Golf Events from the Weekend 23rd October

Well it was another exciting weekend on the Major Professional Golf Tours from around the world. First I will start with the European Tour and Race to Dubai. This week it stayed in Spain for the second of three events in Spain this month. It was the Castello Masters and was being played on the Club de Campo del Mediterráneo, Castellón, Valencia, Spain. And it was the Golfer by the name of Sergio Garcia (Spain) that scored rounds of 67-4, 63-8, 64-7 and a final round of 63-8 for a 72 hole total of 257-27 and he won by an Amazing 11 strokes. He won € 333,330.00 for the win and moves Sergio Garcia (Spain) to 11th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with €1,080,748 earned from the 11 events he has played to date this year so far. Luke Donald (England) still leads that list with €3,856,394 earned from the 12 events he has played to date this year so far.

Sergio Garcia (Spain) shakes his caddies hand after winning the Castello Masters

Sergio Garcia (Spain) just displayed amazing form this week on the course where he learnt to play on as a child. He won the Club Championships on this very course when he was only 12 years old. And it was his first time playing a tournament in Spain since the passing of Seve Ballesteros (Spain) who was a true legend in Spanish Golf and had a huge influence on Sergio Garcia’s (Spain) golf career in the early years of his career. He got off to a great start in his final round with birding the Par 5, 4th hole, Par 4, 5th hole, Par 5, 8th hole which he played in 5 under for the week and the Par 4, 9th hole to go out in 32-4 for the front nine. He then came home in 31-4 which included birdies at the Par 4, 10th hole, Par 4, 11th hole, Par 4, 14th hole, Par 4, 15th hole and Par 4, 18th hole with his lone bogey coming at the Par 4, 17th hole. And he returned a final round of 63-8.

His Father Victor was there to celebrate with him as he holed the winning putt. He dedicated the win in honour to the late Seve Ballesteros (Spain) who as I mentioned before was huge influence on his career in his early days as a Professional. The Castello Masters was Sergio Garcia (Spain) ninth European Tour International Schedule victory in his 164th European Tour event. This was the ninth time in his European Tour career, he has won more than €1 million in a single season. He moves just outside the top 30 from 49th in the Official World Golf Ranking. It was Sergio Garcia (Spain) first European Tour victory since the 2009 HSBC Champions (Nov 08). A gap of two years and 348 days. And in that time he has played in 40 European Tour events between victories. This victory beats his previous best European Tour finish since his win in the HSBC – Champions, and second in the 2011 BMW International Open. Sergio Garcia (Spain) claims his second win in the Castelló Masters, following his triumph in the first event in 2008. This victory is his third top four finish in the Castelló Masters from his four appearances. He was first in 2008, fourth in 2009 and first in 2011. Sergio Garcia (Spain) victory in the Castelló Masters marks the first European Tour event he has twice. His winning total of 257 equals the lowest winning 72 hole total of the 2011 season, established by Ernie Els (RSA) (South African Open Championship). It is also the lowest winning total in relation to par (-27), in the 2011 season, beating the 25 under total of Ernie Els (RSA) at the South African Open Championship. His 27 under par total is the lowest on The European Tour since Ernie Els (RSA) shot 29 under at the 2003 Johnnie Walker Classic.

Sergio Garcia (Spain) holding the Castello Masters Trophy he won

Sergio Garcia (Spain) winning margin of 11 shots is the largest of the 2011 season, beating the eight by Martin Kaymer (Germany) (Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship) and Rory McIlroy (NIR) (US Open Championship). Garcia’s victory margin is the largest on the European Tour since Tiger Woods (USA) won by 11 at the 2000 WGC – Bridgestone Invitational. His final 54 hole total of 190 (-23) is the lowest of the 2011 season, beating the 192 of Ernie Els (RSA) at the South African Open Championship. His final 54 hole total in relation to par of 23 under is the lowest of the 2011 season, beating the 19 under of Martin Kaymer (Germany) at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and Portugal Masters. His winning total of 257 (-27) is the lowest winning total and in relation to par, in the history of the event, beating his score in 2008 and Michael Jonzon (Sweden) in 2009 of 264 (-20). (His first 54 hole total of 194 (-19) is the lowest in the history of the event and tied the low opening 54 holes for the 2011 season, established by Ernie Els (RSA) (194 (-16) at the South African Open Championship).

Sergio Garcia’s (Spain) final round of 63 (-8) is the lowest final round by a winner in the event, beating the 67 (-4) of Garcia (Spain) in 2008, Jonzon (Sweden) in 2009 and Matteo Manassero (Italy) in 2010. His 11 shot winning margin is the biggest in the history of the Castelló Masters, beating the previous best of four shots by Manassero (Italy) in 2010. Sergio Garcia (Spain) is now an amazing 62 under par for his 14 rounds in the event since 2008, which equates to a stroke average of 66.57. Sergio Garcia (Spain) claims his fourth European Tour victory on Spanish soil. This win follows the 2002 Open de España, 2004 Mallorca Classic, 2008 and 2011 Castelló Masters. This victory keeps up his record of winning all four of his Spanish European Tour titles when leading or sharing the lead going into the final round. (He also led going into the final round of the 2005 (Omega European Masters). Sergio Garcia (Spain) is attached to the Club de Golf del Mediterráneo, venue for the Castelló Masters. He joins Ernie Els (RSA) as players to win an official European Tour Event twice at the club the player was attached to. Els (RSA) won the 2004 and 2007 World Match Play Championship when he was attached at Wentworth Club. He becomes the first player to win the Castelló Masters twice. It was the fourth Spanish victory of the 2011 season. They are: Pablo Martin (Spain) (Alfred Dunhill Championship, Alvaro Quiros (Spain) (Omega Dubai Desert Classic), Pablo Larrazabal (Spain) (BMW International Open) and Sergio Garcia (Spain) (Castelló Masters). It was the 160th Spanish victory in European Tour history. Sergio Garcia (Spain) gains a two year European Tour exemption until the end of 2013. And finally gains his 21st victory as a professional.

I feel this victory is just what Sergio Garcia (Spain) needed to boost his confidence and another win before the 2011 European Tour season is finished isn’t out of the question for him. I wish him all the best for the remaining events on the European Tour in 2011. Coming in at solo 2nd place was Gonzalo Fdez-Castano (Spain) who was on 268-16 after 72 holes. He had his best finish of the season and earned € 222,220.00 for his efforts. He moves to 89th on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 296,975 earned from the 11 events he has played to date this year and should be enough to secure his European Tour card for the 2012 season.

In tied for 3rd Position at  269-15 after 72 holes were Alexander Noren (Sweden) who had his 7th top 10 finish this season which includes wins at the Saab Wales Open in early June and the Nordea Masters in late July. Also tied for 3rd was Richie Ramsay (Scotland). In solo 5th position at 270-14 was Thomas Aiken (RSA). In solo 6th position at 272-12 was George Coetzee (RSA). In solo 7th position at 273-11 was Marcel Siem (Germany). Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 8th position at 274-10 were Marcus Fraser (Australia), Romain Wattel (France) and Ross McGowan (England).

The only New Zealand Golfer in the field this week was Mark Brown (NZL), he scored rounds of 69-2, 72+1, 74+3 and a final round of 73+2 for a 72 hole total of 288+4 and he finished in tied for 63rd position. He earned € 4,900.00 for his weeks work and now moves to 157th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with €115,805 earned from the 30 events he has played to date this year. He now has only 6 tournaments left that he is likely to get starts in to try and get inside the top 115 players on the Race to Dubai Money list that keep their European Tour cards for the 2012 season. I wish him all the best in his quest to secure that card.

       Next week the European Tour and Race to Dubai stays in Spain for the Andalucia Masters and it is 

being played at the Club de Golf Valderrama, Sotogrande, Spain. With €3,000,000 up for grabs it is going to attract the very best players on the European Tour. Graeme McDowell (NIR) is the defending champion and will be looking for back to back titles. It starts on Thursday 27th October. I will report back who won the trophy next week.    

Now to the USPGA Tour and I am reporting on two tournaments this week, the first one was the PGA Grand Slam of Golf and it was played on the Port Royal Golf Course, Southampton Parish, Bermuda. It was the 29th staging of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf that sees the winners of the four Major Championships playoff over 36 holes of Stroke play to see who the PGA Grand Slam of Golf Champion is for that year. It was played on Tuesday 18th and Wednesday 19th October. Players competing this year were Charl Schwartzel (RSA) (Masters Tournament Winner); Rory McILroy (NIR) (US Open Championship Winner); Darren Clarke (NIR) (Open Championship Winner) and Keegan Bradley (USA) (PGA Championship Winner).

Keegan Bradley (USA) (PGA Championship Winner) scored rounds of 67-4 and 71 even for a 36 hole total of 138-4 after 36 holes and won by 1 stroke. His win was set up by his first round 67-4 that included two eagles, one at the par 5, 2nd hole and another at the Par 5, 7th hole. He also birdied the par 3, 3rd hole, Par 4, 6th hole and Par 4, 9th hole. And he made his lone bogey on the Par 4, 1st hole, so he went out in an amazing 30-6. He came home in 37+2 which included bogies at the Par 4, 14th and Par 3, 16th holes. In the 2nd round he got off to a shocking start recording bogies on the Par 4, 1st, 5th and 6th holes, but made a fine birdie on the Par 5, 7th hole to go out in 38+2. He came in with a 33-2 that included birdies on the Par 4, 10th hole and also the Par 5, 17th hole. He won his first ever PGA Grand Slam of Golf title at his first appearance and earned the winner’s cheque of $US 600, 000 for his efforts. It capped off a great year for Keegan Bradley (USA) with winning his maiden USPGA Tour Event at the HP Byron Nelson Championship in late May. Then he won his first Major Championship in Mid August at the PGA Championship. He earned an Amazing $US 3,758,600 from the 28 events he played in 2011 which placed him in 13th position on the final USPGA Tour Money list Standings. Look for Keegan Bradley (USA) to keep on improving in 2012 USPGA Tour Season. And I suggest he must be in line for the USPGA Tour player of the year award.

Keegan Bradley (USA) posing with the PGA GrandSlam of Golf Trophy he won

Coming in 2nd was Charl Schwartzel (RSA) (Masters Tournament Winner) who scored 74+3 and 65-6 for a 36 hole total of 139-3. He fell one stroke shy of Keegan Bradley (USA) (PGA Championship Winner) but his final round of 65-6 included a front nine of 31-5 with 5 consecutive birdies from holes 5-9. He then came home in 34-1 which included birdies at the Par 4, 15th hole and the Par 5, 17th hole. And he forced Keegan Bradley (USA) to have to hole a 5 foot putt for par which he did to win.

Coming in 3rd was Rory McILroy (NIR) (US Open Championship Winner) with rounds of 67-4 and 75+4 for a 36 hole total of 142 even par. He was tied for the lead with Keegan Bradley (USA) after the first round. But suffered a shocking second round of 75+4 with bogies at the 7-9 holes, going out in 39+3 and he came home in 36+1 with a lone bogey at the Par 4, 16th hole. And finally Darrin Clarke (NIR) had a tournament he would rather forget and finished in 4th position with rounds of 77+6 and 74+3 for a 36 hole total 151+9. The 2012 PGA Grand Slam of Golf will be played at the same time next year.

The 2nd event I am reporting on was the 4th and final event of the Fall Series and the final event for players to make it inside the top 125 players on the Final USPGA Tour Money list. It was the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic and it was played at the Magnolia GC, Lake Buena Vista and Palm GC, Lake Buena Vista, Florida. And it was the Golfer by the name of Luke Donald (England) who scored rounds of 66-6, 71-1, 70-2 and a final round of 64-8 for a 72 hole total of 271-17 and he won by 2 strokes. He earned $US 846,000.00 for the win. And winning this Tournament meant he also won the USPGA Tour Money list with $US 6,683,214 earned from the 19 events he has played this year on the USPGA Tour. He beat Webb Simpson (USA) by $US 335,861 which is the closest gap between the first and second player has been in years. With winning the Money Title he gains a five year exemption on the USPGA Tour meaning he is exempt till the end of 2016. And Luke Donald (England) becomes the first player since Tom Lehman (USA) in 1996 to be second on the Money list coming into the final event of the season and go on to the win the Money List title. It was his 4th USPGA Tour win with having won the 2002 Southern Farm Bureau Classic, 2006 The Honda Classic, and earlier this year won the 2011 World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship.

Luke Donald (England) holding the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic Trophy

Luke Donald (England) played an awesome Final Round and proved why he has been World Number 1 Golfer for the past 21 weeks in a row. He went out in 34-2 which included birdies at the Par 4, 1st hole, Par 4, 2nd hole, Par 3, 6th hole and Par 4, 7th hole. But he made to poor bogeys at the Par 4, 5th hole and Par 5, 8th hole. But from holes 10-16 he made 6 consecutive birdies which were just amazing to watch. And then he pared holes 16-18 and scored 30-6 coming in. And returned a final round of 64-8. Out of the Top 5 players on the final USPGA Tour Money list for 2011, Luke Donald (England) played the least amount of Tournaments but recorded the most Top 10 finishes which was 14 from the 19 events he entered. And he proved he was the most consistent player on the USPGA Tour in 2011. He also won the Vardon Trophy for the player with the lowest scoring average. His scoring average of 68.86 for the 73 rounds he played this season was just awesome.

The win was even more special because he came to this tournament with one purpose and that was to get a Victory and win the USPGA Tour Money title, and he achieved both of those goals. And his Wife Dianne is due to give birth to their second child this coming week. His next goal will be to win the European Tour, Race to Dubai Money list which he already has a huge lead in as I Mentioned earlier. If he does that he will become the first player to win both of the USPGA Tour Money list and Race to Dubai Money list titles in the same year. He must be the best player to have never of won a Major Championship? I feel that should happen within the next couple of years. I wish him all the best for the remaining events he plays in 2011.

Luke Donald (England) holding the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic Trophy he won with Donald Duck along side

In solo 2nd place with a total of 273-15 was Justin Leonard (USA), he had his best Tournament this year. He finished up earning $US 507,600.00 for his weeks work and record his first top 10 finish of the year. He end up 91st on the USPGA Tour Final Money list with $US 952,962 earned from the 26 events he played this year. Look for Justin Leonard (USA) to have a much better season in 2012. In tied for 3rd position with a 72 hole total of 274-14 were Tom Pernice Jr. (USA) who kept his playing status for the USPGA Tour in 2012 with earning $US 694,981 from the 12 events he played in to finish in 121st position on the Final USPGA Money list for 2012. Not too bad for a man who is 52 years old and only plays the USPGA Tour part time because the Champions Tour is his main focus. Also tied for 3rd was Sunghoon Kang (South Korea) who earned $US 244,400.00 for his weeks worked and keep his card for the 2012 USPGA Tour season earning $US 702,382 from the 21 events he played in and finished in 120th position on the Final USPGA Money list. Not too bad for the 24 year old rookie. And the 3rd player to tie for 3rd was Kevin Chappell (USA) who ended up in 66th position on the Final USPGA Tour Money list with $US 1,339,640 earned from the 26 events he entered, not bad for his rookie season on the USPGA Tour.

Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 6th position at 275-13 were John Rollins (USA), Webb Simpson (USA) who would be disappointed he couldn’t have won after being in great position to do so. And if he had won he would have won the money list title. But he had to settle for 2nd position on the Money list with $US 6,347,353 earned from the 26 events he entered. But it was still a career year from him with getting his first win at the Wyndham Championship in late August and then winning the 2nd FedEx Cup playoff event which was the Deutsche Bank Championship in early September. And he also recorded 12 top 10 finishes and only missed 3 cuts. He has his Presidents Cup debut for the United States Team down at Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia to look forward to next month. I also look for him to contend in Major Championships in 2012. I wish him all the best with his Golf Career. Also tied 6th was Trevor Immelman (RSA) who had his 2nd top 10 finish in as many weeks and finished in 81st Position on the Final USPGA Tour Money list with $US 1,165,604 earned from the 25 events he entered. Also tied for 6th was Nick O’Hern (Australia), and the final player to tie for 6th was Billy Mayfair (USA) who coming into the week was outside the Top 125 players on the Money list, but his great play this week meant he earned $US 147,110.00 and he ended up finishing in 109th position on the Final USPGA Tour Money list for 2011 with $US 780,578 earned from the 29 events he entered. So he is fully exempt for the 2012 USPGA Tour season which would be a huge relief to him.

The player to finish in the all important 125 position on the final USPGA Tour Money list for 2011 was D. J. Trahan (USA) with $US 668,166 earned from the 30 events he entered. And he is fully exempt for the 2012 USPGA Tour season. And the unlucky player to just miss out and finish in 126th position on the final USPGA Tour Money list for 2011 was Robert Gates (USA) who won the 2010 Michael Hill New Zealand Open. He earned $US 666,735 from the 29 events he entered. He will now head back to the finals of USPGA Tour qualifying School which are on in early December and hope to finish inside the top 25 players and ties there that earn tour cards for the 2012 USPGA Tour Season.

Also this week it was the finale of the Kodak Challenge. The Kodak Challenge is a fun event started by the Kodak Company in 2009 with 30 holes select from various USPGA Tour tournaments. Players must play 18 of the 30 Kodak Challenge holes to be eligible to win. Players will post their lowest scores relative to par on 18 of the Kodak Challenge holes to compete for the Kodak Challenge title and $1 million. Once a player has played more than 18 of the 30 holes it will be his best 18 hole scores that count hence the more holes you play the better your score should be. The player that is the most under par wins the $US1million and in the event of a tie the players tied will have a sudden death playoff on the final Kodak Challenge hole of the season which for the first 3 years has been the Par 4, 17th hole at the Magnolia GC, Lake Buena Vista, Florida where the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic is staged.  Kevin Streelman (USA) was the inaugural winner in 2009, Troy Merritt (USA) won in 2010. And this year the $US 1Million went to Bill Lunde (USA) who played 23 of the 30 Kodak Challenge Holes and was -19 for those holes and won by 2 strokes over Josh Teater (USA) who played 24 out the 30 holes and was -17, Cameron Tringale (USA) who played 24 holes also out of the 30 holes and finished -17 for them and finally Fabian Gomez (Argentina) who played 19 holes out of the 30 and finished -19 for them. It was funny how Bill Lunde (USA) won the US$ 1Million for winning the Kodak Challenge but finished 130th on the Final USPGA Tour Money list and will have to head back to the USPGA Tour qualifying School in December to get his card back. I wish him all best with that.

Bill Lunde (USA) with the Kodak Challenge Trophy he won

Next week it is the first of the Un-Official featured Events on the USPGA Tour with the playing of the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic Malaysia and it is being played on the MINES Resort & Golf Club, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. With a large purse of $US 6,100,000* un-official money up for grabs it will attract another fine field. Ben Crane (USA) is the defending Champion and will be trying to defend his title. It starts on Thursday 27th October and I will report back who won next week.

Now to the top 5 players on the Official World Golf Rankings and coming in at Number 1 for the 22nd week running is Luke Donald (England) with 10.75 Official World Ranking Points which is just over a 3 point lead over Lee Westwood (England) who comes in 2nd with 7.48 Official World Ranking Points, Coming in at Number 3rd in the Official World Golf Rankings is Rory McILroy (NIR) with 7.31 Official World Ranking Points, Coming in at Number 4 in the Official World Golf Rankings is Steve Stricker (USA) with 6.24 Official World Ranking Points and rounding out the Top 5 players on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list is Dustin Johnson (USA) with 6.24 Official World Golf Ranking Points. Tiger Woods (USA) this week remains in 55th Position on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list with 2.55 Official Golf World Ranking Points. Best New Zealand Golfer on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list is still Danny Lee (NZL), he moves up 17 places this week with his top 5 finish in the Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open Presented by Planters and is now the 192nd best ranked Golfer on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list with 0.95 Official Golf World Ranking Points.

Now to the Nationwide Tour and this week it was the Winn-Dixie Jacksonville Open Presented by Planters and it was played on the Dye's Valley Course, Ponte Vedra, Florida. It was the final event of the regular season with the top 60 players on the Nationwide Tour Money list going on to play the Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island the following week. And it was the golfer by the name of Gavin Coles (Australia) who scored rounds of 70 even, 64-6, 69-1 and a final round of 71+1 for a 72 hole total of 274-6 and won by a single stroke. It was his 5th win on the Nationwide Tour that last came 3 years ago the Chitimacha Louisiana Open Pres'd by Dynamic Industries. He earned a winner’s cheque of $US 108,000.00 and moved to 15th position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 226,404 earned from the 23 events he has played to date this year so far. J.J. Killeen (USA) still leads with $409,473 earned from the 24 events he has played to date this year so far.

Gavin Coles (Australia) with the Winn - Dixie Jacksonville Open Presented by Planters Trophy he won

It was a great week for Gavin Coles (Australia) who scored an average final round of 71+1 that included a Bogey at the Par 4, 4th hole to go out in 36+1. He came home it 35 even par which included birdies at the Par 5, 16th hole and Par 4, 17th hole. But he made poor bogeys at the Par 4, 15th hole and Par 4, 18th hole. But this tournament win was really set up by the 64-6 he scored in the second round. In that round he birdied the Par 4, 3rd hole, Par 4, 4th hole, Par 4, 6th hole and Par 4, 7th hole on the front nine to go out in 31-4. He came home with birdies on the Par 4, 10th hole, Par 3, 11th hole and Par 4, 13th hole with a lone bogey on the Par 3, 14th hole to score 33-2. The win should give Gavin Coles (Australia) a lot confidence heading into the final event of the season next week at the Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island. I hope he has another good finish to move himself up even higher on the money list. And he is now almost guaranteed a 2012 USPGA Tour card. I wish him all the best for the remainder of the season on the Nationwide Tour and 2012 on the USPGA Tour.

Coming in solo 2nd with a 72 hole total of 275-5 was Jonas Blixt (Sweden), it was another fine finish for him and his 7th top 10 of the Nationwide Tour season. He now moves to 5th position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 299,020 earned from the 22 events he has played to date this year so far. Coming in Solo 3rd at 276-4 was David Lingmerth (Sweden); it was his best finish of the season to date this year so far. And it was enough to get him into this week’s Nationwide Tour Championship. It moved him to 50th position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 112,980 earned from the 25 events he has played to date this year so far. A win this week could see him earn a USPGA Tour card for 2012.

Coming in tied for 4th place was Danny Lee (NZL) who scored rounds of 71+1, 71+1, 67-3 and a final round of 68-2 for a 72 hole total of 277-3 and he earned $US 26,400.00 for his weeks work. He has now had 8 top 10 finishes this year including a win at the WNB Golf Classic earlier this month. He now has earned $US 298,100 from the 17 events he has played to date this year so far. That places him 6th on the Nationwide Tour Money list. Maybe he can win the Nationwide Tour Championship next week? Also tied for 4th was Tommy Biershenk (USA) who moved to 28th position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 156,413 earned from the 24 events he has played to date this year so far. A top 10 finish at the Nationwide Tour Championship next week should secure his 2012 USPGA Tour card.

In solo 6th place was Brian Stuard (USA) who was on 278-2 after 72 holes. Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 7th position were at 280 even par were Mark Anderson (USA), John Kimbell (USA), Ted Potter, Jr. (USA) who is now in 3rd position on the Nationwide Tour Money list and Scott Gardiner (Australia) was also tied or 7th position. Tim Wilkinson (NZL) was the other New Zealand Golfer in the field to make the cut. He scored rounds of 67-3, 67-3, 72+2 and a final round of 75+5 for a 72 hole total of 281+1 and tied for 11th position. He didn’t quite do enough and make the Top 60 players that qualified for the Nationwide Tour Championship next week. His final position on the Nationwide Tour Money list for 2011 was 63rd and his final earnings were $US 92,747 from the 23 events he entered. So his season didn’t quite turn out like he had hoped for. He will now head to the 2nd stage of USPGA Tour School in Mid November and hope to qualify for the final stage in early December to regain his USPGA Tour card he lost in 2010. I wish him luck with that.

Other New Zealand Golfers in the field but missed the 36 hole cut were Bradley Iles (NZL) who scored rounds of 74+4 and 72+2 for a 36 hole total of 146+6 and missed the cut by 3 strokes. His final position on the 2011 Nationwide Tour Money list is 107th with $US 38,769 earned from the 24 events he played in. It brings to an end a poor season for him. He too now heads to the 2nd stage of USPGA Tour School in Mid November and hopes to qualify for the final stage in early December. I wish him all the best with that. Josh Geary (NZL) was the other NZ Golfer to miss the 36 hole cut. He scored rounds of 80+10 and 74+4 for a 72 hole total of 154+14 and missed the cut by 11 strokes. His final position on the 2011 Nationwide Tour Money list is 74th with $US 79,586 earned from the 25 events he played in. But it was quite a good rookie season for him on the Nationwide Tour. He too now heads to the 2nd stage of USPGA Tour School in Mid November and hopes to qualify for the final stage in early December.

Steve Alker (NZL) had a shocking season with earnings of $US 16,904 from the 13 events he played in and finished in 153 rd position on the final Nationwide Tour Money list and he too will be heading to the 2nd stage of USPGA Tour School in Mid November and hopes to qualify for the final stage in early December.

Next week it is the finale of the 2011 Nationwide Tour with the top 60 players on the Nationwide Tour Money list getting invitations to play in the Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island and it is being played at the Daniel Island Club - Ralston, Charleston, South Carolina. It has the largest prize purse of the season which is $US 1,000,000 up for the taking. Brendan Steele (USA) is the defending Champion, but because he now is on the USPGA Tour it means there will be a new Champion. It starts on Thursday 27th October. I will report back won the Trophy and who the 25 players are that earned their 2012 USPGA Tour cards next week.

So until then remember to keep hitting it the fairways on the greens and hole the putts!!!

Source: pgatour.com, europeantour.com

Golf Events from the Weekend 16th October

Well it was another amazing weekend of golf on the Major Professional Golf Tours from around the world. First I will start with the European Tour and the Race to Dubai. This week it headed to Portugal for the Portugal Masters and it was played on the Oceânico Victoria Golf Course, Vilamoura, Portugal. And it was the young 20 year that had recently turned professional and was only playing in his 3rd tournament on the European Tour as a Professional that stole the show and won his Maiden European Tour event. His name was Tom Lewis (England) and he scored rounds of 70-2, 64-8, 68-4 and a final round of 65-7 for a 72 hole total of 267-21. He won by 2 strokes and earned € 416,660 for his efforts. He moves to 53rd Position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 441,018 earned from the 5 events he has played to date this year so far. Luke Donald (England) still leads that list with €3,856,394 made from the 12 events he has played to date this year so far.

Tom Lewis (England) holding the Portugal Masters Trophy he won

Tom Lewis (England) made headline news back in July when he led the Open Championship in the 1st round with a 65-5. He went on to finish in 30th position on 289+9 after 72 holes and was the Low Amateur and won the Silver Medal. So he showed the Golf World that he had real promise as a Golfer even though he is so young. He played a brilliant Final Round with birdies on the Par 4, 1st hole and Par 5, 5th hole to go out in 34-2. He came with a hiss and a roar birding the Par 5, 12th hole, then made 4 consecutive birdies in a row from holes 14 – 17 when he birdied the Par 4, 14th hole, Par 5, 15th hole, Par 3, 16th hole and Par 5, 17th hole and scored 31-5 on the back nine to score a final round of 65-7. He gains his first European Tour International Schedule victory in his fifth European Tour event, having played the first two events as an Amateur. This victory beats his previous best European Tour performance of tied tenth in the 2011 Austrian GolfOpen presented by Lyoness. Playing in just his third event as a professional. The other being the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, where he finished 70th. He joined The European Tour as an Affiliate Member, with his first event as a professional being the 2011 Austrian GolfOpen presented by Lyoness.

Became the first Affiliate Member to win on The European Tour since Matteo Manassero (Italy) at the 2010 CASTELLÓ MASTERS Costa Azahar. Only S S P Chowrasia (India) (2008 EMAAR –MGF Indian Masters), Rodney Pampling (Australia) (2009 Sportbet Australian Masters) (winning on first event as Affiliate Members) and joins Alejandro Cañizares (Spain), (2006 Imperial Collection Russian Open) (as players winning on their third Affiliate appearance), are the quickest Affiliate Members to win in European Tour history. Tom Lewis (England) playing on a sponsor’s invitation. Become the first sponsor’s invitation to win on The European Tour since Matteo Manassero (Italy) at the 2010 CASTELLÓ MASTERS Costa Azahar. Become the ninth first-time winner of the 2011 season. The first-time winners are: Nick Watney (USA) (WGC – Cadillac Championship), Nicolas Colsaerts (Belgium)  (Volvo China Open), Thomas Aiken (RSA) (Open de España), Robert Rock (England) (BMW Italian Open presented by CartaSi), Matthew Zions (Australia) (SAINT OMER OPEN presented by Neuflize OBC), Keegan Bradley (USA) (US PGA Championship), Oliver Fisher (England) (Czech Open), Lee Slattery (England) (Bankia Madrid Masters) and Tom Lewis (England) (Portugal Masters).

Tom Lewis (England) becomes the second consecutive first-time winner, following Lee Slattery(England) (Bankia Madrid Masters). Tom Lewis’s (England) four shot final round winning comeback equals the biggest of the 2011 season. His final 54 hole total of 197 (-19) equals the lowest of the 2011 season. Tom Lewis (England) became the 270th English victory on The European Tour. He also became the 85th different Englishman to win on The European Tour. He became the 396th different player to win on The European Tour. His victory was the 14th English victory of the 2011 season. They are: Paul Casey (England) (Volvo Golf Champions), Luke Donald(England) (WGC – Accenture Match Play Championship, BMW PGA Championship and Barclays Scottish Open), David Horsey (England) (Trophée Hassan II), Lee Westwood(England) (Ballantine’s Championship), Ian Poulter (England) (Volvo World Match Play Championship), Robert Rock(England) (BMW Italian Open presented by CartaSi), Simon Dyson (England) (Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland and KLM Open), Oliver Fisher (England) (Czech Open), Kenneth Ferrie (England) (Austrian GolfOpen presented by Lyoness), Lee Slattery (England) (Bankia Madrid Masters) and Tom Lewis (England) (Portugal Masters).

Tom Lewis (England) acknowleges the gallery in the final round

Tom Lewis (England) became the youngest winner of the Portugal Masters, aged 20 years and 284 days. He also became the 12th Affiliate Member to win in European Tour history. He became the 25th different sponsor’s invitation to win on The European Tour. Tom Lewis (England) became the first player to make the Portugal Masters their first European Tour title. He also became the third English winner of the Portugal Masters, following Steve Webster (England) (2007) and Lee Westwood (England) (2009). He gained his largest European Tour prize of €416,660. Tom Lewis (England) gained a European Tour exemption until the end of 2013. He also gained an exemption into the 2011 WGC – HSBC Champions and 2012 WGC – Bridgestone Invitational. And finally this win was his first professional victory on any tour.

I wish Tom Lewis (England) all the best for the remaining events on the European Tour in 2011 and hope he has a fast start to next year with more Tournament wins. In solo 2nd place at 269-19 after 72 holes was the 54 hole leader Rafael Cabrera – Bello (Spain). Tied for 3rd place at 270-18 after 72 holes were Gregory Havret (France), David Lynn (England), George Coetzee (RSA), Felipe Aguilar (Chile) and Christian Nilsson (Sweden). And rounding out the top 10 in tied for 8th place with scores of 271-17 after 72 holes were Martin Kaymer (Germany) a former World Number 1 player. Also on that same score were Jamie Donaldson (Wales) and Thomas Bjorn (Denmark).

Mark Brown (NZL) was the only New Zealander in the field this week. He scored a great first round of 68-4, but suffered a poor second round and could only manage 72 even for a 36 hole total of 140-4 and missed the 36 hole cut by the smallest of margins which was one shot. He slips to 155th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 110,905 earned from the 29 events he has played in to date this year. And with only 7 events remaining that he is likely to get starts in he is going to have to pull finger if he is going to finish inside the top 115 players on the final Race to Dubai Money list that earn full exempt Status on the European Tour for the 2012 season. But I feel he has the Talent and belief to achieve this goal. I wish him all the best in his quest to keep his card for 2012.

Next week the European Tour and Race to Dubai head to Spain for the Castello Masters and it is being played on the Club de Campo del Mediterráneo, Castellón, Valencia, Spain. With €2,000,000 as the prize purse it will attract another fine field of European Tour players. Matteo Manassero (Italy) is the defending Champion and will be looking for back to back titles. It starts on Thursday 20th October and I will report back who won next week.

The second event I am reporting on this week was on the USPGA Tour and was the 3rd of 4 events in the Fall Series. It was the McGladrey Classic and was played on the Seaside Course, Sea Island, Georgia. And Webb Simpson (USA) scored rounds of 63-7, 67-3, 69-1 and a final round of 66-4 for a 72 hole total of 265-15. But he was joined on that score by Ben Crane (USA) who scored rounds of 65-5, 70 even, 67-3 and a final round of 63-7 for a 72 hole total of also 265-15. So those two players headed back to the 18th hole for the 1st playoff hole. It was the 18th playoff on the USPGA Tour this season so far. Ben Crane (USA) drew 1st from the hat from PGA Tour Official, Mark Russell. He picked number 2, so that meant that Webb Simpson (USA) teed off first. Webb Simpson (USA) faded his tee shot into the right rough. Ben Crane (USA) then hit his tee shot right down the centre of the fairway and long. Webb Simpson (USA) hit his 2nd shot first with his mid iron and missed it right in the right hand green side bunker and leaving himself an extremely difficult bunker shot. Ben Crane (USA) then put his Short iron 2nd shot to within 4 feet from the hole and it looked like he had just won the tournament. Webb Simpson (USA) had other ideas and hit an amazing bunker shot out to within 2feet of the cup. It put the pressure on Ben Crane (USA) and he was unable to convert his 4 foot birdie putt, but tapped in for his par 4. Webb Simpson (USA) then tapped in his 2 foot par putt for his par 4 as well. So the two players headed to the Par 3, 17th hole for the 2nd playoff hole.

Ben Crane (USA) is action during the final round of the McGladery Classic

Webb Simpson (USA) teed off first and landed his mid iron tee shot 20 feet underneath the hole. Ben Crane (USA) hit his mid iron tee shot 20 feet past the pin. Webb Simpson (USA) putted for his birdie first and rolled it 4 feet past the hole. Ben Crane then putted for birdie and the McGladrey Classic title. He just missed on the left side of the cup and it rolled about 6feet past. He calmed himself and rolled in the 6footer for his par 3. That meant that Webb Simpson (USA) had to hole his 4 footer to keep the playoff alive. But he unfortunately lipped it out. So Ben Crane (USA) had won his 4th USPGA Tour event and his first since he won the 2010 Farmers Insurance Open. He earned $US 720,000.00 for his efforts. He moves to 50th Position on the USPGA Tour Money list with $US 1,679,595 earned from the 23 events he has played to date this year so far. Webb Simpson (USA) leads that list with $US 6,200,243 earned from the 25 events he has played to date this year so far. It was a great week for him as his Wife was due to give birth to their 3rd Child the following day. When he first joined the USPGA Tour in 2002 after gaining his tour card at the 2001 PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament when he finished tied for 5th on 407-25. He was known as one of the slowest players on Tour and was really hard to play with. But as the years have gone by Ben Crane (USA) has improved his pace of play. His first year on the USPGA Tour in 2002 he easily kept his card with earning $US 921,076 from the 30 events he entered. In 2003 he won his maiden USPGA Tour Event at the Bellsouth Classic and earned $US 1,419,070 from the 27 events he entered. In 2004 he made $US 1,036,958 from the 27 events he entered. In 2005 he won his 2nd tournament on the USPGA Tour which was the U.S. Bank Championship in Milwaukee and he had his best earning season with earning $US 2,457,329 from the 21 events he entered. In 2006 he had another good season earning $US 1,489,093 from the 26 events he entered. In 2007 he had an injury and only played in 9events earning $US 278,252. In 2008 he had another million season earning $US 1,488,505 from the 25 events he entered. In 2009 he had yet another million season earning $US 1,667,085 from the 27 events he entered. In 2010 he won his 3rd Tournament which was the Farmers Insurance Open and earned his most ever in a season with earning $US 2,841,500 from the 24 events he entered and also won the Un-Official event which was the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic Malaysia. So as you can see he has had an extremely successful USPGA Tour Career to date so far. I wouldn’t be surprised if he won a Major in the next few years. I wish him luck in the future with that.

Ben Crane (USA) holding the McGladrey Classic Trophy he won

In solo 2nd Position was Webb Simpson (USA), He will be disappointed with coming 2nd but will be happy he has moved to number 1 position on the USPGA Tour Money list with $US 6,200,243 earned from the 25 events he has played to date this year so far. With only one event remaining which is the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic, he has a $US 363,029 lead over Luke Donald (England) and if he can stay Number 1 on the USPGA Tour Money list after the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital’s Classic he will win the Money List title for 2011 season and gain a 5 year exemption on the USPGA Tour. I wish him luck with achieving this goal.

In solo 3rd position was Michael Thompson (USA) with a 72 hole total of 266-14 after 72 holes. This was his best ever placing in an event on the USPGA Tour in his rookie season after gaining his 2011 USPGA Tour card at the 2010 Q-School last December after going through all 3 stages of Q-School. The 3rd place cheque he earned in this tournament of $US 272,000.00 has secured his card for the 2012 USPGA Tour season as he now has earned $US 935,265 from the 24 events he has played to date this year so far and is in 94th position on the money list with 1 event remaining next week. I feel Michael Thompson (USA) is a player to watch out for in 2012 on the USPGA Tour, and I wish him luck with securing his maiden win.

In solo 4th position was Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) who was the 2010 Open Champion, with a 72 hole total of 267-13. He is playing his first full year as a member of the USPGA Tour and has earned $US 717,965 from the 15 events he has played to date this year so far and is in 114th position on the USPGA Tour Money list. He has now played the required 15 events by a USPGA Tour Member to be eligible to retain his membership for the following season. And even if he falls out of the Top 125 Money earners this week that retain full playing Status in 2012 he will still be exempt having won the Open Championship in 2010.

In solo 5th position was Trevor Immelman (RSA) who is a former Masters Tournament Champion with a 72 hole total of 268-12. He recorded his first top 10 finish since coming tied for 2nd in the Stanford St. Jude Championship in early June 2008. He has been recovering from a career threatening wrist injury the last few seasons. And now he is back to full health. He earned $US 160,000.00 for the solo 5th place and moves to 89th position on the USPGA Tour Money list with $US 1,018,494 earned from the 24 events he has played to date this year so far. He will easily retain his card for the 2012 USPGA Tour season.

Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 6th position at 270-10 after 72 holes were Angel Cabrera (Argentina) who is a two time Major winner. He has earned $US 628,079 from the 17 events he has played to date this year so far. And he is in 128th position on the USPGA Tour Money list. But I feel his card is still safe for next year because of his win at the 2009 Masters Tournament gives him a 5 year exemption on the USPGA Tour. I hope he has a better season in 2012 on the USPGA Tour. Also tied for 6th position was Scott McCarron (USA) who is a 3 time USPGA Tour winner who last won in 2001 at the BellSouth Classic. This result was his first top 10 of the 2011 USPGA Tour season and he earned $US 125,200.00 for his efforts. He now finds himself in 145th Position on the USPGA Tour Money list with one event remaining in the 2012 season. Having earned $US 436,270 from the 21 events he has played to date this year so far. He needs to earn another $US 230,000 at least to get inside the top 125 players on the Final USPGA Tour Money list after the final event next week which is the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic. I wish him luck with achieving that goal and hope he at least makes the cut because if he does he should at least earn conditional status on the USPGA Tour in 2012 by finishing inside the top 150 Players on the Final USPGA Tour Money list.

Also in tied for 6th position were Kevin Streelman (USA), Nick O’Hern (Australia) and Jeff Overton (USA). A special mention should be made of the efforts of Bud Cauley (USA) who is only 21 years old and has secured his 2012 USPGA Tour card by playing 8 events on sponsor’s exemption earning  $US 735,150 and that would have him placed in 112th Position on the USPGA Tour Money list right now. I wish him all the best for the USPGA Tour next year where he will be fully exempt.

Next week the USPGA Tour and the Fall Series have the 4th and final event of the season. It is the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic and is being played at the Magnolia GC, Lake Buena Vista and Palm GC, Lake Buena Vista, Florida. With a prize purse of $US 4,700,000 up for taking it will attract some of the best players on the USPGA Tour. Robert Garrigus (USA) is the defending Champion and will be looking for back to back titles. It starts on Thursday 20th October and I will report who won the Trophy next week. The other Tournament is the PGA Grand Slam of Golf which is being played on the Port Royal Golf Course, Southampton Parish, Bermuda. With the 4 major winners of 2011 all showing up this year to play for the prize purse of $US 1,350,000 with the winner getting $US 600,000. And they are Charl Schwartzel (RSA) (Master Tournament Champion), Rory McILroy (NIR) (US Open Champion), Darren Clarke (NIR) (Open Champion) and Keegan Bradley (USA) (PGA Champion).  It is 36 hole event and Ernie Els (RSA) is the defending Champion. But he won’t be defending his title because he never won a Major in 2011. It is played on Tuesday 18th – Wednesday 19th October. I report back who won the Trophy next week.

Now to the Top 5 on the Official World Golf Rankings this week and coming in at Number 1 is Luke Donald (England) for the 21st week in a row with 10.49 Official World Golf Ranking Points, he is now less than 3 points clear of Lee Westwood (England) who is in 2nd place with 7.63 Official World Ranking Points, Coming in at Number 3 is Rory McILroy (NIR) with 7.42 Official World Ranking Points, Coming in at Number 4 is Steve Stricker (USA) with 6.35 Official World Ranking Points and rounding out the top 5 is Dustin Johnson (USA) with 6.33 Official World Ranking Points. Tiger Woods (USA) this week slips 3 more places and comes in at 55th in the Official World Golf Rankings with 2.62 Official World Golf Ranking Points. Best New Zealander Golfer is still Danny Lee (NZL) with 0.90 Official Golf World Ranking Points that places him in 209th position on the Official World Golf Ranking Points list. He is down 8 places from last week.

The 3rd event I am reporting on this week was on the Champions Tour and was the AT&T Championship and it was played on the TPC San Antonio - ATT Canyons, San Antonio, Texas. And it was the Golfer by the name of Fred Couples (USA) that scored rounds of 65-7, 62-10 and a final round of 66-6 for a 54 hole total of 193-23 and he won by 7 strokes. He won $US 270,000.00 for the victory and moved to 12th position on the Champions Tour Money list with $US 957,753 earned from the 9 events he has played to date this year. Tom Lehman (USA) is still number 1 on the list with $US 2,039,776 earned from the 20 events he has played to date this year. Fred Couples (USA) moves to 8th position on the Charles Schwab Cup Points list with 1,288 points earned from the 9 events he has played to date this year. He is 1,050 points behind Tom Lehman (RSA) who leads that list with 2,338 points earned from the 20 events he has played to date this year so far.

Fred Couples in action during the final round of the AT&T Championship

This win was Fred Couples (USA) 6th of his short Champions Tour Career having played a full 2 seasons now. It goes along with his 15 USPGA Tour wins including the 1992 Masters Tournament which was his lone Major win. It was the largest margin of victory on the Champions Tour all season. Fred Couples (USA) played near flawless Golf all week. He recorded 26 birdies, 26 pars, 1 bogey and 1 double bogey. He scored 66-6 in the final round which included a birdie on the Par 5, 6th hole to go out in 35-1, then coming in he made birdies on the Par 4, 11th hole, Par 5, 12th hole, Par 5, 15th hole, Par 4, 17th hole and Par 4, 18th hole. I feel next year he will be a real threat to taking out the Charles Schwab Cup if he is healthy and plays a full schedule. And in just under a month he is Captaining the US Presidents Cup Team when they take on the International Team down at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, in Melbourne, Australia. I wish him all the best in the final event of the season which is the Charles Schwab Cup Championship. And hope he has a great season in 2012 on the Champions Tour.

Fred Couples (USA) looks at his shot he just struck in the AT&T Championship

In solo 2nd position at 200-16 was Mark Calcavecchia (USA), he moved to 3rd position on the Champions Tour Money list with $US 1,672,241 earned from the 21 events he has played to date this year. He also moved to 2nd position on the Charles Schwab Cup Points list 1,956 points earned from the 21 events he has played to date this year so far. He is now only 382 points behind the Charles Schwab Cup Points leader who is Tom Lehman (USA) with one event remaining. If he wins the Charles Schwab Cup Championship he will also win the Charles Schwab Cup. I wish him luck with that.

In tied for 3rd position on 202-14 was Tom Lehman (USA) who leads both the Champions Tour Money list and the Charles Schwab Cup Points list. And John Cook (USA) was also tied 3rd. In solo 5th position at 203-13 was Peter Senior (Australia) who is having a great season with 12 top 10 finishes. He must be due a win soon? And in the 54 holes he played in this tournament he didn’t make one single bogey or worse. In tied for 6th position at 205-11 were Michael Allen (USA), Jeff Hart (USA) and John Huston (USA). In solo 9th position at 206-10 was the 1995 US Open Championship Winner, Corey Pavin (USA). Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 10th place at 207-9 was Chien Soon Lu (Taiwan), Russ Cochran (USA) and Mark O’Meara (USA).

The Champions Tour now takes a 3 week break before the final event which is Charles Schwab Cup Championship which will decide who wins the Charles Schwab Cup. It is being played on the TPC Harding Park GC, San Francisco, California. With a prize purse of $US 2,500,000 up for the taking only the 30 best players on the Champions Tour Money List get an invitation to play. John Cook (USA) is the defending Champion and will be keen for back to back titles. It starts on Thursday 3rd November and I will report back who won as soon as the result is known.

So to the 4th and final event I am reporting on this week. It was on the Nationwide Tour and was the Miccosukee Championship and was played on the Miccosukee G&CC, Miami, Florida. And it was the golfer by the name of Jason Kokrak (USA) who scored rounds of 63-8, 66-5, 69-2 and a final round of 66-5 for a 72 hole total of 264-20 and he won by 7 strokes. He won $US 108,000.00 for the win and moves to 4th position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 301,592 earned from the 14 events he has played to date this year so far. J. J. Killeen (USA) still leads that list with $US 409,473 earned from the 23 events he has played to date this year so far.

Jason Kokrak (USA) in action during the final round of the Miccosukee Championship

It was Jason Kokrak’s (USA) 2nd win on the Nationwide Tour this year having won the Albertsons Boise Open Pres'd by Kraft in September for his maiden Nationwide Tour win. Jason Kokrak (USA) played flawless golf all week from the first round where he scored a bogey free 63-8 to the 66-5 he scored in the final round with birdies on the par 4, 1st hole and Par 4, 7th hole along with the lone bogey he made on the par 3, 8th hole he went out in 34-1. He then came home strong with birdies on the par 3, 11th hole, par 4, 13th hole, Par 4, 14th hole and par 3, 17th hole to come in with a back nine score of 31-4. He completely demolished the field this week with his brilliant play and now is assured of a 2012 USPGA Tour card. I wish him all the best in the final two Nationwide Tour events this season and hope he can move up the Money List even more. And I wish him a fast start to the 2012 USPGA Tour season.

In solo 2nd position on 271-13, 7 strokes behind Jason Kokrak (USA) was Mark Anderson (USA). Tied for 3rd position on 273-11 was the recently turned professional Harris English (USA) who won the Nationwide Children's Hospital Invitational in late July as an Amateur. He has now earned $US 90,488 from the 6 events he has played to date this year. He is now in 61st position on the Nationwide Tour Money list. It he makes the cut this week he is almost guaranteed a start in the Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island which is the following week which the top 60 players on the money list get into. Also tied for 3rd were Roger Tambellini (USA) and Matt Every (USA). In tied for 6th position at 274-10 after 72 holes were Daniel Chopra (Sweden) who is a past USPGA Tour winner, Darron Stiles (USA), Diego Velasquez (Colombia). Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 9th position at 275-9 after 72 holes were Mathias Gronberg (Sweden), Rob Oppenheim (USA) and Chris Nallen (USA).

Best of the New Zealander Golfers was Tim Wilkinson (NZL) who scored rounds of 68-3, 69-2, 72+1 and a final round of 74+3 for a 72 hole total of 283-1. He finished in tied for 57th position and earned $US 1,845.00 for his weeks work. He is in 70th position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 80,833 earned from the 22 events he has played to date this year so far. He will need a top finish next week if he is going to make it into the Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island the following week. I wish him all the best with that though. Other New Zealand Golfers that were in the field but failed to make the 36 hole halfway cut were Bradley Iles (NZL) who scored rounds of 69-2 and 72+1 for a 36 hole total of 141-1 and missed the 36 hole cut by 2 strokes. He will need a big finish next week to make it into the Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island the following week. The final New Zealand Golfer in the field was Josh Geary (NZL) who scored 2 rounds of 73+2 for a 36 hole total of 146+4 after 36 holes and missed the half cut by 7 strokes. He is in 72nd position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 79,586 earned from the 24 events he has played to date this year. A top 10 finish next week could see him playing in Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island the following week.

Danny Lee (USA) is the only New Zealander Golfer assured of a 2012 USPGA Tour card. He is in 5th position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 271,700 earned from the 16 events he has played to date this year. And he hasn’t even played the last few weeks.

Next week the Nationwide Tour heads to Florida for the Winn-Dix Jacksonville Open Presented by Planters. It is being played on the Miccosukee G&CC, Miami, Florida. With a prize purse of $US 600,000 for the taking and the last chance to making the top 60 players that qualify for the Nationwide Tour Championship at Daniel Island the following week, it will attract another good field. David Mathis (USA) is the defending Champion but won’t be defending his title as he now plays on the USPGA Tour. It starts on Thursday 20th October and I will report who won the trophy next week.

So until my next report remember to practise your chipping and putting lots because that will safe you heaps of strokes.

Source: europeantour.com, pgatour.com

      

Golf Events from the Weekend 9th October 2011

Well it was another exciting weekend of golf with 4 big tournaments on the main Professional Golf Tours from around the world. First I will start with the European Tour and Race to Dubai. This week the tour headed to Madrid, Spain for the playing of the Bankia Madrid Masters and it was played at the El Encín Golf Hotel, Alcalá de Henares, Spain. And it was the Golfer by the name of Lee Slattery (England) who scored rounds of 67-5, 66-6, 69-3 and a final round of 71-1 for a 72 hole total of 273-15 and won by 1 stroke for his maiden European Tour title. He won € 166,660.00 for his efforts and moves to 77th Position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 316,692 earned from the 26 events he has played to date this year so far. Luke Donald (England) still leads that list with €3,856,394 earned from the 12 events he has played to date this year.

Lee Slattery (England) holding the Bankia Madrid Master Trophy he won

Lee Slattery (England) got off to a slow start in his final round with a bogey 4 on the Par 3, 3rd hole and a bogey 4 on the Par 3, 5th hole, but he redeemed himself with birdie 3 on the Par 4, 7th hole. He went out in 37+1 which had let a lot of golfers in with a chance to win. But he continued on the red hot form he had showed in the first 3 rounds on the back nine when he birdied the Par 5, 11th hole and then made 3 birdies in a row from the 13th to 15th holes. He came to the Par 5, 72 hole with a 3 stroke lead over his nearest competitor at -17 and looked certain to win. But as golf often does it threw him a curve ball. His layup 2nd shot landed in the fairway bunker on the left hand side. And he miss hit his 3rd shot fairway bunker shot and it rolled into the hazard on the right hand side. He chipped on for his 5th stroke after taking the penalty stroke drop and left himself 20 feet for his bogey 6. He now had 2putts left to win his Maiden Title on the European Tour. He rolled his 20 foot bogey putt 2feet past the cup. And then calmly rolled his double bogey putt in for the win.

It was a great to see Lee Slattery (England) finally win because he has been playing on the European Tour since 2005 but has had little success and in 2009 lost his European Tour Playing Status. He went back on the Challenge Tour in 2010 and easily got his European Tour Status back for 2011 where he finished 13th Position on the final money list. He even worked in a clothes Shop and did some modelling to get some extra cash to support himself. He was just having an average season before this win with recording one top 5 finish at the SAINT-OMER OPEN presented by Neuflize OBC. I feel this win should give him the confidence to win again in the near future and he may even go on and make it in to the Top 60 players that make it into the final event of the Race to Dubai schedule which is the Dubai World Championship is presented by DP World.

Lee Slattery (England) celebrates after holing the winning putt

This win was Lee Slattery (England) first European Tour International Schedule victory in his 183rd European Tour event. He moves into the top 160 of the Official World Golf Ranking from 328th. This victory beats his previous best European Tour performances of second in the 2006 Madeira Islands Open and tied second in 2008 Alfred Dunhill Championship. Lee Slattery (England) becomes the eighth first-time winner of the 2011 season. The first-time winners are: Nick Watney (WGC – Cadillac Championship), Nicolas Colsaerts (Volvo China Open), Thomas Aiken (Open de España), Robert Rock (BMW Italian Open presented by CartaSi), Matthew Zions (SAINT OMER OPEN presented by Neuflize OBC), Keegan Bradley (US PGA Championship), Oliver Fisher (Czech Open) and Lee Slattery (Bankia Madrid Masters). He graduated from the 2010 Challenge Tour Rankings. Is the second 2010 graduate to win on The European Tour in the 2011 season, following Matthew Zions (SAINT-OMER OPEN presented by Neuflize OBC). This victory came after he led going into the final round of a European Tour event for the first time.

Lee Slattery’s (England) win at the Bankia Madrid Masters was the 269th English victory on The European Tour. He becomes 84th different Englishman to win on The European Tour. He is the 395th different player to win on The European Tour. He is the 13th 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), Oliver Fisher (Czech Open), Kenneth Ferrie (Austrian GolfOpen presented by Lyoness) and Lee Slattery (Bankia Madrid Masters).

He becomes the 23rd different Challenge Tour graduate to win the year after graduation. He became the third consecutive English winner of the Bankia Madrid Masters, following Ross McGowan (2009) and Luke Donald (2010). He joined Ross McGowan (2009) as players making the Bankia Madrid Masters their first European Tour victory. He gained his largest European Tour prize of €166,660. He gained a European Tour exemption until the end of 2012. He gained an exemption into the 2011 WGC – HSBC Champions and finally gained his sixth win as a professional. I wish him all the best on the European Tour and Race to Dubai for the remainder on the 2011 season.

In solo 2nd place was Lorenzo Gagli (Italy) who was on 274-14 after 72 holes. It was his best finish of the 2011 season to date so far this year. He now has earned € 546,822 from the 22 events he has played to date this year and that places him in 39th Position on the Race to Dubai Money list. In tied for 3rd place at 276-12 after 72 holes were Eduardo De La Riva (Spain) and Cesar Monasterio (Argentina). In solo 5th place was Thomas Aiken (RSA) who was 278-10 after 72 holes. Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 6th place at 279-9 after 72 holes were Peter Hanson (Sweden), Gonzalo Fdez-Castano (Spain), Benjamin Hebert (France), Francesco Molinari (Italy) and Oscar Floren (Sweden).

There were two New Zealand Golfers in the field and unfortunately they both missed the 36 hole cut. Mark Brown (NZL) scored rounds of 71-1 and 73+1 for a 36 hole total of 144 even par and missed the 36 hole cut by a disappointing 1 stroke. He slips to 154th Position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 110,905 earned from the 28 events he has played to date this year so far. Now he only has only 8 events left that he will more than like get a start in to get inside the top 115 players on the Final Race to Dubai Money list that keep their card for the 2012 European Tour season. I wish him luck in the quest to keep his card. The other New Zealander in the field to miss the 36 halfway cut was Michael Campbell (NZL) who scored rounds of 73+1 and 74+2 for a 36 hole total of 147+3 and missed the cut by 4 strokes. He is now in 169th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 77,804 earned from the 23 events he has played to date this year. He doesn’t have to worry about his card for next year because when he won the 2005 US Open Championship he was granted Life Membership to the European Tour.

Next week the European Tour and Race to Dubai heads to Portugal for the Portugal Masters and it is being played on the Oceânico Victoria Golf Course, Vilamoura, Portugal. With €2,500,000 prize purse up for the taking it is going to attract a great field of European Tour players. Richard Green (Australia) is the defending Champion and will be looking to go back to back. It starts on Thursday 13th October and I will report back who won the trophy next week.

The 2nd event I am reporting on this week is on the USPGA Tour and is the 2nd event of 4 in the Fall Series. And this week it was the Frys.com Open and was played on the CordeValle Golf Club, San Martin, California. Bryce Molder (USA) scored rounds of 71 even, 67-4, 65-6 and a final round of 64-7 for a 72 hole total 267-17, but he was tied on that score by Briny Baird (USA) who scored 67-4, 69-2, 64-7 and a final round of 67-4 for a 72 hole total of 267-17 also. So those 2 players headed back to the 17th tee for the 1st playoff hole. Bryce Molder (USA) was given the chance to choose out of the hat because he finished 1st. He chose Number 2. So that meant Briny Baird (USA) teed off first on the Short par 4, 17th hole. Briny Baird (USA) hit his drive through the back of the green and it landed in the rough. Bryce Molder (USA) then hit his drive on the green and it landed 20feet past the pin. Briny Baird (USA) then hit an excellent chip shot that rolled to 5 feet past the hole. Bryce Molder’s (USA) eagle putt from 20 feet just missed on the left hand side and he tapped in for his easy birdie. Briny Baird (USA) then holed his 5 foot birdie putt. So they headed to the 18th hole for the 2nd playoff hole.

So to the 2nd playoff hole. Both players hit on the green in regulation and narrowly missed their birdie putts but made easy par 4’s. So they headed back to the Par 4, 17th hole for the 3rd playoff hole. This time both players hit the green with their tee shots and both had attempts at eagle. Briny Baird (USA) was from over 40 feet away and he rolled it 5 feet past. Bryce Molder’s (USA) was from 20 feet and just missed on the left again. He tapped in for his easy birdie. Then Briny Baird (USA) rolled in his 5 footer for birdie. So the two players headed to the 18th tee for the 3rd time today to play it as the 4th playoff hole. Briny Baird (USA) tee off first and hit his drive right down the centre of the fairway. Bryce Molder (USA) pulled his drive into the left hand hazard. Bryce Molder (USA) had what looked to be an impossible 2nd shot with the ball well above his feet. But he hit a miracle shot with his 9 iron and it landed and rolled on to the front of the green. Briny Baird (USA) then hit his wedge shot right at the pin and struck it on the full and landed 8feet away from the cup. Bryce Molder (USA) putted from 40 feet for his birdie 3 and hit a very good putt that came to rest 3feet from the cup. Briny Baird (USA) then just missed his birdie putt and tapped in for his par 4. Bryce Molder (USA) then calmly rolled in his 3 footer for his par 4. So it was back to the Par 4, 17th hole for the 4th time today for the 5th playoff hole.

Briny Baird (USA) hit first and landed his ball 25 feet past the pin giving himself another eagle putt. Bryce Molder (USA) then hit his tee shot and it landed past the pin on the fool and rolled up to the back of the green, then rolled back down towards the cup off the slope at the back of the green and came to rest 12feet from the hole. Briny Baird (USA) putted for his eagle 2 and missed it just to the right and tapped in for his birdie 3. Bryce Molder (USA) now had his 12 foot eagle putt to win the tournament, but it rolled right over the left edge of the cup and stay out. He too tapped in for his birdie 3. So it was back to the 18th hole for the 4th time today and the 6th playoff hole.

Briny Baird (USA) tee off first and hit his drive in the right rough. Bryce Molder (USA) then hit his drive right down the middle of the fairway. Briny Baird (USA) hit his 2nd shot to about 40 feet short on the pin on the green. Bryce Molder (USA) hit an excellent 2nd Shot in to 8 feet short of the cup. Briny Baird (USA) putted for birdie from 40 feet and it came up 8 feet short. Mark Russell the USPGA Rules Official had to measure whose putt it was and decided Briny Baird (USA) was away. Briny Baird (USA) rolled his par putt from 8feet into the centre of the cup for his par. That meant that Bryce Molder (USA) had his 8 foot birdie putt to win the Frys.com Open and he calmly rolled it in for his birdie 3 and his Maiden USPGA Tour title. He let go of his putter and punched the air to celebrate. It was the longest playoff of the year so far. Bryce Molder (USA) won $US 900,000.00 for the win and moves to 45th position on the USPGA Tour Money list with $US 1,869,944 earned from the 26 events he has played to date this year. Luke Donald (England) still leads that list with $US 5,837,214 earned from the 18 events he has played to date this year.

Bryce Molder (USA) kisses the Frys.com Open Trophy he won

It was a long overdue win for Bryce Molder (USA), he joined the USPGA Tour in 2002 but his best finish was tied for 9th at the Compaq Classic of New Orleans and he only made $US 348,028 from the 22 events he had entered and failed to keep his card for the 2003 USPGA Tour Season. He spent from 2003-2006 on the Nationwide Tour. In 2006 he earned $US 205,413 from the 24 events he entered and earned his 2007 USPGA Tour card. In 2007 he earned $US 257,593 from 21 events he entered so he was back to the Nationwide Tour in 2008. In 2008 he earned $US 234,651 for the 27 events he played on the Nationwide Tour and gained back his USPGA Tour card for 2009. He had his best year on the USPGA Tour in 2009 earning $US 1,381,211 from the 21 events he entered easily keeping his card for the 2010 season. In 2010 he had an even better season than the last earning $US 1,428,438 from the 26 events he entered. And finally this week he earned his first PGA Tour victory in his 132nd start on the PGA TOUR at the age of 32 years, 8 months and 13 days. He becomes the 14th first time winner on the PGA TOUR in 2011 and the fifth to do so in a playoff. I wish Bryce Molder (USA) all the best for the rest of the 2011 season on the USPGA Tour and hope he has a fast start to the 2012 Season.

Briny Baird (USA) will be disappointed with finishing 2nd and he still hasn’t won on the USPGA Tour after 12 years of playing the USPGA Tour and 148 starts, but he will be pleased with the $US 540,000.00 he won and now moves to 93rd on the USPGA Tour Money list with $US 922,076 earned from the 18 events he has played to date this year and his card is secure for 2012. I hope he can win one of the 2 remaining USPGA Tour events in 2011.

In solo 3rd position at 269-15 was Bud Cauley (USA) the recently turned Professional that is playing on Sponsor’s exemptions to try and get his 2012 USPGA Tour card without going to Q-School. He has earned $US 671,150 from the 7 events he has played to date this year so far. The 21 year old only needs to earn enough money to finish inside the top 125 on the final 2011 USPGA Tour Money list to be fully exempt for next year. Last year Troy Merritt (USA) was 125th on the Final USPGA Tour Money list with $US 786,977. So Bud Cauley (USA) needs about another $US 120,000 to be safe. I wish him luck with the remaining two events.

Tied for 4th at 270-14 after 72 holes were Shane Bertsch (USA) and Ernie Els (RSA). In solo 6th position was John Rollins (USA) at 271-13. And rounding out the Top 10 in tied for 7th position at 273-11 after 72 holes were David Hearn (Canada), Billy Horschel (USA), Spencer Levin (USA), Matt McQuillan (Canada), Brendan Steele (USA), Josh Teater (USA), Adam Hadwin (USA) and Paul Casey (England). Tiger Woods (USA) was playing in the Fall Series for the very first time and making his first appearance since the PGA Championship nearly 2 months ago. He scored rounds of 73+2, 68-3, 68-3 and a final round 68-3 and returned a 72 hole score of 277-7 and tied for 30th. His earnings for 2011 are $US 660,238 from 9 events he has played in which places him in 117th position on the USPGA Tour Money list. I wish him all the best for the Presidents Cup in Australia next month.

Next week the USPGA Tour heads to Georgia for the 3rd of 4 Fall Series events and it is the McGladrey Classic and it is being played on the Seaside Course, Sea Island, Georgia. With a prize purse of $US 4,000,000 for the taking it will attract another fine field of USPGA Tour players. Heath Slocum (USA) is the defending champion and will be keen to defend his title. It starts on Thursday 13th October. I will report back who won next week.

So to the top 5 on the Official Golf World Rankings this week and coming in at Number 1 for the 20th week in a row is Luke Donald (England) with 10.63 Official Golf World Ranking Points, he now has a full 3point lead over his fellow countryman Lee Westwood (England) who comes in at Number 2 this week with 7.63 Official Golf World Ranking Points, Coming at Number 3 is Rory McILroy (NIR) with 7.40 Official Golf World Ranking Points, Coming in at Number 4 is Steve Stricker (USA) with 6.46 Official Golf World Ranking Points and rounding out the Top 5 is Dustin Johnson (USA) with 6.42 Official Golf World Ranking Points. Tiger Woods (USA) slips another place this week and comes in at 52nd in the Official World Golf Rankings with 2.68 Official Golf World Ranking Points. Best New Zealand Golfer is still Danny Lee (NZL) with 0.91 Official Golf World Ranking Points that places him in 201st Position on the Official Golf World Rankings Points list; He is down 11 places from last week.

The 3rd event I am reporting on this week is on the Champions Tour and was the Insperity Championship and it was played at the Woodlands CC, The Woodlands, Texas. And it was the Golfer by the name of Brad Faxon (USA) who won the rain shortened 36 hole event. He scored rounds of 69-3 and 65-7 for a 36 hole total of 134-10 and won by 1 stroke. Tournament Officials were left with no option but to reduce the tournament to 36 holes and declare Brad Faxon (USA) the winner as heavy rains that fell all Saturday night and continued into Sunday Morning made the course unplayable. Brad Faxon (USA) won $US 255,000.00 for the win which was his maiden win on the Champions Tour since he joined in August this year after turning 50. He moved to 47th Position on the Champions Tour Money list with $US 328,381earned from the 6 events he has played to date this year. Tom Lehman (USA) still leads that list with $US 1,920,976 earned from the 19 events he has played to date this year so far. Brad Faxon (USA) also has earned 255 Charles Schwab Cup Points from the 6 events he has played to date this year which places him in 39th Position on the Charles Schwab Cup Points list. He is 1,964 points behind Tom Lehman (USA) who leads that list on 2,219 points earned from 19 events he has played to date this year so far.

Brad Faxon (USA) in action during the Insperity Championship

The win was set up for Brad Faxon (USA) by a birdie 3 on the Par 4, 17th hole in the 2nd round. He hit a great 2nd shot over the water that surrounded the green and left it 6feet underneath the cup and converted the birdie putt to move to -10. Then he got himself out of a tricky situation on the 18th hole where he had hit his drive in the right hand rough and had one lone tree in his line. He was able to fade his mid iron 2nd shot over the water to the back fringe where he was able to get up and down in 2 shots and post -10 which was good enough for the win. I feel the win is just one of many he is going to have on the Champions Tour in the years to come. And of course he had a brilliant USPGA Tour career winning 8 events. I wish him well in the remaining two Champions Tour events of 2011.

Coming in solo 2nd at 135-9 after 36 holes was Tommy Armour III (USA). In solo 3rd position was Eduardo Romero (Argentina) who scored 136-8 after 36 holes. Tied for 4th at 137-7 after 36 holes were Jay Haas (USA), Olin Browne (USA) and Tom Lehman (USA). In solo 7th position was Mark Calcavecchia (USA) who scored 138-6 after 36 holes. Tied for 8th at 139-5 after 36 holes was Chien Soon Lu (Taiwan) and Peter Senior (Australia) who record another top 10 finish. Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 10th Position at 140-4 after 36 holes were Brad Bryant (USA), Curtis Strange (USA), Joey Sindelar (USA), Corey Pavin (USA), Fred Couples (USA) and John Cook (USA).

Next week the Champions Tour stays in Texas for the AT&T Championship and it is being played at the TPC San Antonio - ATT Canyons, San Antonio, Texas. With a huge prize purse of $US 1,800,000 for the taking it is sure to attract the very best players on the Champions Tour. Rod Spittle (Canada) is the defending Champion and will be looking for back to back titles. It starts on Friday 14th October and I will report back who won the Trophy next week.

The last event I am reporting on this week was on the Nationwide Tour and was the Children’s Hospital Classic and it was played on the Black Creek Club, Chattanooga, Tennessee. And it was the Golfer by the name of Miguel Angel Carballo (Argentina) who scored rounds of 69-3, 66-6, 65-7 and a final round of 64-8 for a 72 hole total of 264-24 and won his 2nd Nationwide Tour event having won the 2007 Movistar Panama Championship. He won $US 90,000.00 for the win and moves to 5th position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with earning $US 248,971 from the 22 events he has played to date this year. J. J. Killeen (USA) still is Number 1 on the list with $US 409,473 earned from the 22 events he has played to date this year.

Miguel Angel Carballo (Argentina) in action during the final round of Children's Hospital Classic

He played just a brilliant Final round with birdies on the Par 5, 4th hole, Par 4, 9th hole and an eagle 3 on the Par 5, 6th hole, he went out in 32-4. He made a poor bogey on the Par 3, 11th hole, but came back strong with back to back eagles on the Par 5, 14th hole and Par 4, 15th hole. He birdied the Par 4, 16th hole, but made a poor bogey on the Par 3, 17th hole. He birdied the Par 5, 18th hole to score 32-4 on the back nine and he scored 64-8 for the final round and won the tournament. The last four seasons Miguel Angel Carballo (Argentina) has struggled on the Nationwide Tour after winning in his very first start in 2007 at the 2007 Movistar Panama Championship. But with this win he has moved to 5th position on the Money list and is guaranteed a 2012 USPGA Tour card. I wish him well for the remaining 3 Nationwide Tour events of the 2011 season. I hope he has a fast start to his USPGA Tour career next year.

In solo 2nd position at 266-22 after 72 holes was Brice Garnett (USA), In solo 3rd position at 267-21 after 72 holes was Aaron Goldberg (USA), In solo 4th Position at 269-19 after 72 holes was Matt Every (USA), In solo 5th Position at 270-18 after 72 holes was B.J. Staten (USA). Tied for 6th position at 271-17 after 72 holes were Doug Labelle II (USA), Justin Bolli (USA) John Mallinger (USA) and Billy Hurley III (USA). Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 10th position at 272-16 after 72 holes were Brett Wetterich (USA), Skip Kendall (USA) and Peter Lonard (Australia).

There were 3 New Zealand Golfers in the field and they all made the cut. The best of them was Bradley Iles (NZL) he scored rounds of 67-5, 73+1, 71-1 and a final round of 67-5 for a 72 hole total of 278-10 and was in tied 33rd position. He won $US 2,600.00 for his weeks work. Bradley Iles (NZL) is now in 105th Position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 38,769 earned from the 22 events he has played this year to date so far. But I would have to say his season has been disappointing on the whole and unless he wins 2 of the last 3 events that remain he is destined to still be on the Nationwide Tour in 2012.

Next best New Zealand Golfer was Tim Wilkinson (NZL) who scored rounds of 68-4, 70-2, 70-2 and a final round of 70-2 for a 72 hole total of also 278-10 and tied for 33rd position as well. He earned $US 2,600.00 for the week and moved to 66th Position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 78,988 earned from the 21 events he has played to date this year so far. He will need to win one of the last 3 events on the 2011 Nationwide Tour if he has any hope of securing a 2012 USPGA Tour card. But he has a good chance of getting inside the Top 60 players who get to play in the Nationwide Tour Championship. I wish him luck with that. And the final New Zealand Golfer to in the field to make the 36 hole cut was Josh Geary (NZL) who scored rounds of 71-1, 68-4, 69-3 and a final round of 75+3 that really cost him for a 72 hole total of 283-5 to finish in solo 59th place. He earned $US 1,525.00 for his weeks work and moves to 65th Position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 79,586 earned from the 23 events he has played to date this year. He too should have a good chance of getting inside the top 60 players that make in to the Nationwide Tour Championship which is the finale to the Nationwide Tour in 2 weeks time. I wish him luck with that.

Next week the Nationwide Tour heads to Florida for the Miccosukee Championship and it is being played at the Miccosukee G&CC, Miami, Florida. It has a good prize purse of $US 600,000 on offer that will attract another fine field. Jason Gore (USA) is the defending Champion and will be looking for back to back titles. It starts on Thursday 13th October and I will report back who won the trophy next week.

So until then remember hitting fairways plus greens in regulation and making your share of putts is the recipe for a very good score.

Source: pgatour.com, europeantour.com