#LPGA tour news

[untilthenexttee]

Next Tee News - February 12th, 2024

Taylor was clutch, a first-time winner, a little history lesson, and more on this edition of Next Tee News. Your golf summary for the week that was in three minutes or less. (two minutes was too difficult). Until The Next Tee!! #fightandgrind #seeuonthenexttee

[a2zsportsnews]

United States vs Europe, US President Barack Obama, world No.1 Nelly Korda, US captain Stacy Lewis, Europe captain Suzann Pettersen, LPGA Tour, news, analysis

With Barack Obama in support and using “unfinished business” as a motto, American champion Nelly Korda has inspired the US with a dominant start in the Solheim Cup against Europe. The world No.1 was at her mesmerising best as the United States, perhaps borrowing from the 44th President’s 2008 electoral maxim of “Yes, we can”, moved to a 6-2 lead in the teams competition. The only real shame for…

[richarlotte]

Hobbies you have?

I golf. I’ve golfed with my dad since I was 13. It’s the thing we do together and when we’re apart, and I’m quite good at it now. I think it’s important to have at least one form of physical sport that you do, and golfing is mine. I follow the LPGA and PGA tours, and it’s one of my favorite activities to do on the weekends and when I have time to leave the library and swing.

 

I sail as well, not as much now that I’m on the ocean, but I did it a lot when I had access to the lakes. I personally love it; I think it’s really fun and a great way to learn your way around the water. Sailing was one of the best ways for me to become at ease with the water, and I’m a very good swimmer from years of practice. 

 

I’m a major fan of ceramics; I’m a member of a private ceramics shop here in LA, and I create my own creations. It’s the ultimate form of self-care for me; it relaxes me, and I love the things I’ve been able to create. I think a lot of people think that ceramics studios are incredibly pricey, but the ones I’ve been to have been affordable, had lessons for beginners, and been geared towards a younger (mid twenties) crowd.

 

I play tennis. I know it’s another sport, but I think it’s important to list because it’s a major part of my life. I try to play singles on Mondays and Fridays, and I usually play doubles on Tuesdays and Thursdays now that I’m on campus. I think it’s a great form of exercise; it’s easy to learn and get into, and I grew up being obsessed with Althea Gibson and how she was truly a pioneer, and that fascination has never left me. 

 

I cook and love cooking. I hosted a Monday night supper club when I was living in NYC, and exploring with food has really helped heal me. I love planning menus, working with new strange and new ingredients, going to markets that stock foreign food, and trying things from new cultures. I’m the type of girl who could look at a fridge with three things in it and make something out of nothing. Cooking is one of my favorite ways to indulge my sense of adventure. 

[justinssportscorner]

Molly Sprayregen at LGBTQ Nation:

The Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) announced Wednesday that trans women who went through “male puberty” are no longer eligible to compete in elite competitions. The U.S. Golf Association (USGA) announced the same policy. “Our policy is reflective of an extensive, science-based and inclusive approach,” LPGA Commissioner Mollie Marcoux Samaan claimed in a statement. “The policy represents our continued commitment to ensuring that all feel welcome within our organization, while preserving the fairness and competitive equity of our elite competitions.” “Can’t say I didn’t see this coming,” trans professional golfer Hailey Davidson reportedly wrote in an Instagram story on Wednesday. The new rules make her ineligible to compete, as she did not begin transitioning until her twenties. “Banned from the Epson and the LPGA. All the silence and people wanting to stay ‘neutral’ thanks for absolutely nothing. This happened because of all your silence.”

Mike Whan, CEO of the USGA and former LPGA commissioner, told the Associated Press that “competitive fairness” is the “North star.”

“We tried not to get into politics, or state by state or any of that stuff,” Whan said. “We just simply said, ‘Where would somebody — at least medically today — where do we believe somebody would have a competitive advantage in the field?’ And we needed to draw a line. We needed to be able to walk into any women’s event and say with confidence that nobody here has a competitive advantage based on their gender. And this policy delivers that.” Many trans athletes are facing impossible hurdles as legislators make it increasingly difficult for youth to obtain gender-affirming care while sports bodies increasingly make rules requiring transitions to have happened in childhood. Earlier this year, Davidson – who has long been the subject of controversy in her sport – issued a withering response to NXXT Women’s Pro Golf Tour’s decision to ban trans women, calling it “a slap in the face to ALL female athletes.”

Two major golf organizations, LPGA and USGA, ban trans women who went past Tanner Stage 2 “male puberty” from playing in women’s competitions.

[housingconcierge]

Becoming an Inspiration: Achieving Milestones and Making History

From her historic debut to becoming the youngest player to win an LPGA event this season, Rose Zhang is a true force to be reckoned with #HeroLife #Hero #LPGATour #Inspiration #RoseZhang 🎉🏌️‍♀️

At Herolife.com, we take pride in celebrating individuals who transcend boundaries and become an inspiration to others. Today, we turn our attention to the incredible journey of Rose Zhang, a remarkable athlete who has not only achieved significant milestones but who made history on the LPGA Tour yesterday. From a historic debut to breaking records, Rose Zhang has set a new standard for…

[cryptoto]

LPGA TOUR: Charley Hull makes Bogey's start to the HSBC World Cup in Singapore Golf News

Charley Hull defied her windy conditions to make a start without Bogey and in the early leadership of Singapore in Singapore. England cited three birds in his opening 69 to sit in second place in the Sentos Golf Club, as Lim Kim set up early pace after the four-storey 68. Hull could not take advantage of any of the four pairs, but sliced ​​birds, on the third, 10. and 14. To move to another place…

[hamsdd]

LPGA TOUR: Charley Hull makes Bogey's start to the HSBC World Cup in Singapore Golf News

Charley Hull defied her windy conditions to make a start without Bogey and in the early leadership of Singapore in Singapore. England cited three birds in his opening 69 to sit in second place in the Sentos Golf Club, as Lim Kim set up early pace after the four-storey 68. Hull could not take advantage of any of the four pairs, but sliced ​​birds, on the third, 10. and 14. To move to another place…

[untilthenexttee]

Epson Tour Announces Partnership with MGI Golf 

The innovative partnership inspires regulations change to create athlete equity DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 26, 2025) — The Epson Tour announced today a partnership with MGI Golf, global leader in technology for the walking golfer and maker of America’s No. 1 electric golf caddy. Along with the partnership, the news included a change to the Epson Tour regulations, allowing athletes to use electric…

[a2zsportsnews]

Australian women’s golf, WPGA Tour of Australasia, how to watch, start time, format

The fifth edition of the ambitious women’s golf event The Athena tees off this weekend as a new rising star of Australian golf looks to join its impressive honour roll. Watch The Athena LIVE with Fox Sports, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. LPGA players Grace Kim, Steph Kyraciou, Cassie Porter and Karis Davidson as well as the Ladies European…

[golfoklahomamagazine]

Who holds the record for the most career earnings on the LPGA Tour?

The LPGA Tour’s rapid increase in popularity in recent years has made it a more lucrative venture for the players involved, with prize purses on offer reaching new record heights and other opportunities for golfers to earn also opening up. While the LPGA Tour still had ground to make up on the men’s version, the most high-profile events on the circuit now have similar financial clout, providing…

[memotrends]

Collin MorikaWa: The two-time major champion asks the PGA tour to pursue LPGA tour approach to run the slow game | Golf messages

The two-time Major Champion Collin Morikawa believes that the PGA tour of the LPGA tour should follow the slow game. According to new guidelines that come into force in March, LPGA players who take one to five seconds longer than the permissible time to play their shot will receive a fine. Players who need six to 15 seconds longer to play their shot receive a one-shot penalty, and those who take…

[trendtoday]

Collin Morikawa: Twice Major Champion calls for PGA Tour to follow the LPGA Tour access to hit Slow Play | Golf

Big champion twice Collin Morikawa believes PGA Tour should follow the LPGA Tour’s lead in the slow game. According to the new policies that will take effect in March, the LPGA players who take one to five seconds more than the time allowed to play their goal will receive a fine. Players who take six to 15 seconds more to play their goal will receive a penalty with a blow and those who receive…

[trendstodaynet]

Collin Morikawa: Twice Major Champion calls for PGA Tour to follow the LPGA Tour access to hit Slow Play | Golf

Big champion twice Collin Morikawa believes PGA Tour should follow the LPGA Tour’s lead in the slow game. According to the new policies that will take effect in March, the LPGA players who take one to five seconds more than the time allowed to play their goal will receive a fine. Players who take six to 15 seconds more to play their goal will receive a penalty with a blow and those who receive…

[bunkershotgolf]

Full Speed into the Past

By ED TRAVIS

After taking a few days to think about the implications of a proposed rules change announced Tuesday March 14 by golf’s governing bodies, the USGA and R & A, the conclusion is clear. By decreasing the distance standard for golf balls played by so-called elite golfers, in effect rolling back the ball to the performance characteristics of twenty years ago, it is a solution in search of a problem.

It’s almost certain in three years when the rule would go into effect fans of elite golf—college and professional—can look forward to seeing the big guys not hit it so big which is a negative for sure but the bigger problem more likely will be the reaction of ball makers such as Acushnet and Callaway.

In situations like this in the past—remember the long putter or square grooves–it says more about the governing bodies desire to control our game decades in the future rather than helping those with emotional and financial stakes in the game capitalize on the current growth trend. Why can’t we just make golf more attractive to play and watch rather than adding more restrictions?

It seems whenever the USGA is involved, their focus on the tradition and integrity of the game (whatever that’s supposed to mean), fans come out in second or third place. Referring to further restricting ball performance golf instructor Hank Haney said it several years ago, “People don’t go to a ball game to watch them hit bunt singles.” Fans don’t go to PGA Tour events to marvel at clever chip shots, holed three-footers or perfect 150-yard nine-irons. They go to watch the big guys smash the ball distances we can only dream about.

Otherwise, you might as well go bowling.

The governing bodies continue to be focused on what happened in the past not where the game is today and if there is one thing sure in this world it is you can never go back.

Certainly, at the elite professional level golf is entertainment and changing equipment to make golf less entertaining means fans are the losers.

In case you think the proposed rules change has a chance of not being adopted remember former USGA CEO Mike Davis swore the last think he would do is roll back the ball. The pandemic may have slowed down the process, but current CEO Michael Whan will ensure it happens.

They say the new distance standard in effect January 1, 2026, will only apply to the few thousand elite players in the world or using the word nobody says out loud, bifurcation. However, there is no assurance that won’t change and indeed since the U.S. Open and the British Open will enact the restricted ball specifications should “regular players” qualify they would have to comply certainly in the qualifying rounds too.

As far as the other major championships are concerned, the Masters probably will want to make use of a reduced distance ball—estimated at 14-15 yards less—but the PGA of America who runs the PGA Championship has not said what they will do.

If anyone knows that professional golf must be entertaining it is the PGA Tour and maybe they will not agree to use a reduced distance ball. They do know they must sell themselves to fans and comments by many current Tour members are against implementation. Further should the Tour opt out, that would create the interesting situation of week to week play with the “long ball” and two weeks annually, the U.S. and British Opens, having to play the “short ball.”

That makes no sense whatsoever. The PGA Tour is also in a competitive situation with LIV Golf and there is zero chance LIV will play the short ball. Additionally, the USGA says elite female players will not have to play the short ball, so the LPGA Tour doesn’t have a decision to make.

But what about the golf ball manufacturers you ask? An excellent question and according to a statement from Acushnet Company, the largest ball manufacturer, “Under the proposed guidelines, events that adopt this MLR [Model Local Rule] would require players to use a substantially shorter golf ball, similar in distance to what was available in the 1990’s.”

Do you remember the Titleist Professional? A fine ball, at the time everyone played it, but it was instantly out of date with the introduction of the solid core urethane cover Titleist Pro V1 in 2000. Ball makers marketing now is built around the average player being able to tee up the same ball as the PGA Tour stars. This aspirational quality of golf is integral to the charm, resiliency and long life of the game.

Singling out the golf ball is not a sound analysis of the situation when swing speed on the Tour continues to increase (2.23 mph in the past 15 years) but it would seem logical there is at some time an upper limit on the increasing athleticism of Tour players. That would limit the swing speed increases and therefore distance off the tee and with other clubs.

We haven’t heard the last from the ball makers and lawsuits are a possibility creating another mess caused by the USGA’s myopic view of modern golf.

[ear-worthy]

iHeart Announces Eight New Shows About Women's Sports

Malcolm Gladwell -- the father of pop culture aphorisms -- was finally vindicated about one of those slogans that sell books. Women's sports have reached that tipping point. It wasn't just Caitlin Clark, although she may have nudged women's sports past the point of no return. It was the U.S. Women's Olympic soccer team, Serena Williams, Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky, Sydney McLaughlin, Allyson Felix, Nelly Korda, Lydia Ko, and even Title IX with the millions of female student athletes who compete in everything from softball, field hockey, wrestling, hockey, and weightlifting. 

While the networks and streaming have been cautious about covering women's sports, podcasting has been aggressively programming sports shows with female hosts, often covering only women's sports. 

It's heartening to see iHeart take such a leadership role here. Last week, in fact,  iHeartMedia announced the latest podcast programming for iHeart Women’s Sports. Eight new shows will launch on the network in early 2025 featuring renowned female athletes like Ashlyn Harris, Mel Reid, Lexie Brown and more. iHeart says: "The new, expanded lineup further emphasizes iHeartMedia’s commitment to bringing equitable media coverage to women’s sports."

Founded in June 2024 by iHeartMedia and Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment, iHeart Women’s Sports is the first-ever audio platform dedicated exclusively to amplifying women’s sports. As a free, ad-supported network available across iHeartMedia’s platforms, it addresses the rising interest in women’s sports coverage. Following remarkable gains in listenership and demand for new content in 2024, 2025 shows similar promise, with growth and expansion top of mind for leagues and investors alike. The new programming slate shows how iHeartMedia is continuing to drive the industry forward through dedicated investment and platforms for a wide variety of women's sports content and voices. 

 “We launched iHeart Women’s Sports last year to provide the type of women’s sports coverage that fans have long been wanting,” said Jessie Katz, Head of iHeart Women’s Sports. “The latest programming further builds on the media industry’s most consistent, authentic network for news and commentary about women’s sports, and we’re proud to continue to be a leader in women’s sports content, elevating the invaluable voices of women athletes and sports fans through our platform.”

Best-in-class talent and shows coming to iHeart Women’s Sports in early 2025 include: 

Throttle Therapy with Katherine Legge:” Join motorsport pioneer Katherine Legge as she gears up to make history this season, competing in some of the world’s toughest racing events in a quest to have one of the most memorable careers in racing. She’s bringing listeners inside stories with legends of sports, new faces from the next generation of auto racing, and conversations with the people who’ve supported her throughout her career as a pro athlete. She’s driven just about anything with four wheels, so she’ll be getting into everything from karting to NASCAR and IndyCar to F1. Listeners can hop into Katherine’s passenger seat now, HERE. 

Welcome to the Par-tee with Tisha Alyn: Join the Par-tee and hear all the “tee” on women’s golf. Social media star and golf trailblazer Tisha Alynwill dish out expert tips that will help improve her listeners’ game, interview top players on the LPGA tour, sit down for conversation with celebrity superfans and have a lot of fun on and off the course. Whether listeners are seasoned pros or just getting into the swing of things, this par-tee is one they can’t miss! The first episode was made available on January 15.

 Full Circle with Lexie Brown and Mariah Rose: Get the complete roundup of the latest news on and off the basketball court with Lexie Brown, guard for the Los Angeles Sparks, and Mariah Rose, digital content creator behind @hoopsforhotties. Fans will sit down with the duo as they dive into how interest in the WNBA this season caught the league off guard, their college and overseas basketball experience, and day-to-day news around the league. Plus, fans will get all the news during the off-season as Lexie plays in Athletes Unlimited and Unrivaled. Both hosts will bring unique perspectives to the show, with Lexie sharing her experiences as a professional athlete and Mariah providing insightful analysis and commentary. Listeners can tune in starting January 22.

 Wide Open with Ashlyn Harris: Join world-renowned soccer player Ashlyn Harris as she steps off the field and invites listeners into a space to discover how being “wide open”—both in sports and in life—will spark connection and inspire growth both personally and professionally. Harris will sit down with influential voices from sports, entertainment, politics, fashion and music to explore the defining moments that cracked them “wide open,” challenging them to embrace their true selves and push beyond their limits. (And yes, there’s plenty of joy along the way!) Wide Open will bring unfiltered stories of grit, transformation, and, most importantly, authenticity. Fans can tune in for a thoughtful and inspiring journey starting January 27.

 Quiet Please! with Mel Reid and Kira Dixon: Golf is often life’s cheat code and it’s not just for the dads, Brads and Chads. LPGA champion Mel Reid and star broadcaster Kira Dixon are the golf girlies new destination for the game with spicy takes, industry happenings and conversations with your favorite celebrities, athletes, business leaders, creators and artists who have figured out how to use golf as a superpower. We're done being quiet. Available beginning February 12.

 Courtside with Laura Correnti: A new podcast on the business of women’s sports hosted by ad industry veteran and Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment’s Founder & CEO, Laura Correnti. “Courtside” will delve deep into the dynamic world of women's sports, exploring the key business drivers, challenges and opportunities shaping the industry's future. Each episode will feature in-depth interviews with guests including league executives and team owners; coaches and athletes; and industry experts and influencers as they go beyond the scoreboard, providing listeners with an up close view to the business of women's sports and the key factors driving its growth. “Courtside with Laura Correnti” will debut March 2025. Hasta Abajo with Melissa Ortiz and Camila Ramón: Former pro soccer player and Olympian, Melissa Ortiz, will team up with bilingual fitness professional and Latin music advocate, Camila Ramón, to bring an honest and empowering take on life as Latina athletes and entrepreneurs. From mental health, body image and the pressure of failure to the power of mindset, music as therapy and the realities of Latinidad, Meli and Cami will dive deep into their journeys. Featuring special guests from entrepreneurs, influencers, inspiring artists and fellow athletes, they will spark real-life conversations while embracing their identities as two Latinas in sports, fitness and media. Grab your cafecito, vibe to their Latin music recommendations and join this uplifting duostarting late March 2025. Softball Podcast with AJ Andrews (working title): Hosted by AJ Andrews, professional softball player and the first woman to ever win a Gold Glove Award, this podcast will cover all the latest happenings in pro softball and spotlight interviews with the biggest names in softball, baseball and more. This podcast is in collaboration with the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) and is set to launch in late March 2025.

“It’s been a remarkable year for women’s sports, and I’m thrilled to officially join the iHeart Women’s Sports roster for 2025 with my first-ever podcast,’” said Katherine Legge, host of Throttle Therapy with Katherine Legge.” “With the help of my partners at e.l.f. Beauty, iHeartMedia is investing in and setting the standard for women’s sports coverage. I can’t wait to further that interest and momentum with my show on a platform that celebrates the diverse and authentic voices of women’s sports.” Capital One, e.l.f. Cosmetics and e.l.f. Skin are founding partners. 

The network has also provided several in-person podcasting events to further elevate and celebrate the excitement around women’s sports, from the Cannes Lions Festival, to the Fanatics Sports Summit, to the Billie Jean King Cup and the NWSL Championship. All of these events and partnerships allow iHeartMedia to serve as a catalyst for other media players to increase access to women’s sports content and level the playing field.

 In addition to this new slate of shows, the network is also home to podcasts that focus on women in sports, including Good Game with Sarah Spain, In Case You Missed It with Khristina Williams, Levels to This with Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby, The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast and more. Additional shows, confirmed launch dates, and new talent and partnerships will continue to be announced in 2025. 

 To find all of iHeart Women’s Sports coverage, please visit iHeart Women's Sports Podcasts.