GOLF EVENTS FROM WEEKEND 28TH NOVEMBER.

Robert Karlsson (Sweden) and Martin Kaymer (Germany)

with their Trophies

Well it was another big weekend on the Professional Golf tours around the world. On the European Tour they had the Climax to the Race to Dubai at the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. And there was also the Race to Dubai title to be decided as well.


The Race to Dubai is in its 2nd year and is basically a revamp to the European Tour Order of Merit title that goes to the player that has won the most money throughout the season. This year it was won by Martin Kaymer (Germany) who won four tournaments throughout the Season including the 2010 PGA Championship. He received a bonus of €1,092,418 out of the $7.5 million Bonus Pool that the top 15 players each get a share of for playing so well throughout the season. So his total earnings for the 2010 Race to Dubai Season are €4,461,010. And that is €200,000 more than Lee Westwood (England) earned in the1st season of the Race to Dubai last year.


Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland) was 2nd in the final standings of the Race to Dubai with €3,896,996, which was less than 600, 000 Euros behind Martin Kaymer (Germany). And 3rd on €3,222,423 was last year’s Race to Dubai Winner Lee Westwood (England), but he still holds on to his Number World Golf ranking for another week. So that covers all about what happened in the Race to Dubai for 2010.


Now let’s get to the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World. It was an exciting end to the Tournament with Robert Karlsson (Sweden) and Ian Poulter (England) finishing 72 holes at -14. So they went back and played the 18th hole again as the 1st playoff hole. Both players on the Par 5 hit great 3rd shots to less than 5 feet from the hole and made easy birdies. So it was back to the 18th hole for the 2nd playoff hole. This time Ian Poulter (England) hit a poor 3rd shot to 30 feet, but Robert Karlsson (Sweden) however hit his 3rd to 5 feet again. Ian Poulter (England) was careless with marking his ball and moved his marker which meant he incurred a 1 shot penalty, and basically handed the tournament to Robert Karlsson (Sweden) when he missed his par putt. 


It was a great win for Robert Karlsson (Sweden)  He was coming back from an eye problem that kept him out of Golf for a while. The win pocketed him € 910,349 and he finished 6th on the Final Race to Dubai Standings with €2,296,486, and it just backs up his 2008 European Order of Merit win which he won €2,732,748. That was before the Race to Dubai began in 2009. Tied for 3rd on -13 were Alvaro Quiros (Spain) & Lee Westwood (England). And back in 5th place was Rory McIRory (Northern Ireland) at -12 after he eagled the 72nd Hole. The Two players who had the only chance of winning the Race to Dubai both finished on -7 tied for 13th place. They were Martin Kaymer (Germany) and Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland).

So that is the end of the European Tour Season for 2010. But the 2011 Race to Dubai starts on the Thursday 9th December with the Alfred Dunhill Championship, which is being played at Leopard Creek CC, Malelane, South Africa with Pablo Martin (Spain) looking to defend the title he won last year.

Peter O'Malley (Australia) 

with the Trophy

And so to the Australasian PGA Tour. It staged the NSW Open hosted by Nathan Green. It was played at the Vintage Golf Club, NSW. Peter O’Malley (Australia) and British Amateur Tom Lewis (England) both finished 72 Holes at -14, along with Peter Cooke (Australia). So that meant they were heading back to the 18th Hole for a three way playoff. And Peter O’Malley (Australia) prevailed with a par on the 3rd playoff hole to win his first tournament on any tour in 5 years. And it will do his confidence the world of good heading into the Australian Open which starts on Thursday.


The New Zealanders didn’t fear so well with only two making the cut that fell at even par. They were Gareth Paddison (NZL) who fired rounds of 72+1, 68-3, 68-3, 73+2: 281 -3 to finish -3 as did Brad Shilton (NZL) who fired rounds of 68-3, 73+2, 71even, 69-2:281 -3. But the rest of the 8 New Zealanders in the field failed to make the halfway Cut.


This week’s tournament on the Australasian PGA Tour is the Australian Open Presented by Century 21 and is played at the Lakes Golf Club in Sydney. Most of Australia’s Top Professionals will be playing as well as the long hitting John Daly (USA) and the Crowd favourite Fred Couples (USA). New Zealand will have its leading professionals playing, that will be lead by Michael Campbell (NZL) who is trying to revive his Career out of a major form Slump. The Forecast for the Coming week in Sydney is for Strong Winds and Heavy Rain which will mean that scoring will be very difficult. I can’t wait for Thursday because the Australian Open is always one of my favourite tournaments and is considered one of the big three to win on the Australasian Tour, along with the Australian PGA & Masters.


On the USPGA Tour this past week there were no Tournaments. But this week there are two big Tournaments coming up. The 1st is the Chevron World Challenge which is being played at Sherwood CC, Thousand Oaks, California. The defending champion is Jim Furyk (USA) who will be keen to win it again. It is also known as Tiger Woods Tournament as he always donates all his winnings to his Charities for the Tiger Woods Learning Centres. He will be very keen to win this tournament as he has not won a tournament at all in 2010, and the last time he didn't win a Professional Tournament anywhere in the World was back in 1995 when he was an Amateur. The Full field of 18 players is Paul Casey (England), Martin Kaymer (Germany), Sean O'Hair (USA), Stewart Cink (USA), Anthony Kim (USA), Ian Poulter (England), Luke Donald (England), Matt Kuchar (USA), Steve Stricker (USA), Jim Furyk (USA), Hunter Mahan (USA), Camilo Villagas (Columbia), Dustin Johnson (USA), Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland), Bubba Watson (USA), Zach Johnson (USA), Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), and Tiger Woods (USA). So I wish Tiger all the best in finally getting a win in 2010.


The other tournament this week on the USPGA Tour is the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament that is being played at Panther Lake Course, Winter Garden, Florida  and Crooked Cat Course, Winter Garden, Florida. It is the last Chance for PGA Tour Hopefuls to gain a USPGA Tour card for 2011 season with the top 25 players and ties getting them. The next 50players get full Nationwide Tour Status for 2011 season. And the rest of the 170 odd players earn some Status on the Nationwide Tour. It has been nicknamed the Fall Classic and the tournament that all the USPGA Tour Members would like to avoid playing in. But on the other hand, players like Michael Hendry (NZL) and Danny Lee (NZL) this is there 1st ever time at the qualifying School Finals and they may look at it as a great opportunity to gain a card on the wealthiest tour in the world. And at least if they finish inside the top 75 they will gain a Nationwide tour card for 2011. So for Josh Geary (NZL), Steve Alker (NZL), Danny Lee (NZL), Tim Wilkinson (NZL) and Michael Hendry (NZL) this week could be a Career Changing week. Tim Wilkinson (NZL) got his 2008 USPGA Tour Card here 3years ago back in 2007, so this week should bring some good memories back. It all starts on Thursday morning New Zealand time. And it is played over 108 Holes between two courses that will be completed on Tuesday morning (7th December) New Zealand time. So it will be the Survival of the fittest. Best of luck to the 5 New Zealanders competing as just getting to the final Stage is an Achievement in its self. I really do hope a couple of New Zealanders make it inside the top 25 players and ties and gain full Status on the 2011 USPGA Tour because right now there are no New Zealand players exempt on the USPGA tour for 2011.


Well that is about it for now. I hope in next week’s report I can report a win by a New Zealander in the Australian Open and 5 New Zealand Golfers have their USPGA Tour Cards or at least Nationwide Tour Status.

HOW I WON THE TOP DOG TROPHY AT THAMES GOLF CLUB IN 2008 & 2010. AND HOW THE TOP DOG TROPHY WORKS.

The Thames Golf Club "Top Dog" trophy

The Top Dog Trophy started when RB (Local Architect) joined the Thames Golf Club in early 2005. He started the Saturday Top Dog Competition which is for all players that play in the weekly Saturday Scramble at Thames Golf Club. In Mid February every year he warns everyone that the following Saturday, they will be having the draw for the start of the Top Dog Trophy.

So you have to give your name into the Golf Shop that week and pay your $2 entry fee, or on the Saturday that they do the draw. And from when the 1^st week of challenges start, you pay $1 to put a challenge in on someone during the year every time you put a challenge in. And all that money goes into the prize pool to be split into 4 percentage based prizes of your choice if you are lucky enough to finish in the Top 4 on the Final day of Top Dog Challenges.

Another rule to prevent someone from getting to the Top of the Ladder and not turning up because they want to stay at the top, is if the person you challenge is not there, you just have to beat the Average Stableford score of the day in the Saturday Scramble, and then you move up to the place you challenged on the ladder that day. On the Saturday that RJ (Local Architect) draws the order for the following week,s 1^st round of Top Dog Challenges, he puts everybody’s name into to a hat. And the 1^st name he pulls out is Number one on the ladder, and the 2^nd Name Number two and so on till he gets to the end.

How the Top Dog works is that you can challenge 5 places above the position you are in on the Ladder . So for example, if I am in number 6 position on the ladder, I can challenge Number 1. If we both get say 39 Stableford points, I stay in 6^th Position as long as no one Challenges me for my position. If they do and beat me, I drop a further position down on the ladder to 7^th Position. But if they don’t, I stay where I am. But if I had got 40 Stableford points to Number 1’s 39 Stableford points, I would be the Top Dog on the Ladder the following week, providing that the players from 2-5 positions don’t get 40 points as well. In other words, if the player in Number 2 position Challenges the Player in Number 1 position and beats him, he moves to number 1, no matter if the players in Number 3, 4, 5, 6, are also challenging Number 1 and beat him too. So it pays to be as high on the Ladder as you can. When you are Top Dog on the Ladder you don’t have to put a challenge in and pay your $1.

Being Top Dog on the Ladder, it is very hard to stay up there for a long time, because you normally have 4-5 players challenging you. And you will need at least 40 Stableford points to hold your position usually. Well RJ (Local Architect) announces usually the 3^rd Saturday in October is the last day for Top Dog Challenges. The person that is on top of the Top Dog Ladder on the last day of challenges is the Top Dog Trophy Champion for that year.

I feel myself the Top Dog Trophy is one of the fairest competitions held at the Thames Golf Club. Because it runs the whole year virtually, and anyone on any handicap can win it. But to have any chance of winning the Top Dog Trophy you must be 6^th Position or higher heading into the Final Week.


Top Dog 2008 

I was drawn out in 25^th place to start with in 2008. But managed to work my way up the Ladder during the year.  Well on Saturday 8^th November 2008, RJ (Local Architect) announced that that was the day of the final challenges would happen. I found myself in 2^nd Position on the Ladder. And that is probably the best position to win the Top Dog Trophy in my Opinion. IK (Course Manager) found himself the Top Dog that week of the last Challenges. So I knew all I had to do was beat him and I would win my 1^st TOP DOG TROPHY!!! I felt great about having a chance to win it!!!

I was on a 6 handicap and went out and shot a 74+4 in difficult conditions and had 38 Stableford Points. But I wasn’t sure that was going to be enough. But when I came into the Club House I saw IK (Course Manager) only got 37 Stableford Points. He immediately shook my hand, and said well done for winning. I collected my TOP DOG Trophy and $200 credit in the Golf Shop two weeks later at Prize – Giving. And with the $200 credit in the Golf Shop I purchased new Golf Shoes, and a couple of Golf Gloves.


Top Dog 2010 
In 2010 I was drawn out 7^th as my 1^st Position on the Top Dog Ladder. But 4 weeks out from the final Top Dog Challenge day I had slipped to 13^th Position on the Ladder. But I played some good golf leading in the final round of Top Dog Challenges on Saturday 16^th October. I was in 3^rd Position on the Ladder and SR (Junior Champion) who was in 2^nd Position, but he was unable to be there for the Final Day. So I knew if I beat HT (2010 THS DUX) who was the Top Dog for the final week. I would be the TOP DOG Trophy Champion for 2010, and the 1^st player to win the TOP DOG Trophy twice!!

I was on an 8 handicap and scored a good round of 74+4 for 40 Stableford Points!! HT (2010 THS DUX) had a 79+9 off his 5 handicap and only got 32 Stableford points. That meant that I had won the 2010 TOP DOG TROPHY!!! And became the 1^st player ever to win the Trophy Twice!!! I received the TOP DOG Trophy at the 2010 Prize – Giving at Thames Golf Club on Saturday 13^th November. I FELT VERY PROUD OF MYSELF!!! I also received the $220 voucher to purchase goods in the Thames Golf Shop. I got my Clubs re-gripped with the Credit because I badly needed them done.

GOLF EVENTS FROM THE WEEKEND 21ST NOVEMBER

Well it was a good weekend on the Professional Golf Tours around the world for the New Zealand Professionals. On the USPGATour they staged the 2^nd Stage of USPGA Tour Qualifying School. It was played at 6 different venues across the USA. Out of the 7 New Zealand Players in the 2^nd Stage field’s spread at different venues across USA, four managed to make it through to the final stage which is to be played in early December at Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge, at the Panther Lake Course, Winter Garden, Crooked Cat Course, Winter Garden, in the state of  Florida.

Mike Hendry (NZL) played great at his 2^nd Stage Venue at the Beer Creek Golf Club in California shot rounds of 67,73,69,75:284 – 4 to finish in a tie for 6^th place and easily qualify for the final Stage for the 1^st time in his career. His final round of 75 was played in extremely tough conditions. Danny Lee (NZL) also Qualified for the Final Stage at the same venue, with scores of 73,74,70,71:288 even par to finish tied for 12^th,  easily inside the top 20 players and ties that made it to the Final Stage. His Final round 71-1 was brilliant in the extremely trying conditions, and was only one off the best round of the day. But on the other hand, Phil Tataurangi (NZL) had a 2^nd Stage he would rather forget. He scored rounds of 76,77,77,86:316+28 to finish tied 65^th and missed out on the final stage by 26 shots. He faces an uncertain future on the USPGA Tour with no Status on either the USPGA Tour or Nationwide Tour.

Well Steve Alker (NZL) after playing a full season on the Nationwide tour and not making one cut has had a turnaround of his from. Playing at the Bayonet and Black Horse- Bayonet Course in California, he shot rounds of 68,68,70,73:279-9 to finish in a tie for 9^th place. Easily inside the cut off mark of -7. And he too is off to the final Stage in early December to hopefully regain his Status. Brad Iles (NZL) had a very disappointing last round at his 2^nd Stage on qualifying on the TPC Craig Ranch, Texas, after getting to -3 after 9holes of his final round, he played the back nine holes in 42+6 and missed out on qualifying by 2shots. It was a shocking end to the season for Brad Iles (NZL) after nearly winning a Nationwide Tour event mid season and looking good to finish in the Top 25 on the Money list and gain his 2011 USPGA Tour Status. But he slipped badly in the last few tournaments and fell outside the Top 40^th on the nationwide tour money list meaning he would have to play the 2^nd Stage Qualifying School. But at least he has Secured Nationwide Tour Status for 2011 with his finish on the money list there.

Tim Wilkinson (NZL) scored rounds of 74,67,71,69:281-9 and tied for 8^th at the Hombre Golf Club, Florida to easily get him through to the Final Stage. It will be his 2nd time at the final stage having got through in 2007 to gain his 2008 USPGA Tour card which he kept for the 2009 season. I wish him luck in regaining his Full Status on the USPGA Tour or at worst a Nationwide tour card. But Grant Waite (NZL) had a poor week at his 2^nd Stage venue. Grant Waite (NZL) playing at the Southern Hills Plantation Club, Florida. He could only manage 3rounds of 72,72,75 before he withdrew. His career on the USPGA Tour in 2011 is not looking so good as he won’t have any status. Not quite sure where his career is heading now.

Ian Poulter (England) with the UBS

Hong Kong Open Trophy 2010

And so the European Tour, and this week’s tournament was the last regular event on the Schedule, before the Top 60 players on the Race to Dubai Money List play the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World at the Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. So to the UBS Hong Kong Open, that was played at the Hong Kong GC, Fanling, Hong Kong. It was won by the English Professional Ian Poulter (England), he scored rounds of 67,60,64,67:258-22 to win by 1shot and take the 1^st prize cheque of 301,447 Euros. He was in control of the tournament for most of the final round after he eagled the Par 5 13^th Hole. And he came to the 72^nd Hole with a 2shot lead, but his 2^nd shot landed short in the Bunker. He was able to get out of the Bunker and safely take his 2putts to secure the title. He now moves to 5^th on the Race to Dubai money list with 1,983, 144euro’s, but is still 1.3million euro’s behind Martin Kaymer (Germany), heading into the Climax to the Race to Dubai this week.

Tied for 2^nd were Simon Dyson (England) who won the same tournament 10years ago in 2000, he finished -21 after a final round 65-5, and Matteo Manassero (Italy) who became the youngest winner on the European Tour last month, shot a brilliant final round of 62-8 and also finished tied for 2^nd as well. Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland) finished 5^th on -19 after a frustrating final round with the putter even though he scored 68-2. He earned 76,689euro’s to close the gap even more on Martin Kaymer (Germany) in the Race to Dubai and is now less than 280, 000 euro’s behind him. So it will bring excitement to the Dubai World Championship starting Thursday Night New Zealand time. Mark Brown (NZL) had one of his best tournaments of the Season. He lead after round one with 62-8, and then had rounds of 69-1, 65-5, but had a poor final round of 71+1 and finished -13 tied for 16^th. He earned 24,418euro’s that meant he finished 102^nd on the Race to Dubai Money List with 255,985euro’s and retains his card for the 2011 season.

The other New Zealander in the field was Mark Purser (NZL), but he missed the cut as he finished 36 holes at +4 after a 2^nd round 75+5. So we await the Race to Dubai finale which is the Dubai World Championship which starts on Thursday in Dubai, Thursday Evening New Zealand time. Who will win the big prize? The smart money is on the top 3 on the list, Martin Kaymer (Germany), Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland) & Lee Westwood (England). But I will be able to report who actually has won it next week.

Steven Bowditch (Australia) in action in the final

round of the Cellarbrations NSW PGA Championship

And finally to the Australasian Tour, and this past week they played the Cellarbrations NSW PGA Championship at the Wollongong Golf Club, NSW. The tournament was won by the Queensland Professional Steven Bowditch (Australia) who has recently gain back his 2011 USPGA Tour Status by finishing in the Top 25 on the nationwide Tour Money list. He scored a final round of 67-3 to finish 72holes at -17 and win by 2shots from New Zealand Professional Gareth Paddison (NZL) who finished -15. It was another good performance from Gareth Paddison (NZL) having finished in the top 15 at the JB Ware Masters the week before. Other New Zealanders in the field that made the cut were Doug Holloway (NZL) -5 tied 13^th,  Brad Shilton (NZL) -3 tied 17^th, Mathew Holten (NZL) +2 tied 38^th,  Dale Clarke (NZL)  +3 tied 41^st as well as Brenden Stuart (NZL) +2 tied 41^st, and Hamish Robertson (NZL) +4 tied 48^th.

Next week’s tournament is the NSW OPEN presented by Nathan Green that will be staged at The Vintage Golf Club, NSW. It starts on Thursday. Let’s hope a New Zealand Professional can win this one heading into the Australian Open at The Lakes GC, NSW the following week.

Source: europeantour.com, Pgatour.com, pgatour.org.au

HOW I WON THE 2008 SHOOTOUT AT THAMES GOLF CLUB

A Shootout in golfing terms is when at least one person is eliminated each

hole until the last hole when one person is left and they are declared the

Winner. It is usually played over 18 holes with 19 players teeing off on the 1st

hole. One player is eliminated each hole, and that player is the one with the

highest score. In a Shootout where handicap is allowed the highest net score

gets eliminated.

If there is a tie then the referee decides where the players chip or putt off

from, and the players get one chip or putt with the player whose ball is

furthest away from the hole being eliminated. It is a fun form of the game of

Golf.

Well on the morning of Saturday 22nd of November 2008 the Thames Golf

Club staged their Shootout for the year. 10 players turned up and we all put

$20 in, which meant $200 was up for grabs with the Winner getting $100, 2nd

getting $70, and 3rd $30. It was decided by T J (2008 Club Captain) that we

would play the back nine.

So after we had all paid our money, we walked over to the 10th tee. The 10 of

us playing were Me, SG (Club Champion), GD, JP (Known as Cowboy), TJ

(2008 Club Captain), The Late RC, GJ, DC, RJ (Local Architect), and DM.

The 1st player to be eliminated was SG (Club Champion), he had a bogey 4,

to my and DC’s pars, and we were the only players not getting strokes. But

SG (Club Champion) took it on the chin and became the Referee for the

remaining 8 holes.

So to the 11th hole. Everyone was getting a shot here. I got through that hole

easily with a par 4, that became a net 3, but GD and RJ (Local Architect) had

net 5’s. So they had to ( putt off against each other). SG (Club Champion) who had become the Referee chose the spot where they had to putt off from. RJ (Local Architect)

putted first and was about 8 feet away. GD went second and couldn’t get

inside RJ (Local Architect) so GD was eliminated. GD was very unlucky,

because his 3rd shot hit the pin on the full and bounced off the green. Had it

missed the pin he would have been no more than 8 feet away and assured of

at least a nett 4. But that’s how it turns out/goes sometimes.

And so on the 8 of us went to the 12th Tee. I got a par 4 which became a nett

3 and I was safely though again. The player to be eliminated was JP (Known

as Cowboy). He had a Triple Bogey 7, which became a nett 6. So to the 13th

hole.

With 7 players left. I again made an easy par 4 that became a nett 3 and was

safely through. GJ and TJ (2008 Club Captain) both had nett 5’s. They had a

putt off against each other. The place on the green was decided by SG

(Senior Champion). He chose for them to putt from the back of the green to

where the pin was. GJ putted first and landed 3 feet from the hole. But TJ

(2008 Club Captain) left his putt 15 feet short. TJ (2008 Club Captain’s)

Shootout had come to an end.

6 players left and five holes to play. So to the 14th hole, I hit my ball safely on

the par 3 within 15 feet of the hole and made my par for a nett 3 and got

through. The Late RC (President) and GJ were in a putt off decided by SG

(Senior Champion), it was a putt from the back of the green to the pin at the

front. GJ went first and putted it 3 feet from the hole. The Late RC left his putt

15 feet short and was eliminated.

5 players were left and 4 holes to play. So off to the 15th tee we went. I hit the

par 5 easily in 2 shots and 2 putted for birdie for a nett 4. But RJ (Local

Architect) & GJ had nett 5’s so SG(Club Champion) decided on a chip this

time from the rough. GJ went first and put it to 5 feet off the hole, RJ(Local

Architect) chipped within a foot. So GJ was eliminated.

4 players left and 3 holes to play. Onto the 16th hole. I had an easy par 4 for

a nett 3. But all 4 of us had the same score. So we had a four way chip off. It

was my first chip off for the day, SG (Club Champion) took us just off the

green at the back and we played to the front pin. I went first and putted to 3

feet. DM and RJ (Local Architect) also putted close. But DC wasn’t so lucky,

and he was eliminated.

3 players left and 2 holes to play. So to the 17th hole. RJ (Local Architect) &

DM were looking solid for par 4’s. I was looking like the player to be

eliminated having had to chip though the trees just short of the green. I miss

hit my chip shot meaning I would have to face a 25 foot putt to stay in the

Shootout. I gave it a firm hit because the greens had recently been cored. It

was right on line and hit the back of the cup very hard, went a little way in the

air, then fell back into the cup!!! Everyone watching made a great big CHEER

OF AMAZEMENT!!!!

It was a nett 4 for me, DM missed his easy par putt and had a nett 4 as well,

and RJ(Local Architect) got a nett 4 as well. SG(Club Champion) chose a

place for us 3 to chip off from. We tossed for the honour, I won and went first.

I chipped to within 4 feet, DM chipped just outside me, but RJ(Local Architect)

couldn’t get inside DM, and his Shootout came to an end. But he got $30 for

his 3rd placing.

So to the 18th and final hole. It was Me and DM squaring off for the title. DM

had a shot and I didn’t so I knew I may need a Birdie just to get in a chip off.

DM teed off 1st and to my surprise after hitting his driver well on the previous

holes completely capitulated and hit the tree on the left just off the tee and it

dropped straight down. I hit 5 iron just for position down the middle of the

fairway. DM hit his 2nd shot out on to the 9th fairway and eventually managed

to get on the green for 5 shots. I hit my Pitching Wedge to 15 feet and calmly 2 putted to

win the 2008 Shootout!! I felt on TOP OF THE WORLD!!!

I got a congratulatory handshake from all my Opponents that had stuck

around to watch the finish. And DJ (Club Manager at the time) also shook my

hand and said WELL DONE!!

Then TJ (2008 Club Captain) gave me my well earned $100 cash for winning

the Shootout!!

Later that evening in the Club House, BH (President) also shook my hand

and said congratulations for winning the 2008 Shootout at Thames Golf Club.

Golf Events recap from the Weekend 14th November

Robert Garrigus (USA)

with Children's Miracle Network Classic Trophy

It was another great weekend for Professional Golf Tournaments around the world. On the USPGA Tour they played there final event of the Season, which was the Children’s Miracle Network Classic. It was played on two courses over the first two days. The courses were Magnolia GC, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Palm GC, Lake Buena Vista, Florida. They played the final two rounds at the Magnolia GC. Robert Garrigus (USA) shot a brilliant final round of 64-8 to finish at -21 after 72holes and win by 3shots. It was a fine win for Robert as he blew a 3shot lead in the St Jude Classic, at Memphis, Tennessee in June when he stood on the 72^nd hole there and made a Triple Bogey 7 on the par 4.

But this time he didn’t choke when the pressure came on. Robert birdied the tough par 4 17^th hole and a solid par on the 72^nd hole ensured an easy win for him. It was his 1^st ever win on the USPGA Tour, and a win that some people thought would never happen. He is now exempt on the tour till 2012. His final position on the USPGA Tour Money list for 2010 was 51^st with the US$1,583,275 he made. He had started the week in 122^nd position on the money list and retaining his PGA Tour Status was not looking good. So I am very happy for Robert as I always like to see a player come back from adversity. Matt Kuchar (USA) took out the money list title for the first time in his career with US$4,910,477. But since the FedEx Cup started in 2007 there has been less importance put on winning the money title.

Two other players that started the week right on the 125 cut off mark that is required on the money list to keep their cards, managed to retain their PGA Tour Status for 2011. Roland Thatcher (USA) who was leading the tournament by 4shots at the start of the final round shot a poor final round of 72even. But the sole 2^nd place on -18 was enough to secure him in the Top 125. He eventually finished at 122nd on the money list. But he had to hole a 5foot putt on the final hole to do it. It made me very nervous to watch it. His final money earnings were US$796,157.  And Troy Merritt (USA) shot a fine final round of 67-5 to finish right in the last position for regaining his 2011 PGA Tour status at 125th position. The US$786,977 was US$33,000  more than Johnson Wagner (USA) who will now have to return to the final Stage of USPGA Tour Q-School in early December which he will have to be in the Top 25 places and ties to gain his 2011 PGA Tour playing Status.

Other players to narrowly miss out on retaining their card’s for 2011 Season were Woody Austin (USA), Aron Price (Australia) and Michael Allen (USA). But they will still have some Status on tour next year. The USPGA Tour proved its wealth with producing 90 players earning over US$1,000,000. And you could hardly feel sorry for someone earning US$750,000 and missing out, could you?

Another event on the PGA Tour that came to a Climax over the weekend was the Kodak Challenge. The Kodak Challenge is a season long competition that picks 30 holes on the PGA Tour at 30 different tournaments. The player’s best score out of the 4 rounds they play at each hole selected at those tournaments is the score that counts on that hole. Players must play at least 18 of the 30 holes to qualify to win the US$1million take all prize. Well after the 30 holes were completed 3players were tied at -17. They were Aaron Baddeley (Australia), Troy Merritt (USA), and Richie Fowler (USA). They played the Kodak Challenge Hole for the week, which was the 17^th hole as the playoff hole. Troy Merritt (USA) hit his 2^nd shot to two feet  on the par 4 and calmly rolled in the putt to win the US$1million!! So well done to him. He was the second player to win the US$1Million. Kevin Streelman (USA) won the first Kodak Challenge in 2009.

Stuart Appleby celebrating

a holed putt in his final round

Well, to the Australasian PGA Tour which was staging the JBWare Masters at the Victoria Golf Club on the Sand Belt in Melbourne. Tiger Woods (USA) was playing in it for the 2^nd Straight year. He putted poorly for the first 3rounds, but caught fire on the last nine holes to shoot a final round of 65-6. He finished the last 6holes birdie, par, eagle, par, birdie & eagle they brought a huge roar from the huge crowd that had gathered round the 72^nd green. And saw Tiger punch his fist in the Air in excitement!! He finished 4^th place at -7, and I feel the tournament organisers would have been happy, even though they had to pay US$3million to Tiger for appearance money. Tiger said he would return again next year and bring some more USPGA Tour players with him because the Presidents Cup is on the Following week in 2011 at Royal Melbourne GC. The eventually winner was Stuart Appleby (Australia) who also shot a 65-6 in the final round to finish -10. It was a fine win for Stuart winning in his home State of Victoria.

Finishing 2^nd was Adam Bland (Australia) on -9, 1shot back, who was leading by 3shots heading into the final round, but a final round of 73+1 was his down fall. He had a 20foot eagle putt on the last green to force a playoff, but unfortunately it just missed. But his 2^nd place will give Adam a lot of Confidence heading up to USA for the 2^nd Stage of US PGA Tour School this week. Best of the New Zealanders was Michael Hendry (NZL) on -2, tied for 13^th, then Gareth Paddison (NZL) on -1, tied for tied for 16^th, Michael Campbell (NZL) had a solid finish for him scoring 70-1 in his final round and finishing +1 in tied 28^th place, his best finish on any tour in a long time, so it is good for him. He has recently got a new coach, Bob Torrance who is the father of the great Scottish European Tour player Sam Torrance (Scotland).  Doug Holloway (NZL) was +3 tied for 35^th, Mahal Pearce (NZL) +10 tied for 56^th, Josh Geary (NZL) & Josh Carmichael (NZL) tied for 58^th on +11.

The European Tour was in Singapore for the Barclays Singapore Open at the The Tanjong & The Serapong, Sentosa GC,Singapore,Singapore. It was the 3^rd to last event of the season on the Race to Dubai. It was a rain interrupted tournament that meant a Monday finish was necessary to get the tournament completed. Adam Scott (Australia) shot a final round 68-3 to finish -17 and win by 3shots from Anders Hansen (Denmark). It was Adams 2^nd win this year having won the Valero Texas Open back in May on the USPGA Tour. And it was the 3^rd time he has secured the Barclays Singapore Open Title. Graeme McDowell (Northern Ireland) finished 3^rd equal on -13 4shots back and has closed the gap even more on Martin Kaymer (Germany) in the Race to Dubai standings with only two tournaments left. Also Ian Poulter (England) had a fine defense of his title, eventually finishing in tied for 6^th place on -11, but wouldn’t be pleased with his final round of 73+1. Unfortunately the New Zealanders in the field all failed to make the cut. With the best of them being Mark Brown (NZL) at -1 after 36holes.

Adam Scott with Barclays Singapore Trophy

Well this coming weeks tournaments are, in the USA the second Stage of USPGA Tour School commences with Brad Iles (NZL), Danny Lee (NZL) & Michael Hendry (NZL) being the 3 New Zealanders still involved and eager to make it to the final stage in early December. On the European Tour, it heads to Hong Kong for the UBS Hong Kong Open at the Hong Kong GC,Fanling,Hong Kong. Grégory Bourdy (France) will look to defend his 2009 title he won. And players will be looking to secure their place in the Top 60 on the Race to Dubai Money list as it comes to a Climax next week at the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World, at the Jumeirah Golf Estates,Dubai,United Arab Emirates. Mark Browns chance of making it will only be if he wins this week I feel as he is currently 107th on the Race to Dubai Standings heading into this week’s tournament.

And on the Australasian Tour they play the Cellarbrations NSW PGA Championship at Wollongong Golf Club, NSW. With a lot of New Zealand’s less known PGA Tour Professionals competing.  Let’s hope for a New Zealand winner.

Golf Tournaments from the Weekend 7th November

Francesco Molinari (Italy)

Well it was another big weekend for golf on the Professional golf scene. The main tournament was the WGC – HSBC Champions from Sheshan International Golf Club, Shanghai, China. All the big names in Golf were there.

And all the Champions from various tournaments around the world were present as well. Come late Sunday Afternoon it had come down to a two horse race between Lee Westwood (England) the new Number 1 in the World and Francesco Molinari (Italy). At the Start of the final round Francesco Molinari (Italy) had a 1shot lead over Lee Westwood (England). Francesco Molinari (Italy) started at -14 and Lee Westwood (England) -13.

On the 16th tee the lead was still one to Francesco Molinari (Italy). Lee Westwood (England) went for the green on the short par 4 that is just under 300metres. But he pulled his drive left and his ball landed right behind the Bunker pin high, in an extremely hard position to get the ball up and down. Francesco laid up in the left had rough with an iron. But Francesco put his 2nd shot to within 4feet of the hole and made an easy birdie 3 to move to -19. Lee Westwood (England) on the other hand fluffed his difficult chip shot short of the green in the grass above the Bunker, But managed to get up and down for a par 4.

So onto the 17th hole, Francesco Molinari (Italy) put his tee shot to the middle of the par 3 green. But Lee Westwood (England) again pulled his tee shot into the left bunker. He had a very difficult long bunker shot that he got out to about 20feet. But showed real inner strength to sink the putt and stay only two shots behind Francesco Molinari (Italy) heading to the 72nd Hole still 1shot behind. Francesco Molinari (Italy) calmly two putted for his par 3 and move to the last hole at -19.

So onto the 72nd Hole. Francesco Molinari (Italy) teed off 1st and hit his tee shot into the left rough, Lee Westwood (England) hit a brilliant drive long and down the left side of the Fairway leaving him a mid iron to the Par 5 18th Hole. Francesco Molinari (Italy) laid up to around 100 metres of the green for his 2nd shot. Lee Westwood (England) hit an Awesome 2nd Shot to within about 30feet of the pin giving him a decent chance at making eagle. Francesco Molinari (Italy) hit his 3rd shot to 20feet, which meant Lee Westwood (England) must make the eagle putt for any chance of being in a playoff. He gave it a good shot but it just missed. That meant Francesco Molinari (Italy) only had to two putt which he did. Francesco Molinari (Italy) won the WGC – HSBC Champions with a score of -19 by 1shot from Lee Westwood (England)  after rounds of 65-7, 70-2, 67-5, 67-5: 269 -19. He picked up a cheque for €860,153 euros. And moves him to 4th on the Race to Dubai Standings with €2,201,614 only 1million euro behind Martin Kaymer (Germany) with three Tournaments left to play.

 It was his first WGC win and his first win in four years on any tour. When he sank the winning putt his brother Edoardo Molinari (Italy) who is also a professional and played in the Tournament as well finishing on +1 20shots off the pace also won a Tournament on the European tour back in September,(Which makes them the first Brothers to win on the European Tour in the same Season in a long time) came running onto the 18th green to give him a hug and congratulate him on his Achievement. The Two Brothers had also represented Europe in the Ryder Cup in Wales in early October which Europe won 14.5 – 13.5 over the USA. So it has been a great year for the Molinari Brothers and Italian Golf as Matteo Manassero (Italy) (The Teenage Sensation) also won in Spain last month to be the youngest winner in European tour history at the tender age of 17years.

But 2nd place for Lee Westwood (England) wasn’t too bad as he had not played since the Ryder Cup in early October due to injury. And he proved his Number 1 ranking is no fluke with such a high finish. And with Tiger Woods (USA), Martin Kaymer (Germany) and Phil Mickelson (USA) all finishing below him it can only have increased his points on the Number 1 ranking. Lee Westwood (England) will next play at the Race to Dubai Championship which starts on Thursday 25th November. He also moves to 3rd on the Race to Dubai Standings with €2,362,143 just 900 000 euros behind Martin Kaymer (Germany). But I feel his chances of winning back to back Race to Dubai titles may be gone because he is too far behind Martin Kaymer (Germany).

Tied for 3rd on -9 were Richie Ramsay (Scotland) and Luke Donald (England). For Richie Ramsay (Scotland) it was one of the biggest pay days of his young golfing Career earning € 267,006 and moving to 39th place in the Race to Dubai Standings with €701,367 and virtually securing himself a place in the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World which starts on November 25th. Tiger Woods (USA) had a strong finish with scoring a 68-4 in the final round to finish up at tied for 6th at -8, I feel he is set for big things in early 2011 on the PGA Tour. The Low Australian for the week was Richard Green (Australia) who finished at -8 tied for 6th as well. He also is sure to make it to the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World with earnings of €1,102,793 that puts him 19th on the Race to Dubai money list with two tournaments left to play. Unfortunately no New Zealand Golfers qualified for this tournament.

Also on the European Seniors Tour they played their final event of the Season the OKI Castellón Senior Tour Championship, from the Club de Campo del Mediterráneo Course, in Castellón, Valencia, Spain. Mike Cunning (USA) prevailed with a score of -14 to win by 1shot from the Local Spanish Professional Jose Rivero (Spain) on -13. But the European Tour Senior Order of Merit Title went to Boonchu RUANGKIT (Thailand). It was a great for him to win the Order of Merit title as he won four times on the European Seniors Tour during the year. So he really did deserve his Number 1 European Tour Seniors ranking in my Opinion. The best New Zealander on the Final Standings was Simon Owen (NZL) in 63rd Position.

John Cook and Bernhard Langer

On the Champions Tour in the USA they also played there final event of the season, the Charles Schwab CUP Championship at the TPC Harding Park Course in San Fancisco, Ca,  it was a good day for two Golfers, John Cook (USA) shot a 72hole score of 267 – 17 and finished 2shots clear of Michael Allen (USA) to win the Charles Schwab CUP Championship for the for the 2nd year running and defend his title. He scored all his rounds in the 60’s, which was a fine effort. And won US$440,000 for his effort. He finished 3rd on the Charles Schwab Cup Points list behind Fred Couples (USA) and Bernhard Langer (Germany). Bernhard Langer (Germany) won The Charles Schwab Cup with 3597 points, 826 ahead of Fred Couples (USA), with 5wins on the Season that included 2 majors his win was well deserved in my opinion. Unfortunately again there were no New Zealanders on the Champions Tour this year.

In other events around the Professional Golf World, Ji yai Shin (South Korea) won the Mizuno Classic played in Japan as part of the USLPGA Tour, it was her 2nd Victory of the LPGA Tour season and she moves to 2nd on the LPGA Tour money list. And in Australia on the Australasian PGA tour they played the WA PGA Championship. Victorian Professional Golfer David Bransdon (Australia) scored -17 for the 72 holes to win by two shots over Matt Griffin (Australia) who is also from Victoria. Best of the New Zealand Professionals was Doug Holloway (NZL) tied for 6th on -6, Followed by Hamish Robertson (NZL) tied for 34th on -2, then Brenden Stuart (NZL) tied 38th on -1 and Finally Scott Hill (NZL) in 54th place on +8 rounded out the New Zealanders that made the cut. The New Zealanders in the field that missed the halfway cut were, Grant Moorhead (NZL), Dale Clarke (NZL), Josh Carmichael (NZL), Jim Cusdin (NZL) and Brad Shilton (NZL).

Well onto next week’s tournaments, The USPGA Tour heads to the USA’s East Coast for the Final Event of the Fall Series, it is the Children’s Miracle Network Classic played at two courses of Magnolia GC, Lake Buena Vista, Palm GC, Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The Top 125 players on the 2010 money list will be exempt on the USPGA Tour for 2011 Season, With the Top 150 players gaining a mini exemption into some tournaments and entry into the US PGA Tour Q-School Finals in December. Players outside the top 150 on the money list will be heading to the 2nd stage of USPGA Tour School at many Venues across USA the Following week. It also is the Climax of the Kodak Challenge.

On the European Tour they head to Singapore, for the Barclays Singapore Open that starts on Thursday with Ian Poulter (England) the defending Champion and looking to go back to back. And the Australasian Tour is staging the JB Ware Masters at Victoria Golf Club on the Sand belt in Melbourne where Tiger Woods (Australia) the world number 2 will defend his title he won at Kingston Heath Golf Club, Melbourne in 2009. Camilo Villegas (Columbia) is also coming down under to challenge him. And the Top Australian players of the likes of Geoff Ogilvy (Australia), Robert Allenby (Australia) and  Sergio Garcia (Spain) will also be there looking to win the Title. The Tournament starts Thursday morning. Sources: pgatour.com, europeantour.com, pgatour.org.au