Langer seals first Senior Major at Carnoustie 26/07/2010

BERNHARD Langer won the The Senior Open Championship at Carnoustie after holding off the challenge of US Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin with a final round 72 for a one-stroke victory.

The German, who was Europe’s Ryder Cup Captain in 2004, started the day three strokes ahead of Pavin and could afford to bogey the last to seal his first Senior Major.

“This ranks very high,” said Langer. “Obviously it was pretty close to my two Masters titles and some of The Ryder Cup stuff I won – it’s a thrill to finally hold this trophy.

“Corey played very well all day, he’s a beautiful ball striker and bends the ball both directions and he has a great short game. I knew he wouldn’t go away.

“You still get nervous, and especially a Championship that means something to you. As you know, I've always wanted to win The Open Championship and this is the next best thing. I probably will not win The Open Championship, but I’m very pleased to win The Senior Open Championship on a great golf course like this.”

After the pair teed off in the final group it was clear that no-one within striking distance could put together a challenge for the title so the finale had a slight match play feel to it.

Pavin struck first with a birdie on the second before Langer increased his lead back to three at the fifth. His lead grew further when Pavin dropped a shot on hole 7 but then Langer had a slight wobble with back-to-back bogeys on eight and nine. Pavin then got to within one stroke with a birdie at the 11^th before both players tapped in for a birdie on the par-5 14^th. However Langer then got up and down to save par on the next hole while Pavin bogeyed after finding a greenside bunker. Pavin then needed a two shot swing on the final hole to have any hope of a play-off but couldn’t hole his lengthy birdie putt and Langer closed out with a bogey to seal the victory.

“It’s tough when you almost win,” said Pavin, who was playing in his first Senior Open Championship and closed with a 70. “It’s almost harder when you just finish second and not win – it’s disappointing.

“I played well, and Bernhard didn’t play his best golf today I would say, but he did what he needed to do to win, and that’s what it's about. I just came up one shot short, that’s all.”

American Jay Don Blake, who held the lead in the opening round alongside Langer after a 67, finished in a share of third place, four strokes back from the German on 1-under-par, alongside Russ Cochran, Fred Funk and Peter Senior. Defending champion Loren Roberts finished in a share of 14^th place on 3-over-par.

Langer seals first Senior Major at Carnoustie

Monty names his Ryder Cup Vice Captains 20/07/2010

RYDER Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie has selected European Tour stalwarts Thomas Björn, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley as his three Vice Captains for the 38^th instalment of the event at Celtic Manor, Wales in October.

Montgomerie said: “The Ryder Cup is about passion, commitment and will to win and all three men I have named today as my Vice Captains possess these qualities in abundance.

“Thomas Björn, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley are vastly experienced players who have the respect and admiration of everyone in golf. They have all been part of successful European Ryder Cup Teams in the past and know the players who will be part of my team at Celtic Manor in October as well as anyone.

“I am delighted to have them by my side as we head to Wales and I know they will be of invaluable assistance to me and everyone associated with the Team as we aim to regain The Ryder Cup.”

Rose makes it two wins in three at the AT&T National 05/07/2010

JUSTIN Rose won for the second time in three starts on the US PGA Tour with a one-stroke victory over Ryan Moore at the AT&T National.

Just a week earlier the Englishman had surrendered a three-shot lead at the final round of the Travelers Championship, collapsing on the back nine for a 75. However, after building a five shot lead heading into the back nine at the AT&T Rose held on, hitting every green in regulation for an even-par 70 for a 10-under total to fend off the charging Moore and take home his second title of the season.

“I knew having not closed out last week it was important for me - just for myself - to do it today,” said Rose, who won The Memorial Tournament at the start of June. “Still, it’s never easy to close these things out, I’ll tell you.”

Rose eagled the ninth to take a five-stroke lead but then back-to-back three-putt bogeys on holes 10 and 11 gave Moore a glimmer of hope. The American one-putted his last eight greens for a round-of-the-day 5-under-par 65 to make Rose sweat right to the last green.

“I knew level par would get the job today,” Rose said. “Every two-putt felt like hard work coming in, I’ve got to tell you. It was good fun. I felt very much in control of my emotions, and it’s been a long week. But I’m very glad we've got to this point with a win.”

Jeff Overton posted a final round 3-under-par 67 for an 8-under-par total and third place with Charlie Wi one stroke back in fourth place and J.B. Holmes taking fifth on 6-under-par.

Rose makes it two wins in three at the AT&T National

GREAT TITLEIST GIVEAWAY AT HEYTHROP PARK INVITATIONAL QUALIFIER 01/07/2010

LEADING equipment manufacturer Titleist is the latest big name to lend its support to the eagerly awaited Heythrop Park Invitational Qualifier which will see one lucky golfer win the trip of a lifetime to the UAE to compete alongside the cream of The European Tour in one of the world's most prestigious Pro-Ams.

The Heythrop Park Invitational Qualifier is taking place at Heythrop Park Resort on July 28^th with a place in The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah, which will be held in the UAE in January 2011, up for grabs. The Invitational sees some of the world's best players join forces with local amateurs for a day of great golf and banter. Expected to be in the field are 2009 competitors: US Open Champion Graeme McDowell, European No.1 Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke, Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, Paul Casey, Ross Fisher and Steve Webster and many more.

The winner of the 18-hole Heythrop Park event and their partner will enjoy a four-night trip to the United Arab Emirates, including flights, to enjoy the competition and the wonderful hospitality of the emirates.

The partnership with Titleist means that a selection of additional great prizes will be on offer at Heythrop Park Resort including bags, wedges, travel covers and balls. Prizes will be awarded for: First, Second and Third place; Best Gross; Best Lady; Nearest The Pin and Longest Drive. Proceeds from the event will be given to the children's charity, the Make A Wish Foundation.

Two-time European Tour winner Steve Webster was at Heythrop Park Resort recently to officially launch the event by taking part in the Heythrop Challenge. His task was to carry the lake on the 314-yard par-4 sixth hole and stop the ball on the green, something only two previous players had managed. Steve showed his professional talent by pulling it off to win a complementary membership worth £1,250.

"It was a fun day and I was really impressed with the course at Heythrop Park Resort - I think it will make a great venue for the Invitational Qualifier," said Steve.

The qualifying event is open to male and female golfers, aged 18 and above, who hold an official handicap certificate (maximum handicap 18 for men, 28 for ladies).

For more information, visit the EVENTS section of the Worldwide Golf website or visit http://www.theinvitational.com/.

The closing date for entries is Wednesday, July 21^st, 2010. The entry fee is £75, which includes green fees, range balls, prizes and buffet. To enter email goldenticket@theinvitational.com for an entry form and fax it to Heythrop Park Resort on 01608 673 418.

Horsey marches to maiden victory in Munich 28/06/2010

ENGLAND’S David Horsey held off compatriot Ross Fisher for the biggest title of his career with a one-stroke victory at the BMW International Open in Munich.

The 25-year-old was in joint fifth place overnight but shot a final round 67 to finish on 18-under and pip Fisher to the title

“Never really in my wildest dreams did I think I would win this tournament,” said Horsey, who topped the Challenge Tour ranking in 2008 and who had already posted two runners-up finishes on the main circuit.

“I wasn’t really in the mix until 16 and coming down the last I didn’t know what was going on. I just wanted to concentrate on what I was doing.

“The last few weeks have been a bit of a struggle (three missed cuts in a row) and I just wanted to relax this week. This win is what I’ve been trying to get for over a year. I felt I was good enough coming out on Tour, but maybe I put a little bit too much pressure on myself.”

Overnight leader Bradley Dredge, who was on course for a wire-to-wire victory, saw his challenge fall away with a double bogey on the 16th as he carded a 74 to finish two strokes back and in a share of third place with Rafael Cabrera-Bello, Alex Cejka, Kenneth Ferrie and Pablo Larrazabal.

Horsey marches to maiden victory in Munich

Magnificent McDowell wins US Open at Pebble Beach 21/06/2010

GREAME McDowell became the first European winner of the US Open since Tony Jacklin in 1970 by clinching his maiden Major title by one stroke at Pebble Beach.

The Northern Irishman carded a 3-over par 74 to finish level par for the tournament, one stroke ahead of French qualifier Gregory Havret with Ernie Els two shots back in third and Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods tied fourth.

“It’s an absolute dream come true, I’ve dreamed about this all my life,” said McDowell, who is sponsored by The Al Naboodah Group and won his fifth European Tour title in Wales two weeks earlier.

McDowell started the day three shots back from leader Dustin Johnson – a two time winner at Pebble Beach on the US PGA Tour. However, Johnson carded a triple bogey on the second hole and then fell behind with further dropped allowing McDowell to take the lead which he didn’t relinquish.

McDowell, from Portrush becomes the first Northern Irishman to win a major since Fred Daly clinched The Open at Hoylake in 1947 and the first Brit to win since Paul Laurie won at Carnoustie in 1999.

Havret, who came through 36 holes of qualifying at Walton Heath to make his first US Open, had two putts for birdie to catch McDowell on 17 and 18 but missed both. “I’m caught in between the best surprise of my life and the biggest disappointment too,” said the World No.390. “I’m second, which is probably the worst place, but it’s such a dream to play good golf here, four rounds beautifully.”

Magnificent McDowell wins US Open at Pebble Beach

Westwood wins in Memphis 14/06/2010

LEE Westwood made the perfect preparation for this week’s US Open at Pebble Beach with a play-off victory over Robert Karlsson and Robert Garrigus at the St Jude Classic in Memphis.

American Garrigus needed a six on the par-4 closing hole to win his maiden PGA Tour title but wound up with a triple bogey to drop back to 10-under-par, level with the two Europeans, and it was Westwood who prevaled with a birdie on the fourth extra hole.

“It’s definitely nice to win again,” admitted Westwood, whose last victory on the PGA Tour was in 1998 in New Orleans. “Nobody likes negative questions when you try to be positive all the time. Golf is a funny game. Sometimes it gives. Sometimes it takes away.”

Westwood began the final round three shots behind Garrigus but quickly raced into a one shot lead with three earlier birdies. However, Garrigus picked himself up with birdies of his own on holes 8, 10, 15 and 16 to take back the lead as Westwood could only play par golf.

Westwood then bogeyed the 17th to seemingly hand the title to Garrigus but the American then proceeded the blow his chances on the final hole in regulation.

On the first extra hole Garrigus was eliminated with a bogey before Westwood finally pipped Karlsson to the title with a birdie three holes later after the pair shared pars.

“It just shows you, don’t expect nothing in this game because you never know what’s going to happen next,” said Westwood.

UK Qualifier for The Invitational 09/06/2010

GOLFERS in the region have been handed a golden opportunity to play a stroke play event at Heythrop Park Resort at Enstone, Chipping Norton, on July 28, and qualify for one of the most prestigious Pro-Ams in the game.

The winner of the 18-hole tournament at Heythrop Park Resort will have the pleasure of playing alongside some of the best players on The European Tour in The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at one of the most spectacular golf clubs in the United Arab Emirates in January 2011.

This exclusive opportunity is the only international qualifying event to win a money-can’t-buy invite to play The Invitational Pro-Am – it’s a strictly invitation-only tournament – and the winner and their partner will have a four-night trip to the United Arab Emirates, including flights, to enjoy the competition and the wonderful hospitality of the emirates.

Graeme McDowell, winner of last weekend’s Wales Open at Celtic Manor Resort, venue for this year’s Ryder Cup, is a regular competitor at The Invitational. “The Invitational is the most fun event of any Pro-Am I’ve ever played,” he says. “The field is as good as any European Tour event but although it’s competitive, the banter between the players and the spectators makes it something special.”

In last January’s event World No.3 Lee Westwood shared the individual Pro’s title with Darren Clarke, while former Irish jockey James Collins, who gained entry through the GOLDEN TICKET qualifier, and Australian Tour player Richard Green came second in the Pro-Am behind the winners, Lee Westwood and Host, Abdullah Al Naboodah.

Among the other leading players in the field were Rory McIlroy, Paul Casey, Sergio Garcia, Ross Fisher, Steve Webster and many more – all of whom are expected to play again next January.

The qualifying event is open to male and female golfers, aged 18 and above, who hold an official handicap certificate (maximum handicap 18 for men, 28 for ladies).

For more information, visit the EVENTS section of the Worldwide Golf website or visit www.theinvitational.com.

Rose finally blooms in the States 07/06/2010

JUSTIN Rose won his first title on US soil with a stunning three-shot victory at The Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village.

Rose shot a bogey-free 66 to overturn Rickie Fowler’s four shot lead to beat the youngster with an 18-under-par total.

Fowler, who had lead for three days, settled for second place with Ricky Barnes and Bo Van Pelt finishing third and fourth respectively.

“I couldn’t wish for a better place (to win) – it’s an honour,” Rose said after holing the winning putt on his 162nd start on the PGA Tour. “I have had a few close calls and sometimes you wonder why you can’t get it done. But when you do it feels easy. It’s nice to have the hard work pay off.”

Fowler, 21, posted rounds of 65, 66 and 69 to lead by four going into the last day but bogeyed the 10th before making a disastrous double bogey on the par-3 12th to hand Rose the lead. Rose had gone out in 4-under 32 after four birdies in five holes before birdies on holes 14 and 16 to put daylight between himself and Fowler. With Fowler teeing off on the 18th three shots back, Rose rolled in a simple par putt to seal the victory.

“In the past, I’ve certainly gotten ahead of myself,” said Rose, who followed Ian Poulter and Rory McIlroy as British winners on the PGA Tour this season. “It’s taken me a little while, but I think today I felt more comfortable in that situation because I was more in the moment.”

McDowell stakes his Ryder Cup claim with Welsh victory 07/06/2010

GRAEME McDowell secured his fifth European Tour title at the Celtic Manor Wales Open, enhancing his bid to return to the venue as part of Europe’s Ryder Cup team later this year.

McDowell, who made his Ryder Cup bow two years ago after two wins in Europe, shot a final round 8-under-par 63 to post a 15-under-par total and win by three shots from Welshman Rhys Davies who carded a 62.

“I think that’s the best final round I’ve ever played to win a tournament,” said McDowell. “The first 11 holes was dream golf and I am ecstatic. I feel like I’m in the form of my life right now and I really feel I have a big event in me. To win around here is certainly going to stand me in good stead.”

Luke Donald finished two shots further back on 10-under-par while Scot Stephen Gallacher bogeyed the final two holes to finish in a three-way tie for fourth with Robert Rock and Italian Edoardo Molinari.

McDowell took home prize money of €350,940 for his first win since the 2008 Barclays Scottish Open and it takes him to the verge of the qualification places to make Colin Montgomerie’s team to take on the United States in October.

McDowell stakes his Ryder Cup claim with Welsh victory

Donald bounces back in Madrid 01/06/2010

LUKE Donald bounced back from the disappointment of missing out at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth by winning the Madrid Masters by one shot from Rhys Davies.

The 32-year-old was level with Davies with three to play but holed a 12-foot eagle putt on the 16th to go a shot clear of the Welshman who made a birdie. Both then parred the 17th and Davies missed a 20-footer for birdie on the final green to leave Donald in the winner’s circle for the first time in four years.

“It’s been a while since I won and to put last week behind me makes me very proud,” said Donald, whose last victory came in 2006 at The Honda Classic in Florida. “The way I played today means a lot to me. The eagle was huge because Rhys put a lot of pressure on me. It’s happiness and relief - definitely some relief.”

Donald closed with a 67 to Davies’ 68 for a 21-under-par total and moved up to ninth on the Official World Golf Rankings to join compatriots Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Paul Casey inside the top ten.

Davies, who turned 25 on the Friday, almost added to his maiden victory on The European Tour at the Trophee Hassan II in Morocco but fell just short behind the experienced Donald.

“I didn’t make a bogey in the final group in a big tournament,” Davies said. “It didn’t quite come off, but I’ve got lots to be pleased about.

“I was chasing the win and I just came up short unfortunately. On the 16th I thought I might keep the momentum (he had birdied 15 to pull level), but he threw in an eagle to be fair to him.”

Italian Francesco Molinari finished in third place on 18-under-par with Graeme McDowell a shot further back in fourth place.

Khan comes good at BMW PGA Championship 25/05/2010

SIMON Khan got the nod on the Monday that he had a place in the field at The BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth and drove off six days later with the biggest win of his career to date. The 37-year-old from Essex was a last minute sponsor’s invite and made the most of it with a stunning performance on the new-look West Course, shooting a final round 5-under 66 to win by one shot from Luke Donald and Fredrik Andersson Hed.

“I was determined to make the most of the invite and play like I know I can,” said Khan, who started the final round seven shots off the lead on 1-under. “Today was surreal. The course was tough with the condition it was in and the pin positions but I didn’t know the position I was in until around the 16^th. It’s an amazing event, it’s inspired me for years.”

Khan set the clubhouse target of 6-under-par after sinking a birdie putt on the 18^th that ran around the hole before finally dropping, leaving him pumping the air in delight.

From there all eyes were on Donald. The Englishman, who hasn’t won a title in four years, was on 6-under with two holes to play but disaster struck. Donald blocked his drive on the 17^th into a holly bush and wound up making a double bogey seven leaving him needing an eagle on the revamped 18^th to match Khan’s total. It was just what course re-designer Ernie Els wanted. The new stream running across the 18^th green was added to plant doubt in the player’s mind – an increase in the ‘risk and reward’ factor. For Donald the risk was too great and he laid up which left him with a 100-yard shot for eagle. To his credit he almost holed it but the ball checked at the crucial moment and spun back, ending six feet away from the hole and leaving Khan delighted – a world away from the feeling he had after losing his European Tour card last year.

“This has got to be the best year for me to win this tournament,” he smiled. “To lose your card, and to realise at that moment that it’s gone; that was the worst I’ve ever felt. Now this – it’s unbelievable to be standing here right now. This means everything. This tournament is the reason I started playing golf and just being here is special.”

Last year Khan finished 127^th on The Race to Dubai and on his way back from the Hong Kong Open the realisation hit him, but showing strong strength of mind he decided to look at the positives and put all his focus on going back to Qualifying School. It worked as Khan earned his card for 2010 in style, winning the six-round Final Stage in Spain last November. Now, after winning The European Tour’s flagship event, Khan moved up from 471^st on the Official World Golf Rankings to 106^th and earned a five-year exemption on Tour and a spot in the next three Open Championships.

Day gets it done in Texas 25/05/2010

AUSTRALIAN Jason Day wrapped up his first PGA Tour title in nervy fashion with a two-stroke victory over Brian Gay, Jeff Overton and Blake Adams in the HP Byron Nelson Championship in Texas.

Day nearly withdrew from the tournament after feeling ill prior to teeing off on the Thursday but wound up in the winner’s circle on the Sunday after closing out with a bogey on the 18th. Day found water with his approach shot but was given a reprieve when his closest rival and playing partner Adams also put his in the water after admitting he didn’t see Day’s ball get wet.

Day wound up with bogey to claim the title on 10-under while Adams carded a double to drop into a share of second place.

“To finally come through with a win - I’m just so happy,” said Day. “It’s finally good to just put in the hard work and get the job done. I’m so happy that I had my family and friends in town to see it too.”

Day said a dose of anti-biotics had made him feel queasy prior to the opening round but he played on because of a four-hour rain delay that allowed him to relax and recuperate. He went out and shot a 4-under 66 to take a share of the lead and was in the mix at the top of the leaderboard all week before eventually crossing the finishing line with a 2-over 72. Adams also carded a 72 while Overton posted a 71 to finish on 8-under, Gay also finished on 8-under after carding a best-of-the-day 7-under 63 to shoot up 36 places.

Sixteen-year-old high school student Jordan Spieth made a name for himself on his PGA Tour debut shooting rounds of 68, 69, 67 and 72 for a 4-under total and a share of 16th place. Defending champion Rory Sabbatini finished in a share of 43rd in his attempt to become the first repeat winner of the HP Byron Nelson Championship since Tom Watson won three in a row from 1978-80.

Scott takes Texas Open by one stroke 17/05/2010

Adam Scott ended a two-year drought on The PGA Tour with a one-stroke victory over Fredrik Jacobson at the Valero Texas Open.

After heavy rain washed out play on Friday 36 holes were played on Sunday and Scott found a hot streak with rounds of 66 and 67 for a 14-under-par total.

“It was a long old day but when you get hot it’s good to play 36 holes sometimes,” he said. “Obviously it feels great to win any event anywhere, but to win on The PGA Tour again is a big step. It was a good field here this week.”

After his third round 66 Scott was four strokes off the lead held by J.B Holmes and he quickly moved up the leaderboard with four birdies on the opening nine. He then birdied holes 10 and 12 to move clear, 6-under for the day, before pulling a short par putt on the final green to leave Jacobson – who was still on the course – in with a chance of victory.

The Swede, who carded a top-ten finish at The Players Championship a week earlier had makeable birdie putts down the stretch - including both 17 and 18 - to match Scott’s clubhouse target but failed to hole any to leave Scott in the winner’s circle.

“I certainly felt with five holes to go I could do something,” Jacobson said. “I had good feelings coming from the morning round. I gave myself good looks on all five of them but it just didn’t happen.”

Aaron Baddeley, Ernie Els and Jimmy Walker finished one stroke further back in third place while Holmes carded a 76 to drop down into a share of 13^th place.

Hank Haney departs as Tiger Woods’ swing coach 11/05/2010

HANK Haney has resigned as Tiger Woods’ swing coach after a six-year relationship with the World No.1.

Haney, who starting working with Woods in 2004, said: “I will always look back upon our past half-dozen years together as my best days in professional golf. It would be a dream of any coach to have a student like Tiger Woods and for me it has come true.

“Just so there is no confusion I would like to make it clear that this is my decision. I know Tiger Woods will be successful in the future no matter who helps him.”

Haney, who took over the role of Woods’ swing coach from Butch Harmon, added: “As we all know, Tiger has been through a lot in the past six months and I really believe that given the chance, mind-free and injury-free, we will all see Tiger Woods play once again like we all know he can.”

Meanwhile Woods said he will have an MRI scan on his neck after withdrawing from The Players Championship midway through the final round with neck spasms but did confirm they were not connected with any injuries sustained in his car accident last November.

“For me not to play all 18 holes, that was as angry and as frustrated as I’ve been in a long time,” said Woods at TPC Sawgrass. “I’ve dealt with other things in my life where people said that I was pretty much done and come back. So the whole idea is just to keep fighting every day. It’s all I can do.”

Hank Haney departs as Tiger Woods’ swing coach

Clark finally breaks US duck at The Players 10/05/2010

TIM Clark roared to his maiden US PGA Tour victory with a stunning final round 5-under 67 for a one-stroke victory over Robert Allenby at The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass – his first win in 206 starts on American soil.

The South African made five birdies in a six-hole stretch around the turn to shoot up the leaderboard and post a clubhouse lead of 16-under-par which nobody could match.

“That’s as good as I could have played,” said Clark, who posted weekend rounds of 66 and 67 to set a new 36-hole comeback record at The Players Championship. “I’m hoping that this will give me that little extra confidence that I needed. This may just be what gets me started.

“I had the last two weeks off and didn’t even hit balls I was playing so badly but I just found something that clicked.”

Clark clicked into life on the par-4 seventh making birdie and then parred the treacherous 234-yard par-3 eighth. He then picked up four strokes in a row to get to 5-under-par for the day and into contention alongside overnight leader Lee Westwood and Allenby.

He parred the remaining six holes and then had a nervy wait to see if either player could catch him. Westwood lipped out an eight foot birdie putt on the par-5 16th leaving him two strokes behind with two to play while Allenby did make birdie to leave him one behind on the 17th tee.

The Australian nailed his approach to 11 feet while Westwood’s attempt fell short and into the water which ended his tournament. Allenby’s putt was agonisingly close, falling just short of the cup before incredibly rolling back one inch. He then missed a tough 47 foot putt from off the green on 18 which confirmed Clark as the winner.

“It went up to the hole, stayed on top then rolled back about an inch,” said Allenby about his putt on 17. “That was probably the most disbelief that I’ve ever witnessed, especially in those circumstances, knowing that it’s got to go in to tie Tim. For it to go up to the hole and take a little look over the top and then come back, that was a bit rude.”

Allenby carded a final round 2-under-par 70 to finish on 15-under-par with US Open champion Lucas Glover posting the same number for a 14-under-par total. American David Love III was the only other player apart from Clark to break 70 on the final day as his 68 saw him move 11 places into fourth on 12-under alongside Westwood, Heath Slocum, Bo Van Pelt and Ben Crane.

Clark finally breaks US duck at The Players

BOHN GOES WIRE-TO-WIRE IN NEW ORLEANS 26/04/2010

AMERICAN Jason Bohn roared to a wire-to-wire victory in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans at TPC Louisiana to claim the second PGA Tour title of his career the day after celebrating his 37^th birthday.

Bohn fired a final round 5-under 67 to win by two strokes from the battling Jeff Overton (6-under 66) with an 18-under-par total of 270. Rookie Troy Merritt made an impressive final round charge to finish third on 14-under with two time US Open champion Lee Janzen in fourth place on 13-under.

"This is life changing," said Bohn, who earned $1,152,000 for his first victory since the 2005 B.C. Open.

Bohn shot into the lead with an opening 65 before stretching his advantage with a 67 in the rain delayed second round. He finished his third round 71 on the Sunday morning to lead by two at 13-under from Germany's Alex Cejka heading into the final round with Overton and Janzen a shot further back.

Bohn was slow off the mark in the final round, his first birdie coming at the eighth, as Merritt lit up the opening nine, going out in 33 before adding birdies at 10, 11 and 13 to take a one-stroke lead. Bohn regained the lead with a birdie at the 11th to Merritt's bogey on the 14^th.

Janzen put the pressure on with an eagle at the par-4 13^th before a bogey at the 16^th ended his challenge for a first title since the 1998 US Open.

Bohn sprang into life at the 15^th with a stunning approach from 217 yards that left him a short putt for birdie before another birdie at the 16^th put him two ahead of playing partner Overton who had picked up five shots over the first 13 holes to stay in the hunt.

Bohn was still two ahead going up the last and Overton almost sank a long eagle putt to keep the contest alive but, though it missed, it proved academic as Bohn produced another wonderful approach to leave himself a tap in for an emotional victory that drew a line over a tough period that has been blighted by injury since his last win.

"I want to take this one to the grave. I want to remember every little detail that I missed on my first one," he said. "All week my caddie just kept saying just ‘stay patient, just stay patient. Don't try to force anything', and we really didn't.
"Especially when Jeff Overton got off to a good start, started making some birdies, started to apply the pressure. I knew it was coming. We knew somebody was going to shoot a low round of golf today, and I just really stayed patient.
"So my overall thing that I'll take away from this more than anything is how proud I am of myself for - should I say listening to my caddie or staying patient? I don't know which one is right. But I really stayed patient."

FRASER BACK ON TRACK AT BALLANTINES 26/04/2010

AUSTRALIA'S Marcus Fraser secured his first European Tour title for seven years with a wire-to-wire victory at the 54-hole rain shortened Ballantines Championship.

Fraser, whose only other victory to date came at the 2003 BMW Russian Open, dropped only two shots over the three rounds as he shot 65-70-69 for a 12-under total of 204 to win by four from fellow countryman Brett Rumford and Northern Ireland's Gareth Maybin.

"It's unbelievable, I don't know how I did that today. It has blown me away," said Fraser who lost in a play-off for the Australian Masters last season.

"I have had so many chances to win in seven years and you just don't know if it is going to be your day, and it was. I just can't believe it.

"The second win is harder than the first one, it has just been so long. I have had so many chances to win over the last seven years and I haven't done it so to go out there and play how I did this week is a big lift."

An emotional Fraser admitted that the victory was reward for a lot of hard work that has seen him emerge from the toughest period of his career having considered giving up the game at one stage.

"Probably three or four years ago, I thought about giving it away," said Fraser who won €367,500 for the victory to move to 17^th in The Race to Dubai. "I was playing terrible. Golf swing wasn't improving and everything wasn't really getting any better.

"I thought I was wasting my time and you really start to question yourself, whether you think that you should be out here or whether you deserve to be out here. I went through a patch like that and luckily I went back and saw my old coach that I used to see when I was an amateur, and we got things moving in the right direction.

"It's been a lot of hard work over the last couple of years to get back to this position. My last win was when I was coached by Denis McDade, and I've had another win today, still being coached by him. So I think we've done a lot of things to keep things moving in the right direction.

"I never thought I'd be in this situation again, so it's extra personal this week. At this time last year, I lost my uncle, who was also my Godfather and I missed his funeral because of this tournament. So to come back and win this week, that's definitely for him."

WWG Desert Island Double in association with Ecco 26/04/2010

Two days of golf on two of the UAE’s newest world-class desert island courses and a night of luxury accommodation for just AED950.

THE WWG Desert Island Double will see competitors play Yas Links Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Club on Thursday June 10th and Friday 11th respectively with a night of luxury accommodation at the Radisson Blu Hotel on June 10th and breakfast the following morning.
The entrance fee also includes access to the practice facilities and locker rooms, shared golf carts, range balls, plus barbecues at the end of each days’ play and tournament prizes (beverages are at individuals’ expense). A non-playing guest can come along for the nominal additional fee of AED 100 and family rooms or extra Friday night accommodation can be arranged on request.

To enter fill out the entry form on the events page or contact David Burke on
+971 (0) 4 34 0 3786 or email davidb@wspdubai.com. Credit card details will be required to reserve the booking and payment will not be taken until the event however cancellations must be made before June 8th to qualify for a refund. If cancellations are received less than 48 hours prior to the event credit card will be charged for the full amount.

For more details on the event please see the latest issue of Worldwide Golf.
Enter the Desert Island Double here

WWG Desert Island Double in association with Ecco

Lorena Ochoa calls an early end to her career 21/04/2010

MEXICAN World No.1 Lorena Ochoa has announced her retirement from the game at the age of 28. The two-time Major winner has been the dominant force on the LPGA Tour since taking over the top spot from Annika Sorenstam three years ago but an announcement on her website read: “Lorena Ochoa has confirmed her retirement from the LPGA Tour.”

Ochoa’s Major wins came at the Women’s British Open in 2007 at St Andrews and the Kraft Nabisco Championship in 2008 and has recorded 27 victories in eight seasons on the LPGA Tour and missed just four cuts in 172 LPGA events.

Lorena Ochoa calls an early end to her career

Tiger Woods set to play Quail Hollow and US Open 14/04/2010

TIGER Woods will make his second competitive start of the season at the Quail Hollow Championship in North Carolina on April 29th.

"I'm excited about competing," Woods said on his website. "It's a wonderful venue, and they always have a great field."

Woods said after the final round at the Masters that he would take a break, but is set to return sooner than expected.

The USGA has announced that the World No.1 has also filed his entry form to participation at the US Open at Pebble Beach Golf Links on June 17th.

Mike Davis, USGA senior director of rules and competitions, said: “Tiger has certainly filed an entry, and we’re certainly anticipating that he’s going to play. If someone fully exempt files an entry, generally speaking, they always do play.”

Woods has fond memories of the Pebble Beach course having won the US Open there in 2000 by a record 15 strokes.

Meanwhile 60-year-old Tom Watson has confirmed the USGA has extended an invitation for him to play in his first US Open in seven years. Watson, who won the US Open in 1982 at Pebble Beach, said: “I am deeply grateful to the USGA for extending me the invitation to play in the US Open at one of my favourite golf courses in the world.”

Tiger Woods set to play Quail Hollow and US Open

Masterful Mickelson wins third Green Jacket 12/04/2010

PHIL Mickelson secured his third Masters victory with a sublime three-stroke victory over England’s Lee Westwood at Augusta National.

Mickelson carded a second consecutive 5-under-par 67 to overhaul Westwood’s one-shot lead and slip in to the coveted Green Jacket for the third time.

“I love this place,” beamed Mickelson after finishing on 16-under-par. “I love coming here. I love Sunday at Augusta. Back in the 1990s it was the most nerve-wracking day. It still is, but I’ve just come to love and cherish it and to play some of my best golf this week as well as today just feels incredible.”

Mickelson started the day level but after a steady 1-under-par front nine was one ahead of Westwood after two birdies and three bogeys by the Englishman left him 1-over. From there on out it was the Mickelson show as a series of sensational shots saw him card back-to-back birdies on 12 and 13 and then a birdie on 15 extended his lead to three strokes.

Westwood fought back and went bogey-free on the back nine but could only manage birdies at 13 and 17. With a two stroke lead heading up the last Mickelson played conservatively, placing a 3-wood up the left hand side before launching his approach to eight feet. After Westwood missed his birdie putt Mickelson stepped up and sunk it to the jubilation of the crowd and his watching wife Amy who was stood in front of the scorers’ hut behind the green. It had been an emotional year for the 39-year-old and his family after both his mother and wife had contracted breast cancer and he called the victory “one of the best things we’ve gone through”.

“To walk off the green and see her was very emotional for us,” he added. “It’s been a difficult year, and to come out on top in this tournament is very emotional.”

For Westwood it marked a third consecutive top-three finish in a Major and he vowed to keep on plugging away as he seeks to win his first grand slam event. “One of these days the door’s going to open for me. I just need to keep doing what I'm doing,” said the European No.1. “I have finished third-third-second in my last three Majors so I think I am doing the right things. Phil said in the scorers’ hut that he has been that man. He has hung around at the top of leaderboards at Major championships and not got anything and there he is today sitting there with four of them.

“He told me to keep plugging away and that I was playing far too well not to win one of these.”

American Anthony Kim, who won the Shell Houston Open a week earlier finished shot a stunning 65 to finish third on his own at 12-under-par. South Korean K.J. Choi and the returning Tiger Woods finishing tied fourth on 11-under-par with 50-year-old Fred Couples one shot further back in sixth.

Masterful Mickelson wins third Green Jacket

Kim downs Taylor for Houston Open title 06/04/2010

AFTER missing a short putt for victory in regulation, Anthony Kim made a par in the first extra hole to defeat Vaughn Taylor and pick up his third PGA TOUR title at the Shell Houston Open.

Kim had a six-footer for par on the final green but charged it left of the hole and settled for a 2-under-par 70 meaning Taylor – who was in the clubhouse on 12-under-par after a 68 – was back in which a chance of winning.

Kim played the first play-off hole - the 18th - in regulation, reaching the par-4 in two strokes while Taylor was in trouble off the tee and found a greenside trap with his approach. He splashed out to 18 feet but missed his par putt leaving Kim a tap-in for par and the title.

The win solidified something of a turnaround in Kim’s mental approach as he admitted he wouldn’t have been happy after missing that putt in regulation earlier in his career.

“Two years ago, my bag may have been in the water,” he said. “I might not have had clubs to go to the play-off. But I just feel calm out there, I feel no sense of urgency. It’s something that's happened naturally and not something that’s been forced. I’m comfortable with who I am out there. I found my identity.

“I just look back at last year, after the season was over, I was just complaining about everything. I felt like I deserved to win a golf tournament without trying. That's not how it is. I’ve put in a lot of hard work, so I feel like when I’m out there, I know I’m going to do well. Having that confidence really has propelled my game, I feel like, to a different level.”

South African Charl Schwartzel (67) and Canada’s Graham DeLaet (68) finished a stroke back on 11-under with Shaun Micheel (65) a shot further behind in fifth place, his best result since 2007.

Els hangs on for second win of the year 30/03/2010

ERNIE Els picked up his second consecutive win on American soil with a tense victory at the rain-delayed Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill Club and Lodge in Orlando.

Els was forced to close out the victory on the Monday after heavy rain caused play to stop on Sunday with the South African two strokes ahead with four holes to play.

“It was a tough finish for me,” said Els who saw a five shot lead cut to two after a double bogey-bogey run before the rain came. “I’ve been thinking about these last four holes for 22 hours so it was nice to finally get on the golf course.

“I kind of limped home but the work I have put in has started paying off, and obviously my short game is good. I got it up and down the last two holes.”

Els made four pars to seal the victory – including excellent up-and-downs from a bunker on the par-3 17^th and from just off the green on the 18^th - and take home his second title of the season,

Kevin Na came close to catching Ernie after a birdie on the par-5 16^th took him to within one shot but a bogey at the last ended his chances. Edoardo Molinari carded a best-of-the-day 3-under 69 to finish in second place alongside Na.

Oosthuizen finally takes maiden European title 29/03/2010

AFTER four runner-up finishes on The European Tour, Louis Oosthuizen stepped into the winner’s circle for the first time with a three-shot victory at the Open de Andalucia in Malaga.

The South African closed with a 3-under-par 67 for a 17-under-par total to seal the win from England’s Richard Finch and Scotland’s Peter Whiteford and jump into the top 50 on the Official World Golf Ranking and seal his spot at The Masters.

“That was my goal two months ago,” said Oosthuizen, who recorded his fourth runners-up finish a week earlier at the Hassan II Trophy in Morocco. “I was quite nervous down the stretch and very nervous on the 18th tee. I just decided to hit it as hard as I could. I knew I was good enough to win one, now I want to stay in the top 50.”

Oosthuizen started the day with a one-shot lead over Robert Coles and quickly extended it with three birdies in the first five holes. Whiteford, who started four back from Oosthuizen, made a charge after picking up five shots in eight holes around the turn and had a chance to close the gap to just one stroke but missed a 12-footer for birdie on the 14^th. He then three-putted the 15^th for bogey. Oosthuizen, who was in the group behind, birdied the 14^th to extend his lead and could then afford to bogey the 16^th as he closed out the victory.

Finch birdied the final two holes to card a 3-under-67 to finish on 14-under-par for his second runner-up finish in the space of a month after finishing second at the Avantha Masters in India.

Coles finished in a share of fourth place on 12-under-par after carding a one-over-par 71 alongside Italian Francesco Molinari who shot a 67.

Oosthuizen finally takes maiden European title

Furyk ends drought with gritty win 23/03/2010

JIM Furyk wrapped up his first PGA TOUR title since the 2007 Canadian Open with a one-shot victory over K.J Choi at the Transitions Championship in Florida.

Furyk held a three stroke lead going into the final day and eventually secured the win with a bogey on the closing par-4 18^th for a 2-under 69 and a 13-under total.

“Nerves got me, to be honest with you,” admitted Furyk after he closed out the win. “I have a habit of making it tough for myself.”

Furyk made a clutch par putt on the 17^th hole and stood on the 18^th tee with a two-stroke lead over Choi. However, the 39-year-old blocked his tee shot into the trees and then shanked his second shot into the rough some 70 yards short and right of the green. Choi hit his approach shot short of a greenside bunker and after Furyk pitched on in three shots Choi’s attempt at pitching in came up just short. The American then had two putts for the title and lagged his par-putt to within inches, sealing the win with a tap-in.

“I made it difficult, there’s no doubt,” said Furyk, who moved up to No.6 on the Official World Golf Ranking. “I played very, very well today, but at times I didn’t get the ball in the hole very well. I made three bad plays on three of the par-3s where I didn’t get down in two with the putter and the18th - it was rough to say the least. Bad swings and a bad decision. It all worked out in the end and for 14 holes today I played phenomenal golf.”

Second placed Choi closed with a 4-under 67 to finish the day where he began while Bubba Watson carded a 3-under 68 to finish one shot back in third place.

Nick Watney jumped up ten places into fourth place with a 67 while Retief Goosen, who started the day third, posted a level-par 71 to finish fifth.

Davies revels in Moroccan victory 22/03/2010

WELSHMAN Rhys Davies secured his maiden European Tour title with a two-stroke victory over Louis Oosthuizen at the Trophée Hassan II in Morocco.

The 24-year-old Challenge Tour graduate started the day two behind the South African but posted a superb final round 66 to Oosthuizen’s 70 for a 25-under-par total and thecheque for €229,160.

“I’m a little bit lost at the moment – this is all completely surreal to me,” said Davies. “It’s all a bit of a blur. I just kept focusing on hitting the ball as close to the flag as I could. I felt like I could make every putt and I think that was the key. I had a good speed on the greens and when you have a good speed you hole a lot of putts. I had good control of my swing today. It was probably the best I’ve hit it all week.”

Oosthuizen had to settle for his fourth runner-up finish on The European Tour and admitted he didn’t quite find his A-game during the final 18. “I am disappointed, of course. I just struggled with my irons all day,” said Oosthuizen, who had posted consecutive rounds of 64 to top the leaderboard going into the final round. “It just wasn’t happening for me at all with the irons. I didn’t put the ball close enough to the pin in order to give myself chances. Rhys played brilliantly so congratulations to him.”

France’s Thomas Levet, Spain’s Ignacio Garrido, Finland’s Mikko Ilonen and another South African Thomas Aiken shared third place, five strokes further back on 18-under-par.

TIGER RETURNS 17/03/2010

TIGER Woods has announced that he will make his return to competitive golf at The Masters in April.

The World No.1 has been out of action for four months following revelations surrounding his personal life but after undergoing therapy for the past two months he is now ready get back into action at the Augusta showpiece, which he has won four times.

"The Masters is where I won my first major and I view this tournament with great respect. After a long and necessary time away from the game, I feel like I'm ready to start my season at Augusta.

"The major championships have always been a special focus in my career and, as a professional, I think Augusta is where I need to be, even though it's been a while since I last played.

"I have undergone almost two months of inpatient therapy and I am continuing my treatment. Although I'm returning to competition, I still have a lot of work to do in my personal life.

"When I finally got into a position to think about competitive golf again, it became apparent to me that the Masters would be the earliest I could play. I called both Joe Lewis and Arnold Palmer and expressed my regrets for not attending the Tavistock Cup and the Arnold Palmer Invitational. I again want to thank them both for their support and their understanding. Those are fantastic tournaments and I look forward to competing in them again.

"I would also like to thank the Augusta National members and staff for their support. I have deep appreciation for everything that they do to create a wonderful event for the benefit of the game."

Villegas seals comprehensive Honda Classic win 08/03/2010

CAMILO Villegas picked up his third PGA TOUR title with a commanding five-stroke victory over Anthony Kim at The Honda Classic in Florida.

The Colombian carded a final round 2-under-par 68 to ease to victory with a 13-under-par 267 total - the lowest 72-hole score since the tournament moved to the Jack Nicklaus designed PGA National in 2007.

“I’ve just had good vibes in me all week,” said Villegas, who climbed to No.12 on the Official World Golf Ranking with the win. “I’ve been working hard on my game and on my attitude and I’ve been excited about playing golf. Today I just kept plugging away. I kept hitting good shots. If there was a golf course where you can mess up coming in, it’s this one, trust me. The finishing holes are tough. And I just picked my targets, put good swings on them and took care of business.”

Villegas began the day with a three shot lead over Vijay Singh and Nathan Green and quickly extended his advantage with four birdies in his opening ten holes. However, he was pegged back by bogies on holes 11, 12 and 15 but with Singh and Green crumbling to a 2-over 72 and 7-over 77 respectively Villegas had an easy path to victory. He held a four-stroke lead heading down the last with Anthony Kim in the clubhouse on 8-under and wrapped up the win in emphatic fashion with a superb 16-foot birdie putt on the final hole.

England’s Justin Rose shot up the leaderboard with a superb tournament-record final round 6-under 64 to move up 20 places into third place with compatriot Paul Casey finishing in a tie for fourth place with Singh on 6-under-par.

Villegas seals comprehensive Honda Classic win

Mahan goes low for Phoenix Open title 01/03/2010

HUNTER Mahan shot a pair of 6-under-par 65s over the weekend at the Waste Management Phoenix Open to win his first PGA TOUR title since the 2007 Travelers Championship.

Mahan came from four strokes back to beat 21-year-old Rickie Fowler by one stroke after finishing on 16-under-par with a bogey-free final round.

“It’s just finding a way to win. I just haven’t been able to do it,” he said after firing four birdies and an eagle three on the 13^th hole. “So obviously it feels great to win in just my fifth tournament of the year. It gives me a lot of confidence in myself that I’m doing the right things in my game, and it feels great, it really does.”

Fowler, who is competing in his rookie season on the PGA TOUR, had a lengthy birdie putt on the final hole to take Mahan into a play-off but narrowly missed and had to settle for the second runner-up finish of his young career.

“I played solid,” said Fowler. “I was bogey-free today and ultimately what I wanted was to have a chance coming down the last few holes. That’s what I did but I just missed a couple putts."

Reigning US PGA Champion Y.E. Yang moved 20 places up the leaderboard thanks to a superb 6-under 65. Yang made an eagle two on the par-4 10^th hole before four straight birdies from hole 12 through to 15 saw him leap into contention. However, a bogey on the 17^th pegged him back and he had to settle for third place.

POULTER DOWNS CASEY FOR MAIDEN WGC TITLE 22/02/2010

IAN Poulter defeated compatriot Paul Casey to become the first English winner of a World Golf Championships event after a 4&2 victory at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Champion ship in Arizona.

Poulter flew out of the blocks and built a 4up lead after 14 holes but Casey pegged him back to just a 2up lead after the first 18 holes. Poulter once again built a 4up lead but Casey came back again and by the 28th hole his lead was again 2up

Casey then missed a putt on the 33rd hole to give Poulter a 3up lead with three to play and Poulter ended the contest early with a par on the par-3 16th to secure the biggest win of his career.

"It's been a long time coming. It was a good day's golf. I knew I was in great form and I felt calm all day - nerves didn't play any factor at all," said Poulter.

"It means I'm up to No.5 in the world, it means all the hard work, the hours, the gym work... it makes it all the more pleasing to be able to go out on this bigger stage against the best players in the world and pull a win off in this fashion."

POULTER DOWNS CASEY FOR MAIDEN WGC TITLE

Vintage Jimenez downs Westwood in Dubai 08/02/2010

MIGUEL Angel Jimenez defeated Lee Westwood on the third play-off hole to win the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, his ninth victory since turning 40 in 2004.

The pair began the final day tied with Thongchai Jaidee and Alvaro Quiros and both shot a level par 72 in the final round .

Jaidee dropped three early shots and Quiros squandered the lead after three late bogeys, while Westwood birdied the 72nd to tie with Jimenez at 11-under.

Westwood had two makeable chances to win in the play-off before Jimenez triumphed with a par at the third extra hole.

Westwood looked favourite at the first play-off hole – the par-5 18^th - after clearing the water in two, while Jimenez, having laid up short, pitched agonisingly close to the lake.

However, after chipping onto the green the Englishman missed a 10-footer for birdie and Jimenez got up-and-down to take the pair down the final hole again.

From the tee Jimenez found a difficult lie in the rough and after laying up he pitched through the green into the bunker. Westwood was again over the water in two in a good lie just off the green.

From their positions both played indifferent shots with Westwood leaving his chip 12 feet short and Jimenez blasting out way beyond the hole. However, Jimenez rolled in his tough par putt to heap the pressure on Westwood who again missed his chance to win outright.

With the Dubai sun fading the pair made their way to the ninth and both players missed the green with their approach shots. Their chips were both good and after the match referee was called in to see whose ball was closest, Westwood stepped up and missed his par putt. Jimenez then rolled putt in for his first win since the 2008 BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

"All week I've been playing strong with a strong mind and with good support from my caddie,” said Jimenez. "I have been coming to Dubai for many years and had a few chances to win and now I have it, I feel very pleased and very happy. Like a good wine, with age, I get better and better.”

The lead had changed hands several times around the turn with Quiros in prime position before three-putting three greens in succession to drop out of contention.

Jaidee who was playing alongside Jimenez, had a five footer for birdie on the final green to join the play-off on 11-under but missed.

Karlsson seals Commercialbank Qatar Masters 01/02/2010

ROBERT Karlsson won his tenth European Tour title with a superb three-shot victory over defending champion Alvaro Quiros at the Commercialbank Qatar Masters. Karlsson shot a sublime final round 7-under 65 to post a 15-under total and take home the cheque for €294,584.

“The focus this year was to come back and start to put together good rounds and a then a string of good rounds and then you never know what's going to happen,” said Karlsson, who missed large periods of 2009 with an eye injury. “That’s the thing I am most happy with. It’s not really the win, it’s fantastic to win, but to play four really good rounds together, that’s the most satisfying.”

Karlsson peppered the flag all the day and shot a bogey free round with three birdies on the outward half and four coming home – including two at the final two holes.

“It has surprised me a little bit,” he added. “Especially the way I played during the final round. But if you go out and shoot a 65 in the last day of a tournament after being a couple behind, usually you will have a good chance and obviously it was my day.”

Overnight leaders Paul Casey and Bradley Dredge both faltered over the final 18 holes, closing with 74s to drop into a share of fifth place. Lee Westwood posted a 2-under 70 to claim third place while Quiros shot up from sixth place into second place after a superb 5-under. “I played very good and I had my chances,” said Quiros. “The wind on Thursday put me out a little bit, but I chipped in two times and holed a very long putt in my final round so I have to be thankful.”

Karlsson seals Commercialbank Qatar Masters

Mickelson joins Daly in playing old Ping Eye 2 wedges 29/01/2010

WORLD No.2 Phil Mickelson has taken advantage of a legal loophole which allows players to play any Ping-Eye 2 made before April 1, 1990 after a settlement was reached between Ping and the USGA.

“I don’t feel that there’s any problem if I were to play those clubs or if anybody else were,” Mickelson said, who will use the square grooved Ping wedge. “All that matters is that it is OK under the Rules of Golf.”

John Daly and Dean Wilson brought the issue to the fore by using their old clubs at the first regular PGA TOUR event of the season at the Sony Open in Hawaii.

Mickelson joins Daly in playing old Ping Eye 2 wedges

Ramsay defeats Kapur for maiden title 29/12/2009

RICHIE Ramsay won his maiden European Tour title at the South African Open Championship, three years after becoming the first Scot to win the US Amateur Championship in 108 years.

Ramsay and Indian Shiv Kapur finished level on 13-under par and it was the Scot who prevailed with a two-putt birdie on the first extra hole.

“There’s no greater feeling than winning and I’m just a flood of emotions – I’m holding back the tears,” said Ramsay after receiving prize money of €158,500 and a European Tour exemption until the end of 2011.

Ramsay began the final day in ninth place, five strokes adrift from Pablo Martin – winner of the Alfred Dunhill Championship a week earlier - and shot a best-of-the-day 65 to get to 13-under alongside Kapur who posted a 67. Martin failed to improve on his winning position and dropped down to sixth place with a 73.

The pair went back down the 601 yard par-5 18^th and Ramsay, who hadn’t dropped a shot all day, was on in two shots and sealed the victory with a birdie.

“Things just went for me,” he admitted. “But I am a lot more positive now - I go out believing and thinking I can win.”

The trio of Denmark’s Anders Hansen, Sweden’s Fredrik Andersson Hed and Italian Edoardo Molinari could have joined the play-off on 13-under par with an eagle on the last but failed. Hansen made a birdie to take third place outright on 12-under while Andersson Hed and Molinari finished with a par for a tie for fourth, one shot further back.

Molinari’s finish was good enough for him to climb into the top 50 on the Official World Golf Rankings and join his brother Francesco in The Masters in April while Ramsay’s win saw him jump from 240^th in the world to just inside the top 120.

Westwood finds heaven on Earth 23/11/2009

LEE Westwood won The Race to Dubai with a sensational performance at the inaugural Dubai World Championship on Greg Norman’s Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

The Englishman posted a 23-under-par total to win by six shots from compatriot Ross McGowan and in doing so overtook Rory McIlroy to top the money list for the second time in his career.

“I’m a bit speechless,” said Westwood. “I played fantastic at the weekend. I played well at the start of the week, but 66 and 64 will take some catching.”

“It’s as good as I’ve ever played, especially under this pressure. It gives me so much confidence and it’s definitely the biggest moment of my career.”

McIlroy, who led The Race to Dubai from Westwood heading into the Dubai World Championship, finished third on15-under-par.

“Leading coming in to this week and then finishing third, most times that would have been enough, but Lee was different class and he deserves it,” said McIlroy. “He’s been through the highs and the lows and he’s got his reward for the golf he’s played over the last two years.”

On your marks, get set, go! 16/11/2009

SO now we know. The field for The Race to Dubai has been finalised and 60 players will compete for the Dubai World Championship over the Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates with the crown of Europe's Number One on the line.

Going into the 51^st and last event in the Race, which began just over a year ago in Shanghai and enters the final furlong this week in Dubai, four players can capture the inaugural Race to Dubai honours.

Leading the way, at the tender age of 20, is Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, whose runner-up finish behind Gregory Bourdy in the UBS Hong Kong Open enabled him to vault over Lee Westwood of England at the top of The Race to Dubai.

With Westwood - the Number One going into Hong Kong - finishing tied 54^th in that event, McIlroy's €186,190 has taken him €128,173 ahead of his ISM stable mate, and knocked several possible contenders out of the Race.

Only McIlroy, Westwood, Germany's Martin Kaymer and Ross Fisher of England can take the title, as Paul Casey was compelled to withdraw at the weekend without hitting a shot in anger due to a recurrence of his long-standing rib injury.

Quite simply, it all comes down to this: if McIlroy, Westwood or Kaymer can land the Dubai World Championship next Sunday, they cannot be caught by any of their challengers for the coveted position as Europe's ‘top dog'.

Should Fisher prevail, the new Volvo World Match Play Champion could be caught by either McIlroy or Westwood if either of that pair finished second while Kaymer would have insufficient points to reach Fisher.

If none of that illustrious quartet wins, then the permutations are endless. Whatever happens, if promises to be a stimulating and thrilling climax to the season in the desert.

McIlroy, who moved within one stroke of Bourdy at Fanling before bogeying the penultimate hole, admitted: "I am a bit disappointed at the moment, but I have the consolation of going back to the top in The Race to Dubai.

"This is where I wanted to be going into the final tournament. I knew if I put in a good performance there was a good chance (of going back to the top). I am now Number One and in pole position, I suppose."

Westwood, who has battled with McIlroy for several weeks to claim the metaphorical ‘yellow jersey' as Race leader, commented: "It's in my hands, regardless. The difference between first and second next week in more than the difference between us, so if I win this week, I win The Race to Dubai."

Kaymer, working towards full fitness after his lengthy lay-off due to a go-karting accident in August, was one of the group of early arrivals at the stunning Earth course in Dubai today who enjoyed their first taste of the course and facilities on the Jumeirah Golf Estates.

The German realises what he has to do this week, saying: "My goal is to win. Nothing else. If I can achieve that then we will see what happens."

Among the movers and shakers in Hong Kong and the JBWere Masters in Australia, the biggest winner was unquestionably Frenchman Bourdy. As well as collecting the champion's cheque for €279,288, Bourdy moved up from 86^th place on The Race to Dubai to 47^th, to ensuring himself of a starting role in the Dubai World Championship.

Woods takes Australian Masters title 16/11/2009

TIGER Woods won his first title on Australian soil thanks to a two stroke victory over local favourite Greg Chalmers at the JBWere Australian Masters.

The World No.1 went into the final round level with Australians Chalmers and James Nitties but took the title thanks to a superb 4-under-par 68.

“Now I’ve won on every continent, except for Antarctica,” joked Woods, who was making his first appearance in Australia since the 1998 Presidents Cup. “To have won on every playable continent is something I have always wanted to do and now I have done that. I had to make some birdies early and I did that and was able to keep the lead. I played very consistently. I wasn’t trying to be overly aggressive, just trying to plot my way along.”

Wearing his customary red shirt, Woods started in fine form by birdieing the opening hole which eradicated the memory of his level-par third round which saw him drop into a share of the lead. Woods then made his move for the title with birdies on holes 5 and 6. He made another birdie on the par-5 12^th before giving a shot back on the 13^th after a photographer interrupted his approach shot. However, Woods put that out of his mind by holing from 15 feet for a birdie on the par-3 15^th which closed the door on his challengers.

Woods partners – most notably Chalmers – pushed Woods but the Aussie failed to significantly close the gap after missing birdie putts on holes 14 and 16.

Race to Dubai – the story so far 13/11/2009

AT precisely 9.25am local time on a cool, overcast day in Shanghai, the familiar dulcet tones of silver-haired Official Starter, Ivor Robson, shattered the still morning air. With the simple words "On the tee, from Sweden...Robert Karlsson" golfing history was made. The Race to Dubai was off and running.

Golfing dignitaries, including European Tour Chief Executive George O'Grady, huddled round the first tee in anticipation as Karlsson struck the first blow in the HSBC Champions tournament, the initial hurdle out of 51 to be cleared before The Race to Dubai champion is confirmed at the end of a 382 day campaign involving players from 40 nations.

Amid the staccato burst of cameras shutters recording the historic moment, Karlsson contrived to make a birdie...the perfect way to start a contest which will conclude this week at the Dubai World Championship on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

Since that first hole we have witnessed some scintillating golf, a wealth of emerging talent, keenly fought battles and, particularly now we approach the final leg of the long journey, intense competition. This week (November 19-22) the top 60 players in The Race to Dubai Rankings will contest the $7.5million prize fund - and the $7.5million Bonus Pool for the leading 15 players come the end of the inaugural event.

Along the way players from 16 different nations have triumphed in The Race to Dubai, with England winning the highest number of trophies - nine - thanks to a glut of champions in the final few weeks of the season. The United States are not far behind with six, while Australia and Sweden have each had five winners and Argentina four.

We have witnessed 31 hole in ones, 15 first-time winners and 13 new course records. Rory McIlroy, who heads to Dubai just ahead of Lee Westwood at the top of The Race to Dubai Rankings, has had the most top five finishes this season with 11 - more than twice as many as his closest challengers, Rafael Cabrera-Bello, Westwood and Martin Kaymer.

Sergio Garcia was the man who set the ball rolling, beating England's Oliver Wilson in a play-off to capture the HSBC title and go into the winter break as leader in The Race to Dubai.

Sergio Garcia

Garcia was joined as a Race to Dubai winner by his big-hitting compatriot Alvaro Quiros, whose victory in the Commercialbank Qatar Masters highlighted him as a potential star and set the tone for an impressive year.

South African Richard Sterne staked his claim to contest the ‘race within the race' - to be one of the top 15 who will collect a slice of the Bonus Pool, which starts at $1.5 million and goes down to $187,500 for 15^th place.

Sterne took full advantage of playing on home soil to land the Alfred Dunhill Championship and the South African Open, played over the magnificent Pearl Valley Golf Estates in the Western Cape, in consecutive weeks.

Four other players have also tasted victory twice this season: Thongchai Jaidee at the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open and the Ballantine's Championship in South Korea; Paul Casey at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and the BMW PGA Championship; Simon Dyson at the KLM Open and then the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship six weeks later and Martin Kaymer, who enjoyed back to back wins at the Open de France ALSTOM and The Barclays Scottish Open.

Martin Kaymer 2009 Scottish Open Champion

McIlroy emerged as a strong contender for The Race to Dubai title in the first part of the season. The 20 year old from Northern Ireland lost out in a play-off to Lin Wen-tang from Chinese Taipei for the UBS Hong Kong Open, but won millions of admirers worldwide with his superb maiden European Tour success in the Dubai Desert Classic.

Victory catapulted McIlroy into the top 20 on the Official World Golf Ranking and set the tone for an impressively consistent first full season on The European Tour, by the end of which he was at the top of The Race to Dubai Rankings, having overtaken Westwood with a second place finish at the UBS Hong Kong Open.

Two-time BMW PGA Champion Anders Hansen of Denmark won the Joburg Open, and others to make their move early on were Casey, Jaidee and Geoff Ogilvy, whose second victory at the WGC-Accenture Match Play propelled him to the top of the money list.

An even bigger success awaited Angel Cabrera of Argentina in the Masters Tournament at Augusta National, and that was followed by breakthrough wins for American Anthony Kang, Argentine Tano Goya and Northern Ireland's Michael Hoey. Dane Soren Kjeldsen and Thomas Levet of France now have multiple victories in Spain following their successes at the Open de Andalucia de Golf 09 and the Open de España respectively.

The surprise winner of 2009 was Shane Lowry, the 22 year old amateur who won The 3 Irish Open on home soil and turned professional shortly afterwards, and a week later Casey edged a thrilling battle with Fisher to claim the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club. Bad news was to follow for Casey, however, as a rib injury kept him sidelined for much of the summer, and recurred after he made his comeback in October, jeopardising his bid to be Europe's Number One.

History was made when Y.E. Yang won the U.S. Open to become the first Asian Major Champion, a few weeks after Tom Watson narrowly missed out on writing himself into the record books when he was denied The Open Championship crown by Stewart Cink, who prevailed in a play-off. Watson needed to hole an eight foot putt at the 18^th to become the oldest Open Champion at 59 but missed, forcing a play-off with his compatriot. Westwood was a shot back in third place, alongside Chris Wood, who bettered his fifth-place finish of 2008, this time as a professional.

There was a stunning upset at the SAS Masters in Sweden when Ricardo Gonzalez birdied five of the last six holes to win by two from Jamie Donaldson. The Argentine, who until that point had not had a top 10 all season, holed a tricky bunker shot at the 17^th and then chipped out of the trees to within five feet at the last, which he holed to seal a blistering victory.

Dyson made it a summer to remember with two wins in as many months, and Kaymer found the form of his life to record consecutive victories, only to be frustrated by a foot injury suffered in a go-karting accident which kept him out for six weeks. His return, a runner-up finish at the CASTELLÓ MASTERS Costa Azahar, fired him back into contention for the Harry Vardon Trophy, but with McIlroy adding his runner-up spot in Hong Kong to fourth place at the WGC-HSBC Champions and Westwood winning the Portugal Masters, he heads into the Dubai World Championship in third place on the table. Lee Westwood 2009 Portugal Masters

Fisher's success at the Volvo World Match Play Championship, where he beat Anthony Kim in the final, sent a warning to the top three that he was not yet out of the Race, and Ogilvy and Oliver Wilson are still mathematically in with a shout to top the Rankings come the end of this week.

So many permutations and calculations to be made, but one thing is for certain: we are in for a mouth-watering treat here in Dubai.

Mickelson produces another Shanghai classic 11/11/2009

PHIL Mickelson signed off on a hugely successful year by beating the cream of the world’s best players to take home his second World Golf Championships title at the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai.

Beginning the final round two shots ahead of Tiger Woods and Nick Watney in the final group, Mickelson held off his playing partners and a superb charge from Ernie Els to step into the winner’s circle for the fourth time in 2009 and the second time at Sheshan International Golf Club having previously won the event in 2007.

“It feels terrific to have won this tournament,” smiled the World No.2. “It has been very special to have a World Golf Championships here in China and to be the champion feels great.

”This is my last event of the year. I won’t be playing again until end of January in the US, and so to finish the year with this victory feels wonderful.”

Mickelson carded a final round 3-under-par 69 for a 17-under-par total to win by a stroke from Els who shot up the leaderboard after firing a course record equalling 9-under-par 63.

Woods was out of sorts and was left trailing in Mickelson’s wake as he could only muster a level-par 72 to finish sixth while Watney also struggled to mount a serious charge, carding a 1-under 72 for fifth place.

Instead of battling with his playing partners, Mickelson was made to fight with the name of Ernie Els which gradually crept up the leaderboard as the round went on – eventually taking the lead with a birdie on the 17^th as Mickelson teed off on 16.

“I knew on 16 I was a shot behind and I needed to make birdie to pull even, and I thought that it was important that I make a birdie on 16 because I was counting on Ernie making a birdie on 18, and I needed to keep pace,” admitted the American.

However, the drivable par 4 16^th which clocks in at just 288 yards yielded only a par for Mickelson after his typically sublime short-game let him down. His drive missed the green and he fluffed his initial flop – sliding under the ball, hitting it straight up so it landed back in his divot - and then bumped it onto the green leaving himself a tricky 18-footer for par. He stepped up and knocked it in, punching the air – acknowledging what a big moment it was for his title charge. “That was the best putt I holed all week,” he said afterwards.

He then went on to birdie the par-3 17^th to put the pressure on Els who then threw his chance of victory away by duffing his 5-wood into the drink on the 18^th. “I had 218 yards to the front of the green, but I was on a severe downslope and I was in between clubs, thinking I couldn’t carry a 4-iron to the front, because I can hit my four iron to about 215,” said the South African, who shot eight birdies and an eagle.

“I tried to take a 5-wood, aim left and hit a big cut. But because of the downhill lie, I kind of stood back on my swing, and I hit the ground first - basically duffed it. For me to come back all of the way, to actually share the lead at that point, was quite nice. I’m disappointed about that, but I’m going to really think about the 63 I shot. I can’t complain.”

Mickelson needed to par the lengthy 18^th for the victory but made hard work of it, twice hacking out of the rough with an 8-iron to get on the green in regulation. The Californian then got down in two with the flat stick to hoist the HSBC Champions trophy for the second time.

“Ernie played one of the greatest rounds, shot a course record, and I was very fortunate to come out on top,” he said. “This feels terrific because I had to fight very hard. Nothing came easy - I didn’t hit it great. The putts weren’t falling, and yet I hung in there and was able to win by one.”

Mickelson produces another Shanghai classic

Fisher takes Golfer of the Month for October 06/11/2009

Worldwide Golf columnist Ross Fisher has been named The European Tour's Golfer of the Month for October after his superb victory at the Volvo World Match Play Championship.

Fisher will receive a jeroboam of champagne along with an engraved alms dish in recognition of his performances over the week, which culminated in a 4 & 3 victory over Anthony Kim in the 36-hole final.

"It is a great thing to win the Golfer of the Month award - I was really thrilled when I was told about it," said the 28-year-old. "It is the icing on the cake after what was a fantastic win for me in Spain and it is a huge honour and massive privilege for me to be voted for by the panel."

Fisher takes Golfer of the Month for October

Poulter ends baron spell in Singapore 02/11/2009

IAN Poulter wrapped up his first victory since the 2007 Dunlop Phoenix Open in Japan with a one-shot victory over China’s Liang-Wen-chong at the Barclays Singapore Open.

Poulter opened with a 5-under-par 66 to take a share of the lead then extended it with a second round 64. He then closed out the victory at a rain-soaked Sentosa Golf Club with back-to-back 1-over 72s for a 10-under par total and a one-stroke victory.

“Getting off to the start I did, getting out of the blocks pretty quick, surprised me a little as I was mis-hitting some shots and I made it a little interesting on a string of holes yesterday,” Poulter said, referring to his opening rounds. “Coming out today I made some mistakes as well on the front nine and back nine to make it too close for comfort. But to stand on the last knowing I had to make five, I was pretty happy.”

FISHER ON TOP OF THE WORLD 02/11/2009

WORLDWIDE Golf columnist Ross Fisher confirmed his status as one of the most exciting prospects in golf with a stunning 4&3 victory against America's controversial Ryder Cup star Anthony Kim in the 36-hole final of the Volvo World Match Play Championship in Spain.

Fisher, who secured his passage to the final at Finca Cortesin in Malaga by beating Masters Champion Angel Cabrera having previously emerged from a tough group which included Camilo Villegas and Lee Westwood, never gave his opponent a chance as putt after putt found its destination. The win, his third on The European Tour, moves him to fourth in The Race to Dubai, after he claimed the €750,000 winner's cheque, and 17^th in the Official World Golf Ranking. The victory was no less than Fisher deserves after a stellar season that saw him emerge as the best performing player in the world across all four majors combined.

"This is a massive confidence boost for me," said Fisher who headed straight off to China for the WGC-HSBC Champions before a trip to Dubai for the Dubai World Championship and a shot at becoming Europe's No. 1. "I felt like I played well and did a good job of putting the pressure on him. I was relieved to get to 3-up though. At that point I knew I just had to finish the job off.

"I could have won every Major this year if things had gone my way - I led all four at some point - so I've been very consistent without winning. But this is a big step up for me. Anything with the word 'world' in the title has to mean a great deal."

Worldwide Golf congratulates Ross on his fantastic victory. Look out for our December issue where Ross will telling us all about his experiences in Spain.

Daly back to action after quick recovery 29/10/2009

JOHN Daly will play in the Australian Open and Australian PGA golf tournaments in December after recovering more quickly than expected from a rib injury, reversing his decision in September to withdraw from them.

"My recovery from stem cell surgery has been closely monitored by my doctor and I have been cleared to begin playing competitively," said Daly. "As such, I have accepted invitations to play in the 2009 Australian Open and Australian PGA Championship and I regret the confusion the injury process has caused."

Daly back to action after quick recovery

Golf given tee time at 2016 Olympics 29/10/2009

GOLF will be an Olympic sport at the 2016 Olympic Games after it was voted into the programme by the International Olympic Committee with a 63 to 27 split.

"It's win-win for both sides - golf is such a global sport. I couldn't think of a better sport to be part of the Olympic Games," said World No.1 Tiger Woods.

Westwood breaks two-year drought with Portuguese win 20/10/2009

LEE Westwood won his first title since the 2007 British Masters with a superb two-stroke victory over Italian Francesco Molinari at the Portugal Masters.

The Englishman fired a 6-under-par 66 to shoot up the leaderboard and into the top spot ahead of Molinari, who started the day in second place and overnight leader Retief Goosen, who slipped to sixth place.

“It was nice to finish it off, you never know when the next win is going to come and you start to question yourself,” said Westwood, who took the lead in The Race to Dubai with his €500,000 winner’s cheque. “You always slightly doubt yourself in the back of your mind and to be number one again feels great. It’s been nearly ten years since I won it (the Order of Merit).”

Westwood opened with rounds of 66 and 67 before weekend rounds of 66 saw him take the title at 23-under-par, and the win takes him up to fifth on the Official World Golf Ranking.

“I’m delighted about the world rankings. I always have a good look at that and it’s a reflection of my consistency,” he said. “But winning is definitely a habit and I got out of the habit. Hopefully now I have won again I can win more.”

Molinari had to settle for his second runner-up finish of the season while Ireland’s Padraig Harrington finished in outright third place.

“I struggled a bit with the putter today,” said Molinari. “Right now I’m disappointed but probably tomorrow I will feel better.”

Harrington had fired himself into contention with opening rounds of 69 and 62 but a third round 71 saw him drop down to 14^th place, six shots off the lead entering the final round. The three time Major winner carded a superb final round 67 but it wasn’t enough to challenge for the top spot.

“In hindsight I think I got dehydrated,” said Harrington. “I struggled to concentrate. I drank a phenomenal amount, just not enough. My trainer was watching on TV and you can see it in your face - your eyes really.”

Westwood breaks two-year drought with Portuguese win

Magnificent Dyson wins big at St Andrews 09/10/2009

SIMON Dyson wrapped up the biggest win of his career with a superb three-shot victory over Rory McIlroy and Oliver Wilson at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Dyson carded a 68 round Carnoustie on the opening day and followed it with rounds of 6-under 66 at St Andrews and a 68 at Kingbarns before sealing the victory with another memorable 66 at St Andrews for a 20-under-par total.

“This is like our fifth major – it’s a massive tournament at the Home of Golf and I’ve shot 66 to win it,” beamed Dyson. “I'm absolutely buzzing. Darren Clarke has just said to me ‘Take your time and enjoy it - it does not get any better than winning at St Andrews’.

“My parents always come up (to the tournament), but couldn’t make it this year. They’re never coming back!”

The 1999 Walker Cup player admits he is a lot more dedicated to his golf after his second victory on The European Tour this season following his KLM Open win. “I might have done better but I don’t regret one thing that I’ve done,” Dyson said. “You’re travelling the world and you’ve got to enjoy yourself.

“I’ve still got a lot of time left in my career hopefully - touch wood. I’ve settled down a lot, I’m the happiest away from the course that I’ve ever been, and what more do you want?”

Wilson carded a best-of-the-day 7-under 65 at St Andrews to jump into a share of second place alongside McIlroy who shot a 69. McIlroy moved into the lead on The Race to Dubai with his second place prize money of €281,640.

“After nine holes I thought I had a really good chance but Simon played great so hats off to him,” said McIlroy. “I wanted better but second is okay. I still haven’t shot in the 70s at St Andrews, which is nice.”

Magnificent Dyson wins big at St Andrews

Familiar faces win at East Lake 29/09/2009

PHIL Mickelson won The Tour Championship by three shots but couldn’t prevent Tiger Woods from taking the FedExCup as the World No.1 finished runner-up to win the Play-offs.

Mickelson shot the only bogey-free round of the day on the Sunday as his 5-under-par 65 saw him shoot from four shots back overnight into a commanding lead. With Mickelson in the winner’s circle Woods needed to finish strongly if he was to win the FedExCup and did so with back-to-back birdies on 15 and 16 which helped him seal a level-par 72 for second place.

Overnight leader Kenny Perry faltered to a 4-over 74 to finish fourth alongside Padraig Harrington with Sean O’Hair finishing outright third.

Great Britain & Ireland see off Europe 29/09/2009

GREAT Britain & Ireland won their fifth successive Vivendi Trophy with Seve Ballesteros after despite a spirited comeback from Continental Europe in Paris.

GB& I laid the foundations for victory with excellent performances on the opening two days which gave them a two point lead heading into Saturday. They then dominated the Saturday matches taking the fourballs 3-1 and the foursomes 3½ - ½ which gave them a commanding lead heading into the singles.

The Northern Irish duo of Rory McIlroy and Greame McDowell won the first two singles matches on the Sunday against Swedes Henrik Stenson and Robert Karlsson respectively to clinch the victory with eight matches still on the course.

The final score was Great Britain & Ireland 16 ½ - 11 ½ Continental Europe.

Wonderful Woods seals Cog Hill victory 14/09/2009

TIGER Woods shot a course-record 9-undr-par 62 in the third round of the BMW Championship at Cog Hill which helped him to an eight-shot victory over Jim Furyk and Marc Lieshman.

Woods came home with a final round 3-under 68 to pick up his first victory since his unprecedented loss at the PGA Championship.

"To play as well as I have of late and not get the Wins has been a little bit frustrating, no doubt, because I've been so close," said Woods. "It's just been a matter of making a couple of putts here and there, and I would have won the tournaments. And lo and behold, boom! I hit the ball just as well, just as consistent this week, and I made a few putts. And that's how it happens."

Woods now moves onto The Tour Championship at the top of the FedExCup points list ahead of Steve Stricker.

Wonderful Woods seals Cog Hill victory 14/09/2009

TIGER Woods shot a course-record 9-undr-par 62 in the third round of the BMW Championship at Cog Hill which helped him to an eight-shot victory over Jim Furyk and Marc Lieshman.

Woods came home with a final round 3-under 68 to pick up his first victory since his unprecedented loss at the PGA Championship.

Woods now moves onto The Tour Championship at the top of the FedExCup points list ahead of Steve Stricker.

Stricker is the boss at Boston 08/09/2009

STEVE Stricker birdied the final two holes of the Deutsche Bank Championship at TPC Boston to win by one shot and elevate himself to a career-high of second place on the Official World Golf Ranking.

The American carded a 4-under-par 67 to beat Jason Dufner and Scott Verplank – both of whom had made late charges at the title. Verplank birdied the final four holes to card a 6-under 65 but it wasn’t to be as Stricker got up and down from 40 feet for birdie on the par-5 18^th to seal his third win of the season.

“Knowing I had to make a couple of birdies and actually doing it means a lot,” said Stricker, who now leads the FedExCup from Tiger Woods. “It was a tough day. There was a lot of guys in the mix, and I just found a way to get it done.”

Angel Cabrera, Dustin Johnson and Padraig Harrington finished two shots back in a share for fourth place.

Slocum beats the best at The Barclays 01/09/2009

HEATH Slocum sank a 21-footer for par on the final green to win The Barclays by one shot from Steve Stricker, Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington and Tiger Woods at Liberty National Golf Club, New York.

The 35-year-old started the final round four strokes off the pace at the first event of the PGA TOUR Play Offs for the FedExCup but shot up the leaderboard after holing out from 158 yards for an eagle at the fifth hole. He then birdied the par-5 sixth but gave a shot back at the next hole.

Slocum picked up another stroke at the par-5 13^th which took him to 9-under and he held on to that score with some clutch par putts down the stretch – none more memorable than the lengthy putt on the final hole. Stricker was playing alongside Slocum and he too had a tricky par putt to stay at 9-under on the final green but he slid it right to drop a shot.

With the likes of Woods, Els and Harrington still out on the course Slocum couldn’t relax, but as he watched none of the three past Major winners make birdies on 18 he could celebrate a famous win.

“I didn’t even know if I was going to be here,” said Slocum, who missed the cut a week earlier at the Wyndham Championship. “I came in with the attitude that I’ve got nothing to lose and I’ll let it hang out and just play the best I can.”

Slocum came into The Barclays 197th on the Official World Golf ranking but finished at 9-under for the biggest win of his career. Slocum’s other two victories were at opposite-field events on the PGA TOUR, where the best players in the world were competing elsewhere - either a Major or a World Golf Championships event.

USA WIN THIRD SUCCESSIVE SOLHEIM CUP 26/08/2009

TEAM USA won their third Solheim Cup in a row thanks to a dominant singles display at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois.

Going into the Sunday tied with Europe on 8 points, the Americans took the singles matches by a margin of 8 points to 4 to give them a 16-12 winning total – the same score of the 2007 Matches at Halmstad in Sweden.

The Americans got off to a flyer with early wins for Paula Creamer, Angela Stanford and Michelle Wie.

Stanford was first to score after crushing Becky Brewerton 5&4 shortly before Creamer claimed a 3&2 victory over Norway’s Suzann Pettersen to take a two-point lead.

Wie then made it 11-8 after halving the difficult par-5 18^th hole with Europe’s 2007 Captain Helen Alfredsson to win 1up.

Europe got their first point on the board thanks to the recently crowned Ricoh Women’s British Open champion Catriona Matthew who defeated Kristy McPherson 3&2.

However, there was little time for celebrations on the European side as Cup stalwart Laura Davies – playing in her 11^th consecutive Solheim Cup – halved her match after Brittany Lang made a birdie to share the spoils to make the score 11½-9½.

Brittany Lincicome, who won her first LPGA Tour title at the 2006 HSBC Women’s World Match Play Championship, added another point to the U.S Team’s tally with a 3&2 victory over Sophie Gustafson before American veteran Juli Inkster took her team to within one point of retaining the Cup after she halved her match with Gwladys Nocera.

Italian Diana Luna – a two time winner on this year’s Ladies European Tour – convincingly beat Nicole Castrale 3&2 after leading from the first but European celebrations were again short lived as Floridian Morgan Pressel defeated Anna Nordqvist on the 16^th hole 3&2 to get to the magic number of 14 points and retain the Cup.

“It’s been a long week,” smiled Pressel. “We played great and I’m so proud of my team. It’s a great feeling.”

Historic Yang downs Woods at US PGA Championship 19/08/2009

YONG-Eun Yang produced the best golf of his career to beat Tiger Woods in the final round of the 91^st US PGA Championship at Hazeltine.

The South Korean became the first Asian-born male to win a major after he came from two shots behind Woods overnight to beat the World No.1 by three. Yang chipped in for eagle on the par-4 14^th to take a one-shot lead and then struck a stunning hybrid 3-iron to the 18^th green and sunk the resulting birdie putt for a 2-under 70. Woods bogeyed the last to compound his own misery as his 3-over 75 saw him lose a major when entering the final round with the lead for the first time in his career.

“I knew the odds were against me. I tried to be the least nervous I have ever been and went for broke,” said Yang, “I’ve sort of visualised this quite a few times - playing against the best player in the history of golf, playing with him in the final round in a major. I have always dreamed about this.”

Woods, whose run of winning all 14 of his majors when leading heading into the final day came to an end, said: “It was a fun battle. He played beautifully. He did everything he needed to do. I played well enough the entire week to win the championship - I hit the ball great off the tee, hit my irons well. I did everything I needed to do except for getting the ball in the hole. You have to make putts and I didn't do that.”

England’s Lee Westwood and Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy tied for third, two shots behind Woods on 3-under while US Open champion Lucas Glover finished 2-under.

Historic Yang downs Woods at US PGA Championship

Matthew holds on to win maiden major 03/08/2009

CATRIONA Matthew became the first Scottish woman to win a Major after a composed victory at the Ricoh Women’s British Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes.

Matthew held on to a three-shot overnight lead to win by three from 2002 winner, Australian Karrie Webb.

Matthew began the final day with bogeys on holes 1 and 3 but steadied the ship around with three consecutive birdies from the 13^th to give her an almost unassailable lead. The Scot could even afford a bogey on the 17^th as she closed out the three-shot win with a steady par on the final hole. “I can't quite believe it,” said Matthew. “It hasn’t sunk in yet. Coming up the last I had tears in my eyes and I had to hold myself together for those last two putts.”

Matthew, who gave birth to her second child 11 weeks prior, is only the fourth Brit to win a major and the first since England’s Karen Stupples triumphed at the same tournament at Sunningdale in 2004.

Americans Paula Creamer and Christina Kim and Japan's Ai Miyazato and Korean Hee-Won Han finishing joint third, one shot behind Webb. Creamer had been on course for a second place finish but found a horrid lie in a fairway bunker on the final hole which led to a double bogey six.

Woods back to winning ways on home patch 03/08/2009

AFTER missing just his second cut in a major since turning professional at The Open at Turnberry last month, Tiger Woods bounced back with a stunning three-shot victory at the Buick Open at Warwick Hills.

Woods opened with a disappointing 1-under 71, eight shots back from first-round leader Steve Lowery. However, the World No.1 bounced back in superb fashion carding rounds of 63 and 65 to lead by one shot on 17-under par. He then closed out the win with a bogey-free 3-under 69 to win his 69^th PGA TOUR title.

“Today was one of those days,” said Woods. “The golf course got a little tricky, and the greens got a little bit bumpy. So it was more difficult to make a lot of birdies and really take it low. So I was really hoping I could shoot something in the 60s - high 60s - and I thought that would be good enough to win.”

American Roland Thatcher finished in a tie for second place after a best-of-the-day 8-under 64 which lifted him from 29^th over night and into a pay-cheque worth $380,800.

Australians Greg Chalmers and John Senden finished alongside Thatcher in the runner-up position on 17-under-par after rounds of 68 and 70 respectively.

Woods back to winning ways on home patch

Watson sunk by solid Cink at 138th Open Championship 20/07/2009

TOM Watson's dreams of a sixth Open Championship title at the age of 59 were dashed as fellow American Stewart Cink defeated him after a four-hole play-off at Turnberry.

Cink won the play-off by six shots to win his first Major title at the expense of Watson who was gunning for a fairytale victory.

"I'm a little intimidated by this piece of hardware," said Cink after lifting the Claret Jug. "There are a lot of emotions running through my mind and my heart and I'm just proud to be here with this. Playing against Tom Watson, this stuff just does not happen. I grew up watching him - he has turned back the clock and I feel so happy just being part of it."

Cink posted a clubhouse total of 2-under par after sinking a 15-foot birdie putt on the final green, a putt he later called "The most crucial putt I have ever struck."

Watson was playing in the final group and just needed to par the final hole to finish one stroke ahead of Cink. However, after his approach to the green went through the back he over-hit his third stroke to leave a testing 8-footer for the win. But after three days of seemingly nerveless golf, Watson's stroke deserted him as he missed the putt short and right.

After the miss in regulation Watson's quest faded as struggled with the demand of the four extra holes and Cink took advantage to win the first Major of his career.

"It would have been a hell of a story," said Watson. "It wasn't to be, and yes, it's a great disappointment. It tears at your gut, as it always has torn at my gut. It's not easy to take."

English due Chris Wood and Lee Westwood finished in a share of third place, one stroke behind the winning total. Westwood three-putted the final green to drop a shot which cost him a place in the play-off.

Watson sunk by solid Cink at 138th Open Championship

STRICKER GOES DEERE HUNTING 16/07/2009

STEVE Stricker moved up to No. 2 behind Tiger Woods in the FedExCup standings after claiming his second PGA TOUR title of the season at the John Deere Classic.

The tournament was hit by rain storms on the Friday causing the second round to be pushed back to Saturday with a mammoth 36-hole final on Sunday. But Stricker's spirit certainly wasn't dampened.

Having opened with a 71 round the TPC Deere Run course, the Illinois native shot the round of his career with a course record equaling 10-under 61 in the second round before following with third-round 68 and a closing 64 to take the title by three strokes from local favourite Zach Johnson and Brandt Snedeker.

"It was a very long day and I'm ecstatic to be sitting here as the champion," said Stricker who finished 20-under 264 to claim the $774,000 winner's cheque. "I just tried to keep patient today and go about my game plan like I've been doing every other day. You know, it worked out. I hit a lot of good shots, putted well, and I'm very happy to be sitting here."

Johnson, who grew up just over an hour away in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and is one of the tournament's directors, was delighted to record his highest ever finish in the event in front of hordes of adoring fans.

"This place has really done a lot for me," he said. "John Deere gave me two sponsor's exemptions. Now, I'm on the board of the tournament. I come here because I love the golf course for sure, family, friends."

TIGER WARMS UP FOR OPEN WITH WIN 07/07/2009

TIGER Woods sent out an omminous warning to his rivals ahead of the The Open Championship by claiming his 68th PGA TOUR title at the AT&T National at Congressional Country Club.

The World No. 1, who hosts the tournament in Maryland, shared the overnight lead with Anthony Kim but took the title by a stroke from Hunter Mahan after firing a final-round 67 for a 13-under total of 268. It was his third win of the season, having also claimed titles at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and Jack Nicklaus' Memorial, and sees him in great shape heading into the third major of the season at Turnberry this month.

Mahan made a valliant effort with a course-record equalling 62 which had him in a tie for the lead until Woods pulled away with a huge 20-foot birdie putt on the 16th, which ultimately proved the difference.

"This golf course is not easy and we only have basically one real birdie chance coming in, which was 16," said Woods. "At the very end it started going left and it was like, 'Oh God just don't lip out now'. It went in."

Mahan commented: It was kind of in Tiger's court there. The first three days were a little ugly. I swung great all week but today the putting was great. I'm just really proud of the way I finished."

Having failed to take he spoils in either the Masters or the U.S. Open this year, Woods will now focus his energies on success at Turnberry.

Glover hangs on for US Open glory 24/06/2009

LUCAS Glover won the 109^th US Open Championship at a rain-soaked Bethpage Black after surviving a late charge from Phil Mickelson and David Duval.

Glover clinched his first Major win by two shots from Mickelson, former World No.1 Duval and third-round leader Ricky Barnes.

Worldwide Golf columnist Ross Fisher finished three shots back in fifth place for his best finish in a Major Championship.

Playing in the last group alongside Barnes, Glover made only one birdie in the rain-delayed final round at the 16^th which saw him take the lead with the finishing line in sight. He closed with two pars for a 3-over 73 and victory over the chasing pack. “It was a test of patience, that’s for sure,” said Glover who was ranked 71st in the world at the start of the tournament. “I dreamed about (winning) as a kid and pulled it off. It’s an honour to be on the trophy with names such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tiger Woods.”

Woods storms to Memorial success 15/06/2009

TIGER Woods carded a sensational 7-under 65 to come from four strokes back overnight to win the Memorial Tournament by one shot from Jim Furyk.

“I knew I could do this,” said Woods after birdies on the final two holes gave him the victory. “I was close to winning, but the game wasn’t quite there when I really needed it on Sunday. I rectified that.”

Woods, who started the day in a share of seventh place, posted a clubhouse lead of two shots on 12-under par and Furyk – the only player out on the course with a realistic chance of catching Woods – could not match Woods’ birdie-birdie finish to tie the World No.1.

Furyk did close with a birdie to finish outright second, three shots clear of Jonathan Byrd and Mark Wilson in joint third place.

“I felt comfortable hitting it left-to-right, right-to-left,” said Woods. “I didn’t have a problem taking the ball up in the air or bringing it down. That’s what I was looking for. That’s what I was able to do at home in my practice sessions, and now it’s just a matter of carrying it out here onto a tournament venue and doing it.”

Woods, who hit 14 fairways out of 14 on the final day, was in imperious form and Furyk paid tribute to his efforts. “I think he answered a lot of questions today,” said Furyk who carded his best result on The PGA TOUR so far this season. “I played well today,” he continued, “I hit the ball really well and I hit a lot of good putts – I’m actually proud of the way I played.”

Cévaër clings on for European Open triumph 04/06/2009

FRENCHMAN Christian Cévaër won The European Open after a dogged display at a windy London Golf Club earned him a one-shot victory and the biggest cheque of his career.

“This is a fantastic day for me,” said the 39-year-old, who parred the difficult last to clinch the victory. “I am ecstatic to come out on top. What a great surprise it was to see the big leaderboard when I was coming up the hill at the 18th and that I was the only guy left on 7-under. I am proud to get the job done.”

Ranked No.449 going into the event, Cévaër beat one of the strongest fields assembled on The European Tour this season after four rounds of solid golf.

Cévaër carded opening rounds of 67, 70 and 70 for a 9-under total heading into Sunday alongside Indian Jeev Milkha Singh and held a three-stoke lead over the likes of Rory McIlroy, Alvaro Quiros and Chris Wood.

After three bogeys on the outward nine and just one birdie on his card all day at the par-5 15^th, Cévaër still found himself in contention after playing partner Singh had fallen down the field.

Cévaër needed to par the 471-yard par-4 last hole – statistically the hardest closing hole so far on The European Tour - to win the title and did so in composed fashion after knocking a drive and then a rescue club into the heart of the green. He needed two putts for victory and he duly obliged before being doused in Champagne by his fellow countrymen.

“The course was drying out, but I’m really happy the way I swung it overall,” he said after lifting the trophy. “I just didn’t catch the right breaks on the front nine. I went into the rough a few times and just couldn't get it up-and-down. But to come out in the end on top - and luckily as some other players struggled too, because of the wind and the greens drying – it’s Fantastic.”

Cévaër clings on for European Open triumph

Stricker steps in to deny Clark 04/06/2009

STEVE Stricker took advantage of Tim Clark’s missed par putt on the 18^th in regulation as he defeated the South African and Steve Marino in sudden-death at the Crown Plaza Invitational at Colonial.

Clark missed a 9-footer for par in regulation to finish 17-under total, level with between Americans Stricker and Marino. All three players then missed birdie putts as they re-played the 18^th for the first play-off hole – Clark pulling his putt from seven feet – before going back to the 17^th to see if a winner could be decided.

Marino was out of contention after a wayward drive but solid irons off the tee gave Stricker and Clarke good angles in to the green. Stricker knocked his to four feet and Clarke, knowing his needed to be aggressive, saw his ball hit the pin and spin back 20 feet away from the cup. He missed his putt leaving Stricker with a short birdie putt for his fifth PGA TOUR title.

“I feel fortunate,” said Stricker, who collected $1,116,000 and 500 FedExCup points for the victory. “I’ve been on the other end a couple times this year where you feel you’re going to win and end up losing. This feels very good.”

Clarke was left cursing his luck as he still searches for his first PGA TOUR win despite winning three times on The European Tour. “I can’t take anything positive from today,” said the 33-year-old. “I have a lot of work to do when it comes to closing out golf tournaments.”

CASEY BIRDIES THE 18th TO WIN BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP 26/05/2009

PAUL Casey moved up to a career-best No.3 on the Official World Golf Rankings thanks to a superb one-stroke victory over Ross Fisher at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

Casey needed to birdie the final hole after Fisher carded a best-of-the-week 8-under 64 and did so by getting down in two from a greenside trap. He found a sandy lie after his second shot but splashed out to five feet leaving a testing downhill left-to-right putt. “It was not an easy putt, but any putt to win is something I would like to have,” said the 31-year-old who, having started the year 41^st in the world, now sits behind Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods in the ranking thanks to three tournament victories in the space of five months.

“The BMW PGA Championship is our flagship event on The European Tour and I’ve always wanted to get my hands on this trophy,” he said after the biggest win of his career so far. “There are great names on this trophy and it feels great. A lot of people have put in a lot of work, but I have to give special thanks to Peter Kostis, my coach in the States.”

CASEY BIRDIES THE 18th TO WIN BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP

Sabbatini gets back to winning ways 26/05/2009

RORY Sabbatini won his first tournament in two years thanks to a superb final-round 64 at the HP Byron Nelson Championship for a two-stroke victory over England’s Brian Davis.

Sabbatini, whose last PGA TOUR title came in his residential state of Texas at the 2007 Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, made sure of the victory with a third successive birdie on the 17^th which gave him a three-shot lead heading up the last hole. He received a huge ovation as he walked up the final fairway and his tap-in bogey sealed the victory.

“Obviously this tournament is very special,” Sabbatini said. “It’s one that I wish I had been able to win and look up and see Byron sitting there at the 18th green. What a wonderful name to be associated with now.”

The South African, who lives in Fort Worth, Texas, finished on 19-under 261 at TPC Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas to break the previous best tournament victory total of 18-under set by Loren Roberts and play-off loser Steve Pate in 1999.

Muirfield announced as future Open venue 19/05/2009

Muirfield has been announced as the venue for The Open Championship in 2013 by the R&A.

South African Ernie Els was the victor the last time the venue hosted the event in 2002 when he triumphed after a four-man four-hole play-off.

“We are delighted that the Open is returning to Muirfield,” said David Hill, R&A director of championships. “It is an outstanding championship course that consistently produces a very worthy champion.”

Muirfield will follow Opens at Turnberry (2009), St Andrews (2010), Royal St Georges (2011) and Royal Lytham & St Annes (2012).

Muirfield announced as future Open venue

Lowry wins dream Irish Open 18/05/2009

SHANE Lowry defied his status as an amateur as he defeated the in-form Robert Rock in sudden-death to win The 3 Irish Open at County Louth Golf Club.

Lowry looked to have the tournament in the bag when he pitched to four feet on the final hole of regulation but he missed the putt which would have sealed victory.

“I didn't think I would have a better chance than that,” he admitted afterwards. But thankfully for the 22-year-old he did – at the third extra hole – and he took it to complete a dream victory.

Rock missed a nine footer for victory at the first play-off hole and the pair shared the next in birdies. However, on their third trip down the 18^th Rock pitched over the green and failed to get up and down leaving Lowry with a tap-in par for victory.

“I can’t believe it - this is going to take a long time to sink in,” said Lowry, who was playing in his first European Tour event.

Rock had to settle for this third runner-up finish of the season but took home the first prize cheque of €500,000 as Lowry was ineligible to prize money. “It is a little bit of a consolation,” said Rock who was quick to congratulate his victor. “It’s absolutely unbelievable what Shane’s done. So I’m happy for him.”

Vancsik cruises to Italian title 11/05/2009

ARGENTINE Daniel Vancsik fired an assured final-round 6-under-par 65 to complete a six-stroke victory at the BMW Italian Open for his second European Tour title.

“My putting was fantastic,” he said. “I played more aggressive and thought if I got to six or seven under (on the day) the tournament is for me. Now my goal is to get into a Major.”

Vancsik won his first European Tour title in 2007 at the Madeira Islands Open BPI – his 50^th start – it was his first ever finish inside the top ten.

He started the day with just a one-stroke lead over Finland’s Roope Kakko but quickly raced into a lead with birdies in four of his opening six holes. He made the turn in 32 and then added three more birdies in the next five holes to post an almost unassailable lead.

Vancsik finished the round with three consecutive pars as he posted a 17-under-par total, six shots ahead of John Daly, Raphaël Jacquelin and Robert Rock. Kakko fell away to a share of eighth place after a 73.

Gay cruises to record-breaking victory at Hilton Head 21/04/2009

Brian Gay stormed to a record-breaking ten-stroke victory at the Verizon Heritage to win the second PGA TOUR title of his career.

Gay began the day with a three-stroke lead over the field and romped home with a 7-under 64 to set a new tournament record finish of 20-under-par.

“Just another unbelievable day,” gushed Gay, “I got off to a great start with a birdie then the eagle on 2 kind of propelled me forward. I just told myself to keep my head down, keep plugging along. I didn’t watch any boards. I didn’t look at anything, just kept playing, trying to make birdies.”

The previous record was held by Loren Roberts whose four round total of 19-under 265 had stood since his victory in 1996, but Gay eclipsed it with a sumptuous final round blitz.

England’s Luke Donald finished alongside American Briny Baird in second place on 10-under with Lee Janzen and Todd Hamilton a shot further back in fourth place. Spain’s Jose Maria Olazábal closed with a 4-under 68 to finish in a tie for sixth place.

With his victory Gay earned a spot in next year’s Masters Tournament at Augusta – an event that had eluded him for his entire professional career so far. “I’ve had a lot of heartache not getting in that tournament - winning (and) not getting in, and missing by one spot on the money list two times,” he said referring to his victory at the Mayakoba Classic in 2008. “I just figured, who cares? What’s going to happen is going to happen, just go play golf.”

Gay cruises to record-breaking victory at Hilton Head

SHARK PREDICTS BIG FUTURE FOR SINGH 09/04/2009

GREG Norman singled out Jeev Milkha Singh for praise at the Masters Tournament, predicting the Indian will force his way into his International Team for the Presidents Cup later this year.

The Australian legend played a practice round with the reigning Asian Tour No. 1 at Augusta National earlier this week and came away thoroughly impressed with Singh's game and attitude.

"I was impressed," said Norman, the International Team captain. "I was surprised by how far he hits the golf ball. He's sneaky long which is a big advantage on this golf course obviously. I asked him point-blank how are you playing and he said ‘I'm playing very well.'

"You don't hear too many players come out openly and say I'm playing very well. He's very confident about his game and I'm looking forward to good things from him this week."

Singh, who is hoping to become the first Indian to play in the Presidents Cup which pits the International Team against the United States, is currently lying in 10^th place in the Team rankings.

The top-10 players after the PGA Championship in August will earn automatic entry into the team with Norman selecting two more captain's picks.

Despite his hectic schedule this week following an emotional return to Augusta National, Norman also found time to speak to Prayad Marksaeng at the putting green. He remembers the Thai veteran after playing together in the Dubai Desert Classic in 1996 where the Norman labelled Prayad as "world class".

"When I get into a situation like this when I can play with some players who look like being on the team, I might go out and spend some time with them," said Norman on why he asked Singh to play a practice round with him alongside Adam Scott and Tim Clark.

"I've watched Jeev from afar, through TV and reading his scores wherever he plays. He plays a lot of golf, probably more than Vijay Singh, quite honestly, and Vijay plays a lot of golf.

"You have to admire Jeev. He wants to get on the Presidents Cup team and he was very open about that with me. If he keeps doing what he's doing, he's going to be on it with respect to whether he's a captain's choice or if he just plays his way onto the team."

Prayad, playing in his second Masters, is lying in 17^th place on the International Team rankings while Chinese Taipei's Lin Wen-tang, also competing at Augusta National this week, is 24^th.

A good showing by the Asian Tour trio at The Masters will go a long way in keeping Norman's options open for his team that will face the US in Harding Park Golf Course in San Francisco from October 6 to 11, 2009.

Korea's K.J. Choi, an honorary member of the Asian Tour, is eighth on the rankings.

“SURREAL TO BE BACK AS CHAMP” SAYS IMMELMAN 09/04/2009

TREVOR Immelman has revealed that the experience of returning to Augusta as the defending champion has been a strange one.

The South African will attempt to become the first player since Tiger Woods in 2001-2002 to defend the famous Green Jacket but he admits that it took him a while to get used to the idea that he was The Masters champion and returning to the scene of his spectacular victory has been emotional.

"It's been a surreal experience really," he said. "I came here to Augusta National about a month ago and had a little visit. That was the first time I went in there and saw my name up on the locker. You know, just like I said, pretty surreal experience. And going in there this week and meeting some of the past champions has been great fun.

"I don't think I was aware or prepared for what happened (after winning last year's tournament). Obviously it's all good stuff. You know, it's a lot of great issues that you have to deal with.

"But I think it took me a little time to become accustomed to that. But it's been great fun. You know, my family and I really have had a great time, and I've been able to experience and have some great opportunities, and so it's been fantastic.

"You know, it's something that I wouldn't trade for anything. It really has been a great eye-opener, and I think I've learned a lot about myself and about my game. And so it's just been a tremendous year; the greatest year of my career from a standpoint of getting to be able to experience things and learn a lot about myself at the same time."

“SURREAL TO BE BACK AS CHAMP” SAYS IMMELMAN

Hoey clinches maiden title in Portugal 07/04/2009

NORTHERN Ireland’s Michael Hoey won his first European Tour title at the expense of current British Masters champion Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano at the Estoril Open de Portugal.

Hoey held his nerve to beat the Spaniard on the third extra hole as he knocked in a six-foot par putt following Fernandez-Castano’s bogey.

Both players twice made par on the 18th in the play-off before they switched to the 17th. The pair made the edge of the green in two but Hoey got down in two to claim the title after Fernandez-Castano missed his par putt.

Hoey began the final round five shots back but shot a best-of-the-day 5-under 66 in tough windy conditions.

“I did not really think about winning going out, but I was lucky - I got all the breaks,” said Hoey, a former British Amateur champion. “It’s a life-changing moment, it’s amazing really. If I can keep this mentality going I can really move forward. It’s not going to sink in yet. It’s a bit of a dream that I will cherish for a long time, and I’d just like to thank everyone who has supported me over the years.”

Fernandez-Castano shot a 67 to also get to 7-under while overnight leader Paul Broadhurst stumbled to a 2-over 73 and drop into a tie for fourth place alongside Welshman Jamie Donaldson and Swede Mikael Lundberg. Italian Francesco Molinari finished alone in third place one shot back from the leaders.

CASEY OFF THE MARK IN HOUSTON 06/04/2009

ENGLISHMAN Paul Casey secured his first PGA TOUR title with a play-off victory over JB Holmes at the Houston Open.

Casey was one of six leaders heading into the final round but he managed to pull clear on Sunday and needed only par at the final hole for victory. However, a bogey completed a final round of 72 and took him into sudden-death with J.B. Holmes after both players finished 11-under 277. Holmes, who had battled from three strokes back to make the play-off, found water off the tee at the first added hole leaving Casey to take the title with a bogey.

"It's a little bit like my first win felt in Europe which I can remember very vividly," said Casey. "First win in Europe, first Ryder Cup experience, and now first PGA Tour win.

"Three fairly major events in my life, in my golfing life. So I think I need to give it a couple days to let this one sink in."

European Tour trio secure Masters invites 31/03/2009

THREE in-form players on The European Tour have earned some of the final invites to The Masters in two weeks due to their impressive rise up the Official World Golf Ranking.

Spain’s Alvaro Quiros, Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa and Thailand’s Prayad Marksaeng will all tee it up for the first time at Augusta Nation in two weeks’ time.

Quiros virtually secured his place with a fine victory at the Commercialbank Qatar Masters while Oosthuizen and Marksaeng both posted fine results to be in with a chance. The South African needed to make the cut at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill to secure his trip and did so comfortably.

Marksaeng had to post a top-three finish on the Asian Tour’s Black Mountain Masters to be sure of qualifying but was 48th place – ten strokes off the lead – going into the weekend. However, he produced two days of sumptuous golf, including a final round 64, to finish in a tie for second place and be sure of a ticket to Augusta.

European Tour trio secure Masters invites

Kjeldsen holds on in Andalucia thriller 30/03/2009

SOREN Kjeldsen hung on for his first victory of the season and secured a debut outing at The Masters thanks to a thrilling three-shot victory over David Drysdale at the Open de Andalucia.

The Dane went into the final round with a one-stroke lead over the Scot after beating the course record by a stroke with a third round 62. However, by the 16th hole on Sunday the pair were level. Kjeldsen put his approach shot on 16 in the water but fought back by draining an 18-footer for par to stay on terms. He then sank a sublime birdie putt from even further out on the par-3 17th, and when Drysdale couldn’t get up-and-down from a greenside trap Kjeldsen had a two-stroke lead heading up the last.

Dysdale found a bunker off the tee and hit his approach into the water which ended his chances of a comeback. He needed to make a double bogey six to claim second place outright and did so with a solid two-putt from the fringe. Kjeldsen three-putted for bogey for his second win in nine starts on The European Tour. “To be honest, I was very nervous all day. I knew it was going to be a tough day and it was,” admitted the 33-year-old. “But I never lost patience and belief. I felt like I was giving it away after a horrific shot on 16 but I had to grit my teeth and it was great to make that putt there and play 17 the way I did.”

Kjeldsen finished on 14-under with Drysdale three back. Italian Francesco Molinari and England’s Graeme Storm finished in a tie for third place on 10-under par while the Scottish pair of Alastair Forsyth and Andrew Coltart finished fifth and sixth respectively.

Woods back to winning ways at Bay Hill 30/03/2009

TIGER Woods secured his first victory since returning from injury with a come-from-behind victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in Florida.

The World No.1 overcame a five-stroke overnight deficit to beat Sean O’Hair by one stroke with a superb birdie on the last hole.

“It feels good,” said Woods, who shot a 3-under 67. “It feels really good to be back in contention and feel the rush. It’s been a while. I hadn’t been in the mix since the US Open, so it was neat to feel the heat on the back nine again, and get myself into the hunt and into contention.”

Meanwhile O’Hair, who followed rounds of 67, 65 and 71 with a 3-over 73, wasn’t too despondent with the result. “I’m playing great and the swing changes that I’m making are coming around, and obviously I think today just kind of proves that I still don’t quite have it yet - but that doesn’t mean I’m not going in the right direction,” said the 25-year-old. “I think all in all I take nothing but positives from this. Obviously it’s just a little bit disappointing that I couldn’t close it.”

Woods took the lead when O’Hair bogeyed the 16^th but then made a bogey of his own on the 17^th to tie the lead heading down the last. Woods attacked the pin with his approach and made it to 16 feet and when O’Hair failed with his birdie attempt Woods had the chance to win outright. The stage was set and Woods duly obliged with a superb putt which was met with a wild celebration between himself and caddie Steve Williams.

Goosen ends PGA TOUR drought in Tampa 27/03/2009

RETIEF Goosen won his first PGA TOUR since 2005 with a one-stroke victory over Brett Quigley and Charles Howell III at the Transitions Championship in Florida.

Goosen made several crucial par-saving putts down the stretch - including a testing fiver-footer on the 18th - to close out his first American win since the now defunct International tournament in 2005.

"On greens like this, you need to putt well," said the 40-year-old. "You look at stats this week; the guy that putted the best is pretty much the winner. That's what I did this week, I putted pretty well.

I always keep reminding myself, Vijay (Singh) started playing his best golf when he turned 40. So I'm looking forward to the next five years!"

The South African made it tough on the final green by missing a 25 foot birdie putt which ended five feet past the cup. However, Goosen showed a cool head in sinking the resulting par putt. "It was disappointing to hit it that far past," he said. "I felt good with my putting, and there wasn't too much indecision with the one coming back. It was nice to see it go in."

Monty reaches 500 not out 27/03/2009

COLIN Montgomerie celebrated his 500th European Tour start at the Open de Andalucia de Golf and was presented with a commemorative cake from his fellow Tour members.

Montomgerie, pictured with Spanish friends Jose Maria Olazábal and Miguel Angel Jimenez, becomes just the 18th player to reach the milestone but admits he still gets a buzz out of entering tournaments.

"I look forward to every event that I play in and start with the feeling ‘this could be a win' or ‘a very good finish' or a career changing episode in one's life," said the 45-year-old. "I do enjoy the competition. I love what this game brings out in me."

Montgomerie, who holds the record for eight Order of Merit titles, was thankful that his health had been in good condition throughout his career. "I am very fortunate to say that I've been healthy for all those years and lucky enough at 45 to still be playing. I hope to get a lot further up the tree than 500 but right now I am very honoured to join the select band of 18 of us who have made it this far.

"There are some records of which I am very proud. For example, I've made 421 cuts out of 499 so far and 182 top ten finishes, which are both European Tour records. I think 182 top tens shows a lot of consistency and a high level of performance and I hope to get that figure up to 200."

Mickelson downs Watney in Doral 16/03/2009

PHIL Mickelson won his first World Golf Championships title with a one-stroke victory over compatriot Nick Watney at the CA-Championship at Doral.

Mickelson closed out with seven straight pars for a 3-under 69 and a 19-under total to take him to No.2 in the Official World Golf Ranking and closer to Tiger Woods in points than he has ever been before.

“I fought hard all day and wasn’t really able to pay attention to some of the great shots that Nick hit because I was so worried about keeping my energy level high and steady throughout the round,” said Mickelson who suffered from exhaustion and dehydration at various stages on Saturday and Sunday.

“I haven’t eaten much in three days and I fought hard. I knew I was playing some of my best golf coming in here and I was playing well so I’m very excited to have finished it off.”

Watney, who won the Buick Invitational earlier in the season, almost forced a play-off on the 18^th but his 30-foot birdie putt from the fringe pulled up inches short of the cup. “I'll get over this,” he said. “It’s a positive week. I played really well. Beat 78 of the best players in the world. Beat Tiger, which is always good. I’m very pleased with the way I’m playing.”

Jim Furyk closed with a 67 for third place on 16-under with Jeev Milka Singh alone in fourth place on 14-under.

Yang hangs on to win maiden PGA TOUR title 09/03/2009

SOUTH Korean Y.E. Yang got down in two from 50 feet on the final green at The Honda Classic to beat John Rollins by a stroke and clinch his first title on the PGA TOUR.

A year earlier Yang finished last over the same layout and played the final round on his own – completing the 18 holes in just under two hours. This year he was last to finish.

Starting the day with a one-shot lead Yang began in confident fashion with four birdies and a solitary bogey on the outward nine. “I told myself that in order for me to win today, I needed to stay patient and know how to wait,” said Yang. “I think my plan worked today, because I tried to stay as patient as I could.”

Yang made another birdie on the 12^th but saw his lead slip when he bogeyed holes 15 and 17. Rollins had just birdied the par-5 18^th ahead of Yang while Yang missed a par putt after blasting out of a bunker on the 17th. Standing on the 18^th tee Yang had a one-shot lead again but he made it tough for himself after his third shot left him needing to get down in two from 50 feet for victory. He set the putt off and it gently arrived 12 inches from the cup and he duly tapped in for par and a 2-under 68. “This win is the biggest win of my career,” said Yang who won the 2006 HSBC Champions in Shanghai. “Ever since I won the HSBC Champions, there were a lot of expectations, from people around me, and even on myself that I had. For the past two years, it was actually kind of frustrating for me.”

Rollins paid tribute to Yang who forced him to settle for his second runner-up finish of the season so far. “From 50 feet, it’s not easy to do that to win your first golf tournament,” said the America. “I have no complaints, I did all I can do. Shot 3-under on championship Sunday and came up short - my hat's off to him.”

Yang hangs on to win maiden PGA TOUR title

Italy edge out Ireland and Sweden for World Cup glory 30/11/2009

ITALIAN brothers Francesco and Edoardo Molinari carded a final round 4-under-par 68 to win the Omega Mission Hills World Cup by one stroke from Sweden and Ireland.

Francesco, the younger of the two, holed three consecutive birdies on the back nine which lifted them into contention and it was left to Edoardo to sink the winning putt on the final green for a 29-under-par total.

Ireland’s Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy had started strongly and at one point held a three-shot lead during the front nine, but they failed to push on and they fell short with a final round of 2-under-par 70. Defending champions Sweden, again represented by Henrik Stenson and Robert Karlsson, narrowly missed out on glory with a 3-under-par 69 to finish alongside Ireland in second place.

“It’s been a tough day and we have been playing against some of the best golfers in the world. It was really tough until the last hole - but it feels even better when it is like that,” said Francesco. “It’s really great for Italy. I think we deserved it as we attacked from the first day with every putt and every shot and we tried to make as many birdies as possible.”

England finished fourth on 26-under-par but their impressive 8-under-par 64 came just too late for Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher while Hiroyuki Fujita and Ryuji Imada claimed fifth for Japan a further four shots back after a 69.

Italy edge out Ireland and Sweden for World Cup glory

Brilliant Bjorn ends drought in Portugal 14/06/2010

DENMARK’S Thomas Bjorn won his first European Tour title in four years in fine style with a five-stroke victory over Richard Green at the Estoril Open de Portugal.

Bjorn closed with a composed 4-under-par 68 for a 23-under-par total to step into the winner’s circle for the first time since the 2006 Irish Open.

“It was certainly nice to win again,” said Björn. “Today had its ups and downs, but I pulled it off when I needed to and closed out the tournament quite well in the end.

“I had a lot of chances to keep the chasing pack behind me, but I was probably a little bit more nervous than I might have been in the past.”

Bjorn held a three-shot overnight lead over Green but the Australian was snapping at the heels of the Dane from the outset.

After a tense battle the tall left-hander had got to within one shot of Bjorn by the 14^th but then made back-to-back bogeys to fall away. Bjorn himself made back-to-back birdies on the same holes for two two-shot swings in a row. Bjorn bogeyed the 16^th but then birdied the par-5 closing hole to the delight of the galleries to seal the five-stroke win.

“The conditions were very tough, so if it started going wrong, it can go very wrong,” added Björn, referring to the blustery afternoon winds. “But I was very determined not to let anything get in my way today, and even when I missed some short putts I kept battling away.

“I knew that if I didn’t make any mistakes over the closing holes I’d have a great chance of winning, and that’s how it proved.”

Fellow Dane Mark Haastrup finished third on 16-under-par with England’s Robert Rock fourth on 14-under. Darren Clarke shot the round of the day with a 6-under 66 to move up 20 places into a share of sixth place.

Brilliant Bjorn ends drought in Portugal

CABRERA WINS MASTERS 14/04/2009

ANGEL Cabrera overcame the odds with a dramatic victory in one of the most exciting Masters Tournaments in recent memory at Augusta National.

Cabrera beat Chad Campbell and Kenny Perry in three-man sudden-death play-off to become the lowest-ranked player ever to win the famous Green Jacket, having entered the tournament at No. 69 in the world. But the Argentine, who moved up to No. 18 after his second Major victory, said that he felt more ready to deal with the whirlwind of attention this time around than he was for his 2007 U.S. Open win.

"I think the U.S. Open got me by surprise," said Cabrera. "This win, I'm more prepared. I am more aware of where things happen."

Perry looked to be heading for his first Major triumph before bogeys on the 17^th and 18^th in regulation meant a three-way play-off with Campbell and Cabrera with all three tied at 12-under 276.

Cabrera's chance looked to be gone when he found the trees at the first extra hole and ricocheted his next shot against another Georgia Pine. But a superb recovery saw him play a wedge to within seven feet and then sink a nerve-jangling putt to save par. Campbell fell out of contention with a bogey, leaving the two older players to battle it out and when Perry failed to get up and down at the second extra hole the victory was Cabrera's.

"This is a great moment, the dream of any golfer to win the Masters," said Cabrera. "I'm so emotional I can barely talk."

Perry, who also lost a play-off against Mark Brooks for the 1996 US PGA Championship, and would have become, at 48, the oldest player ever to win The Masters, showed great dignity in defeat.

"I've got two to think about now," he said. "But this time it wasn't like I hit lousy shots - and I had a putt to win.

"That putt on 18 I've seen Tiger make it, I've seen so many people make it. I knew exactly what it was and that was probably the most disappointing putt of the day because I hit it too easy.

"You've got to give that putt a run. I mean, how many chances do you have to win The Masters?

"I was proud of how I played, I really was. I played great and I just kept chugging along.

"If this is the worst thing that happens to me, I can live with it. Great players get it done and Angel got it done.

"This is his second Major he's won. I've blown two, but that's the only two I've had chances of winning."

Ogilvy cruises to second WGC-Accenture Match Play title 02/03/2009

AUSTRALIAN Geoff Ogilvy eased to a 4&3 victory over Paul Casey in the final of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Tuscon, Arizona.

Ogilvy started with a birdie to go 1up and never let Casey get near him as the Englishman struggled to take his early birdie opportunities. Ogilvy was 3up after 18 holes and continued his domination into the afternoon session and closed the win a solid putt for victory on the 33^rd hole.

“The whole weekend I played fantastic,” said Ogilvy, who beat Rory McIlroy and last year’s runner-up Stewart Cink to set up the match with Casey. “I played two unbelievable players yesterday, Rory is going to be one of the best players in the world and Stewart is very hard to beat in this tournament, always up there, and then Paul today, one of the best players in the world, a really great competitor head-to-head. I’ve been on the wrong end in this final and it’s not a very nice feeling, but it’s a very satisfying week to play well, I’m really happy with this.”

Ogilvy became the second player to win the WGC-Accenture multiple times after his first win in 2006 and he was a beaten finalist a year later against Henrik Stenson.

Casey was on the hunt for his first PGA TOUR victory but the Australian was too hot to handle in the 36-hole final. “I was out of the blocks fast this afternoon and made three birdies over the first eight holes and still lost two holes, so he played great golf,” said Casey. “I threw a lot at him but he didn't flinch. It was very impressive. I have no excuses, he just played excellent golf all day.”

Ogilvy jumps to the top of The Race to Dubai standings after two European Tour appearances while Casey occupies second place.

In the third place match England's Ross Fisher lost out to last year's winner Cink 1up.

Casey’s route to the final

Paul Casey bt Aaron Baddeley (Aus) 1 up

Paul Casey bt Mathew Goggin (Aus) 6&4

Paul Casey bt Peter Hanson (Swe) 3&2

Paul Casey bt Sean O'Hair (US) 4&3

Paul Casey bt Ross Fisher (Eng) 2&1

Ogilvy’s route to the final

Geoff Ogilvy bt Kevin Sutherland (US) at 19^th

Geoff Ogilvy bt Shingo Katayama (Jpn) at 19^th

Geoff Ogilvy bt Camilo Villegas (Col) 2&1

Geoff Ogilvy bt Rory McIlroy (NI) 2&1

Geoff Ogilvy bt Stewart Cink (US) 4&2

Ogilvy cruises to second WGC-Accenture Match Play title

Jaidee in control at Indonesia Open 02/03/2009

THAILAND’S Thongchai Jaidee claimed his third European Tour victory with an impressive two-stroke victory at the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open. Jaidee held a one-shot lead heading into the final day and went out in 4-under 33 to increase his lead to four but a bogey on the 14^th saw his lead cut by Steve Webster to just one. However, Jaidee made a birdie on the 16^th to ease the pressure and he carded a 69 for a two-shot win over Webster, Simon Dyson and Alexander Noren.

“My driving, putting and iron game were all good today. I felt very confident out there which helped me a lot,” said Jaidee. “I knew the pin positions and I was putting well. I missed the green but chipped in on the fifth hole, which was great and on the seventh I was off the green on the left side but I knocked it in from 12 feet. Those were key holes for me.

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