This week marks the beginning of the PGA Tour’s network television schedule on CBS at Torrey Pines, kicking off its 19-tournament lineup. Justin Thomas has already made an impact by urging players to enhance the viewing experience for fans, emphasizing the importance of providing more access and insights during broadcasts.
Thomas, who previously shied away from tour policy involvement, is now actively contributing as a member of the Player Advisory Council for the second year. In a memo to players, he highlighted the significance of engaging with broadcast partners to bridge the gap between the game and its audience. Suggestions included pre- and post-round interviews, showcasing players’ personalities, and offering insights into their game and equipment.
CBS golf producer Sellers Shy praised Thomas for advocating for increased player access, with lead announcer Jim Nantz proposing expanding the walk-and-talk segments. Thomas, who humorously noted a previous uphill walk-and-talk on Golf Channel, emphasized the need for players to remain authentic while embracing potential changes to enhance the viewer experience.
In financial news, Thomas recently surpassed $60 million in career earnings after finishing as runner-up at The American Express. The growing prize money in golf is evident as more players are on track to join the elite $60 million club by the end of the year. Notable names on the career earnings list, including Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, continue to lead the pack, with emerging stars like Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson climbing the ranks.
On the LPGA Tour, Lydia Ko may finally have the opportunity to participate in the International Crown, a unique team event in golf, adding another exciting dimension to the tournament.
Crown utilizes world rankings to select the four-member teams from eight nations. This exclusion left Ko out of consideration, as she is the sole female player from New Zealand within the top 250 globally. However, this is set to change with the LPGA’s new approach, which will now consider seven teams with the highest combined ranking of four players, alongside a designated “world team.” This shift will likely include Ko and potentially Gaby Lopez of Mexico, as another country lacking another player within the top 200.
The International Crown, held biennially, is slated for Oct. 23-26 at the New Korea Country Club in South Korea. Since its inception in 2014, players from only 10 countries have participated, with past winners including Spain, the United States, South Korea, and Thailand.
In golf news, Florida State junior Luke Clanton and Auburn sophomore Jackson Koivun are in contention to secure a PGA Tour card at the Farmers Insurance Open. Both participants have accumulated 17 points in the PGA Tour University Accelerated program and need 20 points to qualify. Points can be earned by making the cut, achieving a top-10 finish, and this year, placing in the top 5.
Additionally, Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines is expanding services to Augusta Regional Airport during the Masters week, increasing seating capacity by 15%. Delta’s operations include daily flights from various hubs, and it is an official tournament partner of the Masters.
In other golf news, Tiger Woods has extended his endorsement deal with Bridgestone for golf balls, Mitsubishi Electric has renewed sponsorship of the PGA Tour Champions season opener, and notable accolades have been awarded to prominent figures in golf journalism.
Ernie Els recently achieved the feat of winning tournaments on four Hawaiian islands, showcasing his prowess across different locations.
Professional golfer Scottie Scheffler recently shared a light-hearted perspective on the challenges he faced after sustaining a puncture wound to his right hand. Scheffler humorously remarked, “You never realize how uncoordinated you are until you try brushing your teeth lefthanded.” Despite his injury, Scheffler’s positive attitude and sense of humor shine through as he navigates his recovery process. For more updates on Scheffler’s journey, follow AP Golf at https://apnews.com/hub/golf.
