Golf solutions: August 2023

Nelly Korda surprised Megan Khang after her first LPGA win (and now she's shining in Portland)

With eight wins on the LPGA and three more on the Ladies European Tour, Nelly Korda knows a thing or two about celebrating victories. So when her dear friend Megan Khang finally broke through and earned her first victory last week at the CPKC Women’s Open in her 191st career start, Korda thought a special celebration was in order.

Knowing she was sharing a house with Khang this week for the Portland Classic, Korda planned a surprise for her friend’s room to go along with a gift sent by Khang’s boyfriend.

“I came to this week a little late and I’m sharing the house with Nelly,” Khang explained, “and she was showing me my room and totally caught me off guard. She had balloons done for my room and my boyfriend had sent flowers.

“I had no idea that was going to happen. I think I like cried for the first time. I was like, ‘Wow, this is crazy,’ and it really hit.”

After enjoying a little celebration with her friend, however, it was back to business on Thursday for Korda at Columbia Edgewater Country Club as she finished the day with three straight birdies to get to 7 under, just two shots behind leader Perrine Delacour after the opening round of play.

Thursday brought a little rain, but that didn’t impact Korda, who had birdies on the day to go with just one bogey.

Amid the rain, @NellyKorda is T6 at the turn at the @PortlandClassic pic.twitter.com/qqzvL9VdhP

— LPGA (@LPGA) August 31, 2023

“I think the golf course is just in general playing a little softer than it was last year. I just knew with the amount of rain we were getting throughout the day that I could just be a little bit more aggressive,” Korda said. “So making sure that I was flying to the right numbers and taking dead aim at flags was possible.

“I think (the rain is) good. It boosts your confidence in a sense when you’re hitting it good. Obviously, it’s tough to play in the rain and there is a lot more going on, as in trying to stay dry and it’s a little bit more hectic, but overall it didn’t really dump on us. It stayed consistent throughout the day.”

Korda didn’t touch a club for several weeks this spring after lower back pain resulted in a forced break. When the 25-year-old returned to work, it was with a new swing instructor, Jason Baile, the director of instruction at Jupiter Hills Club in Florida. She hasn’t won since returning, but she’s playing well with two top-11 finishes in the most recent majors, the Amundi Evian Championship and the AIG Women’s Open can attest.

“It’s been an interesting time since my injury. You know, I came back — I played really well before it, and then when I came back it was very hard to get into the groove of things,” Korda said. “I came back to pretty much four majors in a row, so definitely tough golf courses, firm golf courses where it’s kind of hard to get your confidence back.

“But one step at a time I think. I’m pushing in the right direction.”

With the Solheim Cup right around the corner, Korda is concerned with fine-tuning her game, but her focus is solely on playing well in Portland.

This will be Korda’s third appearance at the biennial event against the Europeans and has a 5-2-1 record in her previous starts. But that’s in the future.

“I’m just really focusing on this week, and once I get to that week I’ll focus on that week,” she said. “I’m just trying to take it one round at time, play some consistent golf, and hopefully I can take that into Spain.”

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/bmxRXMn

Tony Finau facing lawsuits alleging he owes two men millions of his PGA Tour earnings

Tony Finau has won six times on the PGA Tour and has been a member of two U.S. Ryder Cup and two Presidents Cup teams.

He has made $37.3 million in on-course earnings, good for 27th all-time, since joining the PGA Tour in 2015. His overall net worth is estimated to be closer to $50 million thanks to endorsements.

Finau, however, is facing allegations from two separate people claiming he owes them millions of those earnings.

A report by the Deseret News, a news outlet based in Utah, where Finau grew up, details accusations by two men, Molonai Hola, described as a former business associate and family friend, and David Hunter, a Utah businessman.

Hola filed suit in 2020, while Hunter did so in 2021. Both men say they financially backed Finau – and his younger brother Gipper – which helped them get their pro careers started.

The Deseret News report states:

Both Hola and Hunter, who are not working together, say they want repayment for loans and other work and services they say they provided to the family from 2006 to 2009, totaling about $1.1 million. They also seek, separately, up to 20 percent each of Tony Finau’s career earnings, which could be in the tens of millions.

Tony Finau’s representatives, when asked for comment, would not respond to specific allegations.

“People ask why we think we’re entitled to his earnings. We ask back, ‘Who risks $500,000 on a 17-year-old kid who hadn’t done a thing yet in pro golf? We deserve to be compensated for that,” Hunter told the Deseret News.

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/bmxRXMn

Photos: 2023 Walker Cup at the Old Course at St. Andrews

The Walker Cup is here.

It’s one of the greatest men’s amateur golf competitions in the world, and it’s set for the Home of Golf. The 2023 Walker Cup begins Saturday at the Old Course at St. Andrews, as the best amateurs from the United States will take on those from Great Britain and Ireland. The Old Course has hosted eight previous Walker Cups, more than any other venue, most recently in 1975, when the USA defeated GB&I, 15½-8½.

The USA leads the all-time series over GB&I, 38-9-1.

The United States’ 10-man roster is highlighted by World No. 1 Gordon Sargent and U.S. Amateur winner Nick Dunlap.

Here’s a look at some of the best photos from the 2023 Walker Cup.

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/bmxRXMn

2023 Solheim Cup: Dunning and LPGA release official uniforms

Dunning, in collaboration with the LPGA, is revealing the official team attire designated for the 2023 U.S. Solheim Cup Team.

Serving as the official uniform supplier for both the 2023 and 2024 U.S. Solheim Cup teams, Dunning will style the complete uniforms and outerwear for the U.S. team. These pieces will be worn during practice sessions and competitive play at the forthcoming event held at Finca Cortesín in Andalucía, Spain and the following year at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia.

The collaboration between Dunning and the LPGA, with help from Team Captain Stacy Lewis, has resulted in a uniform collection that embodies the essence of the U.S. Team’s spirit.

Solheim Cup Friday uniform by Dunning Golf. (Dunning)

“Working with the Dunning team on designing our U.S. uniforms for 2023 and 2024 has been an incredible collaborative and interesting process,” said Lewis, a four-time U.S. Team competitor. “Their team is open to all the ideas we’ve brought to the table and their expertise in working with these performance fabrics has elevated those ideas into some beautiful uniform pieces. I can’t wait for fans to see what they’ve created for 2023, and 2024 will bring an entirely new vision to our Solheim Cup uniforms.”

The color palette of red, white and blue in this year’s team uniforms pays homage to patriotism. Dunning’s sense of vibrant colors and unique patterns is showcased in advanced technical fabrics such as Coolmax.

Solheim Cup Saturday uniform by Dunning Golf. (Dunning Golf)

The collection includes polos, skorts and shorts designed with moisture-wicking and breathability fabrics, complemented by plenty of stretch to ensure the team’s comfort amidst the playing conditions of Southern Spain. Layering options consist of a performance quarter-zip pullover, a warm hoodie and a versatile vest and jacket combination incorporating PrimaLoft, known for being ultralight and easy to pack.

“The Solheim Cup is the absolute pinnacle of women’s competitive golf and we’re truly honored to be associated with the U.S. Team and the event’s spirit of competition,” said Michael J. Setola, CEO of Dunning. “Golfers often say there’s no greater honor than playing for your country, and as we strive to meet the performance needs of players at the highest levels of the game, we feel just that way, too.”

The Solheim Cup capsule is available now at Dunninggolf.com and various clubs and resorts across the country.

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/bmxRXMn

Popular disc golf course in New Jersey being forced to shut down

The Disc Golf World Championships are underway at a resort just outside Burlington, Vermont.

But about seven hours to the south, a popular disc golf course is being forced to shut down by the state of New Jersey.

Stafford Woods in Vorhees Township, New Jersey, is highly ranked as a layout and is one of the most visited courses in the state by disc golfers.

The state’s Department of Environmental Protection, however, is ordering the course to be shut down and the area is going to be restored as open space with a walking trail, according to a report by nj.com, which indicates “all disc golf components, including baskets, tee pads and signage from the property the township had purchased in 2004” are to be removed.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection had determined the property deed on which the course sits allows for “passive” recreation and disc golf is considered an “active” recreation.

NJ.com says the township was not part of the decision-making process, and that it was the department of state that made the ruling.

A spokesperson for the agency did say the notice to close is under review: “In an effort to be responsive to the extensive public feedback we have received, we will closely review the restoration plan and ongoing uses of the property and will be in further communication with the township.”

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/bmxRXMn

Here's a look at some of college golf's top transfers for the 2023-24 season

The transfer portal was busy this summer.

As is the case in every sport since the introduction of the transfer portal, college golf is no stranger to seeing players pack up from one school and head to the next for a change of scenery, playing opportunities and more.

Not only do some players still have an extra year of NCAA eligibility to use due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, but don’t forget the NCAA also passed a new rule in 2021 that allows players to transfer penalty-free one time in their collegiate career.

Here’s a look at some of the top transfers ahead of the 2023-24 college golf season.

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/bmxRXMn

Check the yardage book: The Old Course at St. Andrews for the 2023 Walker Cup

The Old Course at St. Andrews – host of 2023 Walker Cup in Scotland – wasn’t originally designed so much as it evolved in the early 15^th century. Architectural contributions were made hundreds of years later by Daw Anderson in the 1850s and Old Tom Morris a few decades after that.

Known as the Home of Golf, the Old Course ranks No. 2 on Golfweek’s Best 2023 list of classic courses in the United Kingdom and Ireland built before 1960.

How to score a tee time on the Old Course at St. Andrews

The Old Course will be stretched to 7,313 yards with a par of 72 for the 49^th Walker Cup, the biennial match between amateurs from the United States versus amateurs from the United Kingdom and Ireland. The length of each hole for the Walker Cup is noted in the captions below.

The teams will play four foursomes matches Saturday morning, eight singles matches Saturday afternoon, four foursomes matches Sunday morning and 10 singles matches Sunday afternoon. (Foursomes is often called alternate-shot in the U.S., and each two-man side will play one ball, alternating shots until the ball is holed.)

The Walker Cup will be broadcast on Golf Channel in the U.S. at 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. EDT on Saturday, then 8 a.m.-2 p.m. EDT Sunday.

Thanks to yardage books provided by StrackaLine – the maker of detailed yardage books for thousands of courses around the world – we can see exactly the challenges the players face this week.

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/bmxRXMn

Mizuno T24 wedges: Discover how they create more spin and versatility

Gear: Mizuno T24 wedges
Price: $180 each with True Temper Dynamic Gold Tour Issue S400 shafts and Golf Pride MCC grips
Specs: Forged 1025 carbon steel infused with Boron. Available in even lofts from 46 degrees to 60 degrees in three finishes (Raw, Soft White Satin, Denim Copper) and in five sole configurations.
Available: September 14

Who It’s For: Golfers who love a traditional-looking wedge designed to enhance feel, consistency and spin.

The Skinny: The combination of a thinner topline, shorter blade length, loft-specific grooves and five different sole grinds makes the T24 wedge family the most versatile in the brand’s history.

The Deep Dive: Over the past several seasons, Mizuno has tried several innovative ways to help golfers get better performance around the greens, going so far as to offer the larger, hollow-bodied ES21 wedges. The release of the new T24 wedges blends several different features and design elements in a classic-looking wedge that has been made to appeal to a wide range of players.

The T24 wedges are made using grain flow forged 1025 carbon steel that is infused with Boron. Mizuno has added Boron in some irons since 2014 because it makes the carbon steel harder without sacrificing the soft feel. In wedges, that means the edges of the grooves should be more durable, so spin deterioration will not happen as quickly.

Compared to the T22 wedges they replace, the T24 wedges have a thinner topline and a more compact shape. The pitching wedges and gap wedges (46-52 degrees) have iron-style looks and are slightly-more angular than the sand wedges and lob wedges (54-60 degrees), which have a more-rounded shape. All the T24 wedges and have extra mass designed behind the top of the hitting area to elevate the center of gravity location, which should make it easier to flight approach shots down for more control.

The Mizuno T24 has extra mass located high in the back of the head, but golfers cant’ see it when they address the ball. (David Dusek/Golfweek)

Mizuno was the first manufacturer to design different grooves for different wedges based on their lofts, and that benefit is found in the T24. Pitching wedges and gap wedges (46-52 degrees) have thinner, deeper, iron-style grooves because golfers tend to use those clubs from the fairway as extensions of their iron set. Sand wedges and lob wedges (54-60 degrees), however, get wider, shallower grooves to help channel water and debris off the hitting surface and protect spin. In the T24 wedges, the grooves themselves have been modified to be sharper, to create more spin, while staying in the USGA groove rule restrictions.

Grooves in the Mizuno T24 san wedges and lob wedges are wider and shallower to move water and debris off the hitting surface. (David Dusek/Golfweek)

Mizuno has also changed how many grooves each T24 wedge has, with pitching wedges and gap wedges now having 17 grooves packed tightly on the face while, like an iron. At the same time, the sand wedges and lob wedges have 15 grooves. According to Mizuno, having numerically fewer grooves on the higher-lofted wedges allows them to grab the golf ball’s cover more effectively and generate extra spin.

Between each groove, Mizuno has added a microgroove pattern to increase friction. The microgrooves are under the chrome plating, so you can’t see them, but they are visible on the Raw finished wedges. Keeping the microgrooves under the chrome plating increases their durability.

Mizuno T24 wedges come in five different sole configurations. (David Dusek/Golfweek)

The T24 wedges are available in five different sole grinds, with each designed to excel in different conditions and ideally suited for different styles and shot types.

S Grind (46-54 degrees): Think of this as a standard, straight sole with some heel relief the S Grind will perform like an extension of a player’s iron set, but the heel relief should allow it to be used on chip shots more effectively.
D Grind (54-58 degrees): A versatile grind with heel and toe relief and moderate bounce in the center of the sole for players who want traditional versatility around the greens.
C Grind (56-60 degrees): Thin offering combines the heel and toe relief of the D Grind but with less bounce for players who sweep the ball or who are faced with firm conditions and wet, packed sand.
X Grind (58-60 degrees): For skilled players, this is the lowest-bounce option among Mizuno’s lob wedges. It has extreme heel and toe relief to help golf clip the ball off tight lies. The X Grind is the widest sole, making it a good option for players who struggle in bunkers.
V Grind (58-60 degrees): A new grind for Mizuno, the V is a high-bounce option with trailing edge relief. A seam running from heel to toe creates a V-shape on the bottom of the club to help this wedge pop out of sand and turf more easily.

Below are several close-up images of the new Mizuno T24 wedges.

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/OFKlhra

After first going silent on Juli Inkster, Jenny Bae now leans on star as she prepares for LPGA debut

It’s not like the ring of her phone came as a total surprise; Jenny Bae was tipped off in advance. Her coach at the University of Georgia mentioned to the senior star that a call from seven-time major champion Juli Inkster could be coming and she should be prepared.

Bae had a record-setting 2022-23 season, finishing in the top five on eight different occasions, and Bulldogs coach Josh Brewer hinted that something special could be in the works.

“He said make sure you keep the phone on, and you’re wide awake. You’re going to get one of the biggest important phone calls of your entire life tomorrow morning at 9,” Bae recalled. “I was like, oh, okay. So I was freaking out the entire night. Woke up super early. Just couldn’t sleep. I got the phone call and she says, ‘Hi, I’m Juli Inkster,’ and she announced the award and I think I was quiet for about 30 seconds or so.”

Bae had been selected as the 2023 recipient of the Inkster Award presented by Workday, an honor that recognizes the highest-ranked women’s Division I collegiate golfer in her final year of eligibility for the 2022-23 college golf season. A fifth-year senior, she finished the season as the fifth-ranked women’s college golfer in the Golfweek/Sagarin rankings and fourth in the Golfstat rankings.

But for all her accomplishments, Bae’s phone etiquette went out the window when Hall of Famer Inkster was on the other end of the line. On Wednesday, in advance of the LPGA’s Portland Classic, the award’s namesake wondered if she’d even properly connected with the rising star.

“I was like, are you there?” Inkster said.

“I was so in shock,” Bae added. “I was like, is this really Juli Inkster on the phone with me right now telling me I just got the biggest award of the year? I was super excited, super pumped. After our phone call, I called my coach, my parents, guess what just happened and who just called me. That day, I can say, is one of my best mornings I’ve ever had in my life.”

The honor was well-deserved for Bae, who captured titles at the Illini Invitational and the Athens Regional, where she posted the two lowest scores in Georgia history. She compiled a 70.75 season stroke average, the lowest single-season stroke average in Georgia history. She also finished runner-up at the 2023 Augusta National Women’s Amateur, falling to Rose Zhang on the second playoff hole.

As a result of winning the award, she received an exemption for this week’s event, which takes place at Columbia Edgewater Country Club in Portland, and Bae will automatically advance to the second stage of LPGA Q-School from Oct. 16-20 at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Florida.

And while this week’s LPGA debut will certainly test her nerves, Bae has plenty of experience to draw on. On top of her stellar collegiate career, she’s added a pair of wins on the Epson Tour this summer.

Juli Inkster walks on the 17th green during the second round of the 2013 U.S. Women’s Open at Sebonack Golf Club on June 28, 2013 in Southampton, New York. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Inkster, who has 31 LPGA titles and a pair of U.S. Opens under her belt, said she thinks the Georgia product is well-equipped to play with the world’s best this week. When asked if she offered Bae much advice, Inkster insisted she simply told the 22-year-old to savor the experience.

“She’s done a great job all right,” Inkster said. “I think she knows what she’s doing. I think Georgia really prepared her for the next stage. But also right now it’s maybe a little overwhelming, but it’ll settle in. The main thing is right now I’m sure she’s trying to soak in everything, play in everything, practice, but my philosophy is you really need that time to get away from the game and have other outside activities that keep your mind fresh.

“So my thing is, yeah, when you’re out there, you play, you play, you play, but then you’re home you need time to rest, you need downtime. Then you get back to working. It’s not about the quantity it’s more about the quality. That’s kind of what I try to stress to these players just starting out.”

As for her first taste of the LPGA, Bae knows that Portland will offer a special test where many of the game’s greats have previously thrived.

A total of 10 past champions of the event are LPGA Hall of Famers, including Inkster. The others are Judy Rankin, Donna Caponi, Amy Alcott, Nancy Lopez, Betsy King, Patty Sheehan, Dottie Pepper, Annika Sorenstam and Lorena Ochoa.

But she insists she’ll keep Inkster’s advice top of mind.

“I think as expectations go, I’m just going to go out there and try my best on every hole and shot that I have. Just being able to have the opportunity to participate in this tournament is a huge accomplishment for me,” Bae said.

“I think I’m just going to go out there and try to enjoy myself as much as I can.”

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/OFKlhra

Megan Khang odds to win the 2023 Portland Classic

The Portland Classic will take place at Columbia Edgewater Country Club from August 31 – September 2, and Megan Khang will be among the golfers in the field.

Wanting to wager on Khang in this week’s tournament? Here are some ways to get in on the betting action.

Check out all the latest odds for Khang at the Portland Classic by clicking here

Portland Classic Details and Info

Date: August 31 – September 2, 2023
Course: Columbia Edgewater Country Club
Location: Portland, Oregon
Previous Winner: Andrea Lee

How to watch the Portland Classic

Thursday: Golf Channel
Friday: Golf Channel
Saturday: Golf Channel
Sunday: Golf Channel

Catch all the action with Fubo! Get live sports and shows without cable. Click here for a free trial and start streaming today.

Khang odds to win the Portland Classic

Odds for the Portland Classic are available, and Khang is listed at +115. That means wagering $10 on Khang would give you $21.50.

Want to place a bet on Khang to take down the title, or any of the other markets available? Click here to check out all the betting options on Tipico Sportsbook

Other betting markets for Khang at the Portland Classic

There are many other ways to wager on golf too. For example, you can pick whether a player will make the cut, or who will be in front at the end of the first round. For every tournament, there are 3-ball matchups to wager on, when three players are grouped together and teeing off at the same time. You’ll also find lots of one-on-one matchups. Just pick who you think will finish shooting the best score that day!

Put your picks to the test! Place your bets on Khang or anyone else at the Portland Classic at Tipico Sportsbook!

Khang recent performances

Khang, over the last year, played 21 tournaments, picking up one win with four top-five finishes and seven finishes in the top 10. Khang has claimed victory once while also earning two top-10 finishes in her past four events. Khang has made the cut four times in a row and will look to continue her streak this week.

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER. Must be 21 or older to gamble. See Tipico for latest odds, odds in this article may not reflect currently available markets.

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/5ynseG8

Now a Ryder Cup team member, Brian Harman details past disappointing calls from national team captains

Zach Johnson had six happy phone calls when he made his captain’s picks for the U.S. Ryder Cup squad.

He had to make a handful of disappointing calls, as well, as the 12-player team bound for Marco Simone Golf and Country Club near Rome is set.

In the past, Brian Harman has been on the receiving end of the disappointing calls, but not this year. The 36-year-old played his way on the team as an automatic qualifier for the Americans thanks to a T-5 finish at last week’s BMW Championship. A two-time member of Team USA at both the Walker Cup (2005, 2009) and Palmer Cup (2006, 2007) as an amateur, Harman will make his professional national team debut with the added perspective of a player who has been left behind in the past.

On the season, Harman has earned 11 top-25 and six top-10 finishes on Tour, including three runner-up showings in addition to his win at the Open Championship. Performances like that keep you in the mix for a pick, but Harman knows better than anyone what it means to be on the negative end of that conversation.

“Let’s see. Jim Furyk called me and told me I wasn’t on the (2018 Ryder Cup) team. Him and I had a really nice conversation,” said Harman. “Because when he called and told me I wasn’t, I’m like, ‘Well, I know, I have not performed as well as I should have in an attempt to make this team. I understand.’ I wouldn’t have picked me either.”

“And then Steve Stricker called and told me I wasn’t making the (2017) Presidents Cup team,” he continued. “I thought I had a better shot at getting picked for that one. But Steve’s always been a dear friend of mine and I understood.”

“I never, I’ve never not gotten picked and felt like I truly deserved a spot.”

Harman did say that Davis Love III gave him a call last year about the Presidents Cup, a team that Harman desperately wanted to be on.

“But, once again, I hadn’t, I finished third in Memphis last year, I was 70th on the FedEx Cup and ended up I was playing really well at the end of the year,” he said, “but I hadn’t done anything to warrant a flier pick.”

Many players would hold grudges against captains and make excuses as to why they weren’t chosen. Instead, Harman used it as motivation and made it so he couldn’t be left off this year. Talk about the kind of player you want on a team.

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/5ynseG8

LPGA to help offset player expenses at select tournaments with new five-year partnership

Ten-year LPGA veteran Amy Olson has seen her fair share of fellow competitors quit professional golf due to financial struggles.

Even as the total LPGA prize money continues to climb, it’s still possible to make the cut and lose money on tour.

“You have to have a tour that provides sustainability for that next generation, and we don’t have that right now,” Olson told Golfweek back in Nov. 2022. Fast-forward to August of 2023 and the LPGA has taken a step forward.

Players who compete in all five of the LPGA’s major championships are guaranteed minimum payouts to help cover expenses. Starting this week, the LPGA will now be able to help offset player expenses at additional tournaments for the next five seasons thanks to a new multi-year partnership with Accenture.

Each of the 144 players in the field at this week’s Portland Classic will be guaranteed a minimum payout, same for those who tee it up at the Ascendant LPGA Benefiting Volunteers of America in October. Players who competed at the LOTTE Championship in April received a travel stipend to help cover costs associated with traveling to and from Hawaii. Golfers who played the Dana Open presented by Marathon in July also received a minimum payout.

“We are so proud to partner with Accenture as we work toward improving the financial opportunities of our players and providing new and innovative ways to engage with fans,” said LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan via a release. “Through this partnership with Accenture, we are making further progress toward achieving pay equity and ensuring women and girls can pursue their dreams in the game of golf.”

Entry fees on the Epson Tour will be lowered by $50 across 20 events for the next five seasons, and Accenture will become the official Diversity, Equity and Inclusion partner for the developmental tour, as well. The company will also advise the LPGA’s metaverse strategy to help expand potential revenue opportunities for players, sponsors and partners.

“Combining tangible, immediate improvements, such as lower entry fees and looking to create future revenue streams for the league and its players through the metaverse is a path for driving inclusion and a culture of equality for women,” added Christie Smith, the senior managing director for Accenture’s Talent and Organization group. “The LPGA is taking the lead on this, but every sport will benefit from its example.”

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/5ynseG8

See Titleist's limited-edition SM9 Ryder Cup wedges

To celebrate the 2023 Ryder Cup, which starts on Sept. 29, Titleist is now allowing golfers to have either an American flag or Team Europe stars laser etched into Vokey Design SM9 wedges.

Players on each team, including Titleist staff players like U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark and British Open winner Brian Harman, will each receive a laser-etched SM9 wedge with their respective flag design. Through Titleist’s WedgeWorks program, golf fans can get any SM9 wedge with a Brushed Steel finish with the customized design and matching shaft band for $199.

Vokey Design SM9 wedges come in 25 different offerings, with lofts ranging from 46 degrees to 62 degrees in seven different sole grinds, but the Ryder Cup-inspired etching of the American flag and Team Europe stars will only be available until Oct. 13 on vokey.com.

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/5ynseG8

'You just don't leave JT at home': Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson on why he picked Justin Thomas

One of the biggest questions facing United States Ryder Cup captain Zach Johnson was whether or not to bring an out-of-form Justin Thomas to Italy for next month’s event.

Johnson announced his six captain’s picks to complete his 12-player team bound for Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, Sept. 29-Oct. 1, and Thomas was one of them.

“His passion for the Ryder Cup is very evident,” said Johnson during a press conference after making his selection. “In my mind, he was born for this and you just don’t leave JT at home.”

The 30-year-old former world No. 1 will make his third appearance for the red, white and blue next month near Rome and will look to improve on an already stellar 6-2-1 record.

MORE: Check out Team USA’s Ryder Cup uniforms

“I’ve been very fortunate to play with some good friends of mine that I feel like I know well,” said Thomas, “that I’m not only comfortable around but I feel like I can do my best to try to bring the best out of them.”

“One of the most talented players on the PGA Tour in my opinion,” added Johnson. “(Thomas) has without question been the heart and soul of Team USA at Ryder Cups. Our emotional leader, I would say, and I don’t think he would argue with that. He just leads by example.”

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/5ynseG8

Dressed for Success: Viktor Hovland at the 2023 Tour Championship

There is no hotter golfer in the world than Viktor Hovland.

The 25-year-old Norwegian won his second-consecutive tournament, firing a final-round 63 to hold off Xander Schauffele and win the 2023 FedEx Cup Playoffs.

For his efforts, Hovland took home the season’s top prize of $18M, while Schauffele took yet another second place finish at East Lake, along with the $6M second-place prize.

David Dusek recently took a deep dive into Hovland’s winning equipment, so let’s dive into the champion’s closet and see how Viktor dressed for success in J.Lindeberg apparel at the 2023 Tour Championship.

View Viktor Hovland’s major apparel: Masters | PGA Championship | U.S. Open | Open Championship

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/5ynseG8

Longtime Arizona golf writer John Davis dies after battle with cancer

John Davis, a 2019 inductee into the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame and sports journalist for nearly 36 years, died early Monday after a long battle with cancer.

Davis, 73, was a fixture on the Arizona golf scene for more than 20 years and witnessed firsthand the rise of the Phoenix Open. Phil Mickelson, a native of San Diego but a hero for Arizona State, became the face of the event, spearheading its massive growth into one of the world’s most highly attended sporting events.

And Davis was right there along for the ride. Over time, writer and golfer forged a friendship. A typical routine after a tournament round consisted of Mickelson signing autographs for 20 or 30 minutes, putting pen to paper for anyone and everyone who wanted one at TPC Scottsdale. It wasn’t an uncommon sight to see him and Davis later engaged in small talk, sharing a smile or two, catching up like two longtime friends.

Davis eventually stopped covering the tournaments, retiring in 2019, but he clearly missed the action. With many friends in the golf world, he could easily score a credential and would often swing by the media center to say hi to everyone.

At the Charles Schwab Cup in 2021, the first time Mickelson was eligible for the PGA Tour Champions event, the two caught up once again at Phoenix Country Club, with Davis well into the throes of his cancer fight. The day before the tournament started, as Mickelson took questions in the media scrum, Davis stood off to the side and waited, his face covering a sign he was taking precautions about his health but wasn’t going to sit around the house all day.

When Lefty was done, he turned and saw Davis and the two spent the next 20 minutes catching up, Mickelson telling him to hang in there and keep fighting.

“John waged a battle over several years with cancer, and his friends were amazed at how much he endured and how many times he bounced back from devastating news,” said Bob Young, the Republic’s long-time Suns reporter and colleague of Davis. “But we knew he was a tough guy. He survived a stroke by dragging himself over a span of two hours across his living room to reach a phone, which he dragged off of a table to call 9-1-1.

“And when I was covering the Suns beat, I came into the press work room to find John typing with his right hand on his laptop while holding his left hand in the air. I asked him what was up and he said a scorpion had stung him while he was doing yard work. He said holding his hand up helped with the throbbing pain. I suggested maybe he should go home and he said it would still be throbbing whether he was at home or work. He stayed and filed a sidebar and notes that night.”

Davis later had a heart bypass issue but continued to fight on, never complaining.

“During the dog days of summer, when not much was happening in the sports world, four sportswriters – John, Bob Young, Dale Hajek and I – would slip out of the office early and play a quick round at Encanto,” recalled Kent Somers, who said he and Davis competed for a time on their beats, Somers at the Republic and Davis at the old Phoenix Gazette. The two papers merged in 1997, bringing Davis to the Republic. “Well, to me, it was a quick round. To John, who was a solid player, it probably didn’t seem so quick. He never, ever complained about golfing with a hack like me.”

Davis moved to Phoenix in the mid 1980s, well before the population exploded and the city had just one pro team, the Suns.

“I found a picture, his grandma took a picture of him leaving in a U-Haul truck in August 1986,” said Kim Ewing, Davis’ niece, who said he started working for the Phoenix Gazette upon his arrival.

“He was wise, witty and humble, and worked tirelessly at WM Phoenix Opens, Masters, U.S. Opens, state amateurs – wherever he was assigned – to bring the most entertaining and accurate stories he possibly could to his readers,” said Bill Huffman, who proceeded Davis on the golf beat at the Republic. “And John always delivered, which is why he earned his spot in the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame.”

As luck would have it, many years later – and perhaps as karma for all his goodwill – Davis was among the lucky media members to have his name drawn to play Augusta National on the Monday after the Masters Tournament, a long-standing tradition.

Former Arizona Republic golf writer John Davis. (Photo: Wes Johnson/The Arizona Republic)

Davis wore many hats during his journalism career. Many times it was that of a mentor.

“JD started out as one of the standards for me in the business and wound up becoming a dear friend who remained inspirationally positive through his health issues,” said Paul Coro, who came to the Republic as a young reporter in 1997. “As a mentor, he always had been encouraging and complimentary but made me feel more like a colleague by sharing stories and laughs. The way he worked earned the respect of pros, whether it was going way back with Dan Majerle, connecting quickly with Charles Barkley or having Phil Mickelson seemingly always pick up his calls. For a guy who was great with words, the ones I’ll treasure most were his kind ones about my girls as they grew up.”

While Davis spent considerable time covering the pro game, he always made an effort to be there at amateur events as well.

“He was an All-Star,” said Ed Gowan, who was executive director of the Arizona Golf Association for 37 years, retiring in 2022. “In order to get national recognition sometimes you have to call attention to yourself and he never did that. He was never after the roses. It was all about the subject.”

Born in Adrian, Michigan, on Feb. 23, 1950, Davis was drafted by the Army during Vietnam and was enlisted for two years. Years later, he purchased a second home in Traverse City, Michigan, and escaped the Phoenix heat in his later years to enjoy the midwestern summers at his cabin. Friends say he spoke a lot about his place there in recent weeks, hoping to visit one last time.

“Last week he was telling me how badly he wanted to return there for another summer,” Somers said. “It wasn’t to be, but, man, did he live a life.”

Pat Williams, Big Chief of The Thunderbirds, who stage the Phoenix Open every year said: “We are saddened to hear of the passing of legendary golf writer John Davis. John covered the Phoenix Open, golf in Arizona for four decades, was a great friend of the tournament, and really to the entire Thunderbird organization. Even after retiring, John would continue to come out to enjoy the Open and do what he loved, chatting it up with players, Thunderbirds, media, and really just anyone who wanted to talk about golf.

“John was a one-of-a-kind. He will truly be missed.”

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/sJw9aLh

Here's what the PGA Tour's fall 2023 schedule looks like

The wraparound season is gone, but that doesn’t mean there will be a shortage of PGA Tour events this fall.

The seven-event slate tees it up next month in Napa, California, at the Fortinet Championship, and concludes in December at the silly season’s PNC Championship in Orlando. In between are the Ryder Cup and a new stop in Mexico.

Tour pros will get two weeks off before it all starts up again. And there’s much more on the line in the fall for players looking to shore up their eligibility for the 2024 season, which begins in January at the Sentry.

Those ranked No. 51 and beyond in the FedEx Cup standings from 2023 will carry their FedEx Cup points from the regular season and first playoff event into the FedEx Cup Fall and continue to accumulate points to finalize eligibility for the 2024 season.

The FedEx Cup Fall will finalize the priority ranking entering the 2024 season, including the top 125 category for those who finished outside the top 70 in the FedEx Cup standings. Standard FedEx Cup points will be issued in the seven events, including 500 points awarded to the winner.

Ten players, not previously eligible, with the most season-long FedEx Cup points through the FedEx Cup Fall, will earn exemptions into the first two signature events that follow the Sentry.

A win during the fall will earn a two-year Tour exemption, 500 FedEx Cup points, entry to the season-opening Sentry and the Players Championship as well as eligibility into majors that have invited Tour winners in the past.

Here’s a look at the PGA Tour’s 2023 fall schedule, including purses for each event.

Date	Tournament	Course	City	Purse
Sept. 14-17	Fortinet Championship	Silverado Resort and Spa (North Course)	Napa, California	$8.4 million
Oct. 5-8	Sanderson Farms Championship	The Country Club of Jackson	Jackson, Mississippi	$8.2 million
Oct. 12-15	Shriners Children’s Open	TPC Summerlin	Las Vegas	$8.4 million
Oct. 19-22	Zozo Championship	Accordia Golf Narashino Country Club	Chiba, Japan	$8.5 million
Nov. 2-5	World Wide Technology Championship	El Cardonal at Diamante	Los Cabos, Mexico	$8.2 million
Nov. 9-12	Butterfield Bermuda Championship	Port Royal Golf Course	Southampton, Bermuda	$6.5 million
Nov. 16-19	RSM Classic	Sea Island Golf Club (Seaside and Plantation Course)	St. Simons Island, Georgia	$8.4 million

The RSM Classic is the last chance for golfers to earn their 2024 Tour cards.

The 2023 calendar year ends with three silly season events: Tiger’s Hero World Challenge, a new mixed at Tiburon in Florida and the increasingly popular PNC Championship.

Date	Tournament	Course	City	Purse
Nov. 30-Dec. 3	Hero World Challenge	Albany	Albany, Bahamas	$3.5 million
Dec. 8-10	Grant Thornton Invitational	Tiburon Golf Club	Naples, Florida	$4.0 million
Dec. 16-17	PNC Championship	Ritz-Carlton Golf Club	Orlando	$1.085 million

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/sJw9aLh

Megan Khang wins for first time on LPGA at 2023 CPKC Women's Open in Canada

Jin Young Ko was four shots back heading into the final round the Cognizant Founders Cup in May. She would go on to win there, which is tied for the largest comeback on the LPGA this season.

To start the final round of the CPKC Women’s Open in Canada on Sunday, Ko was 6 under, five shots back of leader Meghan Kang. Was another large come-from-behind win in the making?

On the 18t hole, Ko missed the green left with her approach but got up-and-down for par to finish at 9 under, good for the clubhouse lead.

Moments later, Kang, who was at 8 under after a bogey on No. 17, had her best shot of the week, stuffing her second shot on the challenging closing hole to about five feet. There had been only four birdies all day on the 18th hole and Kang needed to make the fifth in order to force a playoff.

Seeking her first LPGA win in her 191st career start, Kang then calmly poured in the putt to post a 2-over 74 and get into her first career playoff.

On the first playoff hole, Ko teed off first but pulled her tee shot left. Kang striped hers down the middle of the fairway, then hit an approach similar to the one she had in regulation, her ball rolling a little farther and nestling just into the fringe. Ko’s third shot, meanwhile, found a greenside bunker and after blasting out, she faced a 40-footer for bogey but missed, and ended up taking a 6 on the hole.

That set the stage for Kang, who putted from the fringe to about a foot before holing out for par to seal the deal on her first LPGA victory.

“My game has kind of been trending and has matured in the last couple of years,” she told Golf Channel on the 18th green moments after winning. “It was juts a matter of time.”

Kang, already locked into a Solheim Cup spot for the U.S. team, said she spoke with other members of that squad who have tasted victory for some inspiration.

“I’m pumped to finally get the first one,” she said.

Kang is the ninth first-time winner on the LPGA in 2023. She earned $375,000 for the win.

Canadian favorite Brooke Henderson finished tied for 13th. Alexa Pano, who won her first LPGA title last week, tied for 22nd. Nelly Korda shot a pair of 75s over the weekend and tied for 32nd. Lydia Ko shot 82 on Saturday and finished at 13 over and in last place of all the golfers who made the cut.

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/sJw9aLh

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan booed during 2023 Tour Championship trophy ceremony

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan got the Roger Goodell treatment on Sunday night.

Goodell, the longtime commissioner of the NFL, is often booed when he speaks at events like the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony or the NFL Draft. Monahan got the same response when he stepped to the mic to introduce Viktor Hovland as the winner of the 2023 Tour Championship and the PGA Tour’s season-long race for the FedEx Cup.

The commissioner recently returned to work after taking some time off to deal with a health issue, but did give his annual State of the PGA Tour press conference ahead of this week’s season finale at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta. Monahan addressed his health but was silent on the pending deal between the Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

The crowd in Atlanta greets Jay Monahan with boos on 18 green at the trophy presentation … pic.twitter.com/W2FQNd18ma

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) August 27, 2023

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/sJw9aLh

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan booed during 2023 Tour Championship trophy ceremony

PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan got the Roger Goodell treatment on Sunday night.

The crowd in Atlanta greets Jay Monahan with boos on 18 green at the trophy presentation … pic.twitter.com/W2FQNd18ma

— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) August 27, 2023

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/nGxghZj

2023 Tour Championship prize money payouts for each PGA Tour player at East Lake

It pays to play well on the PGA Tour. Just ask this week’s winner, Viktor Hovland.

The 25-year-old shot a 7-under 63 on Sunday to win the 2023 Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club in Atlanta to also claim the FedEx Cup at 27 under.

For his efforts, Hovland will leave with top prize of $18 million from the lucrative $75 million season-ending event, while Xander Schauffele will take home a $6.5 million consolation prize for finishing runner-up at 22 under.

In total eight players cleared more than $1 million from this week’s event, including third-place finisher Wyndham Clark (16 under, $5 million), Rory McIlroy in fourth (14 under, $4 million) and Patrick Cantlay (13 under, $3 million) in fifth. Collin Morikawa, Tommy Fleetwood and Scottie Scheffler each earned $2 million for finishing 16 shots back, T-6 at 11 under.

Check out how much money each PGA Tour player earned this week at the 2023 Tour Championship at East Lake.

Tour Championship prize money

Position	Player	Score	Earnings
1	Viktor Hovland	-27	$18,000,000
2	Xander Schauffele	-22	$6,500,000
3	Wyndham Clark	-16	$5,000,000
4	Rory McIlroy	-14	$4,000,000
5	Patrick Cantlay	-13	$3,000,000
T6	Collin Morikawa	-11	$2,000,000
T6	Tommy Fleetwood	-11	$2,000,000
T6	Scottie Scheffler	-11	$2,000,000
T9	Adam Schenk	-10	$990,000
T9	Keegan Bradley	-10	$990,000
T9	Max Homa	-10	$990,000
T9	Matt Fitzpatrick	-10	$990,000
T9	Sam Burns	-10	$990,000
T14	Russell Henley	-9	$780,000
T14	Sepp Straka	-9	$780,000
T16	Rickie Fowler	-8	$710,000
T16	Tyrrell Hatton	-8	$710,000
T18	Lucas Glover	-7	$670,000
T18	Jon Rahm	-7	$670,000
T20	Tony Finau	-6	$620,000
T20	Tom Kim	-6	$620,000
T20	Si Woo Kim	-6	$620,000
23	Brian Harman	-4	$580,000
24	Sungjae Im	-3	$565,000
25	Nick Taylor	-2	$550,000
26	Corey Conners	-1	$540,000
27	Jordan Spieth	1	$530,000
28	Jason Day	3	$520,000
T29	Taylor Moore	6	$505,000
T29	Emiliano Grillo	6	$505,000

Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/nGxghZj

Check out Viktor Hovland's winning golf equipment at the 2023 Tour Championship

A complete list of the golf equipment Viktor Hovland used to win the PGA Tour’s 2023 Tour Championship:

DRIVER: Ping G425 LST (9 degrees), with Fujikura Speeder 661 TX shaft

Shop Viktor Hovland's driver

FAIRWAY WOOD: TaylorMade Stealth Plus (15 degrees), with Fujikura Ventus Blue 7X shaft

Shop Viktor Hovland's fairway wood

IRONS: Titleist U505 (3), with Graphite Design Tour AD DI Hybrid 85 X shaft, Ping i210 (4-PW), with KBS Tour V 120X shafts

WEDGES: Ping Glide 4.0 (50 degrees adjusted to 49, 56 degrees adjusted to 54.5), Ping Glide 2.0 (60 degrees), with KBS Tour V 130 X shafts

Shop Viktor Hovland's wedges

PUTTER: Ping PLD DS 72 custom

BALL: Titleist Pro V1

Shop Viktor Hovland's golf ball

GRIPS: Golf Pride MCC

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Source: Golfweek https://ift.tt/nGxghZj