(Image by: procorechampionship)
As well as the Solheim Cup and LIV Chicago events, there is top class action taking place across both the PGA and DP World Tours, with the Procore Championship and Irish Open.
Both tournaments are significant as the Procore is the first tournament of the FedEx Fall series where players are battling their way to make the top 125 in the standings and ensure their playing rights for next season. Over in Ireland, the Irish Open is a key tournament in the Race to Dubai. Offering massive points and an attractive winning purse of just under a £1 million, a star studded field is in attendance.
With both tournaments at their halfway stages, let’s take a quick look at what has happened so far.
Patton Kizzire holds one shot lead on stacked Procore leaderboard
PGA Tour veteran Patton Kizzire leads the way after two rounds of the 2024 Procore Championship.
Played amidst the beautiful surroundings of the Silverado resort in the heart of California’s wine country, the world number 257 finds himself in front courtesy of a fantastic second round 65 which saw him birdie six of his final nine holes.
Normally one of the best putters on Tour, the flat stick has let him down this year, but it was burning yesterday as the American powered up the leaderboard.
On a course that normally yields low scores, Kizzire’s lead is slim with David Lipsky just one stroke behind.
Lipsky, who found himself in the leading group after his first round, had a frustrating day yesterday as his inconsistent play saw his lead at the top relinquished.
Another who has struggled to find his best golf this season, this weekend represents a huge opportunity for Lipsky to cement his tour card for next season. Needing to battle the inconsistencies today, it will be fascinating to see how he handles both the pressure and occasion today.
The man name that all the leaders will be fearful of today is Sahith Theegala. The world number twelve is knocking on the door of the top ten and following his superb performance at the Tour Championship a few weeks ago, Theegala is aiming to find his swing ahead of his debut Presidents Cup appearance.
Currently four of the lead, the deficit he currently faces certainly won't hold any fears, and this birdie machine can easily close that gap. One of the form men in world golf, look for Theegala to make his move and get in a great position to defend the title he won last year.
(Image by: xsports.1)
Procore Championship Betting
If you fancy placing a bet ahead of today’s third round, here is how the top five in the betting currently looks.
Patton Kizzire - 5/1
Sahith Theegala - 6/1
J.J Spaun - 6/1
Patrick Fishburn - 7/1
Matt Kuchar - 9/1
All to play for at Irish Open
First played all the way back in 1927, the great and the good of European golf have all managed to get their hands on the Irish Open.
This year’s tournament is taking place amidst the beautiful surroundings of Royal County Down. Often ranked as one of the world’s best golf courses, there is a star studded field in attendance as the Race to Dubai heats up.
Currently leading the way after two windswept days of action is Matteo Manassero. Once hailed as the great European hope, Manassero has endured a frustrating time of things but after finding himself in the golfing wilderness, he is currently enjoying a fine resurgence in form.
A winner in South Africa earlier this season, the former European tour prodigy seems to have rediscovered his swagger and will be hopeful of building on his brilliant round today.
First round leader Todd Clements has been able to maintain his position and after a battling even par round of 71, he is just one stroke behind Manassero. Looking to shock the golfing world, another huge day lies in prospect for the Englishman.
Laurie Canter is a European Tour veteran but after playing with the LIV golf, the man from Bath has been playing some brilliant golf and finds himself on the cusp of qualifying for a PGA Tour card next season.
Having suffered several near misses in the past, Canter finally got the win he craved when edging the rest of the field at the European Open.
With that win behind him, his confidence is soaring and he will be hopeful of landing the biggest win of his career to date this weekend.
The name that everybody will be watching is Rory McIlroy. For so long European golf’s talisman, McIlroy has won his home open once before when he won the tournament back in 2016.
Looking to win a third consecutive Race to Dubai title and put a frustrating year behind him, the four time major winner is just two off the lead and will be hopeful of making his charge today.
The other big Irish hopeful is Shane Lowry and the winner of this event back in 2009 as an amateur will be hoping to find his best golf.
After battling both the course and elements, the former Open Champion is five shots back and will need to find his best swing if he is to get back into contention.
(Image by: compleatgolfer)
Irish Open Betting
If you fancy placing a bet ahead of today’s third round, here is how the top five in the betting currently looks.
Rory McIlroy - 11/4
Matteo Manassero - 11/2
Laurie Canter - 8/1
Ewen Ferguson - 12/1
Rasmus Hojgaard - 14/1
Jack Hartman
A keen golfer and huge fan of the game, Jack has been covering golf for the last five years. Bringing you all the latest coverage and news from the PGA, LIV, LPGA and DP World Tours, never before has golf been so popular and Jack can’t wait to bring all the excitement to his readers.
