On November 27th, the PGA Tour rolled out new financial safety nets for its members, LPGA stars battled a wave of online impersonation scams, and we profiled the unlikely journey of DP World Tour breakout Marco Penge.

PGA TOUR'S NEW SAFETY NET

• The PGA Tour responds to player financial insecurity with two new programs: the "Member Support Program" and the "Pathways Player Achievement Grant," creating a crucial financial floor for players trying to maintain or achieve tour status.
• The new programs provide a $150,000 guaranteed earning assurance for players ranked 126th and beyond.
• This is a direct lifeline for players on the bubble who face an uncertain season, providing stability for those fighting to keep their cards.

THE FOOTBALLER FINDING HIS WAY

• We profile DP World Tour breakout star Marco Penge, whose path to a Masters debut included youth football trials with Reading F.C. and Southampton F.C. and a recent, transformative three-month betting ban.
• Penge called the ban a "blessing in disguise," which allowed him to overhaul his swing and mindset.
• Despite football being his "passion," Penge is now most excited about the Masters Par 3 contest with his son, asking, "how good's that?"

LPGA STARS BATTLE ONLINE FAKES

• A serious wave of online impersonation scams is targeting top LPGA players. Stars are warning fans about fake accounts using their likeness for financial schemes, including AI-altered videos and fraudulent fundraising requests.
• Charley Hull issued a stark warning to her followers: "I DO NOT HAVE A TICK TOCK ACCOUNT. They are all FAKE!"
• The scams are increasingly sophisticated, with Nelly Korda's team fighting off fake accounts that use AI to manipulate videos, creating a new challenge for athletes.

Quick Hits

Cam Smith aims to get back to his "cruisy" approach amid mental struggles • The new PGA Tour grants will support players from the Korn Ferry Tour, PGA TOUR Americas, and Q-School • Penge plans to take up PGA Tour membership while remaining loyal to the DP World Tour.

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