Justin Thomas Repeats, Padraig Harrington Wins & Dick’s Buys Golfsmith

The Back 9 Report with Carlos Torres and Fred Altvater provides news, views and information from around the world of golf.

In the Back Spin Carlos and Fred recap Justin Thomas’ repeat victory at the CIMB Classic, MinJee Lee earned her second win of the year at the Blue Bay Classic in China, the LPGA Tour announced changes to it’s qualification process and  45-year-old Padraig Harrington won the Portugal Masters on the European Tour.

The Par 5 News features stories on; GolfSmith being purchased for $70 million by Dick’s Sporting Goods, Titleist parent company Acushnet is expecting to reap $435 million in their IPO this week, Rory McIlroy is switching drivers, explanation of why Sanderson Farms defending champion, William McGirt is not eligible to play in the tournament this week, Lydia Ko dumps her caddie, and Brendan Steele got putting advice from a Rock Star.

Former Golfweek writer and Golf Channel panel expert, Jeff Rude stops by to talk about his recent golf trip to Sand Valley, Forest Dunes and Kingsley Club, plus he lends his experience to the recent bankruptcies, mergers and golf business news.

The guys wrap up the show with their Final Putts with news about a PGA Tour event in Korea, Chambers Bay to build a new hotel, Harbour Town Golf Links won’t reopen until the end of November after Hurricane Matthew damage, and a discussion on current media purchse of Time Warner by AT&T.