Golf Events from the Weekend 22nd April 2012

Well it was another exciting weekend on the Professional Golf Tours from throughout the world. First I will start with the European Tour and the Race to Dubai and this week it was in China for the second leg of 3 tournaments in the Asian Swing. It was the Volvo China Open and was played at the Binhai Lake GC, Tianjin, China. And it was the Golfer by the name of Branden Grace (RSA) who scored rounds of 67-5, 67-5, 64-8 and a final round of 69-3 for a 72 hole total of 267-21 and he won by 3 strokes. He won € 398,594.95 for the win and moves to 4th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 1,053,850 earned from the 11 events he has played to date this year so far. Rory McILroy (NIR) still leads that list with €1,348,517 earned from the 5 events he has played to date this year so far.

Branden Grace in Action during the final round

Branden Grace (RSA) gains his third European Tour International Schedule victory in his 59th European Tour event. He could move into the mid 60’s in the Official World Golf Ranking, from 89th. Having graduated from the 2011 European Tour Qualifying School, he became just the second European Tour Qualifying School graduate to win more than €1 million the season after graduation, following Johan Edfors (Sweden). The Swede gained a European Tour card at the 2005 Qualifying School. In 2006 he won more €1,505,583. He became just the second Qualifying School graduate to win three events the season after graduation. He has won the Joburg Open, Volvo Golf Champions and now the Volvo China Open this year. It was his third win came three months to the day, after his second.

He became the second Qualifying School graduate to win three times the year after graduation. The first was Johan Edfors (Sweden) in 2006 who won three times, claiming the TCL Classic, British Masters and Scottish Open.Branden Grace (RSA) three victories have all come in his last ten European Tour events. His best finish in his first 49 European Tour appearances was tied sixth in the 2009 South African Open Championship. He moves to fifth in the list of youngest players to win three European Tour events in the same season. Here is the list: Seve Ballesteros (Spain) (20 years and 99 days in 1977); Seve Ballesteros (Spain) (21 years and 121 days in 1978); Sandy Lyle (Scotland) (21 years and 212 days in 1979); Seve Ballesteros (Spain) (23 years and 109 days in 1980) and Branden Grace (RSA) (23 years and 338 days in 2012). He becomes the sixth player in European Tour history to win their first three events in the same season. The players are: Sandy Lyle (Scotland) (1979), Ronan Rafferty (Ireland) (1989), Alex Cejka (Germany) (1995), Fredrik Jacobson (Sweden) (2003), Johan Edfors (Sweden) (2006) and Branden Grace (RSA) (2012).

He became only the third South African player to win three European Tour events in a single season. He follows: Ernie Els (RSA) (2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005) and Retief Goosen (RSA) (2001). He becomes the first player to win three times in the same season since Thomas Björn (Denmark) in 2011, who won the Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy, Johnnie Walker Championships at Gleneagles and Omega European Masters. He maintains his 100% record of winning when leading or sharing the lead going into the final round on The European Tour. Firstly, he led by three shots at the Joburg Open after 54 holes. He shared the lead with Nicolas Colsaerts at the Volvo Golf Champions, when the duo led by one. He took a three shot advantage going into the last day at the Volvo China Open. He became the first player to win two Volvo-sponsored events in the same season since Colin Montgomerie (Scotland) in 1999. The Scot won the Volvo PGA Championship and Volvo Scandinavian Masters.

He became the first South African to win the Volvo China Open. This victory continues South Africa’s recent run of wins on The European Tour. They have now won six of the first 15 European Tour events this season. They are: Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) (Africa Open and Maybank Malaysian Open), Branden Grace (RSA) (Joburg Open, Volvo Golf Champions and Volvo China Open) and Jbe’ Kruger (RSA) (Avantha Masters). It was the 107th South African victory in European Tour history. He gained his largest European Tour prize of €398,594. He moves over €1 million in European Tour Official Career Earnings. He gains his fourth win as a professional. He became the 11th European Tour victory by a former Challenge Tour player on the 2012 European Tour. They are: Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) (Africa Open and Maybank Malaysian Open), Branden Grace (RSA) (Joburg Open, Volvo Golf Champions and Volvo China Open), Robert Rock (England) (Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship), Rafael Cabrera-Bello (Spain) (Omega Dubai Desert Classic), Justin Rose (England) (WGC – Cadillac Championship), Julien Quesne (France) (Open de Andalucía Costa del Sol), Michael Hoey (NIR) (Trophée Hassan II) and Thorbjørn Olesen (Denmark) (Sicilian Open). And finally he became the 295th European Tour victory by a former Challenge Tour player.

Branden Grace (RSA) poses with the Volvo China Open Trophy he won

He played a steady final round of 69-3 that included a front nine 34-2 with birdies on the Par 5, 2nd hole, Par 5, 6th hole and Par 4, 7th hole. But he made a poor bogey on the Par 4, 4th hole. He played a very solid back nine with his lone birdie coming at the Par 5, 12th hole. I feel this win will just increase Branden Grace’s (RSA) confidence and I feel he is ready to contend in the Majors now. I wish him every continuing success in 2012 on the European Tour.

Coming in solo 2nd Position at 270-18 after 72 holes was Nicolas Colsaerts (Belgium) who was the defending Champion after winning the Volvo China Open in 2011. Coming in solo 3rd at 271-17 after 72 holes was the 2007 NZ Open Champion, Richard Finch (England). Coming in tied for 4th position at 272-16 after 72 holes were Victor Dubuisson (France) and George Coetzee (RSA). And rounding out the top 10 at in tied for 6th position at 273-15 after 72 holes were Ricardo Gonzalez (Argentina), Francesco Molinari (Italy), Marcus Fraser (Australia), Alexander Noren (Sweden) and Fabrizio Zanotti (Paraguay).

Best New Zealand Golfer in the field was Gareth Paddison (NZL), he scored rounds of 68-4, 68-4, 71-1 and a final round of 73+1 for a 72 hole total of 280-8 and finished in tied for 39th Position. He won € 15,066.90 for his efforts but because he isn’t a member of the European Tour he doesn’t get a Race to Dubai Money List ranking. Other New Zealand Golfers in the field but failed to make the 36 hole halfway cut were Michael Hendry (NZL) who scored rounds of 70-2 and 73+1 for a 36 hole total of 143+1 and missed the cut by a single stroke. Michael Long (NZL) also missed the 36 hole cut after scoring rounds of 74+2 and 73+1 for a 36 hole total of 147+3 and missed the 36 hole cut by 5 strokes.

Next week the European Tour and Race to Dubai head to South Korea for the 3rd leg of the Asian Swing. It is the Ballantine’s Championship and it is played at the Blackstone GC, Icheon, Seoul, South Korea. It has a large prize purse of €2,205,000 for the taking. Lee Westwood (England) is the defending Champion and will be looking for back to back titles. It starts on Thursday 26th April and I will report back who won the Trophy next week.

The second event I am reporting on this week was on the USPGA Tour and part of the FedEx Cup. It was the Valero Texas Open and was played on the TPC San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas. And it was the 2003 Open Champion, Ben Curtis (USA) that scored rounds of 67-5, 67-5, 73+1 and a final round of 72 even par for a 72 hole total 279-9 and he won by 2 strokes. He won $US 1,116,000.00 for his efforts and moved to 23rd position on the USPGA Tour Money list with $US 1,173,750 earned from the 4 events he has played to date this year so far. Bubba Watson (USA) still leads that list with $3,124,138 earned from the 8 events he has played to date this year so far. He also earned 500 FedEx Cup Points and moves to 28th position on the FedEx Cup points list with 527 points earned from the 4 events he has played to date this year so far. He is 851 points behind the current leader, Hunter Mahan (USA) who has earned 1,378 points from the 8 events he has played to date this year so far.

Ben Curtis (USA) in action during the final round

It was Ben Curtis (USA) 4th win on the USPGA Tour having previous won 2003 British Open Championship, 2006 Booz Allen Classic and the 84 LUMBER Classic. He played steady golf all week in the very difficult conditions. He scored a consistent final round of 72 which was good enough at the end of the day for a 2 stroke win. He scored 35-1 on the front nine which included birdies on the Par 4, 5th hole and Par 3, 7th hole. But he made a poor bogey on the Par 4, 4th hole. He scored 37+1 on the back nine with two poor bogeys on the Par 4, 11th hole and Par 4, 12th hole. And that meant he only had a 1 stroke lead over John Huh (USA) and Matt Every (USA) with 6 holes to play. Matt Every (USA) hit a brilliant shot into the difficult Par 3, 16th hole. But he missed his short birdie putt that would have drawn him level with Ben Curtis (USA) with 2 holes to play. John Huh (USA), Ben Curtis (USA) and Matt Every (USA) all laid up on the short Par 4, 17th hole. Ben Curtis (USA) hit a terrible wedge shot that land over the green and left a very difficult up and down to save his Par. John Huh (USA) and Matt Every (USA) hit good Wedge Shots inside 10 feet of the pin. Ben Curtis (USA) hit the chip I expected him to hit where it rolled down the slope past the pin and onto the fringe on the other side. But then he calmly rolled his putt from just off the fringe in to the hole for his Par 4. And when John Huh (USA) and Matt Every (USA) both missed their relatively easy birdie putts, Ben Curtis (USA) still had his 1 stroke lead playing the last hole.

Ben Curtis (USA) poses with the Valero Texas Open Trophy he won

Ben Curtis (USA) hit his 3rd Shot in on the last hole to 15 feet past the hole and he stood over his birdie putt knowing that he only needed to 2 putts to win. But he managed to 1 putt and birdied the 72nd hole for his first win in six years. He was very emotionally on the 18th green when interviewed by the CBS Sports reporter and it was understandable why because of the slump he had been in the last few years. I hope this win can get Ben Curtis (USA) back to the form he displayed in 2003 when he won the Open Championship in his very first appearance. I wish him all the best for the rest of 2012 USPGA Tour season.

Coming in tied for 2nd position on 281-7 after 72 holes were Matt Every (USA) and John Huh (USA) who show great fighting qualities after scoring a disappointing 77+5 in the first round. Coming in tied for 4th position at 283-5 after 72 holes were the defending Champion, Brendan Steele (USA), Bob Estes (USA), Brian Gay (USA) and Charlie Wi (South Korea). And rounding out the top 10 in tied for 8th position at 284-4 after 72 holes were Hunter Haas (USA), Ryan Moore (USA) and Cameron Tringale (USA).

Danny Lee (NZL) was the only New Zealander in the field. He scored rounds of 75+3, 71-2, 76+4 and a final round of 75+3 for a 72 hole total of 297+9 after 72 holes and tied for 63rd position. He won $US 13,206.00 for his efforts and now moves to 159th position on the USPGA Tour Money list with $US 111,748 earned from the 10 events he has played to date this year so far. Danny Lee (NZL) also moves to 156th position on the FedEx Cup Points list with 95 points earned from the 10 events he has played to date this year so far. He is 1,283 points behind the current leader, Hunter Mahan (USA). Danny Lee (NZL) is now starting to show some form after missing 3 of his first 4 cuts. He has now made 4 of his last 6 cuts including his last 3 in a row. It would be good to see him have a top 10 finish in the weeks to come. I wish him continuing success in his rookie season on the USPGA Tour.

Next week the USPGA Tour and FedEx Cup head to Louisiana for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and it is being played at the TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana. It has a huge prize purse of $US 6,400,000 for the taking. Bubba Watson (USA) is the defending Champion and will be keen for back to back titles. It starts on Thursday 26th April and I will report back who won the trophy next week.

So to the top 5 on the Official World Golf Rankings this week and coming in at Number One for the second week of his second spell and the fourth week of his career is Rory McILroy (NIR) with 9.46 Official World Golf Ranking Points; Coming in at Number Two is Luke Donald (England) with 9.31 Official World Golf Ranking Points; Coming in at Number Three is Lee Westwood (England) with 8.40 Official World Golf Ranking Points; Coming in at Number Four is Bubba Watson (USA) with 6.40 Official World Golf Ranking Points and rounding out the top 5 in 5th position on the Official World Golf Ranking Points list is Hunter Mahan (USA) with 5.76 Official World Golf Ranking Points. Tiger Woods (USA) this week remains in 8th position on the Official World Golf Ranking Points list. He now has 5.42 Official World Golf Ranking Points. Danny Lee (NZL) is still the highest ranked New Zealand Golfer in the World. This week he moves down 4 places to be at 169th position on the Official World Golf Ranking Points list with 1.04 Official World Golf Rankings Points on the list.

Remember now the air is getting thicker so take 1 or 2 more clubs than usual to hit the ball the required distance.                 

Source: pgatour.com, europeantour.com                                                                                                     

Golf Events from the Weekend 15th April 2012

Well it was a great weekend on the Professional Golf Tours from around the world. First I will start with the European Tour and the Race to Dubai. This week it was in Malaysia for the Maybank Malaysian Open and it was played at the Kuala Lumpur G&CC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. And it was the Golfer by the name of Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) that scored rounds of 66-6, 68-4, 69-3 and a final round of 68-4 for a 72 hole total of 271-17. He won by 3 strokes and earned € 314,700 for the win and moved to 2nd position on the Race to Dubai Money list with €1,293,705 earned from the 6 events he has played to date this year so far. Rory McILroy (NIR) leads that list with €1,348,517 earned from the 5 events he has played in to date this year so far.

Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) in action during the final round

It was Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) fifth European Tour International Schedule victory in his 197th European Tour event. This is his third consecutive season he has won more than €1 million in a single season. He could move to as high as 12th in the Official World Golf Ranking from 19th. It was his second European Tour International Schedule victory of the season, following the Africa Open.  He becomes the second multiple victor of the 2012 European Tour season, following his countryman Branden Grace (RSA) (Joburg Open and Volvo Golf Champions). It is the second European Tour season he has recorded multiple victories, following the 2010 season, when he won the Open de Andalucía and the 139th Open Championship. He maintains his record of leading or sharing the lead going into the final round in each of his five European Tour victories.

Since the event became part of The European Tour in 1999, is the first South African to win the Maybank Malaysian Open. It was his second consecutive top two finish, after finishing runner-up in the Masters Tournament, seven days ago. It was his third top two finish from his six European Tour events in 2012. It was his first victory in Asia. He has now won on three Continents: Africa, Asia and Europe. This victory comes in his third appearance in the Maybank Malaysian Open. His best previous performance was seventh in 2009. It was the 106th South African victory in European Tour history. It was the fifth South African victory of the 2012 season. They are: Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) (Africa Open and Maybank Malaysian Open), Branden Grace (RSA) (Joburg Open and Volvo Golf Champions) and Jbe’ Kruger (RSA) (Avantha Masters). He becomes the fourth South African to record multiple victories in two or more seasons on The European Tour. He follows: Ernie Els (RSA) (1994, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007); Retief Goosen (RSA) (2001 and 2004) and Charl Schwartzel (RSA) (2010 and 2011). It is his tenth win as a professional worldwide. He moves over the €7 million in European Tour Official Career Earnings.

He becomes the tenth European Tour victory by a former Challenge Tour player on the 2012 European Tour. They are: Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) (Africa Open and Maybank Malaysian Open), Branden Grace (RSA) (Joburg Open and Volvo Golf Champions), Robert Rock (England) (Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship), Rafael Cabrera-Bello (Spain) (Omega Dubai Desert Classic), Justin Rose (England)  (WGC – Cadillac Championship), Julien Quesne (France) (Open de Andalucía Costa del Sol), Michael Hoey (NIR) (Trophée Hassan II) and Thørbjorn Olesen (Denmark) (Sicilian Open). And finally becomes the 294th European Tour victory by a former Challenge Tour player.

Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) poses with the Maybank Malaysian Open trophy he won

It was great to see Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) come straight back and win the next week after he lost the playoff on the 2nd hole to Bubba Watson (USA) last week in the first Major of the year which was the Masters Tournament. And to do it after a 30 hour flight and all the jet leg he must have had is just amazing. He played just a great final round in scoring 68-4 which included a 34-2 on the front nine in which he birdied Par 5, 3rd hole, Par 5, 5th hole, and Par 4, 7th hole. His lone bogey came on the Par 4, 6th hole. He played just as good on the back nine scoring 34-2 which included birdies on the Par 4, 13th hole and Par 4, 16th hole.

I feel if he stays in this form he should win another Major Championship very soon and perhaps it will be at this year’s US Open Championship or the Open Championship which he won two years ago at St Andrews? I wish him all the best with continued success in 2012.

Coming in solo 2nd position at 274-14 after 72 holes was Stephen Gallacher (Scotland). Coming in tied for 3rd position at 276-12 after 72 holes were Rafael Cabrera – Bello (Spain), Danny Willett (England) and David Lipsky (USA). Coming in solo for 6th position at 277-11 after 72 holes was Charl Schwartzel (RSA) and he too would have been suffering Jet Leg from being at the Masters Tournament last week. And rounding out the top 10 in tied for 7th position at 279-9 after 72 holes were Matteo Manassero (Italy), Martin Kaymer (Germany), Romain Wattel (France) and Hennie Otto (RSA).

The only New Zealand Golfer in the field was Michael Campbell (NZL), he scored rounds of 72 even, 71-1, 71-1 and a disappointing final round of 78+6 for a 72 hole total of 292+4 and tied for 63rd position. It was his first cut he has made in the 2012 European Tour season after playing in 6 events. He now moves to 239th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 4,532 earned from the 6 events he has entered to date this year so far. At least it is something positive, and maybe he can build on this in the weeks to come and have some higher finishes? Perhaps even a Top 10? I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2012 European Tour season.

Next week the European Tour and Race to Dubai stay in Asia for the Volvo China Open and it is being played at the Binhia Lake GC, Tianjin, China. There is a large prize purse of RMB20, 000,000 for the taking. Nicolas Colsaerts (Belgium) is the defending Champion and will be keen to defend his title. It starts on Thursday 19th April and I will report back who took home the trophy next week.

Now to the second event I am reporting on this week and it was on the USPGA Tour and is part of the FedEx Cup and was the RBC Heritage and it was played at the Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head, South Carolina. And it was the Golfer by the name of Carl Pettersson (Sweden) that scored rounds of 70-1, 65-6, 66-5 and a final round of 69-2 for a 72 hole total of 270-14 and won by 5 strokes. He won $US 1,026,000.00 for the win and moves to 6th position on the USPGA Tour Money list with $US 2,145,253 earned from the 9 events he has played in to date this year so far. Bubba Watson (USA) leads that list with $US 3,124,138 earned from the 8 events he has played in to date this year so far. Carl Pettersson (Sweden) also earned 500 FedEx Cup points for the win and moved to 4th position on the FedEx Cup point’s standings with 1,111 points earned from the 9 events he has played in to date this year so far. He is 267 points behind the current leader who is Hunter Mahan (USA) who has earned 1,378 points from the 8 events he has played in to date this year so far.

Carl Pettersson (Sweden) in action during the final round

He also earns a two-year exemption through 2014 on the USPGA Tour. He is the sixth player to win the RBC Heritage without having competed in the Masters the week before, since the tournament moved into its slot after the Masters in 1983 (2011 the exception when it was played two weeks after the Masters). The others are Brian Gay (2009), Boo Weekley (2007), Aaron Baddeley (2006), Bob Tway (1995) and Davis Love III (1987).

He becomes the first player from Sweden to win in the 44 year history of the RBC Heritage. He is the ninth international winner of the event and first since Aaron Baddeley (Australia) in 2006. He has won four of six times when holding the third-round lead/co-lead on TOUR, including his last two (2008 Wyndham Championship). This victory is Carl Pettersson’s (Sweden)  fifth in 273 career starts on the PGA TOUR. Here’s a list of Carl Pettersson’s (Sweden) TOUR wins: 2012: RBC Heritage, 2010: RBC Canadian Open, 2008: Wyndham Championship, 2006: Memorial Tournament, 2005: Chrysler Championship. And he now has the equal most USPGA Tournament wins by a Swedish Golfer tied on 5 wins with the Famous Swedish Golfer, Jesper Parnevik (Sweden).

Carl Pettersson (Sweden) holding the RBC Heritage Trophy he won

Carl Pettersson (Sweden) played a steady final round when his main challengers were falling apart around him. He scored a final round of 69-2, which included a flawless front nine of 33-3 which included birdies on the Par 4, 1st hole, Par 3, 4th hole and Par 5, 5th hole. He scored 36+1 on the back nine with his lone bogey coming on the Par 5, 15th hole which was his bogey hole for the week having played it +3 for the Tournament. I feel he could be a player to contend in the Major Championships in the future. He has admitted he has a homemade swing but it works for him and I am glad he just plays with it and trusts it. I wish all the best for continued success on the USPGA Tour in 2012.

Coming in solo 2nd at 275-9 after 72 holes was the 2007 Masters Tournament winner, Zach Johnson (USA). In solo 3rd position at 276-8 after 72 holes was Colt Knost (USA) and it was his best ever finish on the USPGA Tour. But will be disappointed with his final round 75+3 when he was in position for his maiden tour win. Coming in tied for 4th position at 278-6 after 72 holes were Kevin Stadler (USA) and Billy Mayfair (USA) who holed his green side bunker shot on the 17th hole for a birdie 2. Coming in tied for 6th position at 279-5 after 72 holes were Matt Bettencourt (USA) and Boo Weekley (USA) who will be disappointed with his final round of 73+2. And rounding out the top 10 in tied for 8th position at 280-4 after 72 holes were Matt Every (USA), Charley Hoffman (USA), Jim Furyk (USA), Harris English (USA) who is having a great rookie season after graduating from the Nationwide Tour last year. And the final player to tie for 8th position was Kevin Na (USA).

Next week the USPGA Tour and FedEx Cup head to Texas for the Valero Texas Open and it is being played at the TPC San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas. Brendan Steele (USA) is the defending Champion and will be keen for back to back titles. It has a large prize purse of $US 6,200,000 for the taking. It starts on Thursday 19th April and I report back who won the Trophy next week.

Now to the top 5 on the Official World Golf Rankings and coming in at Number One for the first week of his 2nd spell and the 3 week in total of his career is Rory McILroy (NIR) with 9.59 Official World Ranking Points; Coming in 2nd position with 9.48 Official World Ranking Points is Luke Donald (England); Coming in 3rd position with 8.27 Official World Ranking Points is Lee Westwood (England); Coming in 4th position with 6.47 Official World Ranking Points is Bubba Watson (USA) and rounding out top 5 in 5th position is Hunter Mahan (USA) with 5.82 Official World Ranking Points. Tiger Woods (USA) this week remains in 8th position on the Official World Golf Ranking Points list. He now has 5.48 Official World Golf Ranking Points. Danny Lee (NZL) is still the highest ranked New Zealand Golfer in the World. This week he moves down 2 places to be at 165th position on the Official World Golf Ranking Points list with 1.05 Official World Golf Rankings Points on the list.

Remember the most important thing in the Golf Swing is to keep the head still.

Source: pgatour.com, europeantour.com

Golf Events from the Weekend 8th April 2012

Well it was another great weekend of Golf on the Professional Golf Tours from around the world. First I will start this week with the USPGA Tour and FedEx Cup and the European Tour and Race to Dubai which were combined this week for the first Major Championship of the year which was the 76th Masters Tournament and it was being played at the Augusta National GC, Georgia, USA. It started on Thursday Morning when Jack Nicklaus (USA) aged 72 years who is a 6 times Masters Champion and has won it the most times in its history so far and Arnold Palmer (USA) aged 82 years who is a 4 times Masters Champion had the honour of starting the 76th Masters Tournament by hitting the opening tee shot. They played a few holes before the Tournament began properly.

The first round began in Sunny Conditions after the Par 3 Contest had to be cancelled the day before because of lightening in the Area. The first round leader was Lee Westwood (England) who scored a flawless Bogey free round of 67-5. The hard luck story of the first round was Henrik Stenson (Sweden) who came to the 18th tee at -5 for 17 holes. He pulled his drive into the left in the trees and was force to chip out, eventually getting back on the fairway in 3 shots. But then he airmailed the green with his short wedge 4th shot and was unable to chip his 5th shot from over the back of the green on the green. He putted from just off the fringe for a double bogey 6 and rolled it from just off the fringe to 6feet past the cup. And he unfortunately missed and tapped in for a Quadruple Bogey 8.

The second round began in Sunny, pleasant conditions and Fred Couples (USA) at 52 years of age was the big story of the day after it being the 20th Anniversary of his only Masters Tournament win back in 1992. He scored 67-5 for the round and was -5 after 36 holes with a share of the 36 hole lead along the 34 year old Jason Dufner (USA). Tiger Woods (USA) was the big disappointment on the day scoring a 3 over par 75 and being at +3 for tournament after 36 holes only making the 36 hole cut that fell at +5 because of the 10 shot rule by 2 strokes. 62 Players made the cut.

The third round began in the same conditions as the second with bright sun shine and a moderate wind blowing. Peter Hanson (Sweden) was the big mover on the day scoring 65-7 that included a back nine of 31-5 and he took a 1 stroke lead after 54 holes at -9 over Phil Mickelson (USA) who scored a back nine of 30-6 and card a 66-6 in his third round to be at -8. Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) scored a 69-3 in the 3rd round and found himself only 2 strokes off the lead heading into the final round. Bubba Watson (USA) scored a third round of 70-2 and was -6 heading into the final round.

The final round was played in fine sunny conditions with a light wind blowing. Before the leaders even teed off there had already been some amazing golf played with Bo Van Pelt (USA) scoring the low round of the tournament which was 64-8 and it included an eagle on the Par 5, 13th hole and an Amazing Hole in One on the Par 3, 16th hole where he hit his mid iron tee shot in and caught the left slope and his ball rolled right down into the hole. The pin was in its Traditional Sunday pin placement which was on the front left hand side of the green over the front bunker but easy to get at as the ball rolled off the slope towards the hole. Adam Scott (Australia) had a brilliant final round as well scoring 66-6 and he also had a Hole in one on the 16th hole. His was different to Bo Van Pelt (USA) where he landed his Mid iron tee shot just over the bunker and his ball rolled up to the hole like a perfect putt and fell in. He was the low Australian at the 76th Masters Tournament with his 72 hole total of 284-4 and tied for 8th position.

Bubba Watson (USA) celebrates with his caddie after winning the 76th Masters Tournament

Tiger Woods (USA) and Rory McILroy (NIR) had very disappointing tournaments both finishing tied for 40th on 293+5 after 72 holes. Also on that score were Aaron Baddeley (Australia) and Henrik Stenson (Sweden) who fell away badly in the final round scoring a shocking 81+9 which included a 44+8 on the back nine.

Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) got his round off amazingly when he holed his 4iron second shot to the Par 5, 2nd hole for the first ever double eagle in Tournament history on that hole. The ball landed just before the green, then caught the slope to the right and kept rolling to the far right pin placement and fell in on its last roll. He went straight to the top of the leader board at -10 and came to the final hole all tied up at -10 with Bubba Watson (USA). Bubba Watson (USA) played a great final round with scoring 68-4 which included 4 consecutive birdies from holes 13th to 16th. On the 72nd hole both Bubba Watson (USA) and Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) landed their second shots on the green. Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) had the more difficult putt but managed to two putt. Bubba Watson (USA) had his 20 foot birdie putt to win the Masters Tournament but it just missed on the left hand side. Bubba Watson (USA) scored rounds of 69-3, 71-1, 70-2 and a final round of 68-4 for a 72 hole total of 278-10 but was tied on that score by Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) who had rounds of 68-4, 72 even, 69-3 and a final round of 69-3 for a 72 hole total of 278-10 also.

Bubba Watson (USA) who won the 76th Masters Tournament

Those two players headed back to the 18th hole for the first playoff hole. Both hit the fairway and on the green in two shots. Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) putted for his birdie first from 20 feet and just missed on the right hand side but tapped in for an easy par 4. Bubba Watson (USA) now had his 10 foot birdie putt and his 2nd chance to win the 76th Masters Tournament. But he just missed his birdie putt as well. So those two players head to the 10th tee for the 2nd playoff hole. Bubba Watson (USA) teed off first and hooked it well to the left in the trees. Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) hit 3wood and came off it to the right but got a break when his ball hit a tree and bounced out to the first cut of rough. Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) played his 2nd shot first and struck his 4iron from over 230 yards to just short of the green. Bubba Watson (USA) found his ball on the pine straw to the left of the fairway and had the trees blocking his second shot. He played a brilliant 40 yard hooking Wedge from 155 yards that landed on the front of the green and skipped up to the back pin placement to within 15 feet below the cup leaving him an uphill putt for birdie. Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) chipped his 3rd shot from just short of the green too hard and it rolled through the green to the back fringe. He didn’t lose his turn and was left with a tricky downhill left to right breaking par putt from just off the green. He put a nice stroke on the left to right breaking putt but it just missed on the right hand side and he tapped in for his Bogey 5. Bubba Watson (USA) now had two putts from less than 15 feet to win his first Master Tournament and Major of his career. He hit his first putt perfectly and rolled it 1 foot past the cup. He then calmed his nerve, steadied himself and tapped in for his Par 4 and he was the 2012 Masters Tournament winner. He broke down in tears of Joy and his Mother was there to give him a Hug. And soon afterwards he was sitting in Butler Cabin chatting with CBS Sports, front man Jim Nantz and receiving his Green Jacket from last year’s Masters Champion, Charl Schwartzel (RSA).

Bubba Watson (USA) won $US 1,440,000.00 for winning the Masters Tournament and now is on top of the USPGA Money list with $US 3,124,138 earned from the 8 events he has played in to date this year so far. He also earns 600 FedEx Cup points for the win and moves to 2nd position on the FedEx Cup points list with 1,322 points earned from the 8 events he has played to date this year so far. He is 56 points behind the current leader, Hunter Mahan (USA) who has earned 1,378 points to date this year so far from the 8 events he has played. It was also Bubba Watson’s (USA) 4th win on the USPGA Tour having won previously the 2010 Travelers Championship, 2011 Farmers Insurance Open and the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. I feel Bubba Watson (USA) will take a lot of confidence out of this win. And after all he is now a Major Championship Winner. And he has never had a Golf lesson in his life. I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2012 USPGA Tour season and hope he has many more wins.

Bubba Watson (USA) receiving his Green Jacket for winning the Masters Tournament

Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) will be disappointed with 2nd position as he went so close to winning his 2nd Major Championship having won the 2010 Open Championship at St Andrews, but Happy at the same time. But I am sure he will come back strong and win his 2nd Major Championship soon. Coming in tied for 3rd position at 280-8 after 72 holes was Lee Westwood (England) who had another good finish in a Major Championship but is still yet to win one. Also tied for 3rd position was Matt Kuchar (USA) who had his best ever finish at the Masters Tournament, Peter Hanson (Sweden) who also had his best finish as well but will disappointed with his final round after being the 54 hole leader. The final player to tie for 3rd position was Phil Mickelson (USA); he will be ruing the 2 triple bogey’s he made in the tournament. The first one came on the Par 4, 10th hole in round one when he lost a ball and the second one came on the Par 3, 4th hole in the final round. In solo 7th position at 283-5 after 72 holes was Ian Poulter (England). And rounding out the top 10 on 284-4 after 72 holes and in tied for 8th position were Adam Scott (Australia) who I mentioned earlier, Justin Rose (England) and Padraig Harrington (Ireland).

The following Golfers earned an invite to the 77th Masters Tournament in 2013 by finishing inside the Low 16 and ties, they were: Jim Furyk (USA), Kevin Na (USA), Graeme McDowell (NIR), Sergio Garcia (Spain), Fred Couples (USA) and Hunter Mahan (USA).

Luke Donald (England) had a poor Masters Tournament by his standards scoring rounds of 75+5, 73+1, 75+3 and a final round of 68-4 for a 72 hole total of 291+3 and tied for 32nd position. The Low Amateur Golfer was Patrick Cantlay (Am) (USA), he scored rounds of 71-1, 78+6, 74+2 and a final round of 72 even which included playing the last 4 holes in -4 with an eagle 3 on the Par 5, 15th hole, Birdie 2 on the Par 3, 16th hole and birdie 3 on the Par 4, 17th hole. He finished the 72 holes at 295+7 and tied for 47th position. As tradition he got to sit in Butler Cabin with Bubba Watson (Masters Champion), Charl Schwartzel (RSA) (2011) Masters Champion) and Jim Nantz (CBS Sport Host) had a chat with him before he talked with Bubba Watson (USA).

Next week the USPGA Tour and FedEx Cup head to South Carolina for the RBC Heritage and it is being played at the Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head, South Carolina. It has a large prize purse $US 5,700,000 up for grabs and Brandt Snedeker (USA) is the defending Champion and will be looking for back to back titles. It starts on Thursday 12th April and I will report back who won the trophy next week.

So to the top 5 on the Official World Golf Rankings this week and coming in as the Number One Golfer in the world for the 4th straight week of his 2nd spell at Number One and the 44th week in his Career is Luke Donald (England) with 9.61 Official World Golf Ranking Points; coming in at Number Two is Rory McILroy (NIR) with 9.53 Official World Golf Ranking Points; coming in at Number Three is Lee Westwood (England) with 8.23 Official World Golf Ranking Points; coming in at Number Four is the brand new Masters Champion, Bubba Watson (USA) with 6.53 Official World Golf Ranking Points and rounding out the top 5 is Hunter Mahan (USA) with 5.89 Official World Golf Ranking Points. Tiger Woods (USA) this week slips one place to be at 8th position on the Official World Golf Ranking Points list. He now has 5.54 Official World Golf Ranking Points. Danny Lee (NZL) is still the highest ranked New Zealand Golfer in the World. This week he moves down 3 places to be at 163rd position on the Official World Golf Ranking Points list with 1.07 Official World Golf Rankings Points on the list.

Now to the final event I am reporting on this week and it was on the Nationwide Tour. It was the Soboba Golf Classic Presented by Hub International and it was played on the CC at Soboba Springs, San Jacinto, California. And the Golfer by the name of Andres Gonzales (USA) scored rounds of 67-4, 70-1, 68-3 and a final round of 71 even for a 72 hole total of 276-8 and won by 2 strokes. He won $US 135,000.00 for the win and moved to Number One position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 195,810 earned from the 5 events he has played to date this year so far. It was Andres Gonzales (USA) maiden Nationwide Tour win. He played a steady final round scoring 71 even par that included a front nine of 34-2 that included birdies on the Par 5, 5th hole and Par 3, 8th hole. He played a poor back nine of 37+2 that included alone birdie on the Par 4, 11th hole, but he had poor bogeys on the Par 4, 10th hole, Par 3, 15th hole and Par 4, 16th hole.

Andres Gonzales (USA) holding Soboba Golf Classic Trophy he won

I feel Andres Gonzales (USA) has now secured his USPGA Tour card for the 2013 season and I hope he can win his 2nd tournament soon and perhaps even win 3 tournaments to gain a Battlefield Promotion straight to the USPGA Tour. I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2012 Nationwide Tour Season.

Coming in solo 2nd position at 278-6 after 72 holes was Andrew Svoboda (USA). Coming in tied for 3rd position at 279-5 after 72 holes were Alistair Presnell (Australia) and Michael Letzig (USA). Coming in tied for 5th position at 280-4 after 72 holes were Justin Hicks (USA), Camilo Benedetti (Colombia) and Adam Hadwin (Canada). In solo 8th position at 281-3 after 72 holes was Nicholas Thompson (USA). And rounding out the top 10 in tied for 9th position at 282-2 after 72 holes was Philip Pettitt, Jr (USA), Luke List (USA) and Jim Renner (USA).

Tim Wilkinson (NZL) scored rounds of 69-2, 74+3, 68-3 and a final round of 76+5 for a 72 hole total of 287+3 and tied for 32nd Position. He won $US 4,200.00 for his efforts and moved to 28th position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 29,505 earned from the 5 events he has played to date this year so far. The other New Zealand Golfer to make the cut was Steven Alker (NZL), he scored rounds of 70-1, 75+4, 72+1 and a final round of 72+1 for a 72 hole total of 289+5 and tied for 45th position. He won $US 2,756.25 for his efforts and moved to 31st position on the Nationwide Tour Money list with $US 27,556 earned from the 5 events he has played to date this year so far.

Next week the Nationwide Tour heads to California for the TPC Stonebrae Championship and it is being played at the TPC Stonebrae, Hayward, California. It has a prize purse of $US 600,000 for the taking and Daniel Chopra (Sweden) is the defending Champion and will be looking for back to back titles. It starts on Thursday 12th April. And I will report back who won the trophy next week.

Remember in breezy conditions take less club and swing easy.

Source: pgatour.com, europeantour.com

Golf Events from the Weekend 1st April 2012

Well it was another exciting weekend on the Professional Golf Tours around the world. First I will start with the European Tour and Race to Dubai. This week it headed to Italy for the   Sicilian Open which was played on the Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily, Italy. And it was the Golfer by the name of Thorbjørn Olesen (Denmark) that scored rounds of 68-4, 69-3, 67-5 and a final round of 69-3 for a 72 hole total of 273-15. He won by 1 stroke for his Maiden win. He won € 166,660.00 for his efforts and moved to 18th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with €288,021 earned from the 7 events he has played to date this year so far. Rory McILroy (NIR) still leads that list with €1,324,366 earned from the 4 events he has played to date this year so far.

Thorbjorn Olesen (Denmark) in action during the final round of the Sicilian Open

It was his first European Tour International Schedule victory in his 42nd European Tour event. He moves to just outside the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking, from 154th. This victory beats his previous best European Tour finishes of tied second in the 2011 Alfred Dunhill Championship (Dec 10), 2011 BMW Italian Open presented by CartaSi and 2011 Alstom Open de France. He becomes the fourth first-time winner of the 2012 European Tour International Schedule. They would be: Branden Grace (RSA) (Joburg Open), Jbe' Kruger (RSA) (Avantha Masters), Julien Quesne (France) (Open de Andalucía Costa del Sol) and Thorbjørn Olesen (Denmark) (Sicilian Open). Thorbjørn Olesen (Denmark) led by three shots going into the final round. This represents the first time he has led a European Tour event after 54 holes. (He did lead after 36 holes in the 2012 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship).

At the tender age of 22 years and 102 days becomes the youngest winner on the 2012 European Tour International Schedule to date.  This victory continues his excellent 2012 season. It would be his third top ten finish from his first seven events he has played so far this year. He was tied sixth in the Avantha Masters and tied eighth in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and first in the Sicilian Open. He becomes the first Dane to win on The European Tour since Thomas Björn (Denmark) at the 2011 Omega European Masters. Aged just 22 years and 102 days becomes the youngest Dane to win in European Tour history.

He becomes the 26th Danish player to win in European Tour history. He becomes the eighth different Dane to win on The European Tour. This victory extends Denmark's number of consecutive winning years on The European Tour to eight, dating back to the 2005 season.

Thorbjorn Olesen (Denmark) holding the Sicilian Open Trophy he won

He gains a European Tour exemption until the end of 2013. He gains a place in the 2013 Volvo Golf Champions. He becomes the eighth former Challenge Tour player to win on the 2012 European Tour. He would follow: Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) (Africa Open), Branden Grace (RSA) (Joburg Open and Volvo Golf Champions), Robert Rock (England) (Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship), Rafael Cabrera-Bello (Spain) (Omega Dubai Desert Classic), Justin Rose (England)  (WGC - Cadillac Championship), Julien Quesne (France) (Open de Andalucía Costa del Sol) and Michael Hoey (NIR) (Trophée Hassan II). He becomes the 293rd European Tour victory by a former Challenge Tour player. He becomes the 124th different former Challenge Tour player to win on The European Tour. And finally it is his third victory as a professional.

He played an awesome final round of 69-3 which included a front nine of 33-3 with birdies on the Par 4, 2nd hole, Par 5, 4th hole, Par 4, 6th hole, Par 5, 7th hole and Par 4, 9th hole. But he had poor bogies on the Par 4, 1st hole and Par 4, 5th hole. He played a steady back nine of 36 even par which included a lone birdie on Par 5, 14th hole, but had a poor bogey on the Par 4, 13th hole. This win should give Thorbjørn Olesen (Denmark) a lot of confidence and now he looks like certain to finish in the Top 60 players on the final Race to Dubai Money list and gain his place in the season ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai which is the finale to the Race to Dubai in late November. I wish him every success for the remaining of the 2012 European Tour season.

Coming in solo 2nd position with a 72 hole total of 274-14 and the low final round score of 64-8 was the English Professional, Chris Wood (England). In tied for 3rd position at 276-12 after 72 holes were Soren Kjeldsen (Denmark) and Nicolas Colsaerts (Belgium). In solo 5th position at 277-11 after 72 holes was Jose Manuel Lara (Spain). In tied for 6th position at 278-10 after 72 holes was Anthony Wall (England), Shane Lowry (Ireland) and Andrew Parr (Canada). Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 9th position on 279-9 after 72 holes were Alvaro Velasco (Spain) and Tano Goya (Argentina).

Next week the European Tour and Race to Dubai head to America for the first Major of the year which is the 76th Masters Tournament and it is being played at the Augusta National GC, Georgia, USA. It has a large Prize Purse of $US 8,000,000 for the taking. Charl Schwartzel (RSA) is the defending Champion and will be looking to become the 4th Golfer in the history of the Masters Tournament to win back to back titles. It starts on Thursday 5th April and I will report back who won the Green Jacket next week.

The second tournament I am reporting on this week was on the USPGA Tour and was part on the FedEx Cup. It was the Shell Houston Open and was played on the Redstone GC Tournament Course, Humble, Texas. And it was Hunter Mahan (USA) that scored rounds of 69-3, 67-5, 65-7 and a final round of 71-1 for a 72 hole total of 272-16 and won by 1 stroke. He won $US 1,080,000.00 for the win and now moves to Number One position on the USPGA Tour Money list with $US 2,937,240 earned from the 7 events he has played to date this year so far. He also gained 500 FedEx Cup points and moved to Number One position on the FedEx Cup points list with 1,314 points earned from the 7 events he has played to date this year so far. He is 258 points ahead of Johnson Wagner (USA) who is in second position with 1,056 points earned from the 10 events he has played to date this year so far.

Hunter Mahan (USA) in action during the final round of the Shell Houston Open

Hunter Mahan (USA) earned his 5th USPGA Tour victory in 240th career start at the age of 29 years, 10 months and 14 days. The other four wins were 2007 Travelers Championship, 2010 Waste Management Phoenix Open, World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational and 2012 World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship. He extends his fully-exempt status through the end of the 2016 season. He becomes the fourth U.S.-born winner of the Shell Houston Open in the last five years. Prior to that stretch, International-born players had won the event seven of nine times between 1999 and 2007. Hunter Mahan (USA) becomes the first multiple winner of the season. He recorded his third top 10 (1-WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship, 1-Shell Houston Open, T6-Farmers Insurance Open). He posts the sixth win by a player in his 20s this season. And finally his five career wins ties the record for most by players currently in their 20s. Here’s the list of players with three or more wins: Hunter Mahan, Dustin Johnson (5), Bill Haas (4), Sean O’Hair (4), Anthony Kim (3). He played a solid final round of 71-1 in the difficult conditions with scoring 35-1 on the front nine with the one birdie coming on the Par 3, 9th hole. He played the back nine in 36 even par with his lone birdie coming on the Par 4, 10th hole, but he made a silly bogey on the Par 3, 14th hole.



Hunter Mahan (USA) holding the Shell Houston Open Trophy he won

I feel he is really starting to find his feet on the USPGA Tour now and a Major Championship win is not that far away for him now. Maybe it will come at the 76th Masters Tournament this coming week? I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2012 season on the USPGA Tour.

Coming in solo 2nd at 273-15 after 72 holes was Carl Pettersson (Sweden). Coming in solo 3rd position on 274-14 after 72 holes was Louis Oosthuizen (RSA), he will be disappointed though because he had the 54 hole lead on -17 but 41+5 on his front nine of the final round meant he had fallen well of the pace. It was good to see him fight back though with 3 birdies in the last 7 holes. In tied for 4th position at 276-12 after 72 holes were Jeff Overton (USA), 2011 PGA Champion, Keegan Bradley (USA) the world’s best left hander Phil Mickelson (USA) and Brian Davis (England). Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 8th position on 277-11 was the promising young Professional Golfer, Bud Cauley (USA), Cameron Tringale (USA), J. B. Holmes (USA) who had his best finish since undergoing Brain Surgery earlier this year, and James Driscoll (USA).

The only New Zealand Golfer in the field was Danny Lee (NZL), and he scored rounds of 69-3, 68-4, 72 even par and a final round of 74+2 for a 72 hole total of 283-5 to tie for 36th position. It was his 2nd best finish on the USPGA Tour this year with his best being the tied for 25th at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in February. He won $US 27,650.00 for his efforts and moves to 150th position on the USPGA Tour Money list with $US 98,542 earned from the 9 events he has played to date so far this year so far. He also has earned 89 FedEx Cup points from the 9 events he has played in to date this year so far and that places him in 144th position on the current FedEx Cup points list; he is 1,225 points behind the current leader, Hunter Mahan (USA). It was good to see Danny Lee (NZL) make a decent pay cheque and I feel a top 10 finish is within his reach in the months to come.

Next week on the USPGA Tour and FedEx Cup is the first Major Championship of the year which is the 76th Masters Tournament and it is being played at the Augusta National GC, Georgia, USA. It has a large Prize Purse of $US 8,000,000 for the taking. Charl Schwartzel (RSA) is the defending Champion and will be looking to become the 4th Golfer in the history of the Masters Tournament to win back to back titles. It starts on Thursday 5th April and I will report back who won the Green Jacket next week.

The final tournament I am reporting on this week was on the PGA Tour of Australasia and was the Inaugural NZ PGA Pro – Am Championship and it was played at the Hills Golf Course, New Zealand. And it was the Golfer by the name of Michael Hendry (NZL) that scored rounds of 69-3, 68-4, 67-5 and a final round of 68-4 for a 72 hole total of 272-16 and won by 2 strokes. He won $AU 61, 917.12 for his efforts and that moves him to the Top of the Current 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit list with $AU 72,852.12 earned from the 3 events he has played to date this year so far.

Michael Hendry (NZL) holding the NZPGA Pro - Am Championship Trophy he won

He played a steady final round of 68-4, and was leading by 3 strokes with 3 holes to play before he teed off on the tricky par 3, 16th hole. He missed judged his tee shot and it landed in the hazard short of the green. He tried to play out of the hazard instead of taking a drop and when all was said and done he holed out for a quadruple bogey 7. But he showed great courage to come back and birdie the Par 5, 17th hole. He came to the 72 hole all tied up with the Australian Golfer, Andrew Martin (Australia). He made a solid par on the difficult par 4, 18th hole and when Andrew Martin (Australia) had a poor last hole, he knew he had won his first ever NZ PGA Championship. This win should give Michael Hendry (NZL) a lot of confidence and with lots of One Asia Tour Events coming up in the next few months; I wouldn’t be surprised if he won one of them as well. I wish him all the best and continuing success in the 2012 season.

Coming in tied for 2nd position on 274-14 after 72 holes were Mark Brown (NZL) and Andrew Martin (Australia). Coming in solo 4th position on 275-13 after 72 holes was Ryan Fox (NZL). Coming in solo 5th position on 276-12 after 72 holes was Jin Jeong (South Korea); he scored the low round of the tournament in the 2nd round with a 62-10. Coming in tied for 6th position at 277-11 after 72 holes were Adam Crawford (Australia), Brendan Jones (Australia) and Nick Cullen (Australia); and rounding out the top 10 in tied for 9th position at 278-10 after 72 holes were Paul Sheehan (Australia), Josh Younger (Australia) and Brody Ninyette (Australia). Other New Zealand Golfers to make the cut were Mark Purser (NZL) on 281-7 after 72 holes and tied for 17th position. Mahal Pearce (NZL) on 283-5 after 72 holes and tied for 25th position. David Klein (NZL) on 284-4 after 72 holes and tied for 30th position. David Smail (NZL) on 285-3 after 72 holes and tied for 34th position. Anthony Doyle (NZL) on 286-2 after 72 holes and tied for 38th position. Gareth Paddison (NZL) on 289+1 after 72 holes and tied for 47th position. Richard Lee (NZL) on 290+2 after 72 holes and tied for 49th position. Sven Puymbroeck (NZL) also on 290+2 after 72 holes and tied for 49th position. And the final New Zealand Player to make the cut was Pieter Zwart (NZL) on 301 +13 after 72 holes and was in solo 62nd position.

The PGA Tour of Australasia now takes a break for the winter and returns in the spring for the Perth International Golf Championship which is being played at the Lake Karrinyup Country Club and it starts on Thursday 18th October. It is a brand new tournament which is co – sanctioned with European Tour and carries a prize purse of $US 2,000,000. I will report back who won the trophy once the result is known.

Now to the Top 5 on the Official World Golf Rankings this week and coming at Number One for the 43rd week in his Career and the 3rd straight week of his 2nd spell at Number One Golfer in the World is Luke Donald (England) with 9.70 Official World Golf Ranking Points; coming in 2nd position with 9.59 Official World Golf Ranking Points is Rory McILroy (NIR); coming in 3rd position with 7.76 Official World Golf Ranking Points is Lee Westwood (England); coming in 4th position with 5.75 Official World Golf Ranking Points is Hunter Mahan (USA) fresh of his Shell Houston Open win and rounding out the top 5 is Steve Stricker (USA) with 5.67 Official World Golf Ranking Points. Tiger Woods (USA) this week slips one place to be at 7th position on the Official World Golf Ranking Points list. He now has 5.53 Official World Golf Ranking Points. Danny Lee (NZL) is still the highest ranked New Zealand Golfer in the World. This week he moves up 5 places to be at 160th position on the Official World Golf Ranking Points list with 1.08 Official World Golf Rankings Points on the list.

Remember to keep hitting the ball long and straight and make all your Putts!!

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

Golf Events from the Weekend 25th March 2012

Well it was another great weekend on the Professional Golf Tours from around the world. First I will start with the Tavistock Cup that was played on Monday (19th March) and Tuesday (20th March). It was played on the Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, Orlando, Florida. It is the only World Golf and Country Club Championship of its kind in the world. And has generated more than $7 million for charity in its nine-year history. The format was Twosomes on the Monday and Tuesday they played that everyone’s score counted.  When all was said and done it was Team Lake Nona that returned a two day total of 41 under par and won by 2 strokes over Team Isleworth. Team Lake Nona was represent by Ben Curtis (USA), Ross Fisher (England), Retief Goosen (RSA), Peter Hanson (Sweden), Graeme McDowell (NIR) and Gary Woodland (USA). Best individual score on the 2nd day was returned by 5 golfers who were Ross Fisher (England) Team Lake Nona 67-5, Robert Allenby (Australia) Team Isleworth 67-5, Retief Goosen (RSA) Team Lake Nona 67-5, Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) Team Queenwood 67-5 and Ernie Els (RSA) Team Albany 67-5. It was another great tournament and the next year will be the 10th Anniversary which will be an even bigger tournament.

Tiger Woods (USA) in action at the Tavistock Cup

So to the second Tournament I am reporting on this week and it was on the European Tour and part of the Race to Dubai. It was the Trophée Hassan II and was played on the Golf du Palais Royal, Agadir, Morocco. And it was the Golfer by the name of Michael Hoey (NIR) that scored rounds of 74+2, 67-5, 65-7 and a final round of 65-7 for a 72 hole total of 271-17 and won by 3 strokes. He won € 250,000.00 for the win and that moves him to 14 position on the Race to Dubai Money list with €316,798 earned from the 6 events he has played in to date this year so far. Rory McILroy (NIR) still leads that list with €1,324,366 earned from the 4 events he has played in to date this year so far.

It was Michael Hoey (NIR) fourth European Tour International Schedule victory in his 151st European Tour event. He moved to around 70th from 98th in the Official World Golf Ranking. It was his second consecutive season with a European Tour victory, following the 2011 Madeira Islands Open and 2011 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. This victory beats his previous best 2012 performance of tied 12th in the Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy. It was his third European Tour win in his last 25 European Tour events, dating back to the 2011 Madeira Islands Open. He began the final round two shots behind the leaders. This equals the largest 54 hole comeback by a winner since the event became part of The European Tour. He would match the figure of Rhys Davies in 2010.

It is the first Northern Irish victory of the 2012 European Tour season. He becomes the first player from Northern Ireland to win the Trophée Hassan II. This victory comes in his third appearance in the event and beats his previous best performance of tied 19th in 2011. It was the 44th Northern Irish win in European Tour history. It was his 7th win as a professional. He extends his European Tour exemption until the end of 2014. He gains a place in the 2013 Volvo Golf Champions. He moves over €2 million in European Tour Official Career Earnings. He becomes the seventh former Challenge Tour player to win on the 2012 European Tour. They are: Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) (Africa Open), Branden Grace (RSA) (Joburg Open and Volvo Golf Champions), Robert Rock (England) (Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship), Rafael Cabrera-Bello (Spain) (Omega Dubai Desert Classic), Justin Rose (England) (WGC – Cadillac Championship), Julien Quesne (France) (Open de Andalucía Costa del Sol) and Michael Hoey (NIR)  (Trophée Hassan II). And finally becomes the 292nd European Tour victory by a former Challenge Tour player.

Michael Hoey (NIR) holing the winning putt to win the Open de Andalucia Costa del Sol

It was just a great final round that Michael Hoey (NIR) played. He scored 65-7 that included a front nine of 31-5 with birdies on the Par 3, 2nd hole, then he scored 4 consecutive birdies in a row from holes 5 -8 with birding the Par 5, 5th hole, Par 4, 6th hole, Par 4, 7th hole and Par 3, 8th hole. He scored a back nine of 33-3 that included birdies on the Par 3, 14th hole, Par 5, 15th hole and Par 5, 17th hole. He had his lone bogey of the round on the Par 5, 10th hole. He is continuing on the great play of Northern Ireland Golfers of late with Graeme McDowell (NIR) and Rory McILroy (NIR) having huge success over that past few years. I hope he continues this form in the months to come and maybe even contends in the Majors if he qualifies?

Coming in solo 2nd position on 274-14 after 72 holes was Damien McGrane (Ireland). Coming in tied for 3rd position on 275-13 after 72 holes were Jamie Donaldson (Wales), Robert Coles (England) and Philip Price (Wales). Coming in tied for 6th position at 276-12 after 72 holes were Edoardo Molinari (Italy), Keith Horne (RSA), Matteo Manassero (Italy). And rounding out the Top 10 in tied for 9th position at 277-11 after 72 holes were Ignaico Garrido (Spain), Hennie Otto (RSA), Pablo Larrazabal (Spain), James Kingston (RSA) and Jose Manuel Lara (Spain).

Michael Campbell (NZL) was the only New Zealander in the field. He scored rounds of 81+9 and 71-1 for a 36 hole total of 152+8 and missed the cut by 8 strokes. It was another disappointing performance by him. But he can gain some confidence from his one under par second round. He has now missed five cuts from the five events he has played this year so far. I hope he can rediscover the form he displayed in the 2005 season soon? I wish him all the best for his future in Golf.

Next week the European Tour and Race to Dubai head to Italy for the Sicilian Open and it is being played at the Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily, Italy. It has a prize purse of €1,000,000 for the taking. Raphael Jacquelin (France) is the defending Champion and will be looking for back to back titles. It starts on Thursday 29th March. I will report back who took the trophy home next week.

The final event I am reporting on this week was on the USPGA Tour and was part of the FedEx Cup and was the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard and it was played on the Bay Hill Club & Lodge, Orlando, Florida. And it was the Golfer called Tiger Woods (USA) that finally won his first tournament on the USPGA Tour in nearly two years and a half years. He scored rounds of 69-3, 65-7, 71-1 and a final round of 70-2 for a 72 hole total of 275-13. He won in very convincing fashion by 5 strokes. It was his 72nd win on the USPGA Tour and now he is only one win behind who some say was the Greatest Player that ever lived, Jack Nicklaus (USA). And he is 10 wins behind the All Time USPGA Tour winner, Sam Snead (USA). Both of those players I mentioned have long retired. I feel he has a good chance of overtaking Sam Snead’s (USA) all time record of 82 wins in the next few years. He won $US 1,080,000.00 for the win and that moved him to 8th position on the USPGA Tour Money list with $US 1,779,000 earned from the 5 events he has played to date so far this year. Rory McILroy (NIR) still leads that list with $US 2,392,000 earned from the 3 events he has played to date this year so far. He also earns 500 FedEx Cup points for the win and that moves Tiger Woods (USA) to 7th position on the FedEx Cup points list with 846 points earned from the from the 5 events he has played to date this year so far. He is 171 points behind the current FedEx Cup points leader, Johnson Wagner (USA) who has earned 1,017 FedEx Cup points from the 9 events he has played to date this year so far.

Tiger Woods (USA) Acknowledges the crowd after winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard

It was a great win by Tiger Woods (USA) who played a steady final round of 70-2 that included a front nine of 33-3 with birdies on the Par 4, 3rd hole, Par 5, 4th hole, Par 5, 6th hole and Par 4, 8th hole with his lone bogey coming at the Par 3, 2nd hole. He played an average back nine in very challenging conditions; he scored 37+1 with his only bogey coming at the Par 3, 14th hole. It was great to see Tiger Woods (USA) a winner on the USPGA Tour again after all he has been through in the last few years. Listed below are all the tournaments he has won in his USPGA Tour Career to date: 1996 Las Vegas Invitational, Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Classic.1997 Mercedes Championships, Masters Tournament, GTE Byron Nelson Golf Classic, Motorola Western Open.1998 BellSouth Classic.1999 Buick Invitational, Memorial Tournament, Motorola Western Open, PGA Championship, World Golf Championships-NEC Invitational, National Car Rental Golf Classic/Disney, THE TOUR Championship, World Golf Championships-American Express Championship. 2000 Mercedes Championships, AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, Bay Hill Invitational, Memorial Tournament, U.S. Open Championship, British Open Championship, PGA Championship, World Golf Championships-NEC Invitational, Bell Canadian Open. 2001 Bay Hill Invitational, THE PLAYERS Championship, Masters Tournament, Memorial Tournament,World Golf Championships-NEC Invitational. 2002 Bay Hill Invitational presented by Cooper Tires, Masters Tournament,U.S. Open Championship,  Buick Open, World Golf Championships-American Express Championship. 2003 Buick Invitational, World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship, Bay Hill Invitational presented by Cooper Tires, 100th Western Open presented by Golf Digest, World Golf Championships-American Express Championship.2004 World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship.2005 Buick Invitational, Ford Championship at Doral,  Masters Tournament, British Open Championship,World Golf Championships-NEC Invitational,World Golf Championships-American Express Championship. 2006 Buick Invitational, Ford Championship at Doral, British Open Championship, Buick Open, PGA Championship, World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational, Deutsche Bank Championship, World Golf Championships-American Express Championship.2007 Buick Invitational, World Golf Championships-CA Championship, Wachovia Championship,  World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational, PGA Championship, BMW Championship, THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola. 2008 Buick Invitational,  World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship, Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard, U.S. Open Championship. 2009 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard,  the Memorial Tournament, AT&T National, Buick Open, World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational,  BMW Championship. 2012 Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard. 

Tiger Woods (USA) holding the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by Mastercard Trophy he won

I feel everything he has been practising in recent months is starting to come together for him now and he will be a threat at the Master Tournament which is the first Major of the year in two weeks time. Let’s hope he can win his 15th Major Championship their as he has won the Master Tournament on 4 Occasions previously. I wish Tiger Woods (USA) every success in the future Tournaments he plays.

Coming in solo 2nd position with a 72 hole total of 280-8 was the US Open Champion of 2010, Graeme McDowell (NIR). Coming in solo 3rd Position with a 72 hole total of 282-6 was the English Professional, Ian Poulter (England). Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 4th Position at 283-5 after 72 holes were Ryan Moore (USA), Brian Davis (England), the long hitting, Bubba Watson (USA), the young up and coming Professional, Bud Cauley (USA), Kevin Na (USA), 2012 Sony Open in Hawaii Winner, Johnson Wagner (USA) and the 3 time Major Winner, Ernie Els (RSA).

Next week the USPGA Tour and FedEx Cup head to Houston for the Shell Houston Open and it is being played at the Redstone GC Tournament Course, Humble, Texas. It has a large prize purse of $US 6,000,000 for the taking and Phil Mickelson (USA) is the defending Champion and will be keen to defend his title. It starts on Thursday 29th March and I will report back who won the trophy next week.

Now to the top 5 on the Official World Rankings this week. Coming in at Number One for the second straight week and the 42nd time in his career is Luke Donald (England) with 9.87 Official World Ranking Points; Coming in Number Two is Rory McILroy (NIR) with 9.72 Official World Ranking Points; Coming in Number Three is Lee Westwood (England) with 8.02 Official World Ranking Points; Coming in Number Four is Martin Kaymer (Germany) with 5.76 Official World Ranking Points and rounding out the top 5 is Steve Stricker (USA) with 5.71 Official World Ranking Points. Tiger Woods (USA) this week moves up 12 places to be at 6th position on the Official World Golf Ranking Points list after his win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational presented by MasterCard. He now has 5.59 Official World Golf Ranking Points. Danny Lee (NZL) is still the highest ranked New Zealand Golfer in the World. This week he remains in 165th position on the Official World Golf Ranking Points list with 1.06 Official World Golf Rankings Points on the list.

Remember when playing on freshly cored greens they will take less break and be slightly slower.

Source: pgatour.com, europeantour.com