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Panorama

A Golf Year in Review 2024: The Emotional Highlights

Golf in 2024 was marked not only by outstanding performances on the course but also by moments off the greens that highlighted the human side of the sport. From personal milestones to emotional victories, this year was filled with stories that went beyond birdies and bogeys.

An Alpine Fairytale Wedding: Martin Kaymer’s Personal Highlight

Martin Kaymer turned Castle Elmau in the Bavarian Alps into a picturesque venue for love and camaraderie. Celebrating with his wife Irene Scholz, Kaymer hosted a festive wedding ceremony two years after their private vows. Their son Sam, born in early 2022, took part in the festivities, carrying the rings in a touching moment. Fellow golfers, including Adrian Meronk, shared glimpses of the joyous occasion.

A Painful Loss: Grayson Murray’s Absence Felt Deeply

On May 25, 2024, the golf world was stunned by the tragic news of Grayson Murray’s passing. The 30-year-old, who had celebrated victory at the Sony Open earlier in the year, took his own life after a long struggle with mental health challenges.

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan remarked, “We lost not only a talented golfer but also a unique individual. The Tour is like a family, and this loss affects us all deeply.”

Olympic Gold: Scottie Scheffler Reaches a Career Pinnacle

The Olympic golf event at Le Golf National became the stage for an intense final. Scottie Scheffler secured the gold medal with a flawless 62 in the last round, clinching the title with a decisive birdie on the 17th hole.

During the medal ceremony, Scheffler tearfully sang the U.S. national anthem as the flag was raised.

Bernhard Langer’s Final Curtain in Europe

Bernhard Langer, the German golf legend, bid farewell to European tournaments in 2024. Despite an Achilles tendon injury that nearly ended his season, the 66-year-old returned to compete in the BMW International Open, his last major European event.

The crowd honored Langer with standing ovations, acknowledging a career that spanned decades. Teeing off with Martin Kaymer and Marcel Siem, Langer reflected on the changes in the game, joking, “The courses are getting longer, and I’m getting shorter.”

Rory McIlroy: US Open of Missed Opportunities

The US Open 2024 at Pinehurst was supposed to be Rory McIlroy’s long-awaited breakthrough, nearly a decade after his last major victory. With a two-shot lead over the final five holes, everything seemed to be going according to plan. But the drama unfolded: two short putts, missed at the 16th and 18th holes, cost McIlroy the title. McIlroy left the course without comment and withdrew from public life for several weeks. Later, he admitted, “It was a tough day, probably the hardest of my career.”

Bryson DeChambeau: Major Win and a Path Back to the Fans’ Hearts

While McIlroy faltered down the stretch, it was Bryson DeChambeau who emerged as the hero at Pinehurst. With a spectacular bunker shot on the 18th hole, which he later called “the shot of my life,” DeChambeau secured his second US Open title after his 2020 triumph. The victory was not only a sporting milestone but also marked a remarkable image transformation.

Once considered a polarizing figure, particularly due to his involvement in the LIV Golf controversy, DeChambeau showed a new side in 2024. In his post-win press conference, he dedicated the victory to his late father and golf legend Payne Stewart, who won the US Open at the same venue in 1999. “I wanted to do it for them,” he said, tears in his eyes.

His behavior on and off the course noticeably shifted. He engaged more with fans and earned praise for his emotional display. The US Open victory thus became both a sporting and personal triumph, symbolizing the evolution of a player committed to change.

A Rising Star: Robert MacIntyre Triumphs in Canada

The RBC Canadian Open 2024 was a breakthrough moment for Robert MacIntyre. The Scotsman demonstrated nerves of steel on a tense final day to secure his first victory on the PGA Tour.

It was not just the sporting achievement that made the story special. His father served as his caddie and shared the defining moment with him. “This is a dream I’ve shared with my dad since childhood,” said an emotional MacIntyre.

Team Spirit and Karaoke: McIlroy and Lowry Win in New Orleans

At the Zurich Classic, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry showcased the power of friendship on the course. With a playoff victory, the Irish duo clinched the title, proving how much fun golf can be as a team. “Winning with Shane by my side was something special. We’ve known each other for over 20 years – it makes this success even more meaningful.”

The fun didn’t stop on the course: after their victory, McIlroy and Lowry celebrated with gusto, surprising fans with a karaoke rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Images of the singing duo with their WWE-inspired championship belts went viral, making their win one of the year’s most entertaining moments.

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Panorama

World Golf Ranking: Tommy Fleetwood Leading Englishman

The World Golf Ranking has seen significant shifts this week, particularly among the leading English, Welsh, and Scottish players. Tommy Fleetwood remains the highest-ranking player from these regions, climbing to 11th with an average of 4.2640 points, up from 14th last week. Rory McIlroy holds firm in 3rd place with an average of 8.8280 points, showing no change from the previous week.

World Golf Ranking: Continued Shifts for British Players

Robert MacIntyre maintains his position as the leading Scottish player, staying steady at 16th with an average of 3.5306 points. Matt Fitzpatrick holds the 22nd position, showing no change from the last ranking, with an average of 3.1284 points. Tyrell Hatton, however, has dropped from 25th to 28th, carrying an average of 2.9608 points.

World Golf Ranking: Top-10 Overview

Scottie Scheffler remains the top player in the World Golf Ranking, with no change in his position or average points. Xander Schauffele stays in 2nd place, and Rory McIlroy holds 3rd. Other notable performances in the Top-10 include no changes for Ludvig Aberg, Wyndham Clark, Collin Morikawa, Viktor Hovland, Patrick Cantlay, Bryson DeChambeau, and Jon Rahm, each holding their previous week’s positions.

Rank Last Week Nationality Player Name
11 14 ENG Tommy Fleetwood
16 16 SCO Robert MacIntyre
22 22 ENG Matt Fitzpatrick
28 25 ENG Tyrell Hatton
35 34 ENG Justin Rose
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Highlights Tours

British Golfers Set for Olympics 2024 as Qualification Period Ends

The Olympic qualification period for the men golfers has ended, with Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick leading the charge for the Paris Olympics.

Fleetwood’s Performance Leading Up to The Olympics 2024

Tommy Fleetwood, ranked 10th in the Olympic Golf Ranking (OGR) and 13th in the World Golf Ranking (OWGR), has demonstrated consistent performance over the past few years. His significant achievements include winning the Nedbank Golf Challenge in 2022 and playing a pivotal role in Team Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in 2023. Fleetwood also secured a top-five finish at the 2024 Masters Tournament, solidifying his position as a key contender for the upcoming Olympics.

Fitzpatrick’s Steady Rise

Matt Fitzpatrick, ranked 11th in the OGR and 18th in the OWGR, has also shown remarkable consistency. The 2022 U.S. Open champion has maintained his presence within the top 50 golfers globally for the past seven years. Notable victories for Fitzpatrick include the 2023 RBC Heritage and the 2022 U.S. Open.

Qualification Process and Criteria

The Olympic Golf Ranking (OGR) determines qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics, scheduled from August 1-10 at Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. The top 15 golfers in the OGR automatically qualify, with a maximum of four players per National Olympic Committee (NOC). Beyond the top 15, the highest-ranked players are selected until the 60-player field is complete, ensuring no more than two players per NOC unless they are within the top 15.

The qualification criteria for the Olympic Golf Tournament. (Photo: IGF)

Women’s Qualification Period Nearing End

The qualification period for women golfers will conclude on June 24, 2024, a week after the men’s. Charley Hull and Georgia Hall are the top British hopefuls. Hull, ranked 9th in both the OGR and OWGR, recently won the Volunteers of America Classic, ending a six-year wait for an LPGA Tour title. Hall, ranked 23rd in the OGR and 36st in the OWGR, has also shown impressive form, including a win at the Aramco Team Series in London. Their performances will determine their positions in the final Olympic lists.

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Professionals

Road to the Olympic Games 2024: British Golfers Eye Qualification

The qualification process for the 2024 Olympics is in full swing, and British golfers Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, Charley Hull, and Georgia Hall are among the top contenders aiming for a place in Paris.

Men’s Olympics Qualification

Tommy Fleetwood and Matt Fitzpatrick are leading the British men’s golf contingent. Fleetwood, currently ranked 9th in the Olympic Golf Rankings (OGR) and 11th in the World Golf Rankings (OWGR), has had a successful few years. He won the Nedbank Golf Challenge in 2022, played a key role in Team Europe’s Ryder Cup victory in 2023, and recently secured a top-five finish at the 2024 Masters Tournament.

Matt Fitzpatrick, ranked 10th in the OGR and 14th in the OWGR, is also a strong contender. Fitzpatrick, the 2022 U.S. Open champion, has consistently remained within the top 50 golfers worldwide over the past seven years. His notable victories include the 2023 RBC Heritage and the 2022 U.S. Open, showcasing his readiness for Olympic competition.

Women’s Olympic Qualification

On the women’s side, Charley Hull and Georgia Hall are the top British hopefuls. Hull, ranked 7th in both the OGR and OWGR, recently ended a six-year wait for an LPGA Tour title by winning the Volunteers of America Classic in Texas. Her consistent performance, including five top-10 finishes this year, makes her a strong candidate for Olympic success.

Georgia Hall, ranked 23rd in the OGR and 31st in the OWGR, has also shown impressive form. The former Open champion looks forward to competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Hall’s recent appearances include a win at the Aramco Team Series in London.

Olympic Qualification Process

The Olympic Golf Ranking (OGR) determines the qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will take place from August 1 -10 on Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. The top 15 golfers in the OGR automatically qualify, with a maximum of four players per National Olympic Committee (NOC). Beyond the top 15, the highest-ranked players are selected until the 60-player field is filled, ensuring no more than two players per NOC unless they are within the top 15.

The men’s qualification period ends on June 17, 2024, while the women’s ends on June 24, 2024. The final lists will be published shortly after these dates, confirming the golfers who will compete in Paris.

The qualification criterie for the Olympic Golf Tournament. (Photo: IGF)

With their strong performances and current rankings, Fleetwood, Fitzpatrick, Hull, and Hall are well-positioned to represent Great Britain at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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Professionals

Tommy Fleetwood As Caddy on the Challenge Tour

Tommy Fleetwood, one of the most famous names in professional golf, is returning to his roots on the Challenge Tour this week – not as a player, however, but as a caddy for his stepson Oscar at the UAE Challenge in Abu Dhabi.

Tommy Fleetwood Back on the Challenge Tour

Although it has been over a decade since Fleetwood himself competed in a Challenge Tour event, this tour remains a special place for the current world number 11. In 2011, he secured his first Challenge Tour victory at the Kazakhstan Open and finished the year in first place on the money list, which enabled him to move up to the DP World Tour. The decision to caddy for Oscar shows not only the bond within the Fleetwood family, but also an appreciation for the foundations on which Fleetwood’s own career was built. The family moved to Dubai two years ago and live at Jumeirah Golf Estates, the venue for the DP World Tour, where Oscar is a member and trains as part of the Tommy Fleetwood Academy under the watchful eye of his coach Jackson Bell.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – APRIL 25: Tommy Fleetwood caddying for his stepson Oscar Craig (not pictured) during day one of the UAE Challenge at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club on April 25, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images)

Oscar, just 17 years old, has already won a number of amateur events in the UAE and after his victory at the Ras Al Khaimah Men’s Open has rightly secured a place at this year’s UAE Challenge event at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. As one of 30 invitations awarded by the Emirates Golf Federation, he will have the chance to compete against rising stars from the DP World Tour and put his skills to the test.

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Live

FedExCup Update: Scheffler Tops, Fleetwood Almost Top 30

As the PGA Tour’s season progresses, a notable total of tournaments have already been played thus far. The Masters Tournament, the most recent event, concluded with Scottie Scheffler emerging as the victor. With his second green jackett Scottie Scheffler secures his leads of FedExCup rankings, showcasing exceptional form throughout the season and at last weeks major. With six English players ranking among the top 100, the competition is as fierce as ever.

Key Movers in the FedExCup Rankings

Among the English contingent, Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood are the top performers in the FedExCup standings. Fitzpatrick, with a current rank of 29, has a tally of 652 points and has participated in 10 events without registering a victory this season. However, his consistent play has resulted in two top-10 finishes. Fleetwood, on the other hand, stands at rank 31 with 627 points. His season so far includes seven events and mirrors Fitzpatrick’s performance with three top-10 finishes but no victories, the lates a T3 finish at the Masters.

Top 5 FedExCup Leaders’ Spotlight

Scottie Scheffler remains the man to beat at the peak of the FedExCup rankings, with an impressive portfolio that includes three victories and eight top-10 finishes across nine events and the Masters 2024, amounting to 3,942 points. Close on his heels is Wyndham Clark at second place, followed by Xander Schauffele, Ludvig Åberg, and Hideki Matsuyama rounding out the top five. These golfers have proven their mettle within a highly competitive field, each participating in at least nine events, with Matsuyama also claiming a tour victory.

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.

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Live

Race to Dubai Rankings: Fleetwood Makes Up Places After Masters Performance

In the dynamic world of professional golf, the DP World Tour continues to showcase some of the most enthralling competitions and talent across the globe. The tour has already witnessed a range of tournaments in the current season, with the latest being won by Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy who, with masterful play, clinched victory and secured the top spot in the prestigious Race to Dubai rankings. With the Masters Tournament 2024 being co-sanctioned by the DP World and PGA Tour, players earn points for both rankings. Amidst the international roster, England has made a strong impression with a notable presence of 21 players within the Top 120 of the Race to Dubai rankings, indicative of the country’s deep talent pool.

Tracking the Prime Contenders in the Race to Dubai

Tommy Fleetwood, currently holding the 4th place, leads the charge for England in the Race to Dubai with 1142.6 points from 3 events and T3 at the Masters Tournament last weekend, including a significant win. Followed closely behind him are Jordan Smith and Andy Sullivan, both of whom have shown impressive consistency on the tour. These top English golfers continue to push the boundaries, aiming for the summit of the leaderboard.

Top-5 Spotlight: Race to Dubai Showdown

McIlroy, at the top with 1699.5 points from just 3 events and a victory, solidifies his reputation as a global golf icon. Japan’s Rikuya Hoshino sits second with 1258.1 points, edging closer with each tournament. In third place, Sweden’s Jesper Svensson has put forth an impressive 1160.34 points. The leaderboard is a testimony to the diverse talent that the DP World Tour attracts, with these athletes exemplifying the competitive spirit that lies at the heart of the Race to Dubai.

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.

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Professionals

Race to Dubai Rankings: McIlroy on Top – Fleetwood best Englishman

The DP World Tour’s prestigious Race to Dubai continues to garner worldwide attention as players vie for supremacy. We’ve witnessed the first month of tournaments shaping up the leaderboard, with each event contributing crucial points towards the ultimate ranking. Even though Rory McIlroy did not play the last two DP World Tour events, he remains in his top position in the current Race to Dubai ranking. Notably, England has made a substantial representation with 22 players within the top 120, indicating the depth and quality of English golfers on tour.

Race To Dubai: The best English Golfers

Delving into the specifics, we observe the top English talents making their mark in the Race to Dubai standings. The highest-ranked player from England is Tommy Fleetwood, currently holding the 9th spot with 625.6 points, having played 2 events this season, including a significant win at the Dubai Invitational, the first event of the new year. Trailing him are Laurie Canter and Callum Shinkwin, placed 13th and 22nd respectively. Canter has accumulated 479.15 points from 5 events, while Shinkwin has garnered 263.4 points across 4 tournaments, showing a significant English presence in the Race To Dubai ranking. Alex Fitzpatrick at 28 and Dan Bradbury at 29 complete the English quintet in the Top 30 of the ranking.

The Top Players of the Race To Dubai

At the pinnacle of the leaderboard, Rory McIlroy shines as the leader with a commendable 1596 points from 2 events, including a victory at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic. Close on his heels is Adrian Meronk in second place with 1023.4 points from 4 events, followed by Joaquin Niemann in third with 966.73 points from 3 events, including a win. The ranking continues with Zander Lombard at fourth, accruing 726.59 points from 7 tournaments, and Rikuya Hoshino completing the top-5 cadre with 715.35 points from 5 events, demonstrating the global competition’s intensity and the fierce quest to be crowned the Race to Dubai champion.

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.

Text is written with the help of AI

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Professionals

World Golf Ranking: Slow start to the year for UK-Players

In the current World Golf Ranking, Scottie Scheffler from the USA remains at the pinnacle holding the first position, consistent with the previous week’s standing. Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland also retains his second place, being the highest-ranked UK-Player in the list. McIlroy starts the new calendar year this week at the Dubai Invitational. The UK-Players did not get off to a good start in the new year.

No changes in the Top Ten of the World Golf Ranking

Moving to the other elite players from the UK, Matt Fitzpatrick from England stays at number 8 in the World Golf Ranking, maintaining his previous week’s spot. However, there has been a negative shift for two English golfers; Tyrrell Hatton slides to 14th from 12th, and Tommy Fleetwood falls to 15th from 14th position in the rankings. Both players took part in the first tournament on the PGA Tour this year, The Sentry.

The third rank in the World Golf Ranking is still held by Jon Rahm from Spain, who retains his position from last week. Similarly, Viktor Hovland from Norway and Patrick Cantlay from the USA remain unchanged in their fourth and fifth positions respectively.

Beyond the top three, within the players ranking from fourth to tenth in the World Golf Ranking, all individuals have maintained their standings from the previous week. Xander Schauffele (6th), Max Homa (7th), Brian Harman (9th), and Wyndham Clark (10th) have all remained static in their respective rankings, emphasizing a period of equilibrium within the top tiers of professional golf.

Besides Hatton and Fleetwood also Justin Rose and Robert MacIntyre fall down in the World Golf Ranking, marking a tough start for the UK-Players.

This text was written with the help of AI

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Professionals

World Golf Ranking: McIlroy ends the year in second place

In the latest update of the World Golf Ranking, prominent British, Scottish, and Welsh players maintain significant positions. With the Christmas break and the upcoming New Year, this year’s World Golf Ranking also comes to an end. The UK pros head into the winter break without any noticeable changes.

Rory McIlroy finishes second – Four UK stars in the Top 15

The year ends with four UK players in the Top 15 of the World Golf Ranking. While Rory McIlroy secures an impressive second place, Matt Fitzpatrick overwinters in eighth place. The other two players are outside the top ten. Tyrrell Hatton ends the year in 12th place, Tommy Fleetwood in 14th.

Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, ranking at 57, together with England’s Justin Rose and Aaron Rai at ranks 37 and 65 respectively, round out the esteemed group of UK golf professionals in the World Golf Ranking.

The Top Ten of the World Golf Ranking at the end of the year

Focusing on the pinnacle of the World Golf Ranking, the top three positions are held by Scottie Scheffler from the USA, Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland, and Jon Rahm from Spain, all maintaining their standings from the previous week, with Scheffler clinching the top spot. In the World Golf Ranking, ranks 4 through 10 reflect a continuation of status for golfers Viktor Hovland, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Max Homa, Brian Harman, and Wyndham Clark. This overview of the World Golf Ranking not only highlights the steadfast dominance of specific athletes but also showcases the dynamic nature of professional golf where even slight changes can be indicative of emerging trends and potential shifts in the competitive landscape.

The text was created with the help of AI