Mike and Jesse kick off the show with breaking news: Topps has significantly expanded its Disney partnership to include Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars card rights. They break down how this move will reshape the card industry and address the troubling rise in theft within the card community (3:00). Later, they welcome Nick Andrews, also known as the Boston Card Hunter, to talk about the pros and cons of using CT scans in card collecting and the ethical issues it presents (18:00).
Hosts: Mike Gioseffi and Jesse Gibson Guest: Nick Andrews Producer: Devon Renaldo
Summer is generally a bustling season in Chicago hospitality, though bars and restaurants close for myriad reasons, even during the balmiest time of year. Below, Eater is cataloging both temporary and permanent restaurant closures in Chicago. If you know of a restaurant, bar, or another closed food establishment, please email chicago@eater.com. We will continue to update this post.
Andersonville: Tiny neighborhood cocktail spot Marty’s Martini Bar will close on Labor Day, Monday, September 2, after two decades at 1511 W. Balmoral Avenue ahead of a relocation to a new space blocks away. Marty’s founder Marty Rogo has sold the bar to 2Bears Tavern Group owners Mike Sullivan and Mark Robertson, also behind LGBTQ-focused 2Bears Tavern in Uptown, Andersonville’s SoFo Tap and Meeting House Tavern, and Jackhammer in Rogers Park, the trio announced on Facebook. They also shared Marty’s new location about 10 minutes from the original at 1477 W. Winnemac Avenue but an opening date is not yet available.
Bucktown: Char-broiled chicken specialist Nick’s Pit Stop is permanently closed after 27 years in business, the owners announced on Facebook. Owner Yolanda Resendiz, who has operated the restaurant for a decade at 2023 N. Damen Avenue, and her landlords couldn’t agree on terms to cover a possible property tax increase, according to Block Club Chicago. “While this may be goodbye for now, we are exploring the possibility of returning in the future,” owners write. “Please stay tuned and support us as we navigate this new chapter.”
Lakeview: Red sauce Italian stalwart La Gondola is closed after 40 years at 2914 N. Ashland Avenue, owners announced on Instagram, much to the dismay of fans who poured sorrows into the comments section. But the restaurant’s story isn’t over, as the team is serving hit dishes (and eventually pizzas) out of Mirella’s Tavern on Division Street in Wicker Park.
July 16
Lakeview: Meaty neighborhood restaurant Select Cut Steakhouses will permanently close on Wednesday, July 31 at 2808 N Halsted Street after nearly three decades in business, owners announced on Instagram. “After almost 30 years Select Cut will be closing by the end of July,” they write in part. “It’s bittersweet to say the least, but we’re excited to see what the next chapter brings!”
Uptown: Adored chicken wing destinationBadaBing Wings is permanently closed following the death of owner Jose Lopez, 42, a hospitality veteran who died on Friday, June 14, according to Block Club Chicago. Remembered by friends and family as a committed business owner and “loving presence” in his community, Lopez opened Badabing Wings (named after Tony Soprano’s nightclub in hit HBO series The Sopranos) in 2022 at 4754 N. Clark Street. He rapidly made a name for himself with wet and dry-rubbed halal chicken wings in a variety of flavors. Before his death, Lopez was working to open a second location in south suburban Blue Island.
South Loop; 3 Little Pigs, the Chinese American restaurant that’s emerged from a pandemic-era virtual restaurant, has closed its South Loop location inside Molly’s Cupcakes. That location, 3LP’s first brick-and-mortar, debuted in October 2023 at 1150 S. Wabash Avenue. Owner Henry Cai tells Eater the fact they couldn’t have outdoor signage hurt the business, and they’re focusing on their new Bridgeport location, next to Kimksi and Maria’s Community Bar. They’re hopeful to open a new ghost kitchen for delivery later this year in River North.
Evanston: Mexican bar and restaurant Fonda Cantina is closed after nearly a year and a half in business at 1735 Benson Avenue in suburban Evanston, owner Michael Lachowicz tells Eater. Lachowicz, chef and owner of lauded French restaurant Aboyer in suburban Winnetka opened Fonda in February 2023 with his longtime business partners chef Miguel Escobar, sous chef Carlos Cahue, and wine director Sergio Angel. It featured a menu of dishes inspired by Escobar and Cahue’s respective grandmothers’ cooking throughout their childhoods in Huandacareo in Michoacan and Huitzuco in Guerrero. Stay tuned for more news from Lachowicz and the team.
Fonda debuted in February 2023.Chris Peters/Eater Chicago
Evanston: Chinese restaurant Lao Sze Chuan is closed after a decade in business at 1633 Orrington Avenue in suburban Evanston, according to Evanston Now. Originally launched in 2014 as part of restaurateur Tony Hu’s Chicago-area culinary empire, the location was purchased by new owners in 2016.
Oak Park: Suburban breakfast staple Cozy Corner Restaurant will permanently close on Sunday, July 28 at 138 N. Marion Street after 65 years in business, according to the Sun-Times. Owners Peter Gerousis and Georgia Dravilas tell reporters that between the financial hit of the pandemic, an increase in rent, and $500,000 in unpaid taxes from a previous owner, the restaurant faced an untenable situation. Though they have no plans to reopen in the immediate future, Gerousis and Dravilas say they are open to the possibility of an eventual return.
June 27
Bucktown: YolkTest Kitchen, a six-year-old outpost of brunch restaurant chain Yolk, permanently closed on Sunday, June 23 at 1767 N. Milwaukee Avenue, according to Block Club Chicago. A roomy, industrial-style space favored by fans for plentiful plates of eggs Benedict and red velvet French toast, the test kitchen also provided the company a place to try out new recipes and get feedback from patrons. Yolk, originally founded in 2006 in Chicago’s South Loop, has grown significantly over subsequent decades. It now operates nearly a dozen locations in the Chicago area and spots in Indiana, Florida, and Texas.
Lakeview: Aquarium-laden cocktail spot Lost Reef will permanently close on Saturday, June 19 after a year and a half, owners announced in early June on social media. Founded by the team behind Cheesie’s Pub and Grub, Lost Reef brought fancy cocktails — not to mention 2,500 gallons of fish and coral inside eight saltwater fish tanks — to the former home of Slice of Cheesies at 964 W. Belmont Avenue. On Instagram, reps encourage fans to “drink the bar dry” ahead of the closure with deals on reserve wines and premium liquor.
Lincoln Park:Argot, an intimate French bistro inside the Chicago outpost of retail mini-chain Verve Wine, is permanently closed after less than a year in business at 2349 N. Lincoln Avenue, reps announced Wednesday, June 19 via Instagram. The wine shop remains open and the team plans to use the former Argot space for public and private events. “We have the utmost gratitude for all of the love and support of our amazing guests over these last nine months,” they write in part. “Unfortunately, the level of business that we have been experiencing simply cannot support continued operations.”
Humboldt Park: Booze-free drink retailer Bendición Bottle Shop closed its permanent location on Saturday, June 15 after two years inside the Succulent City plant shop at 2540 W. Division Street, according to Block Club. Owner Cristina Torres tells reporters that she’s moving the business online with local delivery and pickup after struggling through low sales and foot traffic over recent months.
Evanston: 527 Cafe, a suburban restaurant specializing in bubble tea, Taiwanese food, and Chinese dishes, permanently closed in early June at 527 Davis Street after 15 years in business so its owners can retire, they announce on Facebook.
Evanston: Suburban Thai stalwart Cozy Noodles & Rice will permanently close at the end of June after over two decades at 1018 Davis Street, according to Evanston Round Table. Owners Bee Nanakorn and Yee Muenprasittivej founded the restaurant in 2001 and filled it with an extensive collection of eclectic memorabilia, including vintage lunchboxes, Pez dispensers, and a life-size statue of Elvis. Nanakorn tells reporters that rising rent costs forced the closure, though she and Muenprasittivej are interested in reopening in a new location.
Art Smith takes a quick look around Time Out Market Chicago and softly asks: “Do you know what chefs do after they’re 60?”
Smith, the celebrity chef who worked with Oprah Winfrey and has served dignitaries, like President Biden, didn’t expect an answer. Smith posed the question to justify his new rapport with the Chicago Hounds, a professional rugby team founded in 2022 that plays home matches at SeatGeek Stadium in suburban Bridgeview. In February, Smith and the Hounds announced a collaboration in which Smith’s new brand, Sporty Bird, began selling chicken sandwiches and more at the stadium. Over the weekend, Smith also unveiled a Sporty Bird-branded food stall at Time Out Market, the food hall run by the media company.
Beyond his association with Oprah, Smith is known for restaurants like Table Fifty-Two in Gold Coast, a hit mostly known for its fried chicken. Smith is proud of the restaurant (which was rebranded as Blue Door Kitchen & Gardenin 2016) and its alums: “Joe is just killing it here,” Smith says of Joe Flamm, the chef and co-owner of Rose Mary, right down the street from Time Out Market.
Chef Art Smith swears he can cook more than chicken.Sporty Bird/Kim Kovacik
Last year, Smith opened Reunion at Navy Pier and he maintains a residence in Hyde Park. But he still travels. He talked about an upcoming trip to India and meeting esteemed chef Francis Mallmann earlier this year during a visit to an island in Patagonia. Even though he joked about his age, Smith’s star continues to shine, passing through open doors closed to most food hall tenants. Most food halls brand themselves as incubators, taking chances on relatively unproven talent. Smith is the opposite.
Still, the venture with the Hounds is a risk. He touts himself as the only professional chef who owns a professional sports team in America. It’s a claim that’s hard to verify. For example, is a burger cook who works at an Applebee’s and has shares in the publicly-owned Green Bay Packers, considered an owner of a pro team?
Smith wants to bring energy to Time Out (“I want to throw a party,” he says) and sees potential — even as the food hall goes through changes. Smith praised chef Jorge Kaum, the chef behind Gutenburg, a food hall burger stall. Kaum is also a chocolatier and made chocolate-shaped rugby balls in honor of Smith’s opening.
Avli is set to leave the market at the end of the month — they’re going to open a stand-alone location in the area. Evette’s left earlier this year. Of the original lineup from 2019, only chef Bill Kim (Urbanbelly) remains. A few of the restaurants had problems with management and didn’t like the terms of their contracts. Food halls have struggled during the pandemic. Two closed in the West Loop/Fulton Market — Politan Row and Fulton Galley. In March, Time Out brought in a new general manager, Steve Pelissero, to bring in some stability.
Sporty Bird features chicken (“I do know how to cook more than chicken,” Smith says). The spicy nuggets have heat, at least during an opening event last week. But there’s a worry that too much heat will alienate customers in the area.
Jade Court’s Carol Cheung is working with Sport Bird.Sporty Bird/Kim Kovacik
Unexpectedly, the stall has a familiar face behind the counter. Carol Cheung, the chef and the owner behind Hyde Park’s Jade Court, an acclaimed Cantonese restaurant and longtime member of the Eater Chicago 38, is managing operations. As Smith is a Hyder Parker, he befriended Cheung and wants to find a way to revive Jade Court, which struggled at the University of Chicago’s Harper Court development. Time Out does have spaces available.
What gave Smith the idea to partner with the hounds? Last year, soccer legend Lionel Messi launched a fried chicken sandwich in Miami with Hard Rock Cafe. Smith saw the sandwich become a viral sensation, yet he was hardly impressed by the sandwich: “I could do better,” Smith says.
Some vendors have fled, others say they’ve made money at the food hall. Kaum, who also has a stall in Miami, says things are improving in Chicago. Smith is hopeful that Sporty Bird, and perhaps a Jade Court revival, can take advantage. He’s reminded of something his friend Oprah once told him: “You don’t have to be first,” Smith recalls Winfrey saying. “But you do have to be better.”
Sanya, China, (ANTARA/Xinhua-AsiaNet)- Recently, at the 3rd Sanya International Wealth Management Summit held at the Hainan Free Trade Port in China, the Sanya Central Business District – Financial Expansion and Opening-up Pilot Zone (the Modern Financial Industry Cluster) was officially unveiled.
According to the Sanya CBD, this is the Hainan Free Trade Port’s only financial expansion and opening-up pilot zone and the only approved modern financial industry cluster. It aims to implement the cross-border finance and modern finance development ideas, undertake high-level opening up pilot policies, facilitate the growth of industries such as cross-border insurance, cross-border asset management, QFLP and QDLP.
Sanya International Wealth Management Summit, a key event focused on Sanya CBD, attracted more than 100 representatives from China’s political, academic and business sectors, discussed in depth about the opportunities and practical paths of science and innovation finance, consumer finance, wealth management, pension finance and cross-border insurance.
As a crucial growth hub in the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port, Sanya City has implemented supportive incentives to boost the development of the financial industry in recent years, receiving sustained and steady progress. In this process, the Sanya Central Business District has…
Scottie Scheffler has been voted PGA Tour player of the year over Masters champion Jon Rahm; a new season of golf begins on Thursday with The Sentry – live on Sky Sports Golf from 6pm on Thursday
Last Updated: 03/01/24 7:54pm
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Scottie Scheffler explained that he was thankful and relieved to win the 2023 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass but added he was very tired following the tournament
Scottie Scheffler explained that he was thankful and relieved to win the 2023 Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass but added he was very tired following the tournament
Scottie Scheffler has been named PGA Tour Player of the Year as he won the Jack Nicklaus Award for a second consecutive year.
Scheffler is the first player to win Player of the Year honours in back-to-back seasons since Tiger Woods won the award in three straight years from 2005-2007.
The 27-year-old won twice during the 2022-23 season, successfully defending his title at the WM Phoenix Open and winning The Players Championship by five strokes.
In 23 starts, Scheffler recorded 13 top-fives and 17 top-10s, both high marks for any player in a single season on the tour since 2005.
He also set the PGA Tour record for most Official Money earned in a single season at $21,014,342, breaking his own record set last season ($14,046,910).
The Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards are determined by a member vote, with PGA Tour members who played in at least 15 official FedExCup events during the 2022-23 season eligible to vote.
Scheffler received 38 per cent of the vote for the Jack Nicklaus Award and was selected over four other nominees: Wyndham Clark, Viktor Hovland, Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm.
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Scottie Scheffler sunk a 20ft putt to win the 2023 Players Championship to return to the top of the world rankings
Scottie Scheffler sunk a 20ft putt to win the 2023 Players Championship to return to the top of the world rankings
Eric Cole, the only rookie to advance to the 2023 BMW Championship, has been announced as the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year, receiving the Arnold Palmer Award.
Cole recorded two runner-up finishes on the season, including the 2023 Cognizant Classic (lost in a play-off) and the 2023 Zozo Championship.
Cole received 51 per cent of the vote for the Arnold Palmer Award and was selected over three other nominees: Ludvig Åberg, Nico Echavarria and Vincent Norrman.
New season of golf begins on Thursday
The 2024 PGA Tour season begins with The Sentry from January 4-7, held on the Plantation Course at Kapalua, Hawaii – live on Sky Sports Golf with the first round starting at 6pm.
World No 1 Scheffler leads the field which includes Team Europe Ryder Cup stars Viktor Hovland, Matt Fitzpatrick, Ludvig Aberg, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose.
“I was probably judgemental of the guys that went at the start and I think that was a bit of a mistake on my part,” concedes Rory McIlroy; McIlroy hopes “this division” in golf ends soon amid continuing extended talks between established tours and Saudi’s PIF over framework agreement
Last Updated: 03/01/24 11:42am
Rory McIlroy has expressed regret at being “too judgemental” on the tranche of players who initially defected to LIV Golf.
McIlroy, who had been initially outspoken in his criticism of the players who joined the Saudi-funded series in 2022, admitted he “basically went through the last two years with this altruistic approach of looking at the world in the way I’ve wanted to see” but had now “accepted reality” and that LIV is “part of our sport now”.
“I was probably judgemental of the guys that went at the start and I think that was a bit of a mistake on my part because I now realise not everyone’s in my position or in Tiger [Woods]’ position,” McIlroy told the Stick to Football podcast with Sky Bet.
“You get this offer and what do you do?
“We all turned professional to make a living playing the sports that we do and I think that’s what I realised over the past two years, I can’t judge people for making that decision.
“So if I regret anything it was probably being too judgemental at the start.”
Asked how his relationship was with the players who had switched from the established tours, McIlroy replied: “Most things are cool, the one thing that has bothered me is I think we have all grown up and played on European Tour, PGA Tour and that has given us a platform to turn in to who we have and give us the profile.
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Rory McIlroy say its ‘certainly strange’ not having Ryder Cup veterans Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter around and it’ll really hit them this week.
Rory McIlroy say its ‘certainly strange’ not having Ryder Cup veterans Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter around and it’ll really hit them this week.
“So when people have played that for, say, 15 or 20 years and then they jump to LIV and then they just start talking cr** about where they’ve come from, that’s what bothers me because you wouldn’t be in this position if you didn’t have what you had coming up.”
McIlroy added: “I don’t begrudge anyone for going and taking that money and doing something different but don’t try and burn the place down on your way out.
“That’s sort of my attitude towards it because some people are happy playing in the existing structure, and that’s totally fine too. But I think it’s just created this division that hopefully will stop in the near future because I think it’s the best thing for golf.”
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Relive Rory McIlroy’s two wins, which saw him claim a fifth Race to Dubai title, and his starring role in Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph.
Relive Rory McIlroy’s two wins, which saw him claim a fifth Race to Dubai title, and his starring role in Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph.
The 34-year-old, a four-time major winner and current world No 2, said he had “never had an offer” from LIV to switch himself.
“I just didn’t engage,” he added. “At this point I’ve pretty much set my stall out.”
More to follow…
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Masters champion Jon Rahm will feature in the LIV Golf League from the 2024 season, with the Spaniard since suspended by the PGA Tour; Greg Norman anticipates more players to join the Saudi-backed circuit before the new campaign in February
Last Updated: 13/12/23 8:16pm
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Butch Harmon believes Jon Rahm’s departure might increase the urgency of the PGA Tour to form their Framework Agreement with LIV Golf
Butch Harmon believes Jon Rahm’s departure might increase the urgency of the PGA Tour to form their Framework Agreement with LIV Golf
LIV Golf chief executive Greg Norman believes more PGA Tour players are interested in signing up for the 2024 season after Jon Rahm made his switch to the Saudi-backed circuit.
Rahm ended weeks of speculation about his golfing future when he committed to LIV Golf in a reported nine-figure deal, with the Masters champion joining a roster already containing multiple major champions.
The Spaniard has subsequently been suspended by the PGA Tour for moving to LIV Golf, with Norman expecting “more apples falling from the tree” ahead of the new campaign in February.
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Rich Beem gave his reaction to Jon Rahm’s dramatic move from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf
Rich Beem gave his reaction to Jon Rahm’s dramatic move from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf
“To have Jon [Rahm] on board was critically important to our next steps into the future and what we want to do,” Norman told the BBC’s World Business Report. “It will create a domino effect, there will be more apples falling from the tree – there’s no question about it, because LIV continues to grow and develop.”
“Since Jon signed, less than a week ago now, I know my phone is blowing up. I know we probably have eight to 12 players who are very, very keen to sit down and talk to us about coming on board. Time will tell. Right now, our roster is very close to being filled but maybe within two or three [players].
“It tells you the value of what our platform is, where these PGA Tour players see the opportunity that LIV offers. All the guys that play on LIV are just so happy about the decision that they’ve made.
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Sky Sports News’ Jamie Weir explains what impact Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf means for the sport as a whole
Sky Sports News’ Jamie Weir explains what impact Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf means for the sport as a whole
“LIV is a different platform to the DP World Tour or the PGA Tour and the players want to do both quite honestly, so we’ve created something special. It’s a franchise, it’s a team model and they have embraced it 100 per cent.”
Could LIV move away from 54-hole events?
Defending individual champion Talor Gooch says “discussions will be had” about expanding the LIV Golf format from 54 to 72 holes.
Talor Gooch won three LIV Golf League events in 2023
Gooch’s comments follow the circuit’s signing of Rahm, who previously criticised the Saudi-backed league’s format of 54-hole, no-cut events with shotgun starts.
“We haven’t had an open forum discussion with all the players,” Gooch told Golf Digest. “But you get both sides … guys who would welcome (playing 72 holes) and some guys who are opposed to it. Discussions will be had and it will be interesting to see what comes of it.
“I think LIV Golf was meant to be something different; I think it’s not supposed to be a carbon copy of the rest of professional golf. I lean towards keeping it at 54 holes.
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Former professional golfer Brandel Chamblee believes Jon Rahm’s decision to join LIV Golf is motivated by money and says the move is ‘short-sighted’
Former professional golfer Brandel Chamblee believes Jon Rahm’s decision to join LIV Golf is motivated by money and says the move is ‘short-sighted’
“Part of it, too, from my experience on the PGA Tour, was Thursdays are just irrelevant from a fan perspective (except for) only a couple times a year.”
Playing only 54 holes was one of the reasons why LIV’s application to receive Official World Golf Ranking points was denied in October, meaning those involved in the league continue to fall down the world rankings and put their qualification status for majors under threat.
Rahm to stay away from public events
Rahm said on Wednesday that he has decided to lay low and would avoid public events until February after agreeing to switch to LIV Golf, with the Spaniard surprised to find TV cameras at an event he was attending in the northern Spanish city of Bilbao.
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After Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf was confirmed, we take a look back at some of his remarks about the rival tour over the past year
After Jon Rahm’s move to LIV Golf was confirmed, we take a look back at some of his remarks about the rival tour over the past year
“I didn’t think there would be any cameras and that it would be a bit more intimate,” Rahm told a select audience at the Sociedad Bilbaina hall, where he was to receive the ‘Dama Bilbaina’ prize in recognition of his sporting career.
“I am under very strict instructions not to do public events, which I have imposed on myself a little bit for myself, and for the change I have given to the world of golf in the last week,” Rahm said, giving a categorical “No!” when asked if he was planning to give an interview.
“There will be nothing until February, I’m not allowed to.”
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Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley says there has been a ‘seismic shift’ in golf following Jon Rahm’s decision to join LIV Golf
Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley says there has been a ‘seismic shift’ in golf following Jon Rahm’s decision to join LIV Golf
PGA Tour members demand information over future plans
A group of 21 PGA Tour players have employed law firm Susman Godfrey LLP to address a letter to the PGA Tour policy board, demanding more transparency over ongoing negotiations with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and an outside equity group.
The PGA Tour said in a memo on Sunday that it is advancing negotiations with the PIF, as a deadline to finalize details from the June 6 framework agreement approaches on December 31, but is also in talks with a consortium of US professional sports owners.
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Rickie Fowler insists he’s not affected by Jon Rahm’s shock move to LIV Golf, but concedes it’s not good for the sport to be divided
Rickie Fowler insists he’s not affected by Jon Rahm’s shock move to LIV Golf, but concedes it’s not good for the sport to be divided
With the future of men’s professional golf in the balance, players like Chez Reavie, James Hahn and former Masters champion Danny Willett were among those wanting to know what’s coming.
“The board has recently received multiple bids by prospective capital partners that will potentially transform how the PGA Tour operates, who controls it, and who owns it,” attorney Jacob Buchdahl wrote.
“All but a handful of PGA Tour players have been kept entirely in the dark about the prospective transaction, how it will impact them, and what conflicts of interest may impact the decision-makers.
“We demand full disclosure of the details and analyses of any proposals by prospective capital partners, which should be shared promptly with all tour players.”
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan in memo to players: “In accordance with the PGA Tour Tournament Regulations, Jon Rahm has been notified he is suspended and no longer eligible to participate in PGA Tour tournament play due to his association with a series of unauthorised tournaments”
Last Updated: 12/12/23 9:31am
Jon Rahm has been suspended from all PGA Tour tournament play and removed from the FedEx Cup eligibility points list
The PGA Tour has notified Jon Rahm he has been suspended indefinitely for signing with Saudi-funded LIV Golf, a move which sees him removed from the FedEx Cup eligibility points list.
Rahm himself had stated an intention to retain his PGA Tour membership, but as has been the approach since the inaugural LIV event in June 2022, each member to join the rival circuit has been banned, with Rahm the latest despite golf’s potential merger between the PGA Tour and Saudi’s PIF.
Rahm, a former critic of LIV, will be the highest-ranked player to join the league, with the world No 3 enjoying an impressive 2023 that saw him win four times on the PGA Tour – including victory at The Masters – and be part of Europe’s successful Ryder Cup team.
“As you will recall, last year we communicated our commitment to ensure that suspended members do not negatively impact other players’ tournament eligibility, position on the Priority Rankings or eligibility to compete in the Players and Signature Events,” PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan said in a memo to players.
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After Rahm’s move to LIV Golf was confirmed, we take a look back at some of his remarks about the rival tour over the past year
After Rahm’s move to LIV Golf was confirmed, we take a look back at some of his remarks about the rival tour over the past year
“Consequently the Policy Board established a new ranking – called the ‘FedEx Cup Playoffs & Eligibility Points List’ – that removes players who are under suspension for their participation in an unauthorised tournament or their association with a series of unauthorised tournaments from the FedEx Cup Points List.
“In accordance with the PGA Tour Tournament Regulations, Jon Rahm has been notified that he is suspended and no longer eligible to participate in PGA Tour tournament play due to his association with a series of unauthorised tournaments.”
Mackenzie Hughes and Carl Yuan are the immediate beneficiaries of Rahm’s decision to sign with the rival league.
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan released a memo to players confirming Rahm’s suspension
Hughes goes from No 51 to No 50, and now is eligible for all seven of the $20m signature events in 2024. It also means Yuan, who was signed up for Q-school this week, moves up one spot to No 125 and has a full PGA Tour card for next year.
The tour last year distinguished between the FedEx Cup standings and a separate list related to eligibility for the postseason and for status. The distinction was so players defecting to LIV would not have a negative impact on those who stayed behind.
Among those who benefited last year were Rickie Fowler, who got into the postseason because of all the players who left for LIV; and Jimmy Walker and Rory Sabbatini, who moved up on the career money list and were able to use one-time exemptions to keep full status.
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Butch Harmon believes Rahm’s departure might increase the urgency of the PGA Tour to form a merger with LIV Golf
Butch Harmon believes Rahm’s departure might increase the urgency of the PGA Tour to form a merger with LIV Golf
This year, Hughes narrowly missed out on the top 50. He kept his 51st position through the autumn, which only would have guaranteed him spots in the first two $20m events. Now the Canadian can count on the likes of the Wells Fargo Championship in his home residence of Charlotte, North Carolina.
Social media had been buzzing about the possibility of Tony Finau – he and Rahm are close friends – also leaving for LIV. Finau took to Instagram on Monday and said he was “looking forward to playing my 10th season on the PGA Tour”.
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Rich Beem gave his reaction to Rahm’s dramatic move from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf
Rich Beem gave his reaction to Rahm’s dramatic move from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf
“See y’all in Maui!” he concluded, adding the hash tag, “#imnotleaving.”
Monahan also said in the memo that the policy board and management recently met with a group of players upset that signature events will offer disproportionately more FedEx Cup points than the other events, leading to concerns it will be difficult for players outside the top 50 to fairly compete.
Monahan said the board will review how the new system is working in June and evaluate whether changes are in order for 2025.
Camilo Villegas recently broke a nine-year title drought and shares his journey which includes the passing of his daughter, Mia, in 2020 and why he has the words ‘attitude’ and ‘positive energy’ as tattoos; Watch every PGA Tour event live on Sky Sports Golf in 2024
By Camilo Villegas, PGA Tour golfer
Last Updated: 05/12/23 1:00pm
Camilo Villegas reflects on the ups and downs of life on and off the golf course following his recent Butterfield Bermuda Championship win
I enjoyed two very special weeks in November where I finished runner-up in the World Wide Technology Championship in Mexico and then went on to win the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.
It’s been a real journey, and life is a journey where it goes up and down. You’ve got to go back to that Colombian kid who came to the US with a dream, played college golf, played the Korn Ferry Tour in 2005 and then everything kicked off on the PGA Tour and I managed to win a couple of FedExCup Playoffs events in 2008.
You would think that kid was on top of the world – and I was at a point in time. I was feeling pretty good from a performance point of view.
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After claiming his first victory in nine years, Camilo Villegas shared why his win in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship was such an emotional moment for him.
After claiming his first victory in nine years, Camilo Villegas shared why his win in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship was such an emotional moment for him.
But as I look at where I am now and everything that has happened, I believe I’m a better person. Maybe the results haven’t been there but this journey has been interesting.
To lose my PGA Tour card, to go through an injury, to lose my baby daughter in 2020, to create Mia’s Miracles (a charitable initiative to help others facing challenges), to go back to the Korn Ferry Tour, to keep grinding, to have doubts, to have fears, to have tears, have smiles – you just never know where life takes you.
Despite all the doubts, I never stopped waking up early, 5-5.30am, in the morning to do what I like to do because in all honesty, the cool thing about those two weeks is not so much the results but the process and what’s been behind those results.
As much as I enjoy reflecting on my win and the energy that I have received from the world of golf and those outside of golf, trust me, it’s been unbelievable. I had 900 messages on my phone and I’m going to reply to all of them.
To lose my PGA Tour card, to go through an injury, to lose my baby daughter in 2020, to create Mia’s Miracles, to go back to the Korn Ferry Tour, to keep grinding, to have doubts, to have fears, to have tears, have smiles – you just never know where life takes you.
Camilo Villegas
It’s unbelievable to be honest. You kind of stop believing after nine years but I never stopped waking up early and putting in the work. You’ve got to keep a path and keep your mind to where it needs to be. I’m a hard worker and I love having a purpose every morning and that’s kind of what I did.
I’ve got tattoos on my arms which says ‘attitude’ and ‘positive energy’ and sometimes, I forget to look at them. There are a lot of things you can’t control in life, but I guess these two, you can.
You’ve got to have good attitude in life, and it’s easier said than done at times. And energy, you can bring the energy not only to yourself but to the people around you and that’s something we all should strive for.
There were bumps but that’s life. I wish my little Mia is here with us but she’s not and she’s truly in a better place after a long battle that she wasn’t going to win.
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I accepted that. We turned that tragedy into something very positive with Mia’s Miracles. My wife reads messages from people we help on Mia’s Miracles every week and I go, ‘Man, if Mia was here, we wouldn’t be able to do this’.
At the beginning of the year, things were not going great and I made a little swing change. I’ve never been too excited about big swing changes but I trusted the guy I started working with, Jose Campra, and he told me he needed a year. I’m glad it took less than that, as here we are with a trophy.
Interestingly, I never felt so comfortable being in contention during those two weeks. It’s weird, even strange. When I was in contention back in the day, I didn’t have this calmness.
I’ve got to analyse what happened and try to replicate it more often. I was good at reacting to missed putts or lip-outs, which I’m not used to being like that before. There was a calmness in me.
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Highlights from the fourth round of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal Golf Course, Bermuda.
Highlights from the fourth round of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal Golf Course, Bermuda.
It was nice to have the Latin players come out to celebrate with me on the 18th green. I guess it was also payback as I sprayed Nico Echavarria with champagne when he won the Puerto Rico Open and he got me back. It’s great as it’s two wins for two Colombians this year, both guys growing up on the same golf course in Medellin.
I tell my wife all the time that if we do things in the right way, people will look at you in a positive way and respect you. I think that’s what I try to do. I enjoy being around the younger generation and sharing what I’ve lived.
Life is about experiences. You get good and bad ones and you try to learn from both. I was young once too and I had guys who helped me throughout my career.
I always want to accomplish more but I’m at peace with what I’ve accomplished already. It’s all about sharing it with others, especially the Latin kids who represent our region and grow the game of golf in South America.
Jon Rahm reportedly considering LIV offer of around $600m; USA pair Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele two more names that have been tied to LIV rumours; Woods: “Hypothetically would it surprise me? Yes, but there’s so many different things that have happened”
Last Updated: 02/12/23 12:04am
Jon Rahm has been linked with a move to LIV, with Tiger Woods saying the rumours ‘surprise’ him
Tiger Woods says he would be surprised if rumours that several big-name players are on the verge of signing with LIV Golf prove to be true.
Some media reports have suggested Jon Rahm, the reigning Masters champion and world’s No 3-ranked player, is weighing an offer of around $600m to sign with the Saudi-backed league. United States Ryder Cup stalwarts Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele are two more names that have been tied to LIV rumours.
Without being asked about specific players, Woods was asked if the rumours surprise him.
“Hypothetically would it surprise me? Yes, but there’s so many different things that have happened in the last 48 hours, but also in the last few weeks,” Woods said after his second round at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. “Things have changed and will continue to change.”
PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan said earlier this week that a December 31 deadline to finalise an agreement with the Public Investment Fund and the DP World Tour remains “a firm target”.
“Our deadline’s coming up here soon, so there’s a lot of moving parts,” Woods said. “A lot of different things are happening very quickly because we know, you know, I think today’s the first day in December. We don’t have a whole lot of time.”
Woods, who had no knowledge of the framework agreement at the time of the announcement in June, has since joined the PGA Tour’s Policy Board as a player director. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy left the board and was recently replaced by Jordan Spieth.
Woods instead preferred to focus on the upcoming deadline for golf’s merger between the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and PIF
Spieth, who is tied for the lead at Albany Golf Club, acknowledged that losing Rahm to LIV would be a big blow to the PGA Tour.
“I’m not sure specifically how it would impact those negotiations, but all in all, Jon Rahm is one of the biggest assets that we have on the PGA Tour,” he said.
“So it would be really not very good for us in general because we want to play against the best players in the world and that’s what Jon is.
“I know there’s been some guys that have talked to him. I know he’s maybe weighing some decisions, maybe not. I really don’t know, so I don’t want to insult him and say he’s weighing decisions if he already knows he’s not or he is. You know, that’s somewhat out of my control in a way.
“Obviously, I could speak probably on behalf of 200-plus PGA Tour players in saying that we really hope that he’s continuing with us.”
Jordan Spieth, who has joined the PGA Tour’s Policy Board as a player director, says Rahm moving to LIV would ‘really not be very good’
Scottie Scheffler said this week that he’s “extremely grateful” for Woods’ involvement, and the world’s No 1-ranked player is in the Bahamas competing in his first stroke play event since the Tour Championship. Noticeably absent, however, are Rahm, Cantlay and Schauffele.
Rahm did not commit to this year’s event, while Cantlay and Schauffele withdrew last month, further fueling speculation they may join LIV.
Rahm also recently pulled out of the Woods and McIlroy backed TGL, citing the time commitment, although the league has since delayed its debut until 2025 after the roof of its facility collapsed and caused damage. Cantlay and Schauffele are among the marquee players who had committed to the league.
While acknowledging the rumours swirling, Woods sidestepped a second question about whether he’d be surprised by more marquee defections to LIV.
“Nothing has really surprised me other than the fact that there’s so many different things that have happened so fast,” he said. “That’s one of the things that all of our – all of us as player-directors we’ve been working on, just that everything is now at a time crunch.
“It’s 24 hours a day just trying to figure it out.”
Luke Donald has been announced as Europe’s next Ryder Cup captain, while Team USA have yet to reveal who will lead their side; Europe claimed a 16.5-11.5 victory in the 2023 contest in Rome; Watch the 2025 Ryder Cup exclusively live on Sky Sports Golf
Last Updated: 29/11/23 12:58pm
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The best of the action from day three of the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Italy.
The best of the action from day three of the Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Italy.
When is the next Ryder Cup? Which course is hosting? Who could feature for Team Europe? We look at the key questions ahead of the 2025 contest, live on Sky Sports…
When is the Ryder Cup?
The next edition will take place from September 26-28, 2025.
The biennial contest switched back to odd-numbered years from 2023, having been postponed in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and taking place the following year.
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Take a look at the best fancy dress from the Ryder Cup weekend with dinosaurs, astronauts, hot dogs and more!
Take a look at the best fancy dress from the Ryder Cup weekend with dinosaurs, astronauts, hot dogs and more!
Where is the Ryder Cup?
The 2025 edition will be held on the Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York. The venue has previously hosted the US Open twice and was also where the 2019 PGA Championship was held.
The public course has a warning sign at the first tee that reads: “The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers.”
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Tommy Fleetwood secured a point for Team Europe in his singles match against Rickie Fowler at the Ryder Cup, with an incredible tee shot at the par-4 16th hole at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome.
Tommy Fleetwood secured a point for Team Europe in his singles match against Rickie Fowler at the Ryder Cup, with an incredible tee shot at the par-4 16th hole at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome.
The 2027 contest will be played at Adare Manor in Ireland and the 2029 edition will take place at Hazeltine National Golf Club, having previously hosted the 2016 event. The 2031 venue has yet to be confirmed.
Who are the current holders?
Europe will enter as defending champions after a brilliant 16.5-11.5 victory in Rome. Rory McIlroy top-scored for the hosts that week with four points from five matches, while Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm both enjoyed unbeaten weeks.
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Team Europe took their celebrations onto the team bus after their thrilling Ryder Cup victory over the USA in Rome.
Team Europe took their celebrations onto the team bus after their thrilling Ryder Cup victory over the USA in Rome.
Team USA won their last home Ryder Cup by a record-breaking margin in 2021, giving them back-to-back home victories for the first time since the 1980s.
Who will captain Team Europe?
Former world No 1 Luke Donald will serve as Europe’s captain for a second time, having led Europe to victory in Rome. Donald won all four Ryder Cups he played in and served as a vice-captain for two editions.
It’s the first time someone has been captain for back-to-back Ryder Cups since Bernard Gallacher held the role for three consecutive editions in the 1990s.
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A closer look at the man who will captain Team Europe at the 2025 Ryder Cup
A closer look at the man who will captain Team Europe at the 2025 Ryder Cup
Who will captain Team USA?
The PGA of America have yet to reveal who will captain Team USA in 2025, with announcement expected over the coming months.
Tiger Woods is currently favourite for the role, having acted as a vice-captain during USA’s victory in 2016 and a playing-captain for the 2019 Presidents Cup win. Stewart Cink, a five-time Ryder Cup player and a vice-captain in 2023, is also a candidate.
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Two-time Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III has suggested that he aims to talk Tiger Woods in to becoming the next captain for 2025.
Two-time Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III has suggested that he aims to talk Tiger Woods in to becoming the next captain for 2025.
Zach Johnson was the captain in Rome and would be the first American player to captain in successive Ryder Cups since Ben Hogan in 1949, while former vice-captain and four-time Ryder Cup player Matt Kuchar is another possibility.
How much does home advantage count?
Europe have won the last seven home editions of the Ryder Cup, while Team USA have enjoyed dominant victories the last two occasions it has been played in America. The last five editions have also seen a winning margin of five points or more.
The last away victory from either team came in 2012, when Europe produced their historic final-day comeback to win the ‘Miracle at Medinah’, while McIlroy wants to another victory on American soil in 2025.
Can Europe follow their 2023 success with another in 2025?
McIlroy said: ‘I’ve said this for the last probably six or seven years to anyone that will listen: I think one of the biggest accomplishments in golf right now is winning an away Ryder Cup. And that’s what we’re going to do at Bethpage.”
How do players qualify and can LIV players feature?
The qualification process has yet to be announced, although both teams elected to have six automatic qualifiers and six captains picks for the 2023 edition.
Team Europe had three qualifiers from European Points List and three eligible players from the World Points List after a year-long qualification campaign, while the top six players on the USA Ryder Cup points list automatically qualified.
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Tommy Fleetwood’s brilliance saw him beat Rickie Fowler 3&1 as he earnt the winning point to ensure Europe regained the Ryder Cup in Rome.
Tommy Fleetwood’s brilliance saw him beat Rickie Fowler 3&1 as he earnt the winning point to ensure Europe regained the Ryder Cup in Rome.
Players must currently be DP World Tour members to be eligible to feature for Team Europe, which would rule out some of those who joined the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League.
Who could play for Europe?
McIlroy will be a shoo-in to make an eighth consecutive Ryder Cup appearance, with Rahm and Viktor Hovland likely to play big roles for Team Europe once again.
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Rory McIlroy headed into Sunday Singles fired up and puts on an impressive performance, winning 3&1 against Sam Burns.
Rory McIlroy headed into Sunday Singles fired up and puts on an impressive performance, winning 3&1 against Sam Burns.
It would be no surprise to see Ludvig Åberg in action, having impressed on debut in 2023, while the likes of Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick and Shane Lowry will be looking to feature once again.
What team golf is there before then?
Team USA will have the chance to extend their winning streak in the Presidents Cup next year, as Jim Furyk captains them against Mike Weir’s International Team at Royal Montreal Golf Club from September 26-29. The Americans have won 12 of the previous 14 editions of the biennial contest, losing just once.
Next year also sees the latest edition of the Solheim Cup, having switched back to even-numbered years to avoid clashing with the Ryder Cup. Suzann Pettersen will lead Team Europe against Stacy Lewis’ Team USA at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Virginia from September 13-15.
Thriston Lawrence cards a three-under 67 to move into a three-shot lead on 15-under overall following the third round of the DP World Tour’s Joburg Open at the Houghton Golf Club
Last Updated: 25/11/23 4:06pm
Thriston Lawrence has moved into the lead following the third round of the Joburg Open on Saturday
South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence carded a three-under 67 to move into a three-shot lead following the third round of the Joburg Open at the Houghton Golf Club in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The 26-year-old started the week with a brilliant 62 and while he did not match that quality in round three, he carded the lowest score of anyone in an all-South African top six to lead the way.
Dean Burmester sits in second place while Nikhil Rama is tied for third place, after the overnight leader posted a disappointing two-over 72, which featured a double-bogey at the first hole.
Lawrence won this event two years ago and has since added three more DP World Tour titles, one of which he will be defending at next week’s South African Open.
He missed out on a PGA Tour card by one shot after finishing fifth in last week’s season finale in Dubai but has insisted this week that has only inspired him to have a successful 2024 campaign on the European-based circuit.
“I had a game plan and it was to try and play the exact same golf as I did the first two rounds and I executed it,” said Lawrence, who is 15-under overall. “I stayed nice and patient.
“I could have gone lower, not a lot of made putts, there was a couple at the end that I could have made but it’s job done and I’m happy with it.
“The game plan is exactly the same tomorrow, I’ll try and make a few more putts than today but I’m very happy with the game, I’m playing really well so same game plan.”
Lawrence carded four birdies and a bogey to get to 15 under, with LIV player Burmester his nearest challenger after a 68.
Nikhil Rama’s dream week continues at the at the Houghton Golf Club
World No 1,214 Nikhil Rama’s dream week continued with a 72 that left him four shots off the lead.
South Africa’s Darren Fichardt carded a 68 to sit at nine under, one shot clear of England’s Daniel Brown and two ahead of a group of eight players including defending champion Dan Bradbury.
Ludvig Åberg turned professional just six months ago and has already won the Ryder Cup as part of Team Europe; captain Luke Donald put faith in the youngster and now believes the ‘sky is the limit’ for the ‘generational’ talent
Last Updated: 19/11/23 10:10pm
Luke Donald believes the “sky is the limit” for Ludvig Aberg asfter his first win on the PGA Tour
A Ryder Cup captain always has to show the upmost faith in their players, but no one backed Ludvig Åberg more than Luke Donald and a first PGA Tour win is just more evidence as to why.
Heading to Rome, Åberg had only switched from the amateur ranks in June and had competed in just nine professional events, but received a wildcard selection after a breakthrough victory at the Omega European Masters.
He made the quickest transition from the amateur game to the Ryder Cup in the tournament’s history, breaking the previous record held by Sergio Garcia in 1999, although enjoyed a glittering career before turning professional.
“We obviously knew what he was doing in the college scene,” Donald said ahead of the Ryder Cup. “You look at what he did in those four years and the only comparables really were Viktor Hovland and Jon Rahm. He is that good.
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Team Europe captain Luke Donald reveals why Ludvig Aberg was selected as one of his six picks to complete his Ryder Cup line up
Team Europe captain Luke Donald reveals why Ludvig Aberg was selected as one of his six picks to complete his Ryder Cup line up
“I played with him in Detroit and was blown away by his game. He continued to impress and I challenged him to come over to Europe and play a couple [of events].
“I really do have a lot of faith and belief in Ludvig. He is a generational player, he’s going to be around a long time and he’s going to do amazing things. If he wasn’t going to play this one he was going to play the next eight Ryder Cups, that’s how good I think he is.”
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Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland set a Ryder Cup record as they thrashed Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka with a 9&7 win on day two
Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland set a Ryder Cup record as they thrashed Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka with a 9&7 win on day two
While nerves for Team Europe supporters may have been present, it did not take long for Åberg to quell them as he partnered Viktor Hovland to victory in the opening foursomes session in Rome before the same pair also thrashed world No 1 Scottie Scheffler and five-time major winner Brooks Koepka 9&7 on day two, a record margin for an 18-hole Ryder Cup match.
Now, Åberg has proved once again why many are touting him to be one of the star golfers of the future with an impressive win at the RSM Classic, carding back-to-back rounds of 61 over the weekend at Sea Island to finish 29 under par, four shots clear of Canada’s Mackenzie Hughes.
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Ludvig Aberg almost holed his tee shot on the par-three fourth hole during the Saturday foursomes session at the Ryder Cup in Rome
Ludvig Aberg almost holed his tee shot on the par-three fourth hole during the Saturday foursomes session at the Ryder Cup in Rome
Donald was quick to congratulate his wildcard pick and believes we are only seeing the start of what is set to be an accolade-laden career.
“Anyone paying attention knew the unlimited potential of Ludvig, he showed that at Crans and now again dominating in Sea Island this week,” Donald said on social media.
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“Congratulations to you, Jack and your whole team, the sky is the limit.”
Åberg admitted the moment felt like a “dream” and he hopes to “love golf for a long time” as he continues on in the professional ranks.
“I’m super happy. It’s kind of beyond my dreams,” Åberg said.
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“It’s really cool. To first off play on the PGA Tour, I have a lot of people to thank for that. It’s been so much fun, six months that I’ll never forget.
“This is what you dream of as a kid. This is the sport that I love and the sport that I’m going to love for a very long time. Watching these events from a very young age is what I’ve done so to see myself win is really cool.”
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Ryder Cup stars Viktor Hovland and Tommy Fleetwood in the group two back; Robert MacIntyre and Tyrrell Hatton are four behind; Rory McIlroy 10 back after a level-par 72; Watch the third round live on Saturday from 7am on Sky Sports Golf
Last Updated: 17/11/23 1:34pm
Nicolai Hojgaard holds the halfway lead at the DP World Tour’s season finale
Nicolai Hojgaard produced a sensational final-hole eagle to take a two-shot lead into the weekend at the DP World Tour Championship, as Rory McIlroy slipped out of contention.
Hojgaard held a share of the overnight lead and recovered from two bogeys in his first four holes on Friday to card a six-under 66 at Jumeirah Golf Estates, moving him to 11 under and clear of the logjam at the top of the leaderboard.
The Dane reached the turn in level par before following a 20-foot birdie at the 10th with three more in a five-hole stretch from the 13th, then fired his approach at the par-five last to within six feet and converted the eagle putt for the halfway advantage.
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Hojgaard’s Ryder Cup team-mates Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland matched his 66 to sit in tied-second alongside Jens Dantorp, Antoine Rozner and South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence, who charged into contention with a bogey-free 64.
Lawrence posted an eagle and six birdies to move to nine under, while Fleetwood made three birdies in a four-hole stretch and Hovland birdied three of his last five holes to also sit in the share of second.
Leona Maguire will be chasing more LPGA Tour success in 2024
LPGA players will compete for a record £95m ($118m) next season, LPGA Tour officials have announced.
The 2024 total prize fund represents a 69 per cent increase from 2021’s figure of approximately £56m ($70m).
“The 2024 LPGA Tour schedule reflects our historic growth,” commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan said. “With new events and improved geographic flow, enhancing the athlete experience, our global reach and competitiveness have never been stronger.
“As we embark on this season, we celebrate the remarkable journey of women’s golf, anticipating thrilling competition and unforgettable moments for fans worldwide.”
The schedule features a record 16 tournaments with purses of at least £1.93m ($2.4m), including 10 events outside the majors and Tour Championship. An increase in the CME Group Tour Championship’s purse from £5.6m to £8.8m was announced on Wednesday.
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The best of the action from day three of the Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin in Spain
The best of the action from day three of the Solheim Cup at Finca Cortesin in Spain
Take a look at the dates, venues and tournament schedule for the 2024 LPGA Tour (as of November 16):
January 18-21- Hilton Grand Vacations, Orlando, Florida
January 25-28 – LPGA Drive On Championship, Bradenton, Florida
February 22-25 – Honda LPGA ,Chonburi, Thailand
February 29 – March 3: HSBC Women’s World Championship, Singapore
March 7-10 – Blue Bay LPGA, Hainan Island, People’s Rep. of China
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March 21-24 – Seri Pak LA Open, Palos Verdes Estates, California
March 28-31 – Arizona Championship, Phoenix, Arizona
April 3-7 – LPGA Match Play, Las Vegas, Nevada
April 18-21 – The Chevron Championship, The Woodlands, Texas
April 25-28 – JM Eagle LA Championship, Los Angeles, California
May 9-12 – Cognizant Founders Cup, Clifton, New Jersey
May 16-19 – Mizuho Americas Open, Jersey City, New Jersey
May 30-June 2 – US Women’s Open, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
June 7-9 – ShopRite LPGA Classic, Galloway, New Jersey
June 13-16 – Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give, Grand Rapids, Michigan
June 20-23 – KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, Sammamish, Washington
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Highlights from the fourth round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship where Ruoning Yin claimed her maiden major
Highlights from the fourth round of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship where Ruoning Yin claimed her maiden major
June 27-30 – Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, Midland, Michigan
July 11-14: Amundi Evian Championship, Evian-les-Bains, France
July 18-21: Dana Open for Children, Sylvania, Ohio
July 25-28: CPKC Women’s Open, Alberta, Canada
August 1-4: Portland Classic, Portland, Oregon
August 8-11: 2024 Paris Olympics, Paris, France
August 15-18: Women’s Scottish Open, TBD, Scotland
August 22-25: AIG Women’s Open, Fife, Scotland
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Highlights from the final round of the AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath as Lilia Vu claimed her second major title of the season
Highlights from the final round of the AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath as Lilia Vu claimed her second major title of the season
August. 29-September 1: FM Global Championship, Norton, Massachusetts
September 13-15: Solheim Cup, Gainesville, Virginia
September 19-22: Kroger Queen City Championship, Cincinnati, Ohio
September 27-29: Walmart NW Arkansas Championship, Rogers, Arkansas
October 10-13: Buick LPGA Shanghai, Shanghai, People’s Rep. of China
October 17-20: BMW Ladies Championship, TBD, Republic of Korea
October 24-27: Maybank Championship, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Celine Boutier takes victory at the LPGA Maybank Championship following an incredible nine-hole playoff with Atthaya Thitikul
Celine Boutier takes victory at the LPGA Maybank Championship following an incredible nine-hole playoff with Atthaya Thitikul
October 31-November 3: TOTO Japan Classic, Shiga, Japan
November 6-9: LOTTE Championship, Oahu, Hawaii
November 14-17: The ANNIKA driven, Belleair, Florida
November 21-24: CME Group Tour Championship, Naples, Florida
December 13-15: Grant Thornton Invitational, Naples, Florida
Netflix has been investing heavily into gaming over the past few years in its continued effort to become the Netflix of… well, everything. In addition to acquiring and building new game studios, nabbing big name talent, and moving into cloud gaming, the streamer is making a concerted effort to make the Netflix app a competitive destination for subscription-based mobile gaming. Though as of now, less than 1% of all Netflix users take advantage of the service.
That hasn’t slowed down Netflix’s determination in the space. During this year’s Geeked Week virtual event, the company announced a slew of new titles coming to the Netflix mobile app in 2024.
Here are the biggest game announcements and trailers from Netflix Geeked Week 2023.
Hades
If you’ve never played Supergiant’s peerless action roguelite before — or always wanted to play it on mobile — Netflix has you covered. An iOS version of Polygon’s 2020 game of the year is coming soon, exclusively to Netflix subscribers. Set in a gaudy, funny, sexy, and mysterious version of the Underworld of Greek myth, Hades follows Zagreus, prince of the Underworld, as he tries and tries and tries again (and again, and again) to escape his father’s domain. With near-infinite permutations of weapons, skills, and boons granted by your fellow gods, Hades never plays the same twice, and it will automatically be the best game in Netflix’s catalog when it arrives there.
Braid: Anniversary Edition
The long-awaited anniversary edition of Jonathan Blow’s time-bending puzzle platformer, which was first announced way back in 2020, is finally being released in April of next year. If that weren’t enough, it’s also coming to the Netflix mobile app!
The Anniversary Edition of the game comes with a suite of new features, including the ability to switch between the old and new graphics at will and 15 hours of developer commentary from Blow himself and Frank Cifaldi of the Video Game History Foundation.
Chicken Run: Eggstraction
Coming hot on the tail (feather) of the long-awaited sequel Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget, Aardman Animations has announced Chicken Run: Eggstraction — a top-down, real time stealth action game set shortly after the events of the film. You’ll hatch plans, assemble a crack team of chicken commandos, improvise gadgets, and sneak into farms as you liberate whole flocks of new recruits when the game is released in 2024.
Death’s Door
Death’s Door, the isometric action-adventure game from Acid Nerve and number seven on our list of the best games of 2021, is coming to the Netflix mobile app. As a sword-wielding crow, you traverse the afterlife collecting souls for the Reaping Commission Headquarters. Think a slightly easier take on Dark Souls — though not that much easier.
Katana Zero
The stylish, neo-noir action platformer Katana Zero is also headed to Netflix mobile. You play as a katana-wielding amnesiac assassin as you hack and slash your way through swaths of enemies, slow down time, and dodge deadly attack as you bob and weave your way through a dystopian neon-lit metropolis.
Money Heist
One of Netflix’s biggest international hits is its Spanish heist thriller, which now gets this interactive spinoff from the in-house studio Netflix Stories. Dialogue choices and hacking minigames abound when you join the original Money Heist crew in the theft that started it all — La Perla de Barcelona. Like all the games based on Netflix’s original shows and movies, the Money Heist game will remain exclusive to Netflix subscribers when it releases soon, alongside spinoff series Berlin.
Shadow and Bone: Enter the Fold
Fans of Shadow and Bone are still waiting on word of a possible third season of the fantasy mystery drama. But in the meantime, Netflix announced a new narrative roleplaying game set between the events of season 1 and 2, which is available to play now on the Netflix mobile app. Explore the world of Grishaverse as Alina, Jesper, Sturmhond, and General Kirigan as you traverse the war-torn land of Ravka, meet familiar faces, and make hard decisions in Shadow and Bone: Enter the Fold.
The Dragon Prince: Xadia
Due next year, The Dragon Prince: Xadia is a Diablo-style co-op action role-playing game with hack-and-slash combat and loot galore. It’s being made at Wonderstorm, the studio responsible for the animated fantasy series that’s one of the longest-running shows on Netflix (its sixth season debuts next year), so it should capture the show’s vibe perfectly. This one will be exclusive to Netflix on mobile at launch, but it’s getting a PC version too.
A long birdie putt on the last hole of her round put Brooke Henderson into a one-shot lead following the opening day of The ANNIKA Driven By Gainbridge At Pelican; coverage continues on Sky Sports Golf from 3pm on Friday
Last Updated: 09/11/23 11:57pm
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Highlights from the first round of The ANNIKA Driven By Gainbridge At Pelican on the LPGA Tour
Highlights from the first round of The ANNIKA Driven By Gainbridge At Pelican on the LPGA Tour
Brooke Henderson opened with an eight-under-par 62 to established a one-shot lead after the first round of The ANNIKA Driven By Gainbridge At Pelican.
The Canadian made a long birdie putt on her final hole, the par-three ninth, for a 29 on the front nine to move past a group which included Jin Young Ko and Patty Tavatanakit.
Henderson won the LPGA season opener in Florida and has not won since, falling to No 13 in the women’s world ranking and coming in at No 14 in the Race to CME Globe.
“Up until this year, ball-striking has definitely been a strength of mine, and hasn’t been as sharp as I would like the last couple months,” Henderson, who switched irons recently and felt she was headed in the right direction, said.
“To hit all 18 greens is more what I used to be used to a little while ago. It feels amazing not to have to get up and down and give myself a lot of birdie opportunities.”
This is the last tournament for the top 60 players to reach the season-ending CME Group Tour Championship down the coast in Naples. That is not an issue for Henderson or Ko, who is No 5 on the strength of two LPGA victories.
It is a different story for the others who were at 63, however. Tavatanakit, a former major champion, is at No 61 and got off to the ideal start.
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“Obviously, I knew what I had to do,” Tavatanakit said. “I’m pretty stressed, but at the same time, I feel like I did everything under my control.
“I did everything with no regrets. I’m just going to be out here and know at the back of my mind that I did everything I could.”
Emily Kristine Pedersen is at No 80 and Minami Katsu of Japan is at No 78, and they also shot 63. Katsu rallied late on a beautiful day at Pelican Golf Club, starting the back nine with five birdies in six holes to get near the top of the leaderboard.
Lexi Thompson, playing for the first time since missing the cut by three shots in Las Vegas on the PGA Tour, opened with a 64 and was in a five-way tie for sixth. She has gone more than four years without winning, and she’ll likely need to finish third or better to make it to the season finale in Naples.
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Thompson started on the back nine, made the turn and ran off four birdies in five holes.
“I just went into the day knowing I had to make birdies,” Thompson said. “It was perfect weather – maybe five miles per hour when it gusted – so ideal weather for us.
“I knew I had to make birdies, but I just tried to stick to my game plan with my swing shots and fire at the pins and give myself as many birdie opportunities.”
Defending champion Nelly Korda opened with a 70, while Lydia Ko had to settle for a 67, and at No 101 in the Race to CME Globe, she likely would have to be alone in second to reach the Tour Championship and defend her title.
Coverage of The ANNIKA Driven By Gainbridge At Pelican continues live on Sky Sports Golf from 3pm and Sky Sports Main Event from 4.30pm on Friday. Also stream with NOW.
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Dale Reid has died at the age of 64; she was a life member of the tour, won 21 LET titles, the Order of Merit twice and enjoyed a successful Solheim Cup career
Last Updated: 08/11/23 5:35pm
Dale Reid has died at the age of 64
Former Solheim Cup captain Dale Reid has died at the age of 64, the Ladies European Tour has announced.
Reid, who had been suffering from cancer, died on Wednesday morning in Townsville, Australia, the LET said.
A life member of the LET, Reid turned professional in 1979 and won 21 times on the circuit in her career, the last two of which came in 1991.
She won the Order of Merit in both 1984 and 1987 and holds the record for the most top-10 finishes with 135, recorded between 1979-2005.
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After representing Europe four times as a player in the Solheim Cup, Reid captained the side to victory over the United States at Loch Lomond in 2000.
It was only Europe’s second victory in the biennial contest and Reid was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.
Reid also led the side at Interlachen in 2002, but Europe lost by three points after a build-up dominated by a selection row revolving around Catriona Matthew, who went on to captain Europe to victories in 2019 and 2021.
Reid was described by the LET as a “larger-than-life character who was held in great affection by her fellow Tour players, caddies and staff. (She) will be missed dearly by all who knew her.”
Mone Inami wins Toto Japan Classic on home soil to claim maiden LPGA Tour victory; defending champion Gemma Dryburgh three shots back in sixth after seven-under final round; Nasa Hataoka’s hopes fade with two-over 74, including double bogey
Last Updated: 05/11/23 9:04am
Gemma Dryburgh finished sixth at the Toto Japan Classic after a seven-under final round of 65
Defending champion Gemma Dryburgh finished tied sixth at the Toto Japan Classic with a seven-under-par final round leaving the Scottish player three strokes behind winner Mone Inami.
Dryburgh, who won this event by four shots in 2022, made four birdies on her front nine and three more coming home during a blemish-free Sunday at Taiheiyo Club Minori Course.
The 30-year-old ended on 19-under-par for the tournament with Japan’s Inami triumphing on home soil on 22-under, one clear of compatriot Shiho Kuwaki and South Korea’s Seon Woo Bae.
Mone Inami won by one stroke in Japan for her first LPGA Tour victory
Inami trailed Kuwaki and fellow Japanese player Nasa Hataoka by one heading into the final day but a three-under 69 was enough to take the title as Kuwaki carded a 71 and Hataoka stumbled to a 74.
Hataoka’s two-over round included a bogey at the fourth and double bogey at the 15th.
Inami’s victory was the 13th of her career but first on the LPGA Tour, with the win earning her LPGA Tour membership for the remainder of this season and the entirety of 2024.
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One week after Alison Lee lost in a playoff on the LPGA, she ran laps around the field in Saudi Arabia after shooting a mind-boggling 61-61-65 at the Ladies European Tour’s Aramco Team Series event at Riyadh Golf Club
Last Updated: 29/10/23 4:53pm
Alison Lee rounded off her record-breaking week in style with a commanding victory in the Aramco Team Series in Saudi Arabia
American Alison Lee rounded off her record-breaking week in style with a commanding victory in the Aramco Team Series in Saudi Arabia.
Lee carded a final round of 65 at Riyadh Golf Club to finish 29 under par and eight shots clear of Spain’s Solheim Cup star Carlota Ciganda, with England’s Charley Hull another three strokes back in third.
Lee’s winning total set a new 54-hole scoring record on the Ladies European Tour and also equalled the best achieved over 72 holes.
“I’ve played some really good golf this week and putted even better,” the 28-year-old said.
“I hit almost every green, gave myself plenty of birdie opportunities, and made a lot of them count with aggressive, confident play. I had a lot of fun out there and I’m delighted with the win because any tournament is difficult to win.”
Alison’s first professional victory came at the 2021 Aramco event at Sotogrande.
A former No 1 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking, the 28-year-old former UCLA student turned professional in 2014 after winning the final stage of LPGA Q-School.
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