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Crowds Roar & Careers Soar at the PGA Tour

Our history.

By showcasing golf's greatest players, the PGA TOUR engages, inspires and positively impacts our fans, partners and communities worldwide.

The PGA TOUR, headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, co-sanctions tournaments on the PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR Latinoamérica, PGA TOUR Canada and administers PGA TOUR Q-School presented by Korn Ferry and PGA TOUR University. TOUR members represent the world's best players, hailing from 24 countries and territories. Showcasing the biggest moments in the sport with history and legacy on the line, the PGA TOUR has long-term domestic distribution partnerships for broadcast coverage on CBS, NBC and Golf Channel and video streaming service on ESPN+. Internationally, PGA TOUR coverage is available across 200+ countries and territories in 26 languages via 44 broadcast and digital partners. Virtually all tournaments are organized as non-profit organizations to maximize charitable giving, and to date, tournaments across all Tours have generated more than $3.64 billion.

1968: Association of Professional Golfers (APG), an autonomous tournament players' organization, forms in breakaway from PGA of America. As compromise, Tournament Players Division of PGA (later known as PGA TOUR) forms 10-man policy board late in year.

1969: Joe Dey becomes first Commissioner of Tournament Players Division.

1974: Deane Beman succeeds Joe Dey as Commissioner on March 1.

1974: Jack Nicklaus captures inaugural PLAYERS Championship at Atlanta Country Club.

1979: PGA TOUR Headquarters relocated from Washington, D.C. to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

1980: Senior PGA TOUR (now PGA TOUR Champions), organized with two tournaments.

1980: First Tournament Players Club opens - TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach.

1985: PGA TOUR Productions (now PGA TOUR Entertainment) created.

1987: PGA TOUR surpasses $100 million in charitable contributions.

1990: Ben Hogan Tour (now Korn Ferry Tour) is formed.

1992: PGA TOUR surpasses $200 million in charitable contributions.

1994: Tim Finchem succeeds Deane Beman as Commissioner on June 1.

1994: United States wins inaugural Presidents Cup, defeating Internationals, 20-12, at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.

1995: World Cup of Golf, the first major international golf competition held in the People's Republic of China, is played at Mission Hills Golf Club.

1997: Start of World Golf Championships in 1999 announced; World Golf Federation initiative The First Tee announced.

1999: Start of World Golf Championships announced

2000: Tiger Woods wins nine titles, including the completion of six consecutive victories early in the year, and is first player since Ben Hogan in 1953 to win three majors in same year; joins Hogan, Gene Sarazen, Gary Player and Nicklaus as winners of career Grand Slams.

2005: The PGA TOUR's charity total surpasses $1 billion in late October.

2007: Tiger Woods wins the inaugural FedExCup with a record-setting performance at the TOUR Championship

2014: For the first time, the PGA TOUR embarks on a wraparound schedule bridging two years with 45 events over 43 weeks and includes official events in Malaysia and China for the first time, awarding FedExCup points to participants.

2016: Jim Furyk records the first-ever, sub-59 round in an official PGA TOUR event with a 58 at the Travelers Championship.

2017: Jay Monahan succeeds Tim Finchem as Commissioner on January 1.

2017: 19 different players in their 20s win a total of 28 times, establishing a new PGA TOUR record.

2019: The TOUR introduces a schedule with significant changes, including THE PLAYERS Championship's return to March, the PGA Championship's move to May and the FedExCup Playoffs being reduced from four events to three and ending in August. A new strokes-based scoring system is implemented at the TOUR Championship, making it easier for players and fans alike to follow along. Tiger Woods wins THE ZOZO CHAMPIONSHIP, tying Sam Snead with 82 TOUR titles.

2020: The 2019-20 PGA TOUR Season will be remembered as the season impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic, resulting in a 12-week hiatus from competition – following the opening round of THE PLAYERS Championship in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, on March 12. The pandemic results in the cancellation of 11 tournaments and the postponement of the Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, and The Open Championship.

2020: Launched in February, the Inclusion Leadership Council (ILC) works collaboratively throughout the organization to strengthen the TOUR's role in leading diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts that are helping grow its sport, business, and community impact. In August of 2020, the TOUR and its tournaments announced a commitment of at least $100 million over 10 years to support racial equity and inclusion efforts, a goal that was surpassed in just three years in 2023.

2020: TOUR announces the PGA TOUR University, a new program that bridges the gap between college golf and professional golf. College golf's top players can earn membership through PGA TOUR University and have a guaranteed place to play immediately after their college careers are complete.

2020: Launch of Official Betting Operator Program: The PGA TOUR extends Daily Fantasy partnership with DraftKings to include sports betting, officially launching a program that would expand to 6 operators by 2022.

2021: The PGA TOUR and European Tour unveiled new details around their Strategic Alliance. The landmark agreement, announced in November 2020, further enhances and connects the ecosystem of men's professional golf through a number of areas, including global scheduling, prize funds and playing opportunities for the respective memberships.

2023: Full Swing, a documentary series produced in a collaboration between Netflix and the PGA TOUR debuts, giving a behind-the-scenes look at the players and tournaments of the TOUR. In March 2023, Netflix renewed the series for a second season.

2023: DK Sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale: The PGA TOUR opens the DraftKings sportsbook at TPC Scottsdale, marking the first retail sportsbook at a golf course in the country. The sportsbook served as a culmination of the multifaceted relationship with DraftKings and is a premier destination for sports fans all over the world.

"Anchored by a new, state-of-the-art global headquarters, a thriving membership of American and international golfers, a proven history of community impact and a diverse group of passionate employees, there has never been a better time to align your talents with the PGA TOUR."

Commissioner Jay Monahan

Employee Spotlight

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Crystal Wright

"The TOUR offers an environment where I feel valued as an individual. From an impromptu Mental Health Day off for the mental wellbeing of employees, to the acknowledgement and celebration of diverse cultures, such as Juneteenth and Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It's clear the organization values its employees. Further, the TOUR creates a sense of belonging which helps me to maintain a positive attitude on even the most challenging days."

Eric Chaves

"The sports industry is highly competitive and it is motivating to be surrounded by such talented people who have worked so hard to be part of our team. You know that we are all here to get better, learn from each other and continuously improve the PGA TOUR."

"At the PGA TOUR, you can engage in meaningful work daily, alongside passionate and motivated colleagues who believe in a larger purpose. Thanks to the TOUR, I've had the opportunity to collaborate with various departments on transformative projects that have bolstered my professional growth, all while working alongside exceptionally talented individuals. Ultimately, I consider myself fortunate to be part of an organization dedicated to making a positive impact across every aspect of our business."

Brian Edmonds

"The PGA TOUR has continuously put its people first – from top-down communication to overall engagement with employees. As a result, a culture of creativity has manifested, which has organically bred new thinking around how we approach our business. I especially enjoy the frequent all-staff events, which is a time to celebrate our collective success and come together as a team. I can’t think of a better company to call my employer."

Jackie Petty

"In my 15 plus years with the TOUR, my colleagues have empowered me to be a leader and strong decision maker. The company has provided me with some incredible opportunities in both creative expression and world travel that I will always cherish. I feel blessed to have such a fulfilling career."

Ponch Chantha

"It's exciting to work for a sports organization that is as deeply rooted in tradition as it is passionately dedicated to innovation. There's a curiosity and motivation that permeates throughout the TOUR, and it's inspiring to experience it first-hand. I'm constantly engaged at work, assuming new projects and facing new challenges. When you pair that with great people and leadership, it's an awfully fun place to be – and I'm grateful for it."

"We are more than just a golf company that organizes exciting tournaments. I am most fulfilled by knowing the positive impact that we make to local communities. During my tenure, our team once spent a day with Feeding Northeast Florida to help sort and create more than 6,000 meals for local children and families, seniors and active and retired military members. . I was glad to be part of this effort."

Stephanie Delgado

"My career began with the TOUR and it continues to flourish as I assume new responsibilities in varying roles. I have had the chance to grow as an employee and a team leader and have been a part of the exciting changes happening in sports and media. It's never boring, always challenging and very fulfilling."

Our Impact Travels Far Beyond the Ball

Each PGA TOUR tournament is an opportunity to give back to your community in one of three ways – attending an event, volunteering, or donating money. Not-for-profit tournaments under the PGA TOUR umbrella donate their net proceeds to support local organizations, totaling more than $3.64 billion in donations to date. These tournaments wouldn't be possible without the 100,000 volunteers annually who commit their time to ensure each event is a success.

Mission - Diversity & Inclusion

As a global organization, the PGA TOUR aspires to reflect the regions and communities where we play as we believe diversity of thought and background is vital to our success and growth. We strive to create an inclusive and welcoming culture and be a positive example for all our constituents and partners.

The TOUR, led by its Inclusion Leadership Council, establishes goals and opportunities to strengthen and advance diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and practices. This includes partnerships and efforts that can help grow our impact, business and sport. 

D&I Action Commitments

Through the world of golf, the PGA TOUR drives positive impact at unprecedented levels to support and improve local communities.

The PGA TOUR and its tournaments have pledged $100M+ over the next 10 years to support nonprofit organizations whose services, programs and offerings address the disparities that disproportionately affect African American citizens and underrepresented and underserved populations in host communities.

We will continue to create accessible internship and career advancement opportunities at the PGA TOUR, its tournaments and across its partner network.

Our organization will Identify additional opportunities with HBCUs with respect to career opportunities and support of their golf teams.

We will increase efforts to improve diversity in targeted areas of our workforce with 100 Black Men of America; and greater collaboration with tournament organizations to diversify our tournament volunteers; as well as working with broadcast partners on diverse on-air talent.

We provide African Americans and other minority golfers competitive opportunities in partnership with the Advocates Professional Golf (APGA) Tour through best in class hosting and player development, and continue to grow and diversify First Tee.

Equal Opportunity Employer Policy

The TOUR is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, color, ancestry, citizenship status, uniform services member status, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression or any other classification or differences protected by applicable law.

Summer Internship Program

Join the select few who will take part in this 8-week program, offering existing enrolled college students the chance to develop leadership, communication and professional skills. The internship program at the TOUR is a vital talent source for the company while allowing the interns to explore their professional interests. The PGA TOUR's Global Home, located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, is a brand-new facility ready to welcome a new class with open arms and help the interns reach their highest potential. Our ongoing investment guarantees that our summer interns have a top-notch experience working on important projects, gleaning exposure from various departments and becoming a vital part of our community.

Is the internship Paid? • Yes, this internship program is paid on an hourly basis with a biweekly paycheck.

Is housing provided? • Yes, the PGA TOUR does provide subsidized housing in fully furnished apartments. Interns are only responsible for paying $100 biweekly via a paycheck deduction.

What are the working hours? • Interns will work 40 hours per week between 8:00am-6:00pm. The normal work week is 40 hours.

What is there to do in northeast Florida? • There are multiple activities to take part in here in northeast Florida. There are beautiful beaches, local sporting events, live music, and lots of shopping. Orlando is only a quick two-hour drive away where you can be immersed into the world of amusement parks and historic St. Augustine is even closer. Endless amounts of golf can be found throughout the area and interns will receive limited memberships to TPC Sawgrass.

Is travel paid for? • No, travel to and from Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida are not covered by the TOUR. However, if your role requires travel to an event during the internship, the TOUR will cover appropriate expenses.

Nelson Silverio: 2002 Class "The PGA TOUR's internship helped me explore multiple career avenues under one roof. The TOUR has experts in fields ranging from TV production, sales, communications to Legal who you have access to during your internship. The ability to "test out" different areas of business while focusing on your main area of responsibility was an enriching experience that helped me make more informed career decisions."

Barrett Chow: 2011 Class "My memories of this program are so distinct that I still get excited to tell people about them over 10 years later. This program taught me the fundamentals of what it takes to be successful and more importantly how to build successful relationships with the people around you."

Emily Tillo: 2015 Class "Interning at the PGA TOUR is about so much more than getting immersed into every aspect of the TOUR's global and dynamic business (which in itself is amazing). I was immediately welcomed as a member of the PGA TOUR's family and culture. I will forever be grateful for the connections and friendships I made with colleagues across all levels and departments at this organization. Everyone was so willing to meet with me and invest in my development, professionally and personally. My internship experience solidified my desire to pursue a full-time job with the TOUR after I graduated, and fortunately, I was able to do just that!"

Jillian Benberry: 2023 Class "My time as a PGA TOUR summer intern was truly transformative. It not only provided me with marketable skills that have accelerated my career but also instilled in me the confidence to collaborate with visionary leaders. The people I encountered were top-notch, and being part of the TOUR Family was an experience I wouldn't trade for anything."

Internship Applications are Open for the Summer of 2024

Our Benefits

When most people think of the PGA TOUR, they envision famous golfers, exciting tournaments and the TOUR's generous support of more than 3,000 charities. We are all of these things, but there's much more to the PGA TOUR than meets the eye.

Behind the TOUR's international reputation for sports excellence and philanthropic leadership is a dedicated team of business, sports management and entertainment professionals working together to support our players and advance our mission.

Headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., we're a dynamic group of individuals with diverse talents who share a deep respect for the sport of golf and the positive impact it has in communities across the United States and internationally.

If your goals include being part of an exciting team that emphasizes professional development and the personal satisfaction of contributing to important causes, we encourage you to explore the many advantages and benefits of a career with the TOUR.

TOURHealth is the TOUR's customized Employee Wellness Program that incorporates all aspects of well-being: Physical, Emotional, Financial, and Community. The First Coast Worksite Wellness Council has awarded the PGA TOUR the Platinum Award for three consecutive years based on the TOUR's commitment to wellness. Our competitive total awards package is designed to meet the diverse needs of our team. Some of our benefits may include:

Comprehensive health coverage options are offered to all full-time employees and their families, including medical, dental and vision plans, disability, life and accident coverage.

The TOUR offers a holistic wellness program customized to meet your personal needs, for staff based in North East Florida an onsite state of the art Fitness Center with 24/7 access and an annual gym membership program for remote employees.

Employees are encouraged to take paid time away from work to rest, relax and rejuvenate though our robust time off benefits, including Personal Choice Holidays, accrued Paid Time Off and an extended Office Closure schedule.

Employees are offered market-competitive compensation packages which may include annual performance bonus awards based on business metrics and professional goals.

The TOUR is proud to offer a 401(k) program plus generous employer contribution.

As part of the TOUR's commitment to our communities, employees are offered annual paid volunteer leave and a matching gift program for Northeast Florida charitable organizations.

You can't join the PGA TOUR without incredible golf benefits including a membership to TPC Sawgrass (with discounts on dining and merchandise), employee golf leagues and exclusive golf discounts at participating courses.

We offer growth and development for all staff through programs that are designed to foster inclusion, including participation in our Employee Resource Groups and Inclusion Leadership Council. At the TOUR, you will have access to a variety of resources and coaching that enable participants the opportunity to build knowledge and skills while maximizing their talents.

© 2022 PGA TOUR, Inc | All Rights Reserved.

PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, and the Swinging Golfer design are registered trademarks. The Korn Ferry trademark is also a registered trademark, and is used in the Korn Ferry Tour logo with permission.

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Teamwork takes center stage for PGA Tour and LIV Golf this week

• Senior college football writer
• Author of seven books on college football
• Graduate of the University of Georgia

Despite the lack of teamwork between the PGA Tour and the upstart LIV Golf League over the past two seasons, it's all about the team in men's professional golf this week.

The PGA Tour heads to New Orleans for the Zurich Classic , the only two-man team event on the schedule.

The LIV Golf League heads to Australia for its first event in the land Down Under.

Here's what to watch in men's professional golf this week:

What's next on the PGA

Tour Zurich Classic of New Orleans

When : Thursday-Sunday

Where: TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana

Defending champions : Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele

Purse : $8.6 million

Storylines to watch:

No "I" in team : The PGA Tour's lone two-man team event tees off for the sixth time outside New Orleans this week. The teams will play four-ball (best ball) in the first and third rounds, and foursomes (alternate shot) in the second and final ones. There are 80 teams competing in the field and each of the winners will receive about $1.2 million. The winners won't get Official World Golf Ranking points or an invitation to the 2024 Masters, unlike winners of other full-point PGA Tour events.

Both captains of the upcoming Ryder Cup team are playing with their vice captains. U.S. team captain Zach Johnson is paired with Steve Stricker and European team captain Luke Donald with Edoardo Molinari . Max Homa and Collin Morikawa , both Cal-Berkeley graduates, are also on a team together.

"You see partnerships," Homa said. "A lot of people don't know who [are] friends out here. You just see us play, so now you get to kind of see that. So it's different."

Brothers in arms : Fresh off his playoff victory at the RBC Heritage, Matt Fitzpatrick is playing with younger brother, Alex , who will be making his second PGA Tour start. He missed the cut at the 2022 Valspar Championship. Alex played at Wake Forest and is ranked 705th in the world. He was a member of four Walker Cup and Palmer Cup teams.

If the Fitzpatrick brothers were to pull off a win this week, Alex would receive a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour. He currently plays on the Challenge Tour in Europe.

"I would say we're pretty close," Matt said. "I think we're polar opposites. I'm organized, he's unorganized. He's happy, I'm miserable. Yeah, that's probably a good way to put it really."

Matt said Alex probably has a better iron game and short game, while he's better off the tee and on the green.

"Hopefully I kind of piggyback off him this week, and yeah, we kind of ham-and-egg it and hopefully a good result at the end of the week," Alex said.

"Ham-and-egg it," Matt said to his brother, who grew up in Sheffield, England. "Wow, you turned very American in your four years at college."

Tough to beat : Cantaly and Schauffele, the defending champions, have been difficult to take down in team formats. They're 6-3-1 as teammates in the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup. They were wire-to-wire winners of the Zurich Classic in 2022, setting tournament records for scores after 18, 36, 54 and 72 holes. They're only the second team to consist of two top-five players in the world rankings in the six-year history of the event.

While Cantlay and Schauffele might be good at golf, they're apparently not adept at trash talking.

"I don't think Pat talks trash," Homa said. "I don't think he'd be the greatest person to get into a trash talking spat with. Xander is the most underrated person out here when it comes to that. Pat is pretty quiet, so I think you could say the meanest thing ever to him and he'd just nod at you and continue to walk."

What's next in the LIV Golf League

LIV Golf-Adelaide

When : Friday-Sunday

Where : The Grange Golf Club, Adelaide, Australia

Purse : $20 million

Three storylines to watch:

Down Under : The LIV Golf League is staging its first tournament in Australia this week, and league officials are expecting huge crowds in CEO Greg Norman's native land -- so much so that there's talk of adding a second event in Australia in 2024.

"I think it will happen," Australian Marc Leishman told the Sydney Morning Herald. "You've got to go where the support is. I know they've been limiting crowds in America for the disruption, but this has been supported hugely. If you can get 30,000 a day into a golf tournament, and that's where you're going to make your money, I don't see why you wouldn't go to a market that's supporting you."

Leishman said he'd like to see LIV Golf tournaments in South Africa, South America and other parts of the world. The circuit is headed to Singapore next week.

"You don't want to flood it too much," Leishman said. "Being away for three weeks is a long time, especially if you've got kids. I think two [a year] would be a great number to start with and see how the support goes, and then see what happens down the road. There's a lot of other markets we haven't hit yet."

Welcome home : The all-Australian team, Ripper GC, will undoubtedly be heavy favorites this week. Along with Leishman, captain Cameron Smith , two-time Australian Open winner Matt Jones and Jed Morgan are playing at home this week.

For the first time, LIV Golf team captains are playing together in threesomes, while teammates will play together in threesomes as well. Smith will play with Brooks Koepka and Ian Poulter . Former world No. 1 golfer Martin Kaymer , captain of Cleeks GC, is returning this week after missing the first three events while recovering from wrist surgery.

"Obviously, I'd say pretty much everyone is going to be rooting for them, which is a good thing, right?" Koepka told reporters in Australia. "They should. They should have the hometown advantage, the support, and everybody should be out there cheering for them, which will be good to see, just as far as like on a league level. I think that would be fantastic."

Eyeing the U.S. Open : LIV Golf League players Sergio Garcia , Harold Varner III , Matthew Wolff and Leishman were among the record 10,187 entries for the U.S. Open, which is scheduled for June 15-18 at Los Angeles Country Club. Local qualifying started this week.

Among the LIV Golf players who didn't sign up to try to qualify for the U.S. Open were Paul Casey , Charles Howell III , Poulter, Charl Schwartzel and Lee Westwood .

At least seven LIV Golf players will be eligible to compete in the U.S. Open: Bryson DeChambeau , Dustin Johnson , Kaymer and Koepka as U.S. Open champions in the past 10 years; Phil Mickelson as a PGA Championship winner in the past five years; Smith for winning the Open last year; and Joaquin Niemann for being eligible and qualifying for last year's Tour Championship.

The top 60 in the OWGR on May 22, the Monday after the PGA Championship, will also earn exemptions. Abraham Ancer is currently ranked 36th, Patrick Reed is 44th, Thomas Pieters is 46th, Mito Pereira is 55th and Talor Gooch is 57th. Since they won't receive world-ranking points for LIV finishes, those competing in the PGA Championship will probably have to play well to maintain their rankings.

As the tours turn

McKenna & Associates, a nonpartisan firm hired by LIV Golf to help it shake up the professional golf world, is pushing back on a third-party subpoena it received from the PGA Tour as part of the circuits' ongoing legal battle in federal court.

According to court documents, McKenna & Associates has asked the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Virginia to quash or modify the subpoena. Among other things, the PGA Tour has asked for documents and communications related to the firm's "research and analysis ... to uncover the PGA Tour's weaknesses and pressure points" and the firm's analysis regarding "PGA tax status, claimed diversity and inclusion, lobbying status, financial structure, and contracts with players, vendors and others."

The PGA Tour is also seeking documents and communications related to an alleged "investigation of [PGA Tour commissioner] Jay Monahan," "[mobilizing] interest groups aligned with the theme of inclusivity (women, minorities, broader socio-economic groups)," "[mobilizing] players and agents dissatisfied with the status quo, and the PGA limiting their earning potential," and "[creating] unattributed public debates with golf's sphere of influence, [including] with sports media, equipment manufacturers, venue and course owners, sponsors, golf trade associations, among others."

"After months of efforts to meet-and-confer, the PGA subpoena still includes sixteen requests for documents and thirteen deposition specifications, many of which bear no material relevance to the core allegations in the antitrust litigation between the PGA and LIV Golf, Inc., and/or seek information that could just as easily be obtained from LIV itself," McKenna & Associates' attorneys wrote in the motion. "The PGA has thus far refused to justify its failure to pursue this discovery it claims to need directly from LIV before burdening McKenna; nor has the PGA engaged in any meaningful efforts to narrow the instant subpoena to seek only those materials relevant to the underlying litigation and not available elsewhere."

McKenna & Associates, a nine-employee consulting firm in Arlington, Virginia, was hired by Performance 54, an international golf consulting firm that helped secure billions of dollars from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund to launch LIV Golf. Andrew McKenna, president and CEO of the firm, previously worked in U.S. President George W. Bush's administration.

The Watering Hole

The LIV Golf League, borrowing a page from the WM Phoenix Open, is going to have its first "party hole" on the 12th at The Grange Golf Club. LIV Golf is hoping about 5,000 fans will be in the stadium-like seating. Each player will have his own walk-up music. Koepka went with Meek Mill's "Dreams and Nightmares."

"I just love it," Koepka said. "I love when the fans get a little rowdy. They're screaming, they're booing you when you hit a bad shot and cheering you on when you hit a good one. It's going to make that hole exciting. I think it should bring a different atmosphere, which will be cool."

The 12th hole at @grangegolf is the place to be next weekend 😏 #LIVGolf #RipperGC pic.twitter.com/nEdKjmnZ29 — Ripper GC (@rippergc_) April 13, 2023

The Shark goes diving

Norman, known as The Shark during his playing days, went cage diving off the Eyre Peninsula on Tuesday. Norman said he saw four great white sharks. In a video posted to the LIV Golf website, Norman said the species has unfairly been given a bad name since "Jaws" came out in 1975.

Koepka said he was going with Norman until he learned it was an all-day excursion.

Great White Shark 🤝 Great White Shark pic.twitter.com/CMwbapJKli — Greg Norman (@SharkGregNorman) April 19, 2023

Tumbling again

Quarterback Russell Wilson, who had a rough maiden season with the Denver Broncos, avoided injury when his golf cart flipped over near a bunker at Arrowhead Golf Course in Littleton, Colorado, on Saturday.

Wilson confirmed reports of the incident in a tweet on Tuesday -- and added that he had a heck of an up-and-down for par.

The real question is did we get from the bunker to the green #PAR 😂🤣😂⛳️ Good times! 😆 https://t.co/bTzGR34QE6 pic.twitter.com/0ilVN3QbUo — Russell Wilson (@DangeRussWilson) April 18, 2023

Zurich Classic has been driving force in New Orleans for two decades

Course has bounced back time and again after storms, much like new orleans itself.

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Both the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and TPC Louisiana are celebrating milestones this year. The tournament, and the course that has hosted it for the past 20 years, exemplify the same resilience that their host city has shown over the past two decades. And both have been a driving force in New Orleans' revitalization.

TPC Louisiana celebrated its 20th anniversary this past weekend, reaching that milestone after surviving its share of hardships. And just like New Orleans, TPC Louisiana continues to proudly display resilience and tenacity after getting knocked down time and time again. The tournament that is played annually at TPC Louisiana, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, has played a big role in the city's recovery, which is being celebrated this week, as well. This is the 20th anniversary of Zurich becoming the tournament's title sponsor.

Designed by Pete Dye in consultation with PGA TOUR pros Steve Elkington and New Orleans native Kelly Gibson, TPC Louisiana opened in 2004. Critics lauded their work, which stretches over 250 acres of wetlands along the Mississippi River Delta, the 7,425-yard course featuring 100 bunkers and five ponds among cypress and oak trees. But barely a year after opening, TPC Louisiana – and the City of New Orleans – faced its toughest test: Hurricane Katrina.

“I’m a native of New Orleans and I moved back here to open this club,” TPC Louisiana general manager Luke Farabaugh told PGATOUR.COM. “We had been open just over a year – 16 months, actually. Hurricane Katrina is the first hurricane I ever evacuated for.

“It was pretty devastating. No question, the club did suffer significant damage.”

While New Orleans avoided direct contact with the Category 5 storm in late August 2005, the levee system that held back the waters of Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne became overwhelmed by 10 inches of rainfall coupled with Katrina’s storm surge. In anticipation of severe flooding, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin ordered a mandatory evacuation of the city as an estimated 1.2 million people – including Farabaugh – sought safety elsewhere.

By the afternoon of Aug. 29, approximately 20 percent of the city was flooded. A day later, nearly 80 percent of New Orleans was underwater as first responders and local agencies not only battled to mitigate the flooding, but also to support and rescue tens of thousands of stranded residents.

At TPC Louisiana, located in the New Orleans suburb of Avondale, most of the damage from Hurricane Katrina was due to winds that exceeded 170 mph, toppling more than 2,000 trees on the property.

“It was almost like toothpicks you spilled on the ground,” Farabaugh recalled. “They were all over the place.”

Wind-driven debris also covered up some of the drain lines, resulting in water accumulation and turf damage that wasn’t able to be dealt with for 30 days.

Nearly 20 years later, Hurricane Katrina remains one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history, resulting in approximately 1,200 reported deaths, including 1,000 in Louisiana. The devastation and destruction also caused a record $191.3 billion in damage, making it the costliest storm in U.S. history.

How TPC Louisiana recovered from Hurricane Ida

As the city began its lengthy and costly recovery, TPC Louisiana reopened its doors 10 months later. While the 2006 Zurich Classic of New Orleans – the first professional sporting event in the city after Katrina – would be played at English Turn Golf & Country Club, also the host from 1989-2004, the tournament has been a mainstay at TPC Louisiana ever since.

Hurricane Gustav (2008), Hurricane Isaac (2012) and Hurricane Ida (2021) have since forced more course closures, but TPC Louisiana and the City of New Orleans have persevered.

“This city has come a long way,” Farabaugh said. “A lot of those areas that were damaged have come back, downtown is better than ever, and tourism has returned. The city has no question gotten back on its feet and is thriving again.

“It’s great to be part of that rebirth.”

A vital economic force

TPC Louisiana and the Zurich Classic of New Orleans have served as more than reminders of the city’s resilience and perseverance; they’ve been integral factors in the city’s rebirth, time and again.

Since Zurich Insurance Group became the title sponsor in 2005, the tournament has generated more than $645 million in economic activity for the New Orleans community.

Working in conjunction with the Fore!Kids Foundation, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans has raised more than $30 million for charitable organizations. It supports 200,000 children in need annually, and over the past two decades has raised nearly $2 million in support of St. Michael Special School and nearly $600,000 for Blessings in a Backpack.

Last year, the tournament set a record with more than $2.8 million in charitable donations.

TPC Louisiana’s commitment to sustainability

“There’s a direct impact through the charitable organization, Fore!Kids Foundation, and then there’s the broader contribution to the local economic environment,” said Alban Laloum, Zurich North America chief customer officer. “We’re proud of that. We’re proud not only because the numbers are big, but because we can see the impact that our donations have made over the years.”

Founded in 1958, the Fore!Kids Foundation has raised more than $45 million to fund children’s service organizations through golf events including the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, Golf Ball Gala, a kids’ summer junior tour, and several other charitable golf tournaments.

“Our members and our volunteers put in a lot of time and effort to be part of this tournament knowing it’s going to raise money for needy children,” said Steve Worthy, Fore!Kids Foundation CEO. “Our tournament and our members take pride in the fact that we know we’re having an impact and making our area a better place to live. For that reason, they’re willing to put in all they do to ensure we’re successful.”

Fortifying the future

While the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and tournament partners Zurich and Fore!Kids Foundation are supporting the New Orleans of today and tomorrow, Farabaugh and his team are focused on fortifying TPC Louisiana for the next natural disaster. With an estimated 32,000 rounds played at the course annually, locals accounting for approximately 65 percent of that, they keep the course in top condition regardless of whatever Mother Nature sends their way.

Focusing on several agronomic aspects from slowing the growth pattern of turf grass to first-in-class dewatering stations with backup power generators, TPC Louisiana is positioning itself to better handle any natural disaster. Focusing on the wooded areas could be the key to success. That means getting rid of invasive species, including the tallow trees, which snap easily and aren’t resilient to high winds.

Agronomy and weather maintenance at TPC Louisiana

“We’ve been going in and clearing those invasive trees out and replanting them with native cypress trees that once they mature, are capable of withstanding the high winds from a storm, so therefore we won’t have as significant tree damage going forward,” Farabaugh said. “That’s one big measure we’re doing to reinforce the facility back to its original state as well as to make it more sustainable for future storms.”

Teamwork makes the dream work

In the fall of 2016, Zurich and the PGA TOUR announced a new two-man team format for the tournament. As the first team event on the PGA TOUR since 1981, the Zurich Classic of New Orleans features two rounds of Foursome (also known as alternate shot) and two rounds of Four-ball competition.

This format not only gives fans the opportunity to see their favorite TOUR players playing in pairs, but it also gives the players an opportunity to team up with their friends, countrymen and relatives.

This year’s tournament, April 25-28, features at least four of the top 10 players in the world for the sixth time in seven seasons since introducing the team format. There are also three pairs of siblings: Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick, Parker and Pierceson Coody, and Rasmus and Nicolai Højgaard. Three-time FedExCup champion Rory McIlroy is also making his tournament debut, playing alongside Irishman Shane Lowry.

Like the residents of New Orleans banding together in the face of adversity, PGA TOUR players team up for success this week at TPC Louisiana.

“It’s a team event so it adds a different note in terms of engagement and having fun,” Laloum said. “Golf is still very much an individual sport, but if there’s one event over the course of the year that you can team up with one of your buddies and win a tournament, I think that’s a double win for these guys.

“Teamwork is something we can all relate to at Zurich. We like to think we’re a team-oriented organization and that we make decisions as a team, so the format of this event also reflects that.”