with Bryan Angus

Thanks for joining me today. I look forward to your comments . They are always welcome here on FairwaysPlus. Bryan Angus bryanangus4@gmail.com



Sunday, April 30, 2017

Frenchman Alexander Levy wins Vovo China Open, eyes Ryder Cup spot

European Tour Volvo China Open final leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017034/leaderboard/index.html#/results

With the 2018 Ryder Cup being staged at Le Golf National outside of Paris,  Frenchman Alexander Levy is determined to earn a spot in the European squad.

This morning he charged up the leaderboard from 7 shots behind the leader Dylan Frittelli to win the Volvo China Open in a playoff and stake his claim, and fulfill his dream of playing for Europe in front of his hometown fans and fellow countrymen.

With scores of 63 70 71 67 -17 he holed a 15 footer for birdie on the first playoff hole to beat Frittelli 70 63 64 74 -17 who missed his putt from the same range.

"It's a goal and a dream for me to play the Ryder Cup in France," he said. "I will do a lot of work to play the Ryder Cup and I will do my best to be part of the team."

 
If you've heard Frittelli's name it's because although he is South African, he went to university in Texas where he was the #1 player, just ahead of a guy called Jordan Spieth. He T5 last week in Shenzhen.


Bryan Angus

Threatening weather suspends play at Zurich Classic of New Orleans

PGA Tour Zurich Classic of New Orleans leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/zurich-classic-of-new-orleans/leaderboard.html

With the American pairing of Kevin Kisner and Scott Brown combining for scores of 70 64 67 -21 for a 1 shot lead over Sweden's short  game wizard Jonas Blixt and rising young Aussie star Cameron Smith 67 62 68 -20, dangerous weather has blown into  New Orleans forcing tournament officials to evacuate the course with the threat of tornadoes in the area.

Tee times were moved up to 6.40am local time to try and beat the storm, but at 11am EST play was called and the forecast is bleak with whipping winds and rain falling.

Weather forecast for New Orleans : https://www.google.ca/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=EcrMVb3XM4WN8QeTx63wAQ&gws_rd=ssl#q=weather+forecast+for+New+Orleans&spf=1

Canadian scores: David Hearn and Graham DeLaet are at 71 66 72 -10. Mackenzie Hughes and Nick Taylor missed the cut.

There is a lot at stake and officials will wait as long as possible to finish play today. Each golfer takes home $1.02 million and 400 FedEXCup points.

23-year-old Smith has never won a PGA Tour event.


Bryan Angus


Japanese star Namura leads on Sunday at Texas Shootout

LPGA Tour Volunteers of America Texas Shootout leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/volunteers-of-america-texas-shootout-presented-by-jtbc/leaderboard

Playing in tough windy conditions in Irving Texas, Japanese star Haro Namura, 68 65 72 -8 205 leads by two over 17-year-old South Korean amateur Eun Jeong Seong (69), Cristie Kerr (70) and Inbee Park (71) who has already won this event twice.

Alena Sharp 70 74 70 +1 is T23 while Brooke Henderson 74 71 71 +3 is T39 at the start of play today. Jennifer Ha and Maude Aimee LeBlanc both MC.

The wind was blowing over 20 mph with storm clouds gathering, only three players broke 70 in round 3, and more of the same is expected today. Yesterday the field teed off nearly 3 1/2 hours earlier than scheduled in threesomes instead of twosomes to get play in.

Lydia Ko has had to WD due to an eye infection

Bryan Angus

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Team play is a hit at Zurich Classic of New Orleans

PGA Tour Zurich Classic leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html

Normally I would have a minimal level of interest in covering the Zurich Classic of New Orleans as a normal 72 hole stroke play event. It doesn't usually have a particularly strong field, New Orleans is a draw for some of the southern guys like Bubba Watson, usually the big boys are off.

This year Zurich Insurance in conjunction with the PGA tour decided to up the interest level and turn this into 2 man team event with 2 rounds of alternate shot and two rounds of best ball.

It was a smart move. The guys are having fun interacting, and play is faster. I grew up playing foursomes, it's a staple in Britain and we get around in 3.5 hours and have a riot doing it.

Here's the game plan. Between the two of us we first decide who is driving on the even and odd numbered holes. Do you have a bomber who you might want to hit on as many of the par 5's as possible, etc...Do you have a great iron player who you might want to tee up on the par 3's..Here's why it's quicker.

If I am driving for  my team on the 2nd hole, my partner is waiting for it half way down the fairway. He hits will I am walking towards the green. etc.

It's always fun to see who plays with who, and why they pick each other.

Look at some of the pairings on my leaderboard link.

Kyle Stanley / Ryan Ruffels lead at -6 66. Ruffels is a young Aussie with a great future.

KJ Choi and Charlie Wi both South Koreans are in at -5 67 as are Jordan Spieth and Ryan Palmer a pair of Texans and Jerry Kelly with Steve Stricker, both in their 50th year.

Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson battled for the gold at the Olympics and are Ryder Cup brothers, there is a Japanese team, Argentina has a team, South Africa has teams, how about Jason Day and Ricky Fowler (-1 71) as crowd favourites.

There are two Canadian teams Graham DeLaet with David Hearn -1 71 and Nick Taylor with Mackenzie Hughes are at +3 playing their 18th..

It's fun and forward thinking in an era where golf is competing with all the other entertainment out there, sports and otherwise for a share of the audience, and there is much more to come.

Miking up the players turned curling into a fascinating game to watch of touch and strategy from a sport that only the devotees watched.

It is an absolute must for pro golf and this team play format is using it more than ever this week to great effect.

Friday is better ball and the scoring will be much lower.... more fun..

Bryan Angus

Sunday, April 23, 2017

Nick Taylor trails the lead by 4 shots at the Valero Texas Open

PGA Tour Valero Texas Open leaderboard

On a day at the Valero Texas Open in San Antonio when the wind blew over 20 mph there were only 14 scores below par, bunching up the leaderboard for a race to the finish in store for today.

Nick Taylor shot an admirable 71 for a -4 total which is just 4 shots off the lead held by perennial bridesmaid Kevin Chappell who had a late birdie run for a -1 71 good for a one-stroke lead at -8 ahead of first-round leader Branden Grace -2 70 -7 total, and John Huh (71). Chappell has finished 2nd eight times in his career, and is still after that elusive first win.

The crowded leaderboard continues at -6 with Ryan Palmer from Texas who had the lowest round of the day -4 68. He’s joined by second round co-leaders Bud Cauley (74) and Tony Finau (74), Sweden’s Carl Pettersson (71), Martin Laird (71), Kevin Tway (72) and Australian Cameron Smith (73).

Other Canadians:  Brad Fritsch (76) is +3  and Adam Hadwin (82), is +8

Bryan Angus

Wiesberger wins Shenzhen International in a playoff

European Tour Shenzhen International final scoreboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017032/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard

europeantour.com

Bernd Wiesberger beat Tommy Fleetwood in a play-off to win the Shenzhen International on a dramatic final day at Genzon Golf Club.

Wiesberger (71) entered round four with a three-shot lead and eight shots ahead of Fleetwood but the Englishman fired a stunning 63 to set the clubhouse target and share top spot at -16.

As most of the leading challengers fell back, Wiesberger made excellent par saves on the 12th and 17th and nearly hit the pin with his approach to the last but was forced to settle for a par and a trip back up the 18th in the pouring rain.

Wiesberger took the risky line over the water off the tee and ended up in the bank while Fleetwood played safely onto the fairway and found the heart of the green with his second.

The pressure was now on Wiesberger and he delivered, putting his approach to five feet and rolling in the putt for a birdie and the victory.

The triumph is the culmination of an excellent run of form from Wiesberger, who has not missed a cut since the US PGA Championship, claiming seven top five finishes in that time. He will now move into the top 30 in the world.

Saturday, April 22, 2017

Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf play reduced due to heavy rain

PGA Tour Champions Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf leaderboard
http://www.pgatour.com/champions/tournaments/bass-pro-shops-legends-of-golf-at-big-cedar-lodge/leaderboard.html

Due to torrential rainfall at Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri, Friday's opening round was washed out.

As a result the event will be reduced to 36 holes and played only on the par 3 Top of the Rock course with no play possible on the Buffalo Ridge course.

Also the Legends Division which includes Jack, Gary and Lee will only be contested over 9 holes today, instead of the scheduled 36. That threesome will then play a Skins exhibition match along with Kid Rock on Sunday.

Bryan Angus

Three Canadians still contending at Valero Texas Open

PGA Tour Valero Texas Open leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/valero-texas-open/leaderboard.html

Bud Cauley (66) looking for his first PGA tour win and long hitting Tony Finau (65)lead this Valero Texas Open at -8, one better than a young Australian, Cameron Smith (65), Kevin Chappell (68), Robby Shelton (69) and do you remember Bob Estes (69)

Jimmy Walker is in a large group at -5 and he is suffering with Lyme disease which is caused by a tick bite, with possible serious consequences such as such as emotional outbursts, nervous system abnormalities, skin issues, and even loss of brain function. He will begin treatment next week.

The Canadian contingent slipped back a little but with the lead only at -8, they are not out of it for the weekend. 

Nick Taylor T27 69 73 -3, Adam Hadwin T41 70 72 -2, Brad Fritsch T42 74 69 -1 can all get right in in with a good day today.

David Hearn 76 77 MC, Mackenzie Hughes 74 74 MC

Ian Poulter missed the cut and lost his fully exempt status on the PGA Tour. He will now have to rely on sponsors invitations and may pick up his schedule on the European Tour although he and his family have lived in Florida for a long time.

Bryan Angus

Wiesberger takes command at Shenzhen International

European Tour Shenzhen International leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017032/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard

europeantour.com
 
Bernd Wiesberger will take a three-shot lead into the final round of the Shenzhen International after a roller coaster day at Genzon Golf Club.
 
The Austrian entered round three with a four-shot advantage but quickly saw that wiped out by Grégory Bourdy, who joined Mikko Korhonen in making a hole-in-one on Saturday.
 
A strong finish from the three-time European Tour winner, however, saw him sign for a 69 and a -15 total
 
South African Dylan Frittelli emerged as his nearest challenger after a 68 with a birdie-birdie finish and they will be the final pair on Sunday

Wiesberger has been in a remarkable run of form the last eight months, having not missed a cut since the US PGA Championship with seven top five finishes.
 
Pre tournament favourite Bubba Watson is at -10 after rounds of 66 70 70.
 
Bryan Angus



Friday, April 21, 2017

Friday golf round up..Bad weather affecting play..

For PGA Tour see my previous post " Taylor, Hadwin in Contention at Valero Texas Open"

Here are the links and story lines from the other tours.


European Tour Shenzhen International leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017032/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard

Weather is playing havoc with play, for example overnight leader Bubba Watson has only played 5 holes of his second round before play was suspended due to heavy rain and lightning.

Bernd Wiesberger fired a stunning bogey-free 65 to open up a four-shot lead before the second round of the Shenzhen International was suspended.
 
 
 
Round 2 is currently suspended due to lightning down in Indiana.  There are 6 Canadians and Ryan Yip is T1 after -4 68.

Ben Silverman and Corey Conners +1 73, Albin Choi 74, Adam Svensson 79, Roger Sloan 81 WD.


PGA Tour Champions Bass Pro Shops Legends of Golf leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/champions/tournaments/bass-pro-shops-legends-of-golf-at-big-cedar-lodge/leaderboard.html

Play suspended for the day due to heavy rain, lightning.

Bryan Angus

Taylor, Hadwin in contention at Valero Texas Open.

PGA Tour Valero Texas Open leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/valero-texas-open/leaderboard.html

With round two under way down in San Antonio, Nick Taylor has moved to -4 playing in the early wave and is currently T5. Adam Hadwin plays in the late wave, after an opening -2 70.

The leader, also playing late today is South African Branden Grace, -6 66. “That’s the one round I was waiting for,” Grace said. “I’ve been shooting the 69s and 70s, but not getting that one low round. This is nice.”

Steven Alker, Stewart Cink, John Huh and Will MacKenzie are all at -5 67, then there are a dozen players at -4.

The Ian Poulter saga continues. The cut is projected at E and he is at +2 right now through 12 holes. He needs to at least make the cut to keep his PGA Tour card for the remainder of the season. That’s in doubt now after an opening 75 has him well outside the top 100. He’s playing on a major medical exemption and he needs to earn $30,624 before the exemption ends this week.

He will get a few "past champion" and sponsor invites, but will have to go to Q School or return to the European Tour to play his way back onto the PGA Tour.

Bryan Angus

Canadian 1st round scores : Nick Taylor 69 -3. Adam Hadwin -2 70, MacKenzie Hughes 74, Brad Fritsch 74, David Hearn 76

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Tiger has another surgery on his back

Doug Ferguson/Associated Press..
 
Today Tiger Woods announced on his website he has had a 4th surgery on his back, called "single  fusion" surgery at the Texas Back Institute.
 
The announcement on his website said typical recovery from single-level fusion surgery is six months.
 
The surgery went well, and I’m optimistic this will relieve my back spasms and pain. When healed, I look forward to getting back to a normal life, playing with my kids, competing in professional golf and living without the pain I have been battling so long.”
 
Woods first had back surgery a week before the 2014 Masters, and he tried to return in three months. He sat out three months at the end of 2014 to let his body fully heal. But after a 2015 season in which he missed the cut in three majors, he had back surgery in September and another one in October.
 
He went 15 months without competition before returning in December at his Hero World Challenge. Woods missed the cut at Torrey Pines in January, then withdrew from the Dubai Desert Classic on Feb. 3 after opening with a 77, citing back spasms.
 
Questions about the 14-time major champion have shifted from if he will win another major to if he will play another major.
 
The statement on his website said Woods’ bottom disc in his lower back has severely narrowed, causing sciatica and severe pain in his back and legs. Woods opted for a fourth surgery when more conservative therapy, such as rest and injections, failed to solve anything.
 
The surgery was described as “anterior lumbar interbody fusion” at the L-5 and S-1 of his spine. It was performed by Richard Guyer of the institute’s Center for Disc Replacement, and involved removing the damaged disc and lifting the collapsed disc space to normal levels.
 
After he recovers from surgery, he will gradually begin his rehabilitation until he is completely healed,” Guyer said. “Once that’s accomplished, his workouts will be geared to allowing him to return to competitive golf.”
 
Guyer said the bottom of the spine is the best place for single-level fusion to occur.
Some individuals are born with one less vertebrae, which would be similar to someone who had a single-level fusion,” he said.
 
Woods was to begin therapy and treatment after several weeks of rest.
 
He is exempt for life at the Masters and PGA Championship, and until he is 60 at the British Open. He has a 10-year exemption for the U.S. Open from his 2008 victory at Torrey Pines, which was his 14th and last major. He had reconstructive knee surgery a week later.
 
He has started just 19 events worldwide since that first back surgery, and he has completed 72 holes in just nine of them. His best finish was a tie for 10th in the Wyndham Championship in August 2015, a month before his second back surgery.
With so many injuries and inactivity, Woods now is No. 788 in the world ranking.
 

Bubba's the man so far in Shenzen, China

European Tour Shenzen International leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017032/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard

The European Tour is spending the next two weeks in China, this week in Shenzen with a purse of $2.8 million US dollars, next week in Beijing at the Volvo China Open.

None of the big boys are travelling to China for either week except Bubba who is the highest ranked player and has made the trip here for the 3rd time due to a generous sponsor's appearance fee, because the total prize fund for the field is just a million more than Sergio got for winning the Masters. He is not playing next week in Beijing.

europeantour.com

Bubba Watson set the clubhouse target but had a strong group of European Tour Members chasing him down after day one of the weather-delayed Shenzhen International.

The big-hitting American posted a -6 66 before an hour and 50 minutes of play was lost in the afternoon due to the threat of lightning at Genzon Golf Club.

South African duo Dean Burmester and Haydn Porteous, Frenchman Grégory Bourdy, Thai Thongchai Jaidee and German Maximilian Kieffer all completed their rounds to sit just a shot back.

Another South African, Dylan Frittelli, was then in the clubhouse at four under, with Dane Thorbjørn Olesen, Spaniard Eduardo de la Riva and Austrian Bernd Wiesberger at the same mark with holes left to complete when play resumes at 0630am local time Friday is6.30 pm (est) tonight here.

Bran Angus

Monday, April 17, 2017

Edoardo Molinari beats Paul Dunne in a playoff to win Trophee Hassan II

European Tour Trophee Hassan II final leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017030/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard

europeantour.com..

Edoardo Molinari clinched his first European Tour title since 2010 as he beat overnight leader Paul Dunne in a play-off at the Trophée Hassan II.

The 36 year old finished his fourth round with an eagle at the 18th to snatch the outright lead but Dunne held his nerve to card a birdie at the last to get to nine under and take the contest to a play-off.

But with Dunne unable to convert his six-foot par putt at the first extra hole, Molinari rolled in from two feet to claim his third European Tour victory.

Englishman Paul Waring was alone in third on eight under after carding four birdies and a bogey in his final-round 70.

DeLaet, disappointed but not dismayed, T6 at RBC Heritage

PGA Tour RBC Heritage final leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/rbc-heritage/leaderboard.html

After all our speculation regarding Graham DeLaet's chances of winning his first PGA Tour event, in the end it was Wesley Bryan who got his, as he rallied to win the RBC Heritage for his first PGA Tour title, closing with a -4 67, -13 271, for a one shot win over Luke Donald at Harbour Town Golf Links

Donald shot 68, it was his fifth second-place finish here since 2009.

It was a disappointing day for DeLaet who shot 73 to end up T6. He wasn't dismayed however. It was his best finish and fourth top 10 of the year.

"I was proud of myself. I had a lot of good chances coming down the stretch. Obviously it's not what I wanted but I'm pretty proud of myself."

This is a career and this is one week of the year that's hopefully a long career for me. This is a small bump in the road but I've played well and I'm happy about it"

" I think I did exactly what I set out to do today and that was to stay calm and stay in the moment and I did that. It was the execution that wasn't there but emotionally and all that and think I did a pretty good job.

It wasn't a good day for Jason Dufner either, who slipped out of contention with a +5 76.

Adam Hadwin (69) and Nick Taylor (72)T22nd at -7 and David Hearn (75) finished T59th. at E.

Bryan Angus

Stephen Ames is back in the winners circle

PGA Tour Champions Mitsubishi Electric Classic final leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/champions/tournaments/mitsubishi-electric-classic/leaderboard.html

When you watch Stephen Ames play, as I have for so many years you are left wondering why he hasn't won more often with his beautifully effortless swing. For years while he was on the PGA Tour it was commonly felt that of any of the Canadians he had the most talent, and that included Mike Weir.

This weekend, aided and abetted by a hot putter, Stephen held off a strong pack, starting with a birdie at the first, then ran away from them with a -6 66 for a four shot win at the Mitsubishi Electric Championship, his first on the Champions Tour, and his first since 2009.

Winning never gets old as he mentioned after the round. "It's the same feeling as any tour that you win on. It's a real thrill right now !!" The putter was the strongest club in the bag for me today."

" I felt very much in control of my breathing and tempo, so it was nice to be in that situation and play the way I did today"

He finished four ahead of Bernhard Langer, five ahead of guys like David Frost and Fred Funk. He puts $270,000 in his jeans and is fully exempt for 2 years.

Rod Spittle finished well back in the field T58, 75 72 71.


Bryan Angus



Sunday, April 16, 2017

Will this be the Sunday Graham DeLaet breaks through..

PGA Tour RBC Heritage leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/rbc-heritage/leaderboard.html

It would be fitting with a Canadian bank, RBC, stepping up to take on the title sponsorship at this historic Harbour Town Golf Links in Hilton Head when it was in danger of dropping out of the PGA Tour schedule, that there would be a Canadian winner.

Today, Graham DeLaet starts play at -12, a shot behind Jason Dufner as he goes again, in pursuit of his first PGA Tour win, with all the bells and whistles that go along with it.

Here's what he is thinking " Obviously, this is the one thing that’s kind of missing, so there’s going to be some battles (inside) that I’m going to have to deal with. I feel like I am ready now, I want to get this monkey off my back, I want to get it done. I'm going to go out and try to have fun. I think if I can do that like I have the past 3 days it's going to be fine"

He and the easy going Dufner are last off at 2pm (est) a shot ahead of Kevin Kisner and Webb Simpson, and 2 ahead of Ian Poulter at -10, who is desperately trying to keep his playing privileges, playing on a medical exemption.

DeLaet has posted 3 sub 70 rounds (65 67 69), has made only 3 bogey's and leads the field in GIR, and as I mentioned yesterday, he is putting as well as ever after a putting lesson from Peter Kostis.

Nick Taylor is having a solid week as he shot 70 for an -8 total T10. Adam Hadwin, is T20th after a 71, David Hearn is T31 after shooting 69.


Bryan Angus

Stephen Ames has a slim lead at the Mitsubishi Electric Classic

PGA Tour Mitsubishi Electric Classic leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/champions/tournaments/mitsubishi-electric-classic/leaderboard.html

With rounds of 67 68 and a -9 total, Stephen Ames is in a good spot to win his first Champions Tour event in his 49th appearance... however it is isn't going to be easy.!!

There are 5 players grouped at -8, including Kenny Perry, and 2 more at -7 including Miguel Jimenez, and 6 more including the likes of John Daly, Paul Broadhurst and David Frost all at -6.

You know at least one of them will make a charge, so Stephen will have to be at his best.

Rod Spittle has shot 75 72.

Bryan Angus

Cristie Kerr wins LOTTE Championship, Alena Sharp 5th

LPGA Tour LOTTE Championship final scoreboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/lotte-championship/results

It wasn't so much that Alena Sharp went out and lost the LOTTE Championship last night in Hawaii, she had a great week, and started her final round with 3 birdies in her first 5 holes, finishing with a 70 and a -16 total, it was the fact that Cristie Kerr finished with rounds of 62 ( tie course record at Ko Olina GC), 66 to finish at -20, a new tournament record,  for her 19th LPGA victory as she approaches her 40th birthday.

Lydia Ko finished with a 64 -17 total to T2 with a pair of south Koreans.

Alena finished 5th while cheering on her beloved Maple Leafs (double OT winners in Washington) and this is what she had to say afterwards

" It was nice to be in that position and know that I could do it, I was there all day and never gave up, just kept fighting and kept hitting it close and trying to make those putts"

Brooke Henderson finished strongly with a final-round 68 to T11 at -11 (70-69-70-68).

Bryan Angus

Saturday, April 15, 2017

DeLaet, Sharp, Ames all in contention this weekend..

A putting tip from Peter Kostis has Graham DeLaet leading the RBC Heritage, and Alena Sharp playing some of her best golf is T2 at the LOTTE Championship in Hawaii as we head into this weekend. Here are the scoring links and storylines as well as details on Mike Weir's progress at the Trophee Hassan II on the European Tour in Morocco, and Stephen Ames on the senior circuit at the Mitsubichi Electric Classic in Georgia.


PGA Tour RBC Heritage scoreboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/rbc-heritage/leaderboard.html

After shooting his best ever score -6 65 on Thursday Graham DeLaet, putting with a new found confidence after a tip from golf analyst Peter Kostis, followed with a -4 67 -10 to T1 with Luke Donald as we had into the weekend at the RBC Heritage.

In fact it's been a great week for our four Canadians : Graham DeLaet T1 65 67 -10, Nick Taylor T5 69 66 -7, David Hearn T18 70 70 -5 (-3 so far today), Adam Hadwin T18 71 66 -5.

DeLaet is still searching for his first win on this tour.

Donald, who has an unbelievable record at Harbour Town, top 3 in 6 of his last 8 visits, also shot 67 and they are two in front of Ian Poulter (68) playing on a major medical exemption and in danger of losing his playing rights, and Webb Simpson (68).
Poulter and Simpson each shot 68. 

LPGA Tour LOTTE Championship leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/lotte-championship/leaderboard

While yet another south Korean, Su-Yeon Jang has the lead at this Lotte Championship at -17 after her 3rd round -7 65, there is another Canadian looking for her first ever LPGA Tour victory. 

Alena Sharp is now the 35, and after rounds of 67 69 66 -14 she is T2 with Cristie Kerr who will soon turn 40. Sharp has continued her fine play from 2016.

Alena has not won in 240 LPGA starts and the only player with more starts without winning is Becky Morgan at 315 !!, but in her post game comments, not winning isn't bothering the Hamilton native as much as you may think.

It’s hard to win out here. I just love playing golf, so I don’t think about it as I need to win, I just love the competition. I love travelling to all the different places we play and the amazing courses we play. I just have a lot of passion for the game itself.”

Brooke Henderson is T15 70 69 70 -7 while Maude Aimee LeBlanc, Jennifer Ha both MC.


European Tour Trophee Hassan II http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017030/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard

Playing on a sponsor's invite, mostly in part as a past Masters Champion, Mike Weir's trip to Morocco wasn't pretty, 81 79 +14 and dead last in the field.

Meanwhile at the other end of the leaderboard Trevor Fisher Jnr and Paul Dunne were T1 as they reached the turn on day three of the TrophĂ©e Hassan II at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam.


PGA Tour Champions Mitsubishi Electric Classic leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/champions/tournaments/mitsubishi-electric-classic/leaderboard.html

Down in Duluth Georgia, Stephen Ames opened with -5 67 to sit T3 in a group of 6 behind leader Bob Tway -7 65 and David Frost -6 66. 

Rod Spittle shot +3 75.

Bryan Angus





Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Victor Garcia and his proud Spanish golfing family

2017 Masters final leaderboard http://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/index.html

The enduring memories I will take with me of Sergio's win at Augusta were of course his beautiful approach to 14 which hit the pin and set up the birdie, then his brilliant draw to the 15th which nearly went in for an albatross, resulting in an eagle, and of course his curling 12 footer to seal the deal in the playoff.

However the most vivid came off the course when his father Victor with tears of joy in his eyes did a joyous, impromptu interview and with the aid of a translator he proclaimed "19 years ago I caddy for him here and Jose win, (Jose Maria Olazabal) and tonight Seve is 60, he is here, he lives "

No one ever played more majors as a pro than Sergio (70) before winning one for the first time. Victor was there for every one, and has been with his son since he started swinging a stick at the age of two.

So when Sergio became the third Spaniard in a green jacket his father's thoughts immediately went to Olazabal and of course Seve, the players who have mentored Sergio throughout his life.

The Garcia's are a proud Spanish golfing family. Sergio, now 37, was born in the Spanish town of Borriol where his father was the club pro, and his mother Consuelo worked in the pro shop. In fact the story goes that she reportedly went into labor at the pro shop when she was pregnant with Sergio

He has an older brother Victor Jr., and a younger sister Mar both of whom went on golf scholarships in South Carolina and Arizona respectively, and Victor Sr., coaches them all !

We have watched Sergio growing up in front of our eyes since he was bounding up the fairway as a 19 year old at the PGA Championship, and his every pouting, ungracious, sulking comment have been reported on and duly criticized, his heart was broken after his much publicized break up with Greg Norman's daughter Morgan-Leigh.

It isn't easy to grow up in the glare of the spotlight, and Sergio wears his heart on his sleeve so his frailties were there for all to see.

For all of that I think most everyone was happy to see him donning the green jacket, he deserves it and I believe now that he is finally is amongst his peers as a major champion, a Masters no less, he will go on to win others.

However if he never wins again and goes off into the sunset with his bride to be, Angela Atkins, he will always find joy in his family led by patriarch Victor and with all the Spanish stars like Seve and Jose Maria, especially now, as the Masters champion.

Bryan Angus














Saturday, April 8, 2017

A Sunday full of storylines at the Masters..

2017 Masters leaderboard http://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/index.html
2017 Masters Sunday pairings http://www.masters.com/en_US/players/pairings/index.html

More than any other golf tournament Sunday between 4.30 -7pm at the Masters is usually must see TV, and this year is no different.

It's never over until the back nine at Augusta, Amen Corner with it's most famous 12th over Rae's Creek, the par 5's at 13 and 15, the dramatic par 3 16th, then up the hill to 18 for the finale is steeped in history.

After Charley Hoffman's rogue 65 in impossible conditions on Thursday, the field has been bunching up, and as we head into Sunday, there are 15 guys at par or under with an outside shot at winning, 8 with a real chance.

The weather will be ideal, and the supporting cast will be led out by Ernie Els at 10.05 fittingly playing as a single (or with a member if he so desires) in his last Masters.

Adam Hadwin and Louis Oosthuizen possible International Team colleagues are off at 10.45 but the guys with an outside chance begin at 1.35 with John Rahm and Bill McGirt (74) who has had a terrific first Masters and in reality is trying for a top 12 to get an return invite in 2018.

Rory (71 E) is six shots behind so needs something like a 64, like I said outside chance, but the guys who will decide this are in the final 8.

Charl Schwartzel (68 -2) and Adam Scott (69 -3) both past champions, Charley Hoffman (72 -4) and Ryan Moore (69 -4) are both more than capable of donning the green jacket and winning their first majors, Jordan Spieth (68 -4) and Rickie Fowler (71 -5) are the future of the game in America, Spieth of course lost it last year on the 12th and has never been anything but 1st or 2nd in his 3 appearances.

What other sport can lose Tiger Woods and the overwhelming favourite Dustin Johnson and still have must see viewing with this pair coming down the stretch and I haven't even got to the last pairing...

Sergio Garcia (70 -6) and Justin Rose (67 -6) have the lead and are off last at 2.45.

Justin, the quiet English gentleman already has a US Open and an Olympic gold medal on his resume, and Sergio has survived his Saturday jinx, and after nearly 40 titles around the world and so many close calls in the big ones he has a gleaming opportunity to lose the title of the best player never to win a major, and at last can lay to waste the ghost of Carnoustie in 2007 when his putt at the 72nd lipped out and he lost to Paddy Harrington in the playoff.

They are Ryder Cup brothers in arms, but tomorrow will be playing for themselves.

So with the Leafs safely in the playoffs after tonight's 5-3 win over the Penquins, the way is clear for another compelling Sunday afternoon at Augusta, I'm hoping Sergio can pull it off, for all his past frailties, he deserves it.

Bryan Angus

Friday, April 7, 2017

Bright blustery day challenging the field in round 2 at Augusta

2017 Masters scoreboard http://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/index.html

Blue skies, white clouds scurrying along, sounds ideal right ?

Those clouds are scurrying because of the blustery winds whipping across Augusta, winds that have players scurrying again today to stay as close to par as they can to make it to what looks to be a much more Masters like weekend of warm temperatures and gentle Georgia breezes.

Players within 10 shots of the lead and ties will qualify, so it's hang in there, make the cut then act 2 of this drama will unfold.

As many thought, Charlie Hoffman has come back down to earth after yesterday's phenomenal -7 65, he is currently at -4 with two to play, but still has the lead. That has really tightened up a packed first page of the leaderboard.

Bill McGirt hasn't hurt his chances, adding a 73 to  his opening 69 for a -2 total. Sergio Garcia is one of the few who birdied the first, in fact he birdied his first three in a row, and is currently -1 on his round nearing the end at -2 total.

Rickie Fowler has an eagle a birdie and 2 pars in his first 4 holes, what a great start, he is also -2.

Rory McIlroy will be in contention this weekend, he opened with E72, and is a shot over par today late in his round.

57 year old Freddie Couples shot 73 on Thursday and already has 3 birdies in  his first 5 holes today, what a story that would be tonight.

So if Charlie Hoffman gets in at -4 the cut will be at +6 (10 shots) and ties for those of you who are scoreboard watching.

That would eliminate the defending champion Danny Willett who opened with a horrific quadruple bogey 8 and his 73 78 has him at -7.

Canadians: Adam Hadwin is -1 through 8 holes today, Mike Weir is +9 playing the back nine, and MacKenzie Hughes is finished at 79 80, a tough first Masters for the kid from Hamilton.

Bryan Angus

Thursday, April 6, 2017

Hoffman takes a 4 shot lead at the Masters

2017 Masters leaderboard http://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/index.html

On a day when the field's average score was 75.21, one guy defied all the odds, holing putt after putt, keeping his approach shots below the holes, controlling his trajectory while playing into the worst of the gusting winds, posting the round of his life, Charley Hoffman shot a brilliant -7 65 to take a 4 shot lead after the first round of the Masters.

Nick Faldo called it the greatest first round considering the conditions, he has ever seen at Augusta. Hoffman birdied all 4 par 3's.

Only 11 players broke par, and for much of the day it was first timer Bill McGirt at -3 who was getting all the plaudits, but Hoffman finishing in a cold wind by Georgia's standards had only 2 bogey's and 9 birdies in his remarkable round.

McGirt is 2nd at -3 69, a great round in of itself, while Lee Westwood birdied 5 of his last 6 to stand 3rd at -2.

Then comes a large group at -1 71 which includes Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose. Evergreen Ernie Els bogeyed the last but still shot a solid E 72.

Rory McIlroy is closing strongly, after 3 bogey's on the front nine he has made 3 birdies since the 12th so  is at E playing the last.

Canadian scores : Adam Hadwin +3 75, Mike Weir +4 76, MacKenzie Hughes +7 79 

The wind is expected to blow again tomorrow as it did today, so it will be difficult again, with warm calm conditions in the forecast for the weekend. Remember the late starts today are out early tomorrow.

more to follow later tonight

Bryan Angus

Tough day for scoring at Augusta..

2017 Masters scoreboard http://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/index.html

The scoring average so far today at Augusta is 75.2 in gusting winds, now up to 35kph that have clearly been puzzling the field both on the tees, in the fairways and on the greens. In other words par today at Augusta is playing like 75.

Jordan Spieth has just taken another quadruple bogey 9, this year on the 15th, not the 12th, Martin Kaymer made a double bogey on the 10th then made a bogey on every hole until he made a par 3 at 16.

The fine English amateur champion Scott Gregory made two triples, a double and 5 bogey's on his way to +10 82, JB Holmes made a double and 6 bogey's on his back nine (78), young Tommy Fleetwood who paid to go to watch the Masters last year, had 6 bogey's and a double on his way to 78 and the usually precise Zach Johnson had 7 bogey's on his way to 77 and Thomas Pieters was at -5 on the 11th tee, then had 2 doubles and 2 bogey's to get in a E.

On and on the story goes, there are only 14 players under par, the best of them right now is one of 19 first timers, Bill McGirt at -3 with two to play.

Phil Mickelson is just in with a -1 71. Jason Day is at +2 playing the last, Ernie Els is at +2 playing the 14th in what may be his last Masters, Spieth has shot 75, Rory is +3 playing the 9th, Rickie doubled the last for a 73.

Canadian scores : Mike Weir +4 76, Adam Hadwin made four 3 putts and still shot 75, Mackenzie Hughes is +4 playing 11...

Bryan Angus



Dustin Johnson's withdrawal opens the door for the rest of the field !

2017 Masters leaderboard http://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/index.html

Dustin Johnson has been forced to withdraw from the Masters due to the injury he sustained when he slipped in his stocking feet on the hardwood stairs in the house he and the family are renting, and fell down the 3 steps awkwardly injuring his back and elbow.

After a night of rest, and physiotherapy he came to the course 2 hours prior to his 2.15pm tee time and tried hitting some soft shots, got more therapy and returned to take full swings and was obviously not able to, heck his caddy had to tee the balls up for him. After a few putts and a chat with Butch Harmon he decided he had to withdraw and this is what he had to say.

"It sucks. I'm playing the best golf of my career. This is one of my favourite tournaments of the year. Then a freak accident happened when I got back from the course. It sucks. It sucks really bad."

You will know he came into this week with 3 straight wins under his belt against all of the world's best.  His life has turned around since he and Pauline Gretzky got engaged and started a family. The influence of his father-in-law, Wayne Gretzky in my opinion has been completely under stated. He finally won his first major at the U.S. Open last summer and was voted PGA Tour player of the year as he won the PGA Tour money title and also won the Vardon Trophy.

If this had happened on Monday he would be playing today. That's the rub. he'll probably feel fine by the weekend !

However accidents are called just that because that's what they are. Unexpected. Have you never slipped and fell on some ice, and suddenly you are flat on your back, and you couldn't do a thing about it !

Remember a couple of years ago, Rory McIlroy tore ligaments in his ankle in a pick up game of soccer with his mates and couldn't defend his title at the Open at St. Andrews, and he was the world's top player at the time.

So it's a big disappointment for DJ, and for all of us, however although they won't say it, it opens the door for the rest of the field who he has already beaten 3 times this year..


Bryan Angus

Play is under way under sunny skies and strong winds at Augusta

2017 Masters leaderboard http://www.masters.com/en_US/scores/index.html

Play got underway on time this morning at 8am (EST) after a emotional, poignant traditional ceremonial drives by Jack Nicklaus and a tearful Gary Player in tribute to their great pal, Arnold Palmer. Jack doffed his hat skyward, and chairman Billy Payne gave a touching speech to the legend who's wife Kit stood by his side, along with an empty chair draped in Arnie's Green jacket.

Skies are clear, it's sunny but the main concern for the players will be the wind, which was at 15kph at 9am but will be blowing at nearly 35kph for the later starts.

The first hole is right into the teeth of the breeze with a back right pin position, and there were already 3 triple bogey's by 10 o'clock.

The wind is expected to blow harder in the morning on Friday so the late starts today who go out early on Friday may get the worst of the draw. They include favourites like Rory McIlroy, Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson and Henrik Stenson.

Jordan Spieth has been 1st, 2nd and 2nd in his 3 starts and he is out at 10.34 with Martin Kaymer and Matthew Fitzpatrick so they may not get the stiffest of the breeze until the closing holes.

It will be cool and breezy for the first two rounds, but for those who make the weekend it is set to warm up considerably as the winds subside. Only seven players are under par so far on a day where E 72 will have you near the top of the board. The highest winning score is +1 289.

Canadians: Mike Weir is +3 thru 8, Adam Hadwin bounced back from a bogey bogey start with birdies at 3 and 4 and is a E thru 5. MacKenzie Hughes is off at 12.57.


Note: here is the latest on the status of tournament favourite and world #1 Dustin Johnson who fell awkwardly yesterday hurting his lower back at his rented home.

Johnson’s trainer Joey Diovisalvi has said that the world number one is “going to do everything [he] can to go out and play” despite his injury.

He told Golf Digest: “We got him to the point where he got mobility. He was up and moving around and definitely going in the right direction. He was very much in an under-control point going to bed last night. He was walking around, a lot more mobility, took a couple of practice swings slowly without a club.”

Earlier this morning Dr Ara Suppiah, PGA Tour Golf doctor, gave Golf Channel an update on Johnson’s treatment
The main goal was to control the pain overnight to minimise stiffness and avoid spasms this morning.The team acted very quickly, which makes a huge difference in getting control of the situation and prognosis"

Johnson’s medical team have reportedly seen progress in his condition throughout the evening and this morning.

Bryan Angus

Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Tornado warnings, heavy rain at the Masters

The traditional par 3 competition for the players and their families may be postponed today as much of Georgia is under a tornado warning, with several having touched down since Monday.

Masters officials were forced to stop practice shortly after midday local time on Monday and the course was actually closed and evacuated for two hours as thunder and lightning and heavy rain and wind tore through Augusta.

Rain and strong wind is in the forecast for today and tomorrow  http://www.express.co.uk/news/weather/788203/Masters-tornado-warning-latest-updates-live-weather-forecast-maps-Augusta


Bryan Angus


–– ADVERTISEMENT ––

Masters pairings for Thursday/ Friday

Masters Invitational tee times/ pairings http://www.masters.com/en_US/players/pairings/index.html

The 2017 pairings are out and the link above takes you right to them. Last night Danny Willett served up a traditional English Sunday dinner, roast beef, Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes and gravy, yummy, and today is the par 3 competition before play gets under way at 8am Thursday morning after Gary and Jack have hit the traditional opening drives. Arnie of course is no longer with us, in body.. always in spirit.

Canadians:
8.22 Mike Weir / Billy Hurley, Scott Piercy
9.06 Adam Hadwin / Zack Johnson/ Louis Oosthuizen
12.57 Mackenzie Hughes/ Charl Schwartzl/ Steve Sticker

Features:  10.34 Spieth/ Kaymer/ Fitzpatrick
                  10.56 Day/ Rose/ Snedeker
                  12.24 Willett (defending) Kuchar , Luck (aussie amateur)
                  12.46 Cabrera, Stenson, Hatton
                    1.19 Garcia, Lowry, Westwood
                    1.41 McIlroy, Rahm, Tanihara
                    2.03 B Watson, D Johnson, Walker

Bryan Angus

                 


Monday, April 3, 2017

2017 Masters field all set.. players bios..

2017 Masters field and their bios. http://www.masters.com/en_US/players/player_list.html

With Russell Henley's win at the Shell Houston Open yesterday the field is all set for this week's Masters. The link above takes you straight to the players, just click on their picture for their bio's.

There are 94 players including several past winners like Ian Woosnam, Sandy Lyle and Larry Mize to name a few who have no chance of winning anymore, but under Masters rules are still invited.

There are 3 Canadians this year, Mike Weir the 2003 champion, MacKenzie Hughes and Adam Hadwin in their first appearances.

Tee times and pairings will be announced tomorrow, Tuesday April 4.

Tiger Woods will not be playing again this year due to injury.

Bryan Angus

ANA Inspiration : The wrong winner !

LPGA Tour ANA Inspiration final leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/ana-inspiration/results

If you hadn't seen or heard, pro golf has another black eye to deal with in my opinion, after Lexi Thompson was unfairly penalized 4 shots on the 13th tee yesterday for an alleged rules infraction that happened the day before on the 17th green, that was called to the LPGA's attention via email from a TV viewer !!

She had marked a 1 foot putt with a coin, then replaced her ball less than an inch from the coin before tapping in. After the viewer emailed the LPGA on Sunday, they studied the incident in super slow-mo before informing Thompson she was given two stroke penalties for incorrect ball placement and for signing an incorrect scorecard.

She was cruising to her 2nd major with a 3 shot lead when Sue Witters from the LPGA laid the news on her as they walked to the 13th tee, dropping her a shot out of the lead.

Remarkably she gathered herself and birdied 3 of the final six holes to get back into the lead shared by 5 players at one point and dramatically left a winning eagle putt an inch short on the final hole.

She lost the playoff to So Yeon Ryu who had a fine closing 68 and I'm sure with a guilty heart accepted the trophy moments later.

So this goes down as the one that was taken from Lexi Thompson rather than the one that Ryu won.

Reaction from the other pros including Tiger was unanimous in its criticism of the ruling.

Here's how I see it: Last year the rules were changed regarding the signing of an incorrect scorecard. Lexi would have been disqualified. They didn't change the rule enough to cover what happened yesterday.

This infraction was completely unintentional, minor, trivial with no intent to improve the players lie or position, In other words she didn't cheat, that's key.

For the love of the game you can't allow this to happen.  If the referee, other players, the crowd and everyone else watching didn't see anything questionable, then play must go on.

You cannot call a player on it a day later in the middle of their round, you cannot !

The USGA should have learned from Dustin Johnson winning the US Open at Oakmont last summer despite not knowing his score for the last seven holes when an official told him his ball had moved slightly when he was lining up a putt on the 5th, and his score was under review !

So the upshot is that today So Yeon Ryu has to deal with the fact she shouldn't have won, forever. Lexi is crushed, rules official Sue Witter and her colleagues are sick, and as importantly the fans are either just laughing or outraged at the LPGA, USGA and the game itself and none of the above is good, or right.

Even little boys and girls watching and learning the great life lessons of fair play and sportsmanship that golf instills upon us could see that this incident was not cheating and handled inappropriately under the current interpretation of the rules.

The bottom line is the ANA Inspiration has the wrong winner.

Bryan Angus
















Sunday, April 2, 2017

The Sunday golf story.. live scoreboards

We're down to the last Sunday before the Masters takes center stage, with Dustin Johnson as the hot favourite, so here's what's happening on all the tours.


PGA Tour Shell Houston Open leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/shell-houston-open/leaderboard.html

After rounds of 63(course record) 71, 70 -17, Sung Kang has a three-shot lead over Rickie Fowler (64 71 67 -14) after the third round of the Houston Open. Kang is ranked 202 in the world, is 29 from South Korea. If he wins he plays Augusta next week.

Nick Taylor is T32nd place and Mackenzie Hughes is T39th. Hughes, Hadwin and Weir are the 3 Canucks in the Masters field.

Play is under way already as tee times have been moved up to 9.15 a.m CST with threesomes off split tees to try to avoid heavy thunderstorms expected.


PGA Tour Champions Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/champions/tournaments/mississippi-gulf-resort-classic/leaderboard.html

Rod Spittle playing without a full card has shot 68 68 T5 down in Mississippi. Stephen Ames 75 67 is T29.

Gene Sauers 69 63 -12 leads past champion, Miguel Jimenez 67 66 -11 by a shot.


LPGA Tour ANA Inspiration leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/ana-inspiration/leaderboard

The women are all down at their first major, the old Dinah Shore, now called the ANA Inspiration, out in Rancho Mirage, Calif., and Brooke Henderson is the only Canadian left, and she just made the cut on the number. Rounds of 73 73 69 -1 have her T43. Play has been hampered and delayed by strong desert winds, but they finally got caught up by end of play on Saturday.

Lexi "legs" Thompson is the leader 69 67 67 -13 by 2 shots over recently married Suzann Pettersen 68 69 68 -11. Thompson won here in 2014.

3 South Koreans, Hur, Park and Ryu lurk at -10 along with Minjee Lee so today will be a race to the wire to see who jumps into Poppy's Pond.


Note: French Canadian Anne Catherine Tanguay had another good week on the Symetra Tour finishing 3rd at -6, just missing out on the playoff won by a Kiwi called Liv Cheng at the Gateway Classic in Arizona.

Bryan Angus