25th November Newsletter 2024

Author

TJ Biggs
November 25, 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 some great golf played this weekend, with things heating up around the world tours for players to keep their spots for next year as well as earn them.

Joel Dahmen shot a final round 64 to keep his card. Patrick Reed made a comeback on the Asian Tour, and Maverick McNealy put the 2025 Titleist Pro V1 into the bag for the first time and picked up his first win on Tour.

This week carries on Down Under for the DP World Tour, while the Asian and LET Tours are the only other events this week.

Thanks to Fairway Golf Prints for sponsoring this week. 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

Image: Compleat Golfer

PGA Tour: The RSM Classic - Maverick McNealy | -16
DP World Tour: BMW Australian PGA Championship - Elvis Smylie | -14
LPGA: CME Group Tour Championship - Jeeno Thitikul | -22
Asian Tour: Link Hong Kong Open - Patrick Reed | -22
Sunshine Tour: PGA Championship - Pieter Moolman | -15

NEWS
Short News Snippets From Around The World

Team Cup. The 2025 Team Cup rosters feature nine players each for Continental Europe and Great Britain & Ireland, including six Ryder Cup stars and 11 debutants. Captains Francesco Molinari and Justin Rose bring a mix of youth and experience to Abu Dhabi Golf Resort, January 10-12, in preparation for Ryder Cup qualification.

Not Happy. Starting in 2026, the PGA Tour will reduce full-time membership to the top 100 FedEx Cup finishers, cutting 25 cards and introducing smaller field sizes. Critics, including Lucas Glover and Matt Fitzpatrick, argue these changes are misguided and mask pace-of-play issues, while others see increased competition as a positive shift.

Changes To The PGA Tour. The PGA TOUR Policy Board approved significant changes to enhance competition and fan experience. Starting 2026, eligibility will shift to the top 100 in FedExCup standings, field sizes will adjust for daylight constraints, and FedExCup points will be redistributed from 2025. These updates aim to improve player equity, showcase emerging talent, and deliver stronger tournaments. Read the full article here.

Patrick is Back. Patrick Reed secured his first individual pro victory in four years by winning the Asian Tour’s Hong Kong Open. Highlighted by a historic Saturday 59, he followed with a 66 on Sunday to win by three shots. The 34-year-old praised the challenging course, marking a triumphant return to form.

They’re Back Baby. Nine LIV Golf players, including Sergio Garcia, Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, and Joaquin Niemann, will rejoin the DP World Tour in 2025. Garcia’s return revives his Ryder Cup eligibility after settling fines and reinstating membership. This marks a significant step for these players in regaining world ranking points and competitive opportunities.

Article
What Is The Team Cup?

The Team Cup is a prestigious match-play golf competition featuring teams from Continental Europe and Great Britain & Ireland (GB&I). This event serves as a showcase of some of the best golfers from the DP World Tour, mixing seasoned Ryder Cup players with emerging talents. Held annually, it provides a competitive environment where players can hone their skills in team formats, offering invaluable preparation for events like the Ryder Cup.

Structure of the Competition

The Team Cup is a three-day event featuring four different formats of match play:

Friday – Fourballs: Teams of two players from each side compete, with the best score from each pair counting towards their team's total.

Saturday – Foursomes (two sessions): In this alternate-shot format, pairs work together, taking turns hitting the same ball, requiring precision and teamwork.

Sunday – Singles Matches: All players compete one-on-one, with each match contributing to the overall team score.

Every player participates in all sessions, ensuring a full team contribution across the event.

History and Significance

The Team Cup was introduced as a competitive and developmental event for European golfers, providing opportunities to test their abilities under the unique pressures of team competition. While not as historically entrenched as the Ryder Cup, the Team Cup has quickly gained prominence, with many participants earning subsequent Ryder Cup berths.

For instance, six players from the 2023 Team Cup went on to represent Europe at the Ryder Cup, highlighting the event's role in identifying and nurturing talent for international competition.

The 2025 Team Cup

The upcoming edition of the Team Cup will be held at the Abu Dhabi Golf Resort from January 10–12, 2025, with Francesco Molinari captaining the Continental Europe team and Justin Rose leading GB&I.

Continental Europe Team Highlights:

Captain: Francesco Molinari, a Ryder Cup veteran and former Open Champion.

Star Players: Nicolai Højgaard, Thorbjørn Olesen, and Matteo Manassero.

Emerging Talents: Rasmus Højgaard and Niklas Nørgaard, both having recently won significant DP World Tour events.

Returning Stars: Matthieu Pavon and Antoine Rozner, who bring experience from both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour.

GB&I Team Highlights:

Captain: Justin Rose, 2013 U.S. Open Champion and Ryder Cup stalwart.

Key Players: Tommy Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton are proven match-play competitors.

Fresh Faces: Laurie Canter, Aaron Rai, and Tom McKibbin, who have impressed with recent tour victories.

Experienced Returnees: Matt Wallace and Jordan Smith, are eager to build on past successes.

Broader Implications

The Team Cup is more than a standalone event. It serves as a proving ground for players aspiring to join the Ryder Cup team and contributes to the development of European golf. With six Ryder Cup players already named for 2025 and many young talents making their debuts, the event continues to bridge generational gaps and foster excellence.

How to Watch

Fans can attend the Team Cup in Abu Dhabi by registering for free General Admission tickets. For those seeking a premium experience, The Trophy Lounge offers an elevated viewing option.

The Team Cup is not only a celebration of golf but also a vital step in preparing Europe's best players for international success, ensuring its growing reputation as a must-watch event on the golfing calendar.

EVENTS
What Can We Expect From The Upcoming Events

PGA Tour: Hero World Challenge - Defending Champ | Dec 5 - 8
DP World Tour: ISPS Handa Australian Open - Defending Champ | Joaquin Niemann
Asian Tour: International Series Qatar - Defending Champ | Andy Ogletree
LET Tour: Andalucia Costa Del Sol Open de Espana - Defending Champ | Aditi Ashok

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 fifty-forth 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 🏌️‍♀️