Corey Shaun tees off on the eighth hole during the first round of PGA TOUR Q-School (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
"Friday Fore-cast" prepares you for golf's major tours heading into the weekend. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights for RG. In this installment, Elliott looks at the first round of PGA TOUR Q-School Finals, Tony Finau’s Withdrawal from the Grant Thornton, and the return of a beloved silly season event.
Corey Shaun Sets Pace with Competitive Course Record
In a dream start to PGA TOUR Q-School Finals, Corey Shaun shattered expectations by setting a new competitive course record at TPC Sawgrass's Valley Course. Shaun's opening round of 61 positioned him at the top of the leaderboard and comfortably five shots clear of his nearest chaser. This remarkable round has placed him in a promising position as he aims to secure PGA TOUR status for 2025. How impressive was his round? He bested the field average for the opening round by over ten shots on the Valley course.
Chasers and Notables
Chasing Corey Shaun is Richy Werenski in solo second, five shots back after opening with a 4-under par 66. Six back are four players at 3-under par including Cooper Musselman, Ryan McCormick, Lanto Griffin, and Callum Tarren.
Notables include Doc Redman and Austin Cook at 2-under par, Sangmoon Bae at even par, and Luke Guthrie at 1-over par. Struggling out of the gate are known names such as Nick Watney (2-over), Sam Bennett (4-over), Sean O'Hair (4-over), Pierceson Coody (6-over), and Tommy "Two Gloves" Gainey (6-over).
Other News and Notes
Finau Out, Berger In at Grant Thornton
On Thursday, Tony Finau announced his withdrawal from the Grant Thornton Invitational, which takes place today through Sunday at the Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, FL. Daniel Berger will replace him and compete alongside Nelly Korda in the mixed-team collaboration between the PGA and LPGA Tours.
Finau had to miss last week's Hero World Challenge due to ongoing recovery from recent knee surgery.
The Skins Game Returning in 2025
Pro Shop, a pioneering golf media and commerce company, announced an exclusive partnership with the PGA TOUR on Thursday to relaunch the beloved television franchise, "The Skins Game." Set to return on Black Friday 2025, this iconic event will weave its celebrated tradition into a vibrant, modern format designed for today's passionate fans. Pro Shop has joined forces with Propagate Content to develop and produce this made-for-TV spectacle, merging Pro Shop's mastery of golf storytelling and industry connections with Propagate Content's excellence in delivering outstanding entertainment.
Chad Mumm, the co-founder of Pro Shop, said the following to the media regarding this exciting development:
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.
