As we usher in 2024, the golfing world is gearing up for the kickoff of the new PGA Tour season. The much-anticipated first event, The Sentry Tournament, is set to take place at the picturesque Kapalua Plantation Course in Hawaii, hosting a loaded field of top-tier golfers. Let’s dive into the details of this premier tournament.
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A Glance at the Sentry Tournament Field
The Sentry Tournament, one of the PGA Tour’s eight signature events, has unveiled a list of 59 golfers set to compete for a staggering $20 million purse. The absence of two big names, Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm, adds an intriguing twist to the opening event. McIlroy has chosen to skip the tournament, opting to start his season with a DP World Tour event. Meanwhile, Rahm’s move to LIV Golf has rendered him ineligible for PGA Tour events, leaving fans wondering about the defending champion’s absence.
Spotlight on the Sentry Field
This year’s Sentry Tournament boasts a star-studded field featuring world No. 1 player Scottie Scheffler, reigning FedEx Cup champion Viktor Hovland, and rising star Ludvig Åberg. With eight of the top 10 players in the world, three FedEx Cup champions, and 11 major winners in the mix, the competition promises to be fierce.
PGA Tour’s Eligibility Criteria: A Shift in Dynamics
In a departure from previous years, the Sentry Tournament has opened its doors wider. While past champions receive direct entry, the top 50 FedEx standings also secure a spot in the field. An additional 21 OWGR rankings contribute to the diversity of the tournament, providing a chance for golfers like Hudges, who moved into the top 50 due to Rahm’s exclusion, to participate in this prestigious event.
The Sentry 2024: Top 5 Contenders
As the excitement builds, let’s take a closer look at the top contenders for The Sentry 2024:
1. Collin Morikawa
Collin Morikawa, last season’s runner-up, enters the tournament as a favorite to claim the first championship of the season. With Jon Rahm out of the picture, Morikawa aims to seize the opportunity and secure a victory at Kapalua Plantation Course.
2. Scottie Scheffler
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, fresh off a win at the 2023 Hero World Challenge, is a consistent force in every tournament. With favorable odds and impressive form, Scheffler is a top contender poised for success.
3. Viktor Hovland
Viktor Hovland, the in-form golfer with a historic Ryder Cup victory under his belt, is eager to kick off the season with a win. His recent triumph at the 2024 Tour Championship makes him a formidable contender at The Sentry 2024.
4. Ludvig Åberg
Swedish golfer Ludvig Åberg, following his victory at the RSM Classic, enters the tournament with favorable odds. The 24-year-old aims to continue his winning streak and make a mark on both the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour.
5. Xander Schauffele
Xander Schauffele, a 7-time PGA Tour winner, may be the dark horse on this list. Despite being the least likely to win, Schauffele has the potential to cause a massive upset and emerge victorious at Kapalua Plantation Course.
As The Sentry 2024 unfolds, golf enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly anticipating the thrilling competition that marks the beginning of another exhilarating PGA Tour season. Who will emerge as the victor and set the tone for the year ahead? The answer awaits on the sun-soaked fairways of Hawaii’s iconic Plantation Course.