pga tour medical staff

Your Personal PGA Tour Medical Team | Harry Sese & Shane Lawlor [#227]

One of the things that we love to do here at 18Strong is giving you a glimpse of what goes on on the tour. Trying to take the tour experience and bring it to you at home in your earbuds. This week we are going to do just that with two guys that have been traveling with golfers on the PGA tour as the medical staff for over a decade now: Dr. Harry Sese and Dr. Shane Lawlor. Both chiropractors working with PGA players as well as having clinics at home, that have come on to share their experiences with professionals and amateurs alike and the work they do that can directly apply to your golf game.

Dr. Harry Sese’s Background

• Graduated from Western State’s College of Chiropractic in 2007.
• Is a Master Instructor and former national champion in Taekwondo.
• He has traveled and taught with the Titleist Performance Institute and is now touring with PGA professionals including Graham McDowell, Jerry Kelly, Adam Hadwin, Jon Rahm, and many others.
• Harry’s Approach: The Goal is to play golf for as long as you want/can. Always keep an eye on your body and fitness to stay in peak condition for as long as possible.

Dr. Shane Lawlor’s Background

• Shane is Sports Chiropractor and an expert in the treatment, screening, and rehabilitation of golf injuries.
• He also has extensive post-graduate training in the treatment of sports & soft tissue injuries including lower back & functional rehabilitation.
• Shane has traveled with professional golfers on both the European & PGA Tours since 2009 and has worked with over 50 different tour pros.
• He consults to a number of elite amateur and professional golfers when he is off the tour.

Highlights from this Episode  

• What their routine looks like being PGA golf docs to keep focused and ready to attend to their players, and what aspects of their traveling have they regimented to maintain their peak performance.
• The difference in structuring between their work on the road with professionals to their work from their home clinic with the every-day golfer. What aspects of their experience with the tour players they bring back to their amateur golfers.
• Their perspectives on both the new breed of athletic golfers and how golf is progressing to have more of a focus on the “athlete” rather than on the “golfer.”
• How the players on the Champions tour fitness regiments have changed over the years and what Harry and Shane see most from their older players that are both taking care of themselves and those that aren’t.

Any Last Piece of Advice?

Shane: Regular manual therapy can change everything for the athlete and golfer

Harry: If you’re coming in after there is a problem, all we can do is make it go away quicker. If you come in before, we can help build you up to prevent those issues.

Follow the Docs on social media:

@thegolfingdoc : Dr. Harry Sese Instagram

@golfchiro: Dr. Shane Lawlor

Episode Sponsor:

SuperSpeedGolf.com

To continue the conversation and ask any questions you may have, head over the 18STRONG Facebook page.

Jeff pelizzaro.

Wells Fargo Championship

Quail Hollow Club

Playing ‘on a medical’: The PGA Tour’s injury exemption program explained

Whatever happens the rest of this year on the PGA Tour, it will be hard to top, from both a gut-check and feel-good perspective, the story of Ryan Brehm, who used his one and only start on a Minor Medical Extension to win the Puerto Rico Open . The Medical Extension, which dates to 1987, was instituted to protect the exempt status of injured players until they are able to return to competition. In Brehm's case, he was granted an extension of one start after testing positive for COVID-19 in 2021, and he used it for a victory he had to have or else he would have lost his tour card.

A story like Brehm's is not uncommon on the tour, though seldom does one have a more Hail Mary aspect to it, considering the 35-year-old Michigan native was ranked 773rd in the world and never before had posted a top-10 finish in 67 starts.

Last fall, though, Jim Knous got his own prayer answered when he battled his way to a seemingly innocuous T-57 at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship . That's a long way from Brehm's fairytale triumph, but Knous still celebrated like he had won. Which, in a way, he did. That finish was worth a paltry 5.2 FedEx Cup points. But they were priceless to Knous, who was playing in the last of six events he was granted via a Major Medical Extension after suffering a right wrist injury in 2019 that required surgery and sidelined him for nearly a year. The 31-year-old Colorado native collected just enough points to retain conditional status on the PGA Tour and full Korn Ferry Tour status through 2022.

A week later, Danny Lee fulfilled the terms of his Minor Medical Extension with a T-7 at Mayakoba and regained full status for the remainder of the 2021-22 season. There are currently 15 more players who would like to add their own success stories. That is the current number who have successfully applied for and still have events remaining under the tour’s medical extension program. Eleven others began the season with various extensions but fell short of earning the necessary points before running out of starts, though some players, such as Joseph Bramlett and Vincent Whaley, remained exempt in lower priority rankings.

Ryan Brehm hugs his caddie/wife Chelsey after winning the Puerto Rico Open in March on his one and only medical exemption.

Stacy Revere

The creation of the tour’s system for protecting the eligibility of injured golfers began in 1985, when Jim Nelford broke his leg in a skiing accident. That prompted him to take the initiative in starting discussions with the tour about a system that would allow him to retain his exempt status. At the time, the tour had a medical provision in place but it only enabled an injured golfer to keep his membership, not his exempt status, which meant little in regard to getting tournament starts. Nelford’s case was reviewed in 1986, and the Special Medical Extension category was added to the list of exemptions starting in ’87.

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Most fans of professional golf likely have some awareness of the tour’s medical extension policy or at least have heard references made to it. But chances are they have little idea how it works. Don’t feel bad. It’s complicated. And the way in which it is administered is predicated on a number of factors that, quite obviously, shift from player to player.

“There is no way to give you every scenario we’ve seen. There is no typical case,” says Kirsten Burgess, vice president, competition administration for the PGA Tour and the person charged with overseeing the medical extension program. “There’s no one out there that doesn't have a wrist that hurts, or a back that hurts or anything. They're all hurting in some way or the another. They're professional athletes, and they're putting a lot of wear and tear on their bodies. There are going to be issues.”

Basically, there are two categories for medical extensions, which has been in place since 1995. A major medical is for players who are sidelined for more than four months, and a minor extension covers players hurt fewer than that term. A third category, the “family crisis extension” covers players who miss time because of an illness or injury in the family that keeps them from competing; a player has to be absent at least two months to qualify for a minor extension.

One of the most recent examples was the case of John Senden, who took an extended leave in 2017 when his son, Jacob, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. He competed in 2018 on a medical extension. Perhaps more famously, Dudley Hart earned PGA Tour Comeback Player of the Year honors in 2008 after taking off most of 2007 to care for his wife Suzanne and their 5-year-old triplets when Suzanne underwent surgery for a tumor in one of her lungs.

In all cases, the process begins with a player needing a note from a doctor. No, we’re not kidding. A player cannot just claim an injury. And there has to be supporting documentation, such as MRIs, surgery reports or X-rays. A medical committee, which includes a physician, then reviews each player application. It is not known how many players are denied their request. (The query to the tour went unanswered.) Chances are the number is low given the extent of the information required in the application.

The next step is to determine just how many events a player is entitled to when he returns. Each player gets the greater number of the following: his average number of starts in the three previous calendar years or, if that is not applicable, the average number of starts players in the top 125 made the previous year. The number of starts the player made in the season of his injury is then subtracted from either of these two figures. Further starts can be subtracted at the tour’s discretion based on the player’s eligibility in certain marquee events. Exemption status at the time of the injury, be it major winners, tour winners, top 125, conditional status, Korn Ferry Tour graduates, can come into play here.

Jim Nelford's skiing accident in the mid-1980s eventually led to the PGA Tour's medical exemption program.

Tony Roberts

As Burgess explained: “We go through the schedule and we say, ‘OK, well, you wouldn't have gotten in the Masters. You wouldn't have gotten in the U.S. Open. You wouldn't have gotten in the Memorial.’ They actually have to have missed x-number of events. If they missed 20 events, but would have only gotten in 18 of them, then they would only get 18 events back. You don't get credit for something you wouldn't have been in.”

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The goal for every player is to earn enough points—as many as the player who finished 125th in the FedEx Cup standings the previous year—to be exempt for the remainder of the season in which he returns. Or, again, in the case of Knous, earn as many points as the 150th player in the standings the previous season for conditional status in the 126-150 category.

Statistics show, however, that the odds are stacked against the returning player from maintaining their status long term. From 2011-2021, there were 144 players on a medical extension and only 28 of them (19 percent) made their combined top 125. Thirty-one of 144 (22 percent) completed their medical and then remained exempt via the top 125 or from a tournament win the following season. (Remember, a player who earns as many points as the player who finished 125th the year before has status only for that season and then must, in essence, start over to finish in the top 125 the following year. That's why wrapping up their status in the fall was a boon to Knous and Lee because they enjoy almost the full season that ends in August to keep their status for 2022-23. Knous is currently 195th on the points list for this season while Lee is 71st.)

Burgess added that if we include players who completed their medical and finished outside of the top 125 but then went on to get their card back via Korn Ferry Tour Finals (or Q school) there are an additional 14 players who have effectively used their medical extension for a total of 45 out of 144. Still, that is only a little more than 31 percent.

There are other factors that figure into the use of the medical extension. For instance, a player can only be on a medical extension for a maximum of three seasons, a rule instituted in 2015. Anything past the three seasons has to be approved by the commissioner, who can add one more season for a total of four maximum. Morgan Hoffmann, who returned at last month’s RBC Heritage from an extended— and unconventional —rehabilitation period as he battles muscular dystrophy, is in his fourth year of his medical extension that started with 18 events in 2018. After missing the cut in Harbour Town, he has two starts left to accumulate 238.42 FedEx Cup points to maintain full status, which he held in 2017-18.

Morgan Hoffmann has two more starts left on his medical exemption as he tries to return to the PGA Tour after time away treating muscular dystrophy.

It should be noted that a player has a strong incentive to not come back until he’s certain he can compete. Because once he resumes playing a “normal schedule,” which is typically two or three tournaments, Burgess said, he can only carry over his medical extension for one more season.

There is yet one more limitation to the extension, and that addresses the nature of the injury. A player can only take a medical for a particular injury just one time. A repetitive or lingering back injury is not a ticket to limitless visits to the tour-protected DL. Conversely, a wrist injury suffered one year and another five years later are considered separate cases and would be eligible for an extension.

All in all, it’s a system that protects a player’s status but comes with plenty of caveats so that the membership at large is protected, too. “There are a lot of checks and balances,” Burgess said. “There have been a lot of adjustments to the system over the years. The bottom line is that a player, in most cases, has a chance to rehab, get healthy and come back and have a chance to compete.”

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About Dr. Nate Marshall

Undergraduate: Albion College

Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine

Residency: Henry Ford Hospital

Orthopedic Sports Fellowship: Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic

Current Sports Coverage: PGA Tour, PGA Champions Tour, Rochester University, United Shore Professional Baseball League, Macomb Community College, Oakland Community College, Rochester High School, L’Anse Creuse North High School

Awards: Named one of the Best Orthopedic Surgeons by Detroit Hour Magazine Top Docs in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Dr. Nate Marshall is a fellowship trained, board certified, orthopedic surgeon with a specialty in sports medicine. He is a Michigan native, growing up in Western Michigan and has been in the Detroit area for over 15 years.

He completed his undergraduate training at Albion College in Biochemistry. He served as captain of the varsity tennis team and was recently inducted into the Albion College Athletic Hall of Fame. He then attended Wayne State University School of Medicine receiving several honors during medical school as well as obtaining membership in the Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) honors society. He completed his orthopedic residency at Henry Ford Hospital in which he was named Chief Administrative Resident his senior year.  He continues his involvement with the medical school as an active member of the Admissions Committee.

In further pursuit of his passion for sports medicine, he completed his sports and shoulder fellowship at the world renowned Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles, California. As the first sports medicine fellowship ever established, Kerlan-Jobe has been an innovator in the field of sports, having invented Tommy John Surgery, it has become one of the preeminent programs in the country. During his fellowship, Dr. Marshall participated in the treatment of professional athletes around the country and covered professional teams including the Los Angeles Rams, Kings, Dodgers, Sparks, Anaheim Ducks and the NFL Combine.

Throughout his career, Dr. Marshall has published over 25 peer-reviewed studies including multiple studies on Tommy John surgery in MLB athletes and other studies on ACL tears, hamstring tears, bicep tendon ruptures and other musculoskeletal injuries. He has presented at multiple national conferences and is a member of the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM), Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA), American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) and the Michigan Orthopedic Society (MOS).

Dr. Marshall treats a variety of conditions. He uses minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques to treat ACL tears, meniscus tears and cartilage injuries.  He also treats rotator cuff tears, labral tears, shoulder injuries and ligament and tendon injuries to the elbow.  Dr. Marshall also specializes in arthroscopic hip surgery to treat labral tears and hip preservation.

Named one of the Best Orthopedic Sports Surgeons by Detroit Hour Magazine Top Docs in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

Dr. Marshall’s passion is to achieve the highest possible level of function for his patients, regardless of activity level and lifestyle, with a focus on each individual patient’s goals, desires and condition. We feel this is accomplished with a team-based approach with the patient and family at the center all working toward the goal of remaining active and enjoying life.

Our Medical Staff

Our medical staff works closely with one another to maximize your care and be available to help in any way you may need. We all work together to keep our patient’s healthy and remaining active.

Physician Assistants

Maggie Skiba

Surgical/sports coordinators, kim clausen.

Surgical Scheduler

 E-mail: [email protected]

1135 W. University Drive

13350 24 Mile Road

586-254-2777

How the PGA Tour is trying to help its players avoid COVID-19 and the common injury

• Senior writer for ESPN.com
• Certified orthopedic clinical specialist and strength and conditioning specialist
• Clinician, author and teacher

This week's Memorial Tournament marks the sixth week since the PGA Tour's re-entry following the COVID-19 shutdown . Despite several positive tests and a few protocol modifications, the return of golf has been largely successful. Each tournament has been played as scheduled and both the at-home and on-site testing and screening measures have been executed without any major glitches.

While other sports struggle as they begin their own attempts at returns, how has golf managed to come back with barely a hitch amidst a pandemic that isn't slowing?

The answer is a multifaceted one. There are the months of preparation the PGA Tour and its medical staff, led by PGA Medical Director, Dr. Tom Hospel, spent creating health and safety protocols after consulting with infectious disease experts and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There was also input as the plans were being formulated from the Players Advisory Council, which was key to getting buy-in to the plan from the players. They got a little assist from the structure of the sport itself, too.

As Andy Levinson, senior vice president of tournament administration for the PGA Tour said: "Our health and safety program, first and foremost, is built on this foundation that our sport lends itself to social distancing, which is by far the best defense we all have against this virus."

Natural social distancing aside, athlete health is a critical element of keeping a sport operational. These times require mitigating the risk of contracting COVID-19 as well as maintaining sport-related health and fitness.

Here is how the PGA Tour is tackling both of those:

Adapting in a COVID-19 world

Drafting health and safety protocols designed to function during a global pandemic is a daunting task. Factor into the equation that these athletes converge weekly in one location from multiple origination sites, maintain unique tournament schedules and prefer regimented routines and the task becomes infinitely more complicated.

With those concepts in mind, the Tour sought to implement COVID-19 testing that would be reliable and efficient for players, caddies and essential staff while allowing for evolution of the testing protocol as relevant information emerges. The result was a three-pronged testing regimen.

The first step is a pre-travel screen. Approximately three days prior to departure for the host city, players, caddies and staff perform an at-home test via a kit delivered through the mail. It is a saliva-based collection test performed under the supervision of a health care professional (HCP) via a Zoom link. The HCP observes the collection, answers any questions in real time and walks the individual through the process of properly packaging the sample and gives instructions on how to ship. The actual sample collection process takes about five minutes and results are returned within 24-48 hours.

The rationale for a pre-travel screen is to minimize the potential risk of viral spread by someone who is unknowingly infected. Additionally, since a positive test requires a subsequent isolation period, a positive result pre-travel allows an individual to remain home and isolate.

Given that travel presents another opportunity for exposure to the coronavirus, everyone is required to test again upon arrival in the host city.

According to Levinson, there were two overarching considerations as they developed an on-site testing program, one of which was result times. Given the short time players, caddies and staff are in any given city and given the preparation time players require pre-event, an extended wait time for results would be problematic. The second consideration involved potential impact on resources for the local community.

"We were not going to play if our health and safety program required us to utilize valuable resources in the communities in which we were playing," Levinson said.

The solution to both came in the form of a partnership with Sanford Health as the mobile COVID-19 testing partner for the PGA Tour. The mobile unit (including sample collectors, collection kits and lab technicians) sets up every Saturday in a designated testing area near the tournament site. Collectors walk samples collected via nasopharyngeal swabs from PGA players, caddies and staff to the mobile lab a few steps away. Results are then delivered within a few hours.

This Sanford Health mobile laboratory solves both of those problems," Levinson noted. "Not only can we get results back in a matter of hours, but we're also bringing the lab and the supplies with us."

Once an individual tests negative, he can then proceed to the course and can access facilities such as the clubhouse. Symptom screening questionnaires and temperature scans are required daily to gain entry to the course and everyone is asked to report any new symptoms to the medical staff. Testing can be repeated if there is suspicion of the virus.

There is also a third scheduled test during a competition week for those who choose to travel via the PGA-arranged charter flights to the next tournament location. A negative test result is required before boarding the flight.

Individuals who test positive in a tournament city are required to quarantine there unless they can drive home safely without stopping. Levinson notes that for anyone needing to quarantine, the PGA Tour has a plan. "We'll assist them in finding an appropriate place to do that and in getting the food and supplies that they might require. We're identifying an ID specialist in every tournament city, so if they are experiencing severe symptoms then they could see that person if they needed to and also show them how they might get follow-up testing as well. We're working closely with all of the local health departments and those would be notified of any positive tests as well and we'll comply with any regulations they have."

After clearing quarantine, individuals are permitted to travel to their next destination.

Trailer setup

Navigating the coronavirus pandemic may be front and center, but there is also ongoing care required for the athletes' sports-specific injuries, along with the requisite fitness and conditioning.

The requirement for players to be on a perpetual road trip throughout the season was the impetus for creating a traveling medical group to accompany them. The program dates back to the 1980s when Dr. Frank Jobe (yes, that Dr. Jobe, the surgeon who changed the career trajectory for numerous baseball pitchers after he successfully operated on Tommy John), then team physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers, had the idea that golfers should also have a dedicated medical group that traveled. Now that traveling facility is in the form of two expandable trailers -- one geared toward physical therapy and chiropractic treatment and the other functioning primarily as a mobile fitness center -- and their utilization has surged over the last decade as golfers have become more athletic, more fitness conscious and generally more proactive about their overall health.

Two years ago the PGA Tour purchased two brand new trailers, each offering more than 900 square feet of clinic and gym space and gave Tour players an opportunity to provide input into the equipment choices. According to Jason Stodelle, physical therapist for the PGA Tour, the response to the upgraded PGA Tour Player Performance Center has been extremely favorable, with each trailer accommodating between 50-70 players per day during a busy tournament.

The most common golf-related injuries are soft tissue in nature and often involve the spine and ribs, hips and wrists -- although no body part is immune. Golfers have come to rely on the consistency of care they receive from the physical therapists, chiropractors and athletic trainers who staff the trailers at each tournament, traveling the country just as the athletes do. Treatment may be ongoing as part of a chronic issue a golfer is working to manage while still competing or may address an acute injury that crops up during an event. The therapy trailer has a range of equipment, including tools for soft-tissue mobilization, dry needling, cold compression recovery, exercise and more.

Many athletes have a conditioning regimen they maintain via the fitness trailer which can also serve as a warmup venue prior to a round or a recovery area afterward. The fitness trailer has Peloton bikes, treadmills and elliptical machines as well as cables, Olympic weights, kettlebells and medicine balls. Both trailers are also equipped with multiple TVs. making it easy to keep an eye on the action.

Integrating the trailers and the personnel who staff them into the COVID-19 protocols was a top priority for both the PGA Tour and the athletes who rely on them.

"We started those discussions about a month ago in anticipation that at some point we were going to return to golf," Hospel said. "We broke it down to the granular level of the athlete walking in, changing clothes, using shoes, how they enter the trailers -- essentially being an avatar and breaking down every single movement. With the PTs, chiropractors and athletic trainers, we had multiple Zoom calls and discussed every single event that might take place and then the best ways for us to reduce the risk of someone transmitting the virus from one person to the other.

Hospel added: "We're spacing our tables about 10 feet apart. But beyond that -- even in our initial evaluation we're maintaining a six-foot distance while taking their history, trying to limit the amount of time we're within that six-foot space while treating the athlete. Obviously at some point we're going to have to put our hands on them and treat them and try to do so in an effective and efficient manner. Maybe we're providing them instruction at times on how to do things on their own, whether it's a stretch or treatment; a lot of recovery things they can do on their own. It's really about being creative from a practitioner perspective and trying to limit that spacing while providing effective treatment."

Part of maintaining social distancing within the trailer meant limiting the number of players in the trailer at any one time.

"We decided to limit it to no more than five players in the trailer at any one time, so eight people total (including PTs and chiropractor)," said Stodelle. "Normally pre-round could have 10-12 guys. Guys might occasionally have to wait a bit, so they just need to allow a little more time.'

"There's a bench outside (waiting area), there are masks, hand sanitizer, wipes available. When a player comes to the truck, we scan their temperature, just to make sure they're under 100.4. Assuming everything else is good, then he can proceed into the trailer."

Players are to arrive dressed in workout attire as they are no longer allowed to change inside the trailer. All medical personnel are wearing masks and scrubs while working inside the trailer. The staff has marked-out quadrants using athletic tape as boundary markers so that the athletes can independently stretch or exercise while maintaining proper physical distancing.

Out of an abundance of caution, the tour made the decision to limit the first few weeks to having just the therapy trailer onsite in an effort to mitigate risk.

"Just like with most health facilities we're a little bit worried about individuals working out, huffing and puffing, and that respiratory droplet component is a little bit greater risk," Hospel explained. "It's inside, we have to worry about air circulation, so we thought maybe there would be a little increased risk initially, so we held the fitness trailer out a few weeks."

It wasn't just preparing for COVID-19 protection; there were also concerns about the golfers' competition readiness from a physical standpoint after being in a shutdown for multiple weeks. During the shutdown, the availability of workout facilities was far-ranging, depending on each athlete's circumstances.

"Some guys have home gyms, but others were going online to buy resistance bands and kettlebells because their facilities were closed," Stodelle said.

For his part, Stodelle conducted telehealth visits via FaceTime or Zoom with a number of golfers to discuss their workouts and answer questions; the video component allowed for real-time feedback to ensure proper performance of various exercises.

Still, there were concerns about what challenges might face the golfers who hadn't walked a course regularly in multiple weeks.

"As guys were asking me leading up to the [the Charles Schwab Challenge, the Tour's first even back last month] what I would recommend, the biggest thing was I would tell them just go out and walk 18 holes. Get used to that. Otherwise they get here and they're walking 18 holes potentially four days in a row, in extreme heat. This is when we see heat-related issues and, of course, the usual soft-tissue injuries."

So far, the injury culprits are what Stodelle and his colleagues expected to see: muscle strains, sore lower backs, an occasional rib sprain. And the treatment process has been smooth, even with the new social distancing requirements.

Stodelle gave an example of a player who stopped by with a rib injury. He said he talked with him for five or six minutes to get a brief history, then he evaluated him quickly, provided some hands-on treatment. Afterward he showed him an exercise (from an appropriate distance) that he could then do on his own.

"The total interaction might have been 25 minutes but we had only 10 minutes of hands-on contact," Stodelle said.

Lessons so far

Like everything, there will be updates and adjustments. Here's what the Tour has learned and changed:

COVID-19 testing There has been one modification to the protocol algorithm that follows a positive test for players and caddies.

After an initial positive test result, if an asymptomatic individual subsequently has two negative tests (conducted at least 24 hours apart), then he may return to competition.

This modification helps avoid inadvertently penalizing someone whose test may have yielded a false positive result or someone who may be on the tail end of an asymptomatic infection.

Additionally, the following point of clarification for return to play for symptomatic individuals was recently highlighted by the PGA Tour:

Following an initial positive test result, individuals who continue to test positive can return to work if they have gone more than three days without fever or respiratory symptoms and if it has been at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared.

These two items were established in consultation with the tour's infectious disease experts and are consistent with the CDC recommendations for discontinuation of isolation and return to work.

Awaiting on-site testing results before entering golf course Initially players were permitted to head to the tournament venue to hit balls on the practice range or be outside while awaiting the results of the on-site testing. However, they were not permitted to use facilities such as the clubhouse. Now everyone is required to obtain a wristband as evidence of a negative test result prior to arriving at the course.

Return of the fitness trailer Originally the plan was to play the first four weeks without the fitness trailer, then re-evaluate. By the fourth week of competition, though, the fitness trailer had returned, making its first post-shutdown appearance at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in Detroit two weeks ago. Players are required to wear masks while exercising in the trailer. Having the trailer on-site guaranteed players a sanitized workout facility with controlled foot traffic as opposed to working out in a more public venue, such as a hotel gym.

Heightened awareness While everyone was generally accepting of the protocols guiding the return of golf after the shutdown, there appears to have been more universal vigilance with regards to social distancing measures after the first few positive tests were revealed. According to Stodelle, several players and staff referred to the week at the Traveler's as a wake-up call -- seven players withdrew from that event because of issues related to the coronavirus. After that, they began dining in more frequently, avoiding high-fives more regularly and wearing masks everywhere.

Looking ahead

There will be no fans at the Memorial this year, nor will there be any for the remaining events comprising the 2020 PGA Tour season as the presence of the coronavirus still looms large in the United States. The U.S. Open (September) and the Masters (November) have not yet announced a position on fan attendance. By reacting swiftly and strongly to an emergence of a few positive tests early in their comeback phase, the PGA Tour and golf proved the necessity of maintaining fluidity in their process and, in doing so, may have provided a road map for other leagues to follow.

While the restart of golf has been viewed as generally successful by the Tour, Hospel notes there is no room for relaxation of the protocols.

"As we're seeing cases spike across the country, continued diligence is required. We continue to learn more about this virus as time goes on, so we need to be ready and remain flexible in our response."

Dr. Tom LaFountain

Professional sports care, psc course background.

Professional Sports Care is an organization founded by Dr. Thomas LaFountain, DC, DABCO who is Director of Chiropractic Services for the PGA TOUR. PSC was founded to provide comprehensive chiropractic services to the PGA Tour players and Champions Tour players. It is responsible for training, preparing logistically, and selecting those chiropractors who possess a high level of expertise in the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of professional golf injuries.

Membership Benefits

To become a member of the Professional Sports Care staff, a chiropractic physician must be licensed and have completed the 36 hour Clinical Golf Program given by Professional Sports Care and endorsed by the PGA Tour. As a staff member opportunities are given to work on the PGA Sports Medicine staff and in high level resorts and golf facilities throughout the United States.

Certified Facilities

Your chiropractic office will be designated a certified professional golf treatment facility..

Nationwide Resorts

Work at country clubs and golf Resorts across the united states

A+ Resources

PSC provided annual re-certification for up-to-date information and techniques.

Course Details

Availability

The golf program will be limited to the first 10 applicants, and is mandatory to be eligible to work in the PSC/PGA Sports Medicine Program.

When & Where

The course will be given in three 12-hour (CEU) modules: June 10-11, 2023 | July 22-23, 2023 All events will be held at: TPC at Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida 32082

Entire Program Cost (36 hours): $2,995 Individual Module Cost: $998.33* Pay in Full (Discounted) Cost : $2,700 *Your payment must be received four weeks prior to the course starting

Accommodations

Nearest Hotels: Hilton Garden Inn and Marriott (PGA Blvd., Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida) Nearest Airport: Jacksonville International

PSC Member Testimonials

Getting certified through Professional Sports Care has been an incredible benefit to my practice and developing a pain free golf program. Professional Sports Care courses and certification gives the tools and knowledge to work at the highest level with the Tour and Tour Players.

— Robert Westwood

Dr. LaFountain's course gave me a solid foundation to understand the sport of golf, the biomechanics needed to perform the sport, and common injuries that come about because of the demands of golf. I feel confident in being able to treat recreational and professional golfers.

— Marc Cesari

I was fortunate that a classmate told me about the Professional Sports Care course. After chiro school I moved to an area with an avid golf community. The PSC course helped me understand not only the mechanics and injuries associated with golf but also to develop crucial relationships with each country club in my area. I would highly recommend this course to anybody looking to improve upon or begin to understand the treatment and management of golf related injuries and performance care. This course is also for the doc that is looking to create a network of referrals from their local country clubs and golf community. Who knows maybe you could be the next doc working with the team on the PGA Tour!!

— Joshua Kollmann

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PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan recuperating from ‘medical situation’

PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan is “recuperating from a medical situation,” the Tour and its policy board said in a joint statement Tuesday. Here’s what you need to know:

• Ron Price (chief operating officer) and Tyler Dennis (executive vice president and president of the PGA Tour ) will lead day-to-day operations in Monahan’s absence.
• “The board fully supports Jay and appreciates everyone respecting his privacy,” the statement said. The Tour will also “provide further updates as appropriate.”
• Monahan has been the PGA Tour commissioner since 2017.

This news comes a week after the PGA Tour, the Public Investment Fund (LIV Golf) and the DP World Tour are partnering commercial operations under common ownership. The deal will end all pending litigation between the three parties.

“After two years of disruption and distraction, this is a historic day for the game we all know and love,” Monahan said in a release Tuesday. “This transformational partnership recognizes the immeasurable strength of the PGA Tour’s history, legacy and pro-competitive model and combines with it the DP World Tour and LIV — including the team golf concept — to create an organization that will benefit golf’s players, commercial and charitable partners and fans.”

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Monahan was present at a players meeting on June 6 at the Canadian Open. He faced scrutiny for his previous opposition to LIV Golf and players accepting Saudi money.

“I recognize that people are going to call me a hypocrite,” Monahan said. “Anytime I said anything, I said it based on the information I had at the moment, and based on someone trying to compete for the PGA Tour and our players. I accept those criticisms. But circumstances do change.”

Required reading

• PGA Tour, LIV Golf, DP World Tour to merge commercial operations, end litigation between parties
• In the PGA Tour, LIV Golf battle the money won. Morality was always secondary
• PGA Tour, LIV Golf to merge: Timeline of tension, lawsuits and criticism from both sides
• What is LIV Golf? Explaining the PGA Tour competitor Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and Phil Mickelson are joining
• LIV Golf and the king-sized ambition behind a game on the brink

(Photo: Sam Greenwood / Getty Images)

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At Golden Sports Chiropractic, we perform detailed biomechanical evaluations to discover the imbalances that are causing your issues. We develop a customized plan to correct your imbalances, relieve your symptoms and improve your performance. We also provide you with the tools to keep it fixed!

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Terry golden, dc, dacbsp.

Dr. Golden is a Chiropractic Sports Physician with over 25 years experience. He is a member of the PGA Tour Medical Staff, treating PGA Tour Players at PGA Tournaments in multiple locations across the country, He has been a member of the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball medical team and Ironman Performance Care Team.

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Jill is our office manager and all around super star! She is also a licensed massage therapist.

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While Dr. Golden has experience treating professional athletes, Olympic athletes and World Champions, you don't have to be an athlete to be one of our patients.  We pride ourselves on our top quality care and customer service.  We strive to provide the best quality care and customer service while running on time so we can see you at your scheduled appointment time. Most of our new patients find us through referrals by their satisfied  friends and family. Whether you're a weekend warrior, neighborhood walker or desk jockey, we can help solve your issues and keep you active.

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Chiropractic Treatment involves identifying joints in the body that are not moving properly and skillfully restoring the proper motion to these joints. This process has far reaching effects on your brain and nervous system.

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Dr. Golden completed his Fellowship in Acupuncture through the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture. He combines the latest technology using the computerized AcuGraph system to help guide treatment and measure and monitor progress.

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Dr. Golden regularly uses corrective exercises and therapeutic stretching as part of his treatment plans to correct imbalances. He also instructs patients on home exercises to help speed up the process. These exercises give his patients the tools to keep these imbalances fixed. Ultrasound and electrical stimulation may also be used in select instances.

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MedStar Health has the largest variety of specialists trained in Golf Medicine and TPI Certification in the region. From physicians to physical therapists to strength coaches, our team is trained to get you back on the course and playing better.

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TPI Certification teaches medical practitioners an evidence-based way to increase golfer performance through a deep understanding of how the body functions during the golf swing. This concept is called the Body-Swing Connection™. MedStar Sports Medicine has the most TPI certified clinicians in the region.

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MedStar Health was selected as the provider of choice for medical services during the 2017 SENIOR PLAYERS Championship at Caves Valley Golf Club. Our Sports Medicine team of physicians, physical therapists, nurses, and athletic trainers provided care for all patrons, staff, and the elite PGA Tour Champions professional golfers on the course during the event.

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PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan recovering from medical issue, cedes day-to-day control

LOS ANGELES (AP) — PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan is recovering from a medical situation that led him to turn over control to two of his top executives, the tour announced Tuesday night.

The tour did not disclose the nature of the medical situation or how serious it was, only that its board “fully supports Jay and appreciates everyone respecting his privacy.”

The PGA Tour is in the midst of the most intense time in its 54-year history, fending off a rival league funded by Saudi Arabia's national wealth fund that led to defections of marquee players and an antitrust lawsuit.

His medical situation comes a week after Monahan stunned the golf world by announcing the PGA Tour had ended its battle with the Public Investment Fund and LIV Golf by agreeing to a commercial business partnership.

Monahan, 53, spent nearly two months working on the deal with two PGA Tour board members, investment banker Jimmy Dunne and New York attorney Ed Herlihy, without any players' knowledge.

Almost all of them said they were shocked. Some said they felt betrayed. The deal came nearly a year after Monahan made pointed remarks about LIV Golf's source of funding, particularly as it related to any Saudi connection to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

When a news outlet broke an embargo, some players learned of the deal on social media before the tour could email them details. Monahan then faced a meeting with players at the Canadian Open that was described as intense and included a suggestion that he be replaced.

“I recognize that people are going to call me a hypocrite,” Monahan said in a Zoom call with the media after the meeting. “Anytime I said anything, I said it with the information that I had at that moment, and I said it based on someone that’s trying to compete for the PGA Tour and our players. I accept those criticisms. But circumstances do change. I think that in looking at the big picture and looking at it this way, that’s what got us to this point.”

Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley offered his support for Monahan and his family and wished him "a healthy and speedy recovery.”

“Jay Monahan is a leader in our sport and a friend to so many across the golf industry,” he said.

The tour said its chief operating officer, Ron Price, and its president, Tyler Dennis, would be in charge while Monahan recovers.

“Our thoughts are with Jay and his family during his absence, and we wish him a speedy recovery,” Price and Dennis said in a statement. “We have a strong and experienced leadership team in place, and our priority is to support our players and continue the work underway to further lead the PGA Tour and golf's future.”

Monahan was expected to meet with players and the media next week at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut.

Players at the U.S. Open have said they don't have details of how the partnership among the PGA Tour, European tour and the Public Investment Fund will work or how it will shape the tour and LIV Golf after this year.

Monahan has said it was a “framework agreement” and still being finalized. Still to come is how players such as Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson, who left the PGA Tour for LIV and its $100-plus million signing bonuses, could return — and how to reward players who stayed loyal.

AP golf: https://apnews.com/hub/golf and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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Louisville, KY (40203)

Shower or two possible before noon. Passing clouds after that.

Updated: May 11, 2024 @ 12:29 am

• Full Forecast

The front entrance to the clubhouse at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. April 24, 2024.  (WDRB Photo)

• Copy article link

A clock stands beside the tee box on No. 1 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. April 24, 2024.  (WDRB Photo)

The front nine at Valhalla Golf Club as seen from WDRB's drone camera. April 24, 2024.  (WDRB Photo)

The PGA Championship will return to Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville for the fourth time with an expected 200,000 spectators. 

Headed to the 2024 PGA Championship in Louisville? Here's what you need to know

• May 10, 2024
• May 10, 2024 Updated 8 hrs ago

PGA Championship prepares to arrive at Valhalla next week

Jimmy Kirchdorfer, General Chairman of the PGA Championship, joined WDRB Mornings with more information.

The front entrance to the clubhouse at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. April 24, 2024. (WDRB Photo)

A clock stands beside the tee box on No. 1 at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. April 24, 2024. (WDRB Photo)

The front nine at Valhalla Golf Club as seen from WDRB's drone camera. April 24, 2024. (WDRB Photo)

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The PGA Championship will return to Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville for the fourth time, putting the city in the national spotlight with 200,000 fans expected to visit the course May 13-19.

Below is a guide to everything you need to know if you plan to attend the tournament or watch on TV. You'll find ticket information, parking and rideshare details and even what you can get to eat and drink at Valhalla.

Tickets for Thursday-Sunday are sold out, but there are tickets still available for Monday-Wednesday. Prices range from $59-$99, plus tax and fees, and come included with a handful of food and non-alcoholic beverage options. To get your tickets, click here .

Kids under the age of 16 will be permitted free of charge. Each ticketed adult is allotted two junior grounds admissions per day. Junior tickets can be picked up at the Ticket Office at the Main Spectator Entrance on the day of admission. Children under the age of 2 don't require their own ticket.

All tickets for the PGA Championship are mobile. Tickets printed at home won't be accepted at Valhalla. To access your tickets, download the PGA Championship app on your smartphone. PDFs or screenshots won't be accepted.

• 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• 6:45 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• 7:15 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Public Parking

There is no parking on-site at Valhalla, and drop-offs or walk-ins aren't allowed either. All fans attending the PGA Championship must either use the rideshare option below or park at the Kentucky Exposition Center using the Main Gate, Gate 6 or Gate 7.

Below are the shuttle hours for tournament week:

• 6:45 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Uber, Lyft or Z-Trip riders will be dropped off and picked up at the PGA Championship's "Official Rideshare" lot located across Shelbyville Road from Valhalla along Beckley Creek Parkway. Riders should enter "2024 PGA Championship" as a destination when searching for a ride, and the driver will be routed there. From the lot on Beckley Creek Parkway, fans will enter Valhalla through the Main Spectator Entrance.

• 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Complimentary parking is located at Whitefield Academy at 15201 Shelbyville Road. Drivers should follow signage and traffic control to Lot D. Complimentary shuttle service will be provided to and from the Main Spectator Entrance at Valhalla Golf Club.

Payment Methods

All transactions at Valhalla will be cashless. No cash or checks will be accepted during tournament week. The PGA Shops accepts American Express, MasterCard, VISA and Discover Card. The concession and bar areas accept American Express, MasterCard, VISA, Discover Card, Apple Pay and Google Pay.

PGA Tour professional Justin Thomas speaks to reporters at Harmony Landing Golf Club on April 20, 2023.

• ERIC CRAWFORD

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays his second shot on 3rd hole during the final round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)

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Dustin Johnson pumps his fist after wining the the Masters golf tournament Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in Augusta, Ga. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

FILE - Jordan Spieth walks on the the first tee during the first round of the St. Jude Championship golf tournament Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, in Memphis, Tenn. Jordan Spieth is replacing Rory McIlroy on the PGA Tour policy board and will finish out the term that runs until the end of next year. PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan announced the move to players on Monday morning, Nov. 20. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

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Keegan Bradley watches his tee shot on the second hole of the South Course at Torrey Pines during the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open golf tournament, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

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Jason Day gestures after finishing the 18th hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links during the third round of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am golf tournament in Pebble Beach, Calif., Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Adam Scott, of Australia, watches his approach shot on the third fairway during the third round of the Genesis Invitational golf tournament at Riviera Country Club Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Kang)

Jason Dufner chips onto the ninth green during the second round of the Wyndham Championship golf tournament, Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, in Greensboro, N.C. (AP Photo/Reinhold Matay)

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Padraig Harrington of Ireland plays his second shot on 10th hole during the first round of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)

Martin Kaymer of Germany tees off during the first day of the French Open Golf tournament at Paris National course in Guyancourt, west of Paris, France, Thursday, June 29, 2017. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

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Shaun Micheel hits off the seventh tee during the first round of the PGA Championship golf tournament, Thursday, May 16, 2019, at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, N.Y. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

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Collin Morikawa acknowledges the gallery on the third green during the first round of The Sentry golf event, Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024, at Kapalua Plantation Course in Kapalua, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Jimmy Walker watches his drive off the ninth tee during the third round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Saturday, April 15, 2023, in Hilton Head Island, S.C. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

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Yang Yong-eun of South Korea tees off at the 13th hole during the round one match of the Hong Kong Open golf tournament Thursday Dec. 1, 2011. (AP Photo/King Cheung)

Matt Fitzpatrick hits from the eighth tee during the first round of the St. Jude Championship golf tournament Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Gary Woodland chips off the 17th green during the final round of the U.S. Open Championship golf tournament Sunday, June 16, 2019, in Pebble Beach, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Francesco Molinari, of Italy, lines up a putt on the second green during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament, Thursday, March 2, 2023, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

• Phelan M. Ebenhack

Justin Rose, of England, waves after his putt on the eighth hole during the second round of the U.S. Open golf tournament Friday, June 14, 2019, in Pebble Beach, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Lucas Glover hits a shot during the third round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament Saturday, March 9, 2024, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Patrick Reed pumps his fist on the 18th hole as he wins on the Northern Trust golf tournament at Liberty National Golf Course, Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019, in Jersey City, N.J. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

Rich Beem current official PGA TOUR headshot. (Photo by Tracy Wilcox/PGA TOUR)

• Tracy Wilcox

Major champions in the 2024 PGA Championship field at Valhalla Golf Club

Items fans are recommended to bring.

• Jacket and/or layered outerwear piece
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Portable phone charger
• Personal sunscreen
• Nursing mothers may bring necessary equipment on-site. Storage and refrigeration are available at the Medical Stations at Hole 1 fairway and Hole 10 tee.

 Items permitted on site at Valhalla

• Small bags (10"x10"x10" or smaller)
• Diaper bags and strollers
• Cameras (May 13-15 only)

Items not permitted on site at Valhalla

• All backpacks and drawstring bags
• Any bag larger than 10"x10"x10"
• Personal electronics such as computers, laptops, tablets and radios
• Weapons of any kind (regardless of permit), including pocket knives
• Buckets, ladders, milk crates or stools
• Drones, hoverboards, laser pointers, whistles/noisemakers or selfie sticks
• Coolers, food (except in limited quantities for medical, dietary or infant purposes)
• Oversized chairs with wide arm rests (small folding chairs are permissible)
• Banners, posters, signs or any materials with unauthorized advertising or promotion
• Golf clubs or other sporting equipment
• Alcoholic beverages or other beverage (one unopened, sealed bottle of water per spectator is permitted)

 TV Schedule

• ESPN+: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• ESPN: 1-7 p.m.
• ESPN+: 8-10 a.m.
• ESPN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• CBS: 1-7 p.m.

 Tee Times (approximate)

• 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• 7:15 a.m. to 2:57 p.m.
• 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
• Valhalla Golf Club

Want to learn more about the course? We've got a detailed look at Valhalla, which will play at 7,609 yards for the 2024 PGA Championship, 151 yards longer than in 2014. Click here for details on each hole, what makes them challenging for players during tournament week and exciting for fans watching. And  check out a video flyover of each hole , images from the ground and a "Major Moment," something that makes each hole significant from a past championship.

Concessions

Many fans attending the tournament have Championship+ Tickets, which come with an all-inclusive food and non-alcoholic beverage package. All fans with a Championship+ Ticket will receive a wristband upon entry to Valhalla that will be used to redeem entrees, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Once the wristbands are tightened, they can't be loosened so as to discourage fans from transferring access to someone else.

Separate wristbands will be given to fans with tickets in the Valhalla Member Club, Club PGA and PGA Premier Hospitality levels.

For fans without Championship+ Tickets, food and beverage items will be available to purchase at all concession markets.

Below is a list of all the food and drinks available during tournament week at Valhalla:

• Breakfast Biscuit
• Sausage, egg, and cheese on a toasted biscuit
• Chicken Biscuit
• Fried Chicken Breast on a Biscuit
• Classic glazed donuts
• Apples and Bananas
• All-beef hot dog on a split-top bun
• Chicken Sandwich
• Grilled Chicken Breast, pickle slaw, chipotle ranch and served on a potato roll
• Butcher's Grind Cheeseburger
• Beef patty topped on a potato roll with cheddar cheese and pickles
• Bratwurst with Caramelized onions
• Bratwurst with Caramelized onions on a hoagie roll
• Beyond Burger
• Plant-based burger
• Ham on Ciabatta
• Ham, gruyere, arugula, and honey-mustard served on a ciabatta bun
• Vegan Asian inspired salad
• Tempeh, shredded cabbage, romaine, carrot, edamame, scallion, mandarin orange, sesame dressing
• Rice Krispy Treats
• Aquafina, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Pepsi Zero Sugar, Starry, Mountain Dew, Brisk Lemonade, Brisk Iced Tea, Gatorade, Bubly and Coffee
• Michelob ULTRA, Bud Light, Bud Light Seltzer, Goose Island IPA, Kona Big Wave, Stella Artois, Resurgence Pin Seeker Pale Ale, Budweiser Zero, High Noon - Vodka and Tequila, Sugarlands Shine PGA Championship Lemonade, William Hill Chardonnay, Elijah Craig Small Batch, Elijah Craig Rye, Tequila, Rum, Vodka

156-Man Field

Heralded each year as the strongest field in professional golf, the PGA Championship is a showcase of the best players in the world. This year, 156 players will tee it up at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville in pursuit of the Wanamaker Trophy.

Among the field this year are 16 past PGA champions, 17 additional major champions, 21 PGA club professionals and a who's who of young stars on the PGA Tour. Check out the full field below:

Betting Odds

Scottie Scheffler, the world No. 1 player and winner of the Masters last month, is a significant favorite at +350. 

The next-closest competitor is Rory McIlroy, the last winner at Valhalla, at +1200. McIlroy, a four-time major champion, hasn’t captured a major since winning at Valhalla in 2014. He’s currently No. 2 in the Official World Golf Ranking.

Behind McIlroy is world No. 5 Jon Rahm at +1400. The winner of the 2021 U.S. Open and The Masters last year, his best PGA Championship finish was a tie for fourth in 2018.

Xander Schauffele, Brooks Koepka and Ludvig Aberg are co-fourth choices in the odds at +1600.

2024 PGA Championship Coverage:

Hole-by-hole tour of Valhalla Golf Club, site of the 2024 PGA Championship

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THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson: How to watch Round 1, featured groups, live scores, tee times, TV times

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Round 1 action from THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson gets underway Thursday from TPC Craig Ranch. Jason Day looks to defend his title while 2021 and 2022 champ K.H. Lee returns for revenge after falling short in his three-peat attempt last year, along with Jordan Spieth, the runner-up in 2022 who made his PGA TOUR debut here in 2010 at just 16 years old. Some other notables teeing it up in Texas include past TOUR winners Adam Scott, Jake Knapp and Tom Kim.

Here's everything you need to know to follow the action.

HOW TO FOLLOW (all times ET)

Television:

• Thursday-Friday: 4-7 p.m. (Golf Channel)
• Saturday-Sunday: 1-3 p.m. (Golf Channel), 3-6 p.m. (CBS)

PGA TOUR LIVE

PGA TOUR LIVE is available exclusively on ESPN+

• Main feed: Primary tournament-coverage featuring the best action from across the course
• Marquee group: New “marquee group” showcasing every shot from each player in the group
• Featured groups: Traditional PGA TOUR LIVE coverage of two concurrent featured groups
• Featured holes: Combination of par 3s and iconic or pivotal holes

PGA TOUR Radio on SiriusXM and free on PGATOUR.COM/liveaudio :

• Thursday-Friday: 1-7 p.m.
• Saturday-Sunday: 1-6 p.m.

FEATURED GROUPS

Marquee Group

8:45 a.m. – Jordan Spieth, Jason Day, Seung-yul Noh (10 th tee)

Featured Groups

8:23 a.m. – Tom Hoge, Brice Garnett, Daniel Berger (10 th tee)

8:34 a.m. – Tom Kim, Camilo Villegas, Mackenzie Hughes (10 th tee)

Featured Holes

Nos. 4 (par 3), 7 (par 3), 14 (par 4), 17 (par 3)

8:45 a.m. – Adam Scott, Si Woo Kim, K.H. Lee (10 th tee)

8:23 a.m. – Jake Knapp, Luke List, Adam Schenk (10 th tee)

8:34 a.m. – Stephan Jaeger, Nick Dunlap, Byeong Hun An (10 th tee)

The First Look

Power Rankings: THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson

Expert Picks: THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson

Inside the Field: THE CJ CUP Byron Nelson

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2024 Wells Fargo Championship leaderboard: Rory McIlroy lurking as Xander Schauffele leads after Round 1

Mcilroy eyes his fourth title at quail hollow ahead of the year's second major championship.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The first day of the 2024 Wells Fargo Championship ended with Xander Schauffele atop the leaderboard holding a three-stroke lead at 7 under but with Rory McIlroy top of mind. The three-time tournament winner was among the last on the golf course Thursday, and despite a bumpy back nine, was able to sign for a 4-under 67 to sit firmly in the rearview mirror of the leader. McIlroy is among a chasing pack that includes the likes of Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas and Max Homa.

"I'm hitting the ball really well again, with some of the shots that I hit out there today with the driver, some of the iron shots were much better, I feel like putting's good," McIlroy said. "And I felt like things were starting to turn around for me in New Orleans, played a good weekend there. Sort of just -- I got a really nice couple feelings in my swing that week, and I've just sort of tried to ingrain those over the last, whatever that is, 10 days. Yeah, it feels good. It was good to play a solid round of golf today. Left a couple out there, I feel, but at the same time, I've got three more days to try to build on what I've done today."

McIlroy's day began in emphatic fashion, signing for a turkey of birdies from holes No. 3-5. He immediately rose to the first page of the leaderboard, and his name would vault to the very top a couple holes later when a 55-foot eagle bid found the bottom of the cup. With a short par 4 and another par 5 among the ensuing holes, McIlroy had the look and runway of taking flight.

🗣️ ROARS FOR RORS! @McIlroyRory buries it from 50 feet for eagle to take the lead @WellsFargoGolf . pic.twitter.com/wncbQieBes — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) May 9, 2024

His ball did just that on the drivable par-4 8th as the world No. 2's tee shot finished beyond the green. What momentum was garnered the first seven holes was grounded the rest of the way in as McIlroy finished par-bogey on his front nine to turn in 4-under 31.

The recently turned 35-year-old seesawed on the back half with birdies on Nos. 10, 13 and 16 offset by bogeys on Nos. 11, 15 and 18. McIlroy missed out on a chance to inch closer to Schauffele by dropping a shot on the par-5 15th and missing a short birdie effort on the hole prior to set up a devilish bunker shot from just inside 50 yards, but he remains within reach. And whenever McIlroy is within reach at Quail Hollow, good things tend to happen.

1. Xander Schauffele (-7)

Schauffele's run of form has sprinted into this week with a near-flawless 7-under 64 in Round 1. Last year's runner-up will now look to do one better against a chasing pack littered with major champions. The Olympic gold medalist was impressive during the early action on Thursday -- a time during which many were confused. With Quail Hollow rain-soaked, competitors assumed the resurfaced greens would soften. That assumption never came to fruition, however. 

Distance control with the irons became paramount, and there was none better than Schauffele. Consistently hitting his approach shots pin high, he was in full control up until the drivable par-4 8th where a generous ruling came to his aid. Receiving a free drop due to a Shotlink tower cable being in his line of sight, Schauffele saved par and tacked on a birdie on the par-4 finisher for good measure. Those are the exact breaks Schauffele has to take advantage of if he plans to win for the first time since the 2022 Scottish Open.

"I hit it in the trees. My ball was probably like a foot, 2 feet from the fence … If I went towards the green, the fence kind of worked this way, so I had what I could hit, a 4-iron or something low and just kind of run it through," Schauffele said. "If it gets stuck, I'll just kind of hit my next one out. But I brought the rules official in there with me because I was like, 'you've got to be OK with this because this is literally the only shot I can hit.' So Austin and I moved two massive rocks that weren't embedded, and then I got relief out of the junk and then hit a pretty good shot on the green from there. What was a very stressful moment turned into a pretty stressless par."

A relatable moment from an otherwise unrelatable round of 64 by Xander Schauffele. 😅 pic.twitter.com/IKYZdhcoZi — Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) May 9, 2024

Other contenders

T2. Rory McIlroy, Collin Morikawa, Alex Noren (-4) T5. Justin Thomas, Sungjae Im, Jason Day, Sepp Straka, Lee Hodges, Russell Henley, Taylor Moore (-3)

There is a quiet confidence about Morikawa right now that seems to grow louder and louder by the day. Speaking with CBS Sports earlier in the week, the two-time major champion insisted he is very close to the player he was just a few years ago and that stringing together four quality rounds is just around the corner. Despite not traveling to Charlotte too often in his career (this is only his second start at Quail Hollow), Morikawa looked right at home en route to his 4-under 67. He didn't miss an iron shot left, took advantage of the holes he was supposed to and played the style of golf that will be successful not only this week but, more importantly, next. He may string together his four rounds this week and win, but he could also string together four months and do some major damage in the process.

"I've seen spurts here and there throughout the past few years," Morikawa said. "I want to go on a run essentially, right? You want to go on a nice stretch of golf. So it was nice to obviously have that finish at the Masters even though it didn't play out the way I wanted, but knowing that this week is going to be great prep, especially going into next week, just got to dial in everything as much as we can and be ready."

2024 Wells Fargo Championship updated odd, picks

• Xander Schauffele: 2-1
• Rory McIlroy: 3-1
• Collin Morikawa: 9-1
• Justin Thomas: 14-1
• Max Homa: 16-1
• Alex Noren: 18-1

Schauffele was my selection at the beginning of the week, and he is my selection after Thursday. If you're just now jumping into the tournament, there may be a better ride to catch as 2-1 feels short despite his three-stroke lead. Max Homa was impressive in Round 1 with his 2-under 69. After experiencing a sloppy start, the 2019 champion bounced back and looks primed to contend at Quail Hollow once again.

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PGA Tour Commish hides behind red tape amid Rory McIlroy policy board recusal

PGA Tour Commissioner, Jay Monahan, danced his way around the policy board drama regarding Rory McIlroy.

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On Wednesday, it was revealed that Rory McIlroy would not replace Webb Simpson on the PGA Tour Policy Board. That came on the heels of Simpson announcing his recusal in order for McIlroy to take his place.

Ahead of the Wells Fargo Championship , PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan released a statement regarding the recent development.

“Today’s news is in no way a commentary on Rory’s important perspective and influence. It’s simply a matter of adherence to our governance process by with a Tour player become a Board member,” Monahan wrote.

This from ⁦ @PGATOUR ⁩ Commissioner Jay Monahan on ⁦ @McIlroyRory ⁩ removing himself from consideration for the PGA Tour Policy Board. pic.twitter.com/S29REyWxko — Todd Lewis (@ToddLewisGC) May 8, 2024

“Webb remaining in his position as a member of the Policy Board and PGA Tour Enterprises Board through the end of his term provides the continuity needed at this important time.”

McIlroy has voiced his opinion that professional golf is in need of a world tour, bringing the sport together again. It has been reported there were members on the board, namely Patrick Cantlay, Jordan Spieth and Tiger Woods , who were less than welcoming.

Therefore, the Commissioner’s comments ring hollow and sound more like coach-speak to save face.

He then gave more of the same on the negotiations with the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

“We are making progress in our negotiations with the PIF and are working as a collective — the Player’s Directors, our Boards, and Tour management — to remain open-minded to all avenues that advance the Tour in the best interest of our players, our partners, and most importantly, our fans.”

McIlroy wants to help move along the discussions with PIF, but that is not going to happen.

“It got pretty complicated and pretty messy, and I think with the way it happened, I think it opened up some old wounds and scar tissue from things that have happened before,” McIlroy said Wednesday.

“There was a subset of people on the board who were maybe uncomfortable with me coming back on for some reason. Yeah, I think that the best course of action is if, you know, there are some people on there who aren’t comfortable with me coming back on, then... I just sort of keep doing what I am doing.”

The 35-year-old knows this divide in golf is not good for the game. Yet, he will have to watch from the sideline like everyone else.

Tiger Woods will be the only PGA Tour player speaking with the Saudis as part of the 5-person subcommittee who will stage negotiations.

Monahan, board chairman Joe Gorder, John Henry of Fenway Sports Group and Joe Ogilvie are the other four men who will join Woods to discuss the deal.

They will then report back to the PGA Tour’s Policy Board.

Savannah Leigh Richardson is a golf staff writer for SB Nation’s Playing Through. For more golf coverage, be sure to follow us @_PlayingThrough on all major social platforms. You can also follow her on Twitter @SportsGirlSL and Instagram @savannah_leigh_sports.

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