Memorable moments in 2024

2024 is almost over, and in a few days, it’ll again be another year for adventures on the links. Let’s look back at what transpired this year on the top tours, on local golf, and our golf journeys.

Majors (and the Olympics)

While there are dozens of professional tournaments all over the world, there are only four (five for women’s golf) that truly matter. These pressure-packed tests bring out the very best in professionals, and on occasion, feature some tragic misses and meltdowns.

On the men’s side, the season’s first major was won by the world’s best, Scottie Scheffler. At the Masters, Scheffler again proved why he is the man to beat, winning by four over up-and-coming Ludvig Aberg. While it was close at the front, mistakes from the closest pursuers gave Scheffler all the breathing room he needed to win his second green jacket.

At the PGA Championship, Xander Schauffele delivered a stellar performance to secure his breakthrough major victory. Known for consistently knocking on the door of major titles, Schauffele’s game has always been steady, and he finally rose to the occasion, cementing his place among the game’s elite.

However it took some time before he finally closed the deal, and in Valhalla this year, very narrowly over Bryson DeChambeau. Masters Champion and World Number 1 Scottie Scheffler almost stole the show at Valhalla, albeit for unfortunate reasons. Just before the second round, miscommunication and an overzealous officer had Scheffler dragged into jail for a traffic incident outside the course.

The US Open at Pinehurst proved to be one of the toughest tests in golf, bordering on the diabolical. For nearly the entire week, it was a masterclass by Rory McIlroy, until the final hole. A few cruel breaks and a missed short putt handed Bryson DeChambeau the victory, allowing him to seize the trophy from Rory in what was likely his most heart-wrenching loss.

The last major of the year, the Open Championship had blustery conditions, but a brilliant back nine on Sunday gave Xander Schauffele his second major.

With the weather at its worst, Xander pulled off the shots and putts just at the right time to distance himself from a group that was all contending after nine holes. The Open proved that Xander’s first major at the PGA was no fluke and that he is indeed major-worthy.

On the ladies’ side, their major season started with the Chevron Championship, and like with the men, their dominant player, Nelly Korda, also emerged victorious.

At the US Open, arguably the most coveted in the women’s game, it was Yuka Saso, our very own (although she plays under the Japanese flag now), who reigned supreme. It’s Yuka’s second US Open in 3 years, proving her first wasn’t down to luck.

The next major, the Women’s PGA Championship, was claimed by South Korea’s Amy Yang, while Japan’s Ayaka Furue triumphed in the year’s fourth major, the Evian Championship.

The final major for 2024, the Women’s Open, was won by New Zealand’s Lydia Ko. It was a comeback of sorts for her, after dominating women’s golf a few years ago.

The Olympics was a bonus this year, especially since local bet Bianca Pagdanganan narrowly missed out on a podium finish despite the Philippine team’s uniform fiasco. The women’s gold was won by Kiwi Lydia Ko, while the men’s gold had no surprises in a win by American Scottie Scheffler.

Local golf

For local players, there was none bigger than that of Rianne Malixi’s triumphant US Girls’ Junior Amateur and US Women’s Amateur wins. The victories came just weeks apart, and could only be described as astonishing.

In a display of steely nerves, the pint-sized Rianne made the biggest shots and putts against the world’s best time after time. She is a once-in-a-generation talent who has the potential to make waves when she becomes a pro.

Speaking of young golfers, Eastridge’s team of early teens dethroned Manila Southwoods at this year’s Januarius Fil-Am competition in Baguio. The junior standouts took it to the multi-titled Southwoods squad and showed they are the future of local golf.

My year in golf

Since moving out of the metro in 2021 and settling in Sta. Cruz, Laguna, I have finally found a golf barkada here at Caliraya Springs.

That’s my highlight for the year, aside from a few wins and runner-up finishes at fun tournaments. I have upgraded my irons and thoroughly enjoy the new set. I don’t think I’ve broken par this year, apart from a few under-par back nines. For next year, I need to work on fitness and flexibility, hopefully, gain a few yards, and avoid cramps, which I often experience after golf.

As the year comes to a close, let us take time to reflect and be grateful that we get to play the game we love. Let’s be kinder, let’s be more appreciative, and let’s play more golf in 2025! Cheers to the new year!