Tiger Woods seen laughing at the 2023 Masters. | Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images
It is the season to be thankful, so here are five things golf fans should be glad they have this Thanksgiving.
Golf fans have much to be thankful for this year. So much has happened on the LPGA and PGA Tours as this game continues to evolve.
Women’s golf continues to grow, with purses increasing and more eyes watching. The men’s professional game continues to evolve through its ongoing deal with Saudi Arabia’s PIF and the Tour; LIV Golf still entertains many golf fans while annoying the other half.
This year has been monumental for the game, and it is time to dive into the tradition of what to be thankful for.
Here are five things golf fans should all be grateful for:
5. Annika Sorenstam in at Augusta National, and why it’s huge
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Augusta National finally accepted a professional female golfer.
Annika Sorenstam is the seventh confirmed female member. This admission is something to be thankful for because it is a step in the right direction for women’s golf.
Sorenstam could be the key to getting an LPGA event at this traditional venue. We should all be thankful that she is finally in the boy’s club, as it should be.
4. The fantastic return of mixed golf events
This December, the Grant Thornton Invitational is a new event where LPGA and PGA Tour stars will pair up to compete for $4 million. Some of the biggest names on both Tours will battle it out, and the event will be fantastic.
Photos by Getty Images and Logo by Grant Thornton Invitational
The last time there was a co-sanctioned event between the men and women was the JC Penney Classic in 1999.
It was past due for this kind of tournament to happen again, so golf fans should be thankful for this. These women deserve the spotlight just like the men.
3. First-time PGA Tour/LPGA winners finally getting over the hump
This year saw multiple first-time winners on the PGA and LPGA Tours. There were 13 PGA Tour first-time winners and 12 Rolex First-time winners on the women’s tour.
Ludvig Åberg recently got over the hump at the RSM Classic. He shattered records, finishing at 29-under, shooting 61-61 over the last 36 holes to win by four.
Akshay Bhatia, Sahith Theegala, Wyndham Clark, and Vincent Norrman are among those 12 other names that finally won their first PGA Tour event.
The 2023 LPGA season had more first-time winners than ever before, with 12 women claiming their maiden victories. Rose Zhang won in her debut, Allisen Corpuz’s first trophy was the U.S. Women’s Open, and the list continues. It was truly a year for the youngsters, which is something to be grateful for because it shows how bright the future is for the sport.
2. A good golf hat
Who would have thought a hat at the Ryder Cup would be the running joke among golf fans? Patrick Cantlay ditched his hat in Rome, and it caused quite the storm. That tan line was rough, so golfers everywhere should appreciate having a good hat to shield them from the sun.
Not to mention, a hat looks better on everyone when playing golf.
1. Tiger Woods’ next comeback has a start date
The 15-time major winner will compete in a PGA Tour event for the first time since April.
After he withdrew from the Masters and had surgery, the return timeline was unknown. However, Tiger Woods has decided to tee it up at his Hero World Challenge the week after Thanksgiving, which is something to be grateful for.
When the Big Cat is in the field, golf is just better.
Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. You can follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports for more golf coverage. Be sure to check out @_PlayingThrough too.
