RG's "Wednesday Fairway Focus" is a weekly look at golf's major tours. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights. In this installment, Crucial Week in Mexico; Anticipation Builds in Abu Dhabi; LOTTE Championship in Hawaii.
El Cardonal Awaits: A Crucial Week at the World Wide Technology Championship
The FedExCup Fall Series is starting to close in on its exciting conclusion. This week, the World Wide Technology Championship at El Cardonal in Mexico kicks off the final stretch of the last three events of the series and year. The World Wide Technology is the fourth of seven tournaments in the FedExCup Fall, and it's an essential opportunity for players outside the top 70 in the standings to secure full status for the 2025 season. You can really feel the importance of accumulating points during this time.
Playing at El Cardonal, which features a stunning course designed by Tiger Woods, presents a compelling challenge. With its wide fairways and intriguing undulations, it promises to be a true test for the players this week. This course isn't just about looks; it pushes competitors to dig deep and confront all of its complexities.
From a fantasy golf standpoint, I've got my eye on Harris English. Given his current form and ability to handle conditions typical of this area, he is a solid choice. Lucas Glover has also been impressive lately, making him a top pick. Many eyes, including mine, will be on defending champ Erik van Rooyen, who has a great shot at repeating this week.
I'm always excited to see how the Monday qualifiers perform. Watching those who fought their way through to gain a spot in the tournament is inspiring.
The qualifiers showcase both emerging talents and seasoned players, adding a thrilling unpredictability to the event and enriching the overall narrative of the championship. A great story to watch from the Monday qualifiers is 18-year-old Dylan Brack. This young man is one of the thousands of youngsters who have had Tiger Woods initiatives play a big part in their development as golfers and people. Brack attended the TGR Learning Lab's player development program for six years early in his development and won the TGR JR Invitational in 2022.
In short, the World Wide Technology Championship isn't just another tournament; it's a pivotal part of the FedExCup Fall Series. I can tell you that the stakes in Mexico are incredibly high—not just for securing a spot in the next season but for shaping careers. This week at El Cardonal, it's more than just about winning; it's about thriving under pressure and capturing the golf world's attention. I'm excited to see how this important chapter of the FedExCup Fall Series unfolds.
Anticipation Builds for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
I've been immersed in the world of golf for nearly thirty years now, and I have to say, it's exciting to see how things are shaping up on the DP World Tour with only two events left in the Race to Dubi. This week's event, the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, kicks off the DP World Tour Play-Offs and marks a fresh spot on the Tour calendar—no more January slot that we've been used to since 2006. This year, we're in for a treat as 70 incredible players are gathering in Abu Dhabi, wrapping up the DP World Tour season with only 50 of them making it to the final showdown in Dubai.
For fans of the DP World Tour, the chase for the Harry Vardon Trophy is a must-follow. Rory McIlroy, a true powerhouse in the game, is aiming for his sixth title, which would tie him with Seve Ballesteros. McIlroy has had an up-and-down year by his standards but is more than 1,500 points up in the standings. His closest competitor is Thriston Lawrence, with Rasmus Højgaard hanging in at third and American Billy Horschel in fourth. While McIlroy is the favorite, there are still 37 players who could surprise us, assuming McIlroy has a rough finish in the upcoming events.
The Rolex Series has really raised the bar since it started in 2017, and this Abu Dhabi event is the fourth one on the calendar this season. With a hefty prize fund and vital points for both the Race to Dubai and the Ryder Cup, it just adds to the excitement. You'll see top talents like McIlroy, Horschel, and MacIntyre battling it out, and past competitions have been nail-biters.
Abu Dhabi is bringing in a stellar lineup this year, with nine of the top ten players and eighteen of the top twenty from the Race to Dubai leaderboard. I'm looking out for Adam Scott, Shane Lowry, and Tommy Fleetwood to show us what they've got.
This championship is shaping up to be an epic showdown, and I can't wait to see the best of the best battle it out for those prestigious titles.
Celebrating Golf and Aloha: The LPGA LOTTE Championship in Hawaii
The LPGA LOTTE Championship, presented by Hoakalei, will kick off on Wednesday, the 6th, at the stunning Hoakalei Country Club in Hawaii. This event will bring together some of the best talent in women's golf.
What I really love about the LOTTE Championship is its impact on the local community. The event showcases Hawaii's natural beauty and culture while embodying the spirit of Aloha, which draws golf enthusiasts from around the globe and boosts local tourism.
For the players, this championship is a chance to secure a significant win on the LPGA Tour. With past winners like Brooke Henderson, who has made quite a mark here, it’s exciting to see who will emerge victorious this year.
As for players to watch, I am looking at Ayaka Furue, who is ranked ninth in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings, Jin Young Ko, who is ranked tenth, and Jasmine Suwannapura, who won for the first time on the LPGA Tour back in late September at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship.
In short, the LOTTE Championship isn’t just any tournament; it’s a celebration of golf and the vibrant culture surrounding it. As someone passionate about the sport, I appreciate how events like this highlight the excellence of both seasoned champions and emerging stars. I can’t wait to see what unfolds this week.
Brendon Elliott, a distinguished PGA Professional, is best known for his dedication to the growth and development of junior golf. With nearly three decades of experience, Elliott has been recognized multiple times as one of the best instructors, both regionally and nationally.
Elliott's crowning achievement was being named the 2017 PGA of America National Youth Player Development Award Winner, a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. He is the founder of Little Linksters, an award-winning youth golf academy and nonprofit that works with kids of all abilities to help them develop a passion for golf. His innovative teaching methods and love for the game have made significant impacts on students and the broader golfing community.
Additionally, Brendon, a Golf Writers Association of America member, has become a renowned freelance golf writer, further solidifying his position as a top professional in the industry.
