Rio Takeda’s Breakthrough
At just 21, Rio Takeda secured her first LPGA Tour victory after a dramatic six-hole playoff against Marina Alex at the Toto Japan Classic. Already boasting seven wins on the LPGA of Japan this year, Takeda is quickly becoming a name to watch heading into 2025.
Charley Hull Ends Her Drought
Charley Hull confidently declared that a win was “just around the corner”—and she delivered. At the LET’s Aramco Team Series, Hull broke a two-year winless streak, hoisting the trophy in Saudi Arabia. Due to the country’s smoking restrictions, fans saw a new version of Hull: one defined by precision shots instead of cigarette breaks.
Nelly Korda’s Swimsuit Feature
Nelly Korda continues to add milestones to her career, this time preparing for a feature in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. After seven wins in 2024, Korda’s off-course recognition further cements her as one of golf’s most recognizable stars.
Bryson DeChambeau’s Campus Moment
Fresh off his U.S. Open triumph, Bryson DeChambeau brought the trophy back to SMU, joining the student section at a football game. It was a fitting “big man on campus” moment for one of golf’s most polarizing figures.
Other Notable Highlights
Kristoffer Reitan’s Class Act: Reitan earned his first Challenge Tour win and showed true sportsmanship by telling his partner not to celebrate an opponent’s missed putt.
Tour Cards Lost in Heartbreak: Several players saw their seasons end as missed opportunities cost them their tour cards.
Jalen Hurts’ No-Golf Clause: The Eagles QB missed a chance to golf with Barack Obama due to a contract clause, though he still joined the round from a cart.
Rory McIlroy’s Strong Odds: McIlroy enters the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship as the favorite, while Viktor Hovland remains Mayakoba’s only two-time champion.
Celebrity Moments: Ted Scott played football with Josh Allen, Troy Merritt was inducted into Boise State’s Hall of Fame, and Katherine Morikawa completed the New York Marathon.
Quote of the Week
“I was still drunk, still intoxicated, but I had so much adrenaline … it was like floating on a cloud.” —Danny Willett on his 7 a.m. run the day after winning the 2016 Masters.
Heartwarming Stories
Bubba Watson bought a home for a family in need in Indonesia after making a hole-in-one.
Scottie Scheffler’s old car was auctioned for $50K, purchased by Jim Nantz to support cancer research.
A Naval Academy ring lost 54 years ago was returned to its original owner.
Ozzie Smith was honored with the Old Tom Morris Award.
