🏌🏻 Sudden-Death Playoffs

Plus: Rory making all the news, and more

January 18, 2024

Good morning. The LPGA tour tees off today while The American Express takes centre stage on the PGA Tour - find out everything you need to know.

Off the field, it’s Rory McIlroy making all the news and we take a look at what he had to say besides exploring the longest sudden-death playoffs in LPGA history.

That, and tips to fix your drive slice in today’s edition of Golf Reporter.

Looking to advertise in Golf Reporter? Just hit reply.

⛳ This day in history: On this date in 1950, Sam Snead beat Ben Hogan 72-76 in an 18-hole playoff to win the Los Angeles Open at par-71 Riviera. Hogan was attempting a comeback from his horrific car-bus highway accident in Texas in February 1949.

ALBATROSS
PGA and LPGA Tour Starting Today

Photo: Getty Images | Source: Golfweek

The American Express takes centre stage on the PGA Tour while the LPGA Tour tees off with the HGV Tournament of Champions. Here’s everything you need to know.

PGA Tour: The American Express

📍 Where: PGA West Private Clubhouse and Golf Courses, California

💰 Purse: $8.4 million

🏌🏻 Key Tee Times (ET)
11:41 a.m. - Xander Schauffele, Tony Finau
12:14 p.m. - Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay
1:31 p.m. - Rickie Fowler, Justin Thomas

LPGA Tour: HGV Tournament of Champions

📍 Where: Lake Nona Golf Course, Orlando

💰 Purse: $1.5 million

🏌🏻 Key Tee Times (ET)
10:26 a.m. - Nelly Korda
10:48 a.m. - Lydia Ko
10:59 a.m. - Lilia Vu

TWEET
Worth Mentioning

EAGLE
Rory’s Making All The News

Photo: Getty Images | Source: Golfweek

McIlroy Labels BBC SPOTY A ‘Popularity Contest’

Rory McIlroy has taken a dig at the lack of golf coverage on the BBC and called the channel's Sports Personality of the Year award 'a popularity contest'. McIlroy was nominated for the award last month but chose not to attend and sent Tommy Fleetwood in his place.

"Actually... I forgot I was nominated. So that's how much I think about it. It's a popularity contest, and I think it's just not really - it's not what it once was."

- Rory McIlroy

India - Golf’s Next Big Destination?

Rory McIlroy backs India to be a major destination on the global golf calendar if a definitive merger takes place between all the Tours. The country currently hosts the men's and women's Hero Indian Opens on the DP World Tour and Ladies European Tour.

McIlroy Hits Out At Sergio Garcia

McIlroy has hit back at his former Ryder Cup teammate Sergio Garcia, after the Spaniard disagreed with his suggestion of LIV Golf existing in a similar way to cricket's Indian Premier League. Garcia stated that the breakaway league 'deserves more' than a two-month window.

McIlroy brutally responded stating that Garcia feels 'he deserves a lot of things', most of which are unrealistic.

LOCKER ROOM
What else is making news

Bernhard Langer: Two-time Masters Champion Bernhard Langer has announced that the 2024 edition will be his last appearance at the Major. The former World No 1 won the Masters back in 1985 and 1993.

Michael Block: Michael Block appears to be the latest high-profile name to cut all ties with Nike. In a recent video that surfaced on social media, Block was seen wearing G/Fore golf shoes in place of his old Nike pair.

NBC Analyst: Brandel Chamblee will serve as NBC Sports lead analyst for their 2024 American Express coverage. Terry Gannon will have play-by-play duties during the coverage on Golf Channel and Peacock.

The Genesis Invitational: Tournament host Tiger Woods has announced Chase Johnson as the recipient of the Charlie Sifford Memorial Exemption into the 2024 Genesis Invitational. Johnson will join the field from Feb. 15-18 at The Riviera Country Club.

PGA Tour Champions: Steve Stricker has been named the recipient of the 2023 Jack Nicklaus Award as the Champions Tour’s Player of the Year. He also received the Arnold Palmer Award (season money leader) and Byron Nelson Award (season scoring average), setting PGA TOUR Champions records in both categories.

BIRDIE
Longest Sudden-Death Playoffs In LPGA History

Photo: Getty Images | Source: Golf Monthly

As the 2024 LPGA Tour tees off today in Orlando, we take a look at some extra-ordinary playoffs in the history of the Tour.

10-Hole Playoff

Jo Ann Prentice emerged victorious over Sandra Palmer in this historic playoff at the Corpus Christi Civitan Open, Texas. Prentice secured victory on the 10th sudden-death playoff hole with a four-foot birdie putt.

9-Hole Playoff

Celine Boutier secured victory over Atthaya Thitikul after a thrilling nine-hole playoff at the 2023 Maybank Championship. Boutier made a 6-foot putt to clinch the title.

8-Hole Playoff

Pernilla Lindberg defeated Inbee Park and Jennifer Song in the longest sudden-death playoff in LPGA Major championship history at the 2018 ANA Inspiration.

7-Hole Playoff

Cristie Kerr got the better of Seol-An Jeon in a 7-hole playoff at the 2004 LPGA Takefuji Classic, Las Vegas.

DRIVING RANGE
How To Fix Your Drive Slice

In this video, Rickie Fowler and Butch Harmon show you how to fix your drive slice, a useful lesson that will help you become a better golfer.