LPGA Tour Overview for CME Group Tour Championship
The CME Group Tour Championship is set to take place in Naples, Florida, at the Tiburon Golf Club, featuring a challenging 6,700-yard, par-72 layout. The tournament boasts a substantial purse of $11 million, with the winner earning a remarkable share of $4 million. Golf enthusiasts can tune in to the NBC Sports app and the Golf Channel for coverage throughout the event, with specific airing times from Thursday to Sunday.
Defending her title is Amy Yang, while Nelly Korda currently leads in the race for the CME Globe. Korda had a triumphant outing last week, winning The Annika, and she is now pursuing her eighth victory of the season, which would be the highest on the LPGA since Lorena Ochoa’s record in 2007. Notably, Korda has exceeded $4 million in earnings this season.
Yang made headlines last year by securing her first victory on U.S. soil, and she continued her success by winning her first major title at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship this year. Additionally, Carlota Ciganda has climbed three spots to secure the final spot in the championship field, while Japan’s Mao Saigo leads in the race for LPGA rookie of the year as the highest-ranked player without a win this season.
Other players to watch include Lydia Ko, Hannah Green, and Ruoning, all of whom have clinched three wins this year. Lauren Coughlin is recognized as another multiple winner in the current season. Looking ahead, the next tournament on the LPGA calendar is scheduled for December 13-15.
PGA Tour Details for RSM Classic
The RSM Classic is taking place on St. Simons Island, Georgia, across two courses: Sea Island Golf Club’s Seaside and Plantation courses, measuring 7,005 and 7,060 yards, respectively. The tournament features a total prize money pot of $7.6 million, with the winner receiving a share of $1,368,000. Fans can catch live coverage from the Golf Channel throughout the weekend.
Last year’s champion, Ludvig Aberg, returns as the tournament’s defending champion, while Scottie Scheffler stands out as the FedEx Cup champion. Recently, Rafael Campos claimed victory at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship. This event marks the final tournament of the season, which plays a crucial role in determining which players will secure their full tour cards for the following year.
Aberg, who underwent surgery for a knee meniscus tear, will be returning to action after a break since the Tour Championship. The field is also strengthened by players residing locally, including past British Open winner Brian Harman. Nico Echavarria is currently positioned at No. 59 in the FedEx Cup standings, and maintaining his ranking is essential for participation in the upcoming high-stakes events, including The Sentry at Kapalua.
Achieving victory in this tournament grants the winner entry into the Masters Tournament, which only 14 players have already qualified for. Luke Clanton from Florida State has received an exemption and has performed notably well thus far on the PGA Tour. The next event on the PGA Tour schedule is the Hero World Challenge, taking place from December 5-8.
European Tour and PGA Tour of Australasia: BMW Australian PGA Championship
The exciting BMW Australian PGA Championship kicks off in Brisbane at the renowned Royal Queensland Golf Club, with a course measuring 7,084 yards and a par of 71. The total prize pool is set at A$2 million, and the winner can expect A$333,333. Viewers can watch the tournament on the NBC Sports app and Golf Channel during its run from Wednesday to Saturday.
Min Woo Lee is the defending champion, while Rory McIlroy recently claimed the Race to Dubai title at the DP World Tour Championship. The tournament coincides closely with the conclusion of the previous European tour season, heralding the start of the new season.
Lee is the sole player from the current top 50 in the world participating. Cameron Smith is also in the mix, competing for his third consecutive week in PGA Tour of Australasia events. Notably, Fred Biondi, a former NCAA champion who previously chose to turn pro over participating in the Masters, has received an exemption for this event.
Geoff Ogilvy, known for his contributions to golf course design, is part of the lineup as well. Jacob Skov Olesen, who won the British Amateur, is set to make his debut as a European tour member. The tournament’s history stretches back to 1929, and the European tour has made some adjustments to its fall schedule, featuring two Australian events.
Next week’s notable tournament is the ISPS Handa Australian Open.
Other Tours Update
The Japan Golf Tour will host the Casio World Open at Kochi Kuroshio CC, with Taichi Nabetani as the defending champion. Meanwhile, the Asian Tour features the Link Hong Kong Open at Hong Kong GC, with Ben Campbell as the defending champion. This tournament is set to be broadcasted on the NBC Sports app and Golf Channel from Wednesday to Saturday.
The Sunshine Tour will present the PGA Championship at St. Francis Links in St. Francis Bay, South Africa, with Rupert Kaminski as the defending champion. Additionally, the JLPGA Tour Championship Ricoh Cup will take place at Miyazaki CC in Japan, with Miyuu Yamashita defending her title.