Teeing Up This Week’s Breaking News - April 14
Reporting live from the first hole, where we are ready to tee off and hammer away with this week’s breaking news in the vast green landscape of golf. My name is Tessa Lapradez, and I am here to give you an update about the sport and all things golf on and off the court. With the 2024 end-of-the-year TV deal secured between LIV and FOX Sports and the debut of TGL, this is the year of innovation for golf. Off into the course we go!
Caddy Chaos:
This year's Masters marks the first major event where Max Homa does not have his trusted caddie, Joe Greiner, at his side. The split comes as a shock not only to fans but also to Homa himself, who said it was not his choice.
“We always had a deal that we’re friends first and friendship mattered more than the work thing, and he was wise enough to do what he did,” said Homa. Greiner’s decision came from a desire to preserve the friendship, which began in the early years of their childhood when they met at Vista Valencia Golf Course.
In a turn of events, Greiner stepped in as Justin Thomas’ caddie for the esteemed event at Augusta National. However, it’s only temporary.
“I’m very lucky Joe Greiner is a great friend and able to help me out at the last minute,” said Greiner.
Amateur Activities:
Amateur golfer Jose Luis Ballester turned heads on the Augusta National fairways. The Spanish amateur golfer, known for winning the 2024 U.S. Amateur, caused discourse among fans who disapproved of his “Sun Devils” hat.
The cap was an homage to Arizona State University, where Ballester is a senior. Many golf fans were angered by the messaging and the fact that the letters were arranged upside down.
“This hat choice by Jose Luis Ballester at #TheMasters is just outrageous,” said Damien Lisi, an avid X user who posts about golf.
Online chatter only grew louder when the amateur urinated into Rae’s Creek on the 13th hole. Ballester took the opportunity to pee in the river while his group, consisting of Justin Thomas and Scottie Scheffler, dealt with an issue on the green.
“If I had to do it again, I would do it again,” Ballester said.
Crowning a Major Champion:
Rory McIlroy can take a sigh of relief and satisfaction. With a birdie on the 18th hole during a sudden death playoff with Justin Rose, the Irish icon won the Masters Championship. 2024 Masters Champion Scottie Scheffler placed the iconic green jacket on a relieved McIlroy, who was overcome with emotion.
“I started to wonder if it would ever be my time,” said McIlroy. His win on Sunday cements him as one of the all-time golf greats, achieving the Grand Slam.
Tiger Woods, a mentor and inspiration to Rory McIlroy, celebrated the monumental achievement on X. “Your determination during this round, and this entire journey has shown through, and now you’re a part of history,” said Woods.
