🏌🏻 Moments That Redefined Golf

Good morning. The PGA Tour Player of the Year voting process is making waves once more, and this time, John Rahm isn't holding back. Get ready to dive into his thoughts on this hot topic.

But let's shift our focus to the action on the course. Rory McIlroy has made a triumphant return at the Dubai Invitational, and we've got the inside scoop on the thrilling moments that defined his day at Dubai Creek. Plus, prepare to journey through the annals of golf history as we unveil the five game-changing moments that shaped the sport as we know it.

And if that's not enough to pique your interest, stay tuned for some pro tips on mastering controlled fades in today's edition of Golf Reporter.

Get ready to elevate your game.

⛳ This day in history: On this date in 1997, new tour pro Tiger Woods won the Mercedes Championships, his third PGA Tour victory, in a playoff with Tom Lehman. It was the opening event of the PGA Tour and was held in California.

ALBATROSS
Rory McIlroy Leads Dubai Invitational, Sony Open Suspended

Rory McIlroy leads by two shots after Round 2 of the Dubai Invitational. He set the tone on the first day by hitting a bogey-free 9-under 62 and has managed to hold on to the lead despite not having a great second day.

Germany’s Yannik Paul and Danish golfer Jeff Winther are tied for the second spot. Tommy Fleetwood sits T4 while former World No.1 Luke Donald is tied for the 29th spot.

Dubai Invitational Leaderboard After Day 2

What’s Happening At The Sony Open?

Cameron Davis shot an 8-under 62 to take a two-stroke lead over Taylor Montgomery in Round 1 of the Sony Open. The Sentry 2024 winner Chris Kirk and PGA Tour Rookie of the year 2023 Eric Cole are tied in seventh place.

All golfers are yet to complete Round 1 as play was suspended due to darkness.

Sony Open Leaderboard After Day 1

TWEET
Worth Mentioning

EAGLE
Rahm Takes Dig At PGA Tour Voters, Praises Scheffler

John Rahm was pipped to the PGA Tour's Player of The Year award for 2023 by world No.1 Scottie Scheffler, despite winning four titles, including last April's Masters. Rahm has finally opened up on the much-debated issue and he doesn’t seem to be impressed.

Scheffler was voted the winner by fellow PGA Tour players despite winning only two titles compared to Rahm's four. The American was statistically the best player with regards to ball-striking and that might have worked in his favour.

What Do The Stats Suggest?

Scheffler was more consistent than Rahm. He had 14 top-fives, including a runner-up at the PGA Championship and third-place finish at the US Open to go with those two wins.

Rahm had a poor time during the latter half of the season. He registered only three top-10s in his final ten starts.

LOCKER ROOM
What else is making news

PGA Tour: Farmers Insurance will not renew its deal with the PGA Tour when it expires in 2026. The American-based insurance company has served as the title sponsor of the San Diego-based tournament since 2010, most recently signing a seven-year extension in 2018.

LIV Golf: Cameron Smith has re-signed Matt Jones for his Ripper GC team. Smith's side now has three players confirmed for 2024 (Smith, Marc Leishman and Jones) and one slot is yet to be filled.

DP World Tour: Porsche has signed a multi-year deal to become the title sponsor of the Singapore Classic - a key tournament on the DP World Tour. The tournament is set to take place at Laguna National Golf Resort Club between March 21-24.  

The American Express: Daniel Berger is set to make his return to competitive golf at next week's American Express. He has been out of action since the 2022 US Open.

John Rahm: John Rahm has roped in Zimbabwean golfer Kieran Vincent as the first member of his Legion XIII team. He has to fill two more slots before the LIV Golf season begins next month. 

Martin Slumbers: Martin Slumbers will step down as the CEO of the R&A and secretary of the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews by the end of 2024.

BIRDIE
5 Moments That Redefined Golf

Take a look at some pivotal moments that changed the course of golfing history.

Tiger Woods Wins The 1997 Masters

Woods won the 1997 Masters by a staggering 12 shots - it was unlike anything that was seen before. For the last 26 years, Tiger has either dominated golf or the golfing headlines and this tournament marked the beginning of it.

Mark McCormack Signs Up Arnold Palmer

Palmer struck a deal with McCormack in 1959. After two years working with McCormack, Palmer was earning some $500,000 annually through off-course deals. McCormack then went on to sign icons like Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and together they played a key role in boosting golf’s popularity.

Old Tom Morris Uses A Gutty Ball

Tom Morris was forced to leave St. Andrews Golf Club for using a 'Gutty' ball. He moved to Prestwick, where he laid out a 12-hole course. A competition was hosted for the first time in that venue in 1860 and became an annual occurrence. Today, it is known as The Open Championship.

Walter Hagen Becomes First American Born Open Winner

For 60 years after the first Open was played in 1860, British players were dominant, winning all but one of the championships. In 1922, Hagen won the coveted title, becoming the first American to achieve this feat. Since that victory, The Open has been won on 44 further occasions by players from the United States.

Seve Ballesteros Wins The 1980 Masters

Seve Ballesteros won the 1979 Open Championship at Royal Lytham. It was the first Major triumph for a European player since Tony Jacklin’s US Open win in 1970. It marked the beginning of the end of US dominance and the emergence of European Champions.

DRIVING RANGE
How To Hit A Fade With Control

This easy golf lesson from Todd Kolb will help you to hit your fades with control, every time you need to nail one.