Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Golf Events from the Weekend 16th December 2012



Well it was another exciting weekend on the Major Professional Golf Tours from around the world. First I will start with the PGA Tour of Australasia and the One Asia Tours and this week they combined for the final events of their seasons and it was the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca – Cola and it was played on the Palmer Coolum Resort, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia. And it was the Golfer by the name of Daniel Popovic (Australia) who scored rounds of 64-8, 70-2, 69-3 and a final round of 69-3 for a 72 hole total of 272-16 and he won by four strokes for his wire to wire victory and his first ever win on the PGA Tour of Australasia. He won $AU 225,000.00 for winning the tournament and also the prestigious Joe Kirkwood Cup and he moved to third position on the final 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 238,858.00 earned from the 13 events he played in. Peter Senior (Australia) won the 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 268,291.66 earned from the three events he played in.

He played a very good final round of 69-3 that included a front nine of 35-1 that included birdies at the Par 3, second hole, Par 4, fourth hole and Par 5, fifth hole but he suffered a poor double bogey on the long Par 3, eight hole when he pulled his long iron tee shot into a tree on the left hand side. He took four shots to get on the green and had to hole a six footer for his five which he did. He turned at minus 14 and was one stroke behind Rod Pampling (Australia) who was minus 15 after going out in a brilliant 30-6 for the front nine which included six consecutive birdies to start his final round. Daniel Popovic (Australia) made great par putts on holes ten and eleven where he missed the green both times and had to hole putts over ten feet to do so. He remained at minus 14 with seven holes to play and was still trailing Rod Pampling (Australia) who pared holes ten and eleven to remain at minus 15 was still one shot in the lead.

Rod Pampling (Australia) made a birdie at the par 5, 12th hole after landing his second shot pin high on the fringe and easily getting down in two shots and was now at minus 16. Daniel Popovic (Australia) hit a good drive down the Par 5, 12th hole and struck a good second shot with his mid iron but it rolled on further than Rod Pampling’s (Australia) ball did and left him an extremely difficult up and down putting up a severe slope. He hit a brilliant putt from the fringe grass that finished five feet from the flag and he was able to tap in for a very good birdie four and he moved to minus 15 now only one stroke behind Rod Pampling (Australia) with six holes to play. Daniel Popovic (Australia) hit a great second shot in to the Par 4, 13th hole to about 15 feet pin high to the right of the flag and just missed his birdie putt but easily tapped in for his par 4 to remain at minus 15 with five holes remaining. Rod Pampling (Australia) also made a solid par 4 on the 13th hole, after missing the green short right he hit a fine chip to within a foot of the cup and easily tapped that putt in.

Rod Pampling (Australia) hit his tee shot to the right of the green on the difficult Par 3, 14th hole. He chose the putter from the short fringe grass and hit an Awesome putt that rolled four feet past the pin and he easily made the return putt for his par 3 and remained at minus 16 with four holes to play. Daniel Popovic (Australia) hit a brave tee shot on the same hole and it landed to the left of the pin on the green narrowly avoiding rolling into the water. It left him with a 15 foot putt uphill for his birdie two to tie for the lead.  He just missed his birdie putt but tapped in for an easy par and remained at minus 15 one stroke back of Rod Pampling (Australia). Both players laid up in great position to attack the flag for their third shots on the long Par 5, 15th hole. Rod Pampling (Australia) hit a poor third shot that came to rest about 35 feet short of the flag stick. He lagged his birdie putt up to within three feet of the cup and tapped in for his Par 5 to remain at minus 16. Daniel Popovic (Australia) hit a very good third shot into 12 feet short on the cup and had a realistic chance of tying Rod Pampling (Australia) for the lead at minus 16. But his putt didn’t take the left to right break and he had to settle for a Par 5 and was still minus 15 one stroke back with three holes to play.

Daniel Popovic (Australia) in action during the final round
Rod Pampling (Australia) hit his worst tee shot of the day on the Par 4, 16 hole. He lost his rescue wood well to the right but got a good break when it ricocheted to the left off a tree and dropped in the right rough.  But he lost a lot of distance and was faced with an extremely difficult second shot which he needed to clear the fairway bunker that was 50 metres short of the green. He hit his rescue wood and it failed to clear the fairway bunker I mentioned. Now faced with the shot that all Golfers dread which is the 50 metre bunker shot. He played an okay shot under the circumstances knowing that if he hit it over the green he could make a huge number. He landed his ball about 40 feet short of the flag stick. He struck a good putt for his par and it came to rest two feet away and he tapped in for his bogey five to fall back to minus 15 and was now tied with Daniel Popovic (Australia). Daniel Popovic (Australia) hit an excellent drive right down the centre of the fairway. Then he struck his short iron second shot into 35 feet from the flag stick. He just missed his birdie but tapped in for his par 4 to remain at minus 15 tied for the lead with two holes remaining.

Rod Pampling (Australia) after finding the fairway on the Par 4, 17th hole. Then he pulled his second shot and it finished on the green to the left but about 45 feet from the cup. He struck a good putt that had a huge left to right break in it. But it came to rest six feet short of the cup. He steadied himself for the difficult par putt. He struck an okay putt that just missed on the right had side and he tapped in for his bogey five to fall back to minus 14 with one hole to play and now one stroke a drift of Daniel Popovic (Australia). Daniel Popovic (Australia) hit an awesome drive on this same hole that landed in perfect position in the middle of the fairway leaving him only a short wedge shot for his second shot. He hit a perfect wedge shot for his second that landed just short of pin high and spun back to rest seven feet below the cup leaving an easy birdie putt. He calmed his nerve and rolled his birdie putt right in the centre of the cup and moved to minus 16 and now took a two stroke lead to the 72nd hole.

Rod Pampling (Australia) hit a perfect drive down the 18th fairway leaving him with a mid iron to the green that was surrounded by water at the front and bunkers at the back and right. He went straight at the flag stick because he knew he had to make a birdie to have any chance of winning. But his ball got caught up in the right to left wind and it came up short in the water. He took his penalty drop and played a good fourth shot that landed 15 feet short of the flag stick. He two putted for his double bogey six and finished at minus 12. Daniel Popovic (Australia) now had a four stroke lead teeing off on the 18th tee. He hit a brilliant drive straight down the middle of the fairway just as he had been doing all day. Then he played a brilliant mid iron second shot with a slight draw that came to rest about 15 feet to the right of the flag stick. He now knew he had won the tournament. He hit a brilliant putt for birdie that shaved the right edge of the hole. Then he tapped in his two footer for par to finish at minus 16 and win by four shots for his maiden win on both the PGA Tour of Australasia and One Asia Tours.

Daniel Popovic (Australia) poses with the Joe Kirkwood Cup he won
He celebrated his win with his caddie and his playing partners. He said later that he drew strength from his old man's courage because his Dad Radi is in a battle of his own at the moment fighting terminal bone cancer and when he struck a period in his round that he wasn’t playing his best he due inspiration to know there are people fighting much bigger battles in life then he was. On top of his $AU 225,000.00 winner's cheque he won, the 26-year-old's breakout performance earned him a five-year exemption on the Australasian and One Asia Tours, as well as entry to the WGC Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club next July. I would look for him to keep on improving in 2013 and with the positive attitude he has towards his game and life in general I feel he could go a long way in the game. I wish him all the best with his golf career in the years to come.

Coming in tied for second position at 276-12 after 72 holes was Rod Pampling (Australia); it was his second top ten finish in as many weeks and will give him a lot of confidence heading back to play the USPGA Tour in 2013 in which he will only get limited starts after finishing outside the 125 money earners in the 2012 season. He earned $AU 105,937.50 for his efforts and finished in sixth position on the final 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 132.500.00 earned from the two events he played in. Also tied for second position was Anthony Brown (Australia); it was his best finish of the season on the PGA Tour of Australasia and he too won a cheque of $AU 132.500.00 for his efforts. He finished in seventh position on the final 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 128,797.63 earned from the 12 events he played in.

Coming in tied for fourth position at 277-11 after 72 holes was the 2006 US Open Champion, Geoff Ogilvy (Australia); he had also won this very tournament in 2008. He won $AU 55,000.00 for his efforts and finished in 16th position on the final 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 66,825.00 earned from the two events he played in. Also tied for fourth position was the 2011 NZ Open Champion, Brad Kennedy (Australia); he too earned $AU 55,000.00 for his efforts and finished in 24th position on the final 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 55,000.00 earned from the two events he played in.

Coming in tied for sixth position at 278-10 after 72 holes was the ever consistent Richard Green (Australia); he won $AU 42.500.00 for his efforts and finished in 12th position on the final 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 69,333.33 earned from the three events he played in. Also in tied for sixth position was another Green and he was also the 2006 NZ Open Champion and he was Nathan Green (Australia); he too won $AU 42.500.00 for his efforts and finished in 32nd position on the final 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 45,364.06 earned from the two events he played in.

Rounding out the top ten in tied for eighth position at 279-9 after 72 holes was Marc Leishman (Australia) who had his maiden win on the USPGA Tour in 2012. He won $AU 26,166.66 for his efforts and finished in 44th equal position on the final 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 30,666.66 earned from the two events he played in. Also tied for eighth position was Steven Bowditch (Australia) who recently gained his 2013 USPGA Tour card back. He too earned $AU 26,166.66 for his efforts and finished in 58th position on the final 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 26,166.66 earned from the two events he played in. Also tied for eighth position was the 2011 Open Champion and invited guest, Darren Clarke (NIR); he too earned $AU 26,166.66 for his efforts but because he isn’t a member of the PGA Tour of Australasia he doesn’t have a PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit ranking. Also tied for eighth position was the 2006 Australian Open Champion, John Senden (Australia); he too earned $AU 26,166.66 for his efforts and finished in 40th position on the final 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 40,529.16 earned from the two events he played in.

Also tied for eighth position was James Nitties (Australia); he too earned $AU 26,166.66 for his efforts and finished in 44th equal position on the final 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 30,666.66 earned from the three events he played in. Also tied for eighth position was Michael Wright (Australia); he too earned $AU 26,166.66 for his efforts and finished in 42nd position on the final 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 31,717.80 earned from the ten events he played in. Also tied for eighth position was Stephen Dartnall (Australia); he too earned $AU 26,166.66 for his efforts and finished in 33rd position on the final 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 45,275.44 earned from the eight events he played in. Also tied for eighth position was the USPGA Tour player, Mathew Goggin (Australia); he too earned $AU 26,166.66 for his efforts and finished in 31st position on the final 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 45,916.66 earned from the two events he played in. The final played to tie for eighth position was Matthew Griffin (Australia); he too earned $AU 26,166.66 for his efforts and finished in 17th position on the final 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 61,878.84 earned from the ten events he played in.

Best New Zealand Golfer in the field to make the cut was Josh Geary (NZL); he scored rounds of 69-3, 72 even par, 69-3 and a final round of 75+3 for a 72 hole total of 285-3 and finished in a tie for 32nd position. He won $AU 7,500.00 for his weeks work and finished in 99th position on the final 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 10,364.06 earned from the five events he played in. The next best New Zealander to make the cut was Michael Hendry (NZL); he scored rounds of 73+1, 72 even par, 69-3 and a final round of 72 even par for a 72 hole total of 286-2 and he finished in a tie for 35th position. He earned $AU 6,125.00 for his weeks work and finished up in second position on the final 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with AU$ 249,625.08 earned from the nine events he played in. It was a fine effort from Michael Hendry (NZL) and I would look for him to keep on improving in the 2013 season. Also tied for 35th position after rounds of 72 even par, 73+1, 72 even par and a final round of 69-3 for a 72 hole total of 286-2 was Nick Gillespie (NZL); he also earned $AU 6,125.00 for his weeks work and finished up in 83rd position on the final 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with AU$ 13,884.00 earned from the eight events he played in. Next best New Zealand Golfer was Brad Shilton (NZL); he scored rounds of 76+4, 67-5, 72 even par and a final round of 72 even par for a 72 hole total of 287-1 and tied for 43rd position. He earned $AU 4,500.00 for his weeks work and finished up in 51st position on the final 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with AU$ 28,437.66 earned from the nine events he played in. Mark Brown (NZL) was the final New Zealand Golfer in the field to make the cut. He scored rounds of 71-1, 71-1, 70-2 and a final round of 76+4 for a 72 hole total of 288 even par to tie for 48th position. He earned $AU 3,151.78 for his weeks work and finished in fifth position on the final 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with AU$ 144,439.23 earned from the seven events he played in.

Other New Zealand Golfers in the field that missed the 36 hole halfway cut that fell at 145+1 were David Smail (NZL) who scored rounds of 71-1 and 75+3 for a 36 hole total of 146+2 to miss by a single stroke. Mahal Pearce (NZL) scored rounds of 77+5 and 70-2 for a 36 hole total of 147+3 to miss by two strokes and Michael Long (NZL) also scored rounds of 73+1 and 74+2 for a 36 hole total of 147+3 to miss by two strokes as well as did Ryan Fox (NZL) who scored rounds of 75+3 and 72 even par for a 36 hole total of 147+3 to miss by two strokes as well. Gareth Paddison (NZL) scored rounds of 75+3 and 76+4 for a 36 hole total of 151+7 to miss by six strokes. Hamish Robertson (NZL) scored rounds of 77+5 and 77+5 for a 36 hole total of 154+10 to miss by nine strokes and the final New Zealand Golfer in the field to miss the 36 hole cut was Doug Holloway (NZL); he scored rounds of 77+5 and 81+9 for a 36 hole total of 158+14 to miss by 13 strokes. 

Next week on the PGA Tour of Australasia it is the first stage of Qualifying School and it is played at the Peninsula Country Golf Club (South Course), Victoria, Australia. It is played over three rounds as a 54 hole tournament and there are many seasoned professionals and hopeful Amateurs that have entered and will be hoping they at least do well enough to qualify for the Final Stage in early January 2013. It starts on Wednesday 19th December and I will report back which players got through to the final stage next week.

The second event I am reporting on this week was on the European Tour and part of the Race to Dubai 2013 season. It was the Alfred Dunhill Championship and was played on the Leopard Creek CC, Malelane, South Africa. And it was Charl Schwartzel (RSA) who scored rounds of 67-5, 64-8, 64-8 and a final round of 69-3 for a 72 hole total of 264-24 and he won by an incredible 12 strokes. He earned € 237,750.00 for the win and moved to number one position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Money list standings with € 237,750.00 earned from the one event he has played to date this season.

Charl Schwartzel (RSA) acknowledges the crowd after holing the winning putt
It was his eighth European Tour International Schedule victory in his 233rd European Tour event. It was his first European Tour victory since the 2011 Masters Tournament. It was his second victory in the Alfred Dunhill Championship, following his triumph in the 2005 season, which gave him his maiden European Tour success. This victory continues his remarkable record in the event at Leopard Creek. Apart from his victory in 2005 he has finished second on a further four occasions in the 2006 season, 2007, 2010 and 2011 (December 10). It was the second European Tour event he has won on two occasions. He has also won the Joburg Open twice, in 2010 and 2011.

It was the fifth of his eight European Tour titles to have come on home soil. He is only the second player to win the Alfred Dunhill Championship on two occasions, following Pablo Martin (Spain) (2010-2011) (December 10). It was the fifth South African victory in the Alfred Dunhill Championship. This would follow: Charl  Schwartzel (RSA) (2005), Ernie Els (RSA) (2006), Richard Sterne (RSA) (2009) and Garth Mulroy (RSA) (2011) (November 11). This victory comes in the 50th co-sanctioned event between The European Tour and the Sunshine Tour. His ten shot 54 hole lead is the largest on The European Tour since Alex Noren (Sweden) led by 11 at the 2011 Nordea Masters. (The record 54 hole lead on The European Tour is 13 held by Retief Goosen (RSA) at the 2002 Johnnie Walker Classic). His ten shot 54 hole lead beat the previous best in the Alfred Dunhill Championship of two shots by Martin Maritz (RSA) (2003), Ulrich Van den Berg (RSA) (2006), Charl Schwartzel (RSA) himself (2007) and Ernie Els (RSA) (2008).

It was the 111th South African victory in European Tour history. This victory is the tenth for South Africa in the calendar year of 2012 on The European Tour. He follows: Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) (Africa Open and Maybank Malaysian Open), Branden Grace (RSA) (Joburg Open, Volvo Golf Champions, Volvo China Open and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship), Jbe’ Kruger (RSA) (Avantha Masters), Darren Fichardt (RSA) (SAINT-OMER OPEN presented by Neuflize OBC) and Ernie Els (RSA) (The 141th Open Championship). Their total of nine during the 2012 European Tour season was the most of any country. He was the sixth different South African to win in the calendar year of 2012 on The European Tour, which would be a record for the country. This victory extends South Africa’s run of consecutive winning years on The European Tour to 23, dating back to the 1991 season. He gains his second consecutive victory following his 11 shot win in the Thailand Golf Championship on the Asian Tour, seven days ago. He gains his tenth win as a professional. Of his ten victories six have now come in South Africa. This victory means he has now won in five of the last seven European Tour seasons, dating back to 2007. And finally he gains a place in the 2013 Volvo Golf Champions.

Charl Schwartzel (RSA) played awesome golf all week and his back to back 64-8’s in rounds two and three were just amazing. And he virtually already had won the tournament after 54 holes. He played a great final round of 69-3 which included an average front nine by his standards where he scored 35 even par with birding the Par 4, ninth hole but made his lone bogey in the final round on the Par 4, eight hole. He turned at minus 21 and had an eight stroke lead over Gregory Bourdy (France) who was minus 13. He had ten stroke lead over Kristoffer Broberg (Sweden) who was minus eleven. And he had an eleven stroke lead over Garth Mulroy (RSA) who was minus ten. Charl Schwartzel (RSA) made solid pars on holes 10 and 11 to remain at minus 21. Gregory Bourdy (France) also pared those two holes to remain at minus 13. Kristoffer Broberg (Sweden) played those two holes in even par to remain at minus 11 and Garth Mulroy (RSA) played those two holes in even par as well to remain at minus ten.

Charl Schwartzel (RSA) birdied the Par 3, 12th hole and Par 5, 13th hole to move to minus 23 and now had extended his lead to ten strokes. Gregory Bourdy (France) played those two holes in even par to remain at minus 13. Kristoffer Broberg (Sweden) bogeyed the par 3, 12th hole but eagled the Par 5, 13th hole and was now minus 12. Garth Mulroy (RSA) pared the par 3, 12th hole but birdied the Par 5, 13th hole to move to minus 11. Charl Schwartzel (RSA) pared holes 14-17 to remain at minus 23 and still had a ten stroke lead. Gregory Bourdy (France) who played those holes in even par to remain at minus 13. Kristoffer Broberg (Sweden) played those holes in even par and was still at minus 11. Garth Mulroy (RSA) played those holes in one under and moved to minus 12. Charl Schwartzel (RSA) birdied the Par 5, 18th hole to finish at minus 24 for the tournament and won by 12 shots. Gregory Bourdy (France) had a shocking double bogey seven on the Par 5, 18th hole to finish at minus 11.  Kristoffer Broberg (Sweden) pared the Par 5, 18th hole to finish at minus 12 in solo second position. Garth Mulroy (RSA) made a poor bogey on the Par 5, 18th hole to finish at minus 11.
Charl Schwartzel (RSA) poses with the Alfred Dunhill Championship trophy he won
This win for Charl Schwartzel (RSA) will give him a lot of confidence going into the early events on the 2013 Race to Dubai. And winning two weeks in a row by such a big margin both times must make him feel invincible at the moment. It is amazing to think before his win in Thailand a week ago he hadn’t won since the 2011 Masters Tournament which was his maiden Major Championship. Going on his recent form I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins his second Major Championship in 2013. I wish him all the best for the 2013 season.

Coming in solo second position at 276-12 after 72 holes was Kristoffer Broberg (Sweden); he won € 172,500.00 for his weeks work and moved to third position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Money list with € 174,759 earned from the two events he has played in so far. The 26 year old Swedish Golfer earned an instant promotion to The European Tour in August 2012 after winning three titles in four weeks on the Challenge Tour which is the feeder tour to the European Tour. He eventually finished in second position on the final 2012 Challenge Tour rankings with €126,508 earned from the seven events he played in. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he won an event on the 2013 Race to Dubai Schedule.

Coming in tied for third position at 277-11 after 72 holes was last week’s winner, Scott Jamieson (Scotland); he earned € 73,125.00 for his weeks work and moved to second position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Money list with € 192,000 earned from the two events he has played so far. Also tied for third position was Garth Mulroy (RSA); he too earned € 73,125.00 for his weeks work and moved to fifth position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Money list with € 80,557 earned from the two events he has played so far. Also tied for third position was Andy Sullivan (England); he too earned € 73,125.00 for his weeks work and moved to seventh equal position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Money list with € 73,125 earned from the two events he has played so far. He regained his European Tour card back at the 2012 European Tour School Finals where he finished third. The final player to tie for third position was Gregory Bourdy (France); he too earned € 73,125.00 for his weeks work and moved to seventh equal position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Money list with € 73,125 earned from the two events he has played so far. He will be keen to improve on the season he had in 2012 on the European Tour where he played in 24 events and earned €355,331 to finish in 75th position on the final 2012 Race to Dubai Money list standings.

Coming in tied for seventh position at 278-10 after 72 holes was Richard Sterne (RSA); he earned € 37,850.00 for his weeks work and moved to tenth equal position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Money list with € 37,850 earned from the two events he has played in so far. He will be looking to win on the European Tour in 2013. Also tied for seventh position was Keith Horne (RSA); he too earned € 37,850.00 for his weeks work and moved to tenth equal position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Money list with € 37,850 earned from the two events he has played in so far. He will be looking to improve on his 2012 season on the European Tour where he played in 24 events and earned €258,074 to finish in 92nd position on the final 2012 Race to Dubai Money list standings. Last week’s runner up, Steve Webster (England) was the last played too tied for seventh position; he too earned € 37,850.00 for his weeks work and moved to fourth position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Money list with € 106,925 earned from the two events he has played so far.

Rounding out the top ten in tied for tenth position at 279-9 after 72 holes was George Coetzee (RSA); he won € 28,125.00 for his week’s work and moved to 13th equal position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Money list with € 32,325 earned from the two events he has played so far. He must be due for his maiden win on the European Tour in 2013? The final player to tie for tenth position was Richard Bland (England); he won € 28,125.00 for his week’s work and moved to 13th equal position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Money list with € 32,325 earned from the two events he has played so far.

The European Tour and Race to Dubai 2013 season now take a break over the Xmas & New Year period but it resumes in the second week in January 2013 for the Volvo Golf Champions and it is being played on the Durban Country Club, Durban, South Africa. It carries a prize purse of €2,000,000. Branden Grace (RSA) is the defending Champion and will be keen to defend his title. It starts on Thursday 10th January and I will report back who won the trophy as soon as the result is known.

So to the Top 5 on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list this week and the final list for 2012 and coming in at Number One Position for the 21st week of a 4th spell of his career and the 28th week of his career in total is the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai Winner and 2012 Race to Dubai Money list Winner, Rory McILroy (NIR) with 13.22 Official Golf World Ranking Points; coming in at Number Two is Luke Donald (England) with 8.62 Official Golf World Ranking Points; coming in at Number Three is Tiger Woods (USA) with 8.53 Official Golf World Ranking Points; coming in at Number Four is Justin Rose (England) with 6.42 Official Golf World Ranking Points and rounding out the top 5 on the Official Golf World Ranking Points list is Adam Scott (Australia) with 6.21 Official Golf World Ranking Points. Danny Lee (NZL) is still the highest ranked New Zealand Golfer in the World. This week he slips 4 places to 253th position on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list with 0.73 Official World Golf Ranking Points on the list.

This is my last weekly Golf Blog on tournaments from the weekend for 2012. My weekly Golf Blog from tournaments at the weekend will resume in early January 2013 when the USPGA Tour has its first event of the 2013 season and it is the Hyundai Tournament of Champions which is played on the Kapalua Resort (Plantation), Kapalua, Hawaii and only the tournament winners from the official 2012 season are eligible to play. It has a huge prize purse of $US 5,600,000 for the taking. Steve Stricker (USA) is the defending Champion and will be keen to defend his title. It starts on the Friday 4th January and I will report back who won the trophy as soon as the result is known.  

So until then remember to keep hitting the ball long and straight and make all your putts!!

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year for 2013

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

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Golf Events from the Weekend 9th December 2012



Well it was another excellent weekend of Golf on the Major Professional Golf Tours from around the world. First I will start with the PGA Tour of Australasia and the One Asia Tour and this week they combined to host the Emirates Australian Open and it was played at the Lakes Golf Course, Sydney, Australia. And it was 53 year old, Peter Senior (Australia) who scored rounds 75+3, 68-4, 69-3 and an awesome final round in the extremely windy conditions of even par 72 for a 72 hole total of 284-4 and he won by a single stroke to become the oldest winner in the history of the Australian Open. It was also his second Australian Open title after winning it 23 years ago in 1989. He won $AU 225,000.00 for the win and he is now in Number One position on the current 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 259,000.00 earned from the two events he has played to date this year so far. Michael Hendry (NZL) is now in second position with $AU 243,500.08 earned from the eight events he has played to date this year so far.

Peter Senior (Australia) in action during the final round
Peter Senior (Australia) played an awesome final round in the brutal conditions with winds gusting up to and over 80kmh; he scored 72 even par which included a front nine of 37+2 with bogeys on the Par 4, 5th hole and Par 3, 7th hole. He made the turn at minus two and was tied with Cameron Percy (Australia) who was also minus two. They were one stroke behind Justin Rose (England) who was minus three. Peter Senior (Australia) birdied the Par 4, 10th hole to move to minus three and was now the solo holder of the lead. Justin Rose (England) bogeyed the Par 4, tenth hole to fall too minus two and was now one stroke behind Peter Senior (Australia). Cameron Percy (Australia) also bogeyed the Par 4, tenth hole to fall to minus one now two strokes back of Peter Senior (Australia).

Peter Senior (Australia) made a solid par 5, on the 11th hole to remain at minus three with seven holes to play. Justin Rose (England) made a birdie on the Par 5, 11th hole to move back into a share of the lead with Peter Senior (Australia) at minus three. Cameron Percy (Australia) also birdied the Par 5, 11th hole to move back to minus two only one stroke behind Peter Senior (Australia). Meanwhile Kim Felton (Australia) playing two hours before the leaders had completed his round with a brilliant even par 72 and finished 72 holes at minus one. At this stage some of the experts thought it might be enough to win the whole championship.

Peter Senior (Australia) made a fine birdie at the difficult par 4, 12th hole that was playing down wind and move to minus four and back to even par for his round and was again in the outright lead. Cameron Percy (Australia) just missed his birdie and tapped in for his Par 4 to remain at minus two which was two strokes back. Justin Rose (England) three putted the par 4, 12th hole to drop back to minus two and was now two strokes behind Peter Senior (Australia). Meanwhile Brendan Jones (Australia) had scored an amazing back nine of 33-4 and that included an eagle three on the par 5, 17th hole. He had become the new leader in the Club House at minus three after 72 holes and some thought that he may have just won his maiden Australian Open Championship.

Peter Senior (Australia) then made five consecutive pars in a row from holes 13 – 17 with some of them getting up and down from very trick situations. He was still minus four and had a one stroke lead over Brendan Jones (Australia) playing the last hole. Justin Rose (England) played those same holes in even par and was minus two playing the 72nd hole two strokes back. Cameron Percy (Australia) played those same holes I mentioned in even par and was at minus two which was also two strokes back of Peter Senior (Australia) playing the last hole. Cameron Percy (Australia) made a solid Par 3, at the very difficult Par 3, 18th hole to finish at minus two for the Championship which was two strokes behind Peter Senior (Australia). Peter Senior (Australia) now knew what he had to do and that was make a par three on the long par three, 18th hole and the Stone Haven Cup was virtually his for 2012. The wind was still screaming through at 40-50kmh straight in to his face. He chose to hit a rescue club on the 180 metre hole and struck it perfectly. It landed on the front of the green and it rolled up 25 feet short of the flag stick. He struck a fine putt for birdie that came up two feet short. Then he calmed his nerve and calmly rolled in his two foot par putt for a back nine of 35-2 and finished at minus four after 72 holes. He celebrated with his Son Mitch Senior who had been caddying for him over the last three years on the Champions Tour.

Mitch Senior on the left and Peter Senior (Australia) on the right pose with the Stone Haven Cup he won!!
There was only one player on the course left who could catch Peter Senior (Australia) and force a playoff with him and that was Justin Rose (England). It was a long shot because he would have to hole his tee shot on the long par three, 18th hole to get to minus four. He was unable to do that so Peter Senior (Australia) was official declared the 2012 Emirates Australian Open Champion. In his victory Speech he said “That he was surprised to win at the age of 53” but said “He has always thrived when the playing conditions get extremely tough to playing as they were in the final round”. He paid tribute to his caddie and Son Mitch Senior who had done such a good job on the bag and they had finally got a win together after going so close on the Champions Tour in the last few years. I feel Peter Senior (Australia) is now in great position to wrap up the 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit title with only the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca – Cola to be played next week. I wouldn’t be surprised if he won next week as well. I wish him all the best with his golf in the future.

Coming in solo second position at 285-3 after 72 holes was Brendan Jones (Australia); he played a brilliant final round after a poor start. He won $AU 127,500.00 for his weeks work but because he isn’t a member of the current PGA Tour of Australasia he therefore doesn’t have a current Order of Merit ranking. Coming in solo third position at 286-2 after 72 holes was Cameron Percy (Australia); he won $AU 84,375.00 for his efforts and move to 8th position on the current 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 84,375.00 earned from the one event he has played in to date this year so far.

Coming in tied for fourth position at 287-1 after 72 holes was Kim Felton (Australia); he earned $AU 51,666.66 for his weeks work and moves to 12th position on the current 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 59,536.99 earned from the six events he has played to date this year so far. Also tied for fourth position was Kieran Pratt (Australia); he too won $AU 51,666.66 or his weeks work and moved to 10th position on the current 2012  PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 60,987.55 earned from the two events he has played in to date this year so far. The final player to tie for fourth position was the tournament invite and highest ranked golfer in the field, Justin Rose (England); He too won $AU 51,666.66 for his weeks work. But because he isn’t a member of the PGA Tour of Australasia he doesn’t have an order of merit ranking.

Coming in tied for seventh position at 288 even par after 72 holes was the low New Zealand Golfer in the field, Michael Hendry (NZL); he was lucky even to playing in it because his plane got delayed from Tokyo, Japan on Thursday morning and his Wife Tara had to hire a jet which cost $AU 15,000.00 to get him and four of his other fellow Professionals to the course on time. But he earned some of the money back for Tara. He scored rounds of 72 even par, 71-1, 74+2 and a brilliant final round in the brutal wind conditions of 71-1 for a 72 hole total of 288 even par. He earned $AU 36,666.66 for his weeks work but dropped from the top of the current 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit to second position with  $AU 243,500.08 earned from the eight events he has played to date this year so far. It is going to be a shootout between him and Peter Senior (Australia) next week at the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca – Cola  to see who takes out the 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit Title. Also tied for seventh position was Scott Gardiner (Australia); he won also $AU 36,666.66 for his weeks work but because he isn’t a current member of the PGA Tour of Australasia he doesn’t have a current Order of Merit ranking. The last player to tied for seventh position was former USPGA Tour Winner, Stuart Appleby (Australia); he too won $AU 36,666.66 for his weeks work and he moves to 19th position on the current 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 47,483.32 earned from the two events he has played to date this year so far.

Rounding out the top ten in tied for tenth position at 289+1 after 72 holes was Brett Rumford (Australia); he earned $AU 26,562.50 for his weeks work and moved to 14th position on the current 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 56,038.64 earned from the three events he has played to date this year so far. Also tied for tenth position was USPGA Tour player, Nick O’Hern (Australia); he also earned $AU 26,562.50 for his weeks work and moved to 39th = position on the current 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 26,562.50 earned from the one event he has played in to date this year so far. Also tied for tenth position was another USPGA Tour player, Rod Pampling (Australia); he too earned $AU 26,562.50 for his weeks work and moved to 39th = position on the current 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 26,562.50 earned from the one event he has played in to date this year so far. The final player to tie for tenth position was another USPGA Tour player, Matthew Jones (Australia); he too earned $AU 26,562.50 for his weeks work but because he isn’t a current member of the PGA Tour of Australasia he doesn’t get a Order of Merit ranking.

The player that earned low Amateur honours in the field this week was Cameron Smith (Australia) (Am) and he was the only amateur in the field to make the 36 hole cut. He scored rounds of 72 even par, 74+2, 69-3 and a final round of 75+3 for a 72 hole total of 290+2 and tied for 14th position. The 1984 Australian Open Champion and eight times Major Winner, Tom Watson (USA) was playing in this tournament as an invited guest. The 63 year old performed very well scoring rounds of 78+6, 68-4, 78+6 and a final round of 69-3 which was the low final round by two strokes. He finished in tied for 28th position on 293+5 after 72 holes and won $AU 7,931.81 for his efforts.

Next best New Zealand Golfer in the field that made the cut was Gareth Paddison (NZL); he scored rounds of 68-4, 73+1, 74+2 and really suffered in the brutal final round winds scoring 79+7 for a 72 hole total of 294+6 after 72 holes and he won $AU 6,000.00 for his weeks work and moved to seventh position on the current 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 87,979.68 earned from the eight events he has played to date this year so far. Another New Zealand Golfer to make the cut was Josh Geary (NZL); he scored rounds of 70-2, 73+1, 71-1 and a shocking final round in the brutal wind conditions of 82+10 for a 72 hole total of 296+8 and tied for 51st position. He earned $AU 2,864.06 for his weeks work and moved to 132nd = position on the current 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 2,864.06 earned from the four events he has played in to date this year so far. The final New Zealand Golfer to make the cut was Mahal Pearce (NZL); he scored rounds of 70-2, 77+5, 73+1 and a final round of 79+7 for a 72 hole total of 299+11 and he tied for 62nd position. He earned $AU 2,550.00 for his weeks work and move to 51st position on the current 2012 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 22,038.11 earned from the seven events he has played to date this year so far.

Other New Zealand Golfers in the field but failed to make the 36 hole cut that fell at 148+4 were: Michael Long (NZL) who scored rounds of 76+4 and 74+2 for a 36 hole total of 150+6 to miss the cut by two strokes. Vaughan McCall (NZL) (Am) who was one of two New Zealand amateurs in the field scored rounds of 77+5 and 74+2 for a 36 hole total of 151+7 to miss the cut by three strokes. Hamish Robertson (NZL) scored rounds of 74+2 and 77+5 for a 36 hole total of 151+7 to also miss the cut by three strokes. Douglas Holloway (NZL) scored rounds of 77+5 and 74+2 for a 36 hole total of 151+7 to also miss the cut by three strokes. David Smail (NZL) scored rounds of 73+1 and 79+7 for a 36 hole total of 152+8 to miss the cut by four strokes. Ryan Fox (NZL) scored rounds of 81+9 and 71-1 for a 36 hole total of 152+8 to also miss the cut by four strokes. Mark Brown (NZL) scored rounds of 82+10 and 72 even par for a 36 hole total of 154+10 and miss the cut by six strokes. Tyler Hodge (NZL) (Am) was the other New Zealand Amateur in the field and he scored rounds of 76+4 and 78+6 for a 36 hole total of 154+10 and missed the cut by six strokes as well.  

Next week the PGA Tour of Australasia and the One Asia Tour’s combine again for the final event of the year on both tours and it is the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca – Cola and it is being played on the Palmer Coolum Resort, Coolum, Queensland, Australia. It has a large prize purse of $AU 1,250,000 for the taking. Greg Chalmers (Australia) is the defending Champion and will be keen to get his name edged on the Joe Kirkwood Cup for the second consecutive year. It starts on Thursday 13th December and I will report back who won next week.

The second event I am reporting on this week was the first event on the European Tour for the 2013 season and was part of the Race to Dubai. It was the brand new Nelson Mandela Championship presented by ISPS Handa and it was played on the Royal Durban Golf Club, Durban, South Africa. It was reduced to 36 holes and the course shortened due to torrential rains that forced the course to be unplayable for the first two days of the tournament. And it was the golfer by the name of Scott Jamieson (Scotland) who scored rounds of 66+1 and 57-8 for a 36 hole total of 123-7. But he was tied on that score by Steve Webster (England) who scored rounds of 63-2 and 60-5 for a 36 hole total also of 123-7 also and the final player to tie on that score was Eduardo De la Riva (Spain) who scored rounds of 62-3 and 61-4 for a 36 hole total of 123-7. So those three players headed back to the Par 4, 18th hole for the first playoff hole. 

Scott Jamieson (Scotland) poses with the Nelson Mandela Championship Trophy he won
After all three men found the centre of the fairway, Eduardo de la Riva (Spain) fell out of the play-off first after failing to get up and down from the greenside bunker for his par 4, while Scott Jamieson (Scotland) and Steve Webster (England) made regulation par 4’s. So both Scott Jamieson (Scotland) and Steve Webster (England) headed back to the Par 4, 18th hole for the second playoff hole.

Returning to the Par 4, 18th tee for a second time, Steve Webster (England) pulled his drive left into thick rough while Scott Jamieson (Scotland) again found the middle of the short stuff. After the Scot piled on the pressure by hitting the centre of the green with his approach shot, the Englishman hooked his second shot left of the green and up against the putting green fence. A free drop followed but Steve Webster (England) could not get up and down and a second par was good enough for Scott Jamieson (Scotland) to secure his maiden European Tour title.

Scott Jamieson (Scotland) won € 118,875.00 for the win and moved to the top of the 2013 Race to Dubai Money list standings with € 118,875.00 earned from the one event he has played in so far this season. Steve Webster (England) and Eduardo de la Riva (Spain) are in second equal position with €69,075 earned from the one event they have played so far this season.

It was Scott Jamieson (Scotland) first European Tour International Schedule victory in his 65th European Tour event. This victory beats his previous best European Tour finishes of tied third. They all came in the 2011 season. The events were:  the Open de España, the BMW International Open and the Barclays Scottish Open. He becomes the first, first-time winner of the 2013 season. He is the only second Scot to win a co-sanctioned event with the Sunshine Tour, following Richie Ramsay (Scotland) at the 2010 South African Open Championship. He is the first Scot to win the opening event of a European Tour season since Stephen McAllister (Scotland) won the 1990 Vino Verde Atlantic Open.

He becomes the 131st Scottish victory in European Tour history. He becomes the 22nd different Scot to win on The European Tour. He gains a European Tour exemption until the end of the 2014 season. He gains an exemption into the 2013 Volvo Golf Champions. It was his third victory as a professional. He becomes the 308th European Tour victory by a former European Challenge Tour player. And finally he becomes the 128th different former Challenge Tour player to win on The European Tour.

Another photo of Scott Jamieson (USA) posing with the Nelson Mandela Championship Trophy he won
Scott Jamison (Scotland) played the equal best final round of any player in the tournament. He scored 57-8 which included a front nine of 31-3 with birdies on the Par 4, second hole, Par 3, seventh hole and Par 4, ninth hole. He played an excellent back nine of 26-5 with birdies on the Par 3, 11th hole, then had a hat trick of birdies on the Par 3, 13th hole, Par 3, 14th hole and Par 3, 15th hole and added a final birdie on the Par 4, 17th hole. He will be extremely pleased with this win after having some very solid results on the European Tour in the two previous seasons. I look for him now to go on and win his second tournament very soon and have a brilliant season in 2013 on the European Tour.

Coming in tied for second position on 123-7 after 36 holes was Steve Webster (England) after losing out in the playoff as I mentioned earlier. He earned €69,075 for his weeks work and moved to second equal position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Order of Merit list as I mentioned earlier. He will be very pleased with his opening tournament result in this 2013 season after not recording a single top ten finish in the 2012 season on the European Tour. Also coming in tied for second position as I mentioned earlier was Eduardo de la Riva (Spain) and he too won €69,075 for his weeks work and moved to second equal position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Order of Merit list as I mentioned earlier. He has just regained his European Card back at the recent final stage of European Tour School after playing the previous year on the Challenge Tour. Look for him to have a big season in 2013.

Coming in tied for fourth position at 124-6 after 36 holes was Maximilian Kieffer (Germany); he won € 29,118.75 for his effort and moved to fourth equal position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Order of Merit list from the one event he has played so far. He is in his rookie season on the European Tour after earning his card by finishing in 14th position on the final 2012 Challenge Tour Rankings. Also tied for fourth position was Matthew Nixon (England); he too won € 29,118.75 for his effort and moved to fourth equal position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Order of Merit list from the one event he has played so far. He recently gained his full European Tour Status back at the final stage of 2012 European Tour School. Also tied for fourth position was Morten Orum Madsen (Denmark); he too won € 29,118.75 for his effort and moved to fourth equal position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Order of Merit list from the one event he has played so far. He is in his rookie season on the European Tour in 2013 after securing his card by finishing in 19th in the 2012 Challenge Tour Rankings in his rookie campaign on the Challenge Tour. The final player to tie for fourth position was Tim Clark (RSA); he too won € 29,118.75 for his effort and moved to fourth equal position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Order of Merit list from the one event he has played so far. He was the low South African Golfer in this tournament playing in the city where he grew up.

Rounding out the top ten in tied for eighth position at 125-5 after 36 holes was Jaco Van Zyl (RSA); he won € 14,512 for his efforts and moved to eighth equal position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Order of Merit list from the one event he has played so far. He is coming off two very solid seasons on the European Tour. Maybe this will be the year he wins his maiden European Tour title? Also tied for eighth position was Julien Quesne (France); he too won € 14,512 for his efforts and moved to eighth equal position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Order of Merit list from the one event he has played so far.  He is coming off a solid season on the European Tour in 2012 where he achieved his maiden win at the Open de Andalucía Costa del Sol. Also tied fourth eighth position was Sam Little (England); he too won € 14,512 for his efforts and moved to eighth equal position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Order of Merit list from the one event he has played so far. He recently gained back his 2013 European Card back at the 2012 final stage of European Tour School. Also tied for eighth position was Colin Nel (RSA); he too won € 14,512 for his efforts but because he isn’t a member of the European Tour he doesn’t have a Race to Dubai Money list ranking. Also tied for eighth position was Bjorn Akesson (Sweden); he too won € 14,512 for his efforts and moved to eighth equal position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Order of Merit list from the one event he has played so far. He is in his rookie season on the European Tour in 2013 after gaining his card at the 2012 final stage of European Tour School. The final player to tie for eighth position was Matthew Southgate (England); he too won € 14,512 for his efforts and moved to eighth equal position on the current 2013 Race to Dubai Order of Merit list from the one event he has played so far.  He regained his European Card back at the recent 2012 final stage of European Tour School.

Next week the European Tour and Race to Dubai stays in South Africa for the Alfred Dunhill Championship. And it is being played on Leopard Creek CC, Malelane, South Africa. It carries a prize purse of €1,500,000. Garth Mulroy (RSA) is the defending Champion from two years ago in 2011 and will be keen to defend his title. It starts on Thursday 13th December and I will report back who won the trophy next week.

The final event I am reporting on this week was on the USPGA Tour and part of the un – official season and was the 24th Franklin Templeton Shootout and it was played at the Tiburon GC, Naples, Florida, USA. It was a team’s tournament with the first round being Modified Alternate Shot where each player hits a drive on every hole and one drive is selected. The player whose drive is NOT selected hits the second shot, and they alternate shots until the ball is holed. The Second Round, Better Ball is where each player plays through every hole using his own ball. The player whose score is the lowest on each hole will be the team score for that hole and the final round was the Scramble - Each player hits a drive on every hole and the best drive is selected. Each player then plays a second shot from the spot where the selected drive lays, and the best second shot is selected. This process is repeated until the hole is completed. Greg Norman (Australia) is the host of this fun tournament and he tries to create a fun, friendly, competitive environment with the 12 teams of two Golfers that he invites to play.

Sean O'Hair (USA) on the left and Kenny Perry (USA) in action during the final round
And it was the team of Kenny Perry (USA)/Sean O’Hair (USA) who scored rounds of 64-8, 61-11 and 60-12 for a 54 hole total of 185-31 and they won by a single stroke. They won $US 375,000 each for the win. Kenny Perry (USA)/Sean O’Hair (USA) just combined well as a team all week. With scoring 64-8 in the Modified Alternate Shot which put them in second position after the first round. They really put in an awesome performance in the second round better ball format where they scored the best score of the day of the 12 teams which was 61-11. That put them at 125-19 after 36 holes and they were in the lead with only the scramble format left to play. They were caught a few times in the final round but they always knew they had more holes to play being in the final group. And they came in with a score of 60-12 and had a 54 hole total of 185-31 and won by a single stroke which I mentioned earlier.

It was Sean O’Hair’s (USA) maiden win in this tournament and maybe it can give him confidence to have a huge season on the USPGA Tour in the 2013 season. It was Kenny Perry’s (USA) third win with three different partners. He won it for the first time with John Houston (USA) in 2005, and then he won it for a second time in 2008 with Scott Hoch (USA) and finally with Sean O’Hair (USA) this year. Coming in tied for second position at 186-30 after 54 holes were the team of Charles Howell III (USA)/Rory Sabbatini (RSA). They had the lowest final round of 57-15 and they earned $US 235,000 each for their efforts. 

Kenny Perry (USA) on the left and Sean O'Hair (USA) on the right pose with the Franklin Templeton Shootout Trophy they won!!
Coming in solo third position at 188-28 after 54 holes were the team of Jason Dufner (USA)/Vijay Singh (Fiji) and they too had a great final round of 59-13 and they won $US 140,000 each for their efforts. Coming in tied for fourth position at 189-27 after 54 holes were the team of Jerry Kelly (USA)/Steve Stricker (USA) who scored a great final round of 58-14 and they earned $US 97,500 each for their efforts. Also tied for fourth position were the team of Stewart Cink (USA)/Carl Petersson (Sweden), they also earned $US 97,500 each for their efforts. The final team to tie for fourth position was Davis Love III (USA)/Brandt Snedeker (USA) and they also earned $US 97,500 each for their efforts.

Coming in tied for seventh position 191-25 after 54 holes was the team that were defending their title they won last year and they were Keegan Bradley (USA)/Brendan Steele (USA). They won $US 81,250 each for their efforts. Also tied for seventh position were Dustin Johnson (USA)/ Ian Poulter (England). They scored an excellent final round of 59-13 and they too won $US 81,250 each for their efforts. Coming in solo ninth position at 196-20 after 54 holes were the team of Bud Cauley (USA)/Rickie Fowler (USA) and they earned $US 77,500 each for their efforts. Coming in solo tenth position at 200-16 after 54 holes were the team of Justin Leonard (USA)/Scott Verplank (USA) and they earned $US 75,000 each for their efforts. Coming in solo 11th position at 203-13 after 54 holes were the team that included the tournament host Greg Norman (Australia)/Fredrik Jacobson (Sweden) and they earned $US 72,500 each for their efforts. And rounding out the 12 teams in solo 12th position on 206-10 after 54 holes were the team of Mark Calcavecchia (USA)/Mike Weir (Canada) and they won $US 70,000 each for their efforts.

Next year (2013) be sure to remember to watch in the second week of December for the 25th Edition of the Franklin Templeton Shootout. You will see the best professionals in the world play in a fun relaxed environment. But at the same time they are competitive as ever.

The USPGA Tour now takes a break for the festive season. It returns in the first week of January 2013 for the Hyundai Tournament of Champions which is played on the Kapalua Resort (Plantation), Kapalua, Hawaii and only the tournament winners from the official 2012 season are eligible to play. It has a huge prize purse of $US 5,600,000 for the taking. Steve Stricker (USA) is the defending Champion and will be keen to defend his title. It starts on the Friday 4th January and I will report back who won the trophy as soon as the result is known.  

So to the Top 5 on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list this week and coming in at Number One Position for the 18th week of a 4th spell of his career and the 25th week of his career in total is the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai Winner and 2012 Race to Dubai Money list Winner, Rory McILroy (NIR) with 13.81 Official Golf World Ranking Points; coming in at Number Two is Luke Donald (England) with 9.13 Official Golf World Ranking Points; coming in at Number Three is Tiger Woods (USA) with 8.90 Official Golf World Ranking Points; coming in at Number Four is Justin Rose (England) with 6.69 Official Golf World Ranking Points and rounding out the top 5 on the Official Golf World Ranking Points list is Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) with 6.37 Official Golf World Ranking Points. Danny Lee (NZL) is still the highest ranked New Zealand Golfer in the World. This week he slips 7 places to 249th position on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list with 0.77 Official World Golf Ranking Points on the list.

Remember to drink lots of fluids when playing Golf in extremely hot and humid conditions!!

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