When Keegan Bradley triple-bogeyed the 15th at the Atlanta Athletic Club during yesterday's final round of the USPGA championship, it looked like he was about to dramatically fall at the final hurdle for the second week running.
Bradley's misfortune gifted tournament leader Jason Dufner, who was watching events back on the tee, with a five-stroke lead and the Wannamaker Trophy within his grasp.
Amazingly, after being so cool throughout his round until this point, Dufner - he of the extravagant pre-shot waggle - pushed his tee shot into the water and dropped the first of three consecutive strokes.
While Dufner struggled down Atlanta's notorious closing stretch, Bradley recovered from his 15th hole horror and pulled one shot back with a monster putt at the 17th. Thus by the time Dufner putted out for par on the 18th to take the championship into a play-off with Bradley, one could sense the writing was on the wall for him.
Bradley went on to win the three-hole shoot out by one stroke and claim his first Major title in his debut event - a superb achievement. The victory does wonders for his world ranking and for US golf - he is the first American to win a Major since Phil Mickelson claimed his third Masters title in 2010 just down the road at Augusta National.
It was a triumph in perseverance and shows that Bradley has got what it takes to recover quickly from potential knock-out blows. Will the unfortunate Dufner be able to do the same in the coming weeks.
Monday, 15 August 2011
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Ckarke proves to be a popular champion
Darren Clarke's victory at the Open Championship at Royal St George's was one of the most popular triumphs in recent years - not only among the cheering galleries, but also his closest rivals.
The 42-year-old Northern Irishman is the third of his countrymen to remarkably claim a Major in little over a year and, after more than 20 years of trying, he is one of the oldest first-time winners of golf's big four championships.
Yes, he rode his luck on occasion during his final round, but no-one would begrudge Clarke the rub of the green among Sandwich's bumps and hollows. This is because it was not only Mother Nature's earthly contours in this corner of Kent that Clarke mastered - he also took on the demeanour of a rock; immovable, despite being battered by the gusty winds and heavy squalls that blew others away during a weekend of testing conditions.
After enduring some dark times in recent years, Clarke seems to be 'in a good place' right now, and I had the impression that while he was walking up to the 18th green for a final time and later sharing the trophy with the galleries in a prolonged lap of honour, he wanted to savour every moment of this sweetest of victories.
He said the party would be a long one, and it duly was. Hopefully there will be no long-term hangover and Clarke can now focus on trying to add to his Major tally.
The 42-year-old Northern Irishman is the third of his countrymen to remarkably claim a Major in little over a year and, after more than 20 years of trying, he is one of the oldest first-time winners of golf's big four championships.
Yes, he rode his luck on occasion during his final round, but no-one would begrudge Clarke the rub of the green among Sandwich's bumps and hollows. This is because it was not only Mother Nature's earthly contours in this corner of Kent that Clarke mastered - he also took on the demeanour of a rock; immovable, despite being battered by the gusty winds and heavy squalls that blew others away during a weekend of testing conditions.
After enduring some dark times in recent years, Clarke seems to be 'in a good place' right now, and I had the impression that while he was walking up to the 18th green for a final time and later sharing the trophy with the galleries in a prolonged lap of honour, he wanted to savour every moment of this sweetest of victories.
He said the party would be a long one, and it duly was. Hopefully there will be no long-term hangover and Clarke can now focus on trying to add to his Major tally.
Wednesday, 13 July 2011
The greatest Championship is raring to go
So here we go. It's the eve of the Open Championship and all eyes are unsurprisingly on Rory McIlroy. Apart from one poor round in Augusta, the young Northern Irishman could be preparing to tee off at Royal St George's with the year's first two Majors already in the bag. Not too much pressure to perform then!
Yet, let's not forget McIlroy's rivals for the title. The last time a pair of British hands lifted the Claret Jug was back in the 20th Century - Paul Lawrie in 1999 - so it's about time one of the homegrown players who have been knocking on the door in recent years decided to join the party.
Don't dismiss an outsider either. America's Ben Curtis was the surprise winner at Sandwich in 2003 when he pounced on Thomas Bjorn's misfortune during the run-in on the final afternoon. And this leads to a factor that shouldn't be ignored; Royal St George's has teeth and it is going to take four days of hard graft to walk away from the Garden of England with all the riches on offer.
Yet, let's not forget McIlroy's rivals for the title. The last time a pair of British hands lifted the Claret Jug was back in the 20th Century - Paul Lawrie in 1999 - so it's about time one of the homegrown players who have been knocking on the door in recent years decided to join the party.
Don't dismiss an outsider either. America's Ben Curtis was the surprise winner at Sandwich in 2003 when he pounced on Thomas Bjorn's misfortune during the run-in on the final afternoon. And this leads to a factor that shouldn't be ignored; Royal St George's has teeth and it is going to take four days of hard graft to walk away from the Garden of England with all the riches on offer.
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Tiger Woods to miss US Open
Tiger Woods has announced he will not be taking part in next week's US Open at Congressional due to his knee and Achilles injuries not healing in time.
Announcing that he needs to listen to his doctors, Woods has decided to focus on the long term and get himself fully fit. He still expects to play again by the end of the month, but I wouldn't be surprised if this return date is flexible.
Despite the loss of Woods at one of golf's blue-ribbon events, commentators tend to agree with the former world number one's decision not to attend in the hope he can reach full fitness and be a serious contender at future tournaments.
Golf needs a fit and healthy Tiger Woods because the longer he continues performing at less than 100 per cent, the more diminishing his aura becomes and the less formidable he appears to be - not only to golf fans but, more importantly, to the players now overtaking him in the world rankings.
Announcing that he needs to listen to his doctors, Woods has decided to focus on the long term and get himself fully fit. He still expects to play again by the end of the month, but I wouldn't be surprised if this return date is flexible.
Despite the loss of Woods at one of golf's blue-ribbon events, commentators tend to agree with the former world number one's decision not to attend in the hope he can reach full fitness and be a serious contender at future tournaments.
Golf needs a fit and healthy Tiger Woods because the longer he continues performing at less than 100 per cent, the more diminishing his aura becomes and the less formidable he appears to be - not only to golf fans but, more importantly, to the players now overtaking him in the world rankings.
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Ramsay's day goes from bad to worse
The next time you are having a bad day at work, think of Richie Ramsay who lost out on a chance to qualify for this year's US Open after missing a play-off during qualifying at Walton Heath.
The Scotsman should have faced Johan Edfors and Andreas Harto but believed the play-off would have taken place today (Tuesday) due to the other players finishing late after a weather delay.
So Ramsay decided to try and hop on a plane to attend a wedding reception in Belfast, only to miss the flight from Heathrow and then hear that the play-off could be taking place. He never got back in time and Edfors claimed the spot at Congressional.
Ramsay now has to sit and wait as a reserve, but he probably wishes he sat and waited for the conclusion of yesterday's events.
The Scotsman should have faced Johan Edfors and Andreas Harto but believed the play-off would have taken place today (Tuesday) due to the other players finishing late after a weather delay.
So Ramsay decided to try and hop on a plane to attend a wedding reception in Belfast, only to miss the flight from Heathrow and then hear that the play-off could be taking place. He never got back in time and Edfors claimed the spot at Congressional.
Ramsay now has to sit and wait as a reserve, but he probably wishes he sat and waited for the conclusion of yesterday's events.
PowerPlay - how radical can it be?
I was at Celtic Manor yesterday to witness how the inaugural PowerPlay: IGNITION event turned out and to see for myself if this really is the future for golf.
The assembled golfers were in favour of the format, including Gary Player who stood by the first of his 10 commandments - that 'change is the price of survival', although he conceded that PowerPlay will obviously not threaten the Majors.
Ian Poulter also looked forward to the tournament after having a practice in soggy conditions during the morning pro-am. He said: "Two pins on greens should lead to plenty of volatility between the scores and, obviously, if you power play, there are double points if you make a birdie or eagle, so that in itself should make for some very interesting viewing. It's going to be good for everyone to see how fun this game can be."
Obviously, the promoters were hyping the event as much as possible, as were Sky TV. Any companies launching a new product would do the same.
This was the first to be televised and was something of a trial - but a 15-minute overrun wasn't bad compared to some debut live events I've known. And now the first one has taken place, speed and technical issues can be ironed out for future broadcasts.
Where this goes as a TV format, I'm not sure. The three-hour block is ideal for advertisers in a market where consumers want quick fixes of their favourite sports. But whether a professional tournament series is the way forward, I need convincing.
Yet, I thought the mixing of genders and ages was refreshing (Caroline Hedwell, Paula Creamer and Helen Alfredsson all finished in the top three), and I could envisage PowerPlay as a regular pro-celebrity event for charity. It would be great to see something similar to the old pro-celebrity golf series on our screens with this format.
But most importantly, will this change the way golf is played at ordinary clubs? Will it encourage more juniors to play? And will purpose-built PowerPlay courses be created around the world? Only time will tell, although I would be willing to give it a try if I only had time to play nine holes.
I'm pleased for Peter McEvoy, one of the brains behind this format. I spoke to him almost three years ago in Berlin when he was trying to launch PowerPlay, and to see him contented and relieved after the event yesterday was a nice moment.
The assembled golfers were in favour of the format, including Gary Player who stood by the first of his 10 commandments - that 'change is the price of survival', although he conceded that PowerPlay will obviously not threaten the Majors.
Ian Poulter also looked forward to the tournament after having a practice in soggy conditions during the morning pro-am. He said: "Two pins on greens should lead to plenty of volatility between the scores and, obviously, if you power play, there are double points if you make a birdie or eagle, so that in itself should make for some very interesting viewing. It's going to be good for everyone to see how fun this game can be."
Obviously, the promoters were hyping the event as much as possible, as were Sky TV. Any companies launching a new product would do the same.
This was the first to be televised and was something of a trial - but a 15-minute overrun wasn't bad compared to some debut live events I've known. And now the first one has taken place, speed and technical issues can be ironed out for future broadcasts.
Where this goes as a TV format, I'm not sure. The three-hour block is ideal for advertisers in a market where consumers want quick fixes of their favourite sports. But whether a professional tournament series is the way forward, I need convincing.
Yet, I thought the mixing of genders and ages was refreshing (Caroline Hedwell, Paula Creamer and Helen Alfredsson all finished in the top three), and I could envisage PowerPlay as a regular pro-celebrity event for charity. It would be great to see something similar to the old pro-celebrity golf series on our screens with this format.
But most importantly, will this change the way golf is played at ordinary clubs? Will it encourage more juniors to play? And will purpose-built PowerPlay courses be created around the world? Only time will tell, although I would be willing to give it a try if I only had time to play nine holes.
I'm pleased for Peter McEvoy, one of the brains behind this format. I spoke to him almost three years ago in Berlin when he was trying to launch PowerPlay, and to see him contented and relieved after the event yesterday was a nice moment.
Sunday, 29 May 2011
PGA win puts Donald on top of the world
Luke Donald continued his fine run of form to beat Lee Westwood to the BMW PGA title at the first extra hole after an enthralling day at Wentworth, and leapt to the top of the world rankings at the same time.
It was probably fitting that the world's top two ranked players ended up head to head in one of the European Tour's flagship events, much hyped this week as overtaking The Players' Championship in tournament stature.
Yet the actual conclusion to this championship was a damp squib for Westwood. Coming down the par-5 18th for a second time, both players had laid up with their second shots to leave themselves short pitches to the green. Donald's ball responded superbly, landing at the back of the green before spinning back towards the pin.
Westwood played a similar shot but his ball 'bit' too much, spun back too far on an unforgiving green and ended up in the water. Seven strokes were ultimately played by the Worksop man before Donald - free of pressure - rolled his putt in for a birdie.
The new world number one has had a great year with 10 top-10 finishes (including two victories) from the 11 worldwide tournaments he has played in the 2011 calendar.
The next step for Donald and Westwood must be to try and win a so-far elusive Major.
It was probably fitting that the world's top two ranked players ended up head to head in one of the European Tour's flagship events, much hyped this week as overtaking The Players' Championship in tournament stature.
Yet the actual conclusion to this championship was a damp squib for Westwood. Coming down the par-5 18th for a second time, both players had laid up with their second shots to leave themselves short pitches to the green. Donald's ball responded superbly, landing at the back of the green before spinning back towards the pin.
Westwood played a similar shot but his ball 'bit' too much, spun back too far on an unforgiving green and ended up in the water. Seven strokes were ultimately played by the Worksop man before Donald - free of pressure - rolled his putt in for a birdie.
The new world number one has had a great year with 10 top-10 finishes (including two victories) from the 11 worldwide tournaments he has played in the 2011 calendar.
The next step for Donald and Westwood must be to try and win a so-far elusive Major.
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
The three-putt - a golfer's nightmare
For the millions who walk the world's fairways day in, day out, golf can provide some great highs and frustrating lows.
There are numerous instances when the shaft of a golf club appears to be the perfect instrument to take out one's anger with a quick snap across the thigh, but one in particular stands out for me.
No, it's not a shank off the tee; it's not a topped shot with a long iron from the fairway; and it's not a fluffed chip from just off the green. My bete noire is the dreaded three-putt.
For a mid- to high-handicapper, the short game is where most shots are leaked so it is vital to at least two-putt at most on as many greens as possible. However, for many amateur golfers, putting is probably the least practised skill.
I for one am guilty of not treating this game within a game with the respect it is due and constantly walk off a course believing my score could have been lower for the want of more care and attention on the greens.
But the three-putt happens to us all, and that is why I have so much sympathy for David Toms. The American lost his Players Championship play-off against K J Choi this weekend after three-putting the notorious par-3, 17th at Sawgrass.
Naturally, most of us have never had the pressure of putting for a Tour title, but all golfers have experienced Toms' misfortune. And that is what makes golf such an engaging sport. Yes, we can marvel at the top pro's great shots, but we also understand their feeling of frustration and dejection when they get it wrong - because we have done the same so many times ourselves.
There are numerous instances when the shaft of a golf club appears to be the perfect instrument to take out one's anger with a quick snap across the thigh, but one in particular stands out for me.
No, it's not a shank off the tee; it's not a topped shot with a long iron from the fairway; and it's not a fluffed chip from just off the green. My bete noire is the dreaded three-putt.
For a mid- to high-handicapper, the short game is where most shots are leaked so it is vital to at least two-putt at most on as many greens as possible. However, for many amateur golfers, putting is probably the least practised skill.
I for one am guilty of not treating this game within a game with the respect it is due and constantly walk off a course believing my score could have been lower for the want of more care and attention on the greens.
But the three-putt happens to us all, and that is why I have so much sympathy for David Toms. The American lost his Players Championship play-off against K J Choi this weekend after three-putting the notorious par-3, 17th at Sawgrass.
Naturally, most of us have never had the pressure of putting for a Tour title, but all golfers have experienced Toms' misfortune. And that is what makes golf such an engaging sport. Yes, we can marvel at the top pro's great shots, but we also understand their feeling of frustration and dejection when they get it wrong - because we have done the same so many times ourselves.
France wins 2018 Ryder Cup bid
The European Tour has resisted a late emotional pull to hand the 2018 Ryder Cup to Spain in honour of the late Seve Ballesteros, and instead awarded the 42nd staging of the tournament to France.
This is the second time that the European-hosted competition will be held outside of Great Britain and Ireland, after Valderrama in 1997, and is a superb boost for the sport in France - a nation with some wonderful, but relatively unknown golf courses.
The 2018 Ryder Cup will be held at Le Golf National in Versailles, just outside of Paris - the regular venue for the French Open. The Albatross course is an inland links-style layout which has previously been ranked the third best European championship course by European Tour professionals.
Apart from Spain, the French bid also defeated strong presentations from Germany, Portugal and the Netherlands.
This is the second time that the European-hosted competition will be held outside of Great Britain and Ireland, after Valderrama in 1997, and is a superb boost for the sport in France - a nation with some wonderful, but relatively unknown golf courses.
The 2018 Ryder Cup will be held at Le Golf National in Versailles, just outside of Paris - the regular venue for the French Open. The Albatross course is an inland links-style layout which has previously been ranked the third best European championship course by European Tour professionals.
Apart from Spain, the French bid also defeated strong presentations from Germany, Portugal and the Netherlands.
Saturday, 7 May 2011
Severiano Ballesteros (1957-2011)
The word genius is easily attributed to sportsmen and women, but for Seve Ballesteros, who passed away today, genius transcended into a fully-fledged legend.
The cavalier and flamboyant Spaniard broke the mold of professional golf and introduced a whole new generation of players and fans across Europe to the game. Indeed, along with the likes of Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam and Sandy Lyle, Seve helped sow the seeds of success that the European Tour now enjoys.
From learning to play golf with an old 3-iron on a beach to winning five Majors (two Masters and three Open Championships), Seve's story is truly one of a great champion.
Among his many achievements, he enjoyed 87 career victories; he was the first European to win the Masters in 1980; he won 20 points from 37 Ryder Cup matches over eight tournaments, and was the victorious European captain at Valderrama in 1997.
At his peak, Seve's brand of golf was something other professionals could only aspire to match, while the viewing public marveled at, and warmed to, his swashbuckling approach - a style I'll never forget.
On his passing, Seve leaves a lasting legacy to European and world golf that will always be remembered.
The cavalier and flamboyant Spaniard broke the mold of professional golf and introduced a whole new generation of players and fans across Europe to the game. Indeed, along with the likes of Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam and Sandy Lyle, Seve helped sow the seeds of success that the European Tour now enjoys.
From learning to play golf with an old 3-iron on a beach to winning five Majors (two Masters and three Open Championships), Seve's story is truly one of a great champion.
Among his many achievements, he enjoyed 87 career victories; he was the first European to win the Masters in 1980; he won 20 points from 37 Ryder Cup matches over eight tournaments, and was the victorious European captain at Valderrama in 1997.
At his peak, Seve's brand of golf was something other professionals could only aspire to match, while the viewing public marveled at, and warmed to, his swashbuckling approach - a style I'll never forget.
On his passing, Seve leaves a lasting legacy to European and world golf that will always be remembered.
Friday, 6 May 2011
Seve suffers
It's sad news to hear the family of Seve Ballesteros announce that the great Spaniard's neurological condition has severely worsened.
Since suffering his brain tumour in 2008, Seve has fought his greatest battle and we all hope he pulls through this latest setback, despite the bleak outlook.
Since suffering his brain tumour in 2008, Seve has fought his greatest battle and we all hope he pulls through this latest setback, despite the bleak outlook.
Monday, 11 April 2011
Schwartzel claims Masters title after birdie blitz
An awesome run of four birdies over the final four holes landed Charl Schwartzel his first Major title after he swept through the Masters field on an astonishing day at the Augusta National.
Maybe it was always going to be the 26-year-old's championship after he chipped in from off the green for a birdie at the first and then holed his second shot for an eagle at the 350-yards par-4, third.
Great shots tinged with luck they might have been, but it took more than good fortune to close the tournament out as the slender-framed South African held his nerve in a display of power and precision over the closing stretch for a final round of 66 - the best score of the day.
Yet it was such a roller coaster afternoon, Schwartzel, playing alongside K J Choi in the penultimate pairing, was only confirmed champion after holing out at the 18th and extending his lead by two shots over Adam Scott and Jason Day on -12.
For a while it looked like either of the two Australians might become their nation's first Masters champion, but it wasn't to be. In fact, on a day when the lead was passed around like a gift in a child's party game, any one of nine players could have walked away from Augusta wearing the coveted Green Jacket.
At the start of the afternoon all eyes were on Rory McIlroy, the prodigious young Northern Irishman who had played so beautifully over the first three rounds, and who held an overnight four-shot lead.
McIlroy hung on gamely through the front nine as the pack, led by a classic Tiger Woods charge, closed in. But the wheels came off the 21-year-old's challenge during a horrific 45-minute spell which saw him leak six shots in three holes after the turn, and he ended up carding a painful 80.
A shell-shocked McIlroy, who admitted losing confidence over his putting stroke, failed to recover and it will be interesting to see how he uses this experience in the future.
Woods, meanwhile, was back to his imperious best over the front nine, carding 31 shots for a -5 total. Was this to be the first time the former World Number One would come through the field on the final day to win his 15th Major title? Not today.
A level par back nine left Woods frustrated as his touch deserted him when faced with eagle and birdie putts on the 15th and 16th, and his charge lost momentum.
Elsewhere, others who will leave Augusta believing they missed a golden chance to claim a Major include Choi, past champion Angel Cabrera, Geoff Ogilvy, Luke Donald and Bo Van Pelt. Each had opportunities to stake a claim but, ultimately, it was Schwartzel who remained composed with the finish of a true champion.
Maybe it was always going to be the 26-year-old's championship after he chipped in from off the green for a birdie at the first and then holed his second shot for an eagle at the 350-yards par-4, third.
Great shots tinged with luck they might have been, but it took more than good fortune to close the tournament out as the slender-framed South African held his nerve in a display of power and precision over the closing stretch for a final round of 66 - the best score of the day.
Yet it was such a roller coaster afternoon, Schwartzel, playing alongside K J Choi in the penultimate pairing, was only confirmed champion after holing out at the 18th and extending his lead by two shots over Adam Scott and Jason Day on -12.
For a while it looked like either of the two Australians might become their nation's first Masters champion, but it wasn't to be. In fact, on a day when the lead was passed around like a gift in a child's party game, any one of nine players could have walked away from Augusta wearing the coveted Green Jacket.
At the start of the afternoon all eyes were on Rory McIlroy, the prodigious young Northern Irishman who had played so beautifully over the first three rounds, and who held an overnight four-shot lead.
McIlroy hung on gamely through the front nine as the pack, led by a classic Tiger Woods charge, closed in. But the wheels came off the 21-year-old's challenge during a horrific 45-minute spell which saw him leak six shots in three holes after the turn, and he ended up carding a painful 80.
A shell-shocked McIlroy, who admitted losing confidence over his putting stroke, failed to recover and it will be interesting to see how he uses this experience in the future.
Woods, meanwhile, was back to his imperious best over the front nine, carding 31 shots for a -5 total. Was this to be the first time the former World Number One would come through the field on the final day to win his 15th Major title? Not today.
A level par back nine left Woods frustrated as his touch deserted him when faced with eagle and birdie putts on the 15th and 16th, and his charge lost momentum.
Elsewhere, others who will leave Augusta believing they missed a golden chance to claim a Major include Choi, past champion Angel Cabrera, Geoff Ogilvy, Luke Donald and Bo Van Pelt. Each had opportunities to stake a claim but, ultimately, it was Schwartzel who remained composed with the finish of a true champion.
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
Masters Moments - 2005 - Tiger's extraordinary chip
Some golf shots are destined to remain forever in the memory. The 2005 Masters probably won't be remembered for Tiger Woods and Chris Di Marco going head to head in a play-off
Instead, the final day will be remembered for Woods' second at the par-3 16th. Playing out of the rough just off the green, Woods chipped his shot at a right angle away from the pin, using gravity to bring the ball back down the slope towards the hole.
In a moment Hollywood script writers would have been proud of, the ball gradually rolled to the hole until it came to a rest on the edge of the cup.
As everyone around the green held their breath, another quarter roll saw the ball drop from sight - the sponsor's name in view (a huge bonus for the Nike marketing team).
I believe the resulting roar from the gallery was heard around the whole of Georgia!
Instead, the final day will be remembered for Woods' second at the par-3 16th. Playing out of the rough just off the green, Woods chipped his shot at a right angle away from the pin, using gravity to bring the ball back down the slope towards the hole.
In a moment Hollywood script writers would have been proud of, the ball gradually rolled to the hole until it came to a rest on the edge of the cup.
As everyone around the green held their breath, another quarter roll saw the ball drop from sight - the sponsor's name in view (a huge bonus for the Nike marketing team).
I believe the resulting roar from the gallery was heard around the whole of Georgia!
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Masters Moments - 1996 - Faldo capitalises on Norman's collapse
Nick Faldo's third Masters victory in 1996 will not be remembered so much for his amazing final round of 67, but more for Greg Norman's collapse from a winning position.
Going in to the fourth day in pole position, Norman carded an unbearably disappointing round of 78 as the Englishman completed a victory from six strokes behind.
It was tough to watch as an opponent, as well as a spectator, and the players' reaction to the result after they holed out at the 18th was a classic example of brilliant sportsmanship between two tough competitors.
Going in to the fourth day in pole position, Norman carded an unbearably disappointing round of 78 as the Englishman completed a victory from six strokes behind.
It was tough to watch as an opponent, as well as a spectator, and the players' reaction to the result after they holed out at the 18th was a classic example of brilliant sportsmanship between two tough competitors.
Monday, 4 April 2011
Masters Moments - 1995 - Gentle Ben's divine intervention
The Masters often has a way of bringing a tear to the eye. None more so than in 1995 when highly-unfavoured Ben Crenshaw claimed his second Green Jacket.
Crenshaw turned up at Augusta just days after the death of his former coach and mentor Harvey Penick (author of The Little Red Golf Book) with little hope of winning.
It turned out that the veteran's total score of -14 equalled the fourth-lowest score in the history of the Masters, while birdies on the 16th and 17th on Day 4 gave Crenshaw a one-shot victory over Davis Love III.
The pressure was overwhelming and Crenshaw almost collapsed in tears after making his winning putt.
Pass the Kleenex!
Crenshaw turned up at Augusta just days after the death of his former coach and mentor Harvey Penick (author of The Little Red Golf Book) with little hope of winning.
It turned out that the veteran's total score of -14 equalled the fourth-lowest score in the history of the Masters, while birdies on the 16th and 17th on Day 4 gave Crenshaw a one-shot victory over Davis Love III.
The pressure was overwhelming and Crenshaw almost collapsed in tears after making his winning putt.
Pass the Kleenex!
Sunday, 3 April 2011
Masters Moments - 1988 - Sandy lie is no trouble for Lyle
It was not Sandy Lyle's sweaty armpits or jaunty little jig after holing a tricky winning 10ft putt on the 18th in 1988 that sticks most in my memory - although unforgettable.
The magic moment came a few minutes before when Lyle played the fairway bunker shot of all time fairway bunker shots. It was a perfect 7-iron that flew over the pin, sat down and gradually rolled back to the hole as if the cup was drawing the ball towards it with a magnet.
The following birdie putt was enough to secure a one-stroke victory over Mark Calcavecchia. Cue the jaunty jig!
The magic moment came a few minutes before when Lyle played the fairway bunker shot of all time fairway bunker shots. It was a perfect 7-iron that flew over the pin, sat down and gradually rolled back to the hole as if the cup was drawing the ball towards it with a magnet.
The following birdie putt was enough to secure a one-stroke victory over Mark Calcavecchia. Cue the jaunty jig!
Saturday, 2 April 2011
Masters Moments - 1986 - Jack storms through the field
This was my first proper recollection of watching the Masters on TV. As a somewhat naive teenager, I had heard of Jack Nicklaus but never fully knew of his achievements or fantastic history.
So what was so special about watching this blonde-haired hero ploughing through the field on a Sunday evening in the UK? Well, just one word - momentum!
It was Jack's momentum that fired up the watching Augusta galleries; it was momentum that led to him scoring eagle-birdie-birdie on the 15th, 16th and 17th during his final round of 65; and it was momentum that took Jack to his sixth Green Jacket (the first was won in 1963) and 18th professional Major title.
Pure genius!
So what was so special about watching this blonde-haired hero ploughing through the field on a Sunday evening in the UK? Well, just one word - momentum!
It was Jack's momentum that fired up the watching Augusta galleries; it was momentum that led to him scoring eagle-birdie-birdie on the 15th, 16th and 17th during his final round of 65; and it was momentum that took Jack to his sixth Green Jacket (the first was won in 1963) and 18th professional Major title.
Pure genius!
Georgia on my mind
It's Masters week, of course, and what better way to prepare for the excitement in Augusta than by reflecting on past Masters moments that live long in the memory.
Over the next few days I'll recollect some of those unforgettable images that have stuck in my mind from watching this special tournament over the years.
Feel free to have your say on your magic moments.
Over the next few days I'll recollect some of those unforgettable images that have stuck in my mind from watching this special tournament over the years.
Feel free to have your say on your magic moments.
Wednesday, 16 March 2011
Tour preview
The European Tour returns to continental soil for the first time in 2011 on Thursday. And, as befitting the launch of the Tour in its own back yard, the island of Sicily will host its first event at the Donnafugata Golf Resort & SPA.
One of three new events on the Tour schedule, the Sicilian Open will make interesting viewing as the wind (or lack of it) is guaranteed to play a big part with regard to scoring on the 7,158, par 71 track.
Bookmakers' odds show England's Chris Wood to be favourite before tee off with odds ranging from 16-1 to 20-1.
Meanwhile, in the USA, the PGA Tour's Florida Swing continues with the Transitions Championship at Innisbrook, Tampa Bay.
Martin Kaymer (1) and Paul Casey (7) are the only two players from the current world top-10 attending, but there will still be plenty of class on show. In fact, Kaymer is playing in the pick of the opening groups alongside Bubba Watson and Nick Watney.
Sergio Garcia is making his first appearance of 2011 on the PGA Tour after his brief soujourn from the limelight. Not surprisingly, the Spaniard is currently 50-1 with bookmakers to win as all eyes are focused on Kaymer and Watney.
One of three new events on the Tour schedule, the Sicilian Open will make interesting viewing as the wind (or lack of it) is guaranteed to play a big part with regard to scoring on the 7,158, par 71 track.
Bookmakers' odds show England's Chris Wood to be favourite before tee off with odds ranging from 16-1 to 20-1.
Meanwhile, in the USA, the PGA Tour's Florida Swing continues with the Transitions Championship at Innisbrook, Tampa Bay.
Martin Kaymer (1) and Paul Casey (7) are the only two players from the current world top-10 attending, but there will still be plenty of class on show. In fact, Kaymer is playing in the pick of the opening groups alongside Bubba Watson and Nick Watney.
Sergio Garcia is making his first appearance of 2011 on the PGA Tour after his brief soujourn from the limelight. Not surprisingly, the Spaniard is currently 50-1 with bookmakers to win as all eyes are focused on Kaymer and Watney.
Tuesday, 15 March 2011
Tim and George chew the fat
The first in a probable series of joint press conferences was given by PGA and European Tour head honchos Tim Finchem and George O'Grady during the final round of the WGC Cadillac Championship at Doral on Sunday.
The floor was open to questions about the future integration of the Tours, the rise of other Tours around the world, a clash of dates between the Presidents Cup and the South African Open, and discipline on the golf course.
The underlying themes to emerge from the dialogue appears to be how to accommodate the ever-increasing complexity of scheduling and the pulling power of the world's elite players - with no real solutions offered.
Read the full transcript here.
The floor was open to questions about the future integration of the Tours, the rise of other Tours around the world, a clash of dates between the Presidents Cup and the South African Open, and discipline on the golf course.
The underlying themes to emerge from the dialogue appears to be how to accommodate the ever-increasing complexity of scheduling and the pulling power of the world's elite players - with no real solutions offered.
Read the full transcript here.
Monday, 14 March 2011
Super 60 sets Price on his way
After firing a Champions Tour record-equalling round of 60 on Day 1 of the Toshiba Classic in California, Nick Price held on for a wire-to-wire victory.
Price backed up his superb first round with two further rounds of 68 for a -17 total, one shot clear of America's Mark Wiebe, who carded rounds of 65, 65 and 67.
Wiebe, in fact, had an opportunity to tie for a play-off but missed his birdie chance at the 54th hole, and thus guaranteed Price his fourth career Champions Tour title.
Defending champion Fred Couples finished in a tie for fifth place with Brad Bryant and Robert Thompson, four strokes off the lead.
THE TOP FIVE
Price backed up his superb first round with two further rounds of 68 for a -17 total, one shot clear of America's Mark Wiebe, who carded rounds of 65, 65 and 67.
Wiebe, in fact, had an opportunity to tie for a play-off but missed his birdie chance at the 54th hole, and thus guaranteed Price his fourth career Champions Tour title.
Defending champion Fred Couples finished in a tie for fifth place with Brad Bryant and Robert Thompson, four strokes off the lead.
THE TOP FIVE
| 1 - Nick Price (Zim) | -17 (60 68 68 - 196) | $255,000 | ||
| 2 - Mark Wiebe (USA) | -16 (65 65 67 - 197) | $149,600 | ||
| T3 - Michael Allen (USA) | -14 (69 64 66 - 199) | $112,200 | ||
| T3 - Joe Ozaki (Jpn) | -14 (68 64 67 - 199) | $112,200 | ||
| T5 - Brad Bryant (USA) | -13 (65 70 65 - 200) | $70,266.67 | ||
| T5 - Fred Couples (USA) | -13 (66 67 67 - 200) | $70,266.67 | ||
| T5 - Robert Thompson (USA) | -13 (68 66 66 - 200) | $70,266.67 |
Bradley's play-off pleasure
Michael Bradley claimed his second Puerto Rico Open title in three years after a dramatic conclusion to proceedings at the Trump International Golf Club.
Starting the final day four shots behind overnight leader Troy Matteson, 44-year-old Bradley hit a hot streak on the way out, carding -5 for the front nine.
A dropped shot at the 14th was recovered after a monster birdie putt at the 15th and, with Matteson only managing a level-par round of 72 to finish on -16, Bradley had a short par putt at the 18th to be crowned champion in regulation play.
Whether it was adrenalin or a lack of concentration that kicked in, who knows, but Bradley's forceful putt appeared to stike the back of the cup and bounce out, leaving a tap in for bogey and an eventual tie.
The first play-off hole took Bradley and Matteson again up the par-5, 18th. Both had birdie chances and Matteson's longer putt was struck a couple of feet past the hole.
Bradley missed his opportunity but this time he made par, leaving Matteson to finish off and continue the sudden death. Agonisingly, his putt lipped out, prompting gasps from the gallery and an almost embarrassed Bradley took the spoils.
Tied for third on -14 was Stephen Ames, whose closing 66 was the best round of the final day, and Hunter Haas, who could only manage a 71. George McNeill finished in fifth place on -13.
THE TOP FIVE
Starting the final day four shots behind overnight leader Troy Matteson, 44-year-old Bradley hit a hot streak on the way out, carding -5 for the front nine.
A dropped shot at the 14th was recovered after a monster birdie putt at the 15th and, with Matteson only managing a level-par round of 72 to finish on -16, Bradley had a short par putt at the 18th to be crowned champion in regulation play.
Whether it was adrenalin or a lack of concentration that kicked in, who knows, but Bradley's forceful putt appeared to stike the back of the cup and bounce out, leaving a tap in for bogey and an eventual tie.
The first play-off hole took Bradley and Matteson again up the par-5, 18th. Both had birdie chances and Matteson's longer putt was struck a couple of feet past the hole.
Bradley missed his opportunity but this time he made par, leaving Matteson to finish off and continue the sudden death. Agonisingly, his putt lipped out, prompting gasps from the gallery and an almost embarrassed Bradley took the spoils.
Tied for third on -14 was Stephen Ames, whose closing 66 was the best round of the final day, and Hunter Haas, who could only manage a 71. George McNeill finished in fifth place on -13.
THE TOP FIVE
| 1 - Michael Bradley (USA) | -16 (68 68 68 68 - 272) | $630,000 | ||
| 2 - Troy Matteson (USA) | -16 (67 67 66 72 - 272) | $378,000 | ||
| T3 - Stephen Ames (Can) | -14 (69 66 73 66 - 274) | $203,000 | ||
| T3 - Hunter Haas (USA) | -14 (67 68 68 71 - 274) | $203,000 | ||
| 5 - George McNeill (USA) | -13 (69 66 71 69 - 275) | $140,000 |
Watney stays composed to claim WGC Cadillac Championship
After missing out on top-ranking titles over the past couple of years, Nick Watney finally proved he can mix it with the big boys by holding his nerve to win the WGC Cadillac Championship at Doral.
Watney was unfortunate not to force a play-off with Phil Mickelson at the same event two years ago and crumbled on the final day of last year's USPGA Championship when leading after Day 3.
But the 29-year-old's victory at the TPC Blue Monster on Sunday might turn out to be a pivotal day in his career after he carded a closing 67 to win the title by two strokes from compatriot Dustin Johnson.
What was so impressive about his performance was the way he remained unfazed on the few occasions he found trouble. Recovery shots from off the fairways and a crucial couple of clutch par putts on the back nine were greeted with ever more powerful fist pumps as Watney clearly understood the significance of his achievements.
And despite double-bogeying the par-4 18th on Day 3, the man from Sacramento played the last hole to perfection on Day 4 - hitting the green in regulation before rolling in a 13-foot birdie putt for a two-stroke cushion.
It was brave, but intelligent, golf from Watney as Johnson was following and had to eagle the last hole to force a tie. He made a valid attempt, but his second shot finished a few feet to the left of the pin.
Watney's victory moves him up to 15th in the Official World Golf Rankings from 31st, while Johnson moves up to 11th.
THE TOP FIVE
Watney was unfortunate not to force a play-off with Phil Mickelson at the same event two years ago and crumbled on the final day of last year's USPGA Championship when leading after Day 3.
But the 29-year-old's victory at the TPC Blue Monster on Sunday might turn out to be a pivotal day in his career after he carded a closing 67 to win the title by two strokes from compatriot Dustin Johnson.
What was so impressive about his performance was the way he remained unfazed on the few occasions he found trouble. Recovery shots from off the fairways and a crucial couple of clutch par putts on the back nine were greeted with ever more powerful fist pumps as Watney clearly understood the significance of his achievements.
And despite double-bogeying the par-4 18th on Day 3, the man from Sacramento played the last hole to perfection on Day 4 - hitting the green in regulation before rolling in a 13-foot birdie putt for a two-stroke cushion.
It was brave, but intelligent, golf from Watney as Johnson was following and had to eagle the last hole to force a tie. He made a valid attempt, but his second shot finished a few feet to the left of the pin.
Watney's victory moves him up to 15th in the Official World Golf Rankings from 31st, while Johnson moves up to 11th.
THE TOP FIVE
| 1 - Nick Watney (USA) | -15 (67 70 68 67 - 272) | $1,400,000 | ||
| 2 - Dustin Johnson (USA) | -14 (69 69 65 71 - 274) | $850,000 | ||
| T3 - Anders Hansen (Den) | -13 (71 69 68 67 - 275) | $465,000 | ||
| T3 - Francesco Molinari (Ita) | -13 (68 68 70 69 - 275) | $465,000 | ||
| 5 - Matt Kuchar (USA) | -12 (68 69 68 71 - 276) | $350,000 |
Sunday, 13 March 2011
Sandy savours long-awaited victory
Two-time Major winner Sandy Lyle once said he would just be happy to win a Par-3 competition, so long had it been since he experienced a tournament triumph.
The Scotsman's absence from the winner's circle has lasted almost two decades, since he claimed his 18th European Tour title at the Volvo Masters in 1992. In fact, to describe Lyle's winless streak as a 'barren spell' doesn't do justice to the torment he has endured for a generation.
Yet, all Lyle's frustration and disappointment on the golf course was brushed aside today when he won the ISPS Handa Senior World Championship at Mission Hills, China.
A final round of 70, following rounds of 68 and 66 for a score of -12, was enough to give the 53-year-old victory by three strokes over Australian Peter Fowler, who carded a 71 on Day 3.
Lyle has started the season with some consistent performances, already finishing twice in the top-5 prior to this weekend, and he now leads the European Senior Tour Order of Merit.
Clearly relieved after this long-awaited victory, he said: “You wonder after about four or five years whether you’ll ever win again let alone nearly 20, so this is very special.
“I joined the Senior Tour and it didn’t happen as quickly as I expected it to, so you do have doubts. My trophy cabinet has been gathering dust over the years so I feel relieved to get a win and it’s even better that it’s here in China on this course. This answers a lot of questions I had about myself.
“I showed a lot of patience this week. I only made one bogey in three rounds, which is way beyond my norm. Usually I’d make at least four or five but I was very consistent."
HOW THEY FINISHED
The Scotsman's absence from the winner's circle has lasted almost two decades, since he claimed his 18th European Tour title at the Volvo Masters in 1992. In fact, to describe Lyle's winless streak as a 'barren spell' doesn't do justice to the torment he has endured for a generation.
Yet, all Lyle's frustration and disappointment on the golf course was brushed aside today when he won the ISPS Handa Senior World Championship at Mission Hills, China.
A final round of 70, following rounds of 68 and 66 for a score of -12, was enough to give the 53-year-old victory by three strokes over Australian Peter Fowler, who carded a 71 on Day 3.
Lyle has started the season with some consistent performances, already finishing twice in the top-5 prior to this weekend, and he now leads the European Senior Tour Order of Merit.
Clearly relieved after this long-awaited victory, he said: “You wonder after about four or five years whether you’ll ever win again let alone nearly 20, so this is very special.
“I joined the Senior Tour and it didn’t happen as quickly as I expected it to, so you do have doubts. My trophy cabinet has been gathering dust over the years so I feel relieved to get a win and it’s even better that it’s here in China on this course. This answers a lot of questions I had about myself.
“I showed a lot of patience this week. I only made one bogey in three rounds, which is way beyond my norm. Usually I’d make at least four or five but I was very consistent."
HOW THEY FINISHED
| 1 - Sandy Lyle (Sco) | -12 (68 66 70 - 204) | €37,484 | ||
| 2 - Peter Fowler (Aus) | -9 (67 69 71 - 207) | €24,989 | ||
| 3 - Angel Franco (Par) | -7 (69 69 71 - 209) | €17,493 | ||
| T4 - Mark Belsham (Eng) | -5 (71 74 66 - 211) | €11,008 | ||
| T4 - Bobby Lincoln (SA) | -5 (74 68 69 - 211) | €11,008 | ||
| T4 - Juan Quiros (Spa) | -5 (70 71 70 - 211) | €11,008 | ||
| T4 - Noel Ratcliffe (Aus) | -5 (68 74 69 - 211) | €11,008 |
Friday, 11 March 2011
Japan earthquake prompts tweets from Doral
The PGA Tour Report has posted early reaction from players and press at The WGC Cadillac Championship regarding the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.
Terrible scenes that once again puts sport in perspective!
Terrible scenes that once again puts sport in perspective!
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
Five WGC Cadillac Championship facts
As tee off at the WGC Cadillac Championship approaches in Florida, here are five facts about the tournament and the Doral course.
- There is an $8.5m prize purse on offer, with $1.4m and 550 FedExCup points to the winner.
- Only one European has ever won at the TCP Blue Monster course - Nick Faldo in 1995 at the Doral Open.
- Peter Senior will be the oldest player to take part in the WGC Cadillac Championship. The Australian will be 51 years 7 months and 13 days when the tournament begins.
- Geoff Ogilvy was the last wire-to-wire winner of the Championship in 2008.
- The course record is 61, carded by Stephen Ames in 2000 during the second round of the Doral-Ryder Open. Tiger Woods holds the championship scoring record, twice finishing on -23 at Mount Juliet Conrad in 2002 and at The Grove in 2006.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Tour Preview
It’s another busy week of championship golf even with the ladies’ Tours taking a break. Here’s the latest preview for this week’s worldwide tournaments.
Only two weeks after the WGC Accenture World Match Play Championship, it’s time for the Wedgwood to be brought out of the trophy cabinet once more as the second World Golf Championship event of the year, the WGC Cadillac Championship, takes place in Florida.
Befitting such a big event, there is an $8.5m purse on offer - with $1.4m and 550 FedExCup points up for grabs to the winner.
The setting is the fascinating TCP Blue Monster course at Doral. At 7,266 yards (par 72) and with 110 bunkers and 11 water hazards, this course produces golf as dramatic as its setting, with many birdie opportunities on offer.
Ernie Els will be teeing up to defend his title in a 69-strong field including the top-50 players (according to the Official World Golf Rankings) representing 18 countries.
But the ‘Big Easy’ is not among the favourites to win this year. An average of bookmakers’ odds make world number one Martin Kaymer the favourite, with six-time winner Tiger Woods and US Open champion Graeme McDowell just behind.
Elsewhere, those not ranked high enough to compete at Doral head south as the PGA Tour stages the Puerto Rico Open at the Trump International Golf Club – Rio Grande.
The Tom Kite-designed course is a par 72 at 7,569 yards. The golf club has 36 holes, including four distinct nines representing mountains, oceans, lakes and palms. The lakes and oceans holes have been combined to create the Championship course, while the mountains and palms make up the International course.
With $650,000 and 250 FedExCup points awarded to the winner, this is a great opportunity for those on the fringes to find some momentum. And the field includes six Major champions, including Stewart Cink, Mike Weir and John Daly.
Back in the USA, the Champions Tour pitches up at California’s Newport Beach Country Club for the Toshiba Classic, where Fred Couple defends his title against a strong field.
And staying with the seniors, the European Senior Tour heads for the first time to Mission Hills, China, to stage the ISPS Handa Senior World Championship. According to the Tour, the field includes “three Major champions, two winning Ryder Cup Captains and more than 20 nationalities, sharing between them 125 European Tour titles”.
Meanwhile, the European Challenge Tour resumes on the other side of the world as players tee up in Colombia for the Abierto International Copa Antioquia at Club Campestre. Colombian David Vanegas defends his title.
Phew! There's plenty to look forward to.
Only two weeks after the WGC Accenture World Match Play Championship, it’s time for the Wedgwood to be brought out of the trophy cabinet once more as the second World Golf Championship event of the year, the WGC Cadillac Championship, takes place in Florida.
Befitting such a big event, there is an $8.5m purse on offer - with $1.4m and 550 FedExCup points up for grabs to the winner.
The setting is the fascinating TCP Blue Monster course at Doral. At 7,266 yards (par 72) and with 110 bunkers and 11 water hazards, this course produces golf as dramatic as its setting, with many birdie opportunities on offer.
Ernie Els will be teeing up to defend his title in a 69-strong field including the top-50 players (according to the Official World Golf Rankings) representing 18 countries.
But the ‘Big Easy’ is not among the favourites to win this year. An average of bookmakers’ odds make world number one Martin Kaymer the favourite, with six-time winner Tiger Woods and US Open champion Graeme McDowell just behind.
Elsewhere, those not ranked high enough to compete at Doral head south as the PGA Tour stages the Puerto Rico Open at the Trump International Golf Club – Rio Grande.
The Tom Kite-designed course is a par 72 at 7,569 yards. The golf club has 36 holes, including four distinct nines representing mountains, oceans, lakes and palms. The lakes and oceans holes have been combined to create the Championship course, while the mountains and palms make up the International course.
With $650,000 and 250 FedExCup points awarded to the winner, this is a great opportunity for those on the fringes to find some momentum. And the field includes six Major champions, including Stewart Cink, Mike Weir and John Daly.
Back in the USA, the Champions Tour pitches up at California’s Newport Beach Country Club for the Toshiba Classic, where Fred Couple defends his title against a strong field.
And staying with the seniors, the European Senior Tour heads for the first time to Mission Hills, China, to stage the ISPS Handa Senior World Championship. According to the Tour, the field includes “three Major champions, two winning Ryder Cup Captains and more than 20 nationalities, sharing between them 125 European Tour titles”.
Meanwhile, the European Challenge Tour resumes on the other side of the world as players tee up in Colombia for the Abierto International Copa Antioquia at Club Campestre. Colombian David Vanegas defends his title.
Phew! There's plenty to look forward to.
Monday, 7 March 2011
Rory rides the storm to win Honda Classic
Despite a weather delay for lightning during the business end of Day 4 and charges from Y. E. Yang and Jerry Kelly, South Africa's Rory Sabbatini held on to win the Honda Classic.
This was Sabbatini's first PGA Tour title since the 2009 Byron Nelson Championship and his sixth in total. It also comes only a matter of weeks after he underwent surgery for skin cancer. However, victory sees him qualify for this week's WGC - Caddilac Championship and The Masters.
The Tour's Florida Swing got off to a breezy start at Palm Beach's National Champion Course and Sabbatini had appeared to cope best with the conditions.
Yet the 34-year-old had to grind it out on Day 4 and relied on his five-stroke overnight cushion to see the tournament out. After dropping shots at the 9th and 14th, only a birdie at the par-4 16th, along with pars at the 17th and 18th, allowed some breathing space ahead of the chasing pack.
Korea's Yang made up most ground despite carding a bogey at the second hole. Five subsequent birdies, including a near hole-in-one at the par-3 15th, saw him put pressure on his South African playing partner.
Making up the last group was Kelly, who birdied the final two holes in a closing 67 to claim third place. Elsewhere, a 68 and 67 from Ricky Barnes and Tommy Gainey saw them make up the top five.
Other big movers on Day 4 included Graeme McDowell and Luke Donald. After Sabbatini's course record-equalling 64 on Day 2, McDowell carded the same score with a bogey-free round to leap 24 places up the leaderboard and finish in a tie for sixth.
Likewise, Donald jumped 13 places with a closing 66 for a share of tenth place.
THE TOP FIVE
This was Sabbatini's first PGA Tour title since the 2009 Byron Nelson Championship and his sixth in total. It also comes only a matter of weeks after he underwent surgery for skin cancer. However, victory sees him qualify for this week's WGC - Caddilac Championship and The Masters.
The Tour's Florida Swing got off to a breezy start at Palm Beach's National Champion Course and Sabbatini had appeared to cope best with the conditions.
Yet the 34-year-old had to grind it out on Day 4 and relied on his five-stroke overnight cushion to see the tournament out. After dropping shots at the 9th and 14th, only a birdie at the par-4 16th, along with pars at the 17th and 18th, allowed some breathing space ahead of the chasing pack.
Korea's Yang made up most ground despite carding a bogey at the second hole. Five subsequent birdies, including a near hole-in-one at the par-3 15th, saw him put pressure on his South African playing partner.
Making up the last group was Kelly, who birdied the final two holes in a closing 67 to claim third place. Elsewhere, a 68 and 67 from Ricky Barnes and Tommy Gainey saw them make up the top five.
Other big movers on Day 4 included Graeme McDowell and Luke Donald. After Sabbatini's course record-equalling 64 on Day 2, McDowell carded the same score with a bogey-free round to leap 24 places up the leaderboard and finish in a tie for sixth.
Likewise, Donald jumped 13 places with a closing 66 for a share of tenth place.
THE TOP FIVE
| 1 - Rory Sabbatini (SA) | -9 (71 64 66 70 - 271) | $1,026,000 | ||
| 2 - Y. E. Yang (Kor) | -8 (68 71 67 66 - 272) | $615,600 | ||
| 3 - Jerry Kelly (USA) | -7 (71 67 68 67 - 273) | $387,600 | ||
| 4 - Ricky Barnes (USA) | -4 (70 68 71 67 - 276) | $273,600 | ||
| 5 - Tommy Gainey (USA) | -3 (71 67 71 68 - 277) | $228,000 |
Saturday, 5 March 2011
Rory rolls on
Rory Sabbatini continued to make mincemeat of the PGA National Champion Course after Day 3 of the Honda Classic in Palm Beach, Florida.
A round of 66, including five birdies and one bogey at the par-4, 12th, ensures the South African goes into the final day with a commanding five-stroke lead over the field.
Korea's Y. E. Yang and Jerry Kelly of the USA are tied for second place on -4 having carded rounds of 67 and 68 respectively.
26-year-old Gary Woodland, who tied for second at the Bob Hope Classic in January, is in fourth place on -3, while overnight leader Kyle Stanley dropped to fifth after struggling with a +4, 74.
Elsewhere, some other big names also experienced a leaderboard slump. Charl Schwartzel carded a 74 in a round including eight bogeys and four birdies, and Lee Westwood was well and truly snared at The Bear Trap, bogeying holes 15 to 18 during a costly round of 75.
A round of 66, including five birdies and one bogey at the par-4, 12th, ensures the South African goes into the final day with a commanding five-stroke lead over the field.
Korea's Y. E. Yang and Jerry Kelly of the USA are tied for second place on -4 having carded rounds of 67 and 68 respectively.
26-year-old Gary Woodland, who tied for second at the Bob Hope Classic in January, is in fourth place on -3, while overnight leader Kyle Stanley dropped to fifth after struggling with a +4, 74.
Elsewhere, some other big names also experienced a leaderboard slump. Charl Schwartzel carded a 74 in a round including eight bogeys and four birdies, and Lee Westwood was well and truly snared at The Bear Trap, bogeying holes 15 to 18 during a costly round of 75.
Stanley leads the way in Florida
A blustery Palm Beach Gardens has seen the PGA Tour's 'Florida Swing' get under way with a strong field competing not only against each other, but also Mother Nature and a tough track at the Honda Classic.
Tour rookie Kyle Stanley leads the way after Day 2 at the PGA National Champion Course with a score of -6. This follows a composed round of 66 to add to a 68 on Day 1.
The round of the tournament so far was produced by Rory Sabbatini, who carded a course record-equalling 64 on Day 2 - including a run of five birdies between holes 9 and 15. This superb performance in the wind leaves the South African one stroke behind Stanley in second place, followed by fellow South African Charl Schwartzel in third place on -3.
World number two Lee Westwood is currently tied for eighth place after a 69 on Day 2 left him on -1. He is joined on the same overnight score by four others, including Y. E. Yang and Matt Kuchar.
Tour rookie Kyle Stanley leads the way after Day 2 at the PGA National Champion Course with a score of -6. This follows a composed round of 66 to add to a 68 on Day 1.
The round of the tournament so far was produced by Rory Sabbatini, who carded a course record-equalling 64 on Day 2 - including a run of five birdies between holes 9 and 15. This superb performance in the wind leaves the South African one stroke behind Stanley in second place, followed by fellow South African Charl Schwartzel in third place on -3.
World number two Lee Westwood is currently tied for eighth place after a 69 on Day 2 left him on -1. He is joined on the same overnight score by four others, including Y. E. Yang and Matt Kuchar.
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Five Honda Classic facts
Here are some facts to get your mouths watering in the build up to this week's main PGA Tour event - The Honda Classic.
- The George and Tom Fazio designed PGA National Champion course (redesigned by Jack Nicklaus in 1990) is the hardest ranking course on the PGA Tour outside of the majors. At 7,158 yards (par 70), the course averaged 71.64 last year.
- Holes 15, 16 and 17 are known as 'The Bear Trap' after Nicklaus's redesign.
- There are 78 bunkers and 26 water hazards scattered throughout the course.
- Luke Donald (the man of the moment) won the Honda Classic in 2006, was runner-up in 2008 and co-holds the course record with Greg Chalmers. The have both shot -6, 64.
- This week's tournament purse is $5.6m, with the winner set to net $1.008m and 500 FedExCup Points.
Monday, 28 February 2011
Quote of the day!
"I know winning is a big deal and it's the biggest deal, but being consistent is also important."
Luke Donald on his six-place jump up the world rankings after his first PGA Tour win since 2006.
Europeans lead from the front
After the first World Golf Championship event of the year, the Official World Golf Rankings has had a bit of a shuffle at the top of its leaderboard.
For the first time since 1992, the top four spots are held by Europeans - Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Luke Donald and Graeme McDowell. Paul Casey and Rory McIlroy also appear in the top 10, while Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson drop to fifth and sixth respectively.
Does this indicate a seismic shift in continental dominence between the US and Europe? Well, it's proof that the Europeans have been playing the better golf over the past year and it is a great boost to the kudos of the European Tour.
But these things are cyclical and a non-European will top the list again one day. With Woods and Mickelson carrying the weight of expectation for so long despite their recent concerns away from the course, maybe it's time for some of those around the fringes of greatness in the US to step up to the plate.
One thing the rankings do indicate, however, is that with so much talent on show we might be entering a period where the number one position is shared around for a while after being held by one man for so long.
As a footnote, it's noticeable that there is a distinct lack of Southern Hemisphere and Asian players currently in the top 20 apart from the old campaigners Ernie Els and Retief Goosen. Hopefully this will change as the year progresses and the top end of the world rankings will then have a truly global feel.
For the first time since 1992, the top four spots are held by Europeans - Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Luke Donald and Graeme McDowell. Paul Casey and Rory McIlroy also appear in the top 10, while Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson drop to fifth and sixth respectively.
Does this indicate a seismic shift in continental dominence between the US and Europe? Well, it's proof that the Europeans have been playing the better golf over the past year and it is a great boost to the kudos of the European Tour.
But these things are cyclical and a non-European will top the list again one day. With Woods and Mickelson carrying the weight of expectation for so long despite their recent concerns away from the course, maybe it's time for some of those around the fringes of greatness in the US to step up to the plate.
One thing the rankings do indicate, however, is that with so much talent on show we might be entering a period where the number one position is shared around for a while after being held by one man for so long.
As a footnote, it's noticeable that there is a distinct lack of Southern Hemisphere and Asian players currently in the top 20 apart from the old campaigners Ernie Els and Retief Goosen. Hopefully this will change as the year progresses and the top end of the world rankings will then have a truly global feel.
Wagner stays composed at first extra hole
Johnson Wagner claimed his second PGA Tour title at the Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya-Cancun after an extra hole victory against Spencer Levin.
Thirty-year-old Wagner shot a bogey-free round of 67 on Day 4 to share the lead with Levin on -17, after Levin had scored the best round of the day with a -6, 65.
But when the pair went up the par 4 18th to decide the tournament, a par score was good enough for Wagner against Levin's bogey, leaving the 26-year-old from Sacramento still looking for his first Tour victory.
Fifty-three-year-old Champions Tour player John Cook made a final day charge, shooting 66 to finish in third place on -14, while Chris Stroud, who carded a 63 on Day 2, had a quieter weekend with a pair of 70s to end in fourth on -13.
HOW THEY FINISHED
Thirty-year-old Wagner shot a bogey-free round of 67 on Day 4 to share the lead with Levin on -17, after Levin had scored the best round of the day with a -6, 65.
But when the pair went up the par 4 18th to decide the tournament, a par score was good enough for Wagner against Levin's bogey, leaving the 26-year-old from Sacramento still looking for his first Tour victory.
Fifty-three-year-old Champions Tour player John Cook made a final day charge, shooting 66 to finish in third place on -14, while Chris Stroud, who carded a 63 on Day 2, had a quieter weekend with a pair of 70s to end in fourth on -13.
HOW THEY FINISHED
| 1 - Johnson Wagner (USA) | -17 (69 66 65 67 - 267) | $666,000 | ||
| 2 - Spencer Levin (USA) | -17 (68 67 67 65 - 267) | $399,600 | ||
| 3 - John Cook (USA) | -14 (70 68 66 66 - 270) | $251,600 | ||
| 4 - Chris Stroud (USA) | -13 (68 63 70 70 - 271) | $177,600 |
Donald breaks World Match Play duck
Having played the best golf all week in Tucson, Luke Donald was a deserved winner of the Accenture World Match Play after a 3&2 win over Martin Kaymer.
The Englishman stormed into an early lead in the Championship match, largely thanks to birdies at the second and fourth holes, and was 3 up after five.
But Kaymer wasn't going to roll over easily and fought back, winning the sixth, eight and ninth holes to square the match at the turn.
However, the birdies largely dried up for the German thereafter, whereas Donald was able to win holes at the 11th and 15th with birdies, and at the 12th with a par 3.
When both players scored par at the 16th the game was up, and Donald completed his victory without having to play the 18th in any of his matches.
This was Donald's first PGA Tour victory since the 2006 Honda Classic and launches him up to third place in the Official World Golf Rankings. He also receives the Walter Hagen Cup, $1.4m and 550 FedExCup points for his five days work.
The only consolation for Kaymer is that he ends the week as world number one, so he has plenty to look forward to.
In the third-place match, Matt Kuchar beat Bubba Watson 2&1.
HOW THEY FINISHED
The Englishman stormed into an early lead in the Championship match, largely thanks to birdies at the second and fourth holes, and was 3 up after five.
But Kaymer wasn't going to roll over easily and fought back, winning the sixth, eight and ninth holes to square the match at the turn.
However, the birdies largely dried up for the German thereafter, whereas Donald was able to win holes at the 11th and 15th with birdies, and at the 12th with a par 3.
When both players scored par at the 16th the game was up, and Donald completed his victory without having to play the 18th in any of his matches.
This was Donald's first PGA Tour victory since the 2006 Honda Classic and launches him up to third place in the Official World Golf Rankings. He also receives the Walter Hagen Cup, $1.4m and 550 FedExCup points for his five days work.
The only consolation for Kaymer is that he ends the week as world number one, so he has plenty to look forward to.
In the third-place match, Matt Kuchar beat Bubba Watson 2&1.
HOW THEY FINISHED
| 1 - Luke Donald (Eng) | $1,400,000 | |||
| 2 - Martin Kaymer (Ger) | $850,000 | |||
| 3 - Matt Kuchar (USA) | $600,000 | |||
| 4 - Bubba Watson (USA) | $490,000 |
Sunday, 27 February 2011
There is indeed snow on the cacti!
It was forecast and it came - I'll never be so dismissive again. There was a dusting of snow at Dove Mountain earlier, but it should have melted away before players tee off on the final day of the Accenture World Match Play.
And to prove it, players have been tweeting and posting pictures on Twitter, as reported by the PGA Tour.
And to prove it, players have been tweeting and posting pictures on Twitter, as reported by the PGA Tour.
By George, Coetzee's command performance
After missing out on the Dimension Data Pro-Am title last week, George Coetzee shot a blistering 64 on Day 4 of the Telkom PGA Championship at Johannesburg's Country Club for a victory by two strokes over Neil Schietekat.
The scoring was low all week as the leading players rattled in a succession of birdies and eagles, and breaking 70 was a regular occurrence.
Branden Grace led the field going into the final round but a 69 on Day 4 saw him overtaken by Coetzee, who had battled against him throughout the week, and Schietekat, who fired a closing 66.
Coetzee's last day didn't start well with a bogey at the second. But this was his only blemish as he carded nine birdies throughout the remainder of his round and finished with his second score of -8 for the week.
THE TOP FIVE
The scoring was low all week as the leading players rattled in a succession of birdies and eagles, and breaking 70 was a regular occurrence.
Branden Grace led the field going into the final round but a 69 on Day 4 saw him overtaken by Coetzee, who had battled against him throughout the week, and Schietekat, who fired a closing 66.
Coetzee's last day didn't start well with a bogey at the second. But this was his only blemish as he carded nine birdies throughout the remainder of his round and finished with his second score of -8 for the week.
THE TOP FIVE
| 1 - George Coetzee (SA) | -27 (65 64 68 64 - 261) | SAR515,125 | ||
| 2 - Neil Schietekat (SA) | -25 (68 65 64 66 - 263) | SAR373,750 | ||
| T3 - Garth Mulroy (SA) | -23 (68 66 67 64 - 265) | SAR192,237.50 | ||
| T3 - Branden Grace (SA) | -23 (65 64 67 69 - 265) | SAR192,237.50 | ||
| 5 - Oliver Bekker (SA) | -22 (65 71 65 65 - 266) | SAR134,225 |
Karrie claims HSBC Women's Champions title
With her 37th LPGA Tour victory, Karrie Webb follows Annika Sorenstam as the second LPGA Tour player to pass $16m in career earnings.
The great Australian's last day back-nine charge, including six birdies in eight holes from 9 to 16, was enough for a fourth round score of -3 and victory by one stroke over Japan's Chie Arimura.
Arimura had led the field from Day 1 but could not follow Webb when she made her move, and back nine birdies on the 13th and 16th were cancelled out by bogeys on the 11th and 14th in a closing round of 71.
In third place, Taiwan's Yani Tseng made an early charge on Day 4 in the knowledge she would have to shoot low to continue her amazing winning streak.
Tseng was in contention after scoring -5 for the front nine, but a level par back nine including two birdies and two bogeys ended her challenge.
THE TOP FIVE
The great Australian's last day back-nine charge, including six birdies in eight holes from 9 to 16, was enough for a fourth round score of -3 and victory by one stroke over Japan's Chie Arimura.
Arimura had led the field from Day 1 but could not follow Webb when she made her move, and back nine birdies on the 13th and 16th were cancelled out by bogeys on the 11th and 14th in a closing round of 71.
In third place, Taiwan's Yani Tseng made an early charge on Day 4 in the knowledge she would have to shoot low to continue her amazing winning streak.
Tseng was in contention after scoring -5 for the front nine, but a level par back nine including two birdies and two bogeys ended her challenge.
THE TOP FIVE
| 1 - Karrie Webb (Aus) | -13 (70 66 70 69 - 275) | $210,000 | ||
| 2 - Chie Arimura (Jpn) | -12 (68 66 71 71 - 276) | $132,846 | ||
| 3 - Yani Tseng (Tai) | -10 (70 72 69 67 - 278) | $96,370 | ||
| 4 - Sun Young Yoo (Kor) | -8 (70 68 73 69 - 280) | $74,550 | ||
| 5 - Morgan Pressel (USA) | -7 (73 69 71 68 - 281) | $60,004 |
On-fire Donald to face new world number one
So the Accenture World Match Play Championship match will be an all-European affair for the second year running as Martin Kaymer takes on Luke Donald.
Kaymer, who overtakes Lee Westwood as number one in the world by making the final, won through two epic matches on Saturday.
Having seen off Miguel Angel Jimenez at the 18th hole of their quarter-final, Kaymer was once again taken the distance, this time by Bubba Watson - who needed an extra hole win himself in the morning.
In a nip and tuck battle, both golfers traded blows on the front nine. But Kaymer edged ahead after the turn with birdies on 13 and 15, while bogeys on 15 and 16 dented Watson's hopes.
With Kaymer dormie 2 after 16, Watson birdied the 17th to keep the match alive but struggled up the last - finding a bunker from the tee and missing the green in regulation - and the German held on for the win with a par.
In the other semi-final, Donald continued his rich vein of form - after convincingly defeating Ryan Moore in their morning quarter-final - with a one-sided 6&5 victory over Matt Kuchar.
Needing only to play a combined 27 holes to see off both opponents, Donald once again hit a hot birdie streak in the afternoon, adding six more to his name - that's 22 for 72 holes played this week.
In fact, the Englishman has not yet been behind in a match and hasn't had to tee up on the 18th so far. This should make him the fresher of the two players in the Championship match with Kaymer having played 36 holes today.
CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Luke Donald (Eng) v Martin Kaymer (Ger)
CONSOLATION MATCH
Matt Kuchar (USA) v Bubba Watson (USA)
Kaymer, who overtakes Lee Westwood as number one in the world by making the final, won through two epic matches on Saturday.
Having seen off Miguel Angel Jimenez at the 18th hole of their quarter-final, Kaymer was once again taken the distance, this time by Bubba Watson - who needed an extra hole win himself in the morning.
In a nip and tuck battle, both golfers traded blows on the front nine. But Kaymer edged ahead after the turn with birdies on 13 and 15, while bogeys on 15 and 16 dented Watson's hopes.
With Kaymer dormie 2 after 16, Watson birdied the 17th to keep the match alive but struggled up the last - finding a bunker from the tee and missing the green in regulation - and the German held on for the win with a par.
In the other semi-final, Donald continued his rich vein of form - after convincingly defeating Ryan Moore in their morning quarter-final - with a one-sided 6&5 victory over Matt Kuchar.
Needing only to play a combined 27 holes to see off both opponents, Donald once again hit a hot birdie streak in the afternoon, adding six more to his name - that's 22 for 72 holes played this week.
In fact, the Englishman has not yet been behind in a match and hasn't had to tee up on the 18th so far. This should make him the fresher of the two players in the Championship match with Kaymer having played 36 holes today.
CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Luke Donald (Eng) v Martin Kaymer (Ger)
CONSOLATION MATCH
Matt Kuchar (USA) v Bubba Watson (USA)
Saturday, 26 February 2011
The fantastic four fight it out
What a titanic struggle it proved to be between two of the game's longest hitters as Bubba Watson and J. B. Holmes needed an extra hole to decide their Accenture World Match Play quarter-final match.
Yet, early on, few would have predicted the drama about to unfold as Holmes was 5 up after 10 holes, leaving the watching galleries to wonder which pairing to follow next.
But back came Bubba, winning five of the last eight holes to take the match to extra time, where a par against Holmes' bogey gave him the match.
After a 30-minutes break, Watson will play Martin Kaymer in the semi-final after the German beat Miguel Angel Jimenez 1 up in another encounter that went up the 18th. Once again, this scenario seemed unlikely when Kaymer was dormie four at the 14th.
Jimenez, the veteran campaigner, won 15, 16 and 17, leaving it tense up the last. But the Spaniard failed to give himself a birdie chance and could only halve the hole.
Luke Donald looked very tidy in his quarter-final against Ryan Moore, comfortably winning 5&4. Another five birdies for the Englishman were too good for his opponent, and the bookies have Donald as favourite to win his semi-final against Matt Kuchar, who defeated Y. E. Yang 2&1 in a tense encounter.
The American was always ahead in this match and was 4 up at the turn. Yang won a couple of holes on the back nine to make a game of it, but failed to make a birdie after the 10th and put pressure on his opponent.
THE SEMI-FINAL LINE-UP
Luke Donald (Eng) v Matt Kuchar (USA)
Bubba Watson (USA) v Martin Kaymer (Ger)
Yet, early on, few would have predicted the drama about to unfold as Holmes was 5 up after 10 holes, leaving the watching galleries to wonder which pairing to follow next.
But back came Bubba, winning five of the last eight holes to take the match to extra time, where a par against Holmes' bogey gave him the match.
After a 30-minutes break, Watson will play Martin Kaymer in the semi-final after the German beat Miguel Angel Jimenez 1 up in another encounter that went up the 18th. Once again, this scenario seemed unlikely when Kaymer was dormie four at the 14th.
Jimenez, the veteran campaigner, won 15, 16 and 17, leaving it tense up the last. But the Spaniard failed to give himself a birdie chance and could only halve the hole.
Luke Donald looked very tidy in his quarter-final against Ryan Moore, comfortably winning 5&4. Another five birdies for the Englishman were too good for his opponent, and the bookies have Donald as favourite to win his semi-final against Matt Kuchar, who defeated Y. E. Yang 2&1 in a tense encounter.
The American was always ahead in this match and was 4 up at the turn. Yang won a couple of holes on the back nine to make a game of it, but failed to make a birdie after the 10th and put pressure on his opponent.
THE SEMI-FINAL LINE-UP
Luke Donald (Eng) v Matt Kuchar (USA)
Bubba Watson (USA) v Martin Kaymer (Ger)
World Match Play schedule change is snow joke
Due to inclement weather predictions for Tucson on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, including possible snow - in the desert! - the weekend schedule for the Accenture World Match Play has been slightly rearranged.
Saturday will now see both the last eight and last four matches being played, with just the 18-hole Championship match and third-place match taking place on Sunday.
I can't wait to see pictures of snow on the cacti.
Saturday will now see both the last eight and last four matches being played, with just the 18-hole Championship match and third-place match taking place on Sunday.
I can't wait to see pictures of snow on the cacti.
Nothing counts more than experience
Well, what a difference a day makes. After bigging-up the prospects of golf's top young talent yesterday, all but Martin Kaymer progressed through to the last eight of the Accenture World Matchplay out of those mentioned.
Things are looking good for the German to be ranked as the world's best player on Sunday after Graeme McDowell and Geoff Ogilvy also tumbled out of the tournament.
Australian Ogilvy was hammered 6&4 by big-hitting Bubba Watson, who was -9 for 14 holes. In the same bracket, J.B Holmes continued his astonishing week after flying in as a last-minute alternate, with a 1 up win over Jason Day.
In the Ben Hogan bracket, Rickie Fowler could not repeat his form against Phil Mickelson as he fell 2&1 to compatriot Matt Kuchar, while Y. E. Yang nailed four birdies in a row on the back nine to beat McDowell 3&2.
After only playing 11 holes on Thursday, Ben Crane played 12 on Friday in the Gary Player bracket. But this time he was the one on the end of a big loss, losing 7&6 to Miguel Angel Jimenez. Meanwhile, Kaymer left it late to defeat Hunter Mahan 2&1 after trailing for most of the match.
Finally, in the Bobby Jones bracket, England's Luke Donald brought 17-year-old Italian Matteo Manassero's run to an end with a 3&2 victory, while Ryan Moore and Nick Watney required an extra hole to decide their match. Moore secured victory with an 11-foot birdie.
THE LAST EIGHT
Ryan Moore (USA) v Luke Donald (Eng)
Matt Kuchar (USA) v Y. E. Yang (Kor)
Martin Kaymer (Ger) v Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spa)
Bubba Watson (USA) v J. B. Holmes (USA)
Things are looking good for the German to be ranked as the world's best player on Sunday after Graeme McDowell and Geoff Ogilvy also tumbled out of the tournament.
Australian Ogilvy was hammered 6&4 by big-hitting Bubba Watson, who was -9 for 14 holes. In the same bracket, J.B Holmes continued his astonishing week after flying in as a last-minute alternate, with a 1 up win over Jason Day.
In the Ben Hogan bracket, Rickie Fowler could not repeat his form against Phil Mickelson as he fell 2&1 to compatriot Matt Kuchar, while Y. E. Yang nailed four birdies in a row on the back nine to beat McDowell 3&2.
After only playing 11 holes on Thursday, Ben Crane played 12 on Friday in the Gary Player bracket. But this time he was the one on the end of a big loss, losing 7&6 to Miguel Angel Jimenez. Meanwhile, Kaymer left it late to defeat Hunter Mahan 2&1 after trailing for most of the match.
Finally, in the Bobby Jones bracket, England's Luke Donald brought 17-year-old Italian Matteo Manassero's run to an end with a 3&2 victory, while Ryan Moore and Nick Watney required an extra hole to decide their match. Moore secured victory with an 11-foot birdie.
THE LAST EIGHT
Ryan Moore (USA) v Luke Donald (Eng)
Matt Kuchar (USA) v Y. E. Yang (Kor)
Martin Kaymer (Ger) v Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spa)
Bubba Watson (USA) v J. B. Holmes (USA)
Prom wins Asian qualifying for the Open
The Asian International Final Qualifying event for this year's Open Championship has taken place at Thailand's Amata Spring Country Club, with Prom Meesawat (Thai), Tetsuji Hiratsuka (Jpn), Lam Chih Bing (Sing) and Jason Knutzon (USA) winning the four available berths to play at Royal St Georges later this year.
Over two days (36 holes) of competition, the 77-strong field consisted of 25 Tour winners. But it was Prom who came out on top to qualify for his first Open with scores of 67 and 65. After a first round of 70, Hiratsuka claimed his place with a stunning second round of 64 - the best score of Day 2.
Bing and Knutzon broke 70 on both days to claim the third and fourth spots. Day 1 leader Kodai Ichihara (Jpn) missed out on a play-off with Knutzon after squandering a birdie putt at the last hole in his round of 72.
This year's Open Championship take place at Royal St George's from July 14-17.
Over two days (36 holes) of competition, the 77-strong field consisted of 25 Tour winners. But it was Prom who came out on top to qualify for his first Open with scores of 67 and 65. After a first round of 70, Hiratsuka claimed his place with a stunning second round of 64 - the best score of Day 2.
Bing and Knutzon broke 70 on both days to claim the third and fourth spots. Day 1 leader Kodai Ichihara (Jpn) missed out on a play-off with Knutzon after squandering a birdie putt at the last hole in his round of 72.
This year's Open Championship take place at Royal St George's from July 14-17.
Friday, 25 February 2011
Quote of the day!
"I've never really advanced, I think, past the Sweet 16. So I don't think that anyone is going, 'Wow, Ben Crane is really coming through this bracket. Look out. Gosh, sorry you've got to play Ben Crane. Boy, tough draw there.' "
Ben Crane, keeping his feet firmly on the ground after his 8&7 demolition of Rory McIlroy on Day 2 of the Accenture World Match Play.
Young guns call the shots in Tucson
OK, so apart from Rory McIlroy's annihilation by Ben Crane on Day 2 at the Accenture World Match Play - the Northern Irishman losing 8&7 and barely making it around two thirds of the course - there is a surprisingly youthful feel to the last 16.
Seventeen-year-old Italian Matteo Manassero is leading the way after a couple of hard fought wins against Steve Stricker and Charl Schwartzel. He's up against experienced Ryder Cup campaigner Luke Donald on Day 3 in an all-European encounter.
Rickie Fowler (22) showed glimpses of his prodigious talent after giving Phil Mickelson a 6&5 wallop on Day 2, while Australian Jason Day (23) knocked out defending champion Paul Casey 4&2.
In fact, our friends at the PGA Tour reliably inform us that half of the remaining field are under 30 years of age. This includes Martin Kaymer (26), who could leap to the top of the world rankings if he makes the final this weekend.
Yet, don't dismiss the older hands too soon. Two-time winner Geoff Ogilvy knows his way around the course, and the likes of Graeme McDowell, Y. E. Yang and Miguel Angel Jimenez are no pushovers. With such an open field it's all to play for.
THE SWEET 16
Rickie Fowler (USA) v Matt Kuchar (USA)
Graeme McDowell (NI) v Y. E. Yang (Kor)
Geoff Ogilvy (Aus) v Bubba Watson (USA)
Jason Day (Aus) v J. B. Holmes (USA)
Nick Watney (USA) v Ryan Moore (USA)
Matteo Manassero (Ita) v Luke Donald (Eng)
Martin Kaymer (Ger) v Hunter Mahan (USA)
Ben Crane (USA) v Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spa)
Seventeen-year-old Italian Matteo Manassero is leading the way after a couple of hard fought wins against Steve Stricker and Charl Schwartzel. He's up against experienced Ryder Cup campaigner Luke Donald on Day 3 in an all-European encounter.
Rickie Fowler (22) showed glimpses of his prodigious talent after giving Phil Mickelson a 6&5 wallop on Day 2, while Australian Jason Day (23) knocked out defending champion Paul Casey 4&2.
In fact, our friends at the PGA Tour reliably inform us that half of the remaining field are under 30 years of age. This includes Martin Kaymer (26), who could leap to the top of the world rankings if he makes the final this weekend.
Yet, don't dismiss the older hands too soon. Two-time winner Geoff Ogilvy knows his way around the course, and the likes of Graeme McDowell, Y. E. Yang and Miguel Angel Jimenez are no pushovers. With such an open field it's all to play for.
THE SWEET 16
Rickie Fowler (USA) v Matt Kuchar (USA)
Graeme McDowell (NI) v Y. E. Yang (Kor)
Geoff Ogilvy (Aus) v Bubba Watson (USA)
Jason Day (Aus) v J. B. Holmes (USA)
Nick Watney (USA) v Ryan Moore (USA)
Matteo Manassero (Ita) v Luke Donald (Eng)
Martin Kaymer (Ger) v Hunter Mahan (USA)
Ben Crane (USA) v Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spa)
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
Tour Preview
For those men not ranked in the top 64 in the world, there is still much to play for away from the World Match Play in Arizona.
A $3.7m purse is the total prize fund on the PGA Tour at the Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya-Cancun. Last week's Northern Trust Open winner Aaron Baddeley is in the field for his first appearance in this event, along with 2008 winner Brian Gay and defending champ Cameron Beckman.
The LPGA continues its Asian swing and this week rolls up in Singapore for the HSBC Women's Champions. Now in its fourth year, Japan's Ai Miyazato defends her title against a stellar field including the in-form Yani Tseng.
One of the best groups to follow on day 1 at Tanah Merah Country Club includes I.K. Kim, Karrie Webb and Paula Creamer - all finished in the top five last week.
Elsewhere, the Sunshine Tour heads to Johannesburg Country Club for the Telkom PGA Championship, while in Asia, International Final Qualifying for this year's Open Championship takes place at Amata Spring Country Club, Bangkok.
A $3.7m purse is the total prize fund on the PGA Tour at the Mayakoba Golf Classic at Riviera Maya-Cancun. Last week's Northern Trust Open winner Aaron Baddeley is in the field for his first appearance in this event, along with 2008 winner Brian Gay and defending champ Cameron Beckman.
The LPGA continues its Asian swing and this week rolls up in Singapore for the HSBC Women's Champions. Now in its fourth year, Japan's Ai Miyazato defends her title against a stellar field including the in-form Yani Tseng.
One of the best groups to follow on day 1 at Tanah Merah Country Club includes I.K. Kim, Karrie Webb and Paula Creamer - all finished in the top five last week.
Elsewhere, the Sunshine Tour heads to Johannesburg Country Club for the Telkom PGA Championship, while in Asia, International Final Qualifying for this year's Open Championship takes place at Amata Spring Country Club, Bangkok.
World Match Play - quick facts
Prepare yourself to be bombarded with words such as brackets, pairings and dormies over the next few days as the Accenture World Match Play 2011 takes place at the Ritz Carlton Golf Course in Arizona.
Split into four brackets (groups) of eight, the world's best 64 players are paired in a field that is folded in half for the first round - so the top-ranked player (Lee Westwood) plays the bottom-ranked (Henrik Stenson), 2 plays 63, 3 plays 62 and so on.
This is the first World Golf Championship event of the year and has an $8m prize fund. Latest betting shows Paul Casey to be the current bookies' favourite at prices ranging from 12-1 to 14-1. The Englishman has a fine history in match play and has twice been runner-up in this event.
Three-time winner Tiger Woods is just behind Casey - but who knows how consistent Tiger will be over five days. Elsewhere, last year's winner, Ian Poulter, is currently being backed at odds between 25-1 and 30-1.
See this pdf print-out to see how the full draw unfolds.
ACCENTURE WORLD MATCH PLAY 2011 FIRST ROUND DRAW
Bobby Jones Bracket
(1) Lee Westwood (Eng) v (64) Henrik Stenson (Swe)
(32) Nick Watney (USA) v (33) Anthony Kim (USA)
(16) Retief Goosen (SA) v (49) KJ Choi (Kor)
(17) Francesco Molinari (Ita) v (48) Ryan Moore (USA)
(8) Steve Stricker (USA) v (57) Matteo Manassero (Ita)
(25) Charl Schwartzel (SA) v (40) Ryo Ishikawa (Jpn)
(9) Luke Donald (Eng) v (56) Charley Hoffman (USA)
(24) Edoardo Molinari (Ita) v (41) Martin Laird (Sco)
Ben Hogan Bracket
(4) Phil Mickelson (USA) v (61) Brendan Jones (Aus)
(29) Rickie Fowler (USA) v (36) Peter Hanson (Swe)
(13) Matt Kuchar (USA) v (52) Anders Hansen (Den)
(20) Louis Oosthuizen (SA) v (45) Bo Van Pelt (USA)
(5) Graeme McDowell (NI) v (60) Heath Slocum USA)
(28) Robert Allenby (Aus) v (37) Ross Fisher (Eng)
(12) Ian Poulter (Eng) v (53) Stewart Cink (USA)
(21) Alvaro Quiros (Spa) v (44) Y. E. Yang (Kor)
Gary Player Bracket
(2) Martin Kaymer (Ger) v (63) Noh Seung-yul (Kor)
(31) Zach Johnson (USA) v (34) Justin Rose (Eng)
(15) Robert Karlsson (Swe) v (50) Hiroyuki Fujita (Jpn)
(18) Hunter Mahan (USA) v (47) Sean O'Hair (USA)
(7) Rory McIlroy (NI) v (58) Jonathan Byrd (USA)
(26) Adam Scott (Aus) v (39) Ben Crane (USA)
(10) Jim Furyk (USA) v (55) Ryan Palmer (USA)
(23) Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spa) v (42) Yuta Ikeda (Jpn)
Sam Snead Bracket
(3) Tiger Woods (USA) v (62) Thomas Bjorn (Den)
(30) Geoff Ogilvy (Aus) v (35) Padraig Harrington (Ire)
(14) Dustin Johnson (USA) v (51) Mark Wilson (USA)
(19) Bubba Watson (USA) v (46) Bill Haas (USA)
(6) Paul Casey (Eng) v (59) Richard Green (Aus)
(27) Kim Kyung-tae (Kor) v (38) Jason Day (Aus)
(11) Ernie Els (SA) v (54) Jeff Overton (USA)
(Alt*) J. B. Holmes (USA) v (43) Camilo Villegas (Col)
* J. B. Holmes is final alternate after South Africa's Tim Clarke withdrew due to injury.
Split into four brackets (groups) of eight, the world's best 64 players are paired in a field that is folded in half for the first round - so the top-ranked player (Lee Westwood) plays the bottom-ranked (Henrik Stenson), 2 plays 63, 3 plays 62 and so on.
This is the first World Golf Championship event of the year and has an $8m prize fund. Latest betting shows Paul Casey to be the current bookies' favourite at prices ranging from 12-1 to 14-1. The Englishman has a fine history in match play and has twice been runner-up in this event.
Three-time winner Tiger Woods is just behind Casey - but who knows how consistent Tiger will be over five days. Elsewhere, last year's winner, Ian Poulter, is currently being backed at odds between 25-1 and 30-1.
See this pdf print-out to see how the full draw unfolds.
ACCENTURE WORLD MATCH PLAY 2011 FIRST ROUND DRAW
Bobby Jones Bracket
(1) Lee Westwood (Eng) v (64) Henrik Stenson (Swe)
(32) Nick Watney (USA) v (33) Anthony Kim (USA)
(16) Retief Goosen (SA) v (49) KJ Choi (Kor)
(17) Francesco Molinari (Ita) v (48) Ryan Moore (USA)
(8) Steve Stricker (USA) v (57) Matteo Manassero (Ita)
(25) Charl Schwartzel (SA) v (40) Ryo Ishikawa (Jpn)
(9) Luke Donald (Eng) v (56) Charley Hoffman (USA)
(24) Edoardo Molinari (Ita) v (41) Martin Laird (Sco)
Ben Hogan Bracket
(4) Phil Mickelson (USA) v (61) Brendan Jones (Aus)
(29) Rickie Fowler (USA) v (36) Peter Hanson (Swe)
(13) Matt Kuchar (USA) v (52) Anders Hansen (Den)
(20) Louis Oosthuizen (SA) v (45) Bo Van Pelt (USA)
(5) Graeme McDowell (NI) v (60) Heath Slocum USA)
(28) Robert Allenby (Aus) v (37) Ross Fisher (Eng)
(12) Ian Poulter (Eng) v (53) Stewart Cink (USA)
(21) Alvaro Quiros (Spa) v (44) Y. E. Yang (Kor)
Gary Player Bracket
(2) Martin Kaymer (Ger) v (63) Noh Seung-yul (Kor)
(31) Zach Johnson (USA) v (34) Justin Rose (Eng)
(15) Robert Karlsson (Swe) v (50) Hiroyuki Fujita (Jpn)
(18) Hunter Mahan (USA) v (47) Sean O'Hair (USA)
(7) Rory McIlroy (NI) v (58) Jonathan Byrd (USA)
(26) Adam Scott (Aus) v (39) Ben Crane (USA)
(10) Jim Furyk (USA) v (55) Ryan Palmer (USA)
(23) Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spa) v (42) Yuta Ikeda (Jpn)
Sam Snead Bracket
(3) Tiger Woods (USA) v (62) Thomas Bjorn (Den)
(30) Geoff Ogilvy (Aus) v (35) Padraig Harrington (Ire)
(14) Dustin Johnson (USA) v (51) Mark Wilson (USA)
(19) Bubba Watson (USA) v (46) Bill Haas (USA)
(6) Paul Casey (Eng) v (59) Richard Green (Aus)
(27) Kim Kyung-tae (Kor) v (38) Jason Day (Aus)
(11) Ernie Els (SA) v (54) Jeff Overton (USA)
(Alt*) J. B. Holmes (USA) v (43) Camilo Villegas (Col)
* J. B. Holmes is final alternate after South Africa's Tim Clarke withdrew due to injury.
Tuesday, 22 February 2011
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Christchurch earthquake puts golf in perspective
On Sunday, Australia's Kristie Smith tapped in for a birdie on the 18th green to claim the Pegasus NZ Women's Open at Pegasus Golf Club, just north of Christchurch.
Less than 48 hours later, New Zealand's second largest city has been left in ruins after a massive earthquake, with dozens feared dead and many more injured.
Buidlings and golf courses can be repaired and replaced, but the physical and psychological wounds created by nature's indiscriminate power will take much longer to mend.
As many people around the world rush to find out if relatives and friends are safe and well, the achievements of Kristie Smith on a golf course two days ago are already a mere footnote to this city's history.
Less than 48 hours later, New Zealand's second largest city has been left in ruins after a massive earthquake, with dozens feared dead and many more injured.
Buidlings and golf courses can be repaired and replaced, but the physical and psychological wounds created by nature's indiscriminate power will take much longer to mend.
As many people around the world rush to find out if relatives and friends are safe and well, the achievements of Kristie Smith on a golf course two days ago are already a mere footnote to this city's history.
Monday, 21 February 2011
Record-breaking Bernhard
The scoring was low at The Quarry in Naples, Florida, as Bernhard Langer won the Champion Tour's ACE Group Classic with a tournament record score of -20.
After firing a 64 on day 1, Langer continued his fine form with two further rounds of 66, finishing four shots clear of Fred Funk, who also hit two 66s after an opening round of 68.
This was Langer's 14th Champions Tour title and he doesn't appear to be tired of winning trophies.
He said: "It never gets old no matter where or how big the tournament, whether it's a major or not. Winning is what we're out here for, what I practise for."
South Africa's Nick Price and Russ Cochran tied in third a stroke behind Funk, and Mark Calcavecchia was a further stroke back in fifth place.
THE TOP FIVE
After firing a 64 on day 1, Langer continued his fine form with two further rounds of 66, finishing four shots clear of Fred Funk, who also hit two 66s after an opening round of 68.
This was Langer's 14th Champions Tour title and he doesn't appear to be tired of winning trophies.
He said: "It never gets old no matter where or how big the tournament, whether it's a major or not. Winning is what we're out here for, what I practise for."
South Africa's Nick Price and Russ Cochran tied in third a stroke behind Funk, and Mark Calcavecchia was a further stroke back in fifth place.
THE TOP FIVE
| 1 - Bernhard Langer (Ger) | -20 (64 66 66 - 196) | $240,000 | ||
| 2 - Fred Funk (USA) | -16 (68 66 66 - 200) | $140,800 | ||
| T3 - Nick Price (SA) | -15 (68 67 66 - 201) | $105,600 | ||
| T3 - Russ Cochran (USA) | -15 (64 70 67 - 201) | $105,600 | ||
| 5 - Mark Calcavecchia (USA) | -14 (67 67 68 - 202) | $76,800 |
Baddeley back in business
Australian Aaron Baddeley emerged from the wilderness to claim his first PGA title since 2007 after winning the Northern Trust Open.
Having spent the last couple of years reworking his swing, the 29-year-old played solid golf all week at the Riviera Country Club - breaking 70 on all four days.
Baddeley's closing round of 69 included four birdies and only one hiccup, when double-bogeying the par 4 12th, as he held off the chasing pack led by Vijay Singh.
At one stage Singh was challenging for the lead, but bogeys on 12 and 13 saw his momentum fade.
For a short while on day 4, it also looked like Fred Couples would roll back the years with a win for the sentimentalists in the galleries and watching on the TV.
The 51-year-old birdied the first three holes to take the outright lead, but had lost these shots by the turn and, with three more strokes slipping by on the way in, he eventually finished in a tie for seventh on -7.
HOW THEY FINISHED
Having spent the last couple of years reworking his swing, the 29-year-old played solid golf all week at the Riviera Country Club - breaking 70 on all four days.
Baddeley's closing round of 69 included four birdies and only one hiccup, when double-bogeying the par 4 12th, as he held off the chasing pack led by Vijay Singh.
At one stage Singh was challenging for the lead, but bogeys on 12 and 13 saw his momentum fade.
For a short while on day 4, it also looked like Fred Couples would roll back the years with a win for the sentimentalists in the galleries and watching on the TV.
The 51-year-old birdied the first three holes to take the outright lead, but had lost these shots by the turn and, with three more strokes slipping by on the way in, he eventually finished in a tie for seventh on -7.
HOW THEY FINISHED
| 1 - Aaron Baddeley (Aus) | -12 (67 69 67 68 - 272) | $1,170.000 | ||
| 2 - Vijay Singh (Fij) | -10 (68 70 67 69 - 274) | $702,000 | ||
| 3 - Kevin Na (USA) | -9 (71 66 67 71 - 275) | $442,000 | ||
| T4 - Jimmy Walker (USA) | -8 (68 71 69 68 - 276) | $268,666.67 | ||
| T4 - Robert Allenby (Aus) | -8 (67 70 71 68 - 276) | $268,666.67 | ||
| T4 - Ryan Moore (USA) | -8 (69 68 70 69 - 276) | $268,666.67 |
Sunday, 20 February 2011
Otto on top at Fancourt
Hennie Otto has jumped to sixth place on the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit after his victory at the Dimension Data Pro-Am at Fancourt, George.
A closing round of 68 helped the 34-year-old to the title after overnight leader George Coetzee dropped back to third with a disappointing 74.
This victory is Otto's 10th on the Sunshine Tour and gives him exemption into the $8.5m World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational in August.
James Kingston followed up his recent good form in Dubai with another strong performance. He also shot a fourth round of 68 to finish in second place.
HOW THEY FINISHED
A closing round of 68 helped the 34-year-old to the title after overnight leader George Coetzee dropped back to third with a disappointing 74.
This victory is Otto's 10th on the Sunshine Tour and gives him exemption into the $8.5m World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational in August.
James Kingston followed up his recent good form in Dubai with another strong performance. He also shot a fourth round of 68 to finish in second place.
HOW THEY FINISHED
| 1 - Hennie Otto (RSA) | -16 (68 71 66 68 - 273) | SAR 475,500 | ||
| 2 - James Kingston (RSA) | -12 (67 72 70 68 - 277) | SAR 345,000 | ||
| 3 - George Coetzee (RSA) | -11 (70 65 69 74 - 278) | SAR 207,600 | ||
| T4 - Branden Grace (RSA) | -9 (73 67 69 71 - 280) | SAR 135,600 | ||
| T4 - Warren Abery (RSA) | -9 (69 71 70 70 - 280) | SAR 135,600 |
Tseng shows why she is No. 1
Rolex Rankings Number 1 Yani Tseng powered to victory at the LPGA's season-opener, the Honda LPGA Thailand, after firing a 66 on the final day for a leading score of -15.
This was five shots clear of nearest rival Michelle Wie, who could only muster a closing round of 70 around the Pattaya Old Course at Siam Country Club. But along with Tseng and Karrie Webb (tied third), Wie automatically wins a place at the season-ending Titleholders tournament.
Tseng has now played four tournaments in 2011, including the LET's Australian Open and Australian Ladies Masters, and has won the lot, confirming her position at the top of the rankings.
She said after her victory, which merited a $217,500 pay checque: "I just tried my best and I know I had lots of confidence, but with all the great golfers out here, you never know until the last putt drops in.
"I know I needed to stay patient. All day, I was patient and focused and I just tried to control what I could control."
THE TOP FIVE
This was five shots clear of nearest rival Michelle Wie, who could only muster a closing round of 70 around the Pattaya Old Course at Siam Country Club. But along with Tseng and Karrie Webb (tied third), Wie automatically wins a place at the season-ending Titleholders tournament.
Tseng has now played four tournaments in 2011, including the LET's Australian Open and Australian Ladies Masters, and has won the lot, confirming her position at the top of the rankings.
She said after her victory, which merited a $217,500 pay checque: "I just tried my best and I know I had lots of confidence, but with all the great golfers out here, you never know until the last putt drops in.
"I know I needed to stay patient. All day, I was patient and focused and I just tried to control what I could control."
THE TOP FIVE
| 1 - Yani Tseng (Tai) | -15 (66 71 70 66 - 273) | $217,500 | ||
| 2 - Michelle Wie (USA) | -10 (69 68 71 70 - 278) | $140,360 | ||
| T3 - Karrie Webb (Aus) | -9 (74 68 68 69 - 279) | $90,294 | ||
| T3 - I.K. Kim (Kor) | -9 (63 73 72 71 - 279) | $90,294 | ||
| 5 - Paula Creamer (USA) | -8 (69 70 70 71 - 280) | $63,398 |
Super Smith wins in New Zealand
Australian Kristie Smith claimed her maiden Ladies European Tour title with victory at the Pegasus NZ Women's Open in Christchurch.
In only her second year on Tour, the daughter of Australian pro Wayne Smith battled against a strong wind to card a final round of 68 on her way to a -12 total.
Overnight leader Giulia Sergas of Italy continued a poor run of holes (she dropped three shots on the final two holes of day 3, including a shot for a time penalty) with a bogey, bogey, triple-bogey start to day 4.
This opened the door for the chasing pack and allowed Smith to take the lead with some controlled iron play and sound putting.
Sergas eventually finished tied for second place with America's Tiffany Joh on -9, while the improving Melissa Reid from England and 13-year-old New Zealand amateur sensation Lydia Ko finished tied for fourth on -7.
HOW THEY FINISHED
In only her second year on Tour, the daughter of Australian pro Wayne Smith battled against a strong wind to card a final round of 68 on her way to a -12 total.
Overnight leader Giulia Sergas of Italy continued a poor run of holes (she dropped three shots on the final two holes of day 3, including a shot for a time penalty) with a bogey, bogey, triple-bogey start to day 4.
This opened the door for the chasing pack and allowed Smith to take the lead with some controlled iron play and sound putting.
Sergas eventually finished tied for second place with America's Tiffany Joh on -9, while the improving Melissa Reid from England and 13-year-old New Zealand amateur sensation Lydia Ko finished tied for fourth on -7.
HOW THEY FINISHED
| 1 - Kristie Smith (Aus) | -12 (71 64 73 68 - 276) | €33,333.33 | ||
| T2 - Tiffany Joh (USA) | -9 (74 67 68 70 - 279) | €18,888.88 | ||
| T2 - Giulia Sergas (Ita) | -9 (64 69 70 76 - 279) | €18,888.88 | ||
| T4 - Melissa Reid (Eng) | -7 (74 70 68 69 - 281) | €11,111.11 | ||
| T4 - Lydia Ko (NZ) | -7 (70 68 72 71 - 281) | Amateur |
Chowrasia triumphs as Coles collapses
S S P Chowrasia claimed his second European Tour title after winning the Avantha Masters by one stroke from England's Robert Coles, and the €300,000 top prize.
The 32-year-old from Kolkata carded seven birdies over the first 14 holes, leading to a final day best score of 67 and a total of -15.
However, it wasn't all plain sailing for Chowrasia after he double-bogeyed the 187 yards par 3, 16th, and watched Coles make a hash of the par 5 18th, when at least par for the Englishman would have forced a play-off.
Coles, who is still waiting for his first European Tour title, had numerous birdie chances along the final stretch, which he failed to take advantage of. He even left himself a birdie putt to win the tournament at the last, but was heavy-handed with his stroke and missed the return putt for par.
Ultimately, a closing round of 70 wasn't good enough for Coles, who will have nightmares about his final four shots for a long time.
France's Gregory Havret finished in third, a further shot back after his final round of 68, and Denmark's Robert Jan-Derksen claimed fourth spot.
THE TOP FIVE
The 32-year-old from Kolkata carded seven birdies over the first 14 holes, leading to a final day best score of 67 and a total of -15.
However, it wasn't all plain sailing for Chowrasia after he double-bogeyed the 187 yards par 3, 16th, and watched Coles make a hash of the par 5 18th, when at least par for the Englishman would have forced a play-off.
Coles, who is still waiting for his first European Tour title, had numerous birdie chances along the final stretch, which he failed to take advantage of. He even left himself a birdie putt to win the tournament at the last, but was heavy-handed with his stroke and missed the return putt for par.
Ultimately, a closing round of 70 wasn't good enough for Coles, who will have nightmares about his final four shots for a long time.
France's Gregory Havret finished in third, a further shot back after his final round of 68, and Denmark's Robert Jan-Derksen claimed fourth spot.
THE TOP FIVE
| 1 - S S P Chowrasia (Ind) | -15 (70 69 67 67 - 273) | €300,000 | ||
| 2 - Robert Coles (Eng) | -14 (70 67 67 70 - 274) | €200,000 | ||
| 3 - Gregory Havret (Fra) | -13 (72 67 68 68 - 275) | €112,680 | ||
| 4 - Robert Jan-Derksen (Den) | -12 (66 73 68 69 - 276) | €90,000 | ||
| T5 - Pablo Larrazabal (Spa) | -11 (69 70 66 72 - 277) | €69,660 | ||
| T5 - Sujjan Singh (Ind) | -11 (69 69 68 71 - 277) | €69,660 |
Saturday, 19 February 2011
Couples takes control
Fred Couples holds the midway lead at the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club, California, after shooting a second round 66 to follow his first round of 68.
This puts him on -8, two shots clear of J.B. Holmes, John Senden and Spencer Levin.
Couples, admittedly, knows this course well, but can the charismatic 51-year-old push on to win his first official PGA Tour victory since the Shell Houston Open in April 2003?
This puts him on -8, two shots clear of J.B. Holmes, John Senden and Spencer Levin.
Couples, admittedly, knows this course well, but can the charismatic 51-year-old push on to win his first official PGA Tour victory since the Shell Houston Open in April 2003?
Friday, 18 February 2011
Rafael emerges from the fog in New Delhi
With half the field still to complete their second round due to the backlog of play created by fog on Day 1 of the Avantha Masters, Spain's Rafael Cabrera-Bello holds a slim lead on Friday after firing rounds of 67 and 69 for an -8 score.
The Spaniard is currently one stroke ahead of the chasing pack, including notable Asian players such as Shiv Kapur and Jeev Milkha Singh of India, and Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee and Aphibarnrat Kiradech.
Saturday will prove to be a busy day for some of the field as they look to finish their rounds and beat the cut, which is currently projected at level par.
The Spaniard is currently one stroke ahead of the chasing pack, including notable Asian players such as Shiv Kapur and Jeev Milkha Singh of India, and Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee and Aphibarnrat Kiradech.
Saturday will prove to be a busy day for some of the field as they look to finish their rounds and beat the cut, which is currently projected at level par.
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
India - an emerging market
The European Tour has published an article in the build up to this week's Avantha Masters in New Delhi focusing on the rise of golf in India.
In a country with a sporting history dominated by cricket, and where international cricketers are feted like A-list Hollywood film stars, the golf industry has a lot to do to achieve equal prominence. That's why taking the professional Tour to Asia is so important for growing the game.
According to the European Tour article, golf is the fastest growing sport in India. This is because newly-created wealth is establishing a class with more disposable income to use and leisure time to fill.
But the sport has to be all-inclusive, and the article also provides a fascinating link to a photo-study by Tomasz Gudzowaty of boys from Mumbai's slums who have improvised their own equipment and developed their own version of the game.
As golf spreads in India, dozens of new courses are scheduled to be built in the next five years and driving ranges will surely follow. This will hopefully allow those with less income to play socially, while uncovering a new generation of potential champions from the subcontinent.
Click here to read the article in full.
In a country with a sporting history dominated by cricket, and where international cricketers are feted like A-list Hollywood film stars, the golf industry has a lot to do to achieve equal prominence. That's why taking the professional Tour to Asia is so important for growing the game.
According to the European Tour article, golf is the fastest growing sport in India. This is because newly-created wealth is establishing a class with more disposable income to use and leisure time to fill.
But the sport has to be all-inclusive, and the article also provides a fascinating link to a photo-study by Tomasz Gudzowaty of boys from Mumbai's slums who have improvised their own equipment and developed their own version of the game.
As golf spreads in India, dozens of new courses are scheduled to be built in the next five years and driving ranges will surely follow. This will hopefully allow those with less income to play socially, while uncovering a new generation of potential champions from the subcontinent.
Click here to read the article in full.
Tuesday, 15 February 2011
Tour preview
This week’s pro Tours have a truly global feel with tournaments stretching from California to Christchurch via New Delhi.
The European Tour returns to India for the Avantha Masters at New Delhi’s DLF Golf and Country Club. Last year’s event was won by Australian Andrew Dodt with a score of -14, beating England’s Richard Finch by one stroke. This year’s prize fund is €1.8m.
Meanwhile, the PGA Tour pitches up at the Riviera Country Club in California for the Northern Trust Open. With 500 FedExCup points on offer and a $6.5m purse, five of the world’s top 10 players are in the field including top ranking Phil Mickelson and world number eight Steve Stricker, last year’s champion.
The 2011 LPGA Tour launches in Thailand with the Honda LPGA Thailand at the Siam Country Club in Chonburi. The new Rolex Rankings Number 1 Yani Tseng, who has already won two Ladies European Tour (LET) titles this year, tees up alongside close rivals Jiyai Shin, Suzann Pettersen and Christie Kerr. Japan’s Ai Miyazato is the defending champion.
The LET itself is in Christchurch, New Zealand, with the Pegasus New Zealand Women’s Open at Pegasus Golf Club. England’s Laura Davies returns to defend her title in a strong field containing half of last year’s LET champions.
Elsewhere, the Champions Tour is in Florida for the ACE Group Classic at The Quarry and South Africa’s Sunshine Tour sees the Dimension Data Pro-Am at Fancourt, George.
Europeans dominate Middle East swing
So what has been learnt from the European Tour's desert sojourn? Well, undeniably, the competition is more intense and tougher than ever.
Notwithstanding Martin Kaymer's win in Abu Dhabi, continuing his superb run of form since the second half of 2010 and establishing him as arguably the world's best player at present -even if the Official World Golf Rankings disagree - the names Paul Casey, Thomas Bjorn and Alvaro Quiros would hardly have been on the tip of most pundits' tongues as potential champions four weeks ago.
Having a range of winners, from relative youngsters such as Quiros to experienced campaigners like Casey and Bjorn, once again underlines the European Tour's strength.
Although the cream of world golf should rise to the top during big tournaments, it is no longer a forgone conclusion because the gap in the quality of the field is constantly narrowing - as seen at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at the weekend.
Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy all drifted from the leading pack over the closing two days. This could be attributed to early season rust, although I don't buy that answer.
The European Tour calendar currently merges into a succession of worldwide events, so it is difficult to work out when a season starts and ends for different golfers.
Also, each and every player who teed up last Thursday morning in Dubai would have been aiming to win the tournament.
The simple fact is the European Tour is currently so strong, in any one week a winner could appear from anywhere in the field.
Notwithstanding Martin Kaymer's win in Abu Dhabi, continuing his superb run of form since the second half of 2010 and establishing him as arguably the world's best player at present -even if the Official World Golf Rankings disagree - the names Paul Casey, Thomas Bjorn and Alvaro Quiros would hardly have been on the tip of most pundits' tongues as potential champions four weeks ago.
Having a range of winners, from relative youngsters such as Quiros to experienced campaigners like Casey and Bjorn, once again underlines the European Tour's strength.
Although the cream of world golf should rise to the top during big tournaments, it is no longer a forgone conclusion because the gap in the quality of the field is constantly narrowing - as seen at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic at the weekend.
Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy all drifted from the leading pack over the closing two days. This could be attributed to early season rust, although I don't buy that answer.
The European Tour calendar currently merges into a succession of worldwide events, so it is difficult to work out when a season starts and ends for different golfers.
Also, each and every player who teed up last Thursday morning in Dubai would have been aiming to win the tournament.
The simple fact is the European Tour is currently so strong, in any one week a winner could appear from anywhere in the field.
Woods apologises for 'inconsiderate' behaviour
Tiger Woods has apologised for spitting on a putting green during the final round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic on Sunday, for which he will be fined by the European Tour for breaching its code of conduct.
The former world number one expressed his remorse on twitter for a habit most people find disgusting, especially in a region where spitting is now looked upon harshly.
He said: "The Euro Tour is right - it was inconsiderate to spit like that and I know better. Just wasn't thinking and want to say I'm sorry."
Sky Sports' Ewen Murray has had plenty to say on this incident and other areas of Woods' conduct over the weekend. This comes after a public vow by Woods last year to improve his behaviour on the golf course.
Sunday's offence was not the first time Woods has been caught on camera letting loose a mouthful of saliva. However, he is not the first sportsman to do it and he won't be the last, although, hopefully today's events will make golfers consider their actions more carefully.
Woods has a right to appeal against his fine, which will be minimal compared to his reported appearance fee in Dubai. But considering his tweeted apology, it looks like he is prepared to take his medicine and move on.
As we all should now do.
The former world number one expressed his remorse on twitter for a habit most people find disgusting, especially in a region where spitting is now looked upon harshly.
He said: "The Euro Tour is right - it was inconsiderate to spit like that and I know better. Just wasn't thinking and want to say I'm sorry."
Sky Sports' Ewen Murray has had plenty to say on this incident and other areas of Woods' conduct over the weekend. This comes after a public vow by Woods last year to improve his behaviour on the golf course.
Sunday's offence was not the first time Woods has been caught on camera letting loose a mouthful of saliva. However, he is not the first sportsman to do it and he won't be the last, although, hopefully today's events will make golfers consider their actions more carefully.
Woods has a right to appeal against his fine, which will be minimal compared to his reported appearance fee in Dubai. But considering his tweeted apology, it looks like he is prepared to take his medicine and move on.
As we all should now do.
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