A historically difficult test of golf
When Forest Preserve National was completed in 1982 it was considered one the most difficult courses in the country. Golfers would line up at 3am to get in line for a chance to play it and receive a black light ink stamp to show at the first tee to prove they didn’t pay someone to wait for them for the first come first serve tee times. When it was finished, golf experts claimed it was a better public owned course than famous Torrey Pines. Today, the conditions may be lacking but certainly the LUV Golf Champion of 2024 will have earned his prize should he come out on top at this Ken Killian & Dick Nugent design who also joined forces to design Kemper Lakes, host of both Men’s and Women’s PGA Championships. Many design features are shared between the 2 courses.
Champions Dinner
To kick off the Tour Championship Week, previous champions met for the inaugural champions only dinner. 2021,2022 Champion Kirk and 2023 Champion Nero, met to enjoy an evening of golf discussion, history on the LUV Golf Tour and reflection on the 2024 season as well as the future of LUV golf. The beginning of an exciting new tradition on the LUV Golf Tour.
The Finish
The champion of the 2024 LUV Golf Championship will have earned the championship if he can properly navigate the finish. Two dramatic shots over the same lake that challenges the tee shot on each 17 and 18. A steel wall rises out of the lake on the lengthy par-3 17th hole, guarding the long undulating green, and punishing any shot that comes up short. On the 18th, a long par 4, the same lake dares the player to cut the distance on the hole while the smart player with the lead will have the option to play it as a 3 shot hole. A par-par finish will likely pick up a shot-and-a-half or more on the field.
Forest Preserve National, Oak Forest, IL
The 2024 Love Golf Tour Championship Power Rankings
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Kirk Heil +300
Kirk has the most wins on Tour and promises to be in the mix as usual. The 3 time major champion has shown to be one the most clutch players in tour history. History: 2021, 2022 Tour Champion, 2021, 2023, 2024 Scratch Champion, 2023 Match Play Champion
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P-Mac +300
Pearce is the one player that could run away and hide and get his 1st major. Pearce calls Forest Preserve National home, so if anyone has a chance at a career defining tournament in 2024, it is him. History: 2021 2-Man Champion, 2023 Playaz Champion
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Brett +350
Brett can be a ball striking machine but has not had all facets of his game click at the same time on Tour. Brett finished 1 shot out of a playoff at the Playaz Championship for the 2nd year in a row.
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El Jefe +400
The 2024 Rookie of the Year Jefe has quickly become a go to favorite everywhere he goes. The combination of solid driving and clutch shots down the stretch have been Jefe a solid performer all year. History: 2024 Masters International Champion, 2024 Match Play Champion
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Rick +400
Rick is always talked about in the media as the top player on tour without a win. Some argue it is Brett, but Rick's showings in the year long match play can justify an argument for him. If Rick avoids the big number, no one will be surprised to see him with a chance to make his first victory a major championship.
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Nick Paluch +400
Nick has been resurgent in 2024 after a quiet 2023. Will this be the year Nick joins the major club? Nick has put together some dominant victories in the match play this year. Can he bring it to the Tour Championship? History: 2022 2-man Champion, 2022 Playaz Champion
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Cole Glassner +400
Cole is the most improved player on tour in 2024. Cole started off the year with his first victory on Tour and looks to be a factor at this year's tour championship. History: 2024 Master's International Champion
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Johnny +500
One of the straightest hitters and griddiest competitors on the Love Golf Tour, Johnny looks to get back in the winners circle in 2024. Johnny had a strong finish at the Spring Classic and should be a factor down the stretch. History: 2023 Master's International Champion
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Schmitty +500
The 2024 Playaz Champion makes his Tour Championship debut. Schmitty is one of the longer hitters on tour and eventhough he may prefer a trophy with a hockey guy on it, he is likely to be in the mix down the stretch.
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Kovach +500
Kovach is another one of the straightest hitters on tour and provides a good value bet here at +500 as no one would be surprised to see him with a chance to win coming down the stretch after a top-3 finish in 2023.
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Jimbo +600
Jimbo has been recovering from hip surgery in 2024. His ball striking has been elite post surgery however his trusty short game has left him at times. History: 2022 Masters International 2-Man Champion
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Bukes +600
Bukes comes in under the radar to George Dunne. If Bukes plays to his potential, he is unbeatable however we have not seen that in a LUV Tour event in a while. History: 2021 2-Man Champion, 2022 Scratch Champion
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Nero -- OUT --
The defending champion has decided to forfeit his crown due to a scheduling conflict. When asked by the LUV Golf media why he is not defending he stated that, "all these trophies ain't gonna feed my family." See you in 2025 Mr Nero.