Regardless of how Johnson performs, though, this is certain: people will be talking about him. The 2022 Masters Tournament will return to Augusta National Golf Club early next April. The 54-hole tournaments will have no cut and will feature 48 players drafted into 12 four-man teams, with shotgun starts. x. 2022 majors schedule. ", MORE: Rory McIlroy throws shade at first LIV Golf field. Arlo White serves as lead broadcaster with pundits Jerry Foltz and Dom Boulet. Seems unlikely but not impossible at this point in his career. PGA Tour announced its complete 2021-22 schedule, PGA Tour, European Tour announce strategic alliance, will partner on scheduling, prize money and more, Tony Finau caddies after his victory and Mrs. Morikawa's smooth swing | Rogers Report, Phil Mickelson alleges world ranking collusion taking place, GOLF's Subpar: Garrett Bradbury reveals his favorite professional golfers, Happy Gilmore-imitating pro makes first cut in 5 years in very Happy Gilmore style, 2022 Sanderson Farms Championship tee times: Round 1 groupings for Thursday, 2022 Sanderson Farms Championship: TV schedule, how to watch, streaming, tee times, Sanderson Farms Championship odds: Presidents Cuppers among betting favorites this week, After turning away LIV, Tom Kim is quickly becoming a PGA Tour superstar, Would Tour players play LIV in a team event? American Golf puts multiple golf clubs up on the market. I was like, Oh, sorry, McIlroy said. He moved into position for an even better result on Friday, shooting a 7-under 64 to take a one-shot lead through two rounds. [7], The following table lists official events during the 2022 season.[8]. The five-time Masters champion Woods, in his much-anticipated return after a single-car accident in February 2021 where amputation of his right leg was considered, is joined by 2010 Open Championship winner Oosthuizen, who has recorded six runner-up finishes at major championships, and Niemann, 23, who won this year's Woods-hosted Genesis Invitational. Copyright 1996 - needs six wins with four of them being majors. Nobody is getting to this. Peter Millar have an AMAZING selection of golf shorts! It just shows you how tough it is (to win).. On 17 March 2022, the first eight tournament schedule with prize money of $255 million was announced by Greg Norman. Dustin Johnson and Bryson DeChambeau reckon theyll have to tone down their big-hitting ways when LIV Golf makes its first appearance in Australia at the Grange Golf Club course be 2023 Jon Rahm 2022 Scottie Scheffler 2021 Hideki Matsuyama 2020 Dustin Johnson 2019 Tiger Woods 2018 Patrick Reed 2017 Sergio Phil Mickelson is still a popular figure at Augusta National, even if the crowds that followed him during the first round of the Masters were smaller than previous years, Patrick Everson, FOX Sports' betting expert in Vegas, writes about the action at sportsbooks for the Masters, The addition of LIV golfers to this weeks Masters field has created betting options for those wanting to wager on golfs first major of the year, Marcus Hayes: LIV defectors get love, handshakes, and hugs at the Masters as they seek major validation. Sure, the two-time major winner with 24 PGA Tour titles rarely sweats anything, but he knows he can return to his 2020 form. Instant access to the latest news, videos and photos from around the world of golf. He'll hope to notch another impressive showing in this year's iteration. In 2022, the tournament will take on a slightly streamlined name the FedEx St. Jude (headline writers everywhere, rejoice!) "I have not, and at this point my plan is to play the LIV events and a few majors and that's it," said Johnson, who has won 24 times on the PGA Tour, highlighted by two major wins at the US Open and The Masters. Join InsideGOLF for only $20 - includes instant $20 Fairway Jockey credit! Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and others members of the Saudi-backed league were spotted wearing their team logos at Augusta National. WebThe 2022 LIV Golf Invitational Series was the first season of the LIV Golf On 17 March 2022, the first eight tournament schedule with prize money of $255 million was Discovery, which serves as the tour's major broadcaster overseas, which would effectively prevent them from airing LIV Golf due to its animosity. WebThe 2022 LIV Golf Invitational Series was the first season of the LIV Golf On 17 March 2022, the first eight tournament schedule with prize money of $255 million was announced by Greg Norman. Last year he tied for second in the Houston Open in November, so that could be an option for him to make another start this year and another chance to win to get to Maui if he werent to win this week. The purses in the LIV Golf Series' eight events total $255 million. WebThe PGA Tour has released its 2023 fall schedule, which features seven official events with over $56 million in prize money up for grabs. Scroll below for full pairings and find out when your favorite player will get started at Augusta National. Cameron Young will enter the weekend one shot off the lead held by Abraham Ancer at the Saudi International. In 2022, the alliance will see the two tours co-sanction three events the Barbasol, Barracuda and Scottish Open opening the floodgates for dozens more of the games top-rated players to compete in European Tour events, and vice versa. Not all professional golf wins are equal. [6] Likewise, PGA Tour media partners have largely avoided direct references to LIV during golf telecasts, only discussing it from a critical perspective. Johnson, 37, has a net worth of$50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The TRUTH about golf driver custom fitting: Is it worth it?! The PGA Tour released its schedule for the 2022 season Tuesday, a massive, 48-event announcement that broadens its international scope. The Masters: Week of April 4-10 at Augusta National, Augusta, Georgia. Golf history. 2022 Masters odds: Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth lead group of 4 favorites. Johnson simply found LIV Golf's offer and the potential prize money he could earn in the series too valuable to pass on. USA Network and NBC will split coverage throughout the tournament's run. That's even more rarefied air, and only a handful of contemporary golfers even have a prayer of sniffing those in the years to come. What could happen is that he wins three at some point in the next 5-6 years. We kno Dustin Johnson claims he didn't say quote attributed to him bashing PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, Dustin remains grateful for his time on the PGA Tour and has the utmost respect for Commissioner Monahan.. Here's how to watch the LIV Golf Adelaide event in Australia: NBC's networks will offer coverage of the 2022 U.S. Open. This isn't the first time LIV Golf has tried to throw nine-figure money to get a notable figure in golf to join its ranks. The BEST PUMA golf polo shirts as seen on the PGA Tour! James Colgan is a news and features editor at GOLF, writing stories for the website and magazine. On Sunday, a LIV player took a shot at PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan, leading to confusion over who said what. FootJoy's Blues Collection is perfect for your game this summer! Tiger Woods is scheduled to tee off at 11:04 a.m. Golf-mad Gareth Bale reacts to Wrexham plea from Hollywood stars! Of course, Jack Nicklaus will still be in the fold when the action returns to Muirfield Village for the Memorial Tournament presented by Workday, in June. LIV Golf's Pat Perez Owns Inflammatory Quotes Incorrectly Attributed to Dustin Johnson. Everything you need to know about Dustin Johnson 2022 schedule : News, stats, results, earnings, golf betting odds and more from Golf News Net 02/11/2022. What could happen is that he wins Copyright 2023 PGA TOUR, Inc. All rights reserved. If Johnson can increase his net worth to nine digits, he will be one of the top-10 wealthiest golfers of 2022. That ranks tied for 15th among golfers with Adam Golf Channel, All Rights Reserved. "We have not granted any conflicting-event releases for the Saudi International tournament," a Tour spokesperson said. Massive payment led to star's commitment, 42 golfers who agreed to participate in the start-up's first event, Rory McIlroy throws shade at first LIV Golf field, Phil Mickelson's LIV Golf controversy & comments, explained, Nicklaus turned down the $100 million-plus offer, purses in the LIV Golf Series' eight events, already broken off its sponsorship deal with Johnson, Why Jack Nicklaus turned down $100 million from LIV Golf Series. What about the 30-6 or the 35-7 or the 40-8 club? He went 10 tournaments in one stretch and had just one top-10. See All. LIV Golf's Pat Perez takes credit for comments about PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan that were misattributed to Dustin Johnson. Thats one good thing about the sport, is you kind of set your own schedule, he said. Some days I can practice and hit balls and go play for I guess with all of it total maybe six or seven hours and some days I might be at the course for half an hour.. PGA TOUR Stats. albeit under contentious conditions. While in many ways it was a lost year, Johnson wont panic. It is all about the money. D.J. There are breaks and then there are Dustin Johnson breaks. [4] In July, it was confirmed that David Feherty would be leaving NBC Sports to join the LIV Golf broadcast team. So, what changed for Johnson over the last few months? Tony Finau posted five birdies over the last seven holes in the Mexico Open. With the 2021 golf year winding down, it's already time to start looking ahead to 2022. Tiger Woods had surgery, Lilia Vu recalled her grandpa's harrowing boat rescue and Dustin Johnson was misquoted all in the Monday Finish. Jon Rahm, of Spain, watches his drive off the third tee during the final round of the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Sunday, April 16, 2023, in Hilton Head Island, S.C. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton) Comparatively, Johnson, a former world No. EDITOR'S NOTE: Thursday tee times were moved back 30 minutes due to inclement weather, Tiger Woods is scheduled to tee off at 11:04 a.m. Amateur champ Piot. This tells a good story of golf history, especially as it pertains to the PGA Tour. Related: Power Rankings | Nine things to know about Augusta National. Mickelson, Palmer, Snead, Sarazen, Watson, Hogan, Hagen, Woods and Nicklaus. Prior to joining GOLF, James graduated from Syracuse University, during which time he was a caddie scholarship recipient (and astute looper) on Long Island, where he is from. Winners share: $1,386,000. 2022 at 4:54 p.m. EDT. Director of Professional Golf isnt a normal position at golf club, but Quail Hollow isn't a normal club. So if Im on the range and I start to get bored, I just leave. Spieth, the 2015 Masters champ, is playing with the reigning Gold Medalist and Hovland, who has risen to fourth in the world ranking and seventh in the FedExCup. However, LIV Golf did get one big win ahead of its first event in London. Every days a little bit different. Since deciding to join LIV, Dustin Johnson has mostly avoided speaking out against the PGA Tour. Then things got really confusing. Dustin Johnson is taking the Saudi money and all that comes with it . Dustin Johnson net worth 2022 Johnson, 37, has a net worth of $50 million , according to Celebrity Net Worth . "I am grateful for the opportunity to play on the best tour in the world and for all it has provided me and my family. DJs the second-ranked player in the world and he didnt win on Tour last year. That includes Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson. Talor Gooch may not be able to play in the 2023 U.S. Open because of a rule that states that players needed to have qualified and been eligible for the 2022 Tour Championship, from which Gooch was banned when he joined LIV last June. Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Phil Mickelson among field in '22 Saudi International | Golf Channel | MyGolf PGA Tour deciding if star players will be Tiger Woods, Louis Oosthuizen, Joaquin Niemann (11:04 a.m. Web2022. Watch Dustin Johnson live. He had issues with his driving, his putting and his iron play. Six majors is a silly number, though. As such, the 13th-ranked golfer in the world and two-time major winner will miss out on not only the PGA Tour's prize money but also some critical endorsements. ET Thursday): The five-time Masters champion Woods, in his much-anticipated return after a single-car accident in February 2021 where amputation of his right leg was considered, is joined by 2010 Open Championship winner Oosthuizen, who has recorded six runner-up finishes at major championships, and Niemann, 23, who won this year's Woods-hosted Genesis Invitational. Johnson essentially could play a schedule of his own choosing or even not play at all. LIV golfer Dustin Johnson denies making a pointed remark about PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan. [5], In the U.S., the organization attempted to buy time on Fox as its broadcaster, but were unable to reach an agreement. Earlier this fall, the Saudi International was added to the Asian Tour schedule along with a 10-year investment into that circuit by LIV Golf Investments, the largely Saudi-backed fund thats behind a proposed start-up super league thats being led by Greg Norman. ", Watch Phil Mickelson hole out for eagle at LIV Golf Singapore: "PHILLLLLLL!!!! The Masters has no shortage of storylines this year at Augusta National, The Texas Open is the last chance for a player to earn a spot in the Masters, CBS Sports is gearing up for its 66th consecutive year covering the PGA Tour and one of its busiest seasons, Collin Morikawa is the latest player to tie a PGA Tour record for losing a six-shot lead in the final round, FOX SPORTS, SPEED, SPEED.COM & 2023 Fox Media LLC and Fox Sports Interactive Media, LLC. Latest News. ET Thursday): Last year's Masters runner-up Zalatoris is joined by 2021 FedExCup champ Cantlay and reigning U.S. Open champ Rahm. -- and very few golfers poised to join in the years ahead. ET on Thursday (due to a 30-minute weather delay) alongside Louis Oosthuizen and Joaquin Niemann. PGA TOUR MEXICO CHAMPIONSHIP AT VIDANTA Site: Vallarta, Mexico. The WGC-HSBC Champions and Zozo Championship, on the other hand, are the only events on the Tour calendar emblazoned with a to be determined asterisk. There are no pretenders here -- how could there be? He manages the Hot Mic, GOLFs media vertical, and utilizes his on-camera experience across the brands platforms. But also because, as we saw in 2021 when Phil Mickelson won the PGA Championship at the age of 50, nobody has any idea exactly what is going to happen in this sport. Nike Golf has the BEST golf shorts for you to grab this summer! The 1.5-15 club (1.5 strokes gained per round and at least 15 PGA Tour wins). The 2020 Masters champ Johnson is paired alongside 2014 FedExCup champ Horschel and two-time major champ Morikawa, who is playing in just his third Masters. As 18 LIV Golf players arrived at Augusta National on Monday fresh off their Orlando event over the weekend, they were greeted by far more h LIV Golfers Were Not Hiding Their Team Logos at All Monday at the Masters. They tried to get Jack Nicklaus to lead the rival tour instead of Greg Norman, but Nicklaus turned down the $100 million-plus offer. Tony Finau never gave Masters champion Jon Rahm or anyone else much of a chance Sunday, closing with a bogey-free round of 5-under 66 that gave him a 3-shot victory in the Mexico Open. So Why No TV Deal? Dustin Johnson on what he will do when not playing in LIV Golf event and majors: "I can do whatever I want to.". Watson missed by a single victory. WebOn 17 March 2022, the first eight tournament schedule with prize money of $255 million was announced by Greg Norman. The games starting to turn around, he said. I'm not sure this will be touched because of how things have shifted in terms of money over the last decade. 3 min read. section: | slug: rory-mcilroy-dustin-johnson-could-join-these-exclusive-wins-clubs-over-the-next-few-years | sport: golf | route: article_single.us | The Memorial Tournament welcomes a new sponsor and a new figurehead in 2022 sort of. This club might be closed forever. LAS VEGAS Dustin Johnson hasnt played much golf since becoming the first American in more than 40 years to win all five of his matches in the Ryder Cup. Top 100 Courses in the U.S.: GOLFs all-new 2022-23 ranking is here! ", LIV Golf's Sergio Garcia: "I'm not paying attention to that! USA Network and NBC will split coverage throughout the tournament's run. But the way he handled the incident revealed something interesting: Not only did Johnson not take a shot at Monahan, it was important to him and to his team that we know he didnt. PGA TOUR, PGA TOUR Champions, and the Swinging Golfer design are registered trademarks. 5 min read Dustin Johnson has always been one of the most physically gifted golfers since he joined the PGA Tour in 2007. The 54-hole tournaments will have no cut and will feature 48 players drafted into 12 four-man teams, with shotgun starts. The PGA Tour is deciding if it will allow at least 25 of its members to play next years Saudi International. The 2020 U.S. Open winner, DeChambeau, is battling back from injury and joined by reigning PLAYERS champion Smith, who has finished in the top-10 in four of his last five Masters, and the veteran Casey, who has recorded five top-10s at Augusta National. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. And he might prove to be a tough competitor to all his fellows in the league, especially Dustin Johnson. on his status earlier Tuesday saying, "As of right now, I feel like I am going to play.". lending only that he felt his decision came down to money and a lighter playing schedule. ", ECCO BIOM H4 Golf Shoes: "The ultimate hybrid golf shoe this season", Stuburt Ace Casual Golf Shoes Review: "Great value for money", PUMA Ignite Elevate Golf Shoes Review: "Incredible comfort, superb style", GolfBuddy aim W12 Golf GPS Watch: "Easy to use, packed full of cool features". 5 biggest takeaways from the PGA Tours 2021-22 schedule shake-up, Beavers, Mountain Dew and friendly cheating: An ode to high school golf, U.S. wins second Bridges Cup, cruising to 19-11 victory over Europe, Tony Finau caddies after his victory and Mrs. Morikawas smooth swing | Rogers Report, 2023 Mexico Open at Vidanta: How to watch, TV schedule, streaming, tee times, Meet the new GOLF Top 100 Teachers of America, Dont call it a comeback: Why Adams Golfs latest return is different. ET Thursday): The defending Masters champion Matsuyama is paired alongside Thomas, who's 6-for-6 in cuts made at Augusta National, and reigning U.S. Now, "DJ" hopes to add to his legacy at Brookline, Mass. Johnson explainedhe will play in all of the eight LIV Golf events this season, as well as the remaining majors of the season at the US Open next week and The Open in July. Use of this website (including any and all parts and components) constitutes your acceptance of these. NBC's networks will offer coverage of the 2022 U.S. Open. Aussie star Cameron Smith is competing, along with other top former PGA golfers including Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka. McIlroy, D.J. Copyright: ESPN Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. Dustin Johnson was among the 42 golfers who agreed to participate in the start-up's first event, which came as a surprise. But joining him atop the altar will be NBA star Steph Curry and his wife, Ayesha, a New York Times bestselling author. According to The Telegraph, LIV Golf is set to pay Johnson up to $150 million for stating his commitment to the new golf circuit. The PGA Tour told GolfChannel.com that it has not yet granted players permission to compete. Sergio Garcia and Adam Scott barely miss out. Dustin Johnson expected 2021 schedule Based on past scheduling and commitments; subject to change Sentry Tournament of Champions Saudi International That ranks tied for 15th among golfers with Adam Scott, Davis Love, Lee Trevino and Pete Dye, per the website. In his last AUGUSTA, Ga. Fred Couples isnt going to start a food fight at the Champions Dinner Wednesday. USA Network and NBC will split coverage throughout the tournament's run. Yardage: 7,456. The Saudi-backed operation headed by Greg Norman has garnered some support across golf most notably Phil Mickelson but most of the top-tier players were more comfortable staying on the tour. Some ABSOLUTELY arent, Who's playing in the Presidents Cup? Videos & Podcasts. The BIG headline from the schedule announcement is the expansion of the strategic alliance between the PGA and European Tours. Here are 5 key takeaways from what you can expect in the upcoming PGA Tour season. Date It has proved more profitable in other ways, though; Johnson's seventh-place finish netted him $675,000, a very pretty penny. 1 player, ranks third all-time in PGA Tour earnings history with $73.4 million. Recent 2022-23 PGA TOUR Tournaments. That's 20 PGA Tour wins and five major championships. Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson talk to the media before the 2022 LIV Golf Team Championship at Trump National Doral. ET Thursday): The 2020 U.S. Open winner, DeChambeau, is battling back from injury and joined by reigning PLAYERS champion Smith, who has finished in the top-10 in four of his last five Masters, and the veteran Casey, who has recorded five top-10s at Augusta National. Golf fans in the Northeast will be disappointed to see the new schedule brings with it the end of the few remaining events in the region: the Northern Trust. McIlroy would have to replicate his first 11 years as a pro over the next 11 years -- until he turned 43 -- which, I suppose could happen, but seems extremely unlikely. We could continue on down the line. follow January 25, 2022 3:52 pm ET SAN DIEGO, Cali. Johnson, who finished tied for seventh in the LIV Golf Invitational outside London, is one of the PGA Tour's most notable defectors. All Rights Reserved. The 2022 LIV Golf Invitational Series was the first season of the LIV Golf Invitational Series. Prize money: $7.7 million. The Northern Trust struggled to land a home at the highest rung of elite courses in the area, but it was responsible for a handful of memorable moments, like Dustin Johnsons record-setting 30-under performance in 2020. 6-keys: media/spln/golf/reg/free/stories, at We'll start at that one and roll up from there to see who has the best chance of joining these groups. Brooks Koepka (8 and 4), Jordan Spieth (12 and 3), Justin Thomas (14 and 1), Jon Rahm (6 and 1) and Collin Morikawa (5 and 2) are also candidates. ET Thursday): The 2020 Masters champ Johnson is paired alongside 2014 FedExCup champ Horschel and Dustin Johnson (24 and 2) can join it as well, but he has to win three of the four majors in 2022, which is not going to happen. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Why is Dustin Johnson playing in Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series? MORE: Phil Mickelson's LIV Golf controversy & comments, explained. Replacing the Northern Trust is this weeks PGA Tour stop: the WGC-FedEx St. Jude. Weir then asked Johnson what he plans to do with the rest of his time during the season- and Johnson reiterated that having extra time to spend with his wife Paulina Gretzky and two kids was all part of the reason for having joined LIV Golf. Seven-time DP World Tour winner Fitzpatrick is joined by four-time major champions Koepka and McIlroy; each is chasing a first Green Jacket, with McIlroy making a run for the career Grand Slam. The future in sports is always rife with questions of what could happen and what is feasibly within the realm of possibility. USA Network will handle morning duties every day except Saturday, while NBC will broadcast the tournament's afternoon proceedings every day. Will Zalatoris, Patrick Cantlay, Jon Rahm (2:11 p.m. Dustin Johnsons season debut ended before it began Thursday at the Saudi International. and Rahm are probably the only golfers currently playing who have a real chance at this. This popped back up when McIlroy won for the 20th time on the PGA Tour at the CJ Cup at Summit last month. The BIG headline from the schedule announcement is the expansion of the strategic alliance between the PGA and European Tours. The PGA Tour announced its complete 2021-22 schedule Tuesday, debuting a beefy, 48-event roster that expands the Tours reach further than it has ever gone before. "Ultimately, he decided it was in his and his family's best interest to pursue it. The Asian Tour released on Monday a proposed field list for the Saudi event, which included a number of high-profile Tour players. ET Thursday): Seven-time DP World Tour winner Fitzpatrick is joined by four-time major champions Koepka and McIlroy; each is chasing a first Green Jacket, with McIlroy making a run for the career Grand Slam. Dustin Johnson, Billy Horschel, Collin Morikawa (2 p.m. Hogan, Hagen, Woods and Nicklaus. Here are the latest odds on who'll win the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, New York. The Currys were in attendance at the 2021 iteration of the event, and figure to grow into a larger role at Nicklaus home event in the years to come. Dustin Johnson has confirmed he will only be playing in LIV Golf events and the majors moving forwards now having resigned from the PGA Tour. After Covid restrictions forced the three-event circuit (WGC-HSBC Champions, CJ Cup and Zozo Championship) into the southwestern United States last fall, one of the events (the CJ Cup) has already been pushed back to its temporary home (The Summit Club in Las Vegas), and the Tour hasnt closed the door on the other two. Here's all the information you need to watch Johnson take part in the 2022 U.S. Open. The PGA Tour assumed an ownership stake in the European Tour as part of the alliance, which was created with the goal of forming an international competitor to the rumored SGL and PGL, two upstart leagues that could look to poach talent from the newly aligned tours in the coming months. There are different variations of these clubs, of course, and as the numbers in them get bigger, the membership gets smaller and smaller. LIV Golf Tour schedule for 2022 season. The season consisted of seven 54-hole tournaments, featuring 48 players and no cut, and a team championship event at the season end. Schedule PGA Tour 2022-2023. "Greg Norman announces Saudi Arabia-backed 2022 LIV Golf Invitational Series will start in June, feature $255 million in prize money", "Saudi-backed LIV Golf announces eight-event, $255 million series that will visit United States", "Trump Doral to host $50 million LIV Golf series finale", "LIV Golf Details Production Plans for Centurion Club Debut", "Northern Irish golf pundit David Feherty to move to LIV Golf to become an analyst", "LIV Golf Has Marquee Names and Giant Purses. The Tours self-entitled Asia Swing appears in danger of being contested from the United States for the second consecutive year. All rights reserved. The rogue tour must prove itself at Augusta National this week. Then I can always drive it and putt it and wedge it better, so kind of work on everything, really.. Last year's Masters runner-up Zalatoris is joined by 2021 FedExCup champ Cantlay and reigning U.S. Open champ Rahm. We dont give a damn how he feels, Pat Perez said when asked about PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahans thoughts on LIV, but reports first LIV pro jabs PGA Tour commissioner. Austin Smotherman holds a 1-shot lead at the Mexico Open, where a swarm of bees briefly interrupted play and had the group of Erik Van Rooyen, Chez Reavie and Francesco Molinari running for cover. ET Thursday): Spieth, the 2015 Masters champ, is playing with the reigning Gold Medalist and Hovland, who has risen to fourth in the world ranking and seventh in the FedExCup.