf Ranking
Scottie Scheffler from the USA continues to lead the World Golf Ranking as number one, followed by Rory McIlroy. Xander Schauffele of the USA climbs to 3rd place, seeing improvement from 4th.
World Golf Ranking Positions 4-10
Wyndham Clark from the USA experiences a decrease to 4th from 3rd. Jon Rahm of Spain remains in 5th position. Max Homa from the USA makes notable progress, advancing to the 9th position from 10th, while Brian Harman from the USA moves down to 10th from 9th.
World Golf Ranking: Xander Schauffele is now in the top 3 (Image: Getty)
In the current World Golf Ranking, Scottie Scheffler retains the top position, demonstrating his continued dominance in the sport. Compatriot Xander Schauffele, now at third, has climbed one spot, marking a positive shift. Wyndham Clark, another American, moves down to fourth.
Analyzing further down the list, Patrick Cantlay holds steady in eighth, while Max Homa’s upward move to ninth indicates a favorable outcome from recent performances. Brian Harman rounds out the top 10, falling one position.
The ongoing fluctuations in the World Golf Ranking provide insight into the changing landscape of professional golf, particularly among American golfers who are consistently making their presence felt. Moving beyond individual achievements, the top 10-featured players like Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy staying static at second, Spanish golf professional Jon Rahm at fifth, and Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg holding the sixth position. Viktor Hovland of Norway also remained in his seventh spot, maintaining a firm stance among golf’s best.
The 2024 PGA Championship will take place in Valhalla this year. (Photo: Getty)
The PGA Championship 2024 is coming up and this year it will take place at Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky. The golf club, nestled in the beauty of Kentucky, is no stranger to hosting major golf events, and this will be the fourth time the PGA Championship has been held here. Past majors at Valhalla have seen golf legends such as Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy claim victory.
PGA Championship 2024: The rich history of the Major in Valhalla
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.” 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.
Pictures of the Kentucky Derby. (Photo: PGA of America)
“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.”
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.”
Jimmy Kirchdorfer and Justin Thomas. (Photo: PGA of America)
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.
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)
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.
The Elijah Craig Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. (Photo: PGA of America)
“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. 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.
The beautiful Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky. (Photo: PGA of America)
“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.
England Golf implements new slow play rule. (Photo: Getty)
The English golf association “England Golf” is introducing stricter regulations at the start of this season to combat the slow play “epidemic”. Checkpoints will be set up at all championships taking place under the sovereignty of England Golf: Playing groups must have passed the checkpoints after holes 4, 9 and 14 of each round within a predetermined period of time, otherwise warnings and penalty strokes will be issued if the dawdling is not made up for in the following round. The rule is that the distance to the previous group should not exceed twelve minutes.
England Golf: “We try to make the game a bit quicker”
The new rule is to be “strictly enforced” in this year’s test phase: “What I looked at is what we can do as an organisation to try and make the game a little bit quicker,” said James Crampton, the governing body’s director of championships.
“What I wanted to do was put the onus much more back onto the players – rather than the players thinking it’s the referee’s responsibility to get people round in a suitable time. Previously, if there were instances of players playing slowly, the policy was difficult to implement in terms of applying penalties,” Crampton added according to the National Club Golfer.
After an initial warning after the first delay, players have the chance to clear the backlog until the next check point. If this does not happen, two penalty strokes are added to the scorecard. In addition to the new rules on flight speed, individual time penalties can still be imposed, up to disqualification after four offences.
Chris Gotterup of the United States poses with the trophy after the final round of the Myrtle Beach Classic at Dunes Golf & Beach Club on May 12, 2024 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. (Photo by Raj Mehta/Getty Images)
Myrtle Beach Classic 2024 Live Scores
The Myrtle Beach Classic in the season 2024 is being played in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States of America at the The Dunes Golf and Beach Club. The tournament starts at the Thursday, 9th of May and ends at the Sunday, 12th of May 2024.
The Myrtle Beach Classic is part of the PGA Tour in the season 2024. In 2024 all players competing for a total prize money of $4,000,000.
The course for the tournament at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club plays at Par 71.
While the Wells Fargo Championship, a signature event on the PGA Tour, is taking place in North Carolina, the Tour is also playing in South Carolina as part of the first Myrtle Beach Classic.
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.
Madelene Sagstrom of Sweden and Rose Zhang of the United States embrace on the 18th green during the final round of the Cognizant Founders Cup at Upper Montclair Country Club on May 12, 2024 in Clifton, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Cognizant Founders Cup 2024 Live Scores
The Cognizant Founders Cup in the season 2024 is being played in Clifton, New Jersey, United States of America at the Upper Montclair Country Club. The tournament starts at the Thursday, 9th of May and ends at the Sunday, 12th of May 2024. The Cognizant Founders Cup is part of the LPGA Tour in the season 2024. In 2024 all players competing for a total prize money of $3,000,000. The course for the tournament at Upper Montclair Country Club plays at Par 71.
The LPGA Tour is playing the Cognizant Founders Cup in New Jersey. South Korea’s Jin Young Ko has won three of the last four tournaments in Clifton and is the defending champion again this year.
LPGA Tour live
The LPGA Tour is the largest tournament series in women’s professional golf. Most events are held in the USA, but the tour also has a global focus, for example with a strong Asian swing. Five major tournaments are organised on the women’s tour: the Chevron Championship, the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, the U.S. Women’s Open and, in cooperation with the Ladies European Tour, the Ricoh Women’s British Open and the Evian Championship.
In addition to the LPGA Tour, there is also the second-tier Symetra Tour, which can be used to qualify for the next season of the big tour. Similar to the men’s tour, there are also qualifying tournaments, the annual Qualifying School, where you can earn the right to play on the LPGA Tour, the Epson Tour or neither, depending on your ranking.
The LPGA is the oldest continuing women’s professional sports organisation in the United States. It succeeded the WPGA (Women’s Professional Golf Association, 1944-1949). The LPGA was founded in 1950 by 13 founding women. Alice Bauer, Patty Berg, Bettye Danoff, Helen Dettweiler, Marlene Hagge, Helen Hicks, Opal Hill, Betty Jameson, Sally Sessions, Marilynn Smith, Shirley Spork, Louise Suggs, and Babe Zaharias.
Doug Barron of the United States poses with the trophy after winning the Regions Tradition at Greystone Golf and Country Club on May 12, 2024 in Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Regions Tradition 2024 Live Scores
The Regions Tradition in the season 2024 is being played in Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America at the Greystone G&CC. The tournament starts at the Thursday, 9th of May and ends at the Sunday, 12th of May 2024.
The Regions Tradition is part of the Champions Tour in the season 2024. In 2024 all players competing for a total prize money of $2,600,000.
The course for the tournament at Greystone G&CC plays at Par 72.
The Champions Tour plays in Alabama. After his successful comeback, Bernhard Langer is playing his second tournament here since tearing his Achilles tendon and will be competing against Steve Stricker, who has won three of the last tournaments here.
Champions Tour live
The PGA Tour Champions, formerly known as the Senior PGA Tour and Champions Tour, is a professional golf tournament series designed specifically for golfers aged 50 and over. This tour offers a platform for experienced golfers who have already completed their regular career on the PGA Tour. The PGA Tour Champions is characterised by shorter tournaments, usually over three rounds instead of the usual four, and there is no cut so that all qualified players compete in the entire tournament.
The participants are often former PGA Tour players and Major winners, which gives the Tour a high level of competitiveness and prestige. The PGA Tour Champions allows fans to continue to see some of the most legendary names in golf in action. The Tour also includes unique team and match play events that differ from the usual PGA Tour formats.
