Golf Events from the Weekend 25th September 2011

Well what another exciting weekend it was on the Professional Golf Tours from around the world. First I will start with the European Tour and the Race to Dubai. This week it moved to Austria for the Austrian Golf Open presented by Lyoness and it was played at Diamond Country Club, Atzenbrugg, Austria. And it was the Golfer by the name of Kenneth Ferrie (England) who scored rounds of 72 even, 70-2, 67-5 and a final round of 67-5 for a 72 hole total of 276-12. But he was joined on that score by Simon Wakefield (England) who scored rounds of 73+1, 66-6, 70-2 and a final round of 67-5 for a 72 hole total of 276-12 also. So those two players headed back to the 18th hole for the 1st playoff hole.

Simon Wakefield (England) teed off 1st and split the fairway and Kenneth Ferrie (England) knocked his tee shot into the left rough, not far from where he had hit it in regulation. Hitting first into the green Kenneth Ferrie (England) hit his 2nd shot to six feet left of the hole, while Wakefield proceeded to airmail the green and into the rough at the back of the green. A loose chip followed and when Simon Wakefield’s (England) putt for par lipped out from eight feet Kenneth Ferrie (England) was left with the simple task of two putts from very close range. He rolled it in for the birdie and his third win on the European Tour. And his first since he won the 2005 Season.

Kenneth Ferrie (England) holding the Austrian Golf Open presented by lyoness Trophy he won

Kenneth Ferrie (England) won € 166,660 for the win and moves to 55th Position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 389,400 earned from the 25 events he has played to date this year so far. Luke Donald (England) still leads that list with €3,778,199 earned from the 10 events he has played to date this year so far. This win will be a huge to boost to Kenneth Ferrie’s (England) confidence and he now looks like he will be inside the top 60 players that get into the final tournament on the Race to Dubai Schedule and that is the Finale to the Race to Dubai which is the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World and is being played in the 2nd week of December just before Christmas. Kenneth Ferrie (England) came down to New Zealand in February 2005 where he played in the Holden New Zealand Open at Gulf Harbour Country Club and finished in Tied 42nd position at 281-7 after 72 holes.

It is Kenneth Ferrie’s (England) third European Tour International Schedule victory in his 263rd European Tour event. He moves to just outside the top 200 of the Official World Golf Ranking from 355th previous week. It was his first European Tour victory since his 2005 win and he had played in 144 European Tour events between victories. His best performance in that was second at the 2005 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. This victory beats his previous best 2011 performance of tied eighth in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles. He joined Mark Davis (1991 and 1994), Peter Mitchell (1992), Chris Gane (2001) and Robert Coles (2003), as English players to win the Austrian Golf Open presented by Lyoness. He becomes the 268th English victory on The European Tour. He becomes the 12th English player to be victorious of the 2011 season. They are: Paul Casey (Volvo Golf Champions), Luke Donald (WGC – Accenture Match Play Championship, BMW PGA Championship and Barclays Scottish Open), David Horsey (Trophée Hassan II), Lee Westwood (Ballantine’s Championship), Ian Poulter (Volvo World Match Play Championship), Robert Rock (BMW Italian Open presented by CartaSi), Simon Dyson (Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland and KLM Open), Oliver Fisher (Czech Open) and Kenneth Ferrie (Austrian Golf Open presented by Lyoness). He also gains a one year European Tour exemption until the end of 2012.He moves over the €4 million in European Tour Official Career Earnings.  And finally Claims his fifth win as a professional. I wish him all the best with the rest of his 2011 European Tour Campaign and hope he wins again soon.

Simon Wakefield (England) would be bitterly disappointed with coming 2nd. But will be happy with the € 111,110.00 he earned from coming 2nd. And it was his first top 10 of the season as well.  He moves to 102nd Position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 217,480 earned from the 22 events he has played to date this year so far and his 2012 European Tour card seems secure for now. In solo 3rd place was Joost Luiten (Netherlands) who was at 277-11 after 72 holes. He is now in 43rd position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 444,158 earned from the 20 events he has played to date this year. In solo 4th place was Thomas Norret (Denmark) who was 279-9 after 72 holes. It was his best finish on the European Tour to date this year and he moves to 144th Position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 120,667 earned from the 20 events he has played to date this year. It was also his 1st top 10 of the season so far.

In tied for 5th place was Cesar Monasterio (Argentina), Bernd Wiesberger (Austria) who was the best placed Austrian Golfer in the tournament and Victor Dubuisson (France) they were all at 280-8. In tied for 8th position were Magnus A Carlsson (Sweden) and Christian Nilsson (Sweden) they were both at 281-7 after 72 holes. Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 10 place at 282-6 after 72 holes was 20 year, Tom Lewis (England) who was making his professional debut, also tied for 10th were fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood (England), Gary Orr (Scotland) and Robert Coles (England).

The only New Zealander in the field this week was Mark Brown (NZL), he scored rounds of 71-1, 70-2, 69-3 and a final round of 73+1 for a 72 hole total of 283-5 and he finished in a creditable tied for 14th place. He was tied for 6th position heading into the final round but the 73+1 in the final round dropped him down a few places. He earned a cheque of € 14,100.00 for his weeks work and it was his 2nd best finish of the 2011 season for him. He now moves to 148th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 110,905 earned from the 26 events he has played to date this year. With a likely 10 more events for him to enter in for the remainder of 2011 European Tour Season he will need a few more finishes like this if he hopes to keep his card for the 2012 European Tour Season and that requires him to finish inside the top 115 on the final Race to Dubai Money list. I wish him luck in the quest to keep his card.

Next week the European Tour and Race to Dubai head to Scotland for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship with is being played at the Old Course St. Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, Fife, Scotland. With a huge prize purse of $US 5,000,000 to play for it is sure to attract a fine field in the Pro – Am format. Martin Kaymer (Germany) is the defending Champion and will be looking for Back to Back titles. It starts on Thursday 29th September and I will report back who won the Trophy next week.

The second event I am reporting on this week was on the USPGA Tour and Part of the FedEx Cup and it was the Tour Championship by Coca – Cola which was the finale to the 2011 FedEx Cup and it was played at East Lake GC, Atlanta, Georgia. And it was Bill Haas (USA) who had the best golfing week of his life. He scored rounds of 68-2, 67-3, 69-1 and a final round of 68-2 for a 72 hole total of 272-8. But Hunter Mahan (USA) scored rounds of 67-3, 68-2, 66-4 and a final round of 71+1 for a 72 hole total of 272-8 and was also tied on that score. So the two players headed back to the Par 3, 18th tee not just too decide who would win the Tour Championship by Coca – Cola, but also to decide who would win the FedEx Cup for 2011.

 Bill Haas (USA) drew the Number 1 from the hat and teed off 1st. He faded his long iron tee shot way right of the right green side bunker leaving an extremely difficult chip shot. Hunter Mahan (USA) then hit his tee shot in the right hand green side bunker. Bill Haas (USA) then played an awesome chip shot over the bunker leaving him a 15 foot putt for par. Hunter Mahan (USA) hit a good bunker shot out under the hole to within 6 feet of the cup. Bill Haas (USA) putted for his par from 15 feet, it was a downhill left to right breaking putt and he rolled it right in the centre of the hole for his par 3. Hunter Mahan (USA) now had to hole his 6 foot par putt to keep the playoff alive. But he calmly rolled it right in the centre of the cup.

So the two players headed to the 17th tee for the 2nd playoff hole. Bill Haas (USA) teed off 1st on the very difficult par 4. He faded his drive too much and it landed in the right hand fairway bunker. Hunter Mahan (USA) then hit his drive right down the centre of the fairway in perfect position. Bill Haas (USA) had a tricky short iron fairway bunker shot from the right hand fairway bunker which he made perfect contact with but it flew over the green and the pin which was situated on the left front of the green. It rolled into the Hazard and was partly submerged. Hunter Mahan (USA) then hit his 2nd shot with a short iron on the green about 25 feet past the cup. It looked like if he 2putted he would win the FedEx Cup and the Tour Championship. But Bill Haas (USA) had other ideas. He played his 3rd shot out of the hazard just like a bunker shot and it came out perfect landing 10 feet short of the hole and spinning to a stop about 3feet from the cup. It was just an amazing shot that I truly didn’t feel he had a hope of pulling off. And he did it under the pressure of the FedEx Cup being on the line. Hunter Mahan (USA) putted for his birdie, and he went close to holing the fast left to right breaking downhill putt, but it just missed to the left leaving him 3feet for his tap in par. Bill Haas (USA) putted 1st and tapped in from 3feet for his amazing par 4. Then Hunter Mahan (USA) tapped in for his par 4 as well. So they both headed back to the par 3, 18th hole for the 3rd playoff hole.

Bill Haas (USA) holding the FedEx Cup trophy he won

Bill Haas (USA) this time hit a straight long iron tee shot that hit the green and rolled through into the back fringe. Hunter Mahan (USA) hit a similar shot to the 1st playoff hole and it again faded to the right and landed in the right green side bunker. Hunter Mahan (USA) played out 1st and attacked his bunker shot too hard and it settled about 12 feet past the hole leaving a very difficult left to right putt for his par. Bill Haas (USA) hit his 2nd shot from the back fringe with his putter. He put a really nice roll on the ball and it just missed going in on the left hand side of the cup, and came to rest 5 feet below the hole. Hunter Mahan (USA) then attempted to hole his 12 foot par putt that was a sharp breaking left to right putt. He stuck it good but unfortunately broke too soon and just missed on the right hand side. He tapped in for his par 3. That left the stage for Bill Haas (USA) to putt for the Tour Championship and the FedEx Cup for 2011. He calmly rolled the right to left breaking par putt right in the centre of the hole. And he pumped his fist in the air in Celebration!! And his Brother was caddying for him, his Wife and Father was also watching in the Gallery.

Bill Haas (USA) won $US 1,440,000.00 for winning the Tour Championship by Coca – Cola and moved to 7th on the USPGA Tour Money list with $US 4,088,637earned from the 26 events he has played to date this year. Luke Donald (England) is still leading with $US 5,837,214 earned from the 18 events he has played to date this year. And of Course Bill Haas (USA) took out the 2011 FedEx Cup with earning 2,760 FedEx Cup points from the 26 events he played in. He won the FedEx Cup by 15 points over Webb Simpson (USA) and took the US$10million bonus that went with it. And he was in 25th position on the FedEx Cup points list coming into the Tour Championship, so it proves that if you just qualify you can still win it all. It was also his 3rd win on the USPGA Tour having won the 2010 Bob Hope Classic and Viking Classic in the same year.

Bill Haas (USA) holding both the Tour Championship by Coca - Cola and FedEx Cup Trophies he won

Since gaining his USPGA Tour card in 2005 he has kept his card every year since which is an amazing effort. And this was his 1st time ever to be playing in a Tour Championship and he won at his 1st attempt being the 1st player under 30 years of age to win it as well which is truly amazing. His Dad, Jay Haas (USA) has had an Awesome Career as well on the USPGA Tour and the Champions Tour. And it looks like he is going to follow in his footsteps. Also he was chosen as the 2nd Captains pick for the Presidents Cup in Melbourne, Australia in mid November. I hope he goes from strength to strength with this large Victory he has just had and wins a major in the next few years. I wish Bill Haas (USA) all the best with his Golf Career in the future.

Hunter Mahan (USA) will be mad with himself for losing the playoff, but on the other hand he will be content with his solo 2nd place that earned him $US 864,000.00 and moved him to 15th on the USPGA Tour Money list with $US 3,503,540 earned from the 25 events he has played to date this year. In tied for 3rd place were Luke Donald (England), K. J. Choi (South Korea) and Aaron Baddeley (Australia) on 273-7 after 72 holes. Tied for 6th were Charles Howell III (USA), Adam Scott (Australia) and Jason Day (Australia) who were all 274-6 after 72 holes. In solo 9th place was Bo Van Pelt (USA) on 275-5 after 72 holes. And rounding out the top 10 in solo 10th place was Phil Mickelson (USA) on 276-4 after 72 holes.

So the top 10 on the Final FedEx Cup points list was Bill Haas (USA) 1st with 2760 points, 2nd with 2745 points was Webb Simpson (USA), 3rd with 2567 points was Luke Donald (England), 4th was Dustin Johnson (USA) with 2488 points, 5th was Justin Rose with 2253 points, 6th was Matt Kuchar (USA) 1853 points, 7th was Hunter Mahan with 1800 points, 8th was Brandt Snedeker (USA) with 1668 points, 9th was Nick Watney (USA) with 1420 points and rounding out the top 10 on the list was Chez Reavie (USA) with 1220 points.

Next week the USPGA Tour has its first event of 4 in the Fall Series and it is in Las Vegas for the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open and it is being played at the TPC Summerlin, Las Vegas, Nevada. It has a purse of $US 4,400,000 for the taking which will attract a good field. Jonathan Byrd (USA) is the defending Champion, and will be looking for Back to Back titles. It starts on Thursday 29th September and I will report back who won the Trophy next week.

So to the top 5 on the Official World Golf Rankings this week, coming in at Number one for the 18th Straight week is Luke Donald (England) with 10.71 Official World Golf Ranking Points, at Number 2 is Lee Westwood (England) with 7.90 Official World Golf Ranking Points, at Number 3 is Rory McILroy (NIR) with 6.85 Official World Golf Ranking Points, at Number 4 is Steve Stricker (USA) with 6.66 Official World Golf Ranking Points and rounding out the Top 5 is Dustin Johnson (USA) with 6.57 Official World Golf Ranking Points. Tiger Woods (USA) this week comes in at 50th position on the Official World Golf Ranking Points list with 2.80 Official Golf World Ranking Points. Danny Lee (NZL) is still the highest ranked New Zealander on the list with 0.67 Official Golf World Ranking Points placing him at 266th Position on the list, but he slipped 7 places from last week.

The 3rd and final event I am reporting on this week was on the Nationwide Tour and was the Soboba Golf Classic and it was played at the CC at Soboba Springs, San Jacinto, California. And it was the Golfer by the name of Ted Potter, Jr. (USA) who scored rounds of 70-1, 68-3, 66-5 and a final round of 66-5 for a 72 hole total of 270-14, but he was tied on that score by Andres Gonzales (USA) who scored rounds of 70-1, 68-3, 68-3 and a final round of 64-7 for a 72 hole total of 270-14 and the final player to have that same score was Miguel Angel Carballo (Argentina) who scored rounds of 65-6, 68-3, 72+1 and a final round of 65-6 for a 72 hole total of 270-14 also. So those 3 players headed back to the Par 5, 18 hole for the 1st playoff hole.

Ted Potter Jr. (USA) in Action during the final round of the Soboda Golf Classic

Andres Gonzales (USA) and Ted Potter, Jr. (USA) birdied the par 5 and Miguel Angel Carballo (Argentina) could only manage par so he was eliminated. So Andres Gonzales (USA) and Ted Potter, Jr. (USA) headed back to the Par 5, 18th hole for the 3rd time that day to play it as the 2nd playoff hole. This time Ted Potter, Jr. (USA) made a birdie 4 and Andres Gonzales (USA) could only manage a par 5. So Ted Potter, Jr. (USA) had won his 2nd Nationwide Tour event of 2011, because he had also won the 2011 South Georgia Classic Pres'd by First State Bank and Trust Company earlier in the year. He earned $US 135,000.00 for the win and moves to 3rd position on the Nationwide Tour Money list $US 362,934 earned from the 14 events he has played to date this year. J. J. Killeen (USA) leads the money list with $US 407,554 earned from the 21 events he has played to date this year.

Ted Potter Jr. (USA) holding the Soboda Golf Classic Trophy he won

This result for Ted Potter, Jr. (USA) assures him of his 2012 USPGA Tour card and will really give him some confidence heading into the final 5 Nationwide Tour events of the 2011 season. I wish him all the best in them and maybe he can even finish Number one on the Money list? For Miguel Angel Carballo (Argentina) and Andres Gonzales (USA) it will be disappointing finishing tied for 2nd, but the $US 66,000.00 they both earned for finishing tied for 2nd will come in handy. In tied for 4th Position was Jarrod Lyle (Australia) and Jonas Blixt (Sweden), they were 272-12 after 72 holes. In tied for 6th position on 273-11 after 72 holes were John Mallinger (USA), Luke List (USA), Tim Wilkinson (NZL) scored rounds of 69-2, 65-6, 70-1 and a final round of 69-2 for a 72 hole total of 273-11 and had his best finish of the season for him. It was his 2nd top 10 finish of the year and he earned $US 24,281.25 for his efforts. He moves to 66th on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 73,238 earned from the 19 events he has played to date this year so far. I feel he has a fighting chance to get inside the top 25 on the final Money list standings on the Nationwide Tour that earn their cards for the 2012 USPGA Tour season. But he is going to need some more high finishes in the 5 remaining events. I wish him luck with this. The final player to tie for 6th place was Matt Every (USA). Rounding out the top 10 in solo 10th place was J.J. Killeen (USA) who is the current leader of the Nationwide Tour Money list; he was at 274-10 after 72 holes.

Brad Iles (NZL) was the next best New Zealander in the field, 65-6, 69-2, 73+2 and a final round of 74+3 for a 72 hole total of 281-3 and finished in tied 31st place. He earned $US 4,275.00 for his weeks work and moves to 104th position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 36,169 earned from the 20 events he has played to date this year. His chances of making the top 25 money earners on the final 2011 Nationwide Tour Money list and earning a 2012 USPGA Tour card are disappearing quickly. But you never know Miracles could happen? The other New Zealanders in the field that missed the 36 hole halfway cut were Josh Geary (NZL) who scored rounds of 74+3 and 75+4 for a 36 hole total of 149+7 and missed the cut by 9 strokes. And Danny Lee (NZL) scored 69-2 in the 1st round, but his wrist injury returned in the 2nd round and he scored 45+9 on his back nine holes and withdrew injured, but failed to tell the tournament officials and was disqualified. He still remains in 14th position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 177,200 earned from the 15 events he has played to date this year. His position in the Top 25 on the Final Nationwide Tour money list looks secure at the moment, but in my opinion he will need 2 more top 10 finishes for it to be a dead set certainty. I wish him luck with the 5 remaining events.

Next week the Nationwide Tour heads to Texas for the WNB Golf Classic and it is played at the Midland CC, Midland, Texas. With a purse of $US 525,000 up for the taking it is going to attract another good field of Nationwide Tour players. Nate Smith (USA) is the defending Champion and will be doing his best to win again. It starts on Thursday 29th September and I will report back who won the trophy next week.

So until then keep hitting it straight and remember you are only as good as your worse shot!!

Source: pgatour.com, europeantour.com

Golf Events from the Weekend 17th September 2011

Well it was a busy weekend on the Professional Golf Tours from around the world with 4 big tournaments going on. First I will start with the European Tour and Race to Dubai and this week it was the one and only teams Tournament of the year. It was the Vivendi Seve Trophy and was played at the Saint-Nom-La-Bretèche Paris, France. It was played in a Match play format and the two teams were Team Continental Europe verse Team Great Britain & Ireland. They played five four ball matches each on Thursday and Friday, then on Saturday Morning they played four Greensomes matches and on Saturday Afternoon they played four Foursomes matches. And on Sunday they played 10 Singles Matches. And it was Team Great Britain & Ireland that prevailed over Team Continental Europe 15.5 to 12.5.

Team Great Britain & Ireland got off to a fine start on Thursday Morning with winning the Day 1; four ball Matches 4-1 over Team Continental Europe. The matches results were Simon Dyson (England) & Jamie Donaldson (Wales) defeated Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spain) & Pablo Larrazabal (Spain) 2&1; Scott Jamieson (Scotland) & Ross Fisher (England) defeated Peter Hanson (Sweden) & Raphaël Jacquelin (France) 6&4; Anders Hansen (Denmark) & Francesco Molinari (Italy) defeated Mark Foster (England)  & Lee Westwood (England) 1up; Darren Clarke (NIR) & David Horsey (England) defeated Nicolas Colsaerts (France)  & Matteo Manassero (Italy) 1up and Robert Rock (England) & Ian Poulter (England) defeated Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) & Alexander Noren (Sweden) 5&3.

On to the 2nd day and the Friday four ball matches. Team Continental Europe made a fight back winning this series of matches 3.5 to 1.5 over Team Great Britain & Ireland. And the match results were Simon Dyson (England) & Jamie Donaldson (Wales) halved with Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) & Raphaël Jacquelin (France); Peter Hanson (Sweden) & Alexander Noren (Sweden) defeated Robert Rock (England) & Ian Poulter (England) 5&3; Nicolas Colsaerts (France) & Matteo Manassero (Italy) defeated Scott Jamieson (England) & Ross Fisher (England) by 2 holes; Mark Foster (England)  & Lee Westwood (England) defeated Anders Hansen (Denmark) & Francesco Molinari (Italy) 5&3 and Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spain) & Pablo Larrazabal (Spain) defeated Darren Clarke (NIR) & David Horsey (England) 3&2. So Team Great Britain & Ireland took a 5.5 to 4.5 lead over Team Continental Europe in to the weekend.

On Saturday Morning there were four Greensome Matches played and the results were Simon Dyson (England) & Jamie Donaldson (Wales) defeated Nicolas Colsaerts (France) & Matteo Manassero (Italy) 2&1; Darren Clarke (NIR) & David Horsey (England) halved with Peter Hanson (Sweden) & Alexander Noren (Sweden); Ian Poulter (England) & Ross Fisher (England) defeated Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) & Raphaël Jacquelin (France) 2&1 and Lee Westwood (England) & Scott Jamieson (Scotland) defeated Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spain) & Pablo Larrazabal (Spain) 4&3. So Team Great Britain & Ireland took out the greensomes matches 3.5 to .5 and now led 9 points to 5 points over Team Continental Europe heading into the Saturday Afternoon Foursome Matches.

So to the Saturday Afternoon Foursome Matches and the results were Robert Rock (England) & Jamie Donaldson (Wales) halved with Francesco Molinari (Italy) & Matteo Manassero (Italy); Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) & Anders Hansen (Denmark) defeated Ross Fisher (England) & Mark Foster (England) 3&2; Simon Dyson (England) & Ian Poulter (England) defeated Pablo Larrazabal (Spain) & Alexander Noren (Sweden) 3&1 and Lee Westwood (England) & David Horsey (England) defeated Raphaël Jacquelin (France) & Nicolas Colsaerts (France) 4&3. So Team Great Britain & Ireland led 11.5 points to 6.5 points over Team Continental Europe going in to the 10 Sunday Singles Matches.

So to the 10 Sunday Singles Matches and Team Continental Europe got off to a flying start with winning the 1st 5 singles matches and levelling the Match scored at 11 points all with 5 matches still to be decided. The 6th match was halved so that meant the Match score was still level at 12 points all. But Team Great Britain & Ireland won matches 7th, 8th and 9th and went to 15 points to the Team Continental Europe’s 12 points and retained the Vivendi Seve Trophy which they won in 2009. The 10th and final match in the singles was halved. So the final team score was Team Great Britain & Ireland 15.5 to Team Continental Europe 12.5. Paul McGinley (Ireland) the Team Great Britain & Ireland Captain was very happy with his teams result. And Team Continental Europe Captain Jean van de Velde (France) was happy in defeat because the matches were played in such good team spirit. The Singles Results were Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) defeated Lee Westwood (England) 2&1; Anders Hansen (Denmark) defeated Simon Dyson (England) by 1 hole; Francesco Molinari (Italy) defeated Jamie Donaldson (Wales) 4&3; Alexander Noren (Sweden) defeated Robert Rock (England) 4&3; Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spain) defeated Darren Clarke (NIR) 4&2; Nicolas Colsaerts (France) halved with David Horsey (England); Scott Jamieson (Scotland) defeated Pablo Larrazabal (Spain) by 1 hole; Ian Poulter (England) defeated Matteo Manassero (Italy) by 1 hole; Mark Foster (England) defeated Raphaël Jacquelin (France) by 1 hole and Ross Fisher (England) halved with Peter Hanson (Sweden).

Team Great Britain and Ireland posing with the Vivendi Seve Trophy they won

I feel the Vivendi Seve Trophy is a great Idea in the year that the Ryder Cup isn’t played because it keeps the players sharp in playing the match play form of the Golf game. And they are a good spectacle to watch on TV. So long may it continue and the Legacy of Seve Ballesteros (Spain) live on.  Next week the European Tour and Race to Dubai heads to Austria for the Austrian Golf Open present by Lyoness and it is being played at the Diamond Country Club, Atzenbrugg, Austria. With a prize purse of €1,000,000 for the taking it will attract a great field. Jose Manuel Lara (Spain) is the defending Champion and will be looking for back to back wins. It starts on Thursday 21st September and I report back who won next week.

So to the 2nd Tournament I am reporting on this week and it was on the Champions Tour and was Songdo IBD Championship Presented by Korean Air and was played at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, Songdo City, Korea and it was the only Champions Tour event played in Asia this year. The final round weather was partly sunny and pleasant with highs in the mid-to-upper 70s. Winds were from the NNE at 5-15 mph. And it was the Golfer by the name of Jay Don Blake (USA) that scored rounds of 68-4, 67-5 and a final round of 68-4 for a 54 hole total of 203-13. But he was joined on that score by 3 other players. The 1st one was Mark O’Meara (USA) who scored rounds of 67-5, 69-3 and a final round of 67-5 for a 54 hole total of 203-13. The 2nd player to join him on that score was John Cook (USA) who scored rounds of 68-4, 67-5, and a final round of 68-4 for a 54 hole total 203-13 and the final player to be tied for 1st was Peter Senior (Australia) who scored rounds of 68-4, 71-1 and a brilliant final round which was 64-8 and it was the best round of the whole week, He too had a 54 hole total of 203-13.

Jay Don Blake (USA) in action during the final round of the Songdo IBD Championship presented by Korean Air

So those four players headed back to the 18th hole for the 1st playoff hole. The 1st two playoff holes were halved with all four players making pars. But on the 3rd playoff hole Mark O’Meara (USA) and Peter Senior (Australia) made poor bogeys and were both eliminated. That meant that there was now only John Cook (USA) and Jay Don Blake (USA) heading to the 4th playoff hole. They both halved the 4th playoff hole in pars. So they headed to the 5th playoff hole. Jay Don Blake (USA) birdied the 5th playoff hole to win the Songdo IBD Championship Presented by Korean Air. It was Jay Don Blake’s (USA) maiden Champions Tour win. For the win he earned $US 456,000.00 and moved to 10th position on the Champions Tour Money list with $US 1,004,319 earned from the 16 events he has played to date this year so far. Tom Lehman (USA) is still leading the Money list with $US 1,793,009 earned from the 17 events he has played to date this year. He is also in 14th position on the Charles Schwab Cup Points list with 852 points earned from the 16 events he has played to date this year. He is 1,283 points behind Tom Lehman (USA) who leads that list as well with 2,135 points earned from the 17 events he has played to date this year.

Jay Don Blake (USA) holding the Songdo IBD Championship presented by Korean Air Trophy that he won

It was also Jay Don Blake’s (USA) 1st tournament win of any kind since 1991 which was 20 years ago. He will be over the moon with this performance. Jay Don Blake's (USA) win earned him a bit of revenge since Cook had beaten him in a playoff earlier this year at the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am. Jay Don Blake's victory on Sunday came in his 424th start since his last victory at the 1991 Shearson Lehman Brothers Open in San Diego. A year ago Russ Cochran (USA) ended a similar winless string when he defeated Fred Funk (USA) on the first extra hole. It was Cochran's 405th start since his last victory at the 1991 Centel Western Open. It is the first time in Jay Don Blake’s (USA) career he had earned over $US 1 million. His best year on the PGA TOUR came in 2000 when he won $590,109 and finished 82nd on the money list. His previous best tournament cheque was for $272,000 at the 2002 Sony Open in Hawaii. Jay Don Blake earns a two-year exemption into the Champions Tour season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai. Sunday's five-hole playoff was the longest on the Champions Tour since Jay Haas (USA) and Bernhard Langer (Germany) went seven holes at the 2008 Toshiba Classic where Haas prevailed. Sunday's playoff was the third in succession as well as the eighth of the campaign. It was one shy of the all-time Champions Tour record of nine in 2002. There were also eight playoffs in 1994 and 2005. It was also first four-man playoff since 2008 ACE Group Classic. So far in 2011, 10 players have already earned $1 million on the Champions Tour. The field averaged 72.194 for the event, including 73.099 on Sunday.

Mark O’Meara (USA) who was tied for 2nd had a fine Tournament which allowed him to earn $225,800 which increased his 2011 earnings to $1,150,094, the fourth time in five years he has reached the $1 million mark. And he has recorded 8 top 10 finishes this year to date as well. John Cook (USA) who was also tied for 2nd and is now fourth in the Charles Schwab Cup points list with 1,570 points earned to date this year. Peter Senior (Australia) was the final player to tie for 2nd place. Peter Senior’s (Australia) Tied for 2nd finish bumped him to third place in the Charles Schwab Cup Points list with 1,645 points earned from the 18 events he has played to date this year. And he has had 10 Top 10 finishes this year so far, but that maiden Champions Tour win is still eluding him. I hope he gets that win before the 2011 Champions Tour season is finished.

Tom Lehman (USA) the number 1 player on both the Champions Tour Money list and the Charles Schwab Cup points list was solo 5th position on -11 after 54 holes. Tied for 6th position was Mark Calcavecchia (USA), Tom Pernice, Jr. (USA), David Peoples (USA) and Michael Allen (USA), they were all on 209-7 after 54 holes. Rounding out the Top 10 in solo 10th position was Chien Soon Lu (Taiwan); he was 210-6 after 54 holes.

The Champions Tour has the week off next week, but resumes on Friday 30th September in North Carolina for the SAS Championship. It is being played at the Prestonwood CC, Cary, North Carolina. With a prize purse of $US 2,100,000 up for the taking it will attract the very best players from the Champions Tour. Russ Cochran (USA) is the defending Champion and will be looking to win back to back titles. I will report back who won in 2 weeks.

So to the 3rd event I am reporting on this week and it was on the USPGA Tour and was the 3rd Event of the 4 FedEx Cup Playoff Events. It was the BMW Championship and was played at the Cog Hill G&CC, Lemont, Illinois and it was Justin Rose (England) who scored rounds of 63-8, 68-3, 69-2 and a final round 71 even par for a 72 hole total of 271-13 to win by 2strokes. It was his 3rd win of his USPGA Tour Career. He won $US 1,440,000.00 for the win and moves to 15th position on the USPGA Tour Money list with $US 3,249,420 earned from the 21 events he has played to date this year. He also earned 2500 FedEx Cup points for the win and moves to 3rd position on the FedEx Cup Points list with 3,748 points earned from the 21 events he has played to date this year. He has 2,000 FedEx Cup Points from the points reset. Justin Rose (England) is 1,513 points behind Webb Simpson (USA) who is leading the FedEx Cup after the 3rd playoff event. He has earned 5,261 FedEx Cup points from the 23 events he has played to date this year and has 2,500 FedEx Points from the points reset.

Justin Rose (England) in Action during the final round of the BMW Championship

Justin Rose (England) had a 5 stroke lead after 8 holes and looked like he was cruising to victory. But when he made a poor bogey on the Par 5, 9th Hole his lead was reduced to 3 strokes because his playing opponent John Senden (Australia) made a birdie 4 on the same hole. So now he was back to -13 and a 3 stroke lead with nine holes to play. John Senden (Australia) then birdied the Par 4, 10th hole so Justin Rose (England) lead was now only 2 strokes with 8 holes to play. Justin Rose (England) made a poor bogey at the Par 5, 15th hole and John Senden (Australia) made a solid par so that meant that John Senden (Australia) was now only 1 stroke behind with 3 holes to play. Meanwhile Geoff Ogilvy (Australia) had posted a score of 274-10 after 72 holes.

On the Par 4, 16th hole they both hit good tee shots in the fairway and both hit the green in regulation. They both charged their birdie putts leaving difficult par putts. But both players were able to calmly roll their par putts in the cup. So to the Par 4, 17th hole and Justin Rose (England) was -12 and still had a 1stroke lead over John Senden (Australia) who was -11. Again they both hit good drives down the middle of the fairway. Justin Rose (England) hit his 2nd shot 1st and it came up about 3metres short of the green to his surprise. John Senden (Australia) hit his 2nd shot in the front right green side bunker. He played his 3rd shot 1st out of the Bunker and it landed about 10feet to the right of the cup. Justin Rose (England) then played his 3rd shot which was a chip and run with his 54 degree wedge. He made perfect contact and it took a couple of bounces and rolled to the hole like a perfect putt and fell in the cup for a birdie 3. So Justin Rose (England) moved to -13. John Senden (Australia) now had to hole his 10 foot par putt to be just 2 strokes behind playing the last hole. But he calmed his nerve and rolled it straight in the middle of the cup for his par 4.

So to the 72nd hole and Justin Rose (England) hit a beautiful tee shot that landed right in the middle of the fairway just short of 300 yards. John Senden (USA) hit a fine tee shot as well just a little behind Justin Rose (England). John Senden (Australia) played his 2nd shot 1st and needed to put it closed to the hole. But he bailed out short right but landed the ball on the green. The pin was cut back left right near the lake. He left himself 40 feet for birdie. Justin Rose (England) now know that as long as he kept his 2nd shot dry and landed it on the green some where he would more than likely win his 3rd USPGA Tour event. He made a great swing and landed his ball 25 feet to the right of the pin. John Senden (Australia) putted for his birdie from 40feet and left it 8feet short. Justin Rose (England) putted his 25 footer for birdie and it pulled up 1 inch short of the cup. He tapped in for an easy par 4, and that meant he had won the BMW Championship for 2011. John Senden (Australia) holed his putt for par to finish at 273-11 in solo 2nd place. But it was a great feeling for Justin Rose (England) who had finally converted a big 54 hole lead in to the final round tournament victory. In the past 2 years Justin Rose (England) had blown a few 54 holes leads. And it was great to have his Wife and Young Son walk on the green to celebrate with him.

Justin Rose (England) pumps his fist in celebration after winning the BMW Championship

I feel this win at the BMW Championship may just be what Justin Rose (England) needs to lift himself to the next level. I hope he can win the Tour Championship this week and take out the FedEx Cup for 2011. I wish him all the best with the rest of his 2011 season. For John Senden (Australia) 2nd place isn’t too bad and it lifts him to 9th position on the FedEx Cup point’s standings heading into the Tour Championship. And he must be close to gaining his 2nd win on the USPGA Tour very soon. Geoff Ogilvy (Australia) did very well to finish sole 3rd with all the pressure he was under with trying to get to the Tour Championship at Eastlake in Atlanta, and trying to get in the top 10 on the standings of the Presidents Cup points list to Automatically Qualify for Greg Normans International Team. But he achieved both goals. Firstly with his sole 3rd place he moved into 24th position on the FedEx Cup Points standings easily getting inside the top 30 cut off that make it to the Tour Championship and he has 1,789 FedEx Cup points. This is the 3rd straight year Geoff Ogilvy (Australia) has made the Tour Championship which is a fine achievement. And secondly with this finish it meant he moved into 7th Position on the final Presidents Cup Point’s standings and is in the 2011 International Team that takes on Team USA in mid November at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Australia. I feel it is great he has made the team because when he was a junior he used to play this course all the time, and he knows it like the back of his hand. He also has a house that backs right onto the Golf Course there. I wish him luck next week at the Tour Championship and also hope that the International Team can finally with the President Cup again just as they did in 1998 when it was played on this same course.

Luke Donald (England) had another fine tournament finishing in solo 4th Position with a 72 hole score of 276-8 and finish in 4th position in the FedEx Cup standings with 3,625 FedEx Cup points heading into the Tour Championship next week. And if he wins the Tour Championship he will become the 2011 FedEx Cup Champion. He is having an unbelievable season with gaining the Number 1 World Ranking for the first time and having 12 top 10 finishes so far in the 17 events he has played to date this year. That is including a win at the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship in late February. He is also leading the European Tour’s Race to Dubai Money list as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if he won next week.

In Solo 5th position was Webb Simpson (USA) with a score of 277-7 for 72 holes and he has the number 1 ranking in the FedEx Cup heading into the final event at next week’s Tour Championship. He has earned 5,261 FedEx Cup points from the 23 events he has played to date this year. I feel he has a great chance to win the FedEx Cup for 2011. Tied for 6th position on 278-6 was Camilo Villegas (Columbia) who must be the hard luck story for the week in the FedEx Cup playoffs. Coming to the 72 hole he need a par to stay inside the top 30 that make it to the Tour Championship next week. But he missed his 4 foot par putt and end up in 33rd position on the FedEx Cup point’s standings with 1,532 FedEx Cup points earned from the 25 events he entered and his 2011 FedEx Cup campaign was over. Also tied for 6th at 278-6 was the 93rd PGA Championship runner up Jason Dufner (USA).

In 8th place was the Deutsche Bank Championship runner up Chez Reavie (USA) who had a score of 279-5 for the 72 holes. In solo 9th Position was Brandt Jobe (USA) who had a score of 280-4. And rounding out the top 10 in tied for 10th position were K. J. Choi (South Korea) and David Toms (USA) who were both on 281-3 after 72 holes. Y. E. Yang (South Korea) was the good news story for the FedEx Cup heading into the Tour Championship next week. He played the back nine in 33-3 and eventually had a 72 hole score of 282-2 after 72 holes to tie for 12th place and made it into 28th position in the FedEx Cup points standings and secured his place in the Tour Championship. Well done to him.

The Presidents Cup teams were announced after the final round of the BMW Championship. The USA Team is Fred Couples (Captain), Matt Kuchar (USA), Steve Stricker (USA), Dustin Johnson (USA), Webb Simpson (USA), Nick Watney (USA), Phil Mickelson (USA), Bubba Watson (USA), David Toms (USA), Hunter Mahan (USA) and Jim Furyk (USA), Tiger Woods (USA) is the 1st Captains Pick and one more will be chosen in the coming weeks. The International Team is Greg Norman (Captain), Jason Day (Australia), Adam Scott (Australia), Charl Schwartzel (RSA), K. J. Choi (South Korea), Kyung-Tae Kim (South Korea), Retief Goosen (RSA), Geoff Ogilvy (Australia), Ernie Els (RSA), Y. E. Yang (South Korea) and Ryo Ishikawa (Japan). Greg Norman (Captain) will pick 2 captain’s picks in the coming weeks.

Next week the USPGA Tour and the FedEx Cup head to Atlanta, Georgia for the Finale of the FedEx Cup and it is the Tour Championship by Coca – Cola. It is being played at the East Lake GC, Atlanta, Georgia. With a purse of $US 8,000,000 for the taking it will bring the best out of the 30 players that have qualified. And also the 2011 FedEx Cup Champion will be decided. There will be a new Champion because Jim Furyk (USA) never made it in. It starts on Thursday 22nd September and I will report back who won next week.

So to the Top 5 on the Official World Golf Rankings this week. Coming in at Number 1 for the 17th week in a row is Luke Donald (England) with 10.52 Official Golf World Ranking Points, coming in at Number 2 is Lee Westwood (England) with 8.06 Official Golf World Ranking Points, coming in at Number 3 is Rory McIlroy (NIR) with 6.97 Official Golf World Ranking Points, coming in at Number 4 is Martin Kaymer (Germany) with 6.66 Official Golf World Ranking Points and rounding out the Top 5 is Steve Stricker (USA) with 6.64 Official Golf World Ranking Points. Tiger Woods (USA) slips a further 3 places this week to be 49th position on the Official World Golf Rankings points list with 2.87 Official Golf World Ranking Points. Danny Lee (NZL) is still the highest ranked New Zealander with 0.69 Official Golf World Ranking Points, but slips 4 places on the Official Golf World Rankings Points list this week to be in 259th position.

The final event I am reporting on this week was on the Nationwide Tour and was the Albertsons Boise Open Pres’d by Kraft and it was played at the Hillcrest CC, Boise, Idaho and it was the Golfer by the name of Jason Kokrak (USA) who scored rounds of 68-3, 68-3, 63-8 and a final round of 67-4 for a 72 hole total of 266-18 and win by 2 strokes. And it was his maiden Nationwide Tour win. He won $US 130,500.00 for the win and he moves to 13th Position on the Nationwide Tour money list with $US 187,442 earned from the 17 events he has played to date this year. J.J. Killeen (USA) retakes the top spot on the list with $US 387,304 earned from the 20 events he has played to date so far this year.

Jason Kokrak (USA) kisses the Albertsons Boise Open Pres'd by Kraft Trophy he won

For Jason Kokrak (USA) it was just an awesome week. And he only got the call on Tuesday prior to the tournament to say he was in the field. And he got the best possible start to his 3rd round where he scored 6 consecutive birdies to start it and went on to score a 63-8. And he played flawless golf in the final round as well where he recorded 4 birdies and no bogeys to return a 67-4. The win should really boost his confidence to even finish higher up on the money list in the 6 events remaining in the 2011 Nationwide Tour Season. I wish him all the best in his quest for gaining his 2012 USPGA Tour card by remaining in the top 25 on the final money list.

Coming in solo 2nd was John Mallinger (USA) who was 268-16 after 72 holes. Tied for 3rd at 269-15 were Camilo Benedetti (Colombia), Jonas Blixt (Sweden) and Ken Duke (USA). And rounding out the top 10 in tied for 6th place at 270-14 were Paul Claxton (USA), Brian Smock (USA), John Riegger (USA), Billy Horschel (USA) and David Hearn (Canada). Bradley Iles (NZL) was the only New Zealand Golfer in the field to make the cut. He scored rounds of 68-3, 65-6, 70-1 and a final round of 74+3 for a 72 hole total of 277-7 and tied for 46th place. He earned $US 2,631.75 for his weeks work and moved to 106th position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 31,894 earned from the 19th events he has played to date this year. It was ashame he couldn’t have finished stronger after his great first 2 rounds. The other New Zealand Golfers in the field but missed the 36 hole halfway cut were Danny Lee (NZL) who scored rounds of 71 even and 70-1 for a 36 hole total of 141-1 and he missed the 36 hole halfway cut by 2 strokes. Tim Wilkinson (NZL) scored rounds of 72+1 and 70-1 for a 36 hole total of 142 even to miss the 36 hole cut by 3 strokes. And Josh Geary (USA) scored rounds of 70-1 and 75+4 for a 36 hole total of 145+3 and miss the 36 hole cut by 5 strokes.

Next week the Nationwide Tour heads to California for the Soboba Golf Classic and it is being played at The CC at Soboba Springs, San Jacinto, California. It has a large prize purse of $US 750,000 for the taking which will attract the best players on the Nationwide Tour. Steven Bowditch (Australia) is the defending champion and will be looking to go back to back. It starts on Thursday 22nd September and I report back next who took the Trophy home.

So until then keep hitting the Fairways and Greens and making all your putts!!

Source: pgatour.com, europeantour.com

Golf Events from the Weekend 11th September 2011

Well there was just one Tournament on the Major Golf Tours from around the world this Weekend and it was on the European Tour and part of the Race to Dubai. It was the KLM Open and was played at the Hilversumsche GC, Hilversum, Netherlands and it was the Golfer by the name of Simon Dyson (England) that won his 2nd event on the European Tour this year. He scored rounds of 65-5, 66-4, 71+1 and a final round of 66-4 for a 72 hole total of 268-12 and won by 1 stroke. Simon Dyson (England) for the win at the KLM Open won € 300,000.00 and moves to 9th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with €1,298,904 earned from the 23 events he has played to date this year so far. Luke Donald (England) is still leading with €3,778,199 earned from the 10 events he has played to date this year so far.

Simon Dyson (England) shakes the hand of his caddy after winning the KLM Open

He played a great final round after a slow start to his front nine. He birdied the Par 4, 2nd hole and the Par 4, 8th hole on the front nine, but made a poor bogey on the Par 4, 4th hole to go out in 34-1. He started the back nine poorly with a bogey on the Par 4, 11th hole, but then played awesome golf the rest of the way in with birdies on the Par 5, 12th hole, Par 3, 13th hole when he hit his tee shot to a foot from the hole, and then birdied the Par 4, 14th hole. He made solid pars on the next 3 holes and came to the 72nd hole at -11. He played the par 5, 18th hole just the way it was designed to be played. He hit his drive 300 yards down the centre of the fairway, and then chose a 4 iron from just over 200 yards out from the green which he hit solid and landed 20 feet right of the Flag stick, on the green pin high. He left his eagle putt about 1foot short of the cup and tapped in for an easy birdie 4. Which left him on -12 and he was the leader in the Club House.

David Lynn (England) was his only serious threat still on the course. He came to the 72 hole at -10, and he knew what he had to do to force a playoff and that was eagle the Par 5, 18th hole. He did the 1st part right by striking his drive right down the centre of the fairway. And hit his rescue wood on the green to the right about 35 feet from the pin. He had a good run at his eagle putt, but it just missed and it rolled 3feet past. That meant Simon Dyson (England) was the winner. It was Simon Dyson’s sixth win on the European Tour International Schedule in his 324th European Tour event. He passes €1 million in a single season for the fourth time in his European Tour career. He moves to just outside the top 30 of the Official World Golf Ranking from 55th. It is the 2nd time he has won this season on the European Tour having won the Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland in late July. It was his 3rd third victory in the KLM Open, following his triumphs in 2006 and 2009. Since the event became part of The European Tour in 1972, he becomes the third player to win the KLM Open three times. He joins: Seve Ballesteros (1976, 1980 and 1986) and Bernhard Langer (1984, 1992 and 2001).

He becomes the sixth multiple winner of the season, following Luke Donald (WGC – Accenture Match Play Championship, BMW PGA Championship and Barclays Scottish Open), Thomas Björn (Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy, Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles and Omega European Masters), Charl Schwartzel (Joburg Open and Masters Tournament) and Darren Clarke (Iberdrola Open and The 140th Open Championship) and Alex Noren (Saab Wales Open and Nordea Masters). With this latest victory has now won six times on The European Tour. The third time he has won multiple events in the same season – two in 2006, two in 2009 and two in 2011. It was the 11th English victory of the 2011 season. They are: Paul Casey (Volvo Golf Champions), Luke Donald (WGC – Accenture Match Play Championship, BMW PGA Championship and Barclays Scottish Open), David Horsey (Trophée Hassan II), Lee Westwood (Ballantine’s Championship), Ian Poulter (Volvo World Match Play Championship), Robert Rock (BMW Italian Open presented by CartaSi), Simon Dyson (Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland and KLM Open) and Oliver Fisher (Czech Open). It was the 267th English victory in European Tour history. He moves over €8 million in European Tour Official Career Earnings and it was his eighth win as a professional worldwide.

Simon Dyson (England) holding the KLM Open Trophy he won

Simon Dyson (England) is just having a fine year, and it is his best season on the European Tour since 2009. I hope he goes on and wins the Race to Dubai at the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World in early December. It will be a huge challenge for him, but I feel he is now ready to step up a gear in his Golf Career and move to the next level. I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2011 European Tour season. In 2nd place was David Lynn (England) at 269-11 and he won € 200,000 for his weeks work and now moves to 38th position the Race to Dubai Money list with €536,310 earned from the 19 events he has played to date this year that includes 5 top 10 finishes.

Rory McILroy (NIR) continued on his fine form he has been displaying this year and was 270-10 after 72 holes in solo 3rd place. He would be disappointed that he never won though because he has been in good position to win the last two weeks on the European Tour, but has failed to do so. He won € 112,680 for his weeks work and that moves him to 2nd position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 2,151,474 earned from the 15 events he has played to date this year so far. And he is having a career season with winning his 1st Major Championship in record fashion at the US Open Championship in June. And he has made every single cut and recorded 9 top 10 finishes this year as well. But he could of just as easy of won 4 Tournaments and 2 Majors this year. He would be the odds on favourite to win the Race to Dubai Title with Luke Donald (England). I wish him all the best for the rest of the European Tour season and hope he can secure a couple of wins before the season is finished.

Gary Orr (England) was in solo 4th place at 271-9 after 72 holes. He won € 90,000 for his weeks work and moves to 132nd Position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 143,151earned from the 17 events he has played to date this year. It was his best finish on the European Tour this year to date and his 1st top 10 finish as well. He has made his last 4 cuts and now with a few more top 10 finishes will keep his card for the 2012 European Tour season. I wish him all the best with that. In solo 5th place was World Number 2 Golfer, Lee Westwood (England), He was 272-8 after 72 holes and earned € 76,320 for his efforts. He now moves to 4th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 1,913,751 earned from the 16 events he has played to date this year. He has had an amazing 8 top 10 finishes in his last 10 Tournaments played on the European Tour after a slow start to his 2011 season where he didn’t record a top 10 finish in his 1st 6 starts. He too is a short odd favourite to take out the Race to Dubai Title at the end of the season.

Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 6th position at 273-7 after 72 holes and winning € 45,240 each for their weeks work was Ross Fisher (England), David Horsey (England), James Kingston (South Africa), Jose Manuel Lara (Spain), Joost Luiten (Netherlands) and Paul McGinley (Ireland). Both New Zealand Golfers in the field this week missed the 36 hole cut. Best of them was Mark Brown (NZL), he scored rounds of 72+1 and 71+1 for a 36 hole total of 143+3 and missed the 36 hole cut by 3 strokes. He is now in 152nd position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 96,805 earned from the 25 events he has entered this year to date. He is having rather a poor season with no top 10 finishes at all and will have to play well in the remaining 11 events on the 2011 European Tour Schedule that he is likely to get a start in to keep his playing Status for the 2012 season. I wish him all the best with the quest to keep his card.

The other New Zealand Player to miss the cut was Michael Campbell (NZL), he scored rounds of 73+3 and 71+1 for a 36 hole total of 144+4 and he missed the 36 hole cut by 4 strokes. He is now in 161st position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 77,804 earned from the 21 events he has played to date this year. He too is yet to record a Top 10 finishes this year on the European Tour. But I wish him to have a strong finish to his 2011 Season.

Next week on the European Tour is the only teams event this year which is the Vivendi Seve Trophy that is contested in a similar fashion to the Ryder Cup between Team Continental Europe and Team Great Britain and Ireland. It is being played at the St. Nom La Breteche, Paris, France. The players in Team Continental Europe are Team Captain, Jean van de Velde (France), Thomas Bjorn (Denmark), Nicolas Colsaerts (France), Anders Hansen (Denmark), Peter Hanson (Sweden), Raphael Jacquelin (France), Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spain), Pablo Larrazabal (Spain), Matteo Manassero (Italy), Francesco Molinari (Italy) and Alexander Noren (Sweden). The players in the Team Great Britain and Ireland are, Team Captain, Paul McGinley (Ireland), Darren Clarke (NIR), Jamie Donaldson (Wales), Simon Dyson (England), Ross Fisher (England), Mark Foster (England), David Horsey (England), Scott Jamieson (England), Ian Poulter (England), Robert Rock (England) and Lee Westwood (England). It is played under the following format of the event will be a match play competition between two teams of 10 players representing (a) Europe and (b) Great Britain and Ireland. On each of the first two days there will be a series of 5 fourball matches. On the third day there will be a series of 4 greensome and 4 foursome matches. On the final day there will be a series of 10 singles matches. It has a prize purse of €1,150,000 for the taking as well. Team Great Britain and Ireland are the defending Champions and will be looking to make it 2 wins in a row.  It starts on Thursday 15th September and I will report back next week which team won the Trophy.   

Luke Donald (England) the current World Number 1 Golfer

So to the top 5 on the Official World Golf Rankings this week. Coming at Number 1 for the 16th week in a row is Luke Donald (England) with 10.48 Official Golf World Ranking Points, Coming in at Number 2 is Lee Westwood (England) with 8.21 Official Golf World Ranking Points, coming at number 3 is Rory McILroy (NIR) with 7.09 Official Golf World Ranking Points, coming in at number 4 is Steve Stricker (USA) with 6.90 Official Golf World Ranking Points, and rounding out the top 5 this week is Dustin Johnson (USA) with 6.80 Official Golf World Ranking Points. Tiger Woods (USA) slips another 2 places this week and is now in 46th position on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list with 2.94 Official World Golf Ranking Points. Best New Zealander is still Danny Lee (NZL), he slips 2 places this week to 255th position in the Official World Golf Rankings Points list with 0.70 Official World Golf Ranking Points.

So until my next report next week remember to keep hitting it long and straight and make all your Putts!!

Source: europeantour.com, pgatour.com

Golf Events from the Weekend 4th September 2011

Well it was another great weekend for Professional Golf Tournaments from around the world. First I will start with the European Tour and the Race to Dubai. This week it was the Omega European Masters and it was played at the Crans-sur-Sierre, Crans Montana, Switzerland and it was the Golfer by the name of Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) that scored rounds of 68-3, 68-3, 66-5 and a final round of 62-9 for a 72 hole total of 264-20 to win by 4 strokes. It was his 3rd win on the European Tour this year and his 2nd in as many weeks as he won The Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles in Scotland last week. And he becomes the 1st Golfer on the European Tour in 2011 to win back to back Tournaments.

Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) kisses the Omega European Masters Trophy he won

Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) earned € 333,330 for the win and moves to 7th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with €1,381,444 earned from the 17 events he has played to date this year. Luke Donald (England) is still leading with €3,778,199 earned from the 10 events he has played to date this year. Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) played a dream final round. Starting the final round at -11, 3strokes back from the 54 hole leader which was Jamie Donaldson (Wales). Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) started his final round well with a birdie at the Par 5, 1st hole; he had a poor bogey at the par 4, 4th hole. But then he reeled off 4 consecutive birdies in a row at the Par 4, 5th hole, Par 4, 6th hole, Par 4, 7th hole and the Par 3, 8th hole to go out in 32-4 on the front nine. He started the back nine with a birdie on the Par 4, 10th hole, but made his 2nd bogey of the day at the Par 4, 12th hole. He birdied the Par 5, 14th hole and then eagled the Par 5, 15th hole. Then he made 2 birdies to finish off his round at the Par 4, 17th hole and the Par 4, 18th hole and he came in with a 30-5 on the back nine and returned a 62-9 that was the lowest final round winning score he has ever scored to win a European Tour event is his career.

This win is his 13th European Tour International Schedule victory in his 369th European Tour Event entered. It also moves him just outside the top 25 from the 59th in the Official World Golf Ranking. Becomes the 1st player to win back to back European Tour titles since Charl Schwartzel (RSA) (2010 Africa Open and 2010 Joburg Open). He claims his third European Tour title of the 2011 season following the Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy and the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.

Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) in Action during the Final round of the Omega European Masters

It is the first time in his European Tour career he has won 3 European Tour titles in the same year. Becomes the second player on the 2011 season to win three times, following Luke Donald (WGC – Accenture Match Play Championship, BMW PGA Championship and Barclays Scottish Open). Second player aged 40 and over to win twice in 2011, following Darren Clarke (Iberdrola Open and the 140th Open Championship). His final round of 62 is the lowest final round by a winner in 2011. He was a total of 31 under par for his last eight rounds en route to winning the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles (11 under) and Omega European Masters (20 under). Has won €599,958 in his last two European Tour events from the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles and Omega European Masters.

 

He became the 28th different player to win back-to-back European Tour events. Is the oldest player to win back-to-back European Tour events, aged 40 years and 198 days. He beat the previous record of Nick Price who was 40 years and 26 days in 1997 when he won the Dimension Data Pro-Am and then the Alfred Dunhill SA PGA Championship. This victory is the seventh by a player aged 40 and over in the 2011 season to date. They are: Ernie Els (RSA) (South African Open Championship), Paul Lawrie (Scotland) (Open de Andalucía de Golf by Turkish Airlines), Darren Clarke (NIR) (Iberdrola Open and the 140th Open Championship), Thomas Levet (France) (Alstom Open de France) and Thomas Björn (Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles and Omega European Masters). He becomes the 25th Danish victory on The European Tour and also becomes the first Dane to win the Omega European Masters and finally he Gains his 19th professional win worldwide.

So this win will do Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) confidence the world of good and with Back to Back wins now he must be starting to feel he is invincible. I feel he could be a real threat to win the Race to Dubai title now. I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2011 season. Coming in for 2nd place was Martin Kaymer (Germany) who had the early lead in the final round after a brilliant front nine of 30-6 that included 2 eagles and 4 birdies without a bogey. But then he reeled of a back nine of 9 straight pars in a row for 35 even and ended up scoring 65-6. He ended up finishing at -16 after 72 holes and won € 222,220 for his efforts and has earned € 1,873,115 from the 16 events he has played to date this year in the Race to Dubai and is in 4th position on the Money list so he is still having a great year. And he has won a tournament this year in January at Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.

Coming in tied for 3rd at -16 after 72 holes were Jaco Van Zyl (RSA) who scored a great final round of 64-7 and it was his 3rd top 5 finish of the season. He has now earned € 222,220 from the 18 events he has played to date this year and is in 44th position on the Race to Dubai Money list. Also tied for 3rd was Rory McIlroy (NIR) who was playing in his 1st tournament since he injured his wrist in the 93rd USPGA Championship. He will be disappointed with not winning this tournament after being in such a good position after 54 holes. But he still is 2nd on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 2,038,794 earned from the 14 events he has played to date this year. And the last player tied for 3rd was Jamie Donaldson (England) who would be disappointed with his final round 70-1 when he had a great chance to win his maiden European Tour event.

Coming in tied for 6th position at -14 were David Lynn (England), Fredrik Andersson Hed (Sweden) and the world number 2, Lee Westwood (England). Rounding out the top 10 at tied for 9th position at -13 were Alejandro Canizares (Spain), Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spain) and Alexander Noren (Sweden). Both New Zealand Golfers in the field made the cut. Best of them was Michael Campbell (NZL), he scored rounds of 67-4, 71 even, 68-3 and a final round of 70-1 for a 72 hole total of 276-8 and finished in tied for 25th position. He earned € 19,000.00 for his weeks work and that moves him to 157th Position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 77,804 earned from the 20 events he has played to date this year. It was his best finish on the European Tour in 2011. Perhaps he can have a big finish to the 2011 season on the European Tour? I wish him all the best anyway. Mark Brown (NZL) was the other New Zealand Golfer in the field and he scored rounds of 69-2, 71 even, 73+2 and a final round of 71 even for a 72 hole total of 284 even par. He earned € 5,100.00 for his weeks work and he moves to 147th Position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 96,805 earned from the 24 events he has played to date this year. At least he made the cut this week after missing his last 2. But he still needs a huge finish to the 2011 European Tour Season if he is going to get inside the Top 115 players on the Money list that keeps their exempt status for the 2012 season. He has another 13 tournaments to play until he knows his fate as to whether he has to go back to Tour School. I wish Mark Brown (NZL) all the best for the rest of the 2011 season.

Next week the European Tour and Race to Dubai head to the Netherlands for the KLM Open and it is being played at the Hilversumsche GC,Hilversum, Netherlands. With €1,800,000 up for the taking it is going to attract another good field. Martin Kaymer (Germany) is the defending Champion and will be looking for back to back titles, especially after finishing 2nd last week. It starts on Thursday 8th September and I will report back who won the trophy next week.

 Now to the 2nd tournament I am reporting on this week and it was on the USPGA Tour and was the 2nd Event in the FedEx Cup Playoff Series. It was the Deutsche Bank Championship and was played at the TPC Boston, Norton, Massachusetts. And it was the Golfer in red hot form the last few weeks by the name of Webb Simpson (USA) that prevailed on the 2nd hole of Sudden Death to win his 1st Deutsche Bank Championship. He scored rounds of 69-2, 68-3, 67-4 and a final round of 65-6 for a 72 hole total of 269-15. But he was tied on that score with Chez Reavie (USA) who scored rounds of 67-4, 68-3, 68-3 and a final round of 66-5 for a 72 hole total of also 269-15.

Chez Reavie (USA) was looking like the player to beat when he holed a 25 foot birdie putt on the Par 3, 16th hole to get to -16. He made a solid par on the Par 4, 17th hole. That meant all he had to do was make a Par 5, on the Short Par 5, 18th hole and he would be the winner. He hit a solid drive that just stayed in the left hand 1st cut of rough. He chose to lay up because the lie wasn’t good enough to go for the green. He landed his layup 2nd shot with a short iron in the fairway 100 yards from the green. But he was really pumped up with his 3rd shot and hit his Wedge shot over the green and left himself a difficult chip. He got a drop from the Grandstand that was interfering with his swing. He hit a fine chip shot to within 15 feet of the hole. So he had that putt to win the Deutsche Bank Championship. He hit a good putt but it just rolled off to the right of the cup when it reached the hole. He tapped in for his bogey 6 and He and Webb Simpson (USA) were heading back to the Par 5, 18th hole to play it as the 1st playoff hole.

So to the 1st Playoff hole. Webb Simpson (USA) drew number 1 from the hat and teed off 1st. He put his drive right down the centre of the fairway, Chez Reavie (USA) then hit his drive right down the centre as well but just past Webb Simpson (USA). Webb Simpson (USA) hit his 2nd shot 1st and pulled it left of the green just as he had done in regulation play about 20 minutes earlier. Chez Reavie (USA) hit next with his mid iron 2nd shot and it landed on the green and rolled through in to the rough but left an easy chip. Webb Simpson (USA) hit a fine lob chip for his 3rd shot and just as he did in regulation play, he left himself a 20 foot putt up hill. Chez Reavie (USA) hit a fine chip for his 3rd shot and it came to rest 4feet from the cup. Webb Simpson (USA) hit an excellent putt from 20 feet and it when straight in the hole, for a birdie 4. Chez Reavie (USA) calmly rolled his 4 foot par putt in the cup for a birdie 4 as well. So both players headed to the 17th tee for the 2nd playoff hole.

Both players hit good drives down the Par 4, 17th fairway leaving short wedge shots to the green. Webb Simpson (USA) played first and took dead aim at the pin, and he landed his ball about 10 feet underneath the cup. Chez Reavie (USA) played 2nd and came out of his wedge shot slightly and the ball landed short to the right of the pin about 35 feet from the hole. Chez Reavie (USA) putted 1st for birdie from 35 feet and hit a good putt but it just rolled by on the right hand side and he tapped in for his par 4. That meant that if Webb Simpson (USA) holed his 10 foot birdie putt he was the Winner. Webb Simpson (USA) calmed himself and then rolled his putt into the centre of the Cup for a birdie 3 and won the Deutsche Bank Championship.

Webb Simpson (USA) holding the Deutsche Bank Championship Trophy he won

Webb Simpson (USA) won $US 1,440,000.00 for the win and that moves him to Number 1 position on the USPGA Tour Money list with $US 5,301,043 earned from the 22 events he has played to date this year. He also got 2,500.00 FedEx Cup points for the win and moves to Number 1 Position on the FedEx Cup points list after the 2nd playoff event with 2 remaining. 

He has earned 4,711 FedEx Cup points with 2 playoff events to go. He is 897 FedEx Cup points ahead of Dustin Johnson (USA) who has 3,814 FedEx Cup Points. But anything can happen in the two remaining FedEx Cup Playoff Events. But if Webb Simpson (USA) can be no worse than in 5th Position heading into the Final Playoff event which is the Tour Championship by coca–cola when the seedings are done, and then goes on and wins the Tour Championship by coca-cola he will become the 2011 FedEx Cup Champion.

Webb Simpson (USA) is just having a dream year with winning 2 tournaments (he also won the Wyndham Championship) and also having 7 top 10 finishes as well. And he has only missed 3cuts. After getting his USPGA Tour card at the 2008 PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament where he tied for 7th easily getting inside the Top 25 and ties that earned their cards. He had a fine rookie season in 2009 and won $US 1,249,674 to easily keep his card for the 2010 season. In 2010 he backed up his rookie season with another fine year earning $US 972,962. Everything is going well for the 26 year old at the moment, he is married to Dowd his lovely wife and they have just had their 1st child. I wish him all the best with the final two playoff events. And I hope he can go all the way and win the FedEx Cup for 2011.

Webb Simpson (USA) points to the Sky after winning the Duetsche Bank Championship

Chez Reavie (USA) would be disappointed with coming 2nd, but on the other hand he will be pleased he has moved into 9th Position on the FedEx Cup Points standings with 2,088 FedEx Cup points earned and he is only 2,623 FedEx Cup points behind Webb Simpson (USA). He came into the week in 87th Position on the FedEx Cup points list so he moved up 76 places this week which is great for him. He also is in 35th Position on the USPGA Tour Money list with $US 1,904,267 earned from the 24 events he has played to date this year.

Coming in tied 3rd position at -13 for 72 holes were Jason Day (Australia) who is continuing on his great form this year, all he is lacking is a win. He is 6th in the FedEx Cup Points list with 2,357 Points and has earned $US 3,670,687 from 19 events he has played to date this year and is in 8th position on the USPGA Tour Money list. Luke Donald (England) the world number 1 golfer was also tied for 3rd. He is now 4th on the FedEx Cup Points list 2,875 FedEx Cup points heading into the 3rd playoff event. He is just having an amazing year and has had the number ranking for the last 3months and he is also leading the Race to Dubai Money list on European Tour. The last player to tie for 3rd at -13 after 72 holes was Brandt Snedeker (USA) who is now in 5th position on the FedEx Cup Points list with 2,869.

In solo 6th place at 272-12 after 72 holes was the defending FedEx Cup Champion, Jim Furyk (USA) who now has moved to 35th in the FedEx Cup standings with 1,243 points. In solo 7th place at 273-11 after 72 holes was Bo Van Pelt (USA). Tied for 8th position at 274-10 were Hunter Mahan (USA) and Adam Scott (Australia). Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 10th place with a 72 hole score of 275-9 were Kyle Stanley (USA), Phil Mickelson (USA), Ryan Moore (USA), Blake Adams (USA), Jerry Kelly (USA) and Brendan Steele (USA).

Two players who were past US Open Champions had to work really hard to just scrape inside the top 70 on the FedEx Cup Points list and earn the right to play in the 3rd Playoff event which is the BMW Championship, were Ernie Els (RSA) and Geoff Ogilvy (Australia). They both had to birdie the 72 hole to do it. Ernie Els (RSA) is in 68th Position on the FedEx Cup points list with 792 points and Geoff Ogilvy (Australia) is in 69th Position with 789 points. And the final player to qualify for the BMW Championship in 70th Position on the FedEx Cup Points list was Chris Stroud (USA) who had to eagle the last hole to do so. He has 788 FedEx Cup Points.

Next week the USPGA Tour and FedEx Cup have a week off. The following week it is the 3 rd FedEx Cup playoff event that is the BMW Championship and is being played at the Cog Hill G&CC, Lemont, Illinois. With a huge prize purse of $US 8,000,000 up for the taking the 70 players that are playing will be looking for their share of it. Dustin Johnson (USA) is the defending Champion and will be looking to defend his title. It starts on Thursday 15th September. I will report back who took home the Trophy in 2weeks time.

So to the Top 5 on the Official Golf World Rankings points list this week, Coming in at number 1 for the 15th week running is Luke Donald (England) with 10.41 Official World Ranking Points, Coming in at Number 2 is Lee Westwood (England) with 8.16 Official World Ranking Points, Coming in at Number 3 is Martin Kaymer (Germany) with 7.03 Official World Ranking Points, Coming in at Number 4 is Rory McILroy (NIR) with 6.88 Official World Ranking Points and rounding out the top 5 is Steve Stricker (USA) with 6.83 Official World Ranking Points. Tiger Woods (USA) this week slips a further 6 positions to 44th Position in the Official World Golf Rankings with 3.03 Official World Rankings Points. Best New Zealand Golfer is still Danny Lee (NZL) with 0.71 Official Golf World Ranking Points and that places him in 253th Position on the Official Golf World Rankings Points list; he is up 12 places from last week after his tied 8th at the Mylan Classic on the Nationwide Tour.

The 3rd and final event I am reporting on this week was on the Nationwide Tour and was the Mylan Classic and was played at the Southpointe Golf Club, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. And it was the Golfer by the name of Gary Christian (England) who scored rounds of 68-3, 63-8, 69-2 and a final of 67-4 for a 72 hole total of 267-17 and he won $108,000.00 for the win and moves to 4th on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 230,040 earned from the 16 events he has played to date this year. J.J. Killeen (USA) regains the lead at the top of the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 372,907 earned from the 19 events he has played to date this year.

Gary Christian (England) in Action during the Final Round of the Mylan Classic he won

For Gary Christian (England) this was his 2nd win on the Nationwide Tour having won the 2009 Northeast Pennsylvania Classic. After 6 years of playing a full Nationwide Tour Schedule he is finally heading to the USPGA Tour for the 2012 Season. And the 40 year old Englishman will be over the moon with that. He played great golf all week with 3rounds in the mid to high 60’s and one in the low 60’s. He came to the 72nd hole with a 2stroke lead over John Mallinger (USA) and even though he bogied that hole it was enough to win. I feel he will do well on the USPGA Tour in 2012 because he is a mature golfer with a lot of experience. I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2011 Nationwide Tour season.

In solo 2nd place at 268-16 after 72 holes was John Mallinger (USA), he was only playing on the Nationwide Tour because he had failed to qualify for the FedEx Cup Playoff events. And in the 4 starts he has had on the Nationwide Tour this year he has earned $US 109,750. In tied for 3rd position were Craig Bowden (USA) and Scott Brown (USA) at 269-15 after 72 holes. In tied for 5th position was J.J. Killeen (USA) who is the money list leader, Billy Hurley III (USA) and Kevin Kisner (USA), they were all at 270-14 after 72 holes. In tied 8th position was Danny Lee (NZL) who scored rounds of 73+2, 66-5, 71 even par and a brilliant final round of 62-9 which was the best of the day for a 72 hole total of 272-12 and he won a cheque of $US 17,400.00 for his weeks work. He is still in 11th Position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 177,200 earned from the 13 events he has played to date this year. With 7events remaining in the 2011 Nationwide Tour Season I feel he is now relatively certain to gain a 2012 USPGA Tour card. I wish him all the best with this. Tim Wilkinson (NZL) was also tied for 8th Position on 272-12. He scored rounds of 70-1, 68-3, 68-3 and a final round of 66-5 for a 72 hole total of 272-12 and he too tied for 8th position. He too won $US 17,400.00 for his weeks work and it was his 1st top 10 finish of the season. He moved to 77th position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 48,957 earned from the 17 events he has played to date this year. It would seem a bit farfetched to say he could sneak into the top 25 on the final money list and achieve his 2012 USPGA Tour card, but if he could win one of the 7 remaining events on the 2011 Nationwide Tour Schedule, it could become a reality. I wish him all the best for the rest of the season.

The final player to tie for 8th position at 272-12 was Andrew Svoboda (USA). The other New Zealander in the field to make the cut was Josh Geary (USA); he scored rounds of 70-1, 65-6, 79+8 and a final round of 68-3 for a 72 hole total of 282-2 and tied for tied for 54th position. He earned $US 1,920.00 for his weeks work. He is now in 53rd Position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 78,061earned from the 19 events he has played to date this year. It was a shame he had that horrible 79+8 in the 3rd round. But he still has 7 tournaments left to secure his place in the Top 25 on the final money list. The other New Zealand Golfers in the field that missed the 36 hole cut were Steven Alker (NZL) who scored rounds of 75+4 and 70-1 for a 36 hole total 145+3 and he missed the cut by 5 strokes, and Phil Tataurangi (NZL) playing in his 1st tournament of the 2011 Nationwide Tour this season, but he only managed 14 holes and was +6 for them when he had to withdraw.

This week the Nationwide Tour has the week off. It resumes the following week when it heads to Idaho for the Albertsons Boise Open Pres’d by Kraft and it is being played at the Hillcrest CC, Boise, Idaho. And it has the 3rd equal highest Purse on the Nationwide Tour for the 2011 season of $US 725,000 and will attract the best players on the Nationwide Tour. Hunter Haas (USA) is the defending Champion and because he got knocked of the FedEx Cup Playoffs early he will more than likely play and defend his title. It starts on Thursday 15th September and I report back who won the trophy in 2 weeks time.  

So until then remember the courses are starting to dry out now that spring is here so remember to allow for rollout on your ball!!

Source: pgatour.com, europeantour.com