Golf Events from the Weekend 22nd June 2014

Well it was another brilliant weekend of golf on the Major Professional Golf Tours from around the world and this week the USPGA Tour and FedEx Cup headed to Connecticut for the Travelers Championship and it was played on the TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut. And it was the golfer by the name of Kevin Streelman (USA) who scored rounds of 69-1, 68-2, 64-6 and an amazing final round of 64-6 that included seven consecutive birdies to finish his final round for a 72 hole total of 265-15 and he won by a single shot for his second win of his USPGA Tour career to date so far. He won US $1,116,000 for the win and moved to twenty ninth position on the current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $1,941,439 earned from the 17 events he has played to date this season so far. Bubba Watson (USA) still leads that list with US $5,010,976 earned from the 13 events he has played to date this season so far. Kevin Streelman (USA) also earned 500 FedEx Cup Points for the win and moved to twenty seventh position on the current 2013/14 FedEx Cup Points list standings with 956 points earned from the 17 events he has played to date this season so far and he is 1,366 points behind the current leader of that list who is Jimmy Walker (USA) who has earned 2,322 points from the 19 events he has played to date this season so far. From the 17 events Kevin Streelman (USA) has played to date this season so far he has made 12 cuts and achieved two top ten finishes which includes the win here. 

 

Kevin Streelman (USA) tees off during the final round

Kevin Streelman (USA) played a brilliant final round of 64-6 that included a front nine of 36+1 where he birdied the par four, ninth hole but made poor bogeys on the par four, second hole and par four, seventh hole and he made the turn at minus eight and was five shots behind the leader. Sergio Garcia (Spain) went out in 33-2 and made the turn at minus 13 and was one shot behind the leader. K.J. Choi (South Korea) went out in 34-1 and made the turn at minus 12 and was two shots behind the leader. Aaron Baddeley (Australia) went out in 33-2 and made the turn at minus 14 and was leading by one shot. 

Kevin Streelman (USA) played holes ten to 14 in three under par which included making three birdies in a row from holes 12 -14 and he moved to minus eleven and was now only three shots behind the leader. Sergio Garcia (Spain) played holes ten to 14 in even par and remained at minus 13 and was still one shot behind the leader. K. J. Choi (South Korea) played holes ten to14 in two under par and moved to minus 14 and now was leading by one shot. Aaron Baddeley (Australia) played holes ten to 14 in one over par and fell back to minus 13 and now was one shot behind the leader. 

Kevin Streelman (USA) played holes 15 to 17 in three under par and this included making another three straight birdies in a row and he moved to minus 14 and was now tied for the lead with just the 72nd hole to play. Sergio Garcia (Spain) played holes 15 to 17 in one under par and moved to minus 14 and was now tied for the lead with just the 72nd hole to play. K.J. Choi (South Korea) played holes 15 to 17 in even par and remained at minus 14 and was now tied for the lead with just the 72nd hole to play. Aaron Baddeley (Australia) played holes 15 to 17 in one under par and moved to minus 14 and was now tied for the lead with just the 72nd hole to play.  

 

Kevin Streelman (USA) high fives the gallery walking off the 72nd green!!

Kevin Streelman (USA) who was playing about an hour ahead of the final group hit a very good drive down the par four, 72nd hole. He then hit a fine second shot with his short wedge and it came to rest about ten feet underneath the cup. He then sunk that ten foot birdie putt for his seventh consecutive birdie in a row (Which is the record on the USPGA Tour during a final round to win) and he scored an amazing back nine of 28-7. He finished the 72 holes at minus 15 and now lead by a single stroke but would have to wait to see if that score was good enough for the win? His wife, Courtney and his young daughter, Sophie were there to greet him as he walked off the 72nd green as well. Sergio Garcia (Spain) who was playing in the group behind the final group had a 30 foot birdie putt to move to minus 15 and would more than likely force a playoff with Kevin Streelman (USA). He struck a good putt but it missed on the left hand side and he tapped in for his par four to finish on minus 14 after 72 holes and was one shot behind the winner. K.J. Choi (South Korea) who was also playing in the group behind the final group had a 35 foot birdie putt on the 72nd green to force a playoff, he struck a good putt but it missed on the right hand side and rolled about eight feet past. He managed to hole the eight foot putt for his par four and he finished the 72 holes on minus 14 and was one shot behind the winner. Aaron Baddeley (Australia) who was playing in the final group was the only player left on the course that could force a playoff with Kevin Streelman (USA). But he hit a shocking drive off the par four, 72nd tee and it leaked to the right and he had terrible lie in the rough. He was forced to lay up in the fairway and leave himself a short wedge shot for his third that he would have to hole out to force a playoff with Kevin Streelman (USA). He struck a good short wedge shot for his third and it landed on the green pin high about twenty feet from the flag stick. He was unable to convert the putt for his par and had to settle for his bogey five and finished the 72 holes on minus 13 and was two shots behind the winner. 

 

Courtney, his Wife on the left and Kevin Streelman (USA) on the right holding his Daughter, Sophie very happy after knowing he had won!!

Kevin Streelman (USA) now knew it was confirmed that he had won the Travelers Championship by a single shot!! He gave his wife, Courtney a kiss to celebrate while holding his young Daughter, Sophie!! Then he was interviewed by CBS Sports on course reporter, Matt Gogel (USA) and told him “That when he walked off the ninth green after birding it he told his caddie that if he scored 29 on the back nine he might have a chance to win” but he went one shot better than that. He also said “He was very humble to win his second USPGA Tour event in this style”. It was also a great honour to win the Travelers Championship because he represents that company on the USPGA Tour. Kevin Streelman (USA) will be happy with his four rounds this week because they were all in the 60s and especially happy with his last two rounds that were back to back 64-6’s. And the seven consecutive birdies he had to finish off his final round created USPGA Tour history!! What makes this result even more amazing is that prior to this event he had missed his previous four cuts. Kevin Streelman (USA) has been playing the USPGA Tour fulltime since the 2008 season after gaining his card at the 2007 PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament where he finished in tied for 14th position. He had many struggles in his career before he gained his full USPGA Tour card for the 2008 season, and now he can really saviour his successes he has had in the past two years because he certainly worked extremely hard to get where he has in golf today. I feel his third USPGA Tour win isn’t too far away and could very well happen in the 2013/14 season as well? I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2013/14 USPGA Tour season. 

 

Kevin Streelman (USA) kisses the Travelers Championship Trophy he won!!

Coming in tied for second position at 266-14 after 72 holes was Sergio Garcia (Spain); he earned US $545,600 for his efforts and moved to 12th position on the current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $2,640,270 earned from the ten events he has played to date this season so far. He also earned 245 FedEx Cup Points for his efforts and moved to 19th position on the current 2013/14 FedEx Cup Points list standings with 1,081 points earned from the ten events he has played to date this season so far. From the ten events he has played to date this season so far he has made nine cuts and achieved six top ten finishes which includes the one here. He will be happy with his four rounds this week that were all in the 60s especially his first and third rounds that were 65-5. He has been playing on the USPGA Tour fulltime since the 2000 season and in the time he has easily kept his card for the next year every season since and he has achieved eight wins on the USPGA Tour in his career so far and here they are from the first to the most recent: 2001 MasterCard Colonial, Buick Classic 2002 Mercedes Championships, 2004 EDS Byron Nelson Championship, Buick Classic, 2005 Booz Allen Classic. 2008 THE PLAYERS Championship and the 2012 Wyndham Championship. He has current career earnings on the USPGA Tour of US $35,473,983 earned from the 270 events he has played to date in his career so far. I feel his ninth win isn’t too far off and maybe it could be his maiden Major Championship win at the Open Championship which is next month? I wish him all the best for the 2013/14 USPGA Tour season.

The final player to tie for second position was K.J. Choi (South Korea); He too earned US $545,600 for his efforts and moved to 40th position on the current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $1,582,859 earned from the 15 events he has played to date this season so far. He also earned 245 FedEx Cup Points for his efforts and moved to 38th position on the current 2013/14 FedEx Cup Points list standings with 806 points earned from the 15 events he has played to date this season so far. From the 15 events he has played to date this season so far he has made 12 cuts and achieved two top ten finishes which includes the one here. He will be happy with his four rounds this week that were all in the 60s especially his first two rounds that were 65-5. But at the same time a little disappointed he was unable to win. He hasn’t won on the USPGA Tour since the 2011 THE PLAYERS Championship. But he is in good form heading into the final part of the 2013/14 USPGA Tour season. He has won career earnings of US $29,961,922 from the 367 events he has played in his career to date so far and that includes eight wins and here they are from the first to the most recent: 2002 Compaq Classic of New Orleans, Tampa Bay Classic presented by Buick, 2005 Chrysler Classic of Greensboro, 2006 Chrysler Championship, 2007 the Memorial Tournament presented by Morgan Stanley, AT&T National, 2008 Sony Open in Hawaii, 2011 THE PLAYERS Championship. He turned 44 on the 19th May this year and I feel his chances of winning a Major Championship may have passed him by but he could prove me wrong? I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2013/14 season. 

Coming in solo fourth position at 267-13 after 72 holes was Aaron Baddeley (Australia); he earned US $297,600 for his efforts and moved to 81st position on the current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $942,559 earned from the 19 events he has played to date this season so far. He also earned 135 FedEx Cup Points for his efforts and moved to 78th position on the current 2013/14 FedEx Cup Points standings list with 528 points earned from the 19 events he has played to date this season so far. From the 19 events he has played to date this season so far he has made 13 cuts and achieved two top ten finishes which includes the one here. He will be happy with his four rounds this week that were all in the 60s especially his third round that was 65-5. But he will be slightly disappointed with his final round of 69-1 and his back nine that was 36+1 and cost him any chance he had of winning. Aaron Baddeley (Australia) has been playing the USPGA Tour fulltime since the 2003 season and in that time he has career earnings of US $16,697,493 earned from the 300 events he has played to date so far in his career so far and that includes achieving three wins to date on the USPGA Tour and here they are from the first to the most recent: 2006 Verizon Heritage, 2007 FBR Open and the 2011 Northern Trust Open. I’m sure win number four isn’t too far off and maybe it could happen this season? I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2013/14 season. 

Coming in tied for fifth position at 268-12 after 72 holes was Brendan Steele (USA); he earned US $235,600 for his efforts and moved to 67th position on the current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $1,029,073 earned from the 19 events he has played to date this season so far. He also earned 105 FedEx Cup Points for his efforts and moved to 65th position on the current 2013/13 FedEx Cup Points list standings with 592 points earned from the 19 events he has played to date this season so far. From the 19 events he has played to date this season so far he has made 12 cuts and achieved three top ten finishes that includes the one here. He will be happy with his first, second and final rounds that were all in the 60s especially his first round that was 62-8 and gave him the first round lead. But he will be disappointed with his third round 71+1 that cost him any chance of he had of winning. He has been playing the USPGA Tour fulltime since the 2011 season and has kept his card for the next year every season since. His best year so far came in his rookie season in 2011 where he earned US $1,976,310 from the twenty seven events he played in with making 16 cuts and achieving three top ten finishes that included his maiden win which came at the Valero Texas Open and he finished in 38th position on the final 2011 USPGA Tour Money list standings. Maybe he win get his second USPGA Tour win this season? I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2013/14 season. 

The final player to tie for fifth position was Ryan Moore (USA); he too earned US $235,600 for his efforts and moved to 14th position on the current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $2,573,322 earned from the 17 events he has played to date this season so far. He also earned 105 FedEx Cup Points for his efforts and moved to 17th position on the current 2013/14 FedEx Cup Points list standings with 1,169 points earned from the 17 events he has played to date this season so far. From the 17 events he has played to date this season so far he has made 14 cuts and achieved five top ten finishes which includes the one here and also his win at the CIMB Classic in late October last year. He will be happy with his first three rounds that were all in the 60s especially his first round that was 63-7. But will be disappointed with his final round of 71+1 that included a front nine of 38+3 that ruined any chance he had of winning. He has been playing on the USPGA Tour fulltime since the 2006 season with easily keeping his card every season since and he has achieved three wins so far in his career with the first coming at the 2009 Wyndham Championship and the second coming at the 2012 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open and his third came at the 2013 CIMB Classic. He gained his full USPGA Tour card by earning enough money from sponsor’s exemptions in the 2005 season after he played in the 2005 Masters Tournament and US Open Championship as an Amateur because he won the 2004 US Amateur Championship. I’m sure his fourth win isn’t too far off as well? I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2013/14 season.

Rounding out the top ten in tied for seventh position at 269-11 after 72 holes was Harris English (USA); he earned US $186,775 for his efforts and moved to tenth position on the current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list with US $2,820,251 earned from the twenty one events he has played to date this season so far. He also earned 83 FedEx Cup Points for his efforts and moved to eighth position on the current 2013/14 FedEx Cup Points list standings with 1,431 points earned from the twenty one events he has played to date this season so far. From the twenty one events he has played to date this season so far he has made 17 cuts and achieved seven top ten finishes which includes the one here and also his win at the OHL Classic at Mayakoba last November. He will be happy with his first, second and final rounds that were in the 60s especially his second round 64-6. But will be disappointed with his third round of 72+2. Harris English (USA) has been playing on the USPGA Tour for the past three seasons and that includes this one. He gained his USPGA Tour card by finishing in tied for 13th position at the 2011 USPGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament and he gained his full USPGA Tour Card for the 2012 season. He had a brilliant rookie season in 2012 with playing in 27 events and making 22 cuts that included three top ten finishes with his best being a tied for fifth position at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. He finished in 79th position on the final 2012 USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $1,186,003 earned and he easily kept his card for the 2013 season. In the 2013 season he had his career best season to date so far in his career with finishing in 27th position on the final 2013 USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $ 2,201,167 earned from the 26 events he played in and achieved his maiden USPGA Tour win at the FedEx St. Jude Classic in early June. I feel now he has got his second win which came at the 2013/14 OHL Classic at Mayakoba in mid November last year, he will now aim higher and try to win a WGC Event and perhaps even contend for the third Major Championship in 2014 which is the Open Championship played in England next month. I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2013/14 season. 

Also tied for seventh position was Jeff Maggert (USA); he too earned US $186,775 for his efforts and moved to 149th position on the current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $348,457 earned from the 16 events he has played to date this season so far. He also earned 83 FedEx Cup Points for his efforts and moved to 159th position on the current 2013/14 FedEx Cup Points list standings with 194 points earned from the 16 events he has played to date this season so far. From the 16 events he has played to date this season so far he has made seven cuts and this was the first top ten finish he has achieved to date this season so far. He will be happy with his first, third and final rounds that were all in the 60s especially his first round which was 64-6. But he will only be content with his second round 70 even par. Jeff Maggert (USA) has been playing the USPGA Tour full time since the 1991 season and in that time he has achieved three wins with his last win coming at the 2006 FedEx St. Jude Classic. He has represented the United States in the Ryder Cup three times and in the Presidents Cup once. He turned 50 on the 20th February this year and won on his Champions Tour debut in March 2014 at the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic, becoming the 17th player to do so. He also became the seventh player to win on all the USPGA Tour sponsored major tours (PGA Tour, Web.com Tour, and Champions Tour). He finished the three rounds at 11-under-par, two strokes ahead of Billy Andrade (USA). I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2013/14 season whatever tour he chooses to play on. 

Also tied for seventh position was Chad Campbell (USA); he too earned US $186,775 for his efforts and moved to 151st position on the current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $336,226 earned from the 13 events he has played to date this season so far. He also earned 83 FedEx Cup Points for his efforts and moved to 156th position on the current 2013/14 FedEx Cup Points list standings with 232 points earned from the 13 events he has played to date this season so far. From the 13 events he has played to date this season so far he has made eight cuts and this was his first top ten finish he has achieved to date this season so far. He will be happy with his first, third and fourth rounds that were all in the 60s especially his first round that was 64-6. But he will only be content with his second round which was 70 even par. Chad Campbell (USA) has been playing the USPGA Tour full time since the 2001 season after starting out the season on the Web.com Tour where he earned a "battlefield promotion," winning three tournaments to earn promotion to the elite USPGA Tour part way through the season. In 2003 Chad Campbell (USA) won The Tour Championship, and was runner-up to surprise winner Shaun Micheel (USA) at the PGA Championship, and finished seventh on the final 2003 USPGA Tour money list. He claimed a second USPGA Tour win in 2004 at the Bay Hill Invitational and made a strong start to 2006 USPGA Tour season with winning the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic and topping the money list for a short time early in the season. He claimed his fourth USPGA Tour victory by one stroke at the 2007 Viking Classic. In the 2009 Masters Tournament he went to a playoff against Angel Cabrera (Argentina) and Kenny Perry (USA), but was eliminated on the first playoff hole, the 18th, after he missed a 4 foot par putt. Also from this tournament he holds the best start to a Masters Tournament after getting 5 birdies in the first 5 holes. Chad Campbell (USA) featured in the top 10 of the Official World Golf Ranking briefly in 2004. He has also represented United States in the Ryder Cup three times (2004, 2006 and 2008). But in recently years he has lost his form. Let’s hope he can gain some confidence from this top ten finish and have more in the weeks ahead. I wish him all best for the rest of the 2013/14 USPGA Tour season.

The final player to tied for seventh position was Carl Pettersson (Sweden); he too earned US $186,775 for his efforts and moved to 74th position on the current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $1,004,843 earned from the twenty one events he has played to date this season so far. He also earned 83 FedEx Cup Points for his efforts and moved to 70th position on the current 2013/14 FedEx Cup Points list standings with 556 points earned from the twenty one events he has played to date this season so far. From the twenty one events he has played to date this season so far he has made 12 cuts and achieved three top ten finishes which includes the one here. This was also his second consecutive top ten finish in as many weeks. He will be happy with his four rounds this week that were all in the 60s especially his third round 66-4. He has been playing on the USPGA Tour since the 2003 season and in 2005 he won his maiden USPGA Tour event at the Chrysler Championship where he became the third Swede to win on the USPGA Tour after Jesper Parnevik (Sweden) and Gabriel Hjertstedt (Sweden). He won his second event at the 2006 Memorial Tournament. He won his third event at the Wyndham Championship in his adopted hometown of Greensboro in 2008. He won his fourth event at the 2010 RBC Canadian Open. And his fifth win came at the 2012 RBC Heritage in April 2012. He entered the final round with a one stroke lead after rounds of 65 and 66 on days two and three and cruised to a five stroke victory, holding off Zach Johnson (USA). The win tied Carl Pettersson (Sweden) with Jesper Parnevik (Sweden) for most wins on the USPGA Tour by a Swedish player. He re-entered the top 50 in the Official World Golf Rankings. He also achieved his career high finish in a Major Championship at the 2012 PGA Championship where he tied for third position. I sure his sixth win isn’t that far off either? I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2013/14 USPGA Tour season.

Tim Wilkinson (NZL) was one of two New Zealand Golfers in the field and he scored rounds of 66-4 in the first round which was very good, then another very good second round of 68-2, then very good third round of 67-3 and an average final round of 70 even par for a 72 hole total of 271-9 and he finished in tied for 18th position. He earned US $78,120 for his efforts and moved to 108th position on the current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $644,515 earned from the 19 events he has played to date this season so far. He also earned 51 FedEx Cup Points for his efforts and moved to 108th  position on the current 2013/14 FedEx Cup points list standings with 381 points earned from the 19 events he has played to date this season so far. From the 19 events he has played to date this season so far he has made 13 cuts and achieved two top ten finishes which came at the OHL Classic at Mayakoba in mid November last year and at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am in early February this year. He will be happy with his first, second and third rounds this week that were all in the 60s but disappointed with his final round that was 70 even par and his worst of the week. At one stage early in the back nine of his third round he was tied for the lead but he couldn’t hold on to it. With only six events left in the regular 2013/14 USPGA Tour and FedEx Cup season that he is likely to gain starts in he will need to have more good finishes in the weeks ahead to secure his place in the first FedEx Cup Series playoff event which is the Barclays which starts on Thursday 21st August and to do that he will need to be inside the top 125 players on the final 2013/14 regular season FedEx Cup Points list. Let’s hope he can have some top ten finishes in the weeks to come? I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2013/14 season. 

Danny Lee (NZL) was the other New Zealand Golfer in the field and he scored rounds of 72+2 in the first round. Then he scored a good second round of 69-1 for a 36 hole total of 141+1 and missed the cut by two shots. He currently lies in 115th position on the current 2013/14  USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $587,199 earned from the 20 events he has played to date this season so far. He currently lies in 105th position on the 2013/14 FedEx Cup points list standings with 394 points earned from the 20 events he has played to date this season so far. From the 20 events he has played to date this season so far he has made eight cuts and achieved one top ten finish that came just under four months ago at the Puerto Rico Open presented by seepuertorico.com where he finished in solo second position in early March. This week he started off slow with a first round 72+2 and improved by three shots in the second round for a 69-1 but it was nowhere near enough to make the cut. With only six events left in the regular 2013/14 USPGA Tour and FedEx Cup season that he is likely to gain starts in he will need to have more good finishes in the weeks ahead to secure his place in the first FedEx Cup Series playoff event which is the Barclays which starts on Thursday 21st August and to do that he will need to be inside the top 125 players on the final 2013/14 final regular season FedEx Cup Points list. Let’s hope he can achieve some more top ten finishes in the events he plays in the coming weeks? I wish all the best in his next few tournaments he plays in for the 2013/14 USPGA Tour season. 

Next week the USPGA Tour and FedEx Cup heads to Washington D.C. area for the Quick Loans National which is hosted by Tiger Woods (USA) and he is also making his come back from major back surgery. It is played on Congressional CC, Bethesda, Maryland. It carries a large prize purse of US $6,500,000 for the taking. Bill Haas (USA) is the defending Champion and with be keen for back to back titles. Danny Lee (NZL) and Tim Wilkinson (NZL) will also be hopeful to get starts. It starts on Thursday 26th June and I will report back who the Trophy next week.  

So to the Top 5 on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list this week and coming in at Number One Position for the sixth week of his career and also becomes the 17th player to achieve the Number One Official Golf Ranking is Adam Scott (Australia) who is fresh off his tied for ninth finish one week ago at the 114th U.S. Open Championship with 9.09 Official Golf World Ranking Points; coming in at Number Two is Henrik Stenson (Sweden) who won the Tour Championship by Coca – Cola and also the 2013 FedEx Cup nine months ago and won DP World Tour Championship, Dubai and the 2013 Race to Dubai Title 30 weeks ago and one week ago finished in tied for fourth position at the 114th U.S. Open Championship with 7.89 Official Golf World Ranking Points; coming in at Number Three is Bubba Watson (USA) who is fresh off his tied for 31st position this past week at the Travelers Championship with 7.24 Official Golf World Ranking Points; coming in at Number Four is Matt Kuchar (USA) who is fresh off  his tie for 31st position this past week at the Travelers Championship with 7.01 Official Golf World Ranking Points and rounding out the top 5 on the Official Golf World Ranking Points list this week is Tiger Woods (USA) who is fresh off his tied for twenty fifth position at the WGC – Cadillac Championship 14 weeks ago with 6.89 Official Golf World Ranking Points; Michael Hendry (NZL) is in his tenth week of his second spell of being the highest ranked New Zealand Golfer in the world after his tied for 51st finish at the Japan Tour Golf Championship this past week which was the seventh event on Japanese soil for the 2014 Japan Golf Tour season. This week he slips eleven places and falls to 247th position on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list with 0.73 Official Golf World Ranking Points. 

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

Source: Pgatour.com, Official World Golf Rankings, wikipedia.org, Google search engine

Golf Events from the Weekend 15th June 2014

Well it was another Amazing weekend on the Major Professional Golf Tours from around the world and this week the USPGA Tour and FedEx Cup and all the other Major Professional Golf Tours from around the world headed to the state of North Carolina for the second Major Championship of the year which was the 114th U.S. Open Championship. It was played on the Pinehurst No. 2, Pinehurst, North Carolina. When it was last played on this course in 2005 Michael Campbell (NZL) won it!! But due to injury and a lack of form he has decided to not play this year. But all the leading names in the Golf were there with the likes of Adam Scott (Australia), Henrik Stenson (Sweden), Bubba Watson (USA), Jordan Spieth (USA) and Rory McILroy (NIR) to name a few as well as defending Champion Justin Rose (England). 

The first round was played on Thursday 12th June in warm sunny conditions with temperatures in the early 30s Celsius and there was not much wind to speak of. Martin Kaymer (Germany) played a brilliant first round of 65-5 which was the lowest ever score scored to date so far in a U.S. Open Championship when played on the Pinehurst No. 2 course which included birdies on the par four, first hole and par five, fifth hole with his lone bogey coming at the par four, seventh hole for a front nine scored of 34-1. Then he played a flawless back nine of 31-4 which included birdies at the par five, tenth hole, par four, 14th hole, par four, 16th hole and par three, 17th hole. Three shots back on 68-2 were Kevin Na (USA), Graeme McDowell (NIR), Brendon De Jonge (Zimbabwe) and U.S. Open Championship sectional qualifier, Fran Quinn (USA). Four shots back were on 69-1 were Brandt Snedeker (USA), Henrik Stenson (Sweden), Matt Kuchar (USA), Brendon Todd (USA), Jordan Spieth (USA), Hideki Matsuyama (Japan), Dustin Johnson (USA), Harris English (USA), Keegan Bradley (USA), Francesco Molinari (Italy). Notable players that were five shots back on 70 even par were Ian Poulter (England), Phil Mickelson (USA), Russell Henley (USA), Rickie Fowler (USA), Aaron Baddeley (USA), Jimmy Walker (USA), Victor Dubuisson (France), Steve Stricker (USA), Charl Schwartzel (RSA), Paul Casey (England), J. B. Holmes (USA), Jamie Donaldson (Wales) and Seung – Yul Noh (South Korea).  Notable players that were six shots back on 71+1 were 2011 U.S. Open  Champion, Rory McILroy (NIR), Patrick Reed (USA), 2012 U.S. Open Championship, Webb Simpson (USA), John Senden (Australia) and Louis Oosthuizen (RSA). Notable players that were seven shots back on 72+2 were defending Champion, Justin Rose (England), Bill Haas (USA), and Jason Dufner (USA). Notable players that were eight shots back on 73+3 were Sergio Garcia (Spain), Jason Day (Australia), Jim Furyk (USA), Adam Scott (Australia), Retief Goosen (RSA) and Geoff Ogilvy (Australia). The two times and current Masters Tournament Champion, Bubba Watson (USA) scored a poor round of 76+6 and was eleven shots off the lead along with the only New Zealander in the tournament who was Steven Alker (NZL). 

The second round was played on Friday 13th June in similar conditions to the first round which were warm and sunny with temperatures in the early 30s Celsius and there was not much wind to speak of. Martin Kaymer (Germany) scored another excellent round of 65-5 which was the lowest ever score scored to date so far in a U.S. Open Championship when played on the Pinehurst No. 2 course for the second consecutive day running and this time it was blemish free which included birdies on the par five, tenth hole, par four, 13th hole and par four, 16th hole to go out in 32-3 (He started on the back nine today). Then he came in with 33-2 which included birdies on the par four, third hole and par five, fifth hole. He had 36 hole total of 130-10 that was a U.S. Open Championship record and he was leading by six shots. Six shots back on 136-4 after 36 holes was Brendon Todd (USA). Seven shots back on 137-3 after 36 holes were Kevin Na (USA) and Brandt Snedeker (USA). Eight shots back on 138-2 after 36 holes were Brooks Koepka (USA), Dustin Johnson (USA), Brendon De Jonge (Zimbabwe), Keegan Bradley (USA) and Henrik Stenson (Sweden). Nine shots back on 139-1 after 36 holes were Matt Kuchar (USA), 2011 U.S. Open Champion, Rory McILroy (NIR), Chris Kirk (USA) and Jordan Spieth (USA). Ten shots back on 140 even par after 36 holes were Adam Scott (Australia), Ian Poulter (England), Hideki Matsuyama (Japan) and Rickie Fowler (USA). Eleven shots back on 141+1 after 36 holes were defending Champion, Justin Rose (England) and Jason Day (Australia). 13 shots back after 36 holes were Jim Furyk (USA) and Phil Mickelson (USA). The cut fell at 145+5 with 67 players making it. Notable players to miss the cut were Luke Donald (England), two time Masters Tournament winner and current champion, Bubba Watson (USA), Charl Schwartzel (RSA), Jason Dufner (USA) and Hunter Mahan (USA) who all missed it by a single stroke on 146+6. John Senden (Australia) and 2006 U.S. Open Champion, Geoff Ogilvy (Australia) were on 147+7 to miss by two. Lee Westwood (England) and Matt Every (USA) were on 148+8 to miss by three. Steven Alker (NZL) the only golfer from New Zealand in the field scored his second consecutive round of 76+6 and he was on 152+12 to miss the 36 hole cut by seven shots. 

The third round was played on Saturday 14th June in conditions that were fine sunny with the temperatures in the early 30s Celsius and there was a moderate wind blowing. Martin Kaymer (USA) scored 72+2 to go along with his first and second rounds that were 65-5 and he was on 202-8 after 54 holes and had a five shot lead heading in to the final round. Five shots back on 207-3 after 54 holes was Rickie Fowler (USA) who scored the equal lowest score of the day as did Erik Compton (USA) who has amazingly had two heart transplants in his life and was also on that score. Six shots back on 208-2 after 54 holes were Henrik Stenson (Sweden) and Dustin Johnson (USA). Seven shots back on 209-1 after 54 holes was Brandt Snedeker (USA). Eight shots back on 210 even par after 54 holes were Matt Kuchar (USA), Brooks Koepka (USA) and Kevin Na (USA). Nine shots back on 211+1 after 54 holes were Defending Champion, Justin Rose (England), Jordan Spieth (USA), Chris Kirk (USA) and Brendon De Jonge (Zimbabwe). Eleven shots on 213+3 after 54 holes were Jimmy Walker (USA), Jason Day (Australia), Adam Scott (Australia) and 2011 U.S Open Champion winner, Rory McILroy (NIR). Phil Mickelson (USA) was on 215+5 after 54 holes and 13 shots behind the leader, so the Grand Slam will have to wait till next year now. 

The final round was played on Sunday 15th June in conditions that were fine and sunny with the temperatures in the early 30s Celsius and there was a moderate wind blowing. Martin Kaymer (Germany) scored a very good final round of 69-1 to go along with his first round 65-5, second round 65-5 and third round 72+2 for a 72 hole total of 271-9 to win by a huge margin of eight shots. It was his third win of his USPGA Tour career and his second Major Championship win and also his second win this year having won THE PLAYERS Championship just last month. He won US $1,620,000 for the win and moved to fourth position on the current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $3,938,602 earned from the 12 events he has played to date this season so far. Bubba Watson (USA) still leads that list with US $4,978,679 earned from the 12 events he has played to date this season so far. Martin Kaymer (Germany) also earned 600 FedEx Cup Points for the win and moved to fifth position on the current 2013/14 FedEx Cup Points list standings with 1,509 points earned from the 12 events he has played to date this season so far. He is 813 points behind the current leader of that list who is Jimmy Walker (USA) who has earned 2,322 points from the 19 events he has played to date this season so far. From the 12 events Martin Kaymer (Germany) has played to date this season so far he has made ten cuts and achieved three top ten finishes which includes the win here and also his win at THE PLAYERS Championship last month. 

 

Martin Kaymer (Germany) tees off in the final round

Martin Kaymer (Germany) played a brilliant final round under the circumstances of taking a five shot lead into the final round. He scored 69-1 which included a front nine of 34-1 with birdies on the par four, third hole and par three, ninth hole and he bogeyed the par four, seventh hole to make the turn at minus nine and he was leading by five shots. Erik Compton (USA) went out in 35 even par and made the turn at three under and was five shots off the leader. Rickie Fowler (USA) went out in 37+2 and made the turn at minus one and was eight shots behind the leader. 

Martin Kaymer (Germany) played holes ten to 14 in one under par and moved to minus ten and now was leading by eight shots. Erik Compton (USA) played holes ten to 14 in one over par and fell to two under par and was now eight shots behind the leader. Rickie Fowler (USA) played holes ten to 14 in one under par and moved to two under par and was still eight shots behind the leader. 

Martin Kaymer (Germany) made a good par at the par three, 15th hole where he made a fine up and down after missing the green to the right and remained at minus ten and was still leading by eight shots. Erik Compton (USA) made a bogey four at the par three, 15th hole and dropped back to minus one and was now nine shots behind the leader. Rickie Fowler (USA) made a solid par at the par three, 15th hole and remained at minus two and was still eight shots behind the leader. 

Martin Kaymer (Germany) hit a very good drive at the difficult and long par four, 16th hole and hit a very good three iron for his second shot that landed on the green and then rolled back off. He chose his putter from just off the fringe and it came to rest 15 feet short of the cup. He hit a good putt for his par but it just missed on the right hand side and he tapped in for his bogey five but he fell back to minus nine and was now only leading by seven shots. Erik Compton (USA) made a solid par at the par four, 16th hole and remained at minus one and was now only eight shots behind the leader. Rickie Fowler (USA) made a solid par at the par four, 16th hole where he made a great up and down from the left green side bunker and he remained at minus two and now was only seven shots behind the leader. 

Martin Kaymer (Germany) hit a very solid tee shot into the par three, 17th hole that landed on the green and came to rest twenty feet behind the flagstick. He struck a very good putt for his birdie that stopped inches from the cup and he easily tapped in for his par three to remain at minus nine and was now leading by eight shots. Erik Compton (USA) made a solid par at the par three, 17th hole and remained at minus one and was still eight shots behind the leader. Rickie Fowler (USA) made a bogey four at the par three, 17th hole and fell back to minus one and was now eight shots behind the leader. 

Erik Compton (USA) who was playing in the group ahead of the final group made a solid par on the par four, 72nd hole and finished the 72 holes at minus one and was eight shots behind the winner. Rickie Fowler (USA) who was playing in the final group with Martin Kaymer (Germany) made a solid par at the par four, 72nd hole and finished the 72 holes at minus one and was eight shots behind the winner. Martin Kaymer (Germany) stood on the par four, 72nd tee with an amazing eight shot lead. He chose his driver and hit it a little right because he over faded it and it came to rest in the coarse waste sand area that had replaced the rough from when the US Open Championship was last staged here in 2005. His ball came to rest in one of the worst lies he had got all week and he chose just to chip his ball back to the fairway instead of trying to go for the green. He now was faced with a 100 yard wedge shot for his third and he played it very well just as he had done the whole tournament. It landed on the green pin high about ten feet to the left of the flag stick. He calmed his nerve and rolled the ten foot putt for par right into the centre of the cup for his par four and he scored 35 even par on his back nine and finished the 72 holes on minus nine to win by an amazing eight shots!! He embraced and hugged his caddie, Craig Connelly to celebrate, then fellow German Ladies Professional Sandra Gal (Germany) who was present because she is playing in the Women’s U.S. Open Championship on the same course next week came onto the 72nd Green to pour water on him to celebrate with him as well!! Then his brother Philip Kaymer (Germany) also came onto the 72nd green to give him a huge hug to celebrate his win as well!!

 

Martin Kaymer (Germany) on the left and Craig Connelly his Caddie on the right embrace each other to celebrate winning!!

It was Martin Kaymer (Germany) 11th European Tour International Schedule victory in his 171st European Tour event. He could move to just outside the top ten of the Official World Golf Ranking, from 28th position. It was his first European Tour victory since the 2011 WGC – HSBC Champions. This is a gap of two years and 221 days. This represents his biggest gap between European Tour victories. He has played in 50 European Tour events between European Tour victories. This victory represents his best European Tour finish since his 2011 victory in the WGC – HSBC Champions. This victory beats his previous best 2014 European Tour performance of tied 12th in the BMW PGA Championship. It is his second Major Championship victory in his 26th Major Championship appearance. (He won his first Major, the 2010 US PGA Championship in his 12th Major appearance). 

His first victory in the US Open Championship comes in his seventh US Open Championship appearance and first at Pinehurst No.2. This victory would beat his previous best US Open Championship performance of tied eighth in 2010. It was his fifth top ten finish of his Major Championship career from his 26th appearances. He becomes the first player from Continental Europe to win the US Open Championship. This victory beats the best previous finish by a Continental Europe in the US Open Championship of second by Grégory Havret (France) in 2010 and tied second by Miguel Angel Jiménez (Spain) in 2000. He becomes the fourth European Tour Member to win the US Open Championship in the past five seasons. He follows: Graeme McDowell (NIR) (2010), Rory McIlroy (NIR) (2011) and Justin Rose (England) (2013). He is the first wire-to-wire winner of the US Open Championship with no ties since Rory McIlroy (NIR) in 2011. He becomes the eighth wire-to-wire victory in US Open Championship history. They are: Walter Hagen (USA) (1914), Jim Barnes (England) (1921), Ben Hogan (USA) (1953), Tony Jacklin (England) (1970), Tiger Woods (USA) (2000 and 2002), Rory McIlroy (NIR) (2011) and Martin Kaymer (Germany) (2014). Martin Kaymer (Germany) led by three shots after 18 holes, six after 36 holes and five after 54 holes and won by eight.

It was the fourth wire-to-wire winner of the 2014 European Tour season and third with no ties. It was the second wire-to-wire victory of his European Tour career. The first was the 2008 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. He becomes the ninth player to win this season on The European Tour when leading or sharing the lead going into the final round. It was the 50th time in U.S. Open Championship that the 54 hole leader has go onto win the US Open Championship. It was only the third time in the last ten US Open Championships that the 54 hole leader has gone onto win. They are: Tiger Woods (USA) (2008), Rory McIlroy (NIR) (2011) and Martin Kaymer (Germany) (2014). His winning margin of eight shots is the biggest in the US Open Championship since Rory McIlroy (NIR) won by eight in 2011. His eight shot winning margin is the largest in a Major Championship since Rory McIlroy (NIR) at the 2012 US PGA Championship. His winning margin of eight shots is the equal fourth biggest in US Open Championship history. The biggest are: 15 (Tiger Woods (USA) in 2000), 11 (Willie Smith (Scotland) in 1899), nine (Jim Barnes (England) in 1921) and eight (Rory McIlroy (NIR) in 2011 and Martin Kaymer (Germany) in 2014).

His eighth shot winning margin is the largest on The European Tour in 2014, beating the seven by Lee Westwood (England) in the Maybank Malaysian Open. His eight shot winning margin is the largest on The European Tour since Charl Schwartzel (RSA) won the 2013 Alfred Dunhill Championship by 12. He was the 29th different non-American to win the US Open Championship. He was the 35th non-American victory in US Open Championship history. He was the eighth different European Tour Member to win the US Open Championship. They are: Ernie Els (RSA) (1994, 1997), Retief Goosen (RSA) (2001, 2004), Michael Campbell (NZL) (2005), Angel Cabrera (Argentina) (2007), Graeme McDowell (NIR) (2010), Rory McIlroy (NIR) (2011), Justin Rose (England) (2013) and Martin Kaymer (Germany) (2014). It was the tenth victory in the US Open Championship by European Tour Members overall. He becomes the 47th Major Championship victory by a European Tour Member since 1979. He becomes the fourth Continental European Tour player to record multiple Major Championship victories. They are: Seve Ballesteros (Spain) (five), Bernhard Langer (Germany), José Maria Olazábal (Spain) and now Martin Kaymer (Germany) (all two). He becomes the 13th different European Tour Member to record multiple Major Championships.

It was the 12th Major Championship won by a Continental European. He becomes the 79th different player 
to record multiple Major Championship victories. He becomes the 18th different player to win the US Open Championship and US PGA Championship. He becomes the first player since Rory McIlroy (NIR) (2011 US Open Championship and 2012 US PGA Championship), to make these two Majors their first two Major titles. It was the 65th German victory in European Tour history. He became the first German victory on The European Tour since Marcel Siem (Germany) at the 2013 Trophée Hassan II. It was his 20th professional win and second this season, following The Players’ Championship on the US PGA Tour.

He moves over €16 million in European Tour Official Career Earnings. He extends his European Tour exemption until the end of 2021. He gains a ten year exemption into the US Open Championship and five years into the Masters Tournament and Open Championship.(Already got a lifetime exemption into the US PGA Championship). He gains a place into the 2014 PGA Grand Slam of Golf and 2015 Volvo Golf Champions. (Already exempt into the 2014 WGC – Bridgestone Invitational and 2014 WGC – HSBC Champions). He moves to 240.77 in The Ryder Cup World Points List. He becomes the 12th European Tour win of the 2014 season by a former Challenge Tour player. They are: Morten Ørum Madsen (Denmark) (South African Open Championship hosted by the City of Ekurhuleni), Thomas Björn (Denmark) (Nedbank Golf Challenge), Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) (Volvo Golf Champions), Pablo Larrazábal (Spain) (Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship), Stephen Gallacher (Scotland) (Omega Dubai Desert Classic), Ross Fisher (England) (Tshwane Open), Marco Crespi (Italy) (NH Collection Open), Alexander Levy (France) (Volvo China Open) and Felipe Aguilar (Chile) (The Championship at Laguna National),  Daniel Brooks (England) (Madeira Islands Open – Portugal – BPI), Mikael Lundberg (Sweden) (Lyoness Open powered by Greenfinity) and Martin Kaymer (Germany) (US Open Championship). He becomes the 341st European Tour victory by a former Challenge Tour player. He becomes the sixth Major Championship victory by a former Challenge Tour player. They are:  Michael Campbell (NZL) (2005 US Open Championship), Trevor Immelman (RSA) (2008 Masters Tournament), Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) (2010 Open Championship) and Martin Kaymer (Germany) (2010 US PGA Championship, 2014 US Open Championship), and Justin Rose (England) (2013 US Open Championship).

Martin Kaymer (Germany) said he was so pleased to win the U.S. Open Championship on Father’s Day because his Father has had a big influence on his Golf Career. This is his second season playing on the USPGA Tour fulltime. He gained his full 2013 USPGA Tour card by winning the 2010 USPGA Championship which was his maiden Major Championship. But he had a poor 2013 season on the USPGA Tour by his standards with only earning US $882,937 from the 17 events he played in and he finished in 94th position on the final 2013 USPGA Tour Money list standings. He also plays the European Tour fulltime and has achieved ten wins already on that tour and here they are from the first to the most recent: 2008 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, 2008 BMW International Open, 2009 Open de France ALSTOM, 2009 The Barclays Scottish Open, 2010 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, 2010 US PGA CHAMPIONSHIP, 2010 KLM Open, 2010 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, 2011 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and the 2011 WGC - HSBC Champions. Now he has three wins on the USPGA Tour he will gain even more confidence and I feel he will have a good chance to win the third Major Championship of the year which is the Open Championship in July next month. I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2013/14 season. 

 

Martin Kaymer (Germany) poses with the U.S. Open Championship Trophy he won!!

Coming in tied for second position at 279-1 after 72 holes was Erik Compton (USA); he earned US $789,330 for his efforts and moved to 37th position on the current 2013/14 USPGA  Tour Money list standings with US $1,652,563 earned from the twenty events he has played to date this season so far. He also earned 270 FedEx Cup Points for his efforts and moved to 43rd position on the current 2013/14 FedEx Cup Points list standings with 724 points earned from the twenty events he has played to date this season so far. From the twenty events he has played to date this season so far he has made 14 cuts and achieved three top ten finishes which includes the one here. This was also his best finish in a Major Championship and also his best finish on the USPGA Tour so far to date in his career. He will be very happy with his second and third rounds that were in the high 60s but disappointed with his first and final rounds that were in low 70s. He will also be happy with this finish because prior to this event he had missed has last two cuts. With this finish he has secured his USPGA Tour card for the 2014/15 Season and he also gets an invitation to play in the 2015 Masters Tournament. Erik Compton (USA) has been playing the USPGA Tour Fulltime since the 2012 season where he finished in 163rd position on the USPGA Tour money list standings and failed to retain his tour card. He returned to qualifying school and finished in tied for seventh position to regain his card for 2013 season. He kept his card for the 2013/14 season. It is amazing to think that he has had two Heart Transplants in his life already which is a medical miracle. Let’s hope he can achieve his maiden USPGA Tour win soon?  I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2013/14 season. 

The final player to tied for second position was Rickie Fowler (USA); he too earned US $789,330 for his efforts and moved to 15th position on the current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $2,406,407 earned from the 19 events he has played to date this season so far. He also earned 270 FedEx Cup Points for his efforts and moved to twenty fifth position on the current 2013/14 FedEx Cup Points list standings with 941 points earned from the 19 events he has played to date this season so far. From the 19 events he has played to date this season so far he has made 12 cuts and achieved four top ten finishes which includes the one here. In the two Major Championships he has played in so far this year he has achieved two top five finishes and this was also his best ever finish in a Major Championship to date in his career so far. He will be happy with his first three rounds that were all at even and under par especially his third round of 67-3 which was the equal low round of the day, but will be disappointed with his final round of 72+2. He has been playing on the USPGA Tour as a full member since the 2010 season after gaining his card by finishing in tied for 15th position at the 2009 USPGA Tour Final Qualifying School. He has easily kept his card for the next season every season since. He won his maiden USPGA Tour event at the 2012 Wells Fargo Championship so he will be looking for his second win on the USPGA Tour this year and I would be surprised if it comes at the third Major Championship of the year which is the Open Championship next month. I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2013/14 season. 

Coming in tied for fourth position at 281+1 after 72 holes was Keegan Bradley (USA); he earned US $326,310 for his efforts and moved to twenty fifth position on the current USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $2,036,590 earned from the 17 events he has played to date this season so far. He also earned 115 FedEx Cup Points for his efforts and moved to twentieth position on the current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list standings with 982 points earned from the 17 events he has played to date this season so far. From the 17 events he has played to date this season so far he has made 14 cuts and achieved four top ten finishes which includes the one here. He will be happy with his first, second and final rounds that were all in the 60s but extremely disappointed with his third round that was 76+6 that cost him any chance he had of winning. Keegan Bradley (USA) has been playing on the USPGA Tour since the 2011 season after gaining his 2011 full USPGA Tour card by finishing in 14th position on the final 2010 Web.com Tour Money list standings with US $264,760 earned from the 28 events he played in. He had an amazing rookie season on the USPGA Tour in 2011 with earning US $3,758,600 from the 28 events he played in and that included making 18 cuts and achieving four top ten finishes and that included two wins and the first one was the HP Byron Nelson Championship and the second one was his maiden Major Championship which was the PGA Championship and he also won an unofficial event which was the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. He finished in 13th position on the final 2011 USPGA Tour Money list standings which was a fine effort by a rookie. He backed up his rookie season with another awesome season in 2012 where he earned US $ 3,910,658 from the 25 events he played in and finished in tenth position on the final 2012 USPGA Tour Money list standings. That included making 21 cuts and achieving five top ten finishes which included his third win which came at the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational. He also played his first Ryder Cup for the USA against Europe. He has just had an amazing last two seasons on the USPGA Tour and it continued in 2013 with him earning US $3,636,813 from the twenty five events he played in and he finished in eleventh position on the final 2013 USPGA Tour Money list standings. He also made his rookie appearance in the Presidents Cup which he played excellently for the victorious Team USA. I’m sure his fourth win isn’t too far off? He now has career USPGA Tour earnings of US $13,153,661 from the 94 events he has played so far in his USPGA Tour Career which is just amazing!! I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2013/14 season. 

Also tied for fourth position was Jason Day (Australia); he too earned US $326,310 for his efforts and moved to 17th position on the current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $2,362,090 earned from the six events he has played to date this season so far. He also earned 115 FedEx Cup Points for his efforts and moved to twenty seventh position on the current 2013/14 FedEx Cup Points list standings with 913 points earned from the six events he has played to date this season so far. From the six events he has played to date this season so far he has made six cuts and achieved three top ten finishes which includes the one here and also his win at the World Golf Championship – Accenture Match play Championship in late February. He will be happy with his second and final rounds that were both 68-2 but disappointed with his first and third rounds that were in the early 70s. He has only played six events this year due to a thumb injury that has caused him to have rehab time. He has won twice on the USPGA Tour with his maiden win coming at the 2010 HP Byron Nelson Championship. He had three top ten finishes in the four Major Championships last year and here they are: Solo third at the Masters Tournament in April; tied for second at the 113th US Open Championship in June; tied for 32nd at the 142nd Open Championship in July and tied for eighth at the 95th PGA Championship. So far in his career his has amassed earnings of US $16,190,446 from the 142 events he has played in so far in his USPGA Tour career. I feel his third win on the USPGA Tour could well be a Major Championship and perhaps it will come at the Open Championship in July next month? I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2013/14 USPGA Tour season. 

Also tied for fourth position was Brooks Koepka (USA); he too earned US $326,310 for his efforts but because he isn’t a current member of the USPGA Tour he doesn’t get a current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list ranking. He also earned 115 FedEx Cup Points for his efforts but because he isn’t a current member of the USPGA Tour he doesn’t get a current 2013/14 FedEx Cup Points list ranking. From the 12 events he has played on the USPGA Tour to date so far this season he has made eight cuts and this was his second top ten finish he has achieved so far on the USPGA Tour in 2013/14 season with his first coming at the Frys.com Open in October last year where he had a tied for third finish. He will be happy with his first two rounds this week that were at even par and under par especially his second round which was 68-2 but will be only content with his final two rounds that were in the early 70s. This finish this week was also his first top ten finish in a Major Championship. He has already earned US $857,293 from the 12 events he has played so far this season on the USPGA Tour and with it is highly likely he will gain more starts in the weeks to come and he has already secured his 2014/15 USPGA Tour card without even having to go through the Web.com Tour. Brooks Koepka (USA) turned professional in mid 2012 and began playing on the Challenge Tour in Europe. He won his first event in September 2012 at the Challenge de Catalunya. In 2013 he had his second victory on the Challenge Tour, winning the 2013 Montecchia Golf Open. He followed this a month later with his third win, the Fred Olsen Challenge de Espana, where he set the tournament record, 260 (−24), and won by a record 10 strokes. Three weeks later he had his third win of the year at the Scottish Hydro Challenge. With those three wins, he earned his European Tour card for the remainder of the 2013 season and for the full 2014 season. The day after his third Challenge Tour win of 2013, Brooks Koepka (USA) qualified for the 2013 Open Championship. Brooks Koepka (USA) made his debut as a member of the European Tour (he played in three events prior to promotion to membership) at the Scottish Open, finishing Tied for 12th. I wish him every continuing success for the rest of the 2014 season for whatever tour he chooses to play on. 

Also tied for fourth position was Dustin Johnson (USA); he too earned US $326,310 for his efforts and remained in third position on the current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $4,072,230 earned from the 14 events he has played to date this season so far. He also earned 115 FedEx Cup Points for his efforts and remained in fourth position on the current 2013/14 FedEx Cup Points list standings with 1,666 points earned from the 14 events he has played to date this season so far. From the 14 events he has played to date this season so far he has made 12 cuts and achieved seven top ten finishes which includes the one here. He will be happy with his first three rounds that were 69-1, 69-1 and 70 even par but disappointed with his final round 73+3. Dustin Johnson (USA) has been playing on the USPGA Tour fulltime since he qualified for the USPGA Tour by finishing in tied for 14th position at the 2007 PGA TOUR Qualifying Tournament and he has retained his full playing status on the USPGA Tour every season since and earned at least US $1.7million every season since. He has also won eight events on the USPGA Tour to date so far in his career and here they are from the first to the most recent: 2008 Turning Stone Resort Championship, 2009 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, 2010 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, BMW Championship, 2011 The Barclays, 2012 FedEx St. Jude Classic, 2013 Hyundai Tournament of Champions and the 2013/14 WGC – HSBC Champions. He has also amassed US $23,980,114 in career earnings to date from the 155 events he has played so far in his career and he made the cut in all four Major Championships last season and here were his results: tied for 13th position at the Masters Tournament in April; solo 55th position at the 113th US Open Championship in June; tied for 32nd at the 142nd Open Championship in July and tied for eighth position at the 95th PGA Championship in August. I feel now he is ready to win a Major Championship and it may well happen at the Open Championship in July next month. I wish him all the best for the rest of 2013/14 season. 

The final player to tie for fourth position was Henrik Stenson (Sweden); he too earned US $326,310 for his efforts and moved to 66th position on the current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $1,026,183 earned from the nine events he has played to date this season so far. He also earned 115 FedEx Cup Points for his efforts and moved to 85th position on the current 2013/14 FedEx Cup Points list standings with 461 points earned from the nine events he has played to date this season so far. From the nine events he has played to date this season so far he has made eight cuts and achieved two top ten finishes which includes the one here. He will be happy with his first three rounds that were 69-1, 69-1 and 70 even par but disappointed with his final round 73+3. Henrik Stenson (Sweden) has been playing the USPGA Tour for the past three season’s fulltime after he gained his full USPGA Tour card by winning the 2009 Players Championship. He had his career best season to date in the 2013 USPGA Tour season. He has now won four USPGA Tour events in his career so far to date and they all have been huge tournaments which include the 2007 World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship, 2009 THE PLAYERS Championship, 2013 Deutsche Bank Championship and the Tour Championship by Coca - Cola. I feel he is a good enough player to win a Major Championship and it will happen in the next few years and perhaps it will happen at the Open Championship next month? Last year he won the 2013 FedEx Cup and he really sent a message to the rest of the professional golf world that he had arrived and will be a real force in the years to come. I feel the way the FedEx Cup is set up now it proves the best player in the four FedEx Cup Playoff Series events will win the FedEx Cup and Henrik Stenson (Sweden) proved that last year. I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2014/13 season. 

Rounding out the top ten in tied for ninth position at 282+2 after 72 holes was the current World Number One Golfer, Adam Scott (Australia); he earned US $211,715 for his efforts and moved to tenth position on the current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $2,733,165 earned from the ten events he has played to date this season so far. He also earned 82 FedEx Cup Points for his efforts and moved to 12th position on the current 2013/14 FedEx Cup Points list standings 1,230 points earned from the ten events he has played to date this season so far. From the ten events he has played to date this season so far he has made ten cuts and achieved six top ten finishes which includes the one here and also his win at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial last month. He will be happy with his second and fourth rounds that were in the 60s but disappointed with his first and third rounds which were both 73+3. Adam Scott (Australia) has been playing on the USPGA Tour fulltime since the 2003 season and has kept his card for the next season every season since. In that time he has amassed career earnings of US $35,932,230 earned from the 223 events he has played to date so far in his career. He has also won eleven times on the USPGA Tour to date in his career so far and here they are from the first to the most recent: 2003 Deutsche Bank Championship, 2004 THE PLAYERS Championship, Booz Allen Classic, 2005 Nissan Open (The 2005 Nissan Open was shortened to 36 holes due to rain. Adam Scott (Australia) defeated Chad Campbell (USA) on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff. Due to the event's length, this win is not officially recognized), 2006 THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola, 2007 Shell Houston Open, 2008 EDS Byron Nelson Championship, 2010 Valero Texas Open, 2011 World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational, 2013 Masters Tournament (Maiden Major Championship), The Barclays and the 2014 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. He had the best record of any player in the four Major Championships in 2013 with winning the Masters Tournament in April; tying for 45th position at the 113th US Open Championship in June; tying for third at the 142nd Open Championship in July and tying for fifth at the 95th PGA Championship in August. He has proved over the last few years that he has one of the solid and most consistent Golf Swings on the USPGA Tour that can stand up to the intense pressures that the USPGA Tour throws at the players week in and week out. He will be one of the favourites for the Open Championship next month. I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2013/14 USPGA Tour season.

Also tied for ninth position was Jimmy Walker (USA); he too earned US $211,715 for his efforts and remained in second position on the current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $4,933,790 earned from the 19 events he has played to date this season so far. He also earned 82 FedEx Cup Points for his efforts and remained at the top of the current 2013/14 FedEx Cup Points standings list as he has all season with 2,322 points earned from the 19 events he has played to date this season so far. From the 19 events he has played to date this season so far he has made 17 cuts and achieved eight top ten finishes which includes the one here and also his three wins with his maiden USPGA Tour win that came at the Frys.com Open in mid October last year and his second win at the Sony Open in Hawaii in early January and his third win in early February at the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro – Am. He will be happy with his first and final rounds that were 70 even par and 69-1 but just content with his second and third rounds that were in the low 70s. His play he has displayed so far this season on the USPGA Tour proves to me that he is now a real force on the USPGA Tour and will more than likely play himself onto the Ryder Cup Team for Team USA in late September in Scotland this year. Jimmy Walker (USA) is just having a dream 2013/14 USPGA Tour season with getting three wins already in his first 19 starts. He has also achieved two top ten finishes in the first two Major Championships this year. Jimmy Walker (USA) has been playing on the USPGA Tour fulltime for the last five seasons easily keeping his card each season. In his last two seasons on the USPGA Tour he has made at least one million US dollars in each. He now gets to play in the Open Championship next month and the USPGA Championship in mid August. This good play will also give him heaps of confidence to know now he truly belongs out here and it shows that all the perseverance and hard work he has put in during his career to date has paid off. I hope he can have many more top five finishes before the season is over and perhaps even win a WGC – Event or even a Major Championship? I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2013/14 season.

The final player to tie for ninth position was Brandt Snedeker (USA); he too earned US $211,715 for his efforts and moved to 78th position on the current 2013/14 USPGA Tour Money list standings with US $888,750 earned from the 16 events he has played to date this season so far. He also earned 82 FedEx Cup Points for his efforts and moved to 96th position on the current 2013/14 FedEx Cup Points list standings with 417 points earned from the 16 events he has played to date this season so far. From the 16 events he has played to date this season so far he has made 13 cuts and achieved two top ten finishes which includes the one here. He would be very happy with his first and second rounds that were 68-2 but disappointed with his third and final rounds that were in the early 70s. He has had a rather average 2013/14 season on the USPGA Tour by his high standards and this top ten finish maybe just what he needs to boost his confidence. Brandt Snedeker (USA) has been playing on the USPGA Tour fulltime since the 2007 season and he has easily kept his card every year for the following season every year since and he has achieved six wins in that time and here they are from the first to the most recent: 2007 Wyndham Championship, 2011 The Heritage, 2012 Farmers Insurance Open, TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola, 2013 AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and the RBC Canadian Open. In 2012 he won the FedEx Cup and the Ten Million Dollar Bonus that goes with it. I feel he is destined to win a Major Championship before his career is over, maybe it will happen in the 2013/14 season and perhaps it could happen at the third Major Championship of the year at the Open Championship next month? I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2013/14 season.

The low Amateur Golfer was Matthew Fitzpatrick (England) (Amateur) who was the only amateur in the field to make the cut. He scored rounds of 71+1, 73+3, 78+8 and a very good final round of 69-1 for a 72 hole total of 291+11 to tie for 48th position. He announced earlier in the week that he was turning professional after this event and his first event as a professional will be the Irish Open on the European Tour this week. 

Steve Alker (NZL) was the only New Zealander in the field and he scored rounds of 76+6 in the first round then followed it up with another 76+6 in the second round for a 36 hole total of 152+12 to miss the 36 hole cut by seven shots. Because he isn’t a current member of the USPGA Tour he doesn’t get a current 2013/14 Money list or FedEx Cup standings ranking. He will be disappointed with this performance after his win on the Web.com Tour last week. Let’s hope he can have more wins on the Web.com Tour in the weeks to come? I wish him all the best for the rest of the 2014 season. 

Next week the USPGA Tour and FedEx Cup heads to Connecticut for the Travelers Championship and it is played on the TPC River Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut. It carries a huge prize purse of US $6,200,000 for the taking. Ken Duke (USA) is the defending Champion and will be keen to defend his title. Danny Lee (NZL) and Tim Wilkinson (NZL) are also likely to get starts. It starts on Thursday 19th June. I will report back who won the trophy next week.

So to the Top 5 on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list this week and coming in at Number One Position for the fifth week of his career and also becomes the 17th player to achieve the Number One Official Golf Ranking is Adam Scott (Australia) who is fresh off his tied for ninth finish this past week at the 114th U.S. Open Championship and also winning the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial three weeks ago with 9.24 Official Golf World Ranking Points; coming in at Number Two is Henrik Stenson (Sweden) who won the Tour Championship by Coca – Cola and also the 2013 FedEx Cup over eight months ago and won DP World Tour Championship, Dubai and the 2013 Race to Dubai Title 29 weeks ago and this past week finished in tied for fourth position at the 114th U.S. Open Championship with 8.01 Official Golf World Ranking Points; coming in at Number Three is Bubba Watson (USA) who is fresh off his missed cut at the 114th U.S. Open Championship this past week with 7.28 Official Golf World Ranking Points; coming in at Number Four is Tiger Woods (USA) who is fresh off his tied for twenty fifth position at the WGC – Cadillac Championship 13 weeks ago with 7.07 Official Golf World Ranking Points; and rounding out the top 5 on the Official Golf World Ranking Points list this week is Matt Kuchar (USA) who is fresh of his tied for 12th position at the 114th U.S. Open Championship this past week with 7.06 Official Golf World Ranking Points. Michael Hendry (NZL) is in his ninth week of his second spell of being the highest ranked New Zealand Golfer in the world after his tied for twenty first finish at the PGA Championship Nissin Cup noodles Cup 2014 one week ago which was the sixth event on Japanese soil for the 2014 Japan Golf Tour season. This week he slips five places and falls to 236th position on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list with 0.76 Official Golf World Ranking Points. 

Remember golf is an 18 hole game so if you get off to a poor start you can recover!!

Source: Pgatour.com, Official World Golf Rankings, wikipedia.org, Google search engine