21st October Newsletter 2024

Author

TJ Biggs
October 21, 2024

Hey team🏌️‍♂️ Thanks again to all of you, let’s continue growing this newsletter, big shoutout goes to the new subscribers, let’s keep on sending this newsletter to anyone you think may be interested. Here is a quick sign-up link you can copy - Subscribe.

There was a little bit more action this week in the golfing world, but still nothing too exciting to light things up. LIV CEO Greg Norman is on the chopping block, however, once he departs he will still be involved with the league in some way or another.

Julien Guerrier picked up his first win in his 230th start. It will be interesting to see if he picks up a few more or if it was a flook. It is always nice to see a back-to-back winner; Robin Williams did that this week on the Sunshine Tour.

We have a new sponsor this week - Fairway Golf Prints. They create incredible minimalistic artwork of your favourite golf courses. They are available in prints, canvas and frames. If your favourite course is not on their site yet, just request it and they will have it uploaded in a few days. Use the discount code - SATURDAYGOLFER for 10% off on your first purchase. Click here to check them out.

Let’s go. 🏌️‍♀️⛳☕

RESULTS
Weekly Results From Around The World

PGA Tour: Shriners Children's Open - J.T Poston | -22
DP World Tour: Estrella Damm N.A. AndalucĂ­a Masters - Julien Guerrier | -21
Champions Tour: Dominion Energy Charity Classic - Tim O’Neal | -13
LPGA: BMW Ladies Championship - Hannah Green | -19
Sunshine Tour: Fortress Invitational - Robin Williams | -22
Asian Tour: Black Mountain Championship - Michael Maguire | -23

NEWS
Short News Snippets From Around The World

Cheers Greg. LIV Golf is reportedly looking to replace Greg Norman as CEO, according to Sports Business Journal. The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, which finances LIV, has hired a firm to find his replacement. Norman will remain in a senior role, and the new CEO won't affect LIV's ongoing negotiations with the PGA and DP World Tours.

Drop Zone. LIV Golf clarified its relegation policy, affecting players ranked below 48th in points. Bubba Watson, at 52nd, faces potential removal from the roster for 2025. Other prominent players, including Phil Mickelson and Henrik Stenson, are near the drop zone but not guaranteed immunity. Relegated players can return through the International Series or LIV promotions.

One Too Many. Joel Dahmen withdrew from the Shriners Children's Open after receiving a four-stroke penalty for carrying an extra club. Currently ranked No. 124 in the FedEx Cup Fall standings, the mistake could affect his tour status for 2025. Dahmen, who self-reported having 15 clubs, is seeking to retain full status next year.

Never Quit. Julien Guerrier won his first DP World Tour title at the 2024 AndalucĂ­a Masters after a record-equalling nine-hole play-off against Jorge Campillo. Guerrier secured victory with a clutch par putt on his 230th tour start. The match saw multiple lead changes in a dramatic final round, thrilling the crowd at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande.

Zalatoris Confirmed. Will Zalatoris will debut at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in Sun City, South Africa, from December 8, 2024. The PGA Tour star joins a strong field that includes defending champion Max Homa. Zalatoris, excited for the prestigious event, previously withdrew due to injury in 2022.

INFO
What Happens To The Relagated LIV Players

Relegation in LIV Golf affects players who don’t finish in the top 48, placing them in the “drop zone.” Notable players like Bubba Watson, Branden Grace, and Kieran Vincent faced this fate in 2024. Despite relegation, exemptions exist for certain players, such as Anthony Kim and Hudson Swafford, who maintain their status through contracts that protect them from being dropped, even after poor performances.

Watson, a two-time Masters champion and captain of the RangeGoats team, is among the more prominent players who didn’t meet the cut. However, being a fan favourite and one of LIV’s most recognizable figures, Watson is expected to return in 2025. His franchise’s board, which includes LIV executives, could easily make a “business decision” to bring him back. Additionally, Watson holds equity in his team, securing him a role even if his competitive play declines.

For other relegated players without exemptions, options remain. They can participate in the LIV Golf Promotions event, where the top three finishers regain their spots. If unsuccessful, players can turn to the Asian Tour, backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), where strong performances could eventually lead to a return to LIV. However, suspended players can’t return to the PGA or Korn Ferry Tours but may try qualifying for the DP World Tour or other regional circuits.

LIV’s relegation system was originally designed to meet the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) criteria, requiring a pathway for new players. Despite OWGR’s rejection, relegation remains, refreshing the roster and adding drama to the final events. Ultimately, relegated players like Branden Grace face the challenge of either working their way back or finding other professional opportunities.

EVENTS
What Can We Expect From The Upcoming Events

Image: OWGR

PGA Tour: ZOZO Championship - Defending Champ | Keegan Bradley
DP World Tour: Genesis Championship - Defending Champ | Inaugural Event
LPGA: Maybank Championship - Defending Champ | Celine Boutier
LET Tour: Hero Women's Indian Open - Defending Champ | Chiara Tamburlini
Champions Tour: Simmons Bank Championship - Defending Champ | Padraig Harrington
Sunshine Tour: Zambia Masters - Defending Champ | Postponed
Asian Tour: International Series Thailand - Defending Champ | Wade Ormsby

Thanks again goes out to Fairway Prints for sponsoring this newsletter, click here to check them out.

That’s a wrap for this week. Thank you for taking the time to read the forty-ninth edition of this newsletter, please feel free to leave me a comment or reply with some feedback. If you are looking to sponsor this newsletter let me know, I would love to have you on board.

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Cheers,

TJ 🏌️‍♀️