This week marks another significant milestone in the golfing world, with the Tour Championship taking place at East Lake in Atlanta. This event is particularly notable for its substantial prize money, as it represents the pinnacle of the PGA Tour season. The top 30 players in the FedExCup standings gather here not just to vie for the Tour Championship title, but also for a substantial financial reward. The total prize pool for the event stands at an impressive $100 million, with the champion set to receive a significant share, typically around $18 million. The remaining prize money is distributed among the other participants, ensuring that even the last-place finisher earns a considerable amount. This tournament is among the most lucrative in sports, highlighting the high level of prestige and competition in professional golf.
Scottie Scheffler (US) has had a dominant season, with his Masters victory and four additional wins, alongside two-time Major winner Xander Schauffele (US), who holds the first and second positions. The question arises whether it is fair for anyone to win the Tour Championship in this final event of a season-long competition. The format aims to create a dramatic 72-hole event. While Scheffler's performance throughout the year is commendable and he might be deserving of both the season-long accolade and the substantial prize, the evolving nature of sports might be pushing for a weekly winner culminating in a staggering cash prize.
Meanwhile, the DP World Tour kicks off the Back 9 Swing and the Ryder Cup 2025 qualification at The Belfry, with the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo. LIV Golf’s Tyrrell Hatton (Eng) leads the Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) participants at number 36. The Asian Tour is in Indonesia, featuring Dubai Golden VISA Awardee Gaganjeet Bhullar (Ind). Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind) will host the HSBC India Legends in Delhi, starting on Friday, and we look forward to sharing his Khaleej Times Daily Diary with you all week. Ladies golf remains in the spotlight with the KPMG Irish Open, featuring Ireland’s favorite Leona Maguire and other top women players on the LET.
On the amateur women’s front, the Curtis Cup, a biennial match between leading women amateurs from Great Britain and Ireland and the United States, is being held at Sunningdale Golf Club from Friday 30th August to Sunday 1st September. Catriona Matthew captains the GB&I Team, with both teams of eight players competing in singles, foursomes, and fourballs matches. Historically, the USA has won 31 of the 42 contests, with GB&I winning 8 and three matches ending in ties.
Schedule:
PGA TOUR: Thursday 29th August – Sunday 1st September, 2024 - Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, US - Purse: $100 million
DP World Tour: Thursday 29th August – Sunday 1st September, 2024 - Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at The Belfry, England - Purse: $3.5 million
Asian Tour: Thursday 29th August – Sunday 1st September, 2024 - Mandiri Indonesia Open at Damai Indah Golf - Purse: $500,000
Challenge Tour: Thursday 29th August – Sunday 1st September, 2024 - Rosa Challenge Tour at Rosa Golf Club, Poland - Purse: €270,000
Ladies European Tour: Thursday 29th August – Sunday 1st September, 2024 - KPMG Women’s Irish Open at Carton House, The O’Meara Course, Dublin, Ireland - Purse: €400,000
Legends Tour: Friday 30th August – Sunday 1st September, 2024 - HSBC India Legends hosted by Jeev Milkha Singh at Jaypee Greens GC, Delhi, India - Purse: $500,000
