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Highlights Tours

Can Jon Rahm and other LIV Players start at the Masters?

Jon Rahm and many other LIV Players have managed to win at the Masters. Can one of the 13 LIV Golfers clinch the title this year at Augusta? (Source: Getty)
Jon Rahm and many other LIV Players have managed to win at the Masters. Can one of the 13 LIV Golfers clinch the title this year at Augusta? (Source: Getty)

The Masters is drawing ever closer and many players are among the big favorites. In addition to the superstars of the PGA Tour such as Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth, some players from the rival LIV Tour are also laying claim to the title. These include former Masters Winners Jon Rahm, Sergio Garcia or Dustin Johnson. Find out here why the LIV Stars are allowed to compete and what chances they have.

Jon Rahm and Co.: 13 LIV Players to start at the Masters Tournament

LIV Golf star Sergio Garcia has sent a clear message to the rest of the field: Those from the Saudi-backed circuit are “coming for that Green Jacket”. Garcia, one of the 13 players from the LIV Golf League set to tee it up at The Masters from April 11-14, has already secured a lifelong exemption to the event after his dramatic playoff victory at Augusta National in 2017.

Also returning as defending champion is Jon Rahm, who clinched victory last year with a four-shot lead over fellow LIV Golf League members Phil Mickelson and Brooks Koepka, the latter of whom went on to win the PGA Championship the following month. The roster of LIV Players vying for the coveted Green Jacket reads like a who’s who of golf: Dustin Johnson, Patrick Reed, Bubba Watson, and Charl Schwartzel, all former recipients of the esteemed jacket and therefore holders of lifelong exemptions at the Masters, alongside Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Smith, who qualified as recent winners of a different major.

But there are also fresh faces ready to make their mark. Tyrrell Hatton earned his spot after qualifying for the PGA Tour’s season-ending Tour Championship last August. Adrian Meronk secured his place by finishing 2023 inside the world’s top 50. Joaquin Niemann accepted a special invitation following three top-five finishes on the DP World Tour.

Rahm believes that a LIV Player can clinch the title at the Masters

With 88 players set to feature at The Masters and one final spot available to the winner of the Valero Texas Open, just over 14 percent of the major field will hail from the LIV Golf League.

Golf pundit Nick Dougherty believes Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, and Rory McIlroy will be among the contenders vying for the Green Jacket in Augusta, with hopes resting on McIlroy to complete a career grand slam and etch his name into history. “There is quite a few major champions in LIV and there is a few that are major champion quality golfers,” defending champion Jon Rahm said. “So just pure numbers, if you go with math, wouldn’t be the highest, but I’m confident that one of us can get it done this year.”

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Equipment

Golf Pride Announces The Honorary Starter Limited Edition Grip

The new special edition Golf Pride Masters grip. (Image: Golf Pride)
The new special edition Golf Pride Masters grip. (Image: Golf Pride)

Golf Pride, an industry leader in golf performance equipment, is celebrating the annual trip to Augusta, GA with the unveiling of its 2024 Honorary Starter grip, a commemorative version of the MCC Plus4™ that is available through select retailers beginning April 8. Golf Pride has a long and storied history of success in Augusta with its first victory coming in the 1967 tournament. Over the last 56 years, Golf Pride has been trusted by the hands of 43 champions, including an unprecedented run of 17 consecutive victories between 1987 and 2003.

Golfers Favorite Grip In A New Masters Look

Golf Pride’s MCC collection is the most widely used golf grip in the world. This is true at the amateur level as well as all professional tours across the globe. In fact, MCC will be trusted by many of the athletes competing in the 2024 tournament. Golf Pride expects to be in the hands of at least 80% of players in Augusta with MCC representing 30% of those players.

As such, this grip is designed to evoke the prestige, lore and mystique of the tournament and pays homage to the success of both Golf Pride and MCC over the years in Augusta. As with all MCC Plus4 models, it is a hybrid golf grip designed with a larger lower hand section that simulates four additional wraps of tape to encourage lighter grip pressure, reduced tension, and increased speed.

“The first major championship of the season is here and we are proud to have been trusted by the hands of so many past champions in the event’s storied history,” says James Ledford, President of Golf Pride. “The legends who have chosen our grips over the past 60 years are a testament to the innovation, quality and longevity of our brand. The Honorary Starter pays tribute to the past while utilising the modern technology that has made Golf Pride the most recognisable grip brand in the world.”

The 2024 limited edition design will be available in both standard and midsize.

About Golf Pride

Since its founding in 1949, Golf Pride has become synonymous with the highest quality performance equipment in golf. Today, from its Global Innovation Center (GIC) in Pinehurst, NC, Golf Pride continues to lead in grip innovation by continuing to obsess over the only connection between our golfers’ hands and the club. That’s why more than 80% of the world’s highest performing golfers choose Golf Pride. For professionals, top amateurs and recreational golfers of all skill levels, Golf Pride sets the standard – in performance and design. To learn more about Golf Pride, go to golfpride.com.

Text: Golf Pride

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Highlights Tours

Will Olympic Golf Get a Mixed Team Event?

Olympic Golf might get a mixed team event. (Photo: Getty)
Olympic Golf might get a mixed team event. (Photo: Getty)

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

Tiger Woods listed in 2024 US Masters field. (Photo: Getty)
Tiger Woods listed in 2024 US Masters field. (Photo: Getty)

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

(Photo: Getty)
(Photo: Getty)

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

After the Hole-in-One and two cars won, Zalatoris and his caddie were delighted. (Photo: Twitter @PGATOUR)
After the Hole-in-One and two cars won, Zalatoris and his caddie were delighted. (Photo: Twitter @PGATOUR)

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.

The complete leaderboard of The Genesis Invitational 2024

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

Tiger Woods caused confusion on the PGA Tour by withdrawing from the tournament. (Photo: Getty)
Tiger Woods caused confusion on the PGA Tour by withdrawing from the tournament. (Photo: Getty)

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.

To the leaderboard of The Genesis Invitational 2024

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

Scottie Scheffler remains at the top of the World Golf Ranking. (Image: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler remains at the top of the World Golf Ranking. (Image: Getty)

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.

Full Official World Golf Ranking

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

Scottie Scheffler holds the top spot in the world golf ranking for another week. (Source: Getty)
Scottie Scheffler holds the top spot in the world golf ranking for another week. (Source: Getty)

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.

Click here for the full world golf 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 named captain for the 2025 ryder Cup at Betpage Black in New York. (Photo: Getty)
Luke Donald named captain for the 2025 ryder Cup at Betpage Black in New York. (Photo: Getty)

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)