Golf Events from the Weekend 20th November 2011

Well it was another exciting weekend on the Professional Golf Tours from around the world with three big tournaments going on. First I will start with the Presidents Cup which is a Bi-Annual event played between Team USA and Team International. It is one of the featured events on the USPGA Tour and is played on the years that the Ryder Cup isn’t played. It was first contested in the USA in 1994 where the USA Team easily beat Team International. It was played in the USA again in 1996 where the USA Team again beat the Team International, but this time it was much closer. In 1998 it was played for the first time outside the USA in Australia at the Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Melbourne, Victoria and this time the International Team easily beat the USA Team for their first and only win to this very day. In 2000 it was played back in the USA and Team USA beat Team International to win their 3rd President’s Cup in the 4 times it had been played so far.

Because of the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on America in 2001 the Ryder Cup that was Scheduled to be played the following week in England was held back a year. This meant the next President’s Cup was not played until 2003. This time it was played in South Africa and for the first time in President’s Cup history the cup was shared with both teams getting 17 points each. In 2005 the President’s Cup was again staged in USA with Team USA beating Team International in a close thought match.  In 2007 the President’s Cup was played in Canada and again Team USA beat Team International to record their 5th win in the 7th playing of the President’s Cup. In 2009 it was back in America with Team USA winning again over Team International. And this year it was back down to Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia for the staging of the 9th President’s Cup Matches.

Team USA this year consisted of Fred Couples (Team USA Captain), with Captain’s Assistants: Jay Haas (USA) and John Cook (USA). The ten Team USA Players that qualified in order from 1-10 were 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). And the two Captain’s Picks were: Bill Haas (USA) and Tiger Woods (USA).

Team International this year consisted of Greg Norman (Team International Captain), with Captains Assistants: Frank Nobilo (New Zealand) and Tim Clark (South Africa). The ten Team International Players that qualified in order from 1-10 were Jason Day (Australia), Adam Scott (Australia), Charl Schwartzel (South Africa), K. J. Choi (South Korea), Kyung-tae Kim (South Korea), Retief Goosen (South Africa), Geoff Ogilvy (Australia), Ernie Els (South Africa), Y.E. Yang (South Korea) and Ryo Ishikawa (Japan). And the two Captain’s Picks were: Robert Allenby (Australia) and Aaron Baddeley (Australia).

The Opening Ceremony was on Wednesday afternoon and the tournament opened, with 6 Thursday foursome’s matches being played on Thursday afternoon in brilliant sunny conditions with light winds. Team USA won them 4 points – 2 points over Team International. In the first match the pairing of Bubba Watson/Webb Simpson for Team USA defeated the pairing of Ernie Els (South Africa)/Ryo Ishikawa (Japan) for Team International by 4&2. In the second match the pairing of Bill Haas/Nick Watney for Team USA halved with Geoff Ogilvy (Australia)/Charl Schwartzel (South Africa) for Team International. In the third match the pairing of Dustin Johnson/Matt Kuchar for Team USA halved with Aaron Baddeley (Australia)/Jason Day (Australia) for Team International. In the fourth match the pairing of Phil Mickelson/Jim Furyk for Team USA defeated Retief Goosen (South Africa)/Robert Allenby (Australia) for Team International by 4&3. In the fifth match the pairing of Hunter Mahan/David Toms for Team USA defeated Kyung-tae Kim (South Korea)/Y. E. Yang (South Korea) for Team International by 6&5 and in the final match the pairing of Adam Scott (Australia)/K. J. Choi (South Korea) for Team International defeated Tiger Woods/Steve Stricker by 7&6.

So to Friday and the 6 Four ball Matches that were played in very trying conditions with 50mph winds blowing across the course and lightening fast greens making the course extremely difficult to play. The matches were halved 3 points all; in the first match the pairing of Bubba Watson/Webb Simpson for Team USA defeated Ernie Els (South Africa)/Ryo Ishikawa (Japan) for Team International by 3&1. In the second match the pairing of Aaron Baddeley (Australia)/Jason Day (Australia) for Team International defeated Tiger Woods/Dustin Johnson for Team USA by 1up. In the third match the pairing of Phil Mickelson/Jim Furyk for Team USA defeated Adam Scott (Australia)/ Kyung-tae Kim (South Korea) for Team International by 2&1. In the fourth match the pairing of Geoff Ogilvy (Australia)/K. J. Choi (South Korea) for Team International defeated Bill Haas/Nick Watney for Team USA by 1up. In the fifth match the pairing of Matt Kuchar/Steve Stricker for Team USA defeated Y. E. Yang (South Korea)/Robert Allenby (Australia) for Team International by 4&3 and in the sixth match the pairing of Hunter Mahan/David Toms for Team USA defeated Retief Goosen (South Africa)/Charl Schwartzel (South Africa) for Team International by 2&1. So Team USA took a 7-5 point lead over Team International into the Weekend.

So to the 5 Foursome matches on Saturday Morning which were played in light rain. Team USA won this set of matches 4 points to 1 point. In the first match the pairing of Bubba Watson/Webb Simpson for Team USA defeated Robert Allenby (Australia)/Geoff Ogilvy (Australia) for Team International by 3&2. In the second match the pairing of Ernie Els (South Africa)/Ryo Ishikawa (Japan) for Team International defeated Bill Haas/Matt Kuchar for Team USA by 1up. In the third match the pairing of Hunter Mahan/David Toms for Team USA defeated Retief Goosen (South Africa)/Charl Schwartzel (South Africa) for Team International by 5&4. In the fourth match the pairing of Tiger Woods/Dustin Johnson for Team USA defeated Adam Scott (Australia)/K. J. Choi (South Korea) for Team International by 3&2 and in the fifth and final foursome’s match of the morning the pairing of Phil Mickelson/Jim Furyk for Team USA defeated Aaron Baddeley (Australia)/Jason Day (Australia) for Team International by 2&1. So Team USA now lead Team International 11-6 heading into the Saturday Afternoon four ball matches.

So to the 5 Saturday Afternoon four ball matches which were played in heavy rain with a moderate wind blowing. Team International won these set of matches 3 points to 2 points. In the first match the pairing of Retief Goosen (South Africa)/Charl Schwartzel (South Africa) for Team International defeated Bubba Watson/Webb Simpson for Team USA by 2&1. In the second match the pairing of Y. E. Yang (South Korea)/ Kyung-tae Kim (South Korea) for Team International defeated Tiger Woods/Dustin Johnson for Team USA by 1up. In the third match the pairing of Geoff Ogilvy (Australia)/ K. J. Choi (South Korea) for Team International defeated Matt Kuchar/Steve Stricker for Team USA by 1up. In the fourth match the pairing of Hunter Mahan/Bill Haas for Team USA defeated Aaron Baddeley (Australia)/Jason Day (Australia) for Team International by 2&1 and in the fifth and final match the pairing of Jim Furyk/Nick Watney for Team USA defeated Adam Scott (Australia)/Ernie Els (South Africa) for Team International by 1up. So that meant the Team USA took a 13 point to 9 point lead over Team International into the 12 Sunday Singles Matches.

So to the 12 Sunday Singles matches that were played in very trying conditions with a strong south westerly wind blowing and the greens extremely slick with the pin placements tucked in very tight hard to get to places. The first match of the day was between Kyung-tae Kim (South Korea) for Team International verse Webb Simpson for Team USA. After halving the first 3 holes Kyung-tae Kim (South Korea) for Team International won the 4th and 5th holes to go 2up. Kyung-tae Kim (South Korea) for Team International then birdied the Par 4, 7th hole to go to 3up. But then Webb Simpson for Team USA won the 8th hole with a Par 4 to get back to 2 down. Then they halved the next 6 holes from the 9th hole to the 14th hole. So Kyung-tae Kim (South Korea) for Team International was still 2up with 5 holes to play. But then Webb Simpson for Team USA won the Par 5, 15 hole with a birdie and the Par 4, 16th hole with a Par and was now back to all square with Kyung-tae Kim (South Korea) for Team International with 2 holes to play. But Kyung-tae Kim (South Korea) for Team International came up with the goods on the Par 4, 17th hole and made a fine birdie to go back to 1up with 1 hole to play. Kyung-tae Kim (South Korea) for Team International was faced with a difficult 8 foot par putt the win the match on the 18th green. But he was able to calm his nerve and sink the putt and gain the first singles point for Team International. Greg Norman (Australia) the Team International Captain gave him a big hug in Celebration.

So Team International now was on 10 points to Team USA who had 13 points. The second match of the day in the Sunday Singles was Charl Schwartzel (South Africa) for Team International verse Dustin Johnson for Team USA. Charl Schwartzel (South Africa) for Team International birdied the Par 5, 2nd hole to go 1up and pared the Par 3, 3rd hole to go 2up. Dustin Johnson for Team USA won the Par 4, 4th hole with a par to get back to 1 down. Charl Schwartzel (South Africa) for Team International won the Par 4, 7th hole when Dustin Johnson for Team USA conceded the hole to him. So he was back to 2up. Charl Schwartzel (South Africa) for Team International won the Par 4, 9th hole with a par to turn 3up. He then won the short par 4, 11th hole with a birdie to go 4up with 7 holes to play. Dustin Johnson for Team USA birdied the Par 4, 12th hole to get back to only 3down.  And he won the Par 5, 15th hole with a birdie to get back to only 2down with 3 holes to play. They halved the difficult Par 4, 16th hole in Bogey 5’s. So that meant that Charl Schwartzel (South Africa) for Team International was dormie 2 up over Dustin Johnson for Team USA. They both made birdie 3’s on the Par 4, 17th hole. But that meant that Charl Schwartzel (South Africa) for Team International had won the match 2&1. So the International Team now was on 11 points to Team USA who had 13 points.

The third match of the day in the Sunday Singles was Ryo Ishikawa (Japan) for Team International verse Bubba Watson for Team USA. Bubba Watson for Team USA won the first hole with a birdie 3 to go 1up. Ryo Ishikawa (Japan) for Team International then came back strong and won the Par 5, 2nd hole with a birdie, Par 3, 3rd hole with a bogey, Par 3, 5th hole with a par and the Par 4, 6th hole with a birdie to go 3up. Bubba Watson for Team USA then won the Par 4, 8th hole with a par to get back to 2down. But Ryo Ishikawa (Japan) for Team International came straight back and won the Par 4, 9th hole and turned 3up. The next 3 holes were halved. Then Ryo Ishikawa (Japan) for Team International won the Par 4, 13th hole with a birdie to go 4up with 5 holes to play. They halved the Par 3, 14th hole in par 3’s. That meant that Ryo Ishikawa (Japan) for Team International was now dormie 4up on Bubba Watson for Team USA. Bubba Watson for Team USA won the Par 5, 15th hole with a par and was now 3down with 3 holes to play. But when they both made bogey 5’s on the Par 4, 16th hole it meant that Ryo Ishikawa (Japan) for Team International had won the match 4&2. So the International Team now was on 12 points to Team USA who had 13 points.

The fourth match of the day in the Sunday Singles was Geoff Ogilvy (Australia) for Team International verse Bill Haas for Team USA. They halved the first 3holes, but Bill Haas for Team USA won the Par 4, 4th hole with a par to go 1up. Geoff Ogilvy (Australia) for Team International came straight back at the par 3, 5th hole with a fine birdie to get the match back to all square. Geoff Ogilvy (Australia) for Team International pared the par 4, 8th hole to go 1up. The next two holes were halved. Bill Haas for Team USA won the short par 4, 11th hole to get the match back to all square. Then Geoff Ogilvy (Australia) for Team International hole a 40 footer for a birdie 3 on the Par 4, 12th hole to get back to 1up. The next 5 holes were halved meaning Geoff Ogilvy (Australia) for Team International was 1up playing the Par 4, 18th hole. Geoff Ogilvy (Australia) for Team International hit a fine 2nd shot on the very difficult par 4, to 8feet underneath the cup and with Bill Haas for Team USA only able to get a bogey 5, it meant that Geoff Ogilvy (Australia) for Team International won the hole with a Par and won the match 2up. So the International Team now was now all tied up with Team USA on 13 points all.

The fifth match of the day in the Sunday Singles was Hunter Mahan for Team USA verse Jason Day (Australia) for Team International. Hunter Mahan for Team USA got off to a fast start winning the first hole with a par 4 to go 1up. He won the 4th hole with a par 4 to go 2up. Then he won holes 6-8 with pars to go 5up on Jason Day (Australia) for Team International. They halved the 9th hole in bogey 5’s. So Hunter Mahan for Team USA turned 5up. Jason Day (Australia) for Team International was just having a horror day with scoring 44 on his front nine. Hunter Mahan for Team USA wasn’t playing his best golf either with a front nine of 38. And both players never got a birdie on the front nine. Greg Norman (Australia) Team International Captain came over and had a chat to Jason Day (Australia) for Team International to try and inspire him to play better Golf. It seemed to work because Jason Day (Australia) for Team International won the short par 4, 11th hole with a birdie 3 and got back to 4 down. Then he won the Par 4, 13th hole with a bogey to get back to 3 down with 5 holes to play. But Hunter Mahan for Team USA then returned to form and birdied the par 3, 14th hole to go back to 4 up and now had Jason Day (Australia) for Team International dormie. He then birdied the Par 5, 15th hole and won the match 5&3. So Team USA now had 14 points to Team Internationals 13 points.

The sixth match of the day in the Sunday Singles was Nick Watney for Team USA verse K. J. Choi (South Korea) for Team International. They halved the first 3 holes then Nick Watney for Team USA won the Par 4, 4th hole with a par to go 1up and the Par 3, 5th hole with a birdie to go 2up. K. J. Choi (South Korea) for Team International then won the Par 4, 7th hole when he holed his 3rd shot from the bunker for a birdie 3 and was now back to 1 down. They halved the next 3 holes. Then K. J. Choi (South Korea) for Team International won the Par 4, 11th hole with a par to make the match all square. Nick Watney for Team USA won the 12th hole with a par to go back to 1up. Then he won the Par 5, 15th hole with a birdie 4 to go 2up with 3 holes to play. He won the Par 4, 16th hole with a Par 4 to win the match 3&2. So Team USA now had 15 points to Team Internationals 13 points.

The seventh match of the day in the Sunday Singles was Adam Scott (Australia) for Team International verse Phil Mickelson for Team USA. Phil Mickelson for Team USA got off to a terrible start conceding the first 3 holes to Adam Scott (Australia) for Team International. That meant Adam Scott (Australia) for Team International was 3up after 3holes. Adam Scott (Australia) for Team International then won the par 3, 5th hole with a par to go to 4up. Phil Mickelson for Team USA won the Par 4, 6th hole with a birdie 3 to get back to 3down. But conceded the Par 4, 8th hole to Adam Scott (Australia) for Team International to go back to 4down. Phil Mickelson for Team USA won the Par 4, 9th hole with a par 4 to get back to 3down at the turn. They then halved the next 4 holes from 10-13. Adam Scott (Australia) for Team International won the Par 3, 14th hole with a Par 3 to go back to 4up and now had Phil Mickelson for Team USA dormie 4up. Phil Mickelson for Team USA then birdied the Par 5, 15th hole to get back to 3down. Then he birdied the Par 4, 16th hole to get back to 2down with 2holes to play. But they both made par 4’s on the Par 4, 17th hole and that meant that Adam Scott (Australia) for Team International had won the match 2&1. So Team USA now had 15 points to Team Internationals 14 points.

The eighth match of the day in the Sunday Singles was Matt Kuchar for Team USA verse Retief Goosen (South Africa) for Team International. Matt Kuchar for Team USA won the first hole with a birdie 3 to go 1up. Retief Goosen (South Africa) for Team International won the second hole with a chip in eagle 3 to get back to all square. They halved holes 3-5. Retief Goosen (South Africa) for Team International birdied the Par 4, 6th hole to go 1up. They then halved holes 7-9. So Retief Goosen (South Africa) for Team International turned 1up. He then won the Par 4, 10th hole with a par 4 to go 2up and the Par 4, 11th hole with a par to go 3up. Matt Kuchar for Team USA then won the Par 4, 12th hole with a birdie to get back to 2down. He won the Par 4, 13th hole with a par to get back to 1down. And he won the Par 3, 14th hole with a birdie 2 to get the match back to all square with 5holes to play. Retief Goosen (South Africa) for Team International then won the Par 4, 16th hole with an amazing up and down from the right hand green side bunker for his par 4. He was now 1up with 2 holes to play. They both pared the par 4, 17th hole for a halve and that left Retief Goosen (South Africa) for Team International 1up with 1 hole to play. They both made Par 4’s on the Par 4, 18th hole which meant Retief Goosen (South Africa) for Team International had won the match 1up. So Team USA and Team International were all tied up at 15 points all.

The ninth match of the day in the Sunday Singles was Jim Furyk for Team USA verse Ernie Els (South Africa) for Team International. Jim Furyk for Team USA eagled the Par 5, 2nd hole to go 1up. Then he birdied the Par 4, 4th hole to go 2up. Then he birdied the Par 4, 6th hole to go 3up. And then he pared the Par 4, 9th hole to turn 4up. Ernie Els (South Africa) for Team International then fought back to win the 10th hole with a Par 4 to get back to 3down and won the 11th hole with a par 4 to get back to 2down. But Jim Furyk for Team USA won the par 3, 14th hole with a birdie 2 to get back to 3up. And he won the Par 5, 15th hole with a birdie 4 to win the match 4&3. So Team USA now had 16 points to Team Internationals 15 points.

The tenth match of the day in the Sunday Singles was David Toms for Team USA verse Robert Allenby (Australia) for Team International. David Toms for Team USA won the first hole with a Par 4 to go 1up. He won par 4, 4th hole with a par to go 2up. He won the Par 3, 5th hole with a par to go 3up. Robert Allenby (Australia) for Team International then won the Par 4, 6th hole with a birdie to get back to 2down. David Toms for Team USA then won Par 4, 7th hole with a par to get back to 3up, Par 4, 8th hole with a birdie to get to 4up and then won the Par 4, 9th hole with a par 4 to turn 5up after the front nine. David Toms for Team USA then won the Par 4, 11th hole with a birdie to get to 6up. He won the par 4, 13th hole with a par 4 to get to 7up and won the match 7&5. So Team USA now had 17 points to Team Internationals 15 points.

Tiger Woods (USA) celebrates with his Team USA Team mates after they won the Presidents Cup

The eleventh match of the day in the Sunday Singles was Tiger Woods for Team USA verse Aaron Baddeley (Australia) for Team International. They halved the first 4 holes. Tiger Woods for Team USA won the Par 3, 5th hole with a birdie to go 1up. He won the par 4, 6th hole with a birdie to go to 2up. They halved holes 7-9 so Tiger Woods for Team USA turned 2up. Tiger Woods for Team USA won the Par 4, 10th with a birdie to get to 3up. He won the Par 4, 12th hole with a par to go 4up and the Par 4, 13th hole with a par 4 to go dormie 5up. Aaron Baddeley (Australia) for Team International fought back and won the par 3, 14th hole with a par to get back to dormie 4down. But they halved the par 5, 15th hole in birdie 4’s and that meant that Tiger Woods for Team USA had won the match 4&3. And that meant that Team USA had won the 9th Presidents Cup because they had achieved the 18 points required for the win and Team International still only had 15 points.

The twelfth match of the day in the Sunday Singles still had to be finished even though Team USA had all ready secured the Presidents Cup and it was Steve Stricker for Team USA verse Y. E. Yang (South Korea) for Team International. Y. E. Yang (South Korea) for Team International won the Par 4, first hole with a birdie 3 to go 1up. Steve Stricker for Team USA won the 3rd hole with a par 3 to get the match back to all square. He won the Par 4, 4th hole with a bogey 5 to go 1up, the par 3, 5th hole with a par 3 to go 2up, the par 4, 6th hole with a par 4 to go 3up. Y. E. Yang (South Korea) for Team International won the par 4, 7th hole with a par 4 to get back to 2down. Steve Stricker for Team USA won the Par 4, 8th hole with a par 4 to get back to 3up. Y. E. Yang (South Korea) for Team International won the par 4, 9th hole with a par 4 to turn 2down. Steve Stricker for Team USA won the par 4, 10th hole with a birdie 3 to go 3up. Y. E. Yang (South Korea) for Team International won the par 4, 12th hole with a par to get back to 2down. And he won the par 3, 14th hole with a birdie 2 to get back to 1down with 4 holes to play. Steve Stricker for Team USA won the par 4, 16th hole with a par to go to 2up. They both made pars on the par 4, 17th hole and that meant that Steve Stricker for Team USA had won the match 2&1. So the final score in the 9th Presidents Cup of 2011 was Team USA 19 Team International 15. It was Team USA’s, 7th win in the nine times the President Cup has been played so far. The International Team has only won once and there has been one tie.

Team USA poses with the 2011 Presidents Cup which they won 19 -15 over the International Team

Again the International Team lost the 2 sets of foursomes matches badly with a combined score losing them 3-8 to Team USA. If they can find out a way to play those matches better they may well be more competitive next time. But it was a huge success bringing the 9th Presidents Cup down to Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia for a 2nd time in 13 years. And the matches were played in excellent spirit with the game of Golf being the real winner. The next Presidents Cup will be stage at Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Columbus, Ohio, USA which is where the Memorial Tournament run by Jack Nicklaus is always played. It is scheduled to be played September 30th- October 6th, 2013. It will be an exciting course to play such an exciting event like this on because golf fans from around the world are familiar with all the holes on this course with the Memorial Tournament being a USPGA Tour event. Let’s hope the International Team can fear better next time.

The second tournament I am reporting on this week was on the European Tour and was part of the Race to Dubai. It was the Iskandar Johor Open and was played on the Horizon Hills G&CC, Johor, Malaysia. And it was the Golfer by the name of Joost Luiten (Netherlands) that scored rounds of 63-8, 70-1 and a final round of 65-6 for a 54 hole total of 198-15 in the 54 hole rain shortened event. He won € 242,580.60 for his maiden win on European Tour and moved to 18th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with €953,289 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 so far this year. He now will be hoping to move up even further to inside the Top 15 players on the Race to Dubai Money list so he can get some of the bonus money on offer in the final tournament which is Dubai World Championship presented by DP World in the 2nd week of December.

Joost Luiten (Netherlands) kisses his putter after winning the Iskandar Johor Open

Joost Luiten (Netherlands) played flawless golf in the final round going out in 30-5 on his front nine which included birdies on the Par 5, 2nd hole, Par 3, 3rd hole, Par 3, 4th hole, Par 3, 8th hole and Par 4, 9th hole. He played steady golf coming in with a back nine 35-1 that included a solo birdie on the Par 4, 12th hole. And record a brilliant final round of 66-5. It was his first European Tour International Schedule victory in his 80th European Tour event.

He moves to €953,288 on The Race to Dubai. This would represent his highest single-season total of his career, beating the €905,441 he amassed in 2010. This victory beats his previous best European Tour performances of second in the 2007 KLM Open and tied second in the 2010 Portugal Masters. This victory beats his previous best 2011 performances of third in the Austrian GolfOpen presented by Lyoness and tied third in the BMW International Open.

He becomes the tenth 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), Tom Lewis (England) (Portugal Masters) and Joost Luiten (Netherlands) (Iskandar Johor Open).

This victory continues his fine two weeks in Asia where he was tied fifth in the Barclays Singapore Open and first in the Iskandar Johor Open. From those events Joost Luiten (Netherlands) has won €397,424. This victory continues his excellent run of form over the past two months. He has now finished in the top ten in five of his last 8 event events, dating back to the KLM Open. He becomes the fourth Dutch golfer to win on The European Tour following Robert-Jan Derksen (Netherlands), Maarten Lafeber (Netherlands) and Rolf Muntz (Netherlands). He becomes the first Dutch player to win on The European Tour since Robert-Jan Derksen (Netherlands) at the 2005 Madeira Islands Open. It was the fifth Dutch victory in European Tour history. He became the 397th different player to win in European Tour history. Joost Luiten (Netherlands) gains a European Tour exemption until the end of 2013. He gains his largest European Tour prize of €242,580. And finally it is his fourth win as a professional.

Joost Luiten (Netherlands) poses with the Iskandar Johor Open he won

I wish Joost Luiten (Netherlands) all the best with the remainder of the 2011 European Tour season and hope he has a brilliant 2012 season as well. In solo 2nd position at 199-14 after 54 holes was Daniel Chopra (Sweden), he won € 161,720 for his weeks work but because he isn’t a member on the European Tour he doesn’t have a ranking on the Race to Dubai Money list. In tied for 3rd position at 200-13 after 54 holes were Rhys Davies (Wales) and he earned € 75,201 and moves to 55th on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 533,178 earned from the 29 events he has played in so far this year. His aim would now be stay inside the top 60 on the Race to Dubai Money list and if he does he will earn the right to play in the final tournament which is Dubai World Championship presented by DP World in the 2nd week of December. Also tied for 3rd position was Padraig Harrington (Ireland) and he won € 75,201 for his efforts. He moves to 65th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 448,368 earned from the 17 events he has played to date this year so far. It is good to see the 3 time major Champion returning to form. The last player to tie for 3rd was James Morrison (England) he too won € 75,201 for his efforts and moves to 54th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 534,959 earned from the 30 events he has played this year so far.

In solo 6th position at 201-12 after 54 holes was Gregory Bourdy (France), he won € 50,942 for his weeks work and moves to 46th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 595,054 earned from the 28 events he has played to date this year so far. In solo 7th position at 202-11 after 54 holes was Soren Kjeldsen (Denmark), he won € 43,665 for his weeks work and moves to 70th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 432,520 earned from the 28 events he has played in so far this year. Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 8th position at 203-10 after 54 holes were Fredrik Andersson Hed (Sweden), Darren Beck (Australia), Marcus Fraser (Australia), Jose Manuel Lara (Spain) and Louis Oosthuizen (RSA). They all earned € 29,983 for their efforts.

Best of the New Zealand Golfers in the field was Danny Lee (NZL), he scored rounds of 73+2 and 70-1 for a 36 hole total of 143+1 and he missed the 36 hole cut by 3 strokes which was disappointing for him. He is now in 87th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 341,152 earned from the 14 events he has played to date so far this year. He will need to have at least one more top 10 finish in the remaining 2 regular season events on the European Tour to make the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World in the 2nd week of December. He needs to be in the Top 60 players on the Race to Dubai Money list after the UBS Hong Kong Open if he wants to play in the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World. I wish him luck with achieving that goal. The other New Zealand Golfer in the field was Mark Brown (NZL), he scored rounds of 75+4 and 69-2 for 36 hole total of 144+2 and missed the cut by 4 strokes. He is now in 161st position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 115,805 earned from the 32 events he has played to date this year so far. He will need at least two top 10 finishes in the two remaining regular season events if he has any chance of getting inside the top 115 players on the Final Race to Dubai Money list for 2011 that keep their cards for the 2012 European Tour season. But I wish him all the best with achieving that goal. 

The third and final tournament I am reporting on this week was also part of the European Tour and Race to Dubai. It was the Alfred Dunhill Championship and it was played on the Leopard Creek CC, Malelane, South Africa. And it was Garth Mulroy (RSA) who scored rounds of 69-3, 68-4, 64-8 and a final round of 68-4 for a 72 hole total of 269-19. He won by 2 strokes and got the first prize cheque of € 158,500 for his efforts. Because he isn’t a member of the European Tour as he plays the Nationwide Tour full time and will be on the USPGA Tour next year. So he doesn’t have a money list ranking on the Race to Dubai Money list. Garth Mulroy (RSA) played a steady final round with going out in 34-1. He birdied the Par 4, 6th hole and Par 4, 8th hole with his lone bogey on the Par 5, 2nd hole. He then came in with a 34-3 that included birdies at the Par 4, 10th hole, Par 5, 13th hole, Par 5, 15th and Par 3, 16th hole. He made is lone bogey on the Par 4, 14th hole. And it added up to a 68-4.

Garth Mulroy (RSA) in action during the final round of the Alfred Dunhill Championship

Garth Mulroy (RSA) gains his first European Tour International Schedule victory in his 19th European Tour event. This victory beats his previous best European Tour performances of second in the 2011 Joburg Open and tied second in the 2008 Joburg Open. He becomes the 11th 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),Tom Lewis (England) (Portugal Masters), Joost Luiten (Netherlands) (Iskandar Johor Open) and Garth Mulroy (RSA) (Alfred Dunhill Championship). This victory is the 100th South African win in European Tour history. Since the event began in 2000, Garth Mulroy (RSA) (2011) became the eighth straight first time player to make the Alfred Dunhill Championship their first European Tour title. They are:  Anthony Wall (England) (2000), Adam Scott (Australia) (2001), Justin Rose (England) (2002), Mark Foster (England) (2003), Marcel Siem (Germany) (2004), Charl Schwartzel (RSA) (2005), Alvaro Quiros (Spain) (2007) and Garth Mulroy (RSA) (2011). He becomes the fourth South African to win the Alfred Dunhill Championship, following Charl Schwartzel (RSA) (2005), Ernie Els (RSA) (2006) and Richard Sterne (RSA) (2009).

Garth Mulroy (RSA) holds aloft the Alfred Dunhill Open Trophy he won

He becomes the 29th different South African to win on The European Tour. He becomes the sixth South African victory of the 2011 season. They are: Ernie Els (RSA) (South African Open Championship), Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) (Africa Open), Charl Schwartzel (RSA)  (Joburg Open and Masters Tournament), Thomas Aiken (RSA)  (Open de España) and Garth Mulroy (Alfred Dunhill Championship). He becomes the 398th different player to win on The European Tour. He is the first non-European Tour Member to win since Keegan Bradley at (USA) the 2011 US PGA Championship. He gains his largest European Tour prize of €158,500. And finally gains his fourth professional victory. I wish him all the best with the remaining events on the European Tour in 2011. And also hope he has big Success on the USPGA Tour in 2012.

In solo 2nd place at 271-17 after 72 holes was George Murray (Scotland), he won € 115,000.00 for his 2nd place cheque. He moved to 77th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 383,093 earned from the 27 events he has played to date this year so far. He will need at least one more top 10 finishes to make the Top 60 Players on Race to Dubai Money list after the UBS Hong Kong Open if he wants to play in the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World that is the finale to the Race to Dubai. In tied for 3rd position at 275-13 after 72 holes was Jaco Van Zyl (RSA), he earned € 48,750.00 for his efforts and moved to 52nd position on the Race to Dubai Money list from the 21 events he has played to date this year so far. Also tied for 3rd was George Coetzee (RSA), he too earned € 48,750.00 for his weeks work and moved to 25th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 853,064 earned from the 27 events he has played to date this year so far. Another player to tie for 3rd was Peter Whiteford (Scotland), he too earned € 48,750.00 for his weeks work and moved to 62nd position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 467,554 earned from the 30 events he has played to date so far this year. He is just outside the Top 60 players on the Race to Dubai Money list that will qualify to play in the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World that is the finale to the Race to Dubai. Another top 10 finish in the two remaining events should get him into that. The final player to tie for 3rd was Felipe Aguilar (Chile), he too earned € 48,750.00 for the week and moved to 53rd position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 535,995 earned from the 27 events he has played to date this year so far.

In tied for 7th position at 276-12 after 72 holes were Andrea Pavan (Italy) and Hennie Otto (RSA). Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 9th position at 277-11 after 72 holes were James Kamte (RSA), Steven Tiley (England) and Jbe Kruger (RSA).

Next week there are two tournaments on the European Tour and the Race to Dubai. The first one is the SA Open Championship and it is being played at the Serengeti Golf Club, Ekurhuleni, South Africa. With €1,000,000 up for grabs as prize money it is going to attract some of the best players on the European Tour. Ernie Els (RSA) is the defending Champion and will be looking to win back to back titles and to win his 4th title. It starts on Thursday 24th November. I will report back who won next week.

The second event on the European Tour this week is the Bi-Annual 56th edition of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup and it is being played on the Mission Hills Resort, Hainan Island, China. It is Partners from each country that qualified. They play Four Ball Best Ball Stroke play the first and third rounds and foursomes the second and final rounds. It has a huge prize purse of $US 7,500,000 for the taking. This year New Zealand has a Team of Gareth Paddison (NZL) and Michael Hendry (NZL) playing because they qualified in the Asian Qualifier earlier in the year. The defending champions are Edoardo and Francesco Molinari (Italy) for Italy that won the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in 2009 when it was last played. They will be keen to defend their title. It starts on Thursday 24th November. I will report back which Countries team won next week.

So to the top 5 in the Official World Golf Rankings this week. Still coming in at Number one for the 26th week in a row is Luke Donald (England) with 10.37 Official World Ranking Points, coming in at Number two is Rory McILroy (NIR) with 7.59 Official World Ranking Points, coming in at Number three is Lee Westwood (England) with 7.50 Official World Ranking Points, coming in at Number four is Martin Kaymer (Germany) with 7.02 Official World Ranking Points and rounding out the top five is Steve Stricker (USA) with 5.80 Official World ranking Points. Tiger Woods (USA) this week slips one place to 51st in the Official World Golf Rankings Points list with 2.74 Official World Golf Ranking Points. Danny Lee (NZL) is still the highest ranked New Zealand Golfer in the World. This week he slips 6 places to 159th position on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list with 1.15 Official Golf World Ranking Points.

So until next week remember to keep hitting Fairways and Greens and holing putts.

Source: pgatour.com, europeantour.com

Golf Events from the Weekend 13th November 2011

Well it was another great weekend of Golf on the Major Professional Golf Tours from around the world. The first tournament I am reporting on this week is the Emirates Australian Open and it was played at the Lakes Golf Club in Sydney, Australia. It had one of the best fields in recent times with the likes of Tiger Woods (USA), Dustin Johnson (USA), the current FedEx Cup Champion, Bill Haas (USA) along with the current Emirates Australian Open Champion, Geoff Ogilvy (Australia), Adam Scott (Australia) a former Champion, Greg Norman (Australia) who is a 5 time winner. All these players were playing because it was the week before the Presidents Cup which is being staged at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Melbourne, Australia next week.  Greg Chalmers (Australia) scored rounds of 67-5, 72 even, 67-5 and a final round of 69-3 for a 72 hole total of 275-13 and won by 1 stroke to take home the Stone Haven Cup for 2011.

He won $AU 270,000.00 for the win and that takes him to first on the Australasian Tour Money list for 2011 in the one event he has play to date this year so far. He played a brilliant final round of 69-3 that included birdies at the 1st and 2nd holes. He made a silly bogey at the Par 4, 6th hole. But he hit a stunning tee shot into the Par 3, 7th hole and rolled in the 8 footer for a birdie. But when he missed a 3 foot par putt on the Par 3, 9th hole he was back on -11. But the 33-1 on the front nine was still a great score. Mean while, Tiger Woods (USA) was having a great front nine with Birdies on the Par 4, 3rd hole and Par 4, 4th hole he quickly moved to -8 and another birdie at the Par 5, 8th hole meant he went out in 31-3 and was -9 and only 2 strokes off the lead with nine holes to play. Jason Day (Australia) who was 1 stroke off the lead at the start of the day at -11 got off to a poor start with bogeying the Par 4, 1st hole and Par 4, 3rd hole. But he redeemed himself at the Par 3, 7th hole where he struck his tee shot to within 3 feet of the pin and made birdie. He then birdied the par 5, 8th hole and went out in 34 even par and was leading with Greg Chalmers (Australia) with 9 holes to play.

Greg Chalmers (Australia) in action during the final round

The real surprise was the play of overnight leader John Senden (Australia). He made 3 straight bogeys in a row from the 2nd to the 4th holes. And when he 3putted the Par 3, 7th hole for his 4th bogey and he was now 4 over for the round at -8 after a front nine 38+4. So to the back nine, Greg Chalmers (Australia) after 3 pars in a row to start the back nine made a fine birdie 3 at the short par 4, 13th hole. He then missed an easy birdie chance at the Par 5, 14th hole. But he hit a sensational tee shot at the Par 3, 15th hole that came to rest 4 feet from the pin leaving an easy birdie putt that he was able to make. So now he was -13 with 3 holes to play. He pared the tough par 4, 16th hole after getting up and down from the green side bunker. He made a solid par on the short par 5, 17th hole. He stood on the Par 3, 18th tee knowing that a Par 3 would more than likely win him the Emirates Australian Open for 2011. But he pulled his long iron tee shot in to the right hand green side bunker. But just like on the Par 4, 16th hole he struck a brilliant Bunker Shot that rolled to within 5feet of the cup. And he easily rolled the putt in for par. And he finished at 275-13 for the 72 holes.

Tiger Woods (USA) got off to a poor start on his back nine with bogeying the very birdie able Par 5, 11 hole. He came straight back though with a birdie on the very challenging Par 4, 12th hole. But he gave the stroke back on the Short Par 4, 13th hole when he tried to drive the green but ended up losing his drive well to the right and struggled to make bogey. But he came back with a hiss and a roar with a chip in eagle at the Par 5, 14th hole. He made solid pars at the next two holes. At the Par 5, 17th, he hit an awesome long iron 2nd shot to within 20 feet of the hole. He stuck a good putt for eagle, but it just missed on the right hand side. He tapped in for an easy birdie. He came to the 72nd hole at -11. He struck a solid tee shot that landed 30 feet below the cup. After having a good look at the putt he left it 3feet short, but tapped for an easy par. He finished on 277-11 after 72 holes. But it was still a fine week’s work by Tiger Woods (USA). And he is in good form heading to the Presidents Cup in Melbourne next week.

Jason Day (Australia) got off to a poor start on his back nine with making a bogey on the Par 5, 11th hole when he pulled his 2nd shot into the deep rough left of the green. He was unable to get on the green for 3 strokes and missed an 8foot putt for par. He missed a great chance for birdie on the difficult par 4, 12th hole where hit struck his 2nd shot to 15 feet past the hole. But he left the birdie putt short right in the Jaws of the hole. Then on the short par 4, 13th hole he tried to drive the green but pulled it in the left fairway bunker just short of the green. He then bladed his 2nd shot over the back of the green. He failed to get his 3rd shot on the green as well. But he nearly chipped in for par with his 4th shot. So he had to settle for a bogey 5. On the Par 5, 14th hole he hit 2 fine shots and was on the green in 2 strokes. He was very unlucky not to get an eagle when his 30 foot putt just shaved the left edge of the hole. But the birdie 4 put him at -10 and he still had a chance to win. But a bogey at the Par 3, 15th hole sent him back to -9 and he was only able to par the last 3 holes. Jason Day finished the 72 holes at 279-9.

John Senden (Australia) found some of the form he had shown the day before when he scored 63-9. After missing his 2nd shot on the Par 5, 11th hole just to the left of the green in the greenside bunker. He hit a fine 3rd shot out of the bunker to within 8feet of the hole. He rolled the birdie putt in for his 1st birdie of the day. He then made his 2nd birdie of the day at the short par 4, 13th hole after laying up with his tee shot and hit his short wedge shot within 10 feet and slotted the putt. So now he was back to -10 with 5 holes to play. He then backed that birdie up with another birdie on the Par 5, 14th hole where he got up and down from the green side bunker. So now he was -11 with 3 holes to play. He made solid pars on the Par 3, 15th and Par 4, 16th holes. Then he got up and down for birdie at the Par 5, 17th hole to get to -12 for the Tournament with one hole to play. Now John Senden (Australia) knew what he had to do and that was birdie the Par 3, 18th hole to force a playoff with Greg Chalmers (Australia). He hit a good tee shot into the heart of the green and left himself a right to left breaking putt from 40 feet for his birdie 2. He gave it his best effort and it almost went in the hole just missing on the right. He tapped in for his par 3 and finished the 72 holes on 276-12. It was his best finish in the Emirates Australian Open since winning it in 2006 at the Royal Sydney Golf Club.

So that meant that Greg Chalmers (Australia) had won the Emirates Australian Open for the 2nd time in his career. He won it 13 years ago back in 1998 at Royal Adelaide Golf Club. That was also in a Presidents Cup year and the last time it was played in Australia. And he finished -13 and it also was November 13th so there must have been a good omen with the Number 13 for Greg Chalmers (Australia). He had his 5 year old Son right there to give a hug when he walked of the 18th green as well as his Mother. His Wife and 8 year old Son were back in Texas but would have been really happy for him as well. He had a good year on the USPGA Tour as well with winning $US 832,191 from the 28 events he played in and finished in 105th position on the final USPGA Tour Money list and easily kept his card for the 2012 season. I wish him all the best with the rest of the Australasian Tour this season.

Greg Chalmers (Australia) kisses the Stone Haven Cup he won for the second time

John Senden (Australia) would be disappointed with his solo 2nd place but pleased he came back well on the back nine after his shocking from nine. Tiger Woods (USA) will also be encouraged with his solo 3rd place, but will be disappointed with his 75+3 in the 3rd round. But it was his best finish in a while on any tour. In tied for 4th position at 279-9 after 72 holes was Geoff Ogilvy (Australia) who scored the lowest final round of 65-7. Also tied for 4th position was Nick O’Hern (Australia) who scored a disappointing even par round of 72 in the final round. He must be due to win an Australian Open one of these days because he seems to always finish in the Top 10 at the Australian Open. Also tied for 4th position was Adam Scott (Australia) he scored a final round of 69-3. Also tied for 4th position was Nick Watney (USA) who scored a final round 72 even. And the last player to tie for 4th position was Jason Day (Australia) who scored the worst final round of the leaders which was 74+2. But at the tender age 24 years he has many more chances to win the Stone Haven Cup.

Rounding out the Top 10 in tied for 9th position at 280-8 after 72 holes  was two time Champion of the Australian Open (1999-2000), Aaron Baddeley (Australia) who scored a final round of 69-3. Also tied for 9th position was Ryan Haller (Australia) who had one of his best finishes ever in an Australian Open. He scored a final round of 72 even par.

Best New Zealander in the field and the Only New Zealander to make the 36 hole cut was Gareth Paddison (NZL), he scored rounds of 71-1, 74+2, 77+5 and a final round of 73+1 for a 72 hole total of 295+7 and he tied for tied for 58th position. Gareth Paddison (NZL) now moves to 22nd position on the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit for 2011 with $AU 21,744.00 earned. He now has the Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China to look forward to in two weeks time with his partner Michael Hendry (NZL).

Other New Zealand Golfers that were in the field but missed the halfway cut were Doug Holloway (NZL) who scored 72+2 and 75+3 for a 36 hole total of 147+3 to miss the cut by 1 stroke. Players to miss the cut by 2 strokes were Phil Tataurangi (NZL) who scored rounds of 72 even and 76+4 for a 36 hole total of 148+4, also Michael Hendry (NZL) scored rounds of 71-1 and 77+5 for a 36 hole total of 148+4. Players to miss the 36 hole cut by 3 strokes were Mahal Pearce (NZL) who scored rounds of 74+2 and 75+3 for a 72 hole total 149+5, also Josh Carmichael (NZL) scored rounds of 72 even and 77+5 for a 36 hole total of 149+5. Players to miss the 36 hole cut by 4 strokes were Steve Alker (NZL) who scored rounds of 74+2 and 76+4 for a 36 hole total of 150+6, also David Klein (NZL) scored rounds of 74+2 and 76+4 for a 36 hole total of 150+6 along with Michael Long (NZL) who scored rounds of 77+5 and 73+1 for a 36 hole total of 150+6. Players to miss the 36 hole cut by 7 strokes were Michael Campbell (NZL) who scored rounds of 77+5 and 76+4 for a 36 hole total of 153+9. The last New Zealand Player to miss the 36 hole cut by 11 strokes were Brad Shilton (NZL) who scored rounds of 76+4 and 81+9 for a 36 hole total of 157+13.

Next week the PGA Tour of Australasia stays in New South Wales for the New South Wales Open Championship and it is being played at the Newcastle Golf Club, NSW, Australia. With $AU 135,000 up for grabs it will attract all the lesser name players on the PGA Tour of Australasia. Peter O’Malley (Australia) is the defending Champion and will be looking for back to back titles. It starts on Thursday 17th November and I will report back who won the trophy next week.

The second Tournament I am reporting on this week is the Barclays Singapore Open and it was played at the The Tanjong & The Serapong, Sentosa GC, Singapore. And it was the Golfer by the name of Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño (Spain) who scored rounds of 66-5, 61-10 and a final round of 72+1 and a 54 hole total of 199-14 in the Weather interrupted tournament that had to be reduced to 54 holes. But Juvic Pagunsan (Philippines) scored rounds of 66-5, 66-5 and a final round of 67-4 for a 54 hole total also of 199-14. So those two players head back to the 18th hole for the 1st playoff hole.

Juvic Pagunsan (Philippines) teed off first and found the fairway but Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño (Spain) could not follow suit, finding sand. After an hour or so delay for lightning, the players emerged and both laid up on the fairway, but as Juvic Pagunsan (Philippines) was weighing up his third shot into the par 5, play was called again for lightning. They came back on Monday Morning at 7:30 am to recommence the playoff. And what a start from Juvic Pagunsan (Philippines) as he hit a wedge to six feet. Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño (Spain) follows him into about seven feet from the cup. Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño (Spain) putted first and missed it on the left. Juvic Pagunsan (Philippines) stepped up to take the title but he too missed his putt just on the left. Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño (Spain) safely tidied up and it was back to the 18th tee.

Hole 2 – which was the Par 5, 18th hole: Juvic Pagunsan (Philippines) drives into the right rough, and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño (Spain) finds the middle of the fairway. Both laid up, Juvic Pagunsan (Philippines) leaves himself about 120 yards this time. Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño (Spain) had about 80 yards out coming in from the right. Applause for Juvic Pagansun (Philippines) as he hit to ten feet and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño (Spain) hit it inside his rival. Juvic Pagunsan (Philippines) misses on the right this time. Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño (Spain) eyes up his putt and makes it to win the Barclays Singapore Open for 2011. He won € 720,877 for winning the Barclays Singapore Open. He moved to 15th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with €1,066,452 earned from the 13 events he has played to date this year so far and with a few more top 10 finishes in the weeks to come he will be guaranteed some on the Bonus Money on offer once the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World is concluded in the 2nd week of December.  It is great to see him back on top of his game after serious back problems and overcoming his putting issues.

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano (Spain) kisses the Barclays Singapore Open Trophy he won

It was Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño (Spain) fifth European Tour International Schedule victory in his 177th European Tour event. He moves to €1,066,451 in The Race to Dubai. This would be the second time in his European Tour career he has won more than €1 million in a single European Tour season. He first achieved the feat in 2009. It was his first European Tour victory since the 2008 British Masters which is a gap of three years and 46 days. Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño (Spain) in that time has played 71 European Tour events between victories. Has now won all his five titles in five different countries and they are the Netherlands (2005 KLM Open); China (2006 BMW Asian Open); Italy (2007 Italian Open); England (2008 British Masters) and Singapore (2011 Barclays Singapore Open). Since his win at the 2008 British Masters he has been second six times. In 2009 they were: the Estoril Open de Portugal, Volvo China Open, Ballantine’s Championship and Barclays Scottish Open. In 2010 at the Portugal Masters and in 2011 at the Castelló Masters. He continues his wonderful recent form. In his last three events he was second in the Castelló Masters, tied 12th in the Andalucía Masters and first in the Barclays Singapore Open. From these three events has won a total of €991,696. Gonzalo Frenandez-Castiono (Spain) becomes the first player from Spain to win the Barclays Singapore Open. He won in a playoff which means his last four European Tour events, all have coming via extra holes.

It was the third victory for Spain in the last four European Tour events, with Sergio Garcia (Spain) (Castelló Masters and Andalucía Masters) and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño (Spain) (Barclays Singapore Open). It was the 162nd Spanish victory on The European Tour. It was the sixth 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), Sergio Garcia (Spain) (Castelló Masters and Andalucía Masters) and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño (Spain) (Barclays Singapore Open). Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño (Spain) moves over €5 million in European Tour Official Career Earnings. Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño (Spain) gains his largest European Tour prize of €720,876 and finally gains a European Tour exemption until the end of the 2013 season.

Juvic Pagunsan (Philippines) on left and Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano (Spain) on right celebrate getting in the playoff

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño (Spain) should go from strength to strength with this win and I look for him to have a huge 2012 season. I hope he remains in good health now. And I wish him all the best for the remaining 2011 European Tour Season. Coming in solo 2nd was Juvic Pagunsan (Philippines). He won € 480,579.58 for his weeks work and moves to the Top of the Asian Tour Money list with $US 721,298.60 earned from the 11 events he has played to date this year so far on that tour. He doesn’t have a ranking on the Race to Dubai Money list because he is not a member of the European Tour. He has a great chance to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit for 2011 and I wish him luck with that. In tied for 3rd position on 200-13 after 54 holes was Anthony Kim (USA), he won € 243,512 for his efforts, but because he isn’t a member of the European Tour he doesn’t get a Race to Dubai Ranking on the money list. But it was still a fine showing for him. Also tied for 3rd was Louis Oosthuizen (RSA), he won € 243,512 for his weeks work and moves to 14th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 1,070,455 earned from the 20 events he has played to date this year. It continues his fine form he has showed in recent weeks.

In tied for 5th position was Danny Lee (NZL) who scored rounds of 68-3, 65-6 and a final round of 68-3 for a 54 hole total of 201-12. He earned € 154,844 for the week and now moves to 82nd Position on the Race to Dubai Money List with € 341,152 earned from the 13 events he has played to date this year so far. He has now secured his European Tour card for the 2012 season. So he will be playing on the two richest golf tours in the world next year which is a fine achievement from him. If he plays in a couple more of the 3 remaining regular season events on the Race to Dubai Schedule he may well get inside the top 60 money earners on the European Tour, Race to Dubai Money list and qualify for the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World in the 2nd week of December. I wish him luck with that. But it has been a break out year in Professional Golf for Danny Lee (NZL).

Also tied for 5th position was Joost Luiten (Netherlands), and he too earned € 154,844 for his efforts and moves to 33rd position on the Race to Dubai Money List with € 710,708 earned from the 25 events he has entered to date this year so far. And the final player to tie for 5th position at 201-12 after 54 holes was Edoardo Molinari (Italy); he earned € 154,844 for his great play and moved to 44th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 638,782 earned from the 19 events he has entered to date this year so far. In solo 8th position at 202-11 after 54 holes was the 36 hole leader James Morrison (England), he earned € 108,131 for his weeks efforts and moves to 60th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 459,759 earned from the 29 events he has played in to date this year so far. It he can stay in that position he will get a place in the European Tour Finale which is the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World in early December.

Rounding out the Top 10 in tied for 9th position at 203-10 after 54 holes were Justin Rose (England) who won € 91,696 for his weeks work and now moves to 47th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 571,283 earned from the 12 events he has played to date this year so far. Also tied for 9th position was Tjaart Van Der Walt (RSA), he too won € 91,696 for his efforts and moves to 145th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 145,028 earned from the 5 events he has entered to date this year. The other New Zealand Golfer in the field was Mark Brown (NZL). He scored rounds of 70-1 and 78+7 for a 36 hole total of 148+6 and missed the 36 hole halfway cut by 9 strokes. He is now in 159th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 115,805 earned from the 31 events he has played to date this year. He only has 3 regular European Tour events remaining in the 2011 season left that he will more than likely get starts in to try and get inside the top 115 players that keep their European Tour playing status for the 2012 European Tour season. He will more than likely need two top 10 finishes to achieve this. I wish him all the best with keeping his playing Status.

Next week on the European Tour and Race to Dubai there are two tournaments. The first one is the Alfred Dunhill Championship and it is being played at the Leopard Creek CC, Malelane, South Africa. It carries a prize purse of €1,000,000 which will attract some of the best European Tour players. Pablo Martin (Spain) is the two time defending Champion having won it in 2010-11 and will be looking for a hat trick of wins. It is played twice this season because the European Tour has been made into a calendar year this year. It starts on Thursday 17th November and I will report back who won the trophy next week.

The second tournament is the Iskandar Johor Open and it is being played on the Horizon Hills G&CC, Johor, Malaysia. With $US 2,000,000 up for the taking it is going to attract a fine field of European Tour players. It is a brand new tournament on the Race to Dubai Schedule so there will be a new Champion for the first time. It starts on Thursday 17th November and I will report back who took home the trophy for the first time next week.

So to the top 5 on the Official Golf World Rankings this week. Coming in at Number One for the 25th week in a row is Luke Donald (England) with 10.33 Official Golf World Ranking Points, coming in at number two is Rory McILroy (NIR) with 7.55 Official Golf World Ranking Points, coming in at number three is Lee Westwood (England) with 7.49 Official World Ranking Points, Coming in at number four is Martin Kaymer (Germany) with 7.00 Official World Ranking Points and rounding out the top 5 is Steve Stricker (USA) with 5.91 Official World Ranking Points. Tiger Woods (USA) this week gains 8 places on the Official World Golf Rankings with his 3rd place finish in the Emirates Australian Open and now has 2.79 Official World Ranking Points and moves to 50th on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list. Danny Lee (NZL) is still the highest ranked New Zealand Golfer in the World. This week he moves up 25 places to 153th in the Official World Golf Rankings Points list fresh of his equal 5th placing in the Barclays Singapore Open. He now has 1.18 Official World Golf Ranking Points.

This coming week is the last of the USPGA Tour’s featured events and is the 9th playing of the Presidents Cup which is a bi-annual event. It is played in the Match play format over the four days. This year it is being played in Australia for the 2nd time in 13 years having being played here back in 1998 and was the scene of the only Team International Win. The Presidents Cup is Team International verse Team USA. It is being played at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Team USA is: Fred Couples (USA) (Team Captain), and his Captain’s Assistants are Jay Haas (USA) and Michael Jordon (USA). The Players for Team USA are: 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). Captain’s Picks: Tiger Woods (USA) and Bill Haas (USA) and Team International are: Greg Norman (Australia) (Team Captain), and his Captain’s Assistants are: Frank Nobilo (NZL) and Tim Clark (RSA). The International Team Players are Jason Day (Australia), Adam Scott (Australia), Charl Schwartzel (RSA), KJ Choi (NZL), Kyung-tae Kim (South Korea), Retief Goosen (RSA), Geoff Ogilvy (Australia), Ernie Els (RSA), YE Yang (South Africa) and Ryo Ishikawa (South Africa). Captain’s Picks: Robert Allenby (Australia) and Aaron Baddeley (Australia). Team USA are the defending Champions and will be keen to secure in their trophy cabinet for 2011 season. But Team International will put up a good fight on home soil. It starts on Thursday 17th November and I will report back which team won next week.

So until my next report remember when it is breezy swing easy.

Source: pgatour.com, europeantour.com

Golf Events from the Weekend 6th November

Well it was another weekend of great Golf on the Major Golf Tours from around the world. This week the European Tour and Race to Dubai combined with the USPGA Tour and many other of the world’s biggest Golf Tours for the fourth World Golf Championship event of the year which was the WGC – HSBC Champions and was played at the Sheshan International GC, Shanghai, China. And it was the Golfer by the name of Martin Kaymer (Germany) that scored rounds of 69-3, 68-4, 68-4 and a final round of 63-9 for a 72 hole total of 268-20 and won by 3 strokes. He won € 842,218 for the win and moves to 2nd position on the Race to Dubai Money list with €2,830,264 earned from the 21 events he has played to date so far this year. 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.

Martin Kaymer (Germany) celebrates after winning the WGC - HSBC Champions

It was an amazing final round for Martin Kaymer (Germany) who started the final round at -11. He played a solid front nine with recording birdies at the Par 5, 7th hole and Par 5, 8th hole and he went out in 34-2. But he played just amazing golf on the back nine scoring 29-7 that included 4 birdies in a row on the Par 4, 10th hole, Par 4, 11th hole, Par 3, 12th hole and Par 4, 13th hole. He could only manage par on the Par 5, 14th hole but birdied the Par 4, 15th hole. And he could only manage Par on the very short Par 4, 16th hole which is driveable. But he made a fine birdie on the difficult Par 3, 17th hole and stood on the 72nd tee at -19 and had a 1 stroke lead over Fredrik Jacobson (Sweden) who was a couple of holes back. He hit a poor drive on the Par 5, 18th hole meaning he had to lay up for his 2nd shot. But Martin Kaymer (Germany) hit a fine short iron 3rd shot 15 feet underneath the hole. He calmly rolled the putt in for a birdie 4 and scored 63-9.

Meanwhile, Fredrik Jacobson (Sweden) came to the Par 3, 17th tee at -18. He pulled his tee shot to the left of the green into the left rough. He chipped from the difficult lie in the rough and it stopped 12 feet short of the cup. He now knew he had to make the par putt if he was to have any chance of tying Martin Kaymer (Germany) on -20. Fredrik Jacobson (Sweden) struck a good putt but it just missed on the left hand side of the cup and he tapped in for his bogey 4. He now knew he had to score a double eagle 2 on the Par 5, 18th hole to get to -20 and tie Martin Kaymer (Germany). But he hit a poor drive that landed in the right hand rough. And when he laid up in the fairway short of the water for his 2nd shot that meant Martin Kaymer (Germany) had won. Fredrik Jacobson (Sweden) was able to make his Par 5. He finished on 271-17 after 72 holes in solo 2nd position and won € 473,747 for his efforts. He moves to 31st position on the Race to Dubai Money list with €709,445 earned from the 5 events he has played to date this year. And that is just amazing because he doesn’t even play a full schedule on the European Tour. He now plays the USPGA Tour full time and he had his maiden win on their this year at the Travelers Championship in June.

Getting back to the winner now. For Martin Kaymer (Germany) it was his tenth European Tour International Schedule victory in his 120th European Tour event. He won over €2 million in a single year for the third consecutive European Tour season. He moves up to fourth in the Official World Golf Ranking from sixth. It was Martin Kaymer’s (Germany) second win of the 2011 season, following the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship

Martin Kaymer (Germany) holding the Old Tom Morris Trophy he won

He becomes the ninth multiple winner of the season. They are: Luke Donald (England)  (WGC – Accenture Match Play Championship, BMW PGA Championship and Barclays Scottish Open), Thomas Björn (Denmark) (Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy, Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles and Omega European Masters), Charl Schwartzel (RSA) (Joburg Open and Masters Tournament), Martin Kaymer (Germany) (Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and WGC – HSBC Champions), Darren Clarke (NIR) (Iberdrola Open and The 140th Open Championship), Alex Noren (Sweden) (Saab Wales Open and Nordea Masters), Simon Dyson (England) (Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland and KLM Open), Michael Hoey (NIR) (Madeira Islands Open and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship) and Sergio Garcia (Spain) (Castelló Masters and Andalucia Masters). Martin Kaymer (Germany) has now recorded multiple victories on The European Tour for the fourth consecutive season. He won two in 2008, two in 2009, four in 2010 and two so far in 2011.

This victory is his first in a WGC event and comes in his 15th career WGC appearance. This victory beats his previous best WGC performance of second in the 2011 WGC – Accenture Match Play Championship. This victory comes in Martin Kaymer’s (Germany) third appearance in the WGC – HSBC Champions. He was tied sixth in 2009 and tied 30th in 2010. He becomes the first German to win a WGC event. Martin Kaymer’s (Germany) final round of 63 (-9) is the lowest final round by a winner in the WGC – HSBC Champions, beating the 67 (-5) of Francesco Molinari in 2010. His final round of 63 (-9) is the lowest final round by a winner in any WGC stroke play event, beating the previous record of 64 (-6) by Hunter Mahan at the 2010 WGC – Bridgestone Invitational. He played the last nine holes in 29 (-7). This equals the lowest nine in relation to par on The European Tour in 2011.

Martin Kaymer (Germany) becomes just the third player from continental Europe to win a WGC event, following Henrik Stenson (2007 WGC – Accenture Match Play Championship) and Francesco Molinari (2010 WGC – HSBC Champions). He becomes the ninth different European Tour Member to win a WGC event. He becomes the 21st different player to win a WGC event. Martin Kaymer’s (Germany) five shot final round winning comeback is the largest of the 2011 European Tour season, beating the four shots of Charl Schwartzel (RSA) (Masters Tournament), Darren Clarke (NIR)  (Iberdrola Open) and Tom Lewis (England)  (Portugal Masters). His five shot final round winning comeback is the largest in any WGC stroke play event. This beats the three shot comeback by Tiger Woods at the 2009 WGC – Bridgestone Invitational and Hunter Mahan at the 2010 WGC – Bridgestone Invitational.

Martin Kaymer (Germany) at the aged of 26 years and 313 days becomes the sixth youngest player in European Tour history to record ten official victories. Here are the players that were younger: Seve Ballesteros (Spain) (22 years and 103 days), Tiger Woods (USA) (24 years and 324 days), José Maria Olazábal (Spain) (25 years and 40 days), Sir Nick Faldo (England) (26 years and 55 days) and Sandy Lyle (Scotland) (26 years and 240 days). It was the 62nd German victory in European Tour history. Martin Kaymer (Germany) moves to over €12 million in European Tour Official Career Earnings, from just 120 European Tour events. And finally it was Martin Kaymer’s (Germany) 17th professional win of his career.

I hope this win gives him heaps of confidence to keep on improving his game and soon he may be challenging Luke Donald (England) to try and regain the World Number One ranking he held last year. He is now a genuine threat to Luke Donald (England) in the Race to Dubai Money list race. And he won it last year so he will be giving it his best shot to defend that title. I feel next year he will win his second Major Championship and have a great Ryder Cup for the European Team when they defend the Ryder Cup in America. I wish him all the best for the remaining events in the 2011 season and also for the 2012 season.

In solo 3rd position at 272-16 after 72 holes was the former US Open Champion, Graeme McDowell (NIR). He won € 301,795 for his weeks work and it moves him to 13th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with €1,062,852 earned from the 16 events he has played to date this year so far. He is now inside the all important top 15 on the Race to Dubai Money list and if he can stay there after the final event of the season which is the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World he will get a share of the bonus money that is shared out between the top 15 players.

In tied for 4th position at 273-15 after 72 holes were Paul Casey (England), he won € 181,311 for his efforts and now moves to 25th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with €796,050 earned from the 14 events he has played to date this year so far. And he had a win at the Volvo Golf Champions in late January. He played most of his golf on the USPGA Tour this year and lost his card with only making $US 590,386 and finished in 136th position on the final money list from the 15 events he played in. If he doesn’t regain his card in the finals of USPGA Tour School he may have to look at playing the European Tour full time in 2012. Also in tied for 4th position was Rory McILroy (NIR) who will be rueing the putts he missed in the final round. It was his 11th top 10 finish of the season that included his first Major Championship win at the US Open Championship in June. He won € 181,311 for his weeks work and moves to 3rd position on the Race to Dubai Money list with €2,724,882 earned from the 17 events he has played this year to date so far. He also moved to Number Two on the Official World Golf Points Rankings list, it is the highest he has been on the rankings in his career. He too is now a serious threat to Luke Donald (England) for winning the Race to Dubai Money list title. I suggest he needs to win one of the remaining 6 European Tour events on the Race to Dubai Schedule for that to become a reality. I wish him all the best for the remaining events in 2011 and to have an even better 2012 season with winning more Major Championships and securing the World Number Ranking Golf Ranking for the first time in his career.

The last player to tie for 4th position was the current Masters Tournament Champion, Charl Schwartzel (RSA) who scored a splendid final round of 65-7. He too won € 181,311 for his weeks work and moves to 4th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with €2,265,525 earned from the 17 events he has played to date this year so far. Perhaps too far behind Luke Donald (England) on the Race to Dubai Money list to be considered a serious threat to winning the Race to Dubai Money list title. But a couple more wins in the next few weeks could change all that. I wish him all the best with the rest of the 2011 season. And hope he can win his 2nd Major Championship in 2012.

In tied for 7th position at 274-14 after 72 holes was Hunter Mahan (USA), he earned € 108,786 for the week, but because he isn’t a member of the European Tour so the money he earned doesn’t go towards the Race to Dubai Money list. But it will give him some confidence as he heads to Australia for the Australian Open in Sydney this week and the following week he plays the Presidents Cup for the US Team in Melbourne, Australia against the International Team. Also tied for 7th position was former Open Champion, Louis Oosthuizen (RSA), who too earned € 108,786 for his weeks work. He played the best tee to green game all week, but had one of his worst weeks on the greens in a long time. He moves to 22nd position on the Race to Dubai Money list with €826,943 earned from the 19 events he has played to date this year so far. He will need a couple more top 10 finishes in the final 6 tournaments on the European Tour to move inside the all important top 15 on the Race to Dubai Money list and get some of the Bonus Money on offer. I wish all the best for the rest of the 2011 season. The final player to tie for 7th position was Justin Rose (England), he scored a brilliant final round of 66-6 and he too earned € 108,786 for his efforts. He moves to 57th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with €479,588 earned from the 11 events he has played in to date so far this year. It is a fine effort for him as well because he like Paul Casey (England) plays the USPGA Tour full time. He has had a fine season on the USPGA Tour as well with winning $US 3,401,420 from the 23 events he played in and won the BMW Championship in mid September to finish in 18th position on the final USPGA Tour Money list. He will want at least one more top 10 finish in the remaining 5 events before the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World so he can secure his place in the top 60 players that get to play in it. I wish him all the best with that.

Rounding out the top 10 in solo 10th position at 275-13 after 72 holes was Jhonattan Vegas (Venezuela), he earned € 87,731for his weeks work. But he like Hunter Mahan (USA) isn’t a member of the European Tour so the money he won doesn’t go towards the Race to Dubai Money list rankings. He had a fine rookie season on the USPGA Tour where he plays most of his golf. He finished in 46th position on the final USPGA Tour Money list with earnings of $US 1,854,414 from the 25 events he played in and he won his maiden Tournament at the Humana Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation in late January. I hope he can continue on the good form in 2012.

Best of the Chinese players was Xin-jun Zhang (China) who scored rounds of 74+2, 68-4, 64-8 and a final round of 72 even par for a 72 hole total of 278-10 and he tied for 13th position. He won the biggest pay cheque of his career which was € 63,166, but he isn’t a member of the European Tour so can’t get a ranking on the Race to Dubai Money list. But it was a fine showing by the 24 year old Xin-jun Zhang (China) who used to be a Security Guard at the Sheshan International GC before he turned professional. I wish him all the best in the future with his Professional Golf Career.

Next week the European Tour and Race to Dubai head to Singapore for the Barclays Singapore Open and it is being played at the The Tanjong & the Serapong, Sentosa GC, Singapore. With a huge prize purse of $US 6,000,000 up for grabs it is going to attract another fine field of European Tour Professionals. Adam Scott (Australia) is the defending Champion but won’t be able to defend his title he won last year because he is committed to playing in the Emirates Australian Open in Sydney, Australia. So there will be a brand new Champion. It starts on Thursday 10th November and I will report back who took home the Trophy next week.

And on the Australasian Tour it is the first of the real big tournaments this summer which is the Emirates Australian Open which is being played at the Lakes GC, Sydney, Australia. With a prize purse of $AUD 1,500,000 on offer it is one of the richest tournaments on the Australasian Tour and this year is being played the week before the Presidents Cup which is being staged at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Melbourne, Australia the following week. Most of the US Team players and International Team players will be competing including Tiger Woods (USA), Adam Scott (Australia), Jason Day (Australia), Greg Norman (Australia) (The International Team Captain), Dustin Johnson (USA) and the defending Champion, Geoff Ogilvy (Australia). It starts on Thursday 10th November and I will report back who got their name engraved on the Stone Haven Cup next week.

So to the top 5 on the Official World Golf Rankings this week and coming in at Number 1 for the 24th week in a row is Luke Donald (England) with 10.47 Official World Golf Ranking Points, coming in at Number 2 is Rory McILroy (NIR) with 7.51 Official World Golf Ranking Points and it is the highest he has reached in the Official World Golf Rankings in his career so far, coming in at number 3 is Lee Westwood (England) with 7.48 Official World Golf Rankings Points, coming in at number 4 is Martin Kaymer (Germany) with 7.11 Official World Golf Ranking Points and he moves up 2 places from last week, and rounding out the top 5 is Dustin Johnson (USA) with 6.06 Official World Golf Ranking Points. Tiger Woods (USA) this week slips two more places to 58th position on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list with 2.43 Official World Golf Rankings Points. Danny Lee (NZL) is still the highest ranked New Zealand Golfer with 1.01 Official World Golf Ranking Points. He moves up 4 places on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list this week and is now in 178th position on the list.

The second event I am reporting on this week was on the Champions Tour and was the climax to the Charles Schwab Cup for 2011. Only the 30 best players on the Charles Schwab Cup Points list qualified to play in the Charles Schwab Cup Championship and it was played at the TPC Harding Park GC, San Francisco, California. And it was Jay Don Blake (USA) who scored rounds of 71 even par, 68-3, 66-5 and a final round of 71 even par for a 72 hole total of 276-8 and he won by 2 stokes. He earned $US 440,000.00 for his winner’s cheque and that moved him to 4th position on the final Champions Tour Money list with $US 1,531,877 earned from the 20 events he played this year. Tom Lehman (USA) won the 2011 Champions Tour Money list with earning $US 2,081,526 from the 21 events he played in.

On left Jay Don Blake (USA) holding the Charles Schwab Cup Championship Trophy he won and on the right Tom Lehman (USA) holding the Charles Schwab Cup Trophy he won

Jay Don Blake (USA) also finished in 4th position on the final Charles Schwab Cup Points list with 1,803 points earned from the 20 events he played in. He was 619 points behind the 2011 Charles Schwab Cup Points Winner who was Tom Lehman (USA) with 2,422 points he earned from the 21 events he played in. He won the 2011 Charles Schwab Cup by 74 points from Mark Calcavecchia (USA). It was one of the closest fought Charles Schwab Cups ever.

For Jay Don Blake (USA) it was just a great tournament for him. He played a solid final round with going out in 35-1 on the front nine with birdies on the Par 5, 4th hole and Par 5, 9th hole. But he had a poor bogey on the Par 3, 8th hole. He came in with a back nine 36+1 that included a birdie at the Par 4, 12th hole, but he made two poor bogeys coming in at the Par 4, 14th hole and Par 3, 17th hole. So he ended up scoring 71 even par.

For Jay Don Blake (USA) it was his 2nd win on the Champions Tour this year having won the Songdo IBD Championship Presented by Korean Air in mid September. He just had an amazing year on the Champions Tour. And at the age of 53 he has started to prove himself on the Champions Tour. He recorded 9 top 10 finishes which shows how consistent he was. I hope he continues this great form on to the 2012 Champions Tour Season. And maybe next year he can go one better and win a Champions Tour Major Championship. I wish him all the best for the 2012 season on the Champions Tour.

Jay Don Blake (USA) in action during the Charles Schwab Cup Championship

In tied for 2nd position at 278-6 after 72 holes was Mark Calcavecchia (USA), he finished in 2nd position on the Final Champions Tour Money list with $US 1,867,991 earned from the 22 events he played in this year. And he finished in 2nd position also in the Final Charles Schwab Cup Points list with 2,348 points earned from the 22 events he played in this year. He was only 74 points short of the eventual winner Tom Lehman (USA). Also tied for 2nd was Loren Roberts (USA) who finished in 21st position on the Final Champions Tour Money list with $US 762,265 earned from the 19 events he played in. He also finished in 19th position on the Final Charles Schwab Cup Points list with 893 points earned from the 19 events he played in; he was 1,529 points behind Tom Lehman (USA). Michael Allen (USA) also finished in tied for 2nd position and finished in 11th position on the Final Champions Tour Money list with $US 1,161,306 earned from the 19 events he entered. He also finished in 11th position on the Final Charles Schwab Cup Points list with 1,346 points earned from the 19 events he entered. He was 1,076 points behind Tom Lehman (USA). And the final player to tie for 2nd was the Legendary Jay Haas (USA), he finished in 12th position on the final Champions Tour Money List with $US 1,067,467 earned from the 21 events he played in. He also finished in 14th position on the Final Charles Schwab Cup Points with 1,127 points earned from the 21 events he played in. He finished 1,295 points behind Tom Lehman (USA).

David Frost (RSA) finished in solo 6th position with a 72 hole total of 279-5. He finished in 20th position on the Final Champions Tour Money list with $US 802,019 earned from the 23 events he played in. He also finished in 23rd position on the Final Charles Schwab Cup Points list with 700 points earned. He was 1,722 points behind Tom Lehman (USA). Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 7th position at 280-4 after 72 holes was Fred Couples (USA), he finished in 13th position on the Final Champions Tour Money list with $US 1,042,953 earned from the 10 events he played in. He also finished in 8th position on the Final Charles Schwab Cup Points list with 1,458 points earned. He was 964 points behind Tom Lehman (USA). Also tied for 7th position was Russ Cochran (USA), he finished in 5th position on the Final Champions Tour Money list with $US 1,503,090 earned from the 18 events he played in. He also finished in 6th position on the Final Charles Schwab Cup Points list with 1,678 points earned. He was 744 points behind Tom Lehman (USA). Also tied for 7th position was David Eger (USA), he finished in 14th position on the Final Champions Tour Money list with $US 982,904 earned from the 22 events he entered. He also finished in 16th position on the Final Charles Schwab Cup Points list with 1,032 points earned from the 22 events he entered. He was 1,390 points behind Tom Lehman (USA). Also tied for 7th position was Kenny Perry (USA), he finished in 15th position on the Final Champions Tour Money list with $US 964,851 earned from the 10 events he played in. He also finished in 15th position on the Final Charles Schwab Cup Points list with 1,041 points earned from the events he played in. He was 1,381 points behind Tom Lehman (USA). And the last player to finish tied for 7th position was Joey Sindelar (USA). He finished in 23rd position on the Final Champions Tour Money list with $US 708,337 earned from the 19 events he played in. He also finished in 21st position on the Final Charles Schwab Cup Points list with 747 points earned from the 19 events he played in. He was 1,675 points behind Tom Lehman (USA).

So Tom Lehman (USA) secured his very first Charles Schwab Cup win for the 2011 season. He was on top of the Charles Schwab Cup Points list from when he won the 2nd tournament of the season which was the Allianz Championship in Mid February and never lost the lead for the rest of the 2011 season, although Mark Calcavecchia (USA) pushed him very hard this week at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship. But he did enough to hang on by 74 points. So here are the Final 5 place getters in the 2011 Charles Schwab Cup Points List: Charles Schwab Cup Winner: Tom Lehman (USA) with 2,422 Charles Schwab Cup Points and won $US 1, 000, 000 of the $US 2,100,000 Annuity money, In second place was Mark Calcavecchia (USA) with 2,348 Charles Schwab Cup Points and won $US 500,000 of the $US 2,100,000 Annuity money, In third place was Peter Senior (Australia) with 1,874 Charles Schwab Cup Points and won $US 300,000 of the $US 2,100,000 Annuity money, and he must be due a win on the Champions Tour in 2012. In fourth place was Jay Don Blake (USA) with 1,803 Charles Schwab Cup Points and won $US 200,000 of the $US 2,100,000 Annuity money and round out the top 5 place getters was John Cook (USA) with 1,798 Charles Schwab Cup Points and won $US 100,000 of the $US 2,100,000 Annuity money.

Next event on the Champions Tour is in Mid January 2012 and is the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai and it is being played at the Hualalai Golf Course, Ka'upulehu-Kona, Hawaii. It will have most of the winners on the Champions Tour in 2011 playing in it. And the players get to play for a prize purse of $US 1,800,000. John Cook (USA) is the defending Champion and will be looking for back to back titles. I will report back who took home the trophy next year.

The third and final event I am reporting on this week was on the European Challenge Tour and was the final event of the season which was the Apulia San Domenico Grand Final that was played on the San Domenico Golf, Puglia, Italy. Only the top 45 players on the Challenge Tour Rankings Money list were eligible to play in it. Andrea Pavan (Italy) scored rounds of 66-5, 65-6, 65-6 and a final round of 71 even par for a 72 hole total of 267-17 and he won by 1 stroke. He won € 56,650 for the win and that moves him to 2nd position on the final Challenge Tour Ranking Money list with €133,052 earned from the 19 events he played this year. He now will be playing the European Tour for the first time next year in 2012 because he finished inside the top 20 players on the Challenge Tour Ranking Money list that earned their 2012 European Tour cards. Tommy Fleetwood (England) won the Challenge Tour Ranking Money list for 2011 with €148,913 earned from the 19 events he played this year.

Left Tommy Fleetwood (England) with the Challenge Tour Rankings Champion Trophy he won and right Andrea Pavan (Italy) with the Apulia San Domenico Grand Final Trophy he won

Andrea Pavan (Italy) started the final round with a 1 stroke lead over Tommy Fleetwood (England). He got off to an okay front nine with scoring a bogey on the Par 4, 5th hole but came straight back with a birdie on the Par 4, 6th hole to go out in 34 even par. He came home well with a back nine even par 37 which included a birdie at the Par 5, 11th hole and a poor bogey at the Par 4, 14th hole. His final round of 71 even par was good enough for a 1 stroke victory. It was his 2nd win on the Challenge Tour having won the Norwegian Challenge in mid August this year. He has now earned his European Tour card for the 2012 season. And when he plays on the European Tour in 2012 it will mean there will be another Italian Player on the European Tour to join the Molinari Brothers and the amazing Matteo Manassero who has already won 2 times on the European Tour at the tender age of 18 years old. I wish Andrea Pavan (Italy) all the best for the 2012 and his Maiden year on the European Tour and hope he can secure his maiden win.

Coming in solo 2nd with a 72 hole total of 268-16 after 72 holes was Tommy Fleetwood (England). And with the € 37,620 he earned it was enough to secure him the number 1 position on the Challenge Tour Ranking Money list for 2011 with €148,913 earned from the 19 events he played this year. For that he won the Challenge Tour Ranking Trophy and he has his 2012 European Tour Card. It is a fine achievement for the 20 year old Englishman who won the Kazakhstan Open in early September this year. And he has already played in 9 European Tour events with making 5 cuts and his best finish was tied for 5th at the recent Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in early October this year where he earned a cheque for € 126,334.40. He current sits in 143rd position on the Race to Dubai Money List with €151,969 earned from the 6 events he has played in. I wish him all the best for his maiden year on the European Tour in 2012.

Tommy Fleetwood (England) holding the Challenge Tour Rankings Trophy he won

In tied for 3rd position at 270-14 after 72 holes were Andrew Marshall (England) and Andrew Johnston (England). In solo 5th position at 271-13 after 72 holes was Pelle Edberg (Sweden). Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 6th position at 272-12 after 72 holes were Simon Thornton (Ireland), Jorge Campillo (Spain), Julien Guerrier (France), Steven Tiley (England) and Sam Walker (England).

The 20 Challenge Tour Players that earned their 2012 European Tour Cards

The 20 players that gained their 2012 European Tour Cards for finishing in the top 20 on the final European Challenge Tour Rankings were Number 1, Tommy Fleetwood (England) with €148,913. Number 2 was Andrea Pavan (Italy) with €133,052, Number 3 was Sam Little (England) with €130,798, Number 4 was Ricardo Santos (Portugal) with €97,516, Number 5 was Benjamin Hebert (France) with €91,293, Number 6 was Daniel Denison (England) with €86,898, Number 7 was Federico Colombo (Italy) with €81,834, Number 8 was Jamie Moul (England) with €80,771, Number 9 was Jorge Campillo (Spain) with €80,041, Number 10 was Matthew Baldwin (England) with €76,972, Number 11 was Edouard Dubois (France) with €75,623, Number 12 was Simon Thornton (Ireland) with €74,712, Number 13 was Julien Quesne (France) with €74,027, Number 14 was Craig Lee (Scotland) with €73,792, Number 15 was Andrew Johnston (England) with €70,987, Number 16 was Sam Walker (England) with €67,584, Number 17 was Charles-Edouard Russo (France) with €67,192, Number 18 was Pelle Edberg (Sweden) with €66,282, Number 19 was Chris Gane (England) with €64,488 and Number 20 was Alessandro Tanini (Italy) with €62,630. 

The European Challenge Tour takes a break now till mid January in 2012 where it will start up again in India for the playing of the Gujarat Kensville Challenge which is played at the Kensville GC, Ahmedabad, India. Gaganjeet Bhullar (India) is the defending Champion and will be looking to defend his title.

So until then remember when the greens have just been cored hit your putts hard and firm because the greens are slower and they will take less break.

Source: pgatour.com, europeantour.com