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Highlights Tours

Will Olympic Golf Get a Mixed Team Event?

The Olympic golf tournament could soon have a mixed tournament, according to a report by the Associated Press. A new format is close to being agreed on and could come into use at the 2028 Olympic Games in LA.

Olympic golf soon to be a mixed event?

The current format, which will also be used at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, only plans for two separate tournaments, one for men and one for women, each lasting four days. This has been the case since golf was reintroduced to the Olympic Games in 2016. However, since golf returned to the Olympics, there have also been calls for a more exciting format, for example as a team format, in order to be able to present the emotions that come to light at the Ryder Cup or Solheim Cup, for example, on the Olympic stage.

After the Grant Thornton Invitational, the first mixed event between the PGA and LPGA Tour since 1999, was met with great enthusiasm by players from both tours, there now seem to be considerations of introducing a similar team format at the Olympics in addition to the existing competitions. According to a source from the Associated Press, details such as the number of teams and the specific tournament format still need to be clarified before an official announcement is made.

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Highlights Tours

The Masters Tournament 2024: Tiger Woods listed in field

The anticipation for the Masters Tournament 2024 is growing and it seems that we will also be able to look forward to Tiger Woods‘ next tournament start. The 48-year-old was recently added to the field of participants listed on the Masters website. As a former winner of the prestigious tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Woods has a lifelong expemption to participate in the major tournament. He has won the Masters a total of five times, including his first major victory in 1997 and his last major victory to date in 2019 following his magnificent comeback from back surgery.

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The Masters Tournament 2024: Tiger woods returns to the Augusta National

Tiger Woods last competed in the Genesis Invitational, which he hosted, but had to withdraw during the second round due to illness. At the Hero World Challenge in December 2023, he had announced that he planned to play more tournaments in 2024, ideally one a month, starting with Genesis. Tiger Woods skipped the Players Championship this year, but played the Seminole Pro-Member Tournament for the first time the week before.

Instead, Woods has been particularly active off the golf course and involved in the affairs of the newly formed PGA Tour Enterprises and negotiations with the PIF.

The Masters now appears to be the next big event on his schedule. Last year’s experience was not really positive. Woods made the cut but struggled badly with walking and withdrew in round 3 when the tournament was suspended due to weather chaos and it became clear he would have to complete 29 holes on Sunday.

With the exception of his illness at the Genesis Invitational, however, the 15-time major winner appears to be in better physical condition and more confident on his feet again.

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Highlights Tours

Luke Donald on the Ryder Cup: The Trickiest Things About Foursomes

Luke Donald chats on the range with Mizuno in company of Ben Griffin and Keith Mitchell. He reflects on his past captaincy at the Ryder Cup in Rome, on the positive result but also the decisions a captain has to make leading up to that.

Luke Donald reflects about the Ryder Cup

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PGA Tour

Hole-in-One: Will Zalatoris’ fantastic shot on the PGA Tour on video

The second day of the Genesis Invitational on the PGA Tour had it all: In addition to Tiger Woods’ withdrawal from the tournament and the disqualification of Jordan Spieth, Will Zalatoris provided a positive highlight in California with a fantastic Hole-in-One. With his ace, the American not only kept up with the leading group, but also won a brand new car for himself and his caddie.

PGA Tour: Will Zalatoris shines with Hole-in-One at the Genesis Invitational 2024

Will Zalatoris got off to a fantastic start to the 2024 Genesis Invitational on the PGA Tour with a round of 66. On the second day, however, things did not go so smoothly for the American: By the 14th hole, Zalatoris was one stroke over par and was about to lose touch with the leading group. On the par-3 14th hole, however, the 27-year-old pulled off a feat: With a 7-iron, Zalatoris managed an ace on the 184-yard par-3 hole during his second round at the Riviera Country Club. His ball landed on the front left edge of the green and slowly rolled into the hole. Thanks in part to the Hole-in-One, Zalatoris posted a round of 70 and is tied sixth place (-6) after two days.

New car for Zalatoris and his caddie thanks to par-3 ace

Will Zalatoris’ caddie Joel Stock also had good reason to be happy. Both will leave the tournament with a new car: While Zalatoris receives a Genesis GV80, Joel Stock can thank him for an electric Genesis Electrified GV70, the prize for the first ace of the week at the Genesis Invitational. “I think it was a 180, with the pin back, into the wind, and we just tried to hit it right down the middle of the gap between the two bunkers,” Zalatoris said after his round. “I was lucky it went in,” he added. “It was a nice little bonus.”

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PGA Tour

Tiger Woods’ tournament-withdrawal: Ambulance call and confusion

Confusion surrounding Tiger Woods on the PGA Tour: The 15-time major champion withdraws from the field of the 2024 Genesis Invitational on the second day of the tournament. After an ambulance call-out and Tiger’s disappearance caused confusion for a long time, the PGA Tour announced that the 48-year-old had to end the event early due to flu-like symptoms. Woods had already been struggling with back problems on the first day of the tournament.

Tiger Woods: Host with tournament withdrawal at the 2024 Genesis Invitational

Tiger Woods had certainly imagined his opening round of the year on the PGA Tour to be different. As host, the 48-year-old started the tournament with an outstanding field of participants with a round of 72 and was already struggling with cramps in his back on the first day. It was clear from the outset that Woods would not be competing for the trophy at the Genesis Invitational under normal circumstances, rather, the aim was to celebrate a start to the year without any major physical problems. The second day of the tournament was all the more disappointing for the 15-time major winner: After Woods unexpectedly left the course on the seventh hole in a golf cart without notice and an ambulance appeared on the tournament grounds, the confusion was huge. Shortly afterwards, the PGA Tour announced Tiger Woods’ withdrawal from the tournament field. While there were already speculations about a more serious injury or severe pain, the all-clear was fortunately given shortly afterwards.

After some delay, the PGA Tour released a statement to the media from Rob McNamara, Woods’ longtime friend and business partner, clearing up the afternoon’s confusion. According to McNamara, Woods was dealing with a “flu-like” illness that worsened on Friday afternoon. “It started last night with flu-like symptoms,” McNamara said. “When he woke up this morning, they were worse than the night before. He had a little fever, and he was better during the warm-up. But then when he was on the pitch, running and playing, he felt dizzy.” The ambulance was called mainly because of Woods’ dizziness, which was due to dehydration. Thanks to an IV, however, the 48-year-old is feeling better: “His back is fine. It was all a medical condition, dehydration, [and] now the symptoms are reversing themselves after he got an IV.”

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Live

Scheffler Tops World Golf Ranking: Top Americans Shine

In the latest World Golf Ranking, American players maintain significant positions with Scottie Scheffler holding the top spot for another consecutive week and Xander Schauffele residing at the fifth position. There were no changes in their rankings from the previous week.

Other notable American golfers within the World Golf Ranking top echelon include Patrick Cantlay at sixth, closely followed by Max Homa in seventh place, and Brian Harman residing at ninth. These high-ranking players’ positions also remained unchanged from the prior week, maintaining a steady presence at the top of the chart. The tenth position is held by Wyndham Clark, marking another week of consistent standing within the top 10.
Within the upper tier of the World Golf Ranking, six of the top ten spots are secured by American players. Beyond the top ten, American golfer Collin Morikawa is found at the 12th position. From the table leader to this position, there have been no changes compared to the previous week.
The ranking showcases that aside from the leading American players, notable positions come from Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy and Spain’s Jon Rahm, stable at second and third positions, respectively. Norway’s Viktor Hovland retains his fourth-place ranking, cementing his presence among golf’s elite in the World Golf Ranking.
Shifting focus to the middle portion of the top-10, England’s Matt Fitzpatrick holds fast at eighth. South Korean talent Tom Kim, climbs from the 15th to the 13th spot, marking the only significant shift within the top 15 as the tour progresses through the season.

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Highlights Tours

World Golf Ranking: Scottie Scheffler maintains lead

In the latest World Golf Ranking, Scottie Scheffler retains the number one spot, underscoring his continued dominance in the sport. His compatriot, Patrick Cantlay, likewise holds his ground at fifth position. These top-performing American players reflect a consistent stronghold within the upper echelon of the rankings.

Six american golfers in the top 10 of the world golf ranking

Further down the list, other American golfers, Xander Schauffele (6th), Max Homa (7th), and Brian Harman (9th), maintain their previous week’s rankings. Wyndham Clark rounds out the top five Americans by claiming the 10th spot this week. Apart from performances by US players, the top three of the World Golf Ranking sees no movement, with Rory McIlroy (NIR) and Jon Rahm (ESP) remaining in the second and third spots respectively. Turning to players ranked fourth through tenth, Viktor Hovland (NOR) keeps his 4th rank, while English golfer, Matt Fitzpatrick, remains at 8th. This variation attests to the diverse talent present in today’s golf spectrum. Collin Morikawa (USA) marks a notable advancement as he climbs to the 13th position, a move that is an affirmation of his upward trajectory in the golfing landscape. In summary, the World Golf Ranking offers a reflective lens on the current standings and shifts within the professional golfing community, highlighting both stability and notable changes among the top contenders.

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Highlights Tours

Luke Donald Named 2025 European Ryder Cup Captain

Luke Donald has been named as the European Captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York.
 
The 45 year old Englishman returns to the role having led Europe to a 16½ – 11½ victory against the United States in the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy, earlier this year.

Luke Donald takes on second Ryder Cup Captaincy

He will become Europe’s first repeat Captain since Bernard Gallacher performed the role in three consecutive Ryder Cups, in 1991, 1993 and 1995.  
 
Donald will be aiming to become only the second Captain to lead Europe to victories both home and away, following Tony Jacklin who achieved the double at Muirfield Village in Ohio in 1987, retaining the Ryder Cup following his team’s victory two years previously at The Belfry, in England, in 1985.
 
Donald said: “I’m delighted and honoured to have been given the chance to lead Team Europe in the Ryder Cup once again. Great opportunities don’t come along very often in life and I’m a great believer that when they do, you need to grab them with both hands – this is one of these moments.
 
“I’ve been fortunate as a player to have had many amazing times in the Ryder Cup over the years and so to add being a winning Captain to that, to form bonds with the 12 players like we did in Italy and to get the result we did, was very special indeed.
 
“The Ryder Cup means so much to me, so to be Captain again and have the chance to create more history by becoming only the second European Captain to win back-to-back is exciting.

Luke Donal will be European Ryder Cup Captain at Bethpage Black

“There is no question that being a Captain away from home is a tough task. But I have never shied away from challenges throughout my career and it is precisely the kind of thing that motivates me. I can’t wait to get another 12-strong team to Bethpage in 2025.”
 
Guy Kinnings, Executive Director – Ryder Cup, said: “Luke was a superb Captain in Rome and we are delighted that he will be returning to the role for the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York.
 
“He demonstrated clear, calm and meticulous leadership skills in Rome, and all those qualities will be big assets again for Luke and Team Europe as they take on the considerable challenge of trying to retain the Ryder Cup against a strong US Team backed by passionate support in New York.”
 
Donald featured as a player in the last European Team to win on American soil at Medinah Country Club in 2012 when he led José María Olazábal’s side out in the singles, securing the first blue point on the board in one of the most famous comebacks in the history of the biennial contest.
 
In total, he represented Europe in the Ryder Cup four times as a player, being part of a winning team on all four occasions, contributing 10½ points from his 15 matches.
He then served as a Vice Captain in 2018, under Thomas Bjørn, and Pádraig Harrington in 2021, before becoming Captain for the first time at the 2023 contest in Rome.
 
Donald also has an impressive in individual playing career having been World Number One for a total of 56 weeks, while in 2011 he became the first player in history to top the money lists on the European Tour (now the DP World Tour) and the PGA TOUR in the same year.

(Text: Ryder Cup Europe)

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Professionals

World Golf Ranking: Scottie Scheffler on Top – Slight changes for US players

The current World Golf Ranking reveals USA’s Scottie Scheffler retaining the top spot, followed closely by Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy. This makes Scheffler the highest-ranking American player. Trailing him, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, and Max Homa respectively hold the 5th, 6th, and 7th positions in the global ranking.

Performances of other American Players in the World Golf Ranking

Further down the World Golf Ranking, Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark secure the 9th and 10th spots, thus making up the six top-performing American players.

As Collin Morikawa and Jordan Spieth fall down one spot they lose touch to the Top 10.

European Players in the Top 3 of the World Golf Ranking

Meanwhile, Spain’s Jon Rahm stays strong at the third place, ensuring that Europe has a robust representation in the top three of the World Golf Ranking.

The World Golf Ranking of the remaining players in the coveted top 10 reveals no significant shifts. England’s Viktor Hovland continues to hold the fourth spot, and completing the top ten, we see an interesting mix of nationalities setting themselves apart on the international stage, showcasing exemplary skills and tenacity throughout the rankings.

Scandinavian tournament winners Ludvig Aberg and Nicolai Hojgaard climb the rankings

The Danish youngster Nicolai Hojgaard won the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai and moves up 20 ranks from 70th to claim a spot in the Top 50.

The PGA Tour title went to Swedish Ryder-Cup-Star Ludvig Aberg, who climbs from 53rd to 32nd.

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Professionals

World Golf Ranking: Tommy Fleetwood heading for Top 10

As the DP World Tour played its final tournament in Dubai many UK players were in action once again. Especially Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Wallace make their mark and climb in the World Golf Ranking.

Examining the Shifts in the World Golf Ranking: Top UK Players make their mark

Focus falls on Britain, Wales, and Scotland’s leading golfers: Rory McIlory, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood, and Justin Rose. McIlory and Fitzpatrick maintain the 2nd and 8th positions respectively with the Northern Irish golfer painting an especially consistent streak atop the World Golf Ranking. Tyrrell Hatton, on the other hand, stays steady in the 12th position.

As Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Wallace both tied for second place at the DP World Tour Championship, both players climb the ranking. While Fleetwood jumps from 15th to 13th and heads for the Top 10, Wallace climbs from 87th to 68th.

Scandinavian tournament winners Ludvig Aberg and Nicolai Hojgaard climb the rankings

Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Wallace both were beaten in the DP World Tour Championship by the Danish youngster Nicolai Hojgaard, who moves up 20 ranks from 70th to claim a spot in the Top 50.

The PGA Tour title went to Swedish Ryder-Cup-Star Ludvig Aberg, who climbs from 53rd to 32nd.

World Golf Ranking: Top Three Standing Firm

Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm continue to dominate the top three spots in the World Golf Ranking, respectively. Their sustained performances keep them firmly planted within the top three ranks.

In the Top 10 there are no changes. Matt Fitzpatrick holds his place at 8th, reflecting consistency amongst the top British players in the World Golf Ranking. Meanwhile, Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark, both from the USA, continue to hold their 9th and 10th positions, respectively, rounding off the top ten players of golf in the week of this updated World Golf Ranking.

As we continue to follow the ever-changing patterns of the World Golf Ranking, it becomes clear that the golfing world is a dynamic platform for global athletes to showcase their skills. The constant shifts in the top and middle tiers of the ranking demonstrate the fierce competition and the ever-changing dynamic of golf prototypes worldwide. It’s a testament to the malleability and diversity of professional golf and its players – trends that keep the audience coming back week after week, making golf an exciting sport to follow. For now, we watch, wait, and witness as the golfing world continues to spin on its competitive axis, every swing, every putt, and every victory offering a chance for a new headline within the World Golf Ranking.