The Arnold Palmer Invitational is currently underway in Orlando, Florida, at the renowned Bay Hill Club & Lodge. With a challenging course stretching over 7,466 yards and a par of 72, this tournament offers a substantial prize pool of $20 million, with the winner set to take home $4 million. Defending champion Scottie Scheffler is among the competitors, joined by top-ranked players Xander Schauffele and Rory McIlroy, marking their first joint participation since the Tour Championship. The event is not only significant for its competitors but also for sponsor exemptions, granted this year to Rafael Campos, Mackenzie Hughes, and Min Woo Lee. Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler’s requests, however, were declined. Fans can expect a cut after 36 holes to determine the top 50 and ties.
Meanwhile, the LIV Golf League is holding its Hong Kong tournament at the Hong Kong Golf Club. With a 6,711-yard course and a par of 70, players are vying for a $20 million prize pool, mirroring the stakes at Bay Hill. Patrick Reed, after a notable but unofficial 59 at last year’s Hong Kong Open, is seeking his first win in the league. Joaquin Niemann, the latest champion from the LIV Golf Adelaide, will also participate, alongside Jon Rahm and David Puig, who have both secured top 10 finishes in the previous LIV events this year.
Turning to the LPGA Tour, the Blue Bay LPGA is taking place on Hainan Island, China. This marks the end of the LPGA’s initial Asia swing for 2024, set on the Jian Lake Blue Bay Golf Course, spanning 6,712 yards with a par of 72. With $2.5 million in prize money, defending champion Bailey Tardy is among the favorites. Lydia Ko, having recently triumphed at the HSBC Women’s World Championship, has moved to No. 2 on the LPGA’s career earnings list. The tournament features notable players, including Jeeno Thitikul and Ruoning Yin, although some early winners of the Asia swing, like Angel Yin and Lydia Ko, are not competing this week.
The Puerto Rico Open is concurrently running in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, at the Grand Reserve Golf Course. Covering 7,506 yards, this par-72 event offers a $4 million prize, and the winner earns a spot at The Players Championship. This tournament also sees the participation of Justin Hastings, a Masters-bound exemption, and major champions like Jason Dufner and Danny Willett. Since its inception into the PGA Tour in 2008, the Puerto Rico Open has been a platform for budding players like Tony Finau and Viktor Hovland to capture their first PGA Tour victories.
On the European Tour, the Joburg Open is unfolding at Houghton Golf Club in Johannesburg. This course features a yardage of 7,227 and a par of 72, with prize money of 20.5 million rand up for grabs. Dean Burmester, the previous winner, isn’t defending his title this year due to commitments with LIV Golf. This South African tournament concludes a series of African events and emphasizes its collaboration with the Sunshine Tour.
Additionally, the PGA Tour Champions are hosting the Cologuard Classic in Tucson, Arizona, at La Paloma Country Club. The course, which measures 6,856 yards with a par of 71, sees players compete for a $2.2 million prize fund. Defending champion Joe Durant, and notable players like Ernie Els and Justin Leonard, are eyeing victory. The event is part of a busy four-week schedule and promises thrilling competition, building upon its history since moving to La Paloma CC.
In Santiago, Chile, the Korn Ferry Tour hosts the Astara Chile Classic at the Prince of Wales Country Club. The 6,929-yard, par-72 course offers participants a chance at a $1 million purse. As players jockey for position in the standings, the tour prepares for its next event in early April.
Alongside these major tournaments, other circuits like the Epson Tour, PGA Tour of Australasia, and Ladies European Tour are showcasing their own exciting matches, each contributing to a vibrant golfing season. These events continue to attract talent and captivate audiences worldwide, endeavoring to highlight both emerging and seasoned players in various golfing arenas.
