Golf Events from the Weekend 11th December 2011

Well it was another exciting weekend from the Golf Tournaments from all over the World. First I will start with the European Tour and the finale to the Race to Dubai which was the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World and it was played on the Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. And it was the Golfer by the name of Alvaro Quiros (Spain) that scored rounds of 68-4, 64-8, 70-2 and a final round of 67-5 for a 72 hole total of 269-19 and won by 2strokes. He won the huge first prize winners cheque of € 922,645.41 for his efforts. He moved to 6th position on the final 2011 Race to Dubai Money list with € 2,259,242 earned from the 23 events he played this year and he only missed 3 cuts. And € 332,152.35 of the money he won was Race to Dubai Bonus Pool money for finishing inside the top 15 on the final Race to Dubai Money list. Luke Donald (England) won the Race to Dubai Money List with €5,323,400 earned from the 13 events he played in. I will mention more about his amazing feat he achieved later.

Alvaro Quiros (Spain) played a great final round after leading by 2 strokes after 54 holes. He scored a final round of 67-5 which included a front nine of 34-2, with birdies on the Par 4, 1st hole, Par 5, 2nd hole, Par 4, 3rd hole, Par 4, 5th hole and Par 5, 7th hole. But he made poor bogeys on the Par 3, 4th hole, Par 3, 6th hole and Par 4, 9th hole. He had a brilliant back nine of 33-3 that included a birdie on the Par 5, 14th hole, he came to the 18th hole with a one stroke lead at -17 over Luke Donald (England) who had finished on -16 and Paul Lawrie (Scotland) who was also -16 who he was playing with. He hit the Par 5, 18th hole in 2 shots and was left with a 30 foot putt for eagle. Paul Lawrie (Scotland) had knocked his 3rd shot with his wedge into 7feet from the hole. So Alvaro Quiros (Spain) knew that he had to 2 putt for the win. But he went one better and holed his 30 foot putt for eagle to win by 2 strokes. Alvaro Quiros (Spain) then danced about in celebration.

Alvaro Quiros (Spain) holding the Dubai World Championship presented by DP trophy he won

It was Alvaro Quiros (Spain) sixth European Tour International Schedule victory in his 119th European Tour event. He moves to €2,259,242 in The Race to Dubai. This is his highest single-season earnings. It was his second victory of the 2011 European Tour season, following the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. And he would record multiple victories in the same season for the first time in his career. Alvaro Quiros (Spain) moves into the top 20 of the Official World Golf Ranking, from 52nd. He becomes the 11th multiple winner of the season. They are: Luke Donald (England) (WGC – Accenture Match Play Championship, BMW PGA Championship and Barclays Scottish Open), Thomas Björn (Denmark) (Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy, Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles and Omega European Masters), Charl Schwartzel (Joburg Open and Masters Tournament), Martin Kaymer (Germany) (Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and WGC – HSBC Champions), Darren Clarke (NIR) (Iberdrola Open and The 140th Open Championship), Alex Noren (Sweden)  (Saab Wales Open and Nordea Masters), Simon Dyson (England) (Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland and KLM Open), Michael Hoey (NIR) (Madeira Islands Open and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship), Sergio Garcia (Spain) (Castelló Masters and Andalucía Masters), Rory McIlroy (NIR) (US Open Championship and UBS Hong Kong Open) and Alvaro Quiros (Spain) (Omega Dubai Desert Classic and Dubai World Championship presented by DP World).

This victory is his third Desert title from his six European Tour triumphs overall, including three of his last four wins. They are: 2009 Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy, 2011 Omega Dubai Desert Classic and 2011 Dubai World Championship presented by DP World. He makes European Tour history by becoming the first player to win three different European Tour events in the Desert. They are: Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy, Omega Dubai Desert Classic and Dubai World Championship presented by DP World. This victory comes in his third appearance in the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World. He was tied 42nd in 2009, tied third in 2010 and first in 2011. He joins Ernie Els (RSA) (2005 Dubai Desert Classic and 2005 Qatar Masters), as the only players to win consecutive European Tour events in the Desert, having won the 2011 Omega Dubai Desert Classic. Alvaro Quiros (Spain) continues his wonderful record in recent years in European Tour events in the Desert. Since the start of the 2009 season he has played in 13 events in the Middle East, winning three and finishing in the top ten in eight of the 13. This win is the sixth Spanish victory of the 2011 season. They are: Pablo Martin (Spain) (Alfred Dunhill Championship (Dec 2010), Alvaro Quiros (Spain) (Omega Dubai Desert Classic and Dubai World Championship presented by DP World), Pablo Larrazabal (Spain) (BMW International Open) and Sergio Garcia (Spain) (Castelló Masters and Andalucía Masters). It was the 163rd Spanish victory in European Tour history. It was Alvaro Quiros (Spain) seventh win as a professional. He has now won €5 million in European Tour Official Career Earnings. He gains a five year European Tour exemption until the end of the 2016 season. This is his largest European Tour prize of €922,645. And finally gains a place in the 2012 Masters Tournament (as a result of moving back into the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking by the end of 2011), the 2012 US Open Championship and 2012 Open Championship, as a result of his finishing position in The Race to Dubai and the three World Golf Championship events.

I hope Alvaro Quiros (Spain) can build on this win and Achieve even better things in the 2012 European Tour season with perhaps even a Major Win? I wish him all the best with his golf career in the future. Coming in at solo 2nd position at 271-17 after 72 holes was the 1999 Open Champion, Paul Lawrie (Scotland), he earned € 615,094 for his efforts and end up in 18th position on the final Race to Dubai European Tour Money list with € 1,142,013 earned from the 24 events he played in. It ended a fine season for him in which he won the Open de Andalucía de Golf by Turkish Airlines in late March ending a 9 year winless drought. I hope he can continue on his great form in 2012 on the European Tour.

In solo 3rd position at 272-16 after 72 holes was Luke Donald (England) he won € 359,831.71 for his weeks work and also a share of € 1,107,174.49 from the Race to Dubai Bonus Pool Money for finishing top of the Race to Dubai Money List and his final earnings on that list were € 5,323,400 from the 13 events he played in. He achieved 3 wins that included the WGC – Accenture Match Play Championship, BMW PGA Championship, Barclays Scottish Open. He was Runner up in the Volvo World Match Play Championship, WGC – Bridgestone Invitational. He had 5 other top 10 finishes which included a tie for 3rd at the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World, a tie for 4th at the Masters Tournament, a tied for 6th at the WGC – Cadillac Championship, a tie for 8th at the US PGA Championship and a tied for 9th at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. The money he won on average per event was €324,325 (excluding Bonus Pool). He had a stroke average of 69.12 strokes per round. He was a total of -90 under par for the 41 rounds of stroke play he played. And 37 of those rounds were par or better. And 27 of those rounds were under par and 22 of those under par rounds being in the 60’s. Luke Donald (England) becomes the European Tour Number One for the first time. He becomes the first player to be Number One on The European Tour and the US PGA Tour Money lists in the same season. He becomes the fifth Englishman to win the Harry Vardon Trophy since The European Tour’s first season in 1972. He follows: Peter Oostherhuis (England) (1972, 73, 74), Sir Nick Faldo (England) (1983, 92), Lee Westwood (England) (2000, 09) and Justin Rose (England) (2007). And finally became the World Number One when he won the BMW PGA Championship in May and has been there for 30 consecutive weeks by the final ranking of 2011. It has also been a very happy year for him on and off the course when just last month his wife Diane gave birth to their 2nd child Sophia Ann Donald, but sadness struck a few days before with the death of Luke Donald’s (England) Father. And this coming week he is heading down to Melbourne, Australia to play in the JBWere Masters. And he won the USPGA Tour Player of the Year title. So it will be great for the Australians to see the World Number 1 play in the flesh. The only thing Luke Donald (England) is lacking now is a Major Championship, but I believe he will win a Major next year. I know he will continue the great form he displayed in 2011 in 2012 on both the USPGA Tour and the European Tour. I wish him all the best in the future as well.

Luke Donald (England) is presented the Race to Dubai Trophy from George O'Grady from the European Tour

In solo 4th position was Peter Hanson (Sweden), he scored 274-14 after 72 holes and earned € 276,793.62 for his efforts. His final position on the Race to Dubai Money list for 2011 was 13th with € 1,500,590 earned from the 24 events he played in and € 166,076.17 of the money he won was Race to Dubai Bonus Pool money for finishing inside the top 15 on the final Race to Dubai Money list. In solo 5th position was Charl Schwartzel (RSA), he scored 275-13 after 72 holes and won € 221,434.90 for his weeks work. His final position on the Race to Dubai Money list for 2011 was 4th and he earned € 2,929,829 from the 18 events he played in which included 2 wins. And € 442,869.80 of the money he won was Race to Dubai Bonus Pool money for finishing inside the top 15 on the final Race to Dubai Money list.

Tied for 6th position at 276-12 after 72 holes were Francesco Molinari (Italy), he earned € 170,290.82 for his weeks work and his final position on the 2011 Race to Dubai Money list was 21st with € 1,087,852 earned from the 22 events he played in. Also tied for 6th position was Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) who too earned € 170,290.82 for his weeks work. He finished in 15th position on the final Race to Dubai Money list with € 1,409,126 earned from the 22 events he played in and € 138,396.81 of the money he won was Race to Dubai Bonus Pool money for finishing inside the top 15 on the final Race to Dubai Money list. In tied for 8th position at 277-11 after 72 holes was Shane Lowry (Ireland), he won € 143,932.68 for his weeks work and he finished in 41st position on the final Race to Dubai Money list with € 764,778 earned from the 25 events he played in. Also tied for 8th position was Robert Rock (England) he too earned € 143,932.68 for his weeks work and finished in 34th position on the final Race to Dubai Money list with € 818,014 earned from the 32 events he played in.

Rounding out the top 10 in solo 10th position at 278-10 after 72 holes was Pablo Larrazabal (Spain), he won € 127,325.07 for his weeks work and finished in 17th position on the final Race to Dubai Money list with € 1,183,040 earned from the 33 events he played in.

So that brought an end to the Race to Dubai European Tour season for 2011 with the 52 tournaments being completed and it travelled through 29 different Destinations. The European Tour has turned into the World Golf Tour. The European Tour now takes a break until early January where it will begin the 2012 Race to Dubai season in South Africa.   

The second tournament I am reporting on this week is the Franklin Templeton Shootout and it was played on the Tiburon GC, Naples, Florida. It is a unique Tournament where 12 two man teams play the first round Modified Alternate Shot - 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 then play alternate shots until the ball is holed. Second Round, Better Ball - 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. Final Round, 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. And it was the Team of Keegan Bradley (USA)/Brendan Steele (USA) who scored 63-9 in the first round Modified Alternate Shot, 62-10 in the Second Round, Better Ball and 59-13 in the Final Round, Scramble for a 54 hole total of 184-32 and won by 3 strokes in their very first attempt.

Keegan Bradley (USA) in action during the final round

They both combined very well as a team and proved why Keegan Bradley (USA) had won the Rookie of the Year title on the USPGA Tour for the 2011 season. They both won $US 375,000 for their efforts which just adds to their bank balances for 2011. They just played too steady on the back nine for all the other teams that were chasing them with making lots of birdies and the odd eagle. Coming in tied for  2nd place, 3 strokes back at 187-29 after 72 holes was Rory Sabbatini (RSA) & Jhonattan Vegas (Venezuela), they came home strong in the final round scoring 60-12 and they won each $US 187,500. Also tied for 2nd place was two Champions Tour Golfers by the names of Mark Calcavecchia (USA) & Nick Price (Zimbabwe). They too won each $US 187,500 for their efforts. Coming in at tied for 4th position on 188-28 after 54 holes were Charles Howell III (USA) & Justin Leonard (USA) and they scored the equal best final round of 58-14, they each won $US 102,500 for their efforts. Also tied for 4th position were Jerry Kelly (USA) & Steve Stricker (USA), they too each won $US 102,500 for their efforts and they record an awesome final round of 59-13.There were 4 teams tied for 6th position on 190-26 after 54 holes and they were Rickie Fowler (USA) & Camilo Villegas (Columbia), Stewart Cink (USA) & Bo Van Pelt (USA) who too scored the equal best final round of 58-14. Chad Campbell (USA) & Chris DiMarco (USA) and they too had an awesome final round of 59-13. And the final team to tie for 6th position was Kenny Perry (USA) & Scott Stallings (USA), all these 4 teams earned $US 81,875 each for their efforts.

In solo 10th position at 191-25 after 54 holes were the team of Jason Dufner  (USA) & Sean O’Hair (USA). They won each $US75,000  for their efforts. In solo 11th Position at 192-24 after 54 holes were the Tournament host Greg Norman  (Australia) & Scott McCarron (USA), they each earned $US 72,500 for their efforts. And getting the wooden spoon for coming last out of 12 teams and in solo 12th position on 193-23 after 54 holes were Anthony Kim (USA) & Webb Simpson (USA) and they won $US 70,000 each for their efforts.

The USPGA Tour now takes a break to early January 2012 where it will recommence on the Thursday 5th January for the Hyundai Tournament of Champions and it is being played at the Plantation Course at Kapalua, Kapalua, Maui, Hawaii. It is only for the players that won a tournament on the USPGA Tour in 2011. It carries a huge prize purse of $US 5,600,000. Jonathan Byrd (USA) is the defending Champion and will be looking to win back to back titles. I will report back who won next year.    

Now to the Top 5 players on the Official World Golf Rankings. Coming in at Number One for the 29th week in a row is Luke Donald (England) with 10.29 Official World Golf Ranking Points, coming in at Number Two is Rory McILroy (NIR) with 8.00 Official World Golf Ranking Points, coming in at Number Three is Lee Westwood (England) with 7.81 Official World Golf Ranking Points, coming in at Number Four is Martin Kaymer (Germany) with 6.78 Official World Golf Ranking Points and rounding out the Top 5 is Adam Scott (Australia) with 5.66 Official World Golf Ranking Points. Tiger Woods (USA) this week slips one place to 22nd on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list with 3.69 Official World Golf Ranking Points. Danny Lee (NZL) is still the highest ranked New Zealander in the World. This week he slips 1 place to be at 157th position on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list with 1.16 Official World Golf Ranking Points.

The third tournament I am reporting on this week is the Final Qualifying Stage of the European Tour which was 108 Holes, and it was played on the PGA Cataluyna Resort, Girona, Spain. And it was the Golfer by the name of David Dixon (England) that was the medallist at the Final Qualifying Stage of the European Tour. He scored rounds of 74, 65, 63, 69, 67 and a final round of 69 for an 108 hole total of 407-21 and won by 1 stroke. He won € 16,000.00 for the win and will be playing on the European Tour and Race to Dubai in 2012. He regained his European Tour Card back for another year after finishing in 139th position with € 175,108 earned from the 31 events he played on the 2011 European Tour, Race to Dubai season (Only the Top 115 players kept their full playing Status for the 2012 European Tour Season). He played a solid final round with scoring 69-3. He went out in a front nine of 36 even par with birdies on the Par 4, 1st hole and Par 4, 2nd hole but suffered a poor double bogey on the Par 4, 9th hole. He came in with a back nine of 33-3 that included two eagles, one on the Par 5, 12th and the other one on the Par 5, 16th hole. He added a couple of birdies as well, one on the Par 3, 11th hole and the other one on the Par 3, 16th hole. He made bogey on the Par 4, 10th hole and had a poor double bogey on the Par 4, 13th hole.

David Dixon (England) holding the Medallist trophy he won for winning the European Tour Qualifying School

So I feel he will have a much better 2012 season on the European Tour and he will be looking to put some good performances in on the early tournaments in South Africa in early January. And he has already won a European Tour Event back in 2008 when he won the SAINT-OMER OPEN presented by NEUFLIZE OBC. I wish David Dixon (England) lots of success on the European Tour and Race to Dubai in 2012.

In solo 2nd place on 408-20 after 108 holes was Sam Hutsby (England). In solo 3rd place on 409-19 after 108 holes was Andy Sullivan (England). In solo 4th place on 410-18 after 108 holes was Richard Bland (England). In tied for 5th place on 411-17 after 108 holes were Steven O’Hara (Scotland) and Jordi Garcia (Spain). In solo 7th place on 412-16 after 108 holes was Knut Borsheim (Norway). In tied for 8th place on 413-15 after 108 holes were Gary Orr (Scotland) and Emiliano Grillo (Argentina) and rounding out the top 10 in tied for 10th position at 414-14 after 108 holes were Guillaume Cambis (France) and Branden Grace (RSA).

The cut off for a 2012 European Tour Card came at 421-7 after 108 holes and 37 Golfers achieved that mark and now have full playing Status on the 2012 European Tour and Race to Dubai. Here are the remaining 26 Golfers that qualified: Joakim Lagergren (Sweden), Thomas Norret (Denmark), Matthew Nixon (England), Bernd Ritthammer (Germany), Warren Abery (RSA), Lloyd Kennedy (England), Darren Fichardt (RSA), Adrien Bernadet (France), Mikael Lundberg (Sweden), Agustin Domingo (Spain), Julien Guerrier (France), Adrian Otaegui (Spain), Matthew Southgate (England), Wil Besseling (Netherlands), Peter Gustafsson (Sweden), Reinier Saxton (Netherlands), Alex Haindl (Netherlands), Scott Pinckney (USA), Tjaart Van Der Walt (RSA), Tim Sluiter (Netherlands), HP Bacher (Austria), Jamie Elson (England), Victor Riu (France), Taco Remkes (Netherlands), Maarten Lafeber (Netherlands) and Andrew Marshall (England).

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So until my next Golf Blog next week remember a smooth putting stroke will hole more short putts!

Source: pgatour.com, europeantour.com

Golf Events from the Weekend 4th December 2011

Well it was another great weekend of golf from the Professional Golf events from all over the world. First I will start with the PGA Tour of Australasia and this week it travelled to New Zealand for the 93rd BMW NZ Open hosted by Christchurch which was played at the Clearwater Golf Resort in Christchurch. And the player that won the Brodie Breeze Trophy and the $AU 72, 000 first prize winners cheque was Brad Kennedy (Australia) who scored rounds of 68-4, 71-1, 68-4 and a final round of 74+2 for a 72 hole total 281+7 after 72 holes, but he was tied on that score by Craig Parry (Australia) who scored rounds of 70-2, 69-3, 73+1 and 69-3 for a 72 holes total of 281-7 and those two players were headed back to the 18th hole for the 1st playoff hole.

So to the first playoff hole and it was decided that Craig Parry (Australia) would have the honour by the PGA Tour of Australasia rules official. He hit his tee shot well to the right of the fairway and landed it in the right hand fairway Bunker. Brad Kennedy (Australia) then hit his drive well and it landed in the first cut of rough on the left side of the fairway. Craig Parry (Australia) played his second shot first and hit it fat and it rolled in to the rough on the left hand side of the fairway just short of the water. Brad Kennedy (Australia) hit a similar shot to the one he hit in regulation play and left his ball 30 feet below the cup. Craig Parry (Australia) then hit a stunning pitch shot from a very difficult lie which nearly went in the hole and settled 8feet past the cup. Brad Kennedy (Australia) now had his 30 foot birdie putt to win his first NZ Open and the biggest title of his career to date. He calmed his nerve and rolled it straight in the middle of the cup.

Brad Kennedy (Australia) with the Brodie Breeze Trophy he won

Brad Kennedy (Australia) won $AU 72, 000 for his first prize winners cheque and moves to 8th position on the PGA Tour of Australasia 2011 Money list with $AU 102,500.00 earned to date this year so far with one event remaining. Greg Chalmers (Australia) still is number one on the list with $AU 540,000.00. It was Brad Kennedy (Australia) second win on the PGA Tour of Australasia having won the 2010 John Hughes Geely Nexus Risk Services WA Open as his maiden one. And it was the biggest win of Brad Kennedy’s (Australia) playing career. After playing the Asian Tour for a while early in his career and having limited success he decided just to the play the PGA Tour of Australasia the last few years. And with this win it may well lift his confidence and he might try to re qualify for the Asian Tour or the One Asia Tour. He played an average final round of 74+2, which included a front nine of 38+2 with a birdie on the Par 4, 7th hole but he made 3 poor bogeys on the Par 3, 3rd hole, Par 4, 6th hole and Par 3, 9th hole. But he played an extremely steady back nine with paring every hole to score 36 even par. And as I mentioned above he won the playoff. I hope Brad Kennedy (Australia) can finish off the year well with another high finish in the JBWere Masters which is being played in two weeks time to finish off the 2011 PGA Tour of Australasia. I wish him well for 2012 with whatever tour he chooses to play on.

Craig Parry (Australia) would be disappointed with his 2nd place finish because the way he played the 1st 17 holes in the final round was just awesome. He scored 69-3 in the final round and that included a front nine 34-2, he eagled the Par 5, 2nd hole where he chipped in from the front fringe. Then he birdied the Par 3, 9th hole, but had a silly bogey on the Par 4, 1st hole. He started the back nine brilliantly with birdies at the Par 5, 10th hole and Par 3, 11th holes. He then added another birdie at the Par 5, 14th hole to get to -9. He pared the next 3 holes and went to the 72 hole at -9 with a 2 stroke lead over the field. He hit a poor drive off the tee that landed in the left hand rough. Then he hit the worst shot of the whole tournament for him when he pulled his 2nd shot into the water on the left. He took his penalty drop and played a good 4th shot pitch to about 15 feet underneath the hole. And now had the bogey putt to win the tournament out right but it just missed on the left hand side. So he made a double bogey 6 and came home in 35-1. And as I mentioned above he lost the playoff to Brad Kennedy (Australia). Craig Parry (Australia) is now in 17th position on the PGA Tour of Australasia 2011 Money list with $AU 42,686.63 earned so far this year to date.

Josh Geary (NZL) was the highest placed New Zealand Golfer in the Tournament. He scored rounds of 71-1, 68-4, 71-1 and a final round of 72 even par for a 72 hole total of 282-6 and he finished in solo 3rd position. His erratic driving in the final round let him down at the crucial moments. He scored a 72 even par in the final round that included a front nine of 36 even par with a birdie 2 on the Par 3, 9th hole, but had a poor bogey 5 on the Par 4, 8th hole. He played the back nine in 36 even par as well, with birdies on the Par 4, 15th and Par 3, 16th holes. But had poor bogeys on the Par 4, 12th and Par 4, 18th holes. The one on the Par 4, 18th hole was extremely disappointing because he was taking a 3 wood for accuracy and hooked it into the water hazard on the left hand side. He took his penalty drop and hit a fine 3rd shot with a mid iron to 15 feet past the hole. But he was unable to convert the par putt and had to settle for bogey and 1 stroke out of the playoff. He is now in 20th position on the PGA Tour of Australasia 2011 Money list with $AU 36,030.00 earned to date so far this year. And he had a good year on the Nationwide Tour in America as well finishing in 74th position with $US 79,586 earned from the 25 events he played in. I wish him luck in the final 2011 PGA Tour of Australasia Tour event which is JB Were Masters in two weeks time.

In solo 4th position on 283-5 after 72 holes was Rohan Blizard (Australia). In tied for 5th position on 284-4 after 72 holes were Nicholas Cullen (Australia) and Leigh Deagan (Australia). In tied for 7th position at 285-3 after 72 holes were Adam Crawford (Australia) and Brent McCullough (Australia). Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 9th position at 286-2 after 72 holes was 2003 NZ Open champion, Mahal Pearce (NZL) who scored rounds of 70-2, 73+1, 72 even and 71-1 for a 72 hole total of 286-2. He is now in 55th position on the PGA Tour of Australasia 2011 Money list with $AU 18,380.94 earned so far this year. Other players to tie for 9th were Terry Pilkadaris (Australia) and Steve Jones (Australia). Other New Zealand Golfers to make the cut were, Doug R Holloway (NZL) on 287-1 after 72 holes and tied for 12th position, Carl Brooking (NZL) on 291+3 after 72 holes an tied for 20th place. David Smail (NZL) on 293+5 after 72 holes and tied for 25th position. Brad Shilton (NZL) was also tied for 25th position on 293+5 after 72 holes. Anthony Doyle (NZL) was in tied for 31st Position on 294+6 after 72 holes. Steve Alker (NZL) was in tied for 35th position on 295+7 after 72 holes, as was David Klein (NZL) with a 72 hole total of 295+7 after 72 holes. Jim Cusdin (NZL) who was tied for the first round lead with Brad Kennedy (Australia) ended up tied for 41st position on 296+8 after 72 holes. In tied for 45th position was Vaughan McCall (Amateur) (NZL) who finished on 297+9 after 72 holes and was in tied for 45th position and he was also tied for the low New Zealand Amateur with Tim Leonard (Amateur) (NZL) who also finished on 297+9 after 72 holes.

Ryan Fox (Amateur) (NZL) finished on 298+10 after 72 holes and finished in tied for 52nd position. In tied for 54th position after 72 holes was Nick Gillespie (NZL) who finished on a score of 299+11. Grant Moorhead (NZL) finished in tied for 60th position with a score of 301+13 after 72 holes. Phil Tataurangi (NZL), Daniel Pearce (Amateur) (NZL) and Peter Spearman-Burn (NZL) were all tied for 62nd position on 302+14 after 72 holes. Marcus Wheelhouse (NZL) was in solo 67th position at 304+16 after 72 holes. And finally the final two New Zealand Golfers to make the cut were Jordan Dasler (NZL) and Jonathan Ratcliffe (Amateur) (NZL), they both scored 305+17 after 72 holes and were tied for 68th position.

The low Amateur for the week was eighteen-year-old Jake Higginbottom (Amateur) (Australia) and he lifted the Bledisloe Cup for the low amateur of the week with rounds of 72 even, 68-4, 76+4 and a final round of 76+4 for a 72 hole total of 292+4 after 72 holes and he finished in tied for 22nd position.

This week there is no event on the PGA Tour of Australasia, but next week the PGA Tour of Australasia has the first stage of PGA Tour of Australasia Qualifying School which is being played at the Sandhurst Golf Course, Victoria, Australia. It starts on Wednesday 14th December. Also in two weeks time it is the JBWere Masters and it is the final PGA Tour of Australasia event for the 2011. It has a minimum prize purse of $AU 1,000,000 for the taking. Stuart Appleby (Australia) is the defending champion and will be keen to defend his title. It starts on Thursday 15th December and I will report back who won the trophy in two weeks time.

The second tournament I am reporting on this week was on the European Tour and part of the Race to Dubai and it was the UBS Hong Kong Open. It was played on the Hong Kong GC, Fanling, Hong Kong. It was the last regular tour event of the season before the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World which the top 60 players on the Race to Dubai money list at the conclusion of this event qualify for. And it was the current US Open Champion, Rory McILroy (NIR) who scored rounds of 64-6, 69-1, 70 even par and a final round of 65-5 for a 72 hole total of 268-12 and he won by 2 strokes. He won € 341,724 for the win and stays in 2nd position the Race to Dubai Money list with € 3,066,606 earned from the 18 events he has played to date this year so far. Luke Donald (England) still leads that list with €3,856,394 earned from the 12 events he has played to date this year so far. So Luke Donald (England) and Rory McILroy (NIR) will face off next week at the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World to see who will win the Race to Dubai Money list for 2011.

Rory McILroy (NIR) pumps his fist after winning holing his bunker shot for birdie on the 72nd hole

Rory McILroy (NIR) won his third European Tour International Schedule victory in his 99th European Tour event. He moves to €3,066,605 in The Race to Dubai. This is the second time in three years he has won more than €3 million in a single European Tour season. The other season was in 2009 where he won €3,610,020. It was his second European Tour title of the season, following the US Open Championship. It was the first time he has won twice in the same European Tour season. He becomes the tenth multiple winner of the season. They are: Luke Donald (England) (WGC – Accenture Match Play Championship, BMW PGA Championship and Barclays Scottish Open), Thomas Björn (Denmark) (Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy, Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles and Omega European Masters), Charl Schwartzel (RSA) (Joburg Open and Masters Tournament), Darren Clarke (NIR) (Iberdrola Open and The 140th Open Championship), Alex Noren (Sweden) (Saab Wales Open and Nordea Masters), Rory McIlroy (NIR) (US Open Championship and WGC – HSBC Champions), Simon Dyson (England) (Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland and KLM Open), Michael Hoey (NIR) (Madeira Islands Open and Alfred Dunhill Links Championship), Sergio Garcia (Spain) (Castelló Masters and Andalucía Masters) and Rory McIlroy (US Open Championship and UBS Hong Kong Open).

Rory McILroy (NIR) removes his hat to Acknowledge the crowd after winning

Rory McILroy (NIR) continues his wonderful record in the UBS Hong Kong Open. He was first in 2011, sixth in 2010 and second in both 2009 editions. He is now 62 under par for his last 16 rounds in the UBS Hong Kong Open. He has now broken or equalled par in his last 16 rounds in the UBS Hong Kong Open. This victory comes in his fifth appearance in the UBS Hong Kong Open. This victory made history for Northern Ireland. It was first time the country has recorded six victories in a single European Tour season. The 2011 wins are: Darren Clarke (NIR) (Iberdrola Open and The 140th Open Championship), Michael Hoey (NIR) (Madeira Islands Open, Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and Rory McIlroy (NIR) (US Open Championship and UBS Hong Kong Open). This victory made history for Northern Ireland. It would represent the first time three players have recorded multiple victories in the same season. Rory McILroy (NIR) becomes the 43rd Northern Irish win in European Tour history. He continued his wonderful 2011 European Tour season, with his 12th top ten finishes from his 18 events to date. (12 is the most of any player this season). Rory McILroy (NIR) has recorded nine top ten finishes on the 2010 European Tour season. From the start of last season, he has played 34 European Tour events and has been placed in the top ten 21 times. It was his fifth win as a professional worldwide. And finally it was his third victory of 2011, following the US Open Championship and the Shanghai Masters.

Rory McILroy (NIR) poses with the UBS Hong Kong Open trophy he won

Rory McILroy (NIR) just played a flawless final round with scoring 33-2 on the front nine which included birdies at the Par 5, 2nd hole and Par 4, 9th hole. He continued on the fine form on the back nine with recording birdies on the Par 5, 12th hole, Par 3, 15th hole and came to the 18th hole -4 for the round and -11 for the tournament with a 1 stroke lead. He put his second shot in the front bunker and that meant he would have to get up and down to win the tournament. But he went one better than that and holed out for a birdie 3 in spectacular fashion. This win just confirms what an amazing season he is having and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he won the finale to the Race to Dubai this week which is the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World. I wish Rory McILroy (NIR) all the best with that and winning more Major Championships in 2012.

Coming in solo 2nd position was Gregory Havret (France) he scored 270-10 after 72 holes and earned € 227,813.28 for his week’s work that moved him to 25th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 880,841 earned from the 28 events he has played to date this year so far. He easily qualifies for the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World next week. In solo 3rd position at 271-9 after 72 holes was Peter Hanson (Sweden), he won € 128,352.34 for the week and moves to 16th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 1,057,721 earned from the 23 events he has played to date this year so far. He too easily qualifies for the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World next week.

In tied for 4th position at 272-8 after 72 holes was Richie Ramsey (Scotland), he won € 87,071.82 for his weeks work and moves to 26th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 870,787 earned from the 31 events he has played this year so far. He too easily qualifies for the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World next week. Also tied for 3rd was Ian Poulter (England), he too won € 87,071.82 for his weeks work and moves to 21st position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 955,607 earned from the 15 events he has played to date this year so far and he too easily qualifies for the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World next week. The other player to tied for 4th position at 272-8 after 72 holes was Pariya Junhasavasdikul (Thailand), he too earned € 87,071.82 for his weeks work and moved to 173rd position on the on the Race to Dubai Money list with earning € 98,751 for the 7 events he has played to date this year and he didn’t qualify for the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World next week. He was only playing in this event because it was co – sanctioned by the Asian Tour as well. He didn’t earn enough money to keep his European Tour card for next year.

In tied for 7th position at 273-7 after 72 holes was Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Thailand), he earned € 52,899.21 for his weeks work and moved to 146th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 154,895 earned from the 8 events he played in and he too didn’t qualify for the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World next week. He also was only playing in this event because it was co – sanctioned by the Asian Tour as well. He too didn’t earn enough money to keep his European Tour card for next year. Y. E. Yang (South Korea) was also tied for 7th position; he won € 52,899.21 for his weeks work as well and moves to 28th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 846,230 from the 13 events he has played to date this year so far. And he too easily qualifies for the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World next week. The last player to tie for 7th position was Alvaro Quiros (Spain), he also earned € 52,899.21 for his weeks work and moves to 19th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 1,004,445 from the 22 events he has played to date this year so far. He too easily qualifies for the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World next week.

Rounding out the Top 10 in solo 10th position at 274-6 after 72 holes was Juvic Pagunsan (Philippines), he earned € 41,007.14 for his efforts but because he isn’t a member of the European Tour he doesn’t have a Race to Dubai Ranking. But he is leading the Asian Tour Order of Merit with $US 788,298.60 earned from 13 events he has played to date this year on the Asian Tour and with only one tournament left for the 2011 season he is virtually assured of winning the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

The only New Zealand Golfer in the field to make the cut was Danny Lee (NZL), he scored rounds of 70 even, 65-5, 70 even and a final round of 74+4 for a 72 hole total of 279-1 after 72 holes and won € 17,325.52 for his efforts and moves to 84th position on the Final Race to Dubai Money list with € 358,477 earned from the 15 events he played in this year. And he easily keeps his playing status for the 2012 European Tour season. But he missed out on securing his place in the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World next week.

He is now exempt on the two biggest tours around the world next year having gained his USPGA Tour card for 2012 as well by finishing 6th on the Final Nationwide money list. I wish Danny Lee (NZL) the best of luck for the 2012 and hope he can win on the big stage next year. The other New Zealander in the field but missed the 36 hole halfway cut was Mark Brown (NZL), he scored rounds of 73+3 and 70 even for a 36 hole total 143+3 to missed the 36 hole cut by 1 stroke which was bitterly disappointing for him.  He finished in 161st position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 121,005 earned from the 34 events he played in. He will now have to go to Qualifying School to regain his playing Card for the 2012 European Tour season. I wish him luck with that. And hope he has a better season in 2012.

Next week it is the final tour event on the European Tour and the Race to Dubai schedule for 2011. It is the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World and it is being played at the Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the Finale to the season long Race to Dubai Schedule. Only the Top 60 players on the Race to Dubai Money list after the USB Hong Kong Open are exempt to play in it. It has a massive prize purse of $US 7,500,000 for the taking. Robert Karlsson (Sweden) is the defending Champion and will be keen to defend his title. It starts on Thursday 8th December and I will report back who won next week.

So to the Top 5 on the Official World Golf Rankings this week. Coming in at Number 1 for the 28th week in a row is Luke Donald (England) with 10.20 Official World Golf Ranking Points, Coming in at Number 2 is Rory McILroy (NIR) with 8.14 Official World Golf Ranking Points, coming in at Number 3 is Lee Westwood (England) with 8.08 Official World Golf Ranking Points, coming in at Number 4 is Martin Kaymer (Germany) with 6.91 Official World Golf Ranking Points and rounding out the Top 5 is Steve Stricker (USA) with 5.67 Official World Golf Ranking Points. Tiger Woods (USA) this week leaps up 31 places fresh of his first win in over two years which was the Chevron World Challenge. He is now the 21st ranked golfer in the World on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list with 3.74 Official Golf World Ranking points. Danny Lee (New Zealand) is still the highest ranked New Zealand Golfer in the World. This week he moves up 7 places to be at 156th Position on the Official Golf World Rankings Points list with 1.16 points on the Official World Golf Rankings.

Now to the third event I am reporting on this week, and it was Chevron World Challenge that was played on the Sherwood CC, Thousand Oaks, California. And it was Tiger Woods (USA) who scored rounds of 69-3, 67-5, 73+1 and a final round of 69 -3 for a 72 hole total of 278-10 and won by 1 stroke. It was his first win in over 2 years and will give him huge confidence heading into the 2012 USPGA Tour season. He won $US 1,200,000.00 for the win and donated it all to his Tiger Woods (USA) Learning Foundation which benefits Children throughout America. He played a great final round which made for great TV viewing.

Tiger Woods (USA) celebrates after winning his first tournament in over two years

Because it was a Un - Official USPGA Tour event the money doesn’t count towards the money list. Tiger Woods (USA) played a great final round with scoring 69-3 which included a front nine 36 even par where he had a birdie on the Par 5, 2nd hole, but he had a poor bogey on the long Par 3, 8th hole. He started the back nine with a hiss and a roar when he birdied the Par 4, 10th hole and the Par 5, 11th hole. But a poor bogey on the Par 3, 12th hole knocked him back a bit. But he made a fine birdie on the Par 3, 17th hole which tied him all up with Zach Johnson (USA) on -9 with one hole to play. Then he holed an 8 foot birdie putt on the 18th green for 3 and he scored a back nine 33-3. I hope this can be a good platform for him heading into the 2012 USPGA Tour Season and he can have many more wins and even a Major Championship win I hope. I wish all the best for his future in Golf.

Tiger Woods (USA) poses with the Chevron World Challenge Trophy he won

Zach Johnson (USA) put up a great fight in the final round and can be proud of the way he finished. He scored rounds of 73+1, 67-5, 68-4 and a final round of 71-1 for a 72 hole total of 279-9 and finished in solo 2nd position. In solo 3rd position was Paul Casey (England), he scored rounds of 79+7, 68-4, 67-5 and a final round of 69-3 for a 72 hole total of 283-5. In tied for 4th position on 284-4 after 72 holes were Hunter Mahan (USA) and Matt Kuchar (USA). In tied for 6th position at 287-1 after 72 holes were Jim Furyk (USA), Martin Laird (Scotland), Rickie Fowler (USA) and Bubba Watson (USA). Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 10th position at 288 even par were Bo Van Pelt (USA) and Gary Woodland (USA).

Next week is the final end of season event for the USPGA Tour which is the Franklin Templeton Shootout and it is being played on the Tiburon GC, Naples, Florida. It is a unique event in which 12 Two Man Teams play 3 rounds. The first round is a modified version of Foursomes, the Second round is a four ball and the Final round is a Scramble Format where each player has a go at the one shot after the best tee shot is taken. There is a prize purse of $US 3,000,000 for the taking. Dustin Johnson (USA) & Ian Poulter (England) are the defending Champions and will be looking for back to back titles. It starts on Friday 9th December and I will report who won next week.

The final event I am reporting on this week is the PGA Tour Qualifying Tournament and it was played on the Jack Nicklaus Tournament Course, La Quinta, California and the PGA West Stadium Course, La Quinta, California. And it was the Golfer by the name of Brendon Todd (USA) that scored rounds of 71-1, 68-4, 69-3, 71-1, 68-4 and a final round of 68-4 for 108 hole total of 415-17. He was the medallist at the Q-School for 2011. I hope he has a fine season on the USPGA Tour in 2012 and keeps his card for the 2013 season.

Brendon Todd (USA) lining up a putt in the final round

In solo 2nd position at 416-16 after 108 holes was Stephen Gangluff (USA). In tied for 3rd position at 417-15 after 108 holes was the 2010 NZ Open Champion, Bobby Gates (USA) and Seung-yul Noh (South Korea). In tied for 5th position at 418-14 after 108 holes were Tommy Biershenk (USA), Vaughn Taylor (USA) and Jarrod Lyle (Australia). And rounding out the top 10 in tied for 8th position at 419-13 after 72 holes were Bob Estes (USA), Brian Harman (USA) and Marco Dawson (USA).

The next 19 players all gained their 2012 USPGA Tour cards as well as the 10 players I mentioned above and they were Sang-Moon Bae (South Korea), Kevin Kisner (USA), Roberto Castro (USA), William McGirt (USA), Jeff Maggert (USA), Charlie Beljan (USA), Harris English (USA), Patrick Sheehan (USA), Scott Dunlap (USA), Greg Owen (England), Daniel Summerhays (USA), Will Claxton (USA), Edward Loar (USA), Mark Anderson (USA), Alexandre Rocha (Brazil), Richard H. Lee (USA), John Huh (USA), Nathan Green (Australia) and Colt Knost (USA).

The only New Zealander in the field was Tim Wilkinson (NZL) he scored rounds of 70-2, 74+2, 75+3, 72 even, 70-2 and a final round of 69-3 for an 108 hole total of 430-2 and tied for 72nd position. He missed out on his 2012 USPGA Tour card by 6 strokes. But he got his Nationwide Tour card for 2012.

So until my next Golf Blog next week remember with the ground being so hard now remember to allow for the run on the ball when you’re playing your shots.

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

Golf Events from the Weekend 27th November 2011

Well it was another exciting weekend on the Professional Golf Tours from throughout the World. First I will start with the PGA Tour of Australasia and this week it was the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca – Cola. It was played on the Hyatt Regency Coolum Resort Course and it was the Golfer by the name of Greg Chalmers (Australia) that scored rounds of 71-1, 69-3, 69-3 and a final round of 67-5 for a 72 hole total of 276-12 after 72 holes. But he was joined on that score by Robert Allenby (Australia) who scored rounds of 69-3, 68-4, 71-1 and a final round of 68-4 for a 72 hole total of 276-12 after 72 holes as well and he had to birdie the 72nd hole to achieve that score. And the final player to tie for first place after 72 holes was Marcus Fraser (Australia); he scored rounds of 68-4, 65-7, 74+2 and a final round of 69-3 which included a birdie on the 72nd hole to get into the playoff as he too finished 72 holes on 276-12.

Greg Chalmers (Australia) in action during the final round

So those 3 players head back to the 18th tee for the first playoff hole. PGA Tour of Australasia rules official had 3 straws of different lengths and each player had to pick one. Marcus Fraser (Australia) drew the shortest one and had to tee off first. Unfortunately he pulled his drive into the hazard on the left. Greg Chalmers (Australia) teed off next and struck a fine drive right down the centre of the fairway. Robert Allenby (Australia) teed off last and sliced his drive well to the right of the fairway in the trees. Marcus Fraser (Australia) played his 3rd shot from well over 200 metres after taking his penalty drop from the hazard. He hit a fine 2nd shot with his fairway wood that just rolled into the green side bunker at the back of the green. Robert Allenby (Australia) then chipped out to make sure his ball was in the fairway for his 3rd shot. Greg Chalmers (Australia) then hit a great mid shot iron for his 2nd shot that landed in the heart of the green and settled 20 feet from the hole. Robert Allenby (Australia) then hit his 3rd shot with a short iron to 15 feet below the hole leaving a makeable par putt. Marcus Fraser (Australia) now knew what he had to do and that was hole his bunker shot from the back green side bunker. He gave it his best shot and it roll just past the hole settling 5feet from the cup. Greg Chalmers (Australia) now had his 20 footer for birdie to win the tournament. It just missed on the left hand side and he tapped in for his par 4 which meant Marcus Fraser (Australia) had been eliminated from the playoff. Now Robert Allenby (Australia) had one last chance to extend the playoff to a 2nd hole, but missed his 15 foot par putt well to the right. That meant Greg Chalmers (Australia) had won his first ever Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca – Cola and the Joe Kirkwood Cup

Greg Chalmers (Australia) kisses the Joe Kirkwood Cup he won

So Greg Chalmers (Australia) has now won the last two events on the PGA Tour of Australasia that he has entered. He won the Emirates Australian Open 2 weeks ago. He won another huge 1st Prize Cheque of $AU 270,000.00 with wining the Australian PGA Championship presented by Coca – Cola this week and now increases his lead on the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with $AU 540,000.00 earned from the 2 events he has played so far this year. He is $AU 350,000.00 ahead of John Senden (Australia) who is in 2nd place. And he is now guaranteed to win the 2011 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit with 2 events remaining. He now has a dilemma because to complete the triple crown of Australian Professional Golf he would have to win the JBWere Masters which is being played in 3 weeks time at the Victoria Golf Course, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Robert Allenby (Australia) is the only Golfer to win all 3 tournaments in a single season (Australian PGA, Open and Masters). He achieved this feat 6 years ago in 2005. But Greg Chalmers (Australia) was planning on spending that time with his family in Western Australia. I’m guessing he will play in the JBWare Masters but only time will tell. I hope he wins the Masters as well and has a brilliant season on the USPGA Tour in 2012.

Marcus Fraser (Australia) will be disappointed with his tied for 2nd place but will be pleased with the $AU 127,125.00 he won for it. And that places him in tied for 3rd place on the current 2011 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit. And now he is healthy after suffering major neck problems I look for him to achieve great things in on the European Tour in 2012. But he has had a fine season in 2011 with earning € 422,905 from the 20 events he has played to date this year so far on the Race to Dubai Schedule which places in 74th position on the money list. If he can finish well in the UBS Hong Kong Open this week he may well get inside the top 60 money earners on the Race to Dubai Money list that earn their place to play in the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World the following week.

Robert Allenby (Australia) will also be disappointed with his tied for 2nd place, but will also be pleased with the $AU 127,125.00 he won for it. And that also places him in tied for 3rd place on the current 2011 PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit. And he had another fine season on the USPGA Tour with earning $US 1,452,567 from the 25 events he played in which placed him in 60th position on the final USPGA Tour Money list for 2011. I wish him all the best for the 2012 USPGA Tour Season and also hope he wins the JBWare Masters in his home town of Melbourne.

In tied for 4th position at 278-10 after 72 holes was Adam Scott (Australia) who had another fine finish in an Australian tournament. Also Aaron Baddeley (Australia) finished tied for 4th position. He was in sole procession of the lead at -12 after he birdied the Par 3, 11th hole. But he made a poor bogey at the Par 5, 12th hole. He never recovered from that, but it was still a fine finish for him. In tied for 6th position at 279-9 after 72 holes were Marc Leishman (Australia), Nick O’Hern (Australia) and Kyung-tae Kim (South Korea) who was leading after 54 holes. He started off his final round really well with scoring 4 straight pars and had a 4 stroke lead at -13. But he made a poor double bogey at the Par 5, 5th hole and never really recovered from there. Maybe he was tired from playing in the 9th Presidents Cup the week before at Royal Melbourne Golf Club? Rounding out the Top 10th in tied for 9th place at 280-8 after 72 holes were John Senden (Australia), Y. E. Yang (South Korea) and Jason Day (Australia). In tied for 12th place at 281-7 after 72 holes was the long hitting America Star, Bubba Watson (USA), he scored a shocking final round of 77+5 that ruined his chances of winning. Maybe he also was tired from playing in the 9th Presidents Cup the week before at Royal Melbourne Golf Club?

Best New Zealand Golfer in the field was Michael Long (NZL) he scored rounds of 70-2, 73+1, 71-1 and a final round of 71-1 for a 72 hole total of 285-3 and finished in tied for 27th position. Next best was Josh Geary (NZL), he scored rounds of 68-4, 70-2, 74+2 and a final round of 74+2 for a 72 hole total of 286-2 and he tied for 31st position. The other New Zealand Golfer to make the cut was Doug Holloway (NZL), he scored rounds of 70-2, 69-3, 76+4 and a final round of 73+1 for a 72 hole total of 288 even par and finished in tied for 39th position.

New Zealand Golfers in the field but missed the 36 hole cut were Brad Shilton (NZL), David Klein (NZL) and Phil Tataurangi (NZL) they were all on 146+2 after 36 holes and missed the 36 hole cut by 2 strokes. Mahal Pearce (NZL) scored 147+3 after 36 holes and missed the cut by 3 strokes. And the last New Zealand player to miss the cut was Michael Campbell (NZL) who was on 158+14 after 36 holes and missed the cut by 12 strokes.

Next week the PGA Tour of Australasia heads over to New Zealand for the playing of the 93rd BMW New Zealand Open hosted by Christchurch and it is being played at the Clearwater Golf Club, Christchurch, New Zealand. It has a smaller prize purse of $AU 400,000 for the taking and the best players in New Zealand will be competing with a few of the past Australian Winners. Bobby Gates (USA) is the defending Champion, but won’t be back to defend his title as he is trying to secure his USPGA Tour card back at the USPGA Q-School finals that are played at the same time. It starts on Thursday 1st December and I will report back who won next week.

The second tournament I am reporting on this week was on the European Tour and was part of the Race to Dubai and was the SA Open Championship and it was played on the Serengeti Golf Club, Ekurhuleni, South Africa. And it was the Golfer by the name of Hennie Otto (RSA), who scored rounds of 70-2, 67-5, 65-7 and a final round of 72 even par for a 72 hole total of 274-14 and won by 1 stroke for his 2nd European Tour win. He earned € 158,500.00 for the win and moved to 56th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 523,232 earned from the 26 events he has played to date this year so far. Luke Donald (England) still leads that list with €3,856,394 earned from the 12 events he has played to date this year so far. Hennie Otto (RSA) played a great final round under the circumstances. He scored a front nine of 35-1 that included birdies on the Par 4, 2nd hole and Par 3, 5th hole but had a bogey on the Par 4, 4th hole. He came home in 37+1 which included birdies at the Par 5, 11th hole and the Par 3, 17th hole. But he had poor bogeys at the Par 3, 13th hole, Par 3, 15th hole, Par 5, 16th hole. So his final round of 72 even par was good enough for a 1 stroke win for the devoted Christian. The win came 3 years after his maiden win which was the 2008 Methorios Capital Italian Open.

Hennie Otto (RSA) celebrates after winning the SA Open Championship

He gains his second European Tour International Schedule victory in his 222nd European Tour event. Hennie Otto (RSA) now moves to €523,232 in The Race to Dubai and would move into the top 60 from 80th. This victory is his first on The European Tour since the 2008 Italian Open, a gap of three years and 201 days. In that time he played 87 European Tour events between European Tour victories. This victory beats his previous best 2011 European Tour performances of tied seventh in the Alstom Open de France and Alfred Dunhill Championship (Nov 2011). This is the second consecutive South African victory on The European Tour, following Garth Mulroy (RSA) at the Alfred Dunhill Championship. Hennie Otto (RSA) continues South Africa’s wonderful run of success in the South African Open Championship. This would be the country’s tenth triumph from the last 11 stagings of the event. He follows: Tim Clark (RSA) (2002, 2005), Trevor Immelman (RSA) (2003-2004), Retief Goosen (RSA) (2006), Ernie Els (RSA) 2007, 2011 (Dec 2010), James Kingston (RSA) (2008) and Richard Sterne (RSA) (2009).

This win at the South African Open Championship was in his 16th appearance in the event. This victory beats his previous best performances in the event of fifth in 1999 and 2001. He becomes the seventh South African victory of the 2011 season. They are: Ernie Els (RSA)  (South African Open Championship – Dec 2010), Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) (Africa Open), Charl Schwartzel (Joburg Open and Masters Tournament), Thomas Aiken (RSA) (Open de España), Garth Mulroy (RSA) (Alfred Dunhill Championship – Nov 2011) ) and Hennie Otto (RSA) (South African Open Championship – Nov 2011). It was South Africa’s 101st win in European Tour history. He gained a European Tour exemption until the end of 2012. It was his 14th professional victory and it was his third victory in 2011, following the Dimension Data Pro-Am and Platinum Classic on the Sunshine Tour.

Hennie Otto (RSA) holding the SA Open Championship Trophy he won

Hennie Otto (RSA) is not playing in the UBS Hong Kong Open next week so he will be hoping that he remains in the Top 60 players on the Race to Dubai Money list after this final regular season event and if he does he will get a start in the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World the following week. I wish him luck with that. And wish him to have a great season on the European Tour in 2012. In solo 2nd place on 275-13 after 72 holes was Bernd Wiesberger (Austria), he won € 115,000.00 for his weeks work and moves to 65 position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 457,607 earned from the 32 events he has played to date so far this year. But will need another good performance this week if he is going to get to play in the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World the following week. I wish him well with that and hope he can achieve his maiden win on the European Tour in 2012.

In tied for 3rd position at 277-11 after 72 holes were Richard McEvoy (England) he earned € 53,200.00 for the week and moved to 107th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 277,098 earned from the 34 events he has played to date this year so far. Also tied for 3rd was Ockie Strydom (RSA), he won € 53,200.00 for his weeks work but because he isn’t a member of the European Tour so he doesn’t have a Race to Dubai Money list ranking. The final player to tie for 3rd was Thomas Aiken (RSA), he too won € 53,200.00 for the weeks work and now moves to 18th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 1,001,642 earned from the 28 events he has played to date this year so far and he will be playing in the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World the following week.

In tied for 6th place on 278-10 after 72 holes was Trevor Fisher Jnr. (RSA), he earned € 29,833.33 for his weeks work 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 6th position was Retief Goosen (RSA), he also won € 29,833.33 for his efforts and moves to 34th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 715,482 earned from the 18 events he has played in so far this year. The final player to tie for 6th was Magnus A Carlsson (Sweden) he too earned € 29,833.33 for his weeks work. He moves to 134th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 193,636 earned from the 23 events he has played to date this year so far. Rounding out the top 10 in tied for 9th position at 279-9 after 72 holes were Branden Grace (RSA), Lloyd Saltman (Scotland), Jaco Ahlers (RSA) and last week’s winner Garth Mulroy (RSA).

The only New Zealander in the field was Mark Brown (NZL) he scored rounds of 68-4, 73+1, 75+3 and a final round of 70-2 for a 72 hole total of 286-2 and tied for 47th position. He won € 5,200.00 for his weeks work and is now in 160th position on the Race to Dubai Money list with € 121,005 earned from the 33 events he has played to date this year so far. He now has one tournament left to try and secure his European Tour card for the 2012 season. He will properly need to win or finish no worse than 5th in the UBS Hong Kong Open next week to finish inside the top 118th players on the Final Race to Dubai Money list for 2011 that keep their playing cards for the 2012 European Tour season. If he doesn’t secure his 2012 European Tour card this week he will have to go back to European Qualifying School to try and regain his playing card for 2012 season. I wish him all the best next week and in the future.

Next week the European Tour and Race to Dubai heads to Hong Kong for the UBS Hong Kong Open and it is being played at the Hong Kong GC, Fanling, Hong Kong. It has a large purse of $US 2,750,000 for the taking. It is also the last regular European Tour event on the Race to Dubai Schedule for 2011 and will be the last chance for players to secure their places in the Dubai World Championship presented by DP World the following week. And also the last chance for players to secure their playing status for 2012 on the European Tour. Ian Poulter (England) is the defending Champion and will be keen to defend his title. It starts on Thursday 1st December and I will report back who won the trophy next week.

The final tournament I am reporting on this week was the 56th Omega Mission Hills World Cup which was sanctioned by both the European Tour and the USPGA Tour. It is the best 28 teams for all the countries that play golf throughout the world and it was played on the Mission Hills Resort, Hainan Island, China. And the team from USA that was Gary Woodland (USA) and Matt Kuchar (USA) scored rounds of 64-8 in the first round four ball, 70-2 in the second round foursomes, 63-9 in the third round four ball and 67-5 in the final round foursomes for a 72 hole total of 264-24 and won by 2 strokes. They each won $US 1,200,000.00 for their efforts.

Matt Kuchar (USA) and Gary Woodland (USA) celebrate after winning



Team USA played a brilliant final round of foursomes with scoring 32-4 on the front nine that included birdies on the Par 4, 1st hole, Par 5, 2nd hole, Par 5, 6th hole, Par 4, 7th hole. Then they came home in 35-1 with birdies on the Par 5, 12th hole and Par 5, 13th hole but they made their lone bogey of the round at the Par 3, 11th hole. But the 67-5 in the final round foursomes was what won them the 56th Omega Mission Hills World Cup. It was the first time Team USA has won the World Cup since 2000 in Buenos Aires, Argentina and that was when David Duval (USA) and Tiger Woods (USA) paired to win. But the USA has a great history is this event with winning it 23 times since it was first played in 1953. I’m sure the USA Team will be keen to defend their title next year in 2012 and I wish them luck with that.

Matt Kuchar (USA) and Gary Woodland (USA) pose with the World Cup that they won

In tied for 2nd place at 266-22 after 72 holes were the Team from England which were Justin Rose (England)/Ian Poulter (England) and the Team from Germany which were Alex Cejka (Germany)/Martin Kaymer (Germany). In tied for 4th place at 267-21 after 72 holes were the team from Australia which were Richard Green/Brendon Jones (Australia), also tied for 4th were the Team from Netherlands which were Robert-Jan Derksen/Joost Luiten (Netherlands), also tied for 4th was the much fancied Team from Ireland which were Rory McILroy/Graeme McDowell (Ireland), they were leading after 54 holes at -21 by 2 strokes, but they could only manage an even par 72 in the final round foursomes. The final team to tie for 4th was the Team from Scotland which was Scott Gallacher/Martin Laird (Scotland).

In solo 8th position on 268-20 after 72 holes were the Team from Wales which were Rhys Davies/Jamie Donaldson (Wales). Rounding out the top 10 in tied 9th position 269-19 after 72 holes were the Team from Spain which was Miguel Angel Jimenez/Alvaro Quiros (Spain) and Team from Korea which was Kim Hyung-Sung/Park Sung-Joon (Korea).

The New Zealand Team which was Gareth Paddison/Michael Hendry (New Zealand) scored 66-6 in the 1st round four ball, 68-4 in the 2nd round foursomes, 68-4 in the 3rd round four ball and 71-1 in the final round foursomes for a 72 hole total of 273-15 and finished in solo 16th place which was a fine showing considering they had to qualify for this event in Asia. They each won $US 37,000.00 for their efforts. I hope the New Zealand Team can qualify for next year’s event in 2012.

Now to the top 5 on the Official Golf World Rankings this week, still coming in at Number One for the 27th week in a row is Luke Donald (England) with 10.22 Official World Golf Ranking Points, Coming in at Number Two is Rory McILroy (NIR) with 7.48 Official World Golf Ranking Points, Coming in at Number Three is Lee Westwood (England) with 7.35 Official Golf World Ranking Points, Coming in at Number four is Martin Kaymer (Germany) with 6.91 Official Golf World Ranking Points and rounding out the top 5 is Dustin Johnson (USA) with 5.69 Official Golf World Ranking Points. Tiger Woods (USA) this week slips one place to 52nd in the Official World Golf Rankings Points list with 2.69 Official Golf World Ranking Points. Danny Lee (New Zealand) is still the highest ranked New Zealand Golfer in the World. This week he slips 4 places to be at 163rd position on the Official Golf World Rankings Points list with 1.14 Official Golf World Ranking Points.

So until next week remember wind direction plays a huge part in deciding what club to use, so remember to take this into consideration when preparing to play your shots.

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