Gary Player, the legendary golfer at 89, recently revealed that he has found love again. Player shared the news during the PNC Championship, announcing his relationship with Susan Waterfall, an 83-year-old woman from New York. Player, who lost his wife of 64 years in 2021, expressed his happiness at discovering a new companion who shares his interests in golf, fishing, gym work, reading, and opera.
Player's encounter with Waterfall was serendipitous, as friends had tried to introduce them on multiple occasions without success. It was only when they finally met at a golf course event in Miami that sparks flew. The couple hit it off, with Player jokingly mentioning their shared wealth and the possibility of inheritance.
Nelly Korda's Holiday Plans and Golf Strategy
Professional golfer Nelly Korda is gearing up for a unique holiday season, starting with her brother's participation in the Australian Open tennis tournament. Korda plans to unwind by trying dog sledding in the mountains, a new adventure for her. Reflecting on her successful season, Korda outlined her strategy for the upcoming year, opting to skip the early Asia swing and focusing on the West Coast events.
The Crypto.com Showdown and Viewer Response
The Crypto.com Showdown, a televised golf match featuring top players, received mixed reactions from viewers. Despite the star-studded lineup and the PGA Tour vs. LIV Golf concept, the match garnered relatively low viewership numbers. The event, held at Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, drew only 625,000 viewers across TNT and TBS, marking one of the lowest-rated matches in the series.
PGA Tour Executive Ron Price Retires
Ron Price, a key figure at the PGA Tour, recently announced his retirement as the chief operating officer. Price, who worked closely with three PGA Tour commissioners, briefly served as co-commissioner during a pivotal period. His tenure saw significant financial developments, including the introduction of the FedEx Cup bonus program and the player equity plan.
Charity Contributions from Golf Tournaments
Several golf tournaments made substantial charity donations during the holiday season. The Western Golf Association's BMW Championship raised a record $10.2 million for the Evans Scholars Foundation, showcasing the event's philanthropic impact. Similarly, the Wells Fargo Championship contributed $5.9 million to charitable causes, continuing its tradition of giving back to the community.
Upcoming Golf Events and League Expansion
The PNC Championship secured a long-term sponsorship deal with PNC Bank, extending through 2032. Additionally, the Epson Tour announced a 20-tournament schedule for 2025, featuring increased prize money and new events. Golf icon Fred Couples is set to play a role in the return of the Skins Game, while the TMRW Golf League expands its reach with international broadcasting agreements.
Stat of the Week: Ten out of the 20 professionals in the PNC Championship have held the world No. 1 ranking at some point in their careers.
Final Word: Nelly Korda reflects on her achievements and looks ahead to the future with renewed determination and hunger for success in the upcoming golf season.
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