Luke Donald on his six-place jump up the world rankings after his first PGA Tour win since 2006.
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."
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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