MICHELLE WIE TO HEADLINE STAR CAST FOR OMEGA DUBAI LADIES MASTERS 05/11/2009

MICHELLE Wie, one of the brightest stars in the world of women's golf, will headline a stellar field when the American golf sensation tees it up for the first time in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters.

The Ladies European Tour's end of season event will be played at the Emirates Golf Club for the fourth consecutive year from December 7 to 12, 2009.

After a tremendously successful rookie season on the LPGA Tour, which also saw her play a key role in the U.S. team's Solheim Cup victory, the 20-year-old is expected to electrify the tournament when she joins an already talented field from Europe in what promises to be an intense Desert Duel.

Named in a 2006 Time magazine article as "one of 100 people who shape our world," the Hawaiian is the latest superstar to sign up for the Dubai Ladies Masters which, since its inception in 2006, has showcased players of calibre and reputation of Annika Sorenstam, Laura Davies, Karrie Webb, Gwladys Nocera, Sophie Gustafson and Natalie Gulbis, making it the most popular ladies golf event of Dubai's sporting calendar.

"We are really delighted to have Michelle in the field. She is charismatic, she is skilful and her presence will certainly provide a big boost to the tournament," said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi - the promoters and organisers of the euro 500,000 tournament.

"Michelle Wie may be just 20, but it appears that she has been around for a long time and has done wonders to raise the profile of women's golf. The amount of hard work she puts in every day to improve her game and fitness shows she is determined to realise her dream and is on the brink of mega-star status," said Buamaim, who also welcomed Omega on board as title sponsors of the golf in DUBAi events, which also includes the Dubai Desert Classic.

"Together, we will strive to deliver events befitting the global image of the brand Dubai," he said.

Nayla Hayek, a member of the Swatch Group Board of Directors, commented: "We're excited that Michelle, who is also an Omega brand ambassador, is making her first visit to Dubai. Combining feminine grace with power and technique, she is a strong ambassador for the future of women's golf.

"Omega is one of the few brands in the world with a rich history and tradition that can compete with that of golf. Our involvement in international golf today includes tour and tournament sponsorship as well as official timekeeping," she added.

Commenting on Michelle Wie's first visit to Dubai, Buamaim said: "Her presence will certainly bring star value to the event, but the reputation of the Dubai Ladies Masters is built on the collective presence of the players. And we are very pleased to know it has once again attracted a strong field.

"All the 108 players in the field are capable of winning the event on their day, but certainly fans will also be keen to follow the progress of seasoned stars such as Laura Davies, Sophie Gustafson, Gwladys Nocera, defending champion Anja Monke and the new Swedish sensation Anna Nordqvist, who will formally seal her "Rookie of the Year' award in Dubai.

"I wish all players, officials, caddies and guests a pleasant stay here in Dubai and I am confident they will all return home with fond memories of this city and further propagate the message of Dubai, as the ‘City of Golf'," Buamaim added.

"I am very excited about making my first trip to Dubai and playing in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters," said Wie. "I have heard so many great things about Dubai as a city, but also about the golf here, and I'm looking forward to experiencing it for myself."

"This season was a very rewarding one for me, both on the golf course and off, and I'd love nothing more than to wrap this year up with a strong showing at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters. I have such great respect for the players on the Ladies European Tour, and was able to develop close friendships with many of them in my first Solheim Cup experience, so it will be a great week."

Wie, ranked 15 in the world, turned professional in October 2005, and has been building an impressive resume in golf since a young age. At 10, she became the youngest player to qualify for the USGA Women's Amateur Public Links Championship in 2000 and qualified for an LPGA event when she was 12.

A year later, she became the youngest to make a cut. She played in the men's Sony Open when she was 14. Now 20 years old, Wie is proving successful both on and off the golf course.

'golf in DUBAi' is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the sponsor while BMW, CNN, Emirates Airline, Emirates NBD, Gulf News, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Jumeirah Hotels, MasterCard and wasl are co-sponsors in its drive to showcase the emirate's vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.

MICHELLE WIE TO HEADLINE STAR CAST FOR OMEGA DUBAI LADIES MASTERS

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.”

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.

Gary Player to host Worldwide Golf Invitational at Emirates GC 03/04/2009

GARY Player, one of the true legends of golf, will play a hole in an Invitational tournament in the UAE for the first time.

The Black Knight is a winner of nine Majors and nine Senior Majors in a career that saw him claim his first title back in 1955, in Egypt. Since then he has won 167 official tournaments worldwide, travelling more than 14 million miles, and is universally recognised as golf’s greatest international player.

At Emirates Golf Club on Friday April 24 Player will host The Worldwide Golf 100th Anniversary Invitational presented by ECCO under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum.

Player, who was part of the legendary Big 3 with Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer and is one of only five players to have won all four Majors, will also host a brunch at Emirates Golf Club, organised by the South African Business Council, attended by The Ambassador, H.E. Yacoob Abba Omar. Player will then do a clinic on the driving range prior to the 18-hole, shotgun start, Invitational.

Player will play the par-3 seventh hole on the Majlis Course with each of the fourballs competing in the Invitational. Earlier this year the 73-year-old, who is arguably the fittest player in Senior Golf, beat his age on three successive days at the 7,100 yards Hualalai course in Hawaii in a U.S. Champions Tour event, shooting 70-71-71

The charity event will conclude with an Awards Dinner at Emirates Golf Club hosted by Player.

The South African Hall of Famer has amassed numerous awards throughout his 56-year career, captained the International Team in The Presidents Cup in 2003, 2005 and 2007.

“I have nothing but admiration for Sheikh Mohammed and his remarkable vision in creating such a thriving business, tourism and golfing centre in Dubai. I have been a frequent visitor to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Oman over the years and I am really looking forward to hosting the Worldwide Golf 100th Anniversary Invitational at the Emirates Golf Club,” said Player.

“It will be an opportunity to renew some old friendships and make some new ones and I hope it will be a day that all who attend will recall as an occasion to remember.”

Gary Player to host Worldwide Golf Invitational at Emirates GC

Star-studded cast for The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah 16/12/2009

AS The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah gathers pace the strength of the international field continues to grow in stature. The recent announcement that European No.1 Lee Westwood, who headlines a world-class cast at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on January 25^th, had won the European Tour’s Golfer of the Year Award, followed a series of excellent results from other leading players competing in the most prestigious Pro-Am in the Middle East.

Westwood returns to Dubai on the back of one of the most consistent seasons of his career, which he capped with a stunning display to win the Dubai World Championship in November. The Englishman topped The Race to Dubai with two wins and 11 additional top-ten finishes to collect €2,750,000 and take his season’s earnings to a record €4,237,762.

He was rightfully named The European Tour’s Golfer of The Year for the third time in his career, having ended Colin Montgomerie’s seven-year reign at head of European Golf by winning the Order of Merit in 2000 after finishing runner-up in 1999 and third in 1997 and 1998.

Westwood is joined in the field by fellow Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell (pictured) who recently shot back into the top 50 on the Official World Golf Ranking with a superb second place finish at the Chevron World Challenge in California. The Irishman put in a superb performance as he finished one shot behind winner Jim Furyk but ahead of a field that included the likes of Padriag Harrington, Stewart Cink and Steve Stricker.

In South Africa, Ross Fisher, who is sponsored by the Al Naboodah Group, also put in a near-tournament winning performance at the Nedbank Golf Challenge finishing in a share of third place, one shot off making the play-off between Robert Allenby and Henrrik Stenson with the Australian finally winning at the third extra hole.

Fisher, who took home the biggest pay cheque of his career with a dominating display at the Volvo World Match Play Championship at Finca Cortesin in Spain in October, is currently ranked 18^th in the World and will join fellow form-players Westwood and McDowell at The Invitational

Another player in top form is tournament host Abdullah Al Naboodah himself. Abdullah teamed up with UK radio presenter DJ Spoony, Vincent Tshabalala and Thomas Aiken to win the fourball alliance competition at the Gary Player Invitational at The Links at Fancourt in November.

Although the Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola is a fun charity tournament it is also a competitive event as Masters Champion Angel Cabrera and British Senior Masters Champion Tony Johnstone proved in defeating John Bland and Tjaart van der Walt by three shots.

Other players confirmed for The Invitational include Rory McIlroy, Jeev Milkha Singh, Darren Clark, Simon Dyson, Johan Edfors, Charl Schwartzel and Richard Green.

Al Naboodah Director of Golf, James Bowring, commented: “It’s great that we’ve got so many leading players competing who are right on the top of their game. The sponsors and the spectators are going to be treated to a wonderful day of world-class golf played in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It’s going to be a special day for them to be able to play a part in enjoying this unique tournament.”

The list of confirmed players for The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah is as follows:

Lee Westwood Rory McIlroy Ross Fisher Simon Dyson
Charl Schwartzel Robert Rock Graeme McDowell
Johan Edfors Jeev Milkha-Singh Peter Lawrie
Chris Wood Steve Webster Gareth Maybin
Graeme Storm James Kingston Thomas Aiken
Bradley Dredge Jamie Donaldson Darren Clarke
Paul Lawrie Rafael Enchinique Ricardo Gonzalez
Daniel Vancsik David Lynn David Howell
Shane Lowry Paul Broadhurst Stephen Gallacher
Steven Jeppesen Pablo Larazzabal Richard Green
Simon Khan Gregory Havret Jean Francois Luquin

For more information on The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on January 25, please visit: www.alnaboodahinvitational.com

Star-studded cast for The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah

Neale retains EGF Order of Merit crown 26/05/2009

JOEL Neale retained the Emirates Golf Federation’s Order of Merit title after the talented youngster posted a strong finish in the BMW Men’s Open held at The Montgomerie Dubai.

Neale, who plays off a plus one handicap, carded solid rounds of 73 and 70 to finish tied second on a gross total of 143, just one shot behind the winner Pontes Fredriksson in the seventh and the final round of the Gulf News-sponsored Order of Merit.

With this creditable second-place finish the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club star took his points tally to 122.25 which was good enough to beat his nearest challenger Matthew Turner of Emirates Golf Club by 5.25 points. Khalid Yousuf, who led the Order of Merit after the penultimate round – the NBAD Men’s Open – had to settle for third place on 113 points.

Khalid had a good chance of winning the prestigious Order of Merit, but couldn’t feature in the final event because of the GCC Championship in Kuwait where he played a key role in guiding the UAE team to a fantastic second-place finish.

In his absence it was left to Neale and Turner to battle it out for the championship title. With just three points separating the two going into the final round, both produced some solid golf in the final round to provide a fitting climax to the Order of Merit race.

Neale held on to his slender lead, finishing just one point ahead of Turner, who settled for tied fourth on a gross144. , In the end, it was a strange coincidence that Neale, Turner and Yousuf finished the Order of Merit race in the same order as they did last year.

The Musharrekh brothers – Ahmed and Abdulla – were in with a chance to sneak into the top ten, but had to skip the final event as they joined Khalid Yousuf in the UAE team for the GCC Championship.

Saeed Albudoor, general manager of the Emirates Golf Federation, thanked the players, the sponsors and the clubs for making the Order of Merit a great success. “All the seven events produced some good scores and that gives an indication of the rising standards of the game in the UAE,” he said. “There is no dearth of talent in the country and it showed in the performance of the players during the season. We, at the Emirates Golf Federation, are committed to creating more playing opportunities for golfers, both national and expatriates, to hone their skills.

“We are also working on new initiatives to make the Order of Merit events even more appealing to the players."

Neale is pictured with Saeed Al Budoor, General Manager of the Emirates Golf Federation.

UAE FINISH SECOND IN GCC CHAMPIONSHIP 28/04/2009

KHALID Yousuf shot a tidy level-par 72 as the UAE finished second to Bahrain, narrowly missing out on their maiden GCC Golf Championship title at the Sahara Golf and Country Club in Kuwait.

Starting the day four strokes off the pace, the UAE team staged a compelling fight-back before posting an impressive 54-hole gross total of 671, just one shot behind Bahrain who managed to sneak home despite not being at their very best. The Saudi Arabia team finished a distant third on a gross 714.

It was the UAE team that held the centre-stage on the final day of the regional golf summit at the challenging Peter Harradine-designed course. Yousuf, who plays off plus one handicap, led the UAE charge with a flawless 72, the best individual score of the day.

The Musharrekh brothers – Ahmed and Abdulla - fired an identical 77 to contribute to the score while Saeed Malik, the fourth member of the team, carded 81 in the team event where the best three scores were counted towards the total.

Ahmed Al Musharrekh, who shot a sizzling 69 on the opening day, had the distinction of finishing on top in the individual championship with a gross 216 along with Abdullah Sultan of Bahrain, two strokes of ahead of Yousuf.

The UAE had something more to cheer about as Hassan Al Musharrekh won the individual championship in the junior division with a three-round gross total of 233 - one shot ahead of his closest challenger Khalid Atteih of Saudi Arabia.

Faisal Al Marzouqi carded a gross 252 while his brother Sohail was forced to withdraw from the championship after falling sick.

“We have every reason to feel pleased about our team’s performance. The boys did a great job on the final day in particular and nearly upstaged Bahrain,” said Adel Zarouni, secretary-general of the Emirates Golf Federation and head of the UAE delegation to Kuwait. “You do feel bad when you miss out on the championship title by just one shot, but then close finishes are part of any sport. We are proud of the team’s fighting qualities and the way they kept up the pressure on Bahrain was something remarkable.

“I would also like to congratulate Hassan for winning the individual championship. Hassan is fast maturing into a solid player and that’s augurs well for UAE golf.”

UAE’s non-playing captain Khalid Mubarak also paid tributes to the team members, saying they approached the championship with a positive mindset. “We had our chances of winning the championship, but full credit to Bahrain for their consistent play over three days,” he said. “With a runners-up place in the team championship and impressive individual performances by Ahmed, Khalid and Hassan, in particular, we should be very proud of the team’s achievements.”

Gary Player Invitational a huge success 27/04/2009

THE Worldwide Golf 100^th Anniversary Invitational presented by ECCO and hosted by Gary Player under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum at Emirates Golf Club on Friday, April 24, was a resounding success.

More than 700 people attended the day which began at 10.30 am with a brunch organised by the South African Business Council where the UAE Ambassador to South Africa, H.E. Yacoob Abba Omar, welcomed Gary to the Emirates.

Gary responded with an inspiring and passionate speech on the subjects of South Africa, diet, health and golf, which included an entertaining insight into his world. He talked about the importance of positive thinking and having the ambition to become the best in the world at whatever you chose to do – or maybe striving to become the best as a person.

It was an enthralling speech, which brought huge applause from the gathering of more than 100 guests.

From the balcony overlooking the Majlis Course Gary made his way to the driving range where he entertained a sizable gallery who were fascinated by his demonstration and his golfing reminiscences. Gary went out of his way to involve the youngsters present and invited some of them to hit a ball with him – which they did to considerable applause.

Gary then went to the 1st tee to hit a ceremonial drive to signal the start of the Invitational before heading for the 7^th tee where he hit a drive with each of the 27 four-balls who played in the shotgun fourball two-ball betterball team event, which was won by the Hesson family, who had qualified to play in the Invitational.

In the evening, nearly 200 guests attended the Awards Dinner where Gary Player received a special award for his services to golf in the Middle East from Worldwide Golf and WSP Chairman Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed bin Hasher Al Maktoum.

Due to the personality, charisma and ability of one of the game’s greatest legends it was a day that all who attended will never forget.

Bahrain dominate the 29th Arab Golf Championship 06/03/2009

BAHRAIN put the disappointment of a runner-up finish at last year’s Arab Golf Championship behind them with a dominating display to win their 13th Championship at Al Hamra Golf Club yesterday

The Bahrainis completed a wire-to-wire victory in the 29^th Arab Golf Championship thanks to rounds of 233, 235, 230 and 241 for a 939 total and a 17-stroke win over the UEA team.

The team of Abdulla Saleh, Naser Yacob and Sultan Sultan combined superbly well over the four days to beat the host nation into second place. Egypt finished third, two shots behind the UAE while last year’s winner Lebanon finished fourth after being beaten to a podium place by a countback by the Egyptians.

Bahrain dominate the 29th Arab Golf Championship

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."

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

UAE hosting 29th Arab Championship 02/03/2009

AL Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah will host the 29^th Arab Golf Championship this week as 16 Arab countries battle for honours around the first Links course in the region.

Host nation the UAE will be spearheaded by Khalid Yousuf who recently competed in the Dubai Desert Classic and he will be joined by the Musharrekh brothers Ahmed and Abdullah and the experienced Ismail Sharif.

Last year in Australia a Yousuf-led UAE team finished at the top of the pile of all the Arabian teams contesting in the Eisenhower Trophy and the team are confident ahead of this year’s Arab Championship.

“We have the talent to win the championship,” said Sharif, a seven-time UAE National Champion. “All we need is to stay focussed on the job in hand. It won’t be easy since the competition is going to be very tough, but we have to keep faith in our abilities.”

Secratery General of the Emirates Golf Federation Adel Zarouni said: “We are delighted to host the Arab Golf Championship and he hope all the players will relish the experience of playing on the challenging layout of the par-72 Championship Golf Course at Al Hamra.

This Championship will showcase to the Arab world the giant strides that have been made in the UAE with our golfing infrastructures of international standards. We will try and ensure all the players and their delegations have a comfortable stay in the UAE and they return home with good memories of the Championship.”

Lebanon took home the title last year as they completed a wire-to-wire victory at Dirab Golf Course in Riyadh last year.

Teams lining up will be:

Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia and the UAE.

The race for the EGF Order of Merit hots up 27/03/2009

THE battle for the EGF Order of Merit title is hotting up after two of the main challengers sat out crucial events as the race for the title heads towards its climax.

Khalid Yousuf took advantage of the non-performance of Matthew Turner at the Audi Men's Open at Abu Dhabi Golf Club to move to the top of the EGF Order of Merit.

Yousuf posted rounds of 72 and 75 for a 3-over gross total of 147 to win at Abu Dhabi Golf Club to move above Turner in the rankings with 86 points. Another promising UAE star Ahmed Al Musharrekh matched Yousuf's 147 - the best score by an amateur in the Audi Men's Open - to jump to fifth position with a tally of 51 points, just 8.5 points behind Dino Varkey of Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and 6.5 points of Joel Neale, who plays off an impressive plus-1 handicap.

Former Order of Merit champion Vikram Judge posted a 156 to slip to seventh place with 47.5 points.

However, Turner returned to action at the Ras Al Khaimah Men's Open at Al Hamra Golf Club to reclaim his place at the top of the Order of Merit as he took his turn to take advantage of his competitor's absence with rounds of 73 and 71 for a six-shot victory over Joel Neal.

Yousuf could not make it to the RAK Men's Open after a busy schedule in the 29th Arab Golf Championships where he played a key role in guiding the UAE national team to a creditable second-place finish.

With Neale making solid gains after a second place finish in the RAK Men's Open, the race for the Order of Merit title has picked up steam with at least three players in contention for claiming the honours.

Neale, also of Emirates Golf Club, has tallied 81.5 points after the RAK Open, the fifth event on the EGF Order of Merit schedule. Snapping at his heels is seasoned Vikram Judge who has jumped to fourth place from seventh with 67.5 points after a fourth-place finish in Ras Al Khaimah.

Ahmed Al Musharrekh was also absent from Ras Al Khaimah due to his performances alongside Yousuf in the Arab Golf Championships. He remains on 51 points but dropped down to seventh place.

With just two events remaining at Al Ghazal Golf Club in Abu Dhabi and The Montgomerie, Dubai, the race for the EGF Order of Merit title looks like it will go to the wire.

Order of Merit leaders after the RAK Men's Open:

1. Matthew Turner (EGC) 95

2. Khalid Yousuf (EGC) 86

3. Joel Neale (EGC) 81.5

4. Vikram Judge (DCGYC) 67.5

5. Paul King (DCGYC) 59.8

6. Dino Varkey (DCGYC) 59.5

7. Ahmed Al Musharrekh (SGSC) 51

8. Steve Kelly (EGC) 49

9. Alex Charawani (ADGC) 46.25

10. Robert Watts (EGC) 45

The race for the EGF Order of Merit hots up

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.

“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

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."

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.

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

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."

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

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.”

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

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."

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.

UAE UNDER-18 TEAM TAKES THE ARAB JUNION GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP 26/04/2009

Sohail Marzouqi and Hassan Musharrekh produced some solid performances as UAE beat off a strong challenge from a quality field to win the net under-18 team title at the Arab Junior Golf Championship held at the Yasmine Golf Course in Hammanat, Tunisia.

The talented duo also made their presence felt in the gross team division by posting a top four finish behind hosts Tunisia, Qatar and Egypt at the Yasmine course, designed by well known Californian architect Ronald Fream.

Faisal Marzouqi, the third member of the team, has also returned home with something to cheer about after taking fourth place in the under-15 individual category, a creditable effort considering the fact the youngster was playing his first international tournament away from home.

Sohail and Hassan did stutter and stumble in the first round, but staged a compelling fight-back in the second and final round to post a strong finish. Sohail shot gross rounds of 102 and 92 while Hassan carded 100 and 82 in the championship which had drawn entries from several Arab countries, including Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon Libya, Morocco, Palestine and Qatar.

They could have done even better but were left bemoaning the shots that got away. “I think overall we have done well,” UAE coach Chris Vallender said. “The experience gained from the championship will go a long way in honing their competitive edge.

“I am, in particular, pleased with the way young Faisal handled the pressure. His back-to-back 91 on a challenging course amply shows the boy has the game needed to become a decent player.”

Adel Zarouni, secretary-general of the Emirates Golf Federation, congratulated the team for winning the net (under-18) title. “Their performance augurs well for the UAE golf. We, at Emirates Golf Federation, will keep trying to create more playing opportunities for our junior players.

“It was a good trip to Tunisia and there was a good camaraderie as players competed in a healthy environment. On behalf of the federation, I would like to thank the Tunisia Golf Federation for hosting the event. They did a wonderful job,” said Zarouni.

UAE UNDER-18 TEAM TAKES THE ARAB JUNION GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

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.

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

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.

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.”

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.

Young guns to test their skills on the Alps Tour 20/07/2009

KHALID Yousuf and Ahmed Al Musharrekh will make their first appearance in an Alps Tour event when they feature in the Uniqa FinanceLife Open at the Golf Club Gut Murstätten at Lebring in Austria, from July 23 to 25.

The two leading UAE golfers have been selected by the Emirates Golf Federation as part of its ambitious drive to expose the homegrown talent to a high-level of competition.

Leading professionals and amateurs will be showcasing their skills during the tournament, part of the Alps Tour which has been created to give young players the opportunity to play and earn their chance to step up to the European Challenge Tour and gain exemptions from Stage One of the European Tour Qualifying School.

Yousuf is no stranger to playing in the company of top professionals having twice competed in the Dubai Desert Classic, but for Al Musharrekh it will be his first exposure to such a high level of golf.

The pair were selected for the trip following their impressive showing on the regional circuit. They were instrumental in guiding the UAE team to a creditable second-place finish - just one shot behind winners Bahrain - in the recent GCC Golf Championship where Al Musharrekh also won the individual championship with a gross 216.

“Both Khalid and Ahmed have already made their mark on the regional circuit and it’s time they should be competing at the international level to hone their competitive edge,” said Saeed Albudoor, general manager of the Emirates Golf Federation.

“If their recent form is any indication, I am sure they will do well in Austria. We, at Emirates Golf Federation, are committed to providing the players the best playing opportunities that we can and this Austrian trip is very much part of our initiative to try and keep the momentum going.

“I am sure the exposure that Khalid and Ahmed are getting at the international level will motivate other national players to take up golf seriously.”

Chris Vallender, the UAE team’s coach, is pleased that the pair are having an opportunity to play competitive golf with other hopeful young golfers.

“There is no short cut to success,” he said. “The best thing is that the boys are willing to sweat it out and that’s quite encouraging. The experience of playing with aspiring professionals will go a long way in building the confidence in their abilities.”

Young guns to test their skills on the Alps Tour

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.

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 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.”

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.

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."

UAE HOPEFULS PERFORM WELL ON ALPS TOUR 27/08/2009

AHMED Al Musharrekh and Khalid Yousuf turned in some encouraging performances in the Uniqa FinanceLife Open held at the Golf Club Gut Murstätten at Lebring in Austria in late July.

Al Musharrekh (pictured) comfortably made the cut on the challenging 7,017-yard layout with tidy sub-par rounds of 70 and 71, but consecutive 6-over-par 78s in the third and final rounds prevented him from making a strong finish in the tournament which was an important stop on the demanding Alps Tour.
Yousuf also got off to an impressive start, carding 1-under-par 71, but he stumbled to a disappointing 81 in the second and missed the cut by six shots.

The top UAE golfer, who has twice featured in the Dubai Desert Classic, opened his second round with a birdie, but lost his momentum and a triple bogey on the long 564-yard, par-5 17th hole further added to his woes.

Meanwhile Al Musharrekh made his presence felt with some solid golf. Playing his first major tournament at the international level, Al Musharrekh negotiated the course with a mature performances in the first two rounds, but in the end had to settle for tied 50th at 3-over-par 219, 16 shots behind the winner Paolo Terrini of Italy.
Spurred on by a good showing in Austria, Al Musharrekh is determined to use his steady performance as a springboard to greater things when the new season gets under way in October. “Overall, I am pleased with my performance,” he said. “I could have done much better. Now I know what it takes to compete at this high-level of golf. I will try and use the experience to my advantage in the forthcoming tournaments.”

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

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.

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

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.”

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.

Late Charge Carries Al Naboodah to Victory at Gary Player Invitational 02/12/2009

ABDULLAH Al Naboodah led his team to victory with a superb performance at the 2009 Gary Player Invitational presented by Coca-Cola at The Links at Fancourt in South Africa.

Teaming up with British radio celebrity DJ Spoony, Vincent Tshabalala and Thomas Aiken, Al Naboodah (left on the picture) propelled the team to a nail-biting victory in the fourball alliance competition of this premier charity tournament.

The competition was eventually decided on a countback on 22-under. This denied Irish property magnate Sinead Kenny the chance to become the first businesswoman to lead a team to victory in the team competition. Kenny combined well with playing partners John Bland, Tjaart van der Walt and South African cricket legend Barry Richards, but on the day Spoony and Al Naboodah’s fourball posted the lower score to seal the win.

“When I lost so narrowly last year, I vowed to come back and it would be game on,” said Spoony. “We cut it pretty fine today, but combined superbly over the closing holes. I’m delighted and I’ll definitely be back to defend.”

Naboodah, who made the biggest contribution at the charity auction, was the team’s star performer and also confirmed that he will soon be booking his ticket back to next year’s tournament.

“It would be fantastic to return and I will do my best to be here,” he said. “This was one of the best tournaments I’ve ever played in. My family and I are very passionate about charities around the world. When I met Gary a year ago, we spoke about giving back through golf. I have a lot of respect for what he does. We just enjoyed ourselves out there and it’s a bonus to walk away with a win.”

Late Charge Carries Al Naboodah to Victory at Gary Player Invitational

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

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.

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.”

Dubai World Championship charity auction raises AED 150,000 18/11/2009

Funds donated to Dubai Autism Centre and ‘Els for Autism'

AN exclusive charity auction launched by global marine terminal operator DP World in conjunction with the Dubai World Championship has collected AED 150,000 for charity.

The funds were raised through an online auction in which golf enthusiasts bid for the chance to play with three-time Major winner Ernie Els in the Dubai World Championship Pro-Am on the stunning new Earth course at Jumeirah Golf Estates.

The proceeds from the auction were presented by DP World and South Africa's Els to the Dubai Autism Centre and ‘Els for Autism' before the Pro-Am Championship got underway.

Abdullah Al Naboodah, an avid golf fan and charity supporter, was the winning bidder, revelling in the opportunity to raise money for good causes while playing 18 holes of the stunning Greg Norman-designed Earth course alongside Els who is known as ‘The Big Easy'.

Chairman of Dubai World, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, said:

"DP World is proud to become part of the initiative. It is heartening to see golf fans coming forward wholeheartedly for a worthy cause. Autism is close to Ernie's heart and in great fellowship golf fans have stepped forward to stand alongside him to help raise awareness and much needed funds."

Els has devoted much time to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders since he discovered his son Ben was affected by the condition. The champion has since been working towards building a research facility and school close to his home in Florida in USA.

Mr. Mohammad Al Emadi Board Member and Director General of the Dubai Autism Centre, said:

"We express our immense gratitude to Ernie Els and DP World for taking the initiative to create awareness and raise the much needed funds to provide the necessary intervention programs and spread awareness. We depend entirely on philanthropic activities of organizations and individuals to meet our running expenses."

The Dubai World Championship has attracted 70,000 registrations for free tickets to date which are still available at http://www.dubaiworldchampionship.com/

Dubai World Championship charity auction raises AED 150,000

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.

Your chance to play at The Invitational hosted by Al Naboodah 26/11/2009

WORLDWIDE Golf has partnered with the Al Naboodah Invitational to offer our readers an exclusive opportunity to play alongside European Tour professionals like Race to Dubai and Dubai World Championship winner Lee Westwood, Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell and World No.10 Rory McIlroy in the charity event on January 25th, 2010, at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.

This is the only chance to play in the Al Naboodah Invitational as it is a strict invitation only event. Two spots in the field have been reserved as ‘GOLDEN TICKETS’ for winners of the Worldwide Golf Midweek Open in January. The two lucky winners will each become a VIP for the day, partnering a European Tour professional and compete against some of the world’s best players in the most competitive yet friendly pro-am in the region.

There is one spot available for adults (maximum handicap 18 for men, 24 for ladies) and one spot for juniors (maximum handicap 28).

For your chance to win a place in the tournament that every amateur wants to play, and a prize that money just can’t buy, simply enter the Worldwide Golf Midweek Open at Arabian Ranches Golf Club on Tuesday January 5th, 2010.

The Worldwide Golf Midweek Open is an Individual Strokeplay event for male, female and junior golfers with an official handicap. The entrance fee is inclusive of access to the practice facility prior to play and to the locker rooms and a light buffet presentation dinner at close of play (beverages will be at individuals’ expense).

The sign-up is simple. Just fill out the entry form on page 4 of the December issue of Worldwide Golf and fax. it to Arabian Ranches Golf Club with your credit card details on 04 3663355

You can also download the entry form from www.alnaboodahinvitational.com

If you do not wish to use your credit card, payment can be made direct to Arabian Ranches Golf Club. Payment in advance is required to enable us to fill the limited field in the competition. Advance fees paid by players who fail to turn up to compete will not be refunded. Money will be refunded if cancellation is received with 48 hours’ notice as it will allow those on the long waiting list the chance to participate.

The details of the event are as follows: Entry fee AED495, which includes Green Fees, shared Golf Cart, Event Shirt, Range Balls, Tournament Prizes, Buffet at the Prize Presentation.

Date: Tuesday, 5th January 2010

Venue: Arabian Ranches Golf Club

Time: 1.00 pm Shotgun Start

Format: 18 Holes Strokeplay Full Handicap Allowance

Tees: Men – Gold Tees, Ladies – Red Tees

Entry Fee: AED 495.00 (Juniors AED195.00)

Closing Date: 20th December 2009

Cancellation:
The entry fee will be debited from the card details enclosed with this form once the club has confirmed your event entry. If you need to withdraw your entry we require 48 hours notice to make the space available to players on the standby list. Your card will not be debited if you follow this cancellation process.

Your chance to play at The Invitational hosted by Al Naboodah

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.

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.

Dubai Duty Free named Premier Partner to The Invitational 04/01/2010

Dubai Duty Free has added their support to The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah by becoming a Premier Partner to the charity event to be held at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club on Monday January 25th.

Dubai Duty Free joins The National, Delwood and Atom as Premier Partners for the prestigious tournament widely regarded as the biggest and most popular Pro-Am in the Middle East.

Colm McLoughlin, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free, commented: “Dubai Duty Free is a long-time supporter of golf in Dubai and we are delighted to extend our support to The Invitational 2010, hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah. This event has grown over the past couple of years and has caught the attention of the top professionals as well as the media, which is good for Dubai and its reputation as a golfing destination. We are looking forward to participating in the tournament.”

Abdullah Al Naboodah added: “Dubai Duty Free have supported charity and golf events for many years and I am both pleased and honoured that they have become a Premier Partner for The Invitational.”

With Colm McLoughlin having been a long time member of the Creek and a former Club Captain, the connection with the golf club was further strengthened with Thomas Björn, who redesigned the course, confirming that he will be joining the star-studded cast of European Tour players which includes Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy.

Spectators are welcome to see the Professionals up close and personal in one of the friendliest and most competitive invitationals in World golf, where the galleries are made to feel an integral part of the proceedings.

For free tickets visit www.theinvitational.com

Pictured with Colm McLouglin is Rory Mcilroy, winner of the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic, and Salah Tahlak, Director-Corporate Communications, Dubai Duty Free.

Dubai Duty Free named Premier Partner to The Invitational

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.

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

TOP 10 TRIO EYE ABU DHABI’S FALCON TROPHY 15/10/2009

Casey, Garcia, and Ogilvy Vie For Abu Dhabi Golf Championship Glory

TWO-time Abu Dhabi Golf Championship winner and World No. 4, England's Paul Casey, will return this January to defend his crown, in a bid to extend the impressive form that has re-catapulted him to the forefront of the golfing world.

The 32-year-old, however, will have his work cut out for him, as Spanish swing wizard and world number eight, Sergio Garcia, and Abu Dhabi debutant, Australian Geoff Ogilvy - the current World No. 10 - have also thrown their hats in the ring for the European Tour-sanctioned 2010 Championship, which runs 21-24^th January at Abu Dhabi Golf Club's sublime Par-72 National Course.

And with three of the world's top 10 golfers now teed-up, Faisal Al Sheikh, Head, Major Event's Division, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) - which organises the four-day spectacle - believes the landmark fifth edition of the US$2 million Championship will be a major boost to the emirate's growing credentials as an emerging world-class golfing destination.

"The Championship's success over the last four years has gone a long way to cementing Abu Dhabi's status as one to watch on the global golfing scene. The sport continues to form a key pillar of our long-term destination product, and will do so for the foreseeable future. We have no less than three great courses being finalised throughout the emirate and the people visiting and watching this Championship are connecting with a world-class golfing destination in the making," said Al Sheikh.

One player who knows more than most about the UAE capital is Casey, the only player to lift Abu Dhabi's coveted Falcon trophy twice: in 2007 and 2009 - the last of which kick-started a run of form where he clinched the Shell Houston Open and BMW PGA Championship. Casey is fully aware of what an Abu Dhabi win can do for a player's season.

"The Abu Dhabi victory really gave my season a boost and helped me build momentum over the following months. As one of the first major events of the year, a good showing here can really make the difference, especially with the Majors teeing off not long after," said Casey, who is sponsored by Abu Dhabi developer ALDAR, which is behind the Kyle Phillips-designed Yas Island course, set to be the emirate's first links course.

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And Casey - who has 11 Tour wins under his belt - is keen to become the first golfer to retain the Falcon in back-to-back attempts.

"I have strong ties with Abu Dhabi, both on and off the course, and coming here always feels like home away from home. The National is stunning and fits my game nicely and I know what is needed to win. For me, it's about doing the right preparation, getting focused during the winter break and coming to Abu Dhabi in the right frame of mind," said Casey, who carded a Championship record this year with a stunning 21-under par to hold off 2008 Champion, Germany's Martin Kaymer.

"Being the only player to win twice in Abu Dhabi is a fantastic personal achievement. I now want to see if I can do it two years on the trot. I know the 2010 field is going to be extremely strong, and there are going to be guys out there who are hungry to win. I just need to be hungrier."

Five times Ryder Cup star Garcia, one of the youngest ever players to compete in the biennial competition, is a familiar favourite at the Abu Dhabi event, having competed in the UAE capital for the last three years.

Adored on both sides of the Atlantic, the fiery Spaniard - the 2008 US Players' Champion and US Tour Championship runner-up - knows that securing an elusive Abu Dhabi win will be an important catalyst to his 2010 season.

"I've been playing pretty consistently over the last year but I know there's more to come. As one of the first events in 2010, everyone looks to the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship to get the ball rolling and build momentum for the long season ahead," said Garcia, who has 19 professional wins under his belt.

"The Championship is one of the most enjoyable events on the calendar. The hospitality is unparalleled, the course plays great and the competition is intense. I'm looking forward to getting out there and hitting my best."

The imposing 6' 2" Aussie Ogilvy - whose career highlights include snatching the 2006 US Open by a one shot stroke and being a triple World Golf Championships winner - is hoping his lack of Abu Dhabi experience won't be an issue come January.

"I've already heard a lot about the National Course from many of the other guys that have played there. I enjoy a fresh challenge and I'm intrigued to see what all the hype is about," said Ogilvy, who beat Casey earlier in the year to win the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona, USA.

Ogilvy, who notes golf course design as a hobby, is also relishing the opportunity to take in some of the UAE capital's latest golfing initiatives, including the Gary Player designed, Saadiyat Beach Golf Course - the Arabian Gulf's only ocean front course.

"I understand that Abu Dhabi has made some impressive strides in establishing itself as a golfing destination, and I wouldn't mind having the chance to look around. I know the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club will be open to play when I'm there, so I hope to take the time to check it out."

All four days of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship will be covered live on high definition TV, reaching a global audience of over 140 million in many of the ADTA's key global markets.

The 2010 Championship formally begins on Wednesday, January 20^th with the Al-Masaood Pro-Am and Awards Gala when sponsors and their guests will play and socialise with some of the world's best professionals.

TOP 10 TRIO EYE ABU DHABI’S FALCON TROPHY

OMEGA Dubai Ladies Masters Changes its Schedule - Volunteers needed 22/10/2009

IN a slight break from tradition, the 2009 Dubai Ladies Masters champion will be crowned on a Saturday instead of a Sunday when the Ladies European Tour event gets under way at the Emirates Golf Club next month.
Announcing new dates of the tournament, ‘golf in DUBAI’ - the promoters and event - said the tournament kicks off on Wednesday, December 9 and the final round will be played on Saturday, December 12.

In line with the tradition, the tournament will be preceded by a pro-am on December 8 and a challenge match, featuring marquee players, on December 7.
“Since we have a Friday-Saturday weekend in the UAE, it makes sense to have a Saturday finish which would encourage more spectators to come to the venue, adding to the carnival-like atmosphere there,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of 'golf in DUBAi.
”We are grateful to the Ladies European Tour for giving their nod to the weekend finish which, I think, will greatly enhance the profile of the event in all areas, also adding more value to the hospitality packages.

“Since the inception of the Dubai Ladies Masters in 2006, the tournament, which also marks the end of the LET season, has created quite a buzz in the region. No doubt about that. I think there is another dimension to it - and that's somehow the players feel comfortable in Dubai.”

“Whether it’s our hospitality or whether that’s the way Dubai is, I don't know. The formula, somehow, is working and that’s great for Dubai. That’s great for golf in Dubai too.”

The presence of world-class players like Annika Sorenstam, who has since called it a day, Laura Davies, Karrie Webb, Natalia Gulbis, Gwladys Nocera, Sophie Gustafason and Catriona Matthews over the last three years has firmly established the Dubai Ladies Masters a most sought-after event on the Ladies European Tour.

This year again there will be no entry fee and the intention is to encourage and motivate more ladies to take to the sport.

Organisers have also called upon golfing enthusiasts to come forward and be part of the action when the season-ending Ladies European Tour event gets under way at the Emirates Golf Club

‘golf in DUBAI' – the promoters and organisers of the €500,000 tournament - estimates over 150 volunteers will be required to act as marshals, scorers, TV production assistants, scoreboard carriers and carry out other related positions as needed.

“The role of the volunteers will be crucial in continuing to showcase Dubai as the 'city of golf', as we strive to make the Dubai Ladies Masters the most successful tournament on the Ladies European Tour,” stated Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of 'golf in DUBAI.'

All golf fans wishing to be part of Dubai's premier ladies event may visit the tournament website --- www.dubailadiesmasters.com or www.golfindubai.org – for online registration. Preference will be given to those volunteers who can commit to two or more days.

OMEGA Dubai Ladies Masters Changes its Schedule - Volunteers needed

Sergio Garcia joins World Class Invitational lineup 17/12/2009

SERGIO GARCIA is the latest big name to join the all-star cast at The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on January 25^th. The popular Spaniard, currently ranked 11^th in the World, makes his debut in the most prestigious Invitational Pro-Am in the region.

Garcia, who finished 10^th in The Race to Dubai, joins a host of leading European Tour players in The Invitational, including Europe’s Golfer of the Year, Lee Westwood. The World No.4 returns to Dubai on the back of one of the most consistent seasons of his career. He capped a stunning victory in the Dubai World Championship in November, by adding The Race to Dubai title with two wins and 11 additional top-ten finishes to collect €2,750,000 and take his season’s earnings to a record €4,237,762.

He was rightfully voted The European Tour’s Golfer of The Year for the third time in his career, having ended Colin Montgomerie’s seven-year reign at head of European Golf by winning the Order of Merit in 2000 after finishing runner-up in 1999 and third in 1997 and 1998.

Westwood and Garcia are joined in the field by fellow Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell who recently shot back into the World top 50 with a superb second place finish at the Chevron World Challenge in California. Ross Fisher, currently ranked 20^th in the world and who finished fourth in The Race to Dubai is another leading player to confirm his place in The Invitational on January 25.

Volvo World Match Play Champion, Fisher, who is sponsored by the Al Naboodah Group, put in a near-tournament winning performance at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa, finishing in a share of third place.

Another player bringing his best form to The Invitational is host Abdullah Al Naboodah himself. Abdullah teamed up with UK radio presenter DJ Spoony, Vincent Tshabalala and Thomas Aiken to win the fourball alliance competition at the Gary Player Invitational at The Links at Fancourt, South Africa, in November.

Other players confirmed to play at the Creek on January 25 include Rory McIlroy, Jeev Milkha Singh, Darren Clarke, Simon Dyson, Johan Edfors, Charl Schwartzel and Richard Green. In total, 48 Professionals and 48 amateurs will combine in a betterball strokeplay competition in teams of two – one Pro and one amateur – with the Pros playing for a charity prize fund of AED500,000.

Al Naboodah Director of Golf, James Bowring, commented: “It’s great that we’ve got so many leading players competing who are right on the top of their game. The sponsors and the spectators are going to be treated to a wonderful day of world-class golf played in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It’s going to be a special day for them to be able to play a part in enjoying this unique tournament.”

For more information on The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on January 25, please visit: www.alnaboodahinvitational.com

Sergio Garcia joins World Class Invitational lineup

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Thomas Bjorn joins the all-star cast at The Invitational 30/12/2009

NINE-time European Tour winner Thomas Bjorn has joined the already world-class line-up of professionals at The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on January 25^th.

Bjorn, the former Chairman of The European Tour Player’s Committee and first ever Dane to play in The Ryder Cup, redesigned the Dubai Creek course in 2004 and joins the likes of Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood in the field of the most prestigious Invitational Pro-Am in the region.

Garcia, currently ranked 11^th in the World, finished 10^th in The Race to Dubai and joins a host of leading European Tour players in The Invitational, including Europe’s Golfer of the Year, Westwood. The World No.4 returns to Dubai on the back of one of the most consistent seasons of his career. He capped a stunning victory in the Dubai World Championship in November, by adding The Race to Dubai title with two wins and 11 additional top-ten finishes to collect €2,750,000 and take his season’s earnings to a record €4,237,762.

He was rightfully voted The European Tour’s Golfer of The Year for the third time in his career, having ended Colin Montgomerie’s seven-year reign at head of European Golf by winning the Order of Merit in 2000 after finishing runner-up in 1999 and third in 1997 and 1998.

Westwood and Garcia are joined in the field by fellow Ryder Cup star Graeme McDowell who recently shot back into the World top 50 with a superb second place finish at the Chevron World Challenge in California. Ross Fisher, currently ranked 20^th in the world and who finished fourth in The Race to Dubai is another leading player to confirm his place in The Invitational on January 25.

Volvo World Match Play Champion, Fisher, who is sponsored by the Al Naboodah Group, put in a near-tournament winning performance at the Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa, finishing in a share of third place.

Another player bringing his best form to The Invitational is host Abdullah Al Naboodah himself. Abdullah teamed up with UK radio presenter DJ Spoony, Vincent Tshabalala and Thomas Aiken to win the fourball alliance competition at the Gary Player Invitational at The Links at Fancourt, South Africa, in November.

Other players confirmed to play at the Creek on January 25 include Rory McIlroy, Jeev Milkha Singh, Darren Clarke, Simon Dyson, Johan Edfors, Charl Schwartzel and Richard Green. In total, 48 Professionals and 48 amateurs will combine in a betterball strokeplay competition in teams of two – one Pro and one amateur – with the Pros playing for a charity prize fund of AED500,000.

Al Naboodah Director of Golf, James Bowring, commented: “It’s great that we’ve got so many leading players competing who are right on the top of their game. The sponsors and the spectators are going to be treated to a wonderful day of world-class golf played in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It’s going to be a special day for them to be able to play a part in enjoying this unique tournament.”

For more information on The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on January 25, please visit:

www.theinvitational.com

Thomas Bjorn joins the all-star cast at The Invitational

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

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.”

PAUL CASEY ADDS MORE STAR POWER TO THE INVITATIONAL LINE UP 14/01/2010

RYDER Cup star Paul Casey has confirmed his participation at The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah and adds his name to the already world-class line-up at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on Monday, January 25^th.

Casey won three times in the space of five months last year to reach a career-high third place on the Official World Golf Ranking before a rib injury derailed his season.

Casey won the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship in January on The European Tour before winning his first US PGA Tour event at the Shell Houston Open in April. He then won the flagship tournament of The European Tour, the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in May before his injury – sustained at The Open Championship - forced him out of action until October.

The Englishman is now back to full fitness and finished in a tie for 10^th place at the SBS Championship on the US PGA Tour earlier this month.

Casey joins the likes of Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia and Ross Fisher in the field to become the seventh player in the top ten of The European Tour’s final 2009 Race to Dubai ranking and the fifth player inside the top 20 on the Official World Golf Ranking to compete in the most prestigious Pro-Am in the region.

Garcia, currently ranked 13^th in the World and 10^th in the final 2009 Race to Dubai ranking, will be flying into Abu Dhabi for the first leg of The Tour’s Middle East Swing, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, in style in his Hawker 4000 aircraft. The prestigious aircraft manufacturer, Hawker Beechcraft, has now become a Premier Partner of The Invitational, along with Dubai Duty Free, Delwood and Atom.

The Spaniard joins a host of leading European Tour players in The Invitational, including Europe’s 2009 Golfer of the Year, Westwood. World No.4 Westwood returns to Dubai on the back of one of the most consistent seasons of his career. He capped a stunning victory in the Dubai World Championship in November, by adding The Race to Dubai title with two wins and 11 additional top-ten finishes to collect €2,750,000 and take his season’s earnings to a record €4,237,762.

In total, 50 Professionals and 50 amateurs will combine in a betterball stroke play competition in teams of two – one Pro and one amateur – with the Pros playing for a charity prize fund of AED500,000.

Al Naboodah Director of Golf and The Invitational Tournament Director, James Bowring, commented: “It’s great that Paul Casey has joined the party and that we’ve got so many leading players competing who are right on the top of their game. The sponsors and the spectators are going to be treated to a wonderful day of world-class golf played in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It’s going to be a special day for them to be able to play a part in enjoying this unique tournament.”

For more information on The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club on January 25, please visit:

www.theinvitational.com

PAUL CASEY ADDS MORE STAR POWER TO THE INVITATIONAL LINE UP

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

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.

UAE Juniors given boost with joint sponsorship of Amateur Open 26/03/2010

JUNIOR GOLF in the UAE has received a huge boost with wasl (Dubai Real Estate Corporation and owners of Dubai Golf) joining the Saeed and Mohammed Al Naboodah Group in the sponsorship of the 2010 Junior Amateur Open at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club on April 2.

wasl has matched Al Naboodah’s sponsorship to help create an even bigger and better Championship with 30 juniors competing, ranging from 11-18 years old. There will be three divisions on the day: DIV A - handicaps 0-14 playing off the blue tees; DIV B - 15-28 off the white tees and the Girls Division off the red tees. The overall tournament is a gross format with the Division prizes decided by net scores.

The Championship was launched in 2001 and among the winners are Dubai Nationals Nabil Sharif, who won the inaugural event and the 2007 Champion, Khalid Yousuf.

wasl announcement

Abdullah Al Naboodah, who has inspired and sponsored the Junior Open since 2008, commented: “This is an enormous benefit to junior golf in the UAE. The involvement of wasl as a joint sponsor of the Championship will help us take it to a higher level. It was a big step to take in introducing the Junior Open and it has proved to be a great success. We are already witnessing the effect of the event with Joel Neale’s triumph last year and Matthew Turner’s victory in 2006 – helping both players to embark on a professional career in golf. With the support of wasl we can look forward to a great future for the Championship and to further promoting junior golf in the region.”

A delighted Hesham Abdullah Al Qassim, wasl Chief Executive Officer, added: "wasl is proud to sponsor the 2010 Junior Amateur Open alongside the Al Naboodah Group. Over the last two years with Al Naboodah's support it has become the premier Junior Amateur Open event in the UAE and with wasl's added support this year it will no doubt be the best.

“We have been able to significantly reduce the entry fee to add more value to the event and ensure all the juniors with a valid handicap can afford to take part. Junior Golf Development is very important for the future of golf in the UAE and at our two wasl-managed courses, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and Emirates, we have hundreds of youngsters learning the game under the helpful guidance of our PGA Professionals.

“I am sure it will be a thrilling event as proved over recent years and I look forward to seeing who will be crowned champion for 2010."

Matthew Turner and Joel Neale, winners in 2006 and 2009 respectively, are ineligible to compete this year as they are over the entry age of 18 but among the wealth of talented youngsters competing for the most prestigious prize in junior golf in the UAE are the talented Faisal and Sohail Al Marzuki and Hassan Al Musharrekh.

Pictured: Abdullah Al Naboodah and Hesham Abdullah Al Qassim, CEO wasl, with golfers Sohail Al Marzuki, Faisal Al Marzuki and Hassan Al Musharrekh.

UAE Juniors given boost with joint sponsorship of Amateur Open

Old Pals Act at The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah 29/01/2010

It was an ‘old pals act’ of the highest order that became the centrepiece of The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah at the Creek Golf & Yacht Club as Lee Westwood, The 2009 Race to Dubai and Dubai World Championship winner, shared the Individual professional prize with his best friend and ISM stablemate Darren Clarke.

European Tour Player of the Year Westwood was back to his brilliant best and Clarke showed signs of returning to the form that won him two World Golf Championships as the Englishman and Irishman both shot course record-breaking rounds of 8-under 63.

Westwood also partnered his good friend, event host Abdullah Al Naboodah, to take first place in the Professional-Amateur team event with a 9-under 62.

Clarke partnered George Horan, Deputy Managing Director of Premier Partners to The Invitational, Dubai Duty Free, to take third place with a 63, losing out on a one-shot countback for second place to professional Richard Green and amateur James Collins, who qualified through a Golden Ticket at the Worldwide Golf Midweek Open earlier this month.

Sam Walker won longest Drive for the professionals, while Farbod Dowlatshahi of Premier Partners Delwood had the Longest Drive for the amateurs (0-14) with Stewart McIntyre taking the 15+ prize. Westwood joked at the excellent prize-giving ceremony at the Park Hyatt Hotel that: “the secret to winning the team event was choosing the right partner – and Abdullah chose me.”

Joint winner Clarke thanked all the pros for supporting Abdullah and the event and commented that the field equalled the best Tour Pro-Ams. Abdullah Al Naboodah thanked the professionals for turning out in force and making The Invitational a day to remember and also thanked the Premier Partners, Partners and Official Suppliers for making it possible to stage the event.

A live auction raised a magnificent Dh750,000 for the two benefiting charities, Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs and the Dubai Autism Centre.

At the prize giving ceremony Clarke said he had never played in an invitational event where the fun factor affected everyone from the sponsors to the players to the spectators. Throughout the day the banter and laughter between the players and supporting spectators made this a day to remember.

One young lady who won’t forget the occasion was ten year-old Amelia McKee, who qualified as the leading female player and junior at the Worldwide Golf Midweek Open earlier this month. Amelia was a sensation as she kept pace with her playing partners Jean-Francois Luquin, James Collins and Richard Green. Her team partner, Frenchman Jean-Francois, commented: “She’s an amazing girl and a phenomenal talent.”

The 50 European Tour Professional players, who numbered seven of the top ten in the 2009 Race to Dubai ratings and 22 of the top 50 agreed this was the most enjoyable invitational they had ever played and the joint winners, Westwood and Clarke both said they couldn’t wait for next year’s Invitational.

Old Pals Act at The Invitational hosted by Abdullah Al Naboodah

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

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.

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

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.

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

ENTRY TO WORLDWIDE GOLF MIDWEEK OPEN AT TOWER LINKS STILL OPEN 19/04/2010

ENTRIES are still being received for the Worldwide Golf Midweek Open at Tower Links Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah on Thursday May 6th.

The WWG Midweek Open in as Individual Stableford event for male and female golfers with an official handicap. Entrance fee for the event includes access to the practise facility prior to play and the locker rooms plus a light buffet presentation dinner at the close of play.

To enter simply fill out the entry form on page 4 of April’s issue of Worldwide Golf and fax it to Tower Links on 07 228 444.

If you do not wish to use your credit card, payment can be made directly to Tower Links Golf Club. Payment is required in advance to book your place in the competition. Advance fees paid by players who fail to turn up will not be refunded unless cancellation notification is received within 48 hours of the competition.

Entry fee AED260 includes Green Fees, shared golf cart, event shirt, range balls, tournament prizes and buffet.

Only players who are registered with the Emirates Golf Federation are eligible to play in the Worldwide Golf Midweek Open. Those not registered with the EGF please contact the EGF on 04 368 4988 or visit the website on www.emiratesgolffederation.com to apply.

ENTRY TO WORLDWIDE GOLF MIDWEEK OPEN AT TOWER LINKS STILL OPEN

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.

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."

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Honest Davis hands Furyk Heritage title 19/04/2010

ENGLAND’S Brian Davis called a two-shot penalty on himself during the first hole of a sudden death play-off which effectively handed Jim Furyk his second PGA Tour victory in the space of a month at the Verizon Heritage.

Furyk, who missed the cut at the Masters last week, was drawn into a play-off when Davis birdied the final hole with a superb raking putt. However, after Davis knocked his approach shot to the 18th on to the beach he splashed out but notice he knocked a piece of reed during his backswing. To his credit he called over rules official Slugger White who confirmed the penalty before Furyk stepped up to two-putt for par and take the title.

“To have the tournament come down that way is definitely not the way I want to win,” said Furyk, who shot a final round 2-under-par 69. “It’s obviously a tough loss for him, and I respect and admire what he did. To be there and be in the battle and have an opportunity to win, and then have to call a penalty on yourself has got to be extremely disappointing but it’s a testament to our game and the people that play on the Tour, and that we have so many guys that do that.”

Davis, who began the day one shot behind Furyk and shot a 3-under 68 to match his total on 13-under-par, was disappointed he couldn’t close out the victory after dropping shots on holes 15 and 16 and then missing a birdie putt on 17.

“I’ve got to learn from that and make a couple of putts on the back nine, that’s what makes a champion,” said Davis, who now has four second-placed finishes in his last four years on the PGA Tour. “It then came down to 18th and I hit an unbelievable second shot and obviously I made the putt. It was great getting into the play-off, but it was a disappointment not to win.”

YAS LINKS HOSTS MAIDEN TOURNAMENT 28/04/2010

AFTER four weeks of operations Yas Links Abu Dhabi, the latest gem by Aldar Properties, will host its inaugural Men's Open on Saturday May 1, 2010.

Currently only the front nine of the Kyle Phillips designed layout is open for play so the Yas Links Open will be played over two loops of those nine holes playing from two different teeing grounds.

Prizes will be awarded to the winners in both gross and net divisions. The tournament has been oversubscribed with over 100 entries so a handicap ballot was taken to get the field down to the desired 60 and one thing for certain is that the region's first true links course will be a unique challenge for all participating.

Nick Oakley, Director of Golf at Yas Links said: "We are very excited to host the Yas Links Open, the course is in great condition considering its maturity and we are sure the guys will enjoy it. This is a very special course and when we launch the full 18 in June there is no doubt this will be regarded as one of the best in the region."

Yas Links needed to host the tournament over the nine holes in order to qualify for the Order of Merit events in 2011. Nick went on to say: "Obviously we would have loved to host the event over the full 18 holes but due to deadlines within the EGF calendar we had to host it this way. The back nine holes are developing very quickly and will be ready by June 1^st".

The Yas Links Ladies open will take place on the 11^th May while golfers can experience the full 18 holes by signing up for the WWG Desert Island Double taking place June 10-11, 2010. See the May issue of Worldwide Golf, out now, for details or read all about it here on www.wwgolf.biz.

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."

Magnificent McIlroy cruises to Quail Hollow victory 04/05/2010

RORY McIlroy shot an incredible 10-under-par 62 to win his first PGA Tour title at the Quail Hollow Championship by four strokes from Masters champion Phil Mickelson.

The 20-year-old made an eagle and eight birdies in his final round as he broke the course record in North Carolina to become the youngest winner on the American circuit since Tiger Woods in 1996.

“I’m delighted - I don’t think I’ve ever played a better round in my life,” beamed McIlroy after his 15-under-par total. “I’m just so excited. I got off to a pretty slow start this week and had to fight to make the cut and the weekend was just very, very special.”

McIlroy made the weekend’s play on the cut-line at 1-over-par and then fired rounds of 6-under and 10-under to take home the title. “I suppose I just got in the zone. I didn’t realise I was going eight, nine, 10-under-par. I just knew I’d got my nose in front, I was just trying to stay there.

“Ever since I was 10 or 11, I wanted to be a professional golfer and you know it's been a crazy ride to this point. I’m going to have a bit of a party - if I was back home and had a win like this I’d be having a good one tonight.”

He began the day four strokes behind Bill Mayfair and started his charge with three birdies in succession from hole 7. He then moved clear of the field with a run of birdie-eagle-birdie from the 14^th and wrapped up the victory in stunning fashion with a 43-foot birdie putt on the final green. Mayfair carded a 4-over 76 to drop out of contention while Angel Cabrera carded a 4-under 68 to claim third place behind Mickelson. Zimbabwean Brendon de Jonge shot a 66 to move up 13 places and into fourth place on 9-under-par.

Magnificent McIlroy cruises to Quail Hollow victory

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.”

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.

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

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.

Egyptian Open joins European Challenge Tour for 2010 15/06/2010

Egypt will find itself as a venue on the European Challenge Tour for the first time this year when the 2010 Egyptian Open – one of the world’s oldest Open golf events – is staged at Cairo’s Mirage City Golf Course from Wednesday, October 20 to Saturday, October 23.

With $250,000 in prize-money at stake and in prime position as the last European Challenge Tour event before the Apulla San Domenico Grand Final in Italy the following week, the Egyptian Open is expected to attract a powerful field, while negotiations are currently underway with one of the world’s best players to appear as a guest invite.

“Following the success of the event in 2009 and the support we received from the Challenge Tour, we are proud that the Egyptian Open has achieved full European Challenge Tour status and is now part of the official Order of Merit,” said Egyptian Golf Federation Chairman Ayman Hussein.

“As well as around 80 players from the European Challenge Tour, around a third of the field will be made up of local and regional invites and qualifiers. This is important to us at the Egyptian Golf Federation as the event has a tradition for being a showcase of the best in Egyptian golf as well as the region.”

Home-based players looking to rub shoulders with the likes of last year’s champion Steven Tiley and the cream of the European Challenge Tour will have the opportunity of securing their places in a number of events staged between now and the tournament itself.

As well as the Closed Championship of Egypt, the Egyptian Amateur Open and the Red Sea Amateur Open, players can qualify from their standings in the Egyptian PGA rankings with amateurs having to be of three handicap or less to be eligible.

Hussein added: “It is especially exciting for us is to have allocated the top five spots in the 54-hole Egyptian Amateur Open to be held September 30th to October 2^nd at Katameya Heights Golf and Tennis Resort to qualify to play in the 2010 Egyptian Open.

“We are encouraging all amateurs in the region, whether Arab Nationals or expats, to enter this Egyptian Amateur Open which, we believe, will add significant kudos and credibility to the Egyptian golf calendar. We are also in the process of inviting representatives from the Golf Associations of the Arab Golf Federation to the 2010 Egyptian Amateur Open.”

Now in its 24^th year, the European Challenge Tour has developed into a proven training ground where the stars of the future can hone their skills over 72-hole competition and under differing conditions in a substantial number of countries within Europe and beyond.

Widely regarded as a valuable stepping-stone onto The European Tour, the Challenge Tour has achieved incredible growth. It caters for aspiring, ambitious young hopefuls who aim to follow in the footsteps of Challenge Tour graduates such as Thomas Bjorn, Michael Campbell, Niclas Fasth, Trevor Immelman, Ian Poulter, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson and Oliver Wilson. In 2009, the European Challenge Tour carried a total prize fund of more than €4 million during a season of 24 tournaments in eighteen countries.

A true test of character, the Tour offers only the top twenty ‘promotion’ each year to The European Tour but scores have gone on to become tournament winners on The European Tour with many earning Ryder Cup honours.

“We were impressed with the way the event was staged last year and received very positive feedback from all of the players who took part,” said Nick Tarratt, Director The European Tour International, Dubai Office. “The fact that Egypt will be the last chance of qualification for the 45 places available at the end-of-season Grand Final in Italy means Cairo will command a strong field.”

Pictured: 2009 champion Steven Tiley will be back to defend his title when the 2010 Egyptian Open makes its full debut as part of the European Challenge Tour in October

Egyptian Open joins European Challenge Tour for 2010

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

Cool Oosthuizen eases to Open Championship glory 19/07/2010

UNHERALDED South African Louis Oosthuizen produced a performance that rivalled the supremacy of Tiger Woods at St Andrews ten years ago to secure a maiden Major title at the home of golf and cap a sensational year of sport for South Africa.

Oosthuizen was the very definition of calm as the gusts coming in off the North Sea blew away his competitors and he was left to stroll to a seven-stroke victory ahead of Lee Westwood.

“It’s unbelievable,” he beamed after following in the footsteps of Bobby Locke at St Andrews and Gary Player and Ernie Els as winners of The Open. “It was a battle for me to keep calm round this course. That was the biggest goal for me, to keep calm. It’s probably going to hit me tomorrow or the week after what I did.”

The 27-year-old began the final day with a four-stroke lead over Paul Casey and after an inspirational chat with Player prior to teeing off he carded a stress-free 1-under-par 71 to finish on 16-under-par for the tournament.

“We had a chat in my home language Afrikaans,” said Oosthuizen. “He said to stay calm, have a lot of fun and that the crowd was going to be on Paul’s side.

“Then he told me the story when he played against Arnold Palmer when he won his first Masters. He said they wanted to throw stuff at him, but he was so focused on beating him in Augusta. It meant a lot him phoning me up. He’s just a great guy.”

Oosthuizen opened with seven straight pars but when he bogeyed hole 8 his lead was down to three strokes from Casey and the crowd showed their support for the Englishman as they sensed a change in fortune. However, the 5’ 10” powerhouse from Mossel Bay moved quickly to exert his dominance, sinking a raking eagle putt on the following hole after driving the green. Casey made a birdie but with the gap back to four strokes Oosthuizen could breath a little easier.

He made it to 17-under on hole 12 while Casey wound up with a triple bogey after hitting some gorse bushes and from there the result was a formality. Westwood couldn’t apply any real pressure on the outward half, making his first birdie on the ninth. A bogey on the 12^th pegged him back to level par for the day but back-to-back birdies on 13 and 14 gave him second place. He bogeyed the 17^th Road Hole but birdied the last to hang on to second on 9-under-par and secure his fourth top-three finish in the last five Majors. Casey wound up with a 3-over 75 and a share of third place alongside Rory McIlroy and Henrik Stenson on 8-under.

Oosthuizen did drop a shot on the 17^th but a simple par at the last was all that was required for him to take golf’s biggest prize on what was Nelson Mandela’s 92^nd birthday.

“It’s amazing. I woke up this morning and I didn’t know it was his birthday, but I saw it on the news,” said Oosthuizen. “It felt a bit special out there. When I walked down the 18th I was thinking about his birthday and then my manager also gave me a list of things for my speech and it was also in there. What he’s done for our country is unbelievable.”

Another of his fellow countryman on his thank-you list was 2002 Open Champion Ernie Els. Oosthuizen revealed that the experienced he gained in his three years in the Ernie Els Foundation set him up perfectly for a career in professional golf. Before turning pro Oosthuizen admitted that Els had funded and supported his progress and said that he wouldn’t be where he is today without his help as his father didn’t earn enough to financially back the youngster to go all the way.

“At that stage things weren’t going that great on the farm, and we just heard of this foundation which had just started,” he explained. “It was an unbelievable three years with what Ernie did for me, travelling around the country, helping with expenses, giving clinics, things like that. He’s such a good mentor, probably without him I wouldn’t be here. It’s just nice knowing him; he’s just a great, great guy to be around.”

The Big Easy himself is proud of his young protégée after he became the first Major winner to progress through his foundation.

“This is absolutely unbelievable,” said Els, who won at Muirfield eight years ago.

“It would be difficult to find anybody in the world who is more proud of him right now.

“He comes from a little town on the outskirts of George in South Africa and needed help so we took him into the foundation and educated him and sent him to various tournaments around the country and also the world.

“I could not be happier. He is our first Major champion and has made us all very proud. His life will change but he won’t. He is simply a wonderful kid. You cannot find a better one. I thought long before anybody had heard of him that he was going to be an exceptional player.”

Words quickly came in from Player too, who never doubted the youngster’s temperament in what was the biggest moment of his career to date.

“He’s very, very good, has a magnificent golf swing and has got a lot of experience," said the 74-year-old three-time Open Champion. “He has won golf tournaments and is very, very strong physically but he doesn’t look like it when you see him walking along the fairways with waterproofs on.

“He wants to buy a farm, it’s a great incentive and I understand because that’s how I wanted to win to buy my farm and that’s my great joy in life.”

Prior to his historic win Oosthuizen had won five times on the South African Sunshine Tour and finally made his European Tour breakthrough earlier this year at the Open de Andalucia de Golf in Spain. Now he’s setting his sights on more Major glory after getting the taste for it around the most famous track in the world.

“I want a few more of them,” he smiled. “It would be great - after winning one you want to get to the second one and after the second one you probably want to get to the third. I’m going to work harder and get as many as I can. To win an Open Championship is special, but to win it here at St. Andrews is just something you dream about.”

Cool Oosthuizen eases to Open Championship glory

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.”

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

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

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.

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

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