It's only an 18 man field, all invites, but 3 of the 4 major winners are not here, nor are many other big names who are chasing golf titles in the far and middle east like Hong Kong this week...
TV will give this a lot of pub because Tiger is playing but it is just an exhibition...
Here is the Jason Logan Scoregolf report
Tiger Woods’s Chevron World Challenge an 18-man event, grants spots to the defending champion, the year’s four major winners, the top 11 available (meaning willing to play) from the OWGR and two additional players (exemptions) ranked inside the world top 50. This year’s field is without the defending champion (Graeme McDowell) and three of the four major winners (Charl Schwartzel, Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke). And it needed to be rounded out by including four players ranked between 40 and 50 in the world — Martin Laird, Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson and Gary Woodland. Oh, and the tournament host needed one of those two exemptions. Ouch
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Allenby and Ogilvy's little dust up down under
Now boys will be boys, and with the Aussie's losing the Presidents Cup and Robert Allenby in particular going pointless after being selected by Greg Norman, then picking away in the media at some of his team mates, it was inevitable there were going to be words spoken at the very least, somewhere along the line.
They did, on Sunday night after the Aussie PGA, in public when Ogilvy confronted his long time pal over a few drinks in a hotel bar..
Reuters..Leading Australian golfers Geoff Ogilvy and Robert Allenby have denied their friendship is over following a heated argument following Sunday's final round of the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum.
The players stunned diners in the Hyatt Regency resort's packed Village Square on Sunday night when their President's Cup feud spilled over publicly.
Ogilvy was not impressed with Allenby publicly criticising some of his Presidents Cup teammates, of which he was one, after he failed to score a single point as one of Greg Norman's captain's picks.
Allenby was upset when Ogilvy tweeted: "warms the heart to see Robert playing so well this week" during his third round of the Australian PGA Championship.Ogilvy said later his tweet was not sarcastic but Allenby, who dropped four shots in his last six holes, felt it was.
When Ogilvy challenged Allenby to put his hand up and just admit he played poorly things got heated. A witness told AAP that Allenby invited Ogilvy "to step outside and settle it".
At least one glass was smashed during the argument before Allenby stormed off.
"It was just two guys who'd had a few tough weeks letting off some steam and getting some things off their chest," said Allenby's manager Tony Bouffler."It appears from what I've heard things may have been blown out of proportion. They're good mates and they're still good mates.They've supported each other on the Tour for years and I'm sure they'll continue to do so in the future."
Allenby, who jetted off to the US on Monday as the drama came to light, had been involved in a dramatic three-man sudden-death play-off with Marcus Fraser and eventual winner, Greg Chalmers, only hours before he and Ogilvy exchanged some strong words.
Ogilvy's manager Paul Galli declined to comment on the incident. However, Hyatt Regency general manager Maurice Holland told AAP on Monday he heard about the incident but added there had been no report and hotel security had not been involved.
"As far as we're concerned it was nothing serious, just a bit of a tiff," said Holland.
After completing his first round of the Australian PGA last Thursday, Allenby bristled when he was questioned further over his poor Presidents Cup performance.Allenby noted that Ogilvy had "hit me in the tree three times off the tee and I had to chip out three times" in Saturday's foursomes.
"Everyone's making me look like I'm playing like s**t and then it starts wearing on your mind a little bit, maybe you are," said Allenby.
Ah yes, it's been a long year, with a ton of crazy travel, especially for the Aussies who play all over the world all year, then come home to play some more on their own tour, while most American players are at home on holiday until January..
I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often !!
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
They did, on Sunday night after the Aussie PGA, in public when Ogilvy confronted his long time pal over a few drinks in a hotel bar..
Reuters..Leading Australian golfers Geoff Ogilvy and Robert Allenby have denied their friendship is over following a heated argument following Sunday's final round of the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum.
The players stunned diners in the Hyatt Regency resort's packed Village Square on Sunday night when their President's Cup feud spilled over publicly.
Ogilvy was not impressed with Allenby publicly criticising some of his Presidents Cup teammates, of which he was one, after he failed to score a single point as one of Greg Norman's captain's picks.
Allenby was upset when Ogilvy tweeted: "warms the heart to see Robert playing so well this week" during his third round of the Australian PGA Championship.Ogilvy said later his tweet was not sarcastic but Allenby, who dropped four shots in his last six holes, felt it was.
When Ogilvy challenged Allenby to put his hand up and just admit he played poorly things got heated. A witness told AAP that Allenby invited Ogilvy "to step outside and settle it".
At least one glass was smashed during the argument before Allenby stormed off.
"It was just two guys who'd had a few tough weeks letting off some steam and getting some things off their chest," said Allenby's manager Tony Bouffler."It appears from what I've heard things may have been blown out of proportion. They're good mates and they're still good mates.They've supported each other on the Tour for years and I'm sure they'll continue to do so in the future."
Allenby, who jetted off to the US on Monday as the drama came to light, had been involved in a dramatic three-man sudden-death play-off with Marcus Fraser and eventual winner, Greg Chalmers, only hours before he and Ogilvy exchanged some strong words.
Ogilvy's manager Paul Galli declined to comment on the incident. However, Hyatt Regency general manager Maurice Holland told AAP on Monday he heard about the incident but added there had been no report and hotel security had not been involved.
"As far as we're concerned it was nothing serious, just a bit of a tiff," said Holland.
After completing his first round of the Australian PGA last Thursday, Allenby bristled when he was questioned further over his poor Presidents Cup performance.Allenby noted that Ogilvy had "hit me in the tree three times off the tee and I had to chip out three times" in Saturday's foursomes.
"Everyone's making me look like I'm playing like s**t and then it starts wearing on your mind a little bit, maybe you are," said Allenby.
Ah yes, it's been a long year, with a ton of crazy travel, especially for the Aussies who play all over the world all year, then come home to play some more on their own tour, while most American players are at home on holiday until January..
I'm surprised this doesn't happen more often !!
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Otto hangs on to win SA Open as Els finishes 3rd last.
Talk about turning the South African golf table upside down, legendary Springbok Ernie Els with 4 doubles on his card today shot a very tired +7 79 293, on the heels of yesterday's 76 has finished 3rd last in the field T69, after winning this title 5 times, while journeyman grinder Hennie Otto (72) buoyed by his Saturday 65, used all of his 3 shot lead to hold off Austria's Bernd Weisberger (68) to win his first national title by a shot at 35 years of age.
After bogeying 3 of 4 holes from 13-16 they were all square at -13, but Otto made a birdie 3 at 17, then parred 18 which was enough to edge Weisberger who was waiting in the clubhouse. The win gets Otto inside the top 60 and a place in the season ending Dubai Classic.
With one week to go before Dubai, at the UBS Hong Kong Open, the shuffle for tour cards continues.
For example England's Richard McEvoy who T3 after he scored 68 has earned his card for next season after he came into the week 121st on The Race to Dubai, and moved all the way to 107th.
Northern Ireland's Gareth Maybin, on the other hand, slipped from 118th to 120th after finishing well down the field. Steven O'Hara, who led at halfway and needed a top-three finish to save his card, fell away to 25th and fellow Scot Lloyd Saltman faces a return to The Qualifying School as well after a double bogey six on the last dropped him to ninth.
Former Ryder Cup star Phillip Price may well have done enough to avoid a trip to PGA Catalunya Resort in December, however. He holed an 80 foot birdie putt on the final green to finish in a tie for 35th, which moved him up one place to 116th.
Click here for final leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2011/tournamentid=2011086/leaderboard/index.html
Remember Luke Donald leads the Race to Dubai after winning the PGA tour money order and he is not in the Hong Kong field nor is Martin Kaymer who is 2nd. However Rory McIlroy who is 3rd just over 1m euros behind him is part of a strong field that includes Justin Rose, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Ross Fisher, Edoardo Molinari ,Peter Hanson and Alvaro Quiros Also heading to Hong Kong is Korea’s YE Yang, and defending champion Ian Poulter.
First prize is worth nearly 342,000 euros
Click here for Race to Dubai standings..http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/racetodubai/rankings/index.html
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
After bogeying 3 of 4 holes from 13-16 they were all square at -13, but Otto made a birdie 3 at 17, then parred 18 which was enough to edge Weisberger who was waiting in the clubhouse. The win gets Otto inside the top 60 and a place in the season ending Dubai Classic.
With one week to go before Dubai, at the UBS Hong Kong Open, the shuffle for tour cards continues.
For example England's Richard McEvoy who T3 after he scored 68 has earned his card for next season after he came into the week 121st on The Race to Dubai, and moved all the way to 107th.
Northern Ireland's Gareth Maybin, on the other hand, slipped from 118th to 120th after finishing well down the field. Steven O'Hara, who led at halfway and needed a top-three finish to save his card, fell away to 25th and fellow Scot Lloyd Saltman faces a return to The Qualifying School as well after a double bogey six on the last dropped him to ninth.
Former Ryder Cup star Phillip Price may well have done enough to avoid a trip to PGA Catalunya Resort in December, however. He holed an 80 foot birdie putt on the final green to finish in a tie for 35th, which moved him up one place to 116th.
Click here for final leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2011/tournamentid=2011086/leaderboard/index.html
Remember Luke Donald leads the Race to Dubai after winning the PGA tour money order and he is not in the Hong Kong field nor is Martin Kaymer who is 2nd. However Rory McIlroy who is 3rd just over 1m euros behind him is part of a strong field that includes Justin Rose, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Ross Fisher, Edoardo Molinari ,Peter Hanson and Alvaro Quiros Also heading to Hong Kong is Korea’s YE Yang, and defending champion Ian Poulter.
First prize is worth nearly 342,000 euros
Click here for Race to Dubai standings..http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/racetodubai/rankings/index.html
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Chalmers adds Aussie PGA to his Open title
Greg Chalmers, like Matt Kuchar has just polished off the best 2 golfing weeks of his career, beating Robert Allenby and Marcus Fraser in a one hole playoff to add the Australian PGA, to the Australian Open he won a fortnight ago, and both times against the strongest fields those events have seen in recent times.
Here is part of the Sportal report from the course
Greg Chalmers has gone back-to-back, overcoming four-time winner Robert Allenby and Marcus Fraser in a playoff on Sunday to add the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum to his recent Australian Open win.
The 38-year-old, who took the Stonehaven Cup for a second time a fortnight ago when he prevailed at The Lakes by a shot, may now head to the Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne next month for the Australian Masters with the chance to match Allenby's 2005 heroics when he became the first player to win all three events in the same year.
After they finished at -12 and then had to wait more than 30 minutes while the final groups completed their rounds, it was Chalmers who showed the most composure at the 18th when he safely found the fairway with his tee shot and then two-putted for par to take the Joe Kirkwood Cup.
Bubba Watson slipped to a messy +5 77 to finish T14
Click here for final leaderboard..http://championship.pga.org.au/scores/714
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Here is part of the Sportal report from the course
Greg Chalmers has gone back-to-back, overcoming four-time winner Robert Allenby and Marcus Fraser in a playoff on Sunday to add the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum to his recent Australian Open win.
The 38-year-old, who took the Stonehaven Cup for a second time a fortnight ago when he prevailed at The Lakes by a shot, may now head to the Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne next month for the Australian Masters with the chance to match Allenby's 2005 heroics when he became the first player to win all three events in the same year.
After they finished at -12 and then had to wait more than 30 minutes while the final groups completed their rounds, it was Chalmers who showed the most composure at the 18th when he safely found the fairway with his tee shot and then two-putted for par to take the Joe Kirkwood Cup.
Bubba Watson slipped to a messy +5 77 to finish T14
Click here for final leaderboard..http://championship.pga.org.au/scores/714
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Kuchar caps a magical two weeks, partners Woodland to World Cup win
For many a casual golf fan the season ended back in September with Bill Haas winning the $10m Fed Ex Cup, however this is truly a world wide sport with a lucrative world wide schedule, just ask Matt Kucher.
Early this morning in far away China he capped off a spectacular 2 weeks, when he and partner Gary Woodland won the Omega Mission Hills World Cup, the first in 11 years for the USA, with a final foursomes round of -5 67 -24 total, 2 better that Justin Rose and Ian Poulter who closed with an incredible -9 63 -22 and Martin Kaymer with Alex Cjeka -3 69 -22
Kuchar is coming off the Presidents Cup win in Melbourne the week before, and he and Woodland will be paid $1.25m each for their win.
Favourites Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell started with a 3 putt bogey and never caught fire finishing T4 72, -21 along with Australia, Holland and Scotland.
This Blackstone course as I've said all week, with it's wide fairways is a good venue for this team play format because it keeps all the teams in the fairways, and forces a lot of exciting second shot risk and rewards, and inevitably it was the American pair, in particular Woodland, who Kuchar called the "best player in the field all week", who were steadier.
click here for full leaderboard http://worldcup.pgatour.com/Leaderboard.aspx
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Early this morning in far away China he capped off a spectacular 2 weeks, when he and partner Gary Woodland won the Omega Mission Hills World Cup, the first in 11 years for the USA, with a final foursomes round of -5 67 -24 total, 2 better that Justin Rose and Ian Poulter who closed with an incredible -9 63 -22 and Martin Kaymer with Alex Cjeka -3 69 -22
Kuchar is coming off the Presidents Cup win in Melbourne the week before, and he and Woodland will be paid $1.25m each for their win.
Favourites Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell started with a 3 putt bogey and never caught fire finishing T4 72, -21 along with Australia, Holland and Scotland.
This Blackstone course as I've said all week, with it's wide fairways is a good venue for this team play format because it keeps all the teams in the fairways, and forces a lot of exciting second shot risk and rewards, and inevitably it was the American pair, in particular Woodland, who Kuchar called the "best player in the field all week", who were steadier.
click here for full leaderboard http://worldcup.pgatour.com/Leaderboard.aspx
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Goosen and Els crash as Otto storms to a 3 shot lead in South Africa
Pre tourney favourites Ernie Els took a 9 on the par 5 16th and Retief Goosen made bogey's on 3 of his last 6 holes to leave the door open for veteran Springbok Hennie Otto to take a commanding lead heading into the final round of the South African Open.
Otto at 35 has only 1 win on the European Tour because he is notoriously streaky and today he was hot, making four bidies and an eagle on his back nine of 30. Otto played the last 12 holes of his third round at Serengeti in a superb -8 and with a 65 moved to -14, 202.
His one European Tour victory came at the 2008 Italian Open, is now 3 in front of twice champion Goosen, their fellow South Africans Thomas Aiken and last week's winner Garth Mulroy and also Swede Magnus Carlsson.
Halfway leader Steven O'Hara, who needs a top-three finish to secure his European Tour card for next season, is back in a T8 spot after a +2 74 in which he covered the first 14 holes in +5, but then birdied the final three holes.
Goosen looked as if he might do it, but bogeyed the last two for a 71 that fell far short of what he was hoping for after beginning his round with three straight birdies.
Defending champion Els took a nine on the par-5 No. 16 after he hit his tee shot into the water and then his second drive into a bunker. He was on the green in six and three-putted and tumbled down to a T53 with his +4 76.
So the Goose and the rest of the pack have their work cut out to catch Hennie tomorrow, but remember he is streaky..
full leaderboard click http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2011/tournamentid=2011086/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Otto at 35 has only 1 win on the European Tour because he is notoriously streaky and today he was hot, making four bidies and an eagle on his back nine of 30. Otto played the last 12 holes of his third round at Serengeti in a superb -8 and with a 65 moved to -14, 202.
His one European Tour victory came at the 2008 Italian Open, is now 3 in front of twice champion Goosen, their fellow South Africans Thomas Aiken and last week's winner Garth Mulroy and also Swede Magnus Carlsson.
Halfway leader Steven O'Hara, who needs a top-three finish to secure his European Tour card for next season, is back in a T8 spot after a +2 74 in which he covered the first 14 holes in +5, but then birdied the final three holes.
Goosen looked as if he might do it, but bogeyed the last two for a 71 that fell far short of what he was hoping for after beginning his round with three straight birdies.
Defending champion Els took a nine on the par-5 No. 16 after he hit his tee shot into the water and then his second drive into a bunker. He was on the green in six and three-putted and tumbled down to a T53 with his +4 76.
So the Goose and the rest of the pack have their work cut out to catch Hennie tomorrow, but remember he is streaky..
full leaderboard click http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2011/tournamentid=2011086/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
KT Kim.. remember him ? He leads the Aussie PGA
One of the International team's highlights at the Presidents Cup was when YE Yang and KT Kim took down Tiger Woods and Dustin Johnson to make history back in South Korea. Well both are playing well again this week, in fact Kim shot 67 to stand at -13 after 3 rounds, a shot ahead of Bubba who as usual is just amazing the crowds with his length and dazzling array of shots up in Coolum.
Here is part of the Sportal report from the course.
South Korean KT Kim has fired a third-straight round in the 60s to grab the 54-hole lead at the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum from American Bubba Watson.
They'll head out in the final group on Sunday, soon after the second-last pairing of Aaron Baddeley, who holds down outright third and David Bransdon, the pair having both like Kim signed for -5 67s.
On a day when overnight pacesetter Marcus Fraser, his playing partner Watson and four-time champion Robert Allenby also spent periods leading, Kim shared top billing with Fraser and Watson midway through the front nine and then simply kept coming as the other three fell away.
Fresh from impressing for the International team at last week's Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne, the world No.24 had a flawless day as he matched his Friday score to move to -13 overall
for a complete leaderboard click http://championship.pga.org.au/scores/714
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Here is part of the Sportal report from the course.
South Korean KT Kim has fired a third-straight round in the 60s to grab the 54-hole lead at the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum from American Bubba Watson.
They'll head out in the final group on Sunday, soon after the second-last pairing of Aaron Baddeley, who holds down outright third and David Bransdon, the pair having both like Kim signed for -5 67s.
On a day when overnight pacesetter Marcus Fraser, his playing partner Watson and four-time champion Robert Allenby also spent periods leading, Kim shared top billing with Fraser and Watson midway through the front nine and then simply kept coming as the other three fell away.
Fresh from impressing for the International team at last week's Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne, the world No.24 had a flawless day as he matched his Friday score to move to -13 overall
for a complete leaderboard click http://championship.pga.org.au/scores/714
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Friday, November 25, 2011
Aussie Marcus Fraser shoots -7,65 to lead Bubba Watson and a host of stars at Australian PGA
Luke Buttigieg at Coolum, Sportal
Victorian Marcus Fraser will head into the third round of the Australian PGA Championship with a two-stroke lead thanks to his Friday 65 at Coolum, but there are a host of big names, including Bubba Watson, Robert Allenby and Adam Scott, lurking in the chasing pack.
With seven birdies in a flawless round, Fraser capitalised on favourable conditions to move to 11 under and top billing ahead of American Presidents Cup star Watson, who led by two shots himself when he reached the turn before stumbling on the back nine, leaving him to be content with a four-under 68.
Three strokes adrift of Fraser is another player who impressed last week at Royal Melbourne, South Korean KT Kim (67), while his compatriot and 2009 US PGA champion YE Yang (68), who led before being overtaken in the afternoon, shares fourth on seven under with triple PGA winner Allenby (68), Scott (67) and John Senden
After his early heroics on day one, Jason Day had a steadier round as he grabbed three birdies in a 69 to move to six under, leaving him alongside Stuart Appleby (68), Leigh McKechnie (70), Kieran Pratt (70), Anthony Summers (68), Kurt Barnes (69), Josh Geary (70), Aaron Townsend (71) and Shih-chang Chan (69).
click for live scoring..http://championship.pga.org.au/scores/714
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Victorian Marcus Fraser will head into the third round of the Australian PGA Championship with a two-stroke lead thanks to his Friday 65 at Coolum, but there are a host of big names, including Bubba Watson, Robert Allenby and Adam Scott, lurking in the chasing pack.
With seven birdies in a flawless round, Fraser capitalised on favourable conditions to move to 11 under and top billing ahead of American Presidents Cup star Watson, who led by two shots himself when he reached the turn before stumbling on the back nine, leaving him to be content with a four-under 68.
Three strokes adrift of Fraser is another player who impressed last week at Royal Melbourne, South Korean KT Kim (67), while his compatriot and 2009 US PGA champion YE Yang (68), who led before being overtaken in the afternoon, shares fourth on seven under with triple PGA winner Allenby (68), Scott (67) and John Senden
After his early heroics on day one, Jason Day had a steadier round as he grabbed three birdies in a 69 to move to six under, leaving him alongside Stuart Appleby (68), Leigh McKechnie (70), Kieran Pratt (70), Anthony Summers (68), Kurt Barnes (69), Josh Geary (70), Aaron Townsend (71) and Shih-chang Chan (69).
click for live scoring..http://championship.pga.org.au/scores/714
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Tour cards on the line, as Goosen closes on the lead in South Africa
The top 118 on the money list retain their cards on the European Tour, so this week and next in Hong Kong are crucial to many of the guys around that number. For example Simon Wakefield at 124 is not playing in Hong Kong next week, and he went out and shot -5 67 to stand T14 with his season on the line this weekend.
It's the same story for the leader, Scotland's Steven O'Hara, also fighting for his European Tour life, who leads this SA Open Championship on his own after a second round 68 at Serengeti.
Without a win in 222 events going back a decade and down in 134th place on The Race to Dubai, the 31 year old kept a bogey off his card to reach -11 at halfway.
Twice winner Retief Goosen and his fellow South African Merrick Bremner are right on his heels at -10, and five-time champion Ernie Els is far from out of things five behind at -6 after a second successive 69.
Unless he finishes in the top five to earn himself a place in next week's UBS Hong Kong Open, this is O'Hara's last opportunity to keep his European Tour card.To do it in one go he will now need to be in the top three on Sunday as Northern Ireland's Gareth Maybin - the player in the vital 118th position - survived the cut with nothing to spare at -2.
For a full leaderboard click
http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2011/tournamentid=2011086/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
It's the same story for the leader, Scotland's Steven O'Hara, also fighting for his European Tour life, who leads this SA Open Championship on his own after a second round 68 at Serengeti.
Without a win in 222 events going back a decade and down in 134th place on The Race to Dubai, the 31 year old kept a bogey off his card to reach -11 at halfway.
Twice winner Retief Goosen and his fellow South African Merrick Bremner are right on his heels at -10, and five-time champion Ernie Els is far from out of things five behind at -6 after a second successive 69.
Unless he finishes in the top five to earn himself a place in next week's UBS Hong Kong Open, this is O'Hara's last opportunity to keep his European Tour card.To do it in one go he will now need to be in the top three on Sunday as Northern Ireland's Gareth Maybin - the player in the vital 118th position - survived the cut with nothing to spare at -2.
For a full leaderboard click
http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2011/tournamentid=2011086/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
20 teams within 6 shots at the Mission Hills World Cup
Not only are Rory and GMac sporting the same clothes, it looks like they went to the same barbershop for their new neat look, It is the same shop the French pairing should visit, as they are sporting the all to common these days scruffy beards.
I watched a lot of this in the early hours and must say Rory's early prediction that it was a second shot course is spot on. The fairways are so wide they are tough to miss, so the european tour officials have tucked the pins behind bunkers, and close to the water that is all over this Blackstone course to keep the scores respectable.
As a result 20 of the 28 teams are within 6 shots with the low scoring fourballs up next.
Here is an edited version of the report from europeantour.com
A four under par 68 helped Irish pairing Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy catch Australians Richard Green and Brendan Jones as the two nations claimed the halfway lead at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup after an enthralling second round.
Australia were two clear overnight after a blistering 61 in the fourballs, but had to scrap hard for a 70 in the more demanding foursomes format.
I think both of us are very pleased about the score that we ended up shooting today,” said World Number Two McIlroy. “I think anything in the 60s in the foursomes format is a very reasonable score out there.
Only six shots separate the top 20 teams, with Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher and Martin Laird in third on -12. Laird’s missed five foot par putt at the last producing their only bogey and denying them a share of the lead.
Spain, New Zealand and the United States are fourth on -10, Alvaro Quiros and Miguel Angel Jiménez combining for a bogey-free 69 which included an eagle at the 16th after big-hitting Quiros drove to within 20 feet.
England, The Netherlands and surprise package Mexico are -9, with hosts China among a group of nine teams one further back at -8
full leaderboard click.. http://worldcup.pgatour.com/Leaderboard.aspx
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
I watched a lot of this in the early hours and must say Rory's early prediction that it was a second shot course is spot on. The fairways are so wide they are tough to miss, so the european tour officials have tucked the pins behind bunkers, and close to the water that is all over this Blackstone course to keep the scores respectable.
As a result 20 of the 28 teams are within 6 shots with the low scoring fourballs up next.
Here is an edited version of the report from europeantour.com
A four under par 68 helped Irish pairing Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy catch Australians Richard Green and Brendan Jones as the two nations claimed the halfway lead at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup after an enthralling second round.
Australia were two clear overnight after a blistering 61 in the fourballs, but had to scrap hard for a 70 in the more demanding foursomes format.
I think both of us are very pleased about the score that we ended up shooting today,” said World Number Two McIlroy. “I think anything in the 60s in the foursomes format is a very reasonable score out there.
Only six shots separate the top 20 teams, with Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher and Martin Laird in third on -12. Laird’s missed five foot par putt at the last producing their only bogey and denying them a share of the lead.
Spain, New Zealand and the United States are fourth on -10, Alvaro Quiros and Miguel Angel Jiménez combining for a bogey-free 69 which included an eagle at the 16th after big-hitting Quiros drove to within 20 feet.
England, The Netherlands and surprise package Mexico are -9, with hosts China among a group of nine teams one further back at -8
full leaderboard click.. http://worldcup.pgatour.com/Leaderboard.aspx
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Local Aussie Bowditch tied for lead at Australian PGA
Reuters...Steven Bowditch holed a long putt off the 18th green to snatch a share of the lead with South Korea’s Choi Joon-woo after the first round of the Australian PGA Championship in Coolum on Thursday, as Greg Chalmers celebrated an ace on the second.
Australian Bowditch’s final hole birdie capped a -6 66 and left him and Choi a stroke above a group of four including American Bubba Watson on a gusty day at the Hyatt Regency Coolum course on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
“My putting (and) my short game was pretty scrappy around the greens (but) I hit the ball probably as good as I have hit it for a good six or seven months today, so it could have been better or it could have been worse,” the 28-year-old, a resident of the area, told reporters.
Open champion Darren Clarke made a solid start in the A$1.5 million ($1.45 million) tournament, posting a three-under 69 to lie three off the pace in a clutch of players including South Korea’s YE Yang, Australia’s Jason Day and American young gun Rickie Fowler.
“I made a couple of silly plays because I don’t know the course and that is where it cost me, especially around that top nine, but it was a good start,” said jet-lagged Ulsterman Clarke. “It is a long way from home in Britain and I’m a little bit tired but I’ll have a good rest and get ready for tomorrow.”
Local favourite Adam Scott provided one of the day’s talking points after posting a topsy-turvy 70, recovering from a horror start with six birdies in his last nine holes.
After a birdie on the first, the world number seven found water three times as he racked up a triple-bogey, a double-bogey and two bogeys in his next six holes before recovering to finish only four off the pace.
Chalmers, who saw off a challenge from Tiger Woods to win the Australian Open in Sydney earlier this month, recovered from a double-bogey on the first with his hole-in-one on the 158-metre par-three second. Chalmers’s tee-shot landed a few metres from the flag, bounced twice before curling into the hole as the Australian went on to post a one-under 71.
full leaderboard click http://championship.pga.org.au/scores/714
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Australian Bowditch’s final hole birdie capped a -6 66 and left him and Choi a stroke above a group of four including American Bubba Watson on a gusty day at the Hyatt Regency Coolum course on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
“My putting (and) my short game was pretty scrappy around the greens (but) I hit the ball probably as good as I have hit it for a good six or seven months today, so it could have been better or it could have been worse,” the 28-year-old, a resident of the area, told reporters.
Open champion Darren Clarke made a solid start in the A$1.5 million ($1.45 million) tournament, posting a three-under 69 to lie three off the pace in a clutch of players including South Korea’s YE Yang, Australia’s Jason Day and American young gun Rickie Fowler.
“I made a couple of silly plays because I don’t know the course and that is where it cost me, especially around that top nine, but it was a good start,” said jet-lagged Ulsterman Clarke. “It is a long way from home in Britain and I’m a little bit tired but I’ll have a good rest and get ready for tomorrow.”
Local favourite Adam Scott provided one of the day’s talking points after posting a topsy-turvy 70, recovering from a horror start with six birdies in his last nine holes.
After a birdie on the first, the world number seven found water three times as he racked up a triple-bogey, a double-bogey and two bogeys in his next six holes before recovering to finish only four off the pace.
Chalmers, who saw off a challenge from Tiger Woods to win the Australian Open in Sydney earlier this month, recovered from a double-bogey on the first with his hole-in-one on the 158-metre par-three second. Chalmers’s tee-shot landed a few metres from the flag, bounced twice before curling into the hole as the Australian went on to post a one-under 71.
full leaderboard click http://championship.pga.org.au/scores/714
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
South African Kruger tied for the lead at his National Championship
When I think of the Serengeti, I picture the plains that we see in all those great National Geograghic documentaries, with the cheetah's running down some poor gazelle for their evening meal. These guys are playing on what looks to be a fairly generous Jack Nicklaus designed resort course on the edge of those plains.
The late starters like Els had the worst of the wind.
europeantour.com Scotland's Steven O'Hara handled the pressure of trying to save his European Tour card to take a share of the first round lead in the SA Open Championship alongside home favourite Jbe Kruger.
O'Hara, who began the year with a fourth place finish at the Africa Open, needs at least another at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Serengeti course and began with a -7 65.
A teammate of Luke Donald and Graeme McDowell in the 2001 Walker Cup, the 31 year old shares top spot with Kruger, while twice winner Retief Goosen is among those only one behind in 3rd.
Five-time champion Ernie Els began his title defence with a -3 69.
O'Hara eagled the 576 yard eighth and had six birdies. He is 134th on The Race to Dubai and has to climb to 118th to be exempt for next season.As things stand this is his last opportunity, but a top five finish would give him a place in next week's UBS Hong Kong Open.
Kruger led by four halfway through last week's Alfred Dunhill Championship, but finished joint ninth after two closing rounds of 73.
"This is the SA Open - it’s the biggest event when you grow up," he said. "Just to take it one shot at a time is the most important thing."
Goosen, beaten by a shot in Durban last December after a tremendous final round duel with Els, reached seven under as well and then had back-to-back bogeys, but finished in style by almost holing his tee shot to the 230 yard ninth. Like Els, he has just fallen out of the game's top 50 and has been battling injury.
"The whole year's been a struggle, but my back's been better the last month and the exercise I'm doing is helping," he said.
Els won only one of his five games in last week's Presidents Cup defeat and, given his problems on the greens, a three-putt bogey was not the start he was looking for."Three under is not bad, but there were a couple of silly bogeys," he said. "I grew up in this area, so it's nice to be back - and it's a great course."
Goosen shares third spot with fellow South Africans Merrick Bremner, David Hewan and Tyrone Mordt.
full leaderboard click http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2011/tournamentid=2011086/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
The late starters like Els had the worst of the wind.
europeantour.com Scotland's Steven O'Hara handled the pressure of trying to save his European Tour card to take a share of the first round lead in the SA Open Championship alongside home favourite Jbe Kruger.
O'Hara, who began the year with a fourth place finish at the Africa Open, needs at least another at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Serengeti course and began with a -7 65.
A teammate of Luke Donald and Graeme McDowell in the 2001 Walker Cup, the 31 year old shares top spot with Kruger, while twice winner Retief Goosen is among those only one behind in 3rd.
Five-time champion Ernie Els began his title defence with a -3 69.
O'Hara eagled the 576 yard eighth and had six birdies. He is 134th on The Race to Dubai and has to climb to 118th to be exempt for next season.As things stand this is his last opportunity, but a top five finish would give him a place in next week's UBS Hong Kong Open.
Kruger led by four halfway through last week's Alfred Dunhill Championship, but finished joint ninth after two closing rounds of 73.
"This is the SA Open - it’s the biggest event when you grow up," he said. "Just to take it one shot at a time is the most important thing."
Goosen, beaten by a shot in Durban last December after a tremendous final round duel with Els, reached seven under as well and then had back-to-back bogeys, but finished in style by almost holing his tee shot to the 230 yard ninth. Like Els, he has just fallen out of the game's top 50 and has been battling injury.
"The whole year's been a struggle, but my back's been better the last month and the exercise I'm doing is helping," he said.
Els won only one of his five games in last week's Presidents Cup defeat and, given his problems on the greens, a three-putt bogey was not the start he was looking for."Three under is not bad, but there were a couple of silly bogeys," he said. "I grew up in this area, so it's nice to be back - and it's a great course."
Goosen shares third spot with fellow South Africans Merrick Bremner, David Hewan and Tyrone Mordt.
full leaderboard click http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2011/tournamentid=2011086/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Aussies blister Hainan course with -11, 61 to lead World Cup by 2 shots
Neither Richard Green nor Brendan Jones were selected for Greg Norman's Presidents Cup squad, but based on their play this morning in the fourballs, they should have been.
Now I missed most of this in the wee hours, so here is a report from the europeantour.com, followed by the full leaderboard...
The Australian pairing of Brendan Jones and Richard Green carded a stunning -11 61 in the opening round fourballs at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup to lead by two shots from Ireland and Scotland.
Four birdies on the way out put the duo from Down Under in a strong position, but it was on the back nine where the pyrotechnics took place with three further birdies and two eagles for an inward 29 at Mission Hills Resort on Hainan Island.
Ireland’s pre-tournament favourites Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell made a strong start with seven birdies and an eagle, while Martin Laird chipped in twice in the last three holes to move into a strong position alongside Stephen Gallacher.
“We combined very well today,” said Green, who eagled the par four 16th. “Brendan obviously started very well and built the momentum. In this game, it's just a matter of positioning yourself and giving the other guy an opportunity if you are slightly out of position and allowing them to be a little bit more aggressive. We did that well all day and it didn't matter what hole we were faced with - we just combined so well. It was a very, very good day.”
US Open Champions past and present McDowell and McIlroy could have gone even lower than their -9 round, but both missed putts from inside six feet at the 16th.Despite that, the Northern Irishmen were pleased with their days work ahead of the more testing foursomes format on Friday.
“We set a target around -8 to -10 that we thought was going to be a good score out there, and we managed to shoot something around that,” said McIlroy.“The fourballs this week are where you're going to make most of your birdies, and the foursomes is a more demanding format. Both players need to be on their games to shoot a low score.”
McDowell admits Friday’s session will be crucial to Ireland’s hopes as he and McIlroy look to better their runner-up finish two years ago by lifting the trophy.“We are both playing solid,” he added. “Tomorrow is the most important format in this tournament. Tomorrow and Sunday are the big days, and Thursday and Saturday are the days where you can make up some ground. Tomorrow will separate the men from the boys a little bit and we are very happy the way we are playing, so excited about tomorrow's foursomes.”
Like the Australians, Scots Laird and Gallacher did most of their good work on the way in, Laird’s pitch hitting the pin and finding the cup for an eagle at the 16th before he splashed in from the bunker at the last for birdie.“It was a great way to finish,” said Gallacher. “I was saying coming down 14, 15, we had done well and nothing had really went for us - if we could have a strong finish. With Martin's chip in at 16 and the bunker shot on the last, we have certainly done that. It's important to stay with the pace early on and see what happens at the weekend.”
Last week’s Iskandar Johor Open winner Joost Luiten continued his good form alongside Robert-Jan Derksen as the pair combined to give the Netherlands an -8 64, which was matched by Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland of the United States.
click here for a complete leaderboard http://worldcup.pgatour.com/leaderboard.aspx
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Now I missed most of this in the wee hours, so here is a report from the europeantour.com, followed by the full leaderboard...
The Australian pairing of Brendan Jones and Richard Green carded a stunning -11 61 in the opening round fourballs at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup to lead by two shots from Ireland and Scotland.
Four birdies on the way out put the duo from Down Under in a strong position, but it was on the back nine where the pyrotechnics took place with three further birdies and two eagles for an inward 29 at Mission Hills Resort on Hainan Island.
Ireland’s pre-tournament favourites Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell made a strong start with seven birdies and an eagle, while Martin Laird chipped in twice in the last three holes to move into a strong position alongside Stephen Gallacher.
“We combined very well today,” said Green, who eagled the par four 16th. “Brendan obviously started very well and built the momentum. In this game, it's just a matter of positioning yourself and giving the other guy an opportunity if you are slightly out of position and allowing them to be a little bit more aggressive. We did that well all day and it didn't matter what hole we were faced with - we just combined so well. It was a very, very good day.”
US Open Champions past and present McDowell and McIlroy could have gone even lower than their -9 round, but both missed putts from inside six feet at the 16th.Despite that, the Northern Irishmen were pleased with their days work ahead of the more testing foursomes format on Friday.
“We set a target around -8 to -10 that we thought was going to be a good score out there, and we managed to shoot something around that,” said McIlroy.“The fourballs this week are where you're going to make most of your birdies, and the foursomes is a more demanding format. Both players need to be on their games to shoot a low score.”
McDowell admits Friday’s session will be crucial to Ireland’s hopes as he and McIlroy look to better their runner-up finish two years ago by lifting the trophy.“We are both playing solid,” he added. “Tomorrow is the most important format in this tournament. Tomorrow and Sunday are the big days, and Thursday and Saturday are the days where you can make up some ground. Tomorrow will separate the men from the boys a little bit and we are very happy the way we are playing, so excited about tomorrow's foursomes.”
Like the Australians, Scots Laird and Gallacher did most of their good work on the way in, Laird’s pitch hitting the pin and finding the cup for an eagle at the 16th before he splashed in from the bunker at the last for birdie.“It was a great way to finish,” said Gallacher. “I was saying coming down 14, 15, we had done well and nothing had really went for us - if we could have a strong finish. With Martin's chip in at 16 and the bunker shot on the last, we have certainly done that. It's important to stay with the pace early on and see what happens at the weekend.”
Last week’s Iskandar Johor Open winner Joost Luiten continued his good form alongside Robert-Jan Derksen as the pair combined to give the Netherlands an -8 64, which was matched by Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland of the United States.
click here for a complete leaderboard http://worldcup.pgatour.com/leaderboard.aspx
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Lee Westwood to play both tours in 2012
With countryman and fellow Ryder Cup partner Luke Donald on the verge of winning the money title and the POY on both the European and PGA tours, Lee Westwood has issued a press release moments ago stating he will play both tours next year.
ISM...pgatour.com...Lee Westwood will split his time between the European and PGA Tours in 2012 after deciding to take up his PGA Tour card for the coming year.
The world number three will make his PGA Tour debut at the Accenture Match Play event in Arizona in February. The Englishman is now obligated to play in a minimum of 15 events on the United States-based Tour. "It just felt right in Ryder Cup year to commit to a full programme in the United States," said Westwood in a statement released by his management team, International Sports Management. "The FedEx Cup looked pretty good on TV this year. I thought it would be great to give it a go, having never taken part.”
The move will also mean Westwood will take part in The Players Championship, a tournament he missed last year over what he claimed was a scheduling conflict.
"It was always a scheduling issue for me," he said. "Though the rules changed making it exempt from PGA Tour restrictions, I had already set my schedule for later in the year in Asia. I didn’t want to break any of those commitments.”
Last January, Westwood indicated that the restrictions placed on non-members of the PGA made it difficult for him to commit to the PGA event. "I'd go over for The Players if I could play in the tournament the week before, but I don't want to pitch up at The Players cold, having not played for four weeks since Augusta," Westwood was quoted as saying at the European Tour opener at Abu Dhabi. "So I'll play a couple of tournaments on the European Tour instead."
When questioned about his percieved snub of golf's so-called 'fifth major', Westwood asked why some of the PGA's top players did not come out to play in the European PGA Championship.
"I would bracket our (European Tour) PGA Championship in May as just as important as it offers exemption for anybody in the world’s top 50 to play,” he said at the time. “I don’t see many of them (Americans) wanting to take up that offer. So you can’t really please everyone, can you?”
Last June, as he was poised to replace Tiger Woods as the number one ranked player in the world, Westwood indicated that family was more important than meeting the membership requirement on the PGA Tour. "I don't want to get into a situation where I have to play events in America just to make up 15 needed for tour membership," he said. "The FedEx Cup sits right in the middle of the kids' summer holidays and I like going on holiday with them for a couple of weeks. I don't want to be dictated to by having to play, having to go to America to play FedEx Cup when it doesn't really mean that much to me."
PGA Tour executive vice president Andy Pazder said they were "delighted" with Westwood's decision. "He’s obviously proven himself to be one of the very best and most consistent players in the world, and the fans of the PGA Tour will enjoy having more opportunities to watch him compete.”
Westwood's decision also comes on the heels of fellow Ryder Cup player Rory McIlroy deciding to return to the PGA Tour and play both tours next year. McIlroy, who had earlier publicly stated his preference to concentrate solely on the European Tour, made the announcement shortly before severing ties with ISM
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
ISM...pgatour.com...Lee Westwood will split his time between the European and PGA Tours in 2012 after deciding to take up his PGA Tour card for the coming year.
The world number three will make his PGA Tour debut at the Accenture Match Play event in Arizona in February. The Englishman is now obligated to play in a minimum of 15 events on the United States-based Tour. "It just felt right in Ryder Cup year to commit to a full programme in the United States," said Westwood in a statement released by his management team, International Sports Management. "The FedEx Cup looked pretty good on TV this year. I thought it would be great to give it a go, having never taken part.”
The move will also mean Westwood will take part in The Players Championship, a tournament he missed last year over what he claimed was a scheduling conflict.
"It was always a scheduling issue for me," he said. "Though the rules changed making it exempt from PGA Tour restrictions, I had already set my schedule for later in the year in Asia. I didn’t want to break any of those commitments.”
Last January, Westwood indicated that the restrictions placed on non-members of the PGA made it difficult for him to commit to the PGA event. "I'd go over for The Players if I could play in the tournament the week before, but I don't want to pitch up at The Players cold, having not played for four weeks since Augusta," Westwood was quoted as saying at the European Tour opener at Abu Dhabi. "So I'll play a couple of tournaments on the European Tour instead."
When questioned about his percieved snub of golf's so-called 'fifth major', Westwood asked why some of the PGA's top players did not come out to play in the European PGA Championship.
"I would bracket our (European Tour) PGA Championship in May as just as important as it offers exemption for anybody in the world’s top 50 to play,” he said at the time. “I don’t see many of them (Americans) wanting to take up that offer. So you can’t really please everyone, can you?”
Last June, as he was poised to replace Tiger Woods as the number one ranked player in the world, Westwood indicated that family was more important than meeting the membership requirement on the PGA Tour. "I don't want to get into a situation where I have to play events in America just to make up 15 needed for tour membership," he said. "The FedEx Cup sits right in the middle of the kids' summer holidays and I like going on holiday with them for a couple of weeks. I don't want to be dictated to by having to play, having to go to America to play FedEx Cup when it doesn't really mean that much to me."
PGA Tour executive vice president Andy Pazder said they were "delighted" with Westwood's decision. "He’s obviously proven himself to be one of the very best and most consistent players in the world, and the fans of the PGA Tour will enjoy having more opportunities to watch him compete.”
Westwood's decision also comes on the heels of fellow Ryder Cup player Rory McIlroy deciding to return to the PGA Tour and play both tours next year. McIlroy, who had earlier publicly stated his preference to concentrate solely on the European Tour, made the announcement shortly before severing ties with ISM
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Past champions, tour veterans in the final stage at Q school
I mentioned recently that 9 Canadians have made it to the final stage of Q school that gets under way November 30th at PGA West in Florida.
As usual they are joined by some pretty well known guys who have fallen down the world rankings. David Duval had to qualify via the second stage, Boo Weekley, Ty Tryon now 27 years old, Lee Janzen, Shaun Micheel, Jeff Maggert, Rich Beem, Len Mattiace, Sam Saunders (AP's grandson) are some you will know.
Six rounds, 108 holes, no cut.. toughest grind in golf.. top 25 get their cards.
Here is the list of qualifiers from each section provided by pgatour.com
click here for the final field at Qschool http://www.pgatour.com/2011/qschool/11/21/qschool-finalstage/index.html
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
As usual they are joined by some pretty well known guys who have fallen down the world rankings. David Duval had to qualify via the second stage, Boo Weekley, Ty Tryon now 27 years old, Lee Janzen, Shaun Micheel, Jeff Maggert, Rich Beem, Len Mattiace, Sam Saunders (AP's grandson) are some you will know.
Six rounds, 108 holes, no cut.. toughest grind in golf.. top 25 get their cards.
Here is the list of qualifiers from each section provided by pgatour.com
click here for the final field at Qschool http://www.pgatour.com/2011/qschool/11/21/qschool-finalstage/index.html
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Norman calls for a stronger field at this week's Australian PGA
While all eyes will be on the Mission Hills World Cup on it's new lava strewn course on spectacular Hainan Island in Southern China, there is another important event on the Australasian Tour on the Hyatt Regency Coolum course about 90 miles north of Brisbane, and International Team captain Greg Norman wants it to be even more important.
Last week in Melbourne he was preaching the gospel about Australian golf capitalizing on the world focus at the Presidents Cup to bring the top players on an annual basis.
This week, despite one of the strongest Australian fields in recent times, only Bubba Watson of the US team has stayed to play, and Rickie Fowler is also in the field along with 7 of the International team including Norman.
" I spoke to all the guys from the US team and they all said they would have no problem staying here for another week or so. It is up to the Australian PGA to make sure they do" said Norman. " It has been a great event in the past and it can be again"
Organizers would have to dig into their Coca Cola sponsors pockets to cough up the appearance fees that the winning US Team could demand. ( Tiger is reportedly receiving $3m to start up his 2012 season in Dubai)
John Daly was in the field until his meltdown at the Aussie Open led to his invitation being revoked. By the way, he was then offered a spot in this week's South African Open which he has turned down, but will play next week in Hong Kong.
Open champion Darren Clarke is also in the field, although he has been playing like a diddy since his win.
Peter Senior is the defending champion and will have stiff competition from Adam Scott, Jason Day, Aaron Baddeley, KT Kim, YE Yang, along with Watson,Fowler and Aussie Open winner Greg Chalmers just to name a few.
The bookies have Adam Scott at +600, Geoff Ogilvy +800, Jason Day +900, Aaron Baddeley +1200 with John Senden and Rickie Fowler at +1400 and Bubba +1600
Aussie PGA tee times http://www.pga.org.au/teetimes/714
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Last week in Melbourne he was preaching the gospel about Australian golf capitalizing on the world focus at the Presidents Cup to bring the top players on an annual basis.
This week, despite one of the strongest Australian fields in recent times, only Bubba Watson of the US team has stayed to play, and Rickie Fowler is also in the field along with 7 of the International team including Norman.
" I spoke to all the guys from the US team and they all said they would have no problem staying here for another week or so. It is up to the Australian PGA to make sure they do" said Norman. " It has been a great event in the past and it can be again"
Organizers would have to dig into their Coca Cola sponsors pockets to cough up the appearance fees that the winning US Team could demand. ( Tiger is reportedly receiving $3m to start up his 2012 season in Dubai)
John Daly was in the field until his meltdown at the Aussie Open led to his invitation being revoked. By the way, he was then offered a spot in this week's South African Open which he has turned down, but will play next week in Hong Kong.
Open champion Darren Clarke is also in the field, although he has been playing like a diddy since his win.
Peter Senior is the defending champion and will have stiff competition from Adam Scott, Jason Day, Aaron Baddeley, KT Kim, YE Yang, along with Watson,Fowler and Aussie Open winner Greg Chalmers just to name a few.
The bookies have Adam Scott at +600, Geoff Ogilvy +800, Jason Day +900, Aaron Baddeley +1200 with John Senden and Rickie Fowler at +1400 and Bubba +1600
Aussie PGA tee times http://www.pga.org.au/teetimes/714
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Pro Golf in the Far East, a very important and lucrative part of the new world of golf
When I look through all the unbelievable amenities at the Mission Hills resorts which in a deal signed with Omega are hosting these very lucrative World Cups for 10 years starting in 2007, it is amazing to think when we started our Fairways golf show, 18 years ago, there was one course in China, designed by Arnold Palmer. The old communist regime frowned upon the use of good farming land for an elite few to play an elitest sport.
China of course in general terms is slow to embrace change in many aspects of daily life, but they are racing ahead in others, just look at new modern cities like Bejing which have hosted the Olympics and have shopping facilities to rival Rodeo Drive !!
Golf is booming, and the European tour jumped right on that bandwagon, now the Far East swing through Malaysia, China (5m euro purse won by Martin Kaymer), Hong Kong ($2.7m US), and Singapore, is a well supported and as I said lucrative part of the Race To Dubai, which by the way has a finale worth $7.5m in Dubai with the $10m bonus split amongst the top 15.
This Omega Mission Hills World Cup has returned to the international golfing calendar in 2011, now as a biennial event, every odd year, with a record prize fund of US$7,500,000 at a brand new venue in the Mission Hills Resort on Hainan Island in Southern China
Why ? you might ask..The re-positioning of the tournament which has been played at Mission Hills Shenzhen, China, between 2007 and 2009, is now a biennial event following last year’s decision by the International Olympic Committee to re-introduce golf to the Olympic movement from 2016.
By playing the event in alternate years from 2011, the World Cup is aligned with many of the major sports in the Olympic movement, such as the World Athletics Championships, which are contested biennially and are not in any potential conflict with the summer and winter Olympic Games.
This week the teams will be playing for one of the richest events in world golf, with prize money for the 28 team competition increasing from US$5,500,000 in 2009 to a record US$7,500,000 The winning team will earn US$2,400,000 - US$1,200,000 to each player - which is $350,000 more than last year’s winners.
The format for the contest will remain unchanged, with two series of foursomes and two series of fourballs on alternative days, which has the capacity to create huge swings in fortune and adding to the drama and excitement of the event.
This year's venue, the Blackstone course, is a spectacular, 350-acre layout that weaves through a landscape of mature trees, expansive wetlands, ancient town ruins and ever-present lava rock, the 7,777-yard Blackstone features a myriad of risk / reward opportunities throughout the back nine. The course is set in front of the 518-room 5-star resort complex and the 238,000 square-feet clubhouse, making it ideal for hosting the world’s foremost golf tournaments. One par 5 is 621, another 681 !!!..
Mission Hills China (www.missionhillschina.com), owner and operator of Mission Hills Shenzhen and Mission Hills Hainan, is the pioneer in China's fledgling hospitality, sports and leisure industry! Imagine facilities like this built, owned and operated by the Toronto Parks and Recreation Department !!
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
China of course in general terms is slow to embrace change in many aspects of daily life, but they are racing ahead in others, just look at new modern cities like Bejing which have hosted the Olympics and have shopping facilities to rival Rodeo Drive !!
Golf is booming, and the European tour jumped right on that bandwagon, now the Far East swing through Malaysia, China (5m euro purse won by Martin Kaymer), Hong Kong ($2.7m US), and Singapore, is a well supported and as I said lucrative part of the Race To Dubai, which by the way has a finale worth $7.5m in Dubai with the $10m bonus split amongst the top 15.
This Omega Mission Hills World Cup has returned to the international golfing calendar in 2011, now as a biennial event, every odd year, with a record prize fund of US$7,500,000 at a brand new venue in the Mission Hills Resort on Hainan Island in Southern China
Why ? you might ask..The re-positioning of the tournament which has been played at Mission Hills Shenzhen, China, between 2007 and 2009, is now a biennial event following last year’s decision by the International Olympic Committee to re-introduce golf to the Olympic movement from 2016.
By playing the event in alternate years from 2011, the World Cup is aligned with many of the major sports in the Olympic movement, such as the World Athletics Championships, which are contested biennially and are not in any potential conflict with the summer and winter Olympic Games.
This week the teams will be playing for one of the richest events in world golf, with prize money for the 28 team competition increasing from US$5,500,000 in 2009 to a record US$7,500,000 The winning team will earn US$2,400,000 - US$1,200,000 to each player - which is $350,000 more than last year’s winners.
The format for the contest will remain unchanged, with two series of foursomes and two series of fourballs on alternative days, which has the capacity to create huge swings in fortune and adding to the drama and excitement of the event.
This year's venue, the Blackstone course, is a spectacular, 350-acre layout that weaves through a landscape of mature trees, expansive wetlands, ancient town ruins and ever-present lava rock, the 7,777-yard Blackstone features a myriad of risk / reward opportunities throughout the back nine. The course is set in front of the 518-room 5-star resort complex and the 238,000 square-feet clubhouse, making it ideal for hosting the world’s foremost golf tournaments. One par 5 is 621, another 681 !!!..
Mission Hills China (www.missionhillschina.com), owner and operator of Mission Hills Shenzhen and Mission Hills Hainan, is the pioneer in China's fledgling hospitality, sports and leisure industry! Imagine facilities like this built, owned and operated by the Toronto Parks and Recreation Department !!
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Monday, November 21, 2011
How the World Cup works, teams, players for Mission Hills in China
This week is the $7.5m Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China, 28 teams of 2 players, 18 automatic qualifiers, 1 host country (China) and 9 qualifiers.
Also Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and a host of South African and other world pros will contest the South African Open at the beautiful Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate.
Here is how the World Cup works and a list of the teams and their players. Needless to say Ireland with Rory and GMac, England with Poulter and Rose, Germany with Kaymer and Cejka, the USA with Kuchar and Woodland are amongst the favourites.
Canada failed to qualify this year.
Format
The Championship is a 72-hole stroke play team event with each team comprising of two players. The first and third days are four-ball (best ball) play and the second and final days are foursomes play. A total of 28 teams, each one of different nationality, will compete in the 2011 Omega Mission Hills World Cup.
Eligibility:
The Official World Golf Rankings as at July 18, 2011 will determine the 18 leading nations that qualify automatically for the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.The host country (China) receives an automatic qualification.
Players representing each country:
The leading 18 available players, each native-born citizens* of different countries from the World Ranking.The leading player may select any player of his choosing from the same country provided such player was ranked within the top 100 on the Official World Golf Ranking as of either July 18, 2011 or August 22, 2011.
Confirmed Exempt Nations:
Germany – Martin Kaymer and Alex Cejka
Ireland - Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell
United States – Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland
South Africa – Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen
England – Ian Poulter and Justin Rose
Sweden – Robert Karlsson and Alex Noren
Italy – Francesco Molinari and Edoardo Molinari
Spain – Alvaro Quiros and Miguel Angel Jiménez
Scotland – Martin Laird and Stephen Gallacher
Denmark – Anders Hansen and Thomas Björn
France – Raphaël Jacquelin and Gregory Bourdy
Japan – Yuta Ikeda and Tetsuji Hiratsuka
Australia – Brendan Jones and Richard Green
Belgium – Nicolas Colsaerts and Jérôme Theunis
Colombia – Camilo Villegas and Manuel Villegas
Wales – Jamie Donaldson and Rhys Davies
Thailand – Thongchai Jaidee and Kiradech Aphibarnrat
Zimbabwe – Brendon de Jonge and Bruce McDonald
China (Host Nation) – Liang Wen-chong and Zhang Xin-jun
Qualifiers
Austria - Roland Steiner and Florian Praegant
Netherlands - Joost Luiten and Robert-Jan Derksen
Portugal - Hugo and Ricardo Santos
Brazil - Adison Da Silva and Lucas Lee
Guatemala - Pablo Acuna and Jose Toledo
Korea - Kim Hyung-sung and Park Sung-joon
Mexico - Jose Rodriguez and Oscar Serna
New Zealand - Michael Hendry and Gareth Paddison
Singapore - Lam Chih Bing and Mardan Mamat
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Also Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and a host of South African and other world pros will contest the South African Open at the beautiful Serengeti Golf and Wildlife Estate.
Here is how the World Cup works and a list of the teams and their players. Needless to say Ireland with Rory and GMac, England with Poulter and Rose, Germany with Kaymer and Cejka, the USA with Kuchar and Woodland are amongst the favourites.
Canada failed to qualify this year.
Format
The Championship is a 72-hole stroke play team event with each team comprising of two players. The first and third days are four-ball (best ball) play and the second and final days are foursomes play. A total of 28 teams, each one of different nationality, will compete in the 2011 Omega Mission Hills World Cup.
Eligibility:
The Official World Golf Rankings as at July 18, 2011 will determine the 18 leading nations that qualify automatically for the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.The host country (China) receives an automatic qualification.
Players representing each country:
The leading 18 available players, each native-born citizens* of different countries from the World Ranking.The leading player may select any player of his choosing from the same country provided such player was ranked within the top 100 on the Official World Golf Ranking as of either July 18, 2011 or August 22, 2011.
Confirmed Exempt Nations:
Germany – Martin Kaymer and Alex Cejka
Ireland - Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell
United States – Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland
South Africa – Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen
England – Ian Poulter and Justin Rose
Sweden – Robert Karlsson and Alex Noren
Italy – Francesco Molinari and Edoardo Molinari
Spain – Alvaro Quiros and Miguel Angel Jiménez
Scotland – Martin Laird and Stephen Gallacher
Denmark – Anders Hansen and Thomas Björn
France – Raphaël Jacquelin and Gregory Bourdy
Japan – Yuta Ikeda and Tetsuji Hiratsuka
Australia – Brendan Jones and Richard Green
Belgium – Nicolas Colsaerts and Jérôme Theunis
Colombia – Camilo Villegas and Manuel Villegas
Wales – Jamie Donaldson and Rhys Davies
Thailand – Thongchai Jaidee and Kiradech Aphibarnrat
Zimbabwe – Brendon de Jonge and Bruce McDonald
China (Host Nation) – Liang Wen-chong and Zhang Xin-jun
Qualifiers
Austria - Roland Steiner and Florian Praegant
Netherlands - Joost Luiten and Robert-Jan Derksen
Portugal - Hugo and Ricardo Santos
Brazil - Adison Da Silva and Lucas Lee
Guatemala - Pablo Acuna and Jose Toledo
Korea - Kim Hyung-sung and Park Sung-joon
Mexico - Jose Rodriguez and Oscar Serna
New Zealand - Michael Hendry and Gareth Paddison
Singapore - Lam Chih Bing and Mardan Mamat
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Luiten wins in Johor, Mulroy in South Africa on European Tour
All eyes have been on the Presidents Cup in Melbourne, but the European Tour continues and 2 results are just in from Johor (southern Malaysia) and South Africa.
europeantour.com...Dutchman Joost Luiten claimed a maiden European Tour title with a one shot victory from Daniel Chopra at the Iskandar Johor Open.Trailing overnight leader Chopra by four shots at the start of the day, Luiten compiled a -6 65 to fend off the Swede with a winning score of -15
After the tournament had been reduced to 54 holes due to three days of storm interruptions at Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club, Chopra could only produce a final round of 70 and needed a birdie at the last to ensure he finished alone in second on 14 under.
Padraig Harrington, James Morrison and Rhys Davies ended in a tie for third on -13. Harrington and Morrison both signed for closing 69s while Davies carded an impressive 65 to climb the leaderboard.
final leaderboard click http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2011/tournamentid=2011085/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y
Meanwhile in South Africa on the Leopard Creek GC., Garth Mulroy was caught twice but fought back to win his first European Tour title on home soil at the Alfred Dunhill Championship.
Two clear overnight, the 33 year old bogeyed the second to allow Jbe Kruger to level, before the latter’s challenge was ended by a double bogey six at the ninth when he found water.
Four birdies between the sixth and 13th looked to have sealed victory for Mulroy, but as he dropped a shot at the 14th Scotland’s George Murray played a wonderful second shot at the long 15th to ten feet and eagled.
But while Murray parred his way in for a career-best European Tour finish of second, Mulroy birdied the 15th and 16th – the latter with a 60 foot downhill putt - which with two closing pars gave him a four under par 68 and 19 under total.
for the final scoreboard click http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2011/tournamentid=2011084/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
europeantour.com...Dutchman Joost Luiten claimed a maiden European Tour title with a one shot victory from Daniel Chopra at the Iskandar Johor Open.Trailing overnight leader Chopra by four shots at the start of the day, Luiten compiled a -6 65 to fend off the Swede with a winning score of -15
After the tournament had been reduced to 54 holes due to three days of storm interruptions at Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club, Chopra could only produce a final round of 70 and needed a birdie at the last to ensure he finished alone in second on 14 under.
Padraig Harrington, James Morrison and Rhys Davies ended in a tie for third on -13. Harrington and Morrison both signed for closing 69s while Davies carded an impressive 65 to climb the leaderboard.
final leaderboard click http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2011/tournamentid=2011085/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y
Meanwhile in South Africa on the Leopard Creek GC., Garth Mulroy was caught twice but fought back to win his first European Tour title on home soil at the Alfred Dunhill Championship.
Two clear overnight, the 33 year old bogeyed the second to allow Jbe Kruger to level, before the latter’s challenge was ended by a double bogey six at the ninth when he found water.
Four birdies between the sixth and 13th looked to have sealed victory for Mulroy, but as he dropped a shot at the 14th Scotland’s George Murray played a wonderful second shot at the long 15th to ten feet and eagled.
But while Murray parred his way in for a career-best European Tour finish of second, Mulroy birdied the 15th and 16th – the latter with a 60 foot downhill putt - which with two closing pars gave him a four under par 68 and 19 under total.
for the final scoreboard click http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2011/tournamentid=2011084/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Teams split the singles...USA wins Presidents Cup 19-15
While the International team got off to a roaring start in the singles matches, winning the first four, the beating they took earlier in the week in foursomes 8-3, meant the hill was too big to climb, and although they split last nights 12 matches, Freddie Couples team only needed 4.5 points for the win, and with his veterans stacked at the end, it fell to Tiger to clinch the winning point against Aaron Baddeley..
Here are the singles results...
Webb Simpson
WINS 1 UP
K.T. Kim
Dustin Johnson
WINS 2 & 1
Charl Schwartzel
Bubba Watson
WINS 3 & 2
Ryo Ishikawa
Bill Haas
WINS 2 UP
Geoff Ogilvy
Hunter Mahan
WINS 5 & 3
Jason Day
Nick Watney
WINS 3 & 2
K.J. Choi
Phil Mickelson
WINS 2 & 1
Adam Scott
Matt Kuchar
WINS 1 UP
Retief Goosen
Jim Furyk
WINS 4 & 3
Ernie Els
David Toms
WINS 7 & 5
Robert Allenby
Tiger Woods
WINS 4 & 3
Aaron Baddeley
Steve Stricker
WINS 2 & 1
Y.E. Yang
For a recap on all these matches click http://www.pgatour.com/2011/tournaments/presidentscup/11/19/day-four-match-recaps/index.html
For individual players records click http://www.pgatour.com/2011/tournaments/presidentscup/11/18/Individualrecords/index.html
So all in all this Presidents Cup made for some very enjoyable, compelling golf, from primetime into the wee hours. I enjoyed watching Royal Melbourne in all kinds of weather, and understand why the players rave about it. Short par 4's like the 11th provide enough risk to make the reward of finding the green with a perfect drive all the more enjoyable.
The Korean contingent had their moments, KJ solid, Yang and Kim beating Tiger and DJ was one for the ages, and Kim in particular leading off yesterday with a win over Webb Simpson has enhanced his young legend back home.
Simpson and Bubba were just great lead off hitters for Couples winning 3 of their 4 matches, Nick Watney looks like a nervous wreck, but boy he is solid, and Bill Haas, looking like he'd been sedated, was right there for his team all week.
Tiger is definitely improving, he played well apart from his putter, although he was thrashed playing with Stricker, and beaten twice more with Johnson, he won when the putts did drop, as they did with his 4&3 win over Baddeley.
Disappointments... Robert Allenby didn't win a point and was hammered 7&5 by David Toms, and Jason Day, perhaps the most demonstrative of the Aussie's will go away upset with his 1-3-1 record punctuated by a 5&3 dusting by Hunter Mahan. Also big Ernie, so long the main man, was like a mother hen with her one chick, Ryo Ishikawa all week, but his 1-4-0 record will never improve as long as he is last on the PGA tour in putting. Dustin Johnson will break through one week, one year, but man, he was 1-3-1 and all his trouble is on the greens, because there isn't a course out there he can't over power.
Finally, after all the hoopla about Tiger/ Adam / Williams was put to rest despite the baying off some members of the media, the bottom line was the 8-3 score in foursomes which carried this USA team to victory, or the Internationals to defeat, and took all the drama out of the Sunday, eh Saturday singles matches.
Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did, next Cup in 2013 is at Jack's place Muirfield Village.
Next week is another great team event, the World Golf Championships in China.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Here are the singles results...
Webb Simpson
WINS 1 UP
K.T. Kim
Dustin Johnson
WINS 2 & 1
Charl Schwartzel
Bubba Watson
WINS 3 & 2
Ryo Ishikawa
Bill Haas
WINS 2 UP
Geoff Ogilvy
Hunter Mahan
WINS 5 & 3
Jason Day
Nick Watney
WINS 3 & 2
K.J. Choi
Phil Mickelson
WINS 2 & 1
Adam Scott
Matt Kuchar
WINS 1 UP
Retief Goosen
Jim Furyk
WINS 4 & 3
Ernie Els
David Toms
WINS 7 & 5
Robert Allenby
Tiger Woods
WINS 4 & 3
Aaron Baddeley
Steve Stricker
WINS 2 & 1
Y.E. Yang
For a recap on all these matches click http://www.pgatour.com/2011/tournaments/presidentscup/11/19/day-four-match-recaps/index.html
For individual players records click http://www.pgatour.com/2011/tournaments/presidentscup/11/18/Individualrecords/index.html
So all in all this Presidents Cup made for some very enjoyable, compelling golf, from primetime into the wee hours. I enjoyed watching Royal Melbourne in all kinds of weather, and understand why the players rave about it. Short par 4's like the 11th provide enough risk to make the reward of finding the green with a perfect drive all the more enjoyable.
The Korean contingent had their moments, KJ solid, Yang and Kim beating Tiger and DJ was one for the ages, and Kim in particular leading off yesterday with a win over Webb Simpson has enhanced his young legend back home.
Simpson and Bubba were just great lead off hitters for Couples winning 3 of their 4 matches, Nick Watney looks like a nervous wreck, but boy he is solid, and Bill Haas, looking like he'd been sedated, was right there for his team all week.
Tiger is definitely improving, he played well apart from his putter, although he was thrashed playing with Stricker, and beaten twice more with Johnson, he won when the putts did drop, as they did with his 4&3 win over Baddeley.
Disappointments... Robert Allenby didn't win a point and was hammered 7&5 by David Toms, and Jason Day, perhaps the most demonstrative of the Aussie's will go away upset with his 1-3-1 record punctuated by a 5&3 dusting by Hunter Mahan. Also big Ernie, so long the main man, was like a mother hen with her one chick, Ryo Ishikawa all week, but his 1-4-0 record will never improve as long as he is last on the PGA tour in putting. Dustin Johnson will break through one week, one year, but man, he was 1-3-1 and all his trouble is on the greens, because there isn't a course out there he can't over power.
Finally, after all the hoopla about Tiger/ Adam / Williams was put to rest despite the baying off some members of the media, the bottom line was the 8-3 score in foursomes which carried this USA team to victory, or the Internationals to defeat, and took all the drama out of the Sunday, eh Saturday singles matches.
Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did, next Cup in 2013 is at Jack's place Muirfield Village.
Next week is another great team event, the World Golf Championships in China.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Rutledge joins Spittle "officially" on Champions Tour, 9 Canucks head for final stage
Jeff Freeman was one of five players at the Champions Tour Q school to earn exempt status for 2012 at -20. Joining him were runners-up, 4 shots back at -16, Gary Hallberg and Jim Rutledge as well as Jeff Hart (Solana Beach, CA) and P.H. Horgan (West Palm Beach, FL). Those five players will be exempt until the reorder takes place later in the 2012 season.
Seven other players earned conditionally-exempt status for 2012. Leading the pack is Jim Carter (Scottsdale, AZ), who will earn a spot as one of the five exempt players until Freeman turns 50 in April, followed by (in order of finish) Sonny Skinner (Slyvester, GA), Bobby Clampett (Carmel, CA), Mark Mouland (Kenilworth, England), Jeff’s older brother Robin Freeman (LaQuinta, CA), James Mason (Dillard, GA) and Dick Mast (Forest, VA).
Meanwhile at PGA Tour Q school we have 9 Canucks who will go to the final stage which starts Nov 30 at Pga West in Florida.
Matt McQuillan who finished just outside the top 125 on tour, and Adam Hadwin who won over $400,000 in just 5 events will go straight to the final stage, and they will be joined by...
Richard Scott ended up T4 at Redstone GC in Humble Texas
Brad Fritsche, Manotick T6th and James Love, Calgary T11th at Craig Ranch in Texas
Stuart Anderson Fort McMurray, Alberta, T2 at Bear Creek in California
Richard T Lee of Vancouver, T7 Bear Creek
Ryan Yip, Calgary..T12 Bear Creek
Mitch Gillis of Williams Lake, B.C T2 at Plantation Florida
Sadly Chris Baryla, Jon Mills, David Morland, Bryan DeCorso, Derek Gillespie amongst other Canadian stalwarts did not qualify, so will try to get their cards via the Nationwide Tour next year.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Seven other players earned conditionally-exempt status for 2012. Leading the pack is Jim Carter (Scottsdale, AZ), who will earn a spot as one of the five exempt players until Freeman turns 50 in April, followed by (in order of finish) Sonny Skinner (Slyvester, GA), Bobby Clampett (Carmel, CA), Mark Mouland (Kenilworth, England), Jeff’s older brother Robin Freeman (LaQuinta, CA), James Mason (Dillard, GA) and Dick Mast (Forest, VA).
Meanwhile at PGA Tour Q school we have 9 Canucks who will go to the final stage which starts Nov 30 at Pga West in Florida.
Matt McQuillan who finished just outside the top 125 on tour, and Adam Hadwin who won over $400,000 in just 5 events will go straight to the final stage, and they will be joined by...
Richard Scott ended up T4 at Redstone GC in Humble Texas
Brad Fritsche, Manotick T6th and James Love, Calgary T11th at Craig Ranch in Texas
Stuart Anderson Fort McMurray, Alberta, T2 at Bear Creek in California
Richard T Lee of Vancouver, T7 Bear Creek
Ryan Yip, Calgary..T12 Bear Creek
Mitch Gillis of Williams Lake, B.C T2 at Plantation Florida
Sadly Chris Baryla, Jon Mills, David Morland, Bryan DeCorso, Derek Gillespie amongst other Canadian stalwarts did not qualify, so will try to get their cards via the Nationwide Tour next year.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Spirited International team comeback falls short..US leads 13-9
It was 2.38am this morning when Adam Scott's 25 footer to halve their match just curled below the hole at the 18th, thus ending a long, wet and at times windy Saturday of foursomes and fourballs at Royal Melbourne in this Presidents Cup.
Traditionally in match play, notably the Ryder Cup,the American side was always at a disadvantage because they grew up never playing it, all stroke play, where as in the UK matchplay is the backbone of every golf club in the country, so their pros were more familiar with all it's nuances.
However as captain Greg Norman pointed out, the tide has turned in the Presidents Cup because the US team is know playing them every year, while his lads just get together every two, and are a different mix from different continents each time.
USA 13 Internationals 9 is the final score heading into the 12 singles and despite a full on fight back in the afternoon fourballs by the International team, it was the arse kicking 4-1 loss in the morning foursomes that will probably seal their fate.
Saturday morning foursomes
Simpson/Watson
WINS 3 & 2
Allenby/Ogilvy
Haas/Kuchar
WINS 1 UP
Els/Ishikawa
Mahan/Toms
WINS 5 & 4
Goosen/Schwartzel
Woods/Johnson
WINS 3 & 2
Scott/Choi
Mickelson/Furyk
WINS 2 & 1
Baddeley/Day
Robert Allenby hasn't won a point, Jason Day, Adam Scott, Charl Schwartzel all battled but just went off the boil they had going at the wrong time, while the likes of Webb and Bubba and Phil and Hunter and Matt have it in top gear and Jim Furyk needs a singles win over Ernie to go 5-0.
That made the score USA 11 - Internationals 6 at lunch and Norman's men were squarely behind the eight ball, and really needed to run the tables in the five fourballs to make Sunday's singles meaningful.
Here are the pairings and results from those fourball matches..
Simpson/Watson
WINS 2 & 1
Goosen/Schwartzel
my thoughts.. it was the 1st loss to the US pair, and they were down 4 with 5 to play bur the Goose who was stellar all day missed 2 five footers for the win before finally closing it on the 17th.
Woods/Johnson
WINS 1 UP
Kim/Yang
my thoughts you would have got 100-1 in any Australian bookmaking shop on this result but trust me the South Koreans, who came off the bench after sitting in the morning, were full value, and when little KT Kim rammed home a breaking downhill 6 footer on the 18th, they became as popular at home as Mike Weir is here when he beat Tiger in Montreal in 2007. Tiger, who is definitely showing progress with his game and Dustin could not make a putt to save themselves.
Stricker/Kuchar
WINS 1 UP
Ogilvy/Choi
my thoughts.. at one point early in this compelling match, Matt Kucher made 4 birdies in a row from long range and he only gained one hole because Ogilvy made 3 of his own..KJ made a 30 footer at the 8th to square the match, then Ogilvy made a 20 footer for birdie at the short par 4 11th, and they battled every hole right to the 18th and made that 1up stand. Great match and the Internationals have their tails up, in dismal weather. The temperature hovered around 60*F in a steady rain and wind, a 30*F drop from Friday.
Mahan/Haas
WINS 2 & 1
Baddeley/Day
my thoughts..First Baddeley and Day, especially Jason were not at their best, but battled with Mahan and Haas who showed that great match play ability to pick up your partner when he is out of it, ham and egging is the phrase. It ended in spectacular fashion on the 17 when Day, from 30' above the hole raced in big breaker down the slippery slope that all before him had misjudged, right into the back of the cup for a birdie 3 and he leapt into Baddeley's arms as they were about to square the match.. HOWEVER...Hunter Mahan with the ghosts of Celtic Manor still in his DNA, simply nailed a 25 footer of his own right in on top of Day's, tossed his putter and marched across the green to be congratulated by his partner on the win, and then by a stunned pair of Aussie's.. that will go down as one of the turning points in these matches..
Furyk/Watney
WINS 1 UP
Scott/Els
my thoughts.. now more drama was to follow, Watney and Els did all the scoring, Watney had his team 2up until Ernie won 9 with a par 4 and 10 with a 10 foot birdie 3 putt. Watney with birdies at 11 and 14 put the US 2up until Ernie signalled an International team comeback with a huge 30 footer for birdie at 15. Enter Adam Scott..
After he and Furyk halved the 16th in par, Scott was left with a right to left curling 10 foot downhiller to halve the match on the 17th. He took his time and for all the world he looked like he had made it as he has done so many times with his new broom handle, but it curled right across the face of the hole and stayed out. On to the 18th still 1 down, now looking for a win to halve the match.
The US pairing were both on in 2, Ernie made a mess of his drive into big rough and was out of it, but Adam punched his 190 yard approach to within 25 feet, the best of the bunch. Watney made par and now Adam had his for the win. Again he hit a beauty of a putt, right on line, good speed and at the last minute it broke hard and just grazed the cup.
So what could have been 12-10 is now 13-9 going into the singles later today (6.30pm Golf Channel) which should be more than enough for the US squad to avenge their loss here in 1998.
Despite that spirited fight back by the International team, it was the 4-1 foursomes loss in the morning that was their undoing.
Here are the pairings for the 12 singles matches in the final day of The Presidents Cup. The U.S.go into the session with a 13-9 lead, requiring the International team to win at least 8-1/2 points to claim the Cup, while the Americans can win with just 4-1/2 points.
The captains alternated their selections, with the players listed below in the order in which they were announced. Couples said he put his veterans out late to give them time to sleep in, and no Scott and Tiger are not paired, although I trust that is old news after all this drama.
The first match begins at 10:30 a.m. local time (6:30 p.m. ET Saturday), and the weather forecast is for the morning partly cloudy and cool 14*c, with a 5k wind from the west, warming up in the afternoon to a mainly sunny 21*c with the breeze freshening to 15k SW.
MATCH 23 – K.T. Kim, International vs. Webb Simpson, U.S.
MATCH 24 – Dustin Johnson, U.S. vs. Charl Schwartzel, International
MATCH 25 – Ryo Ishikawa, International vs. Bubba Watson, U.S.
MATCH 26 – Bill Haas, U.S. vs. Geoff Ogilvy, International
MATCH 27 – Jason Day, International vs. Hunter Mahan, U.S.
MATCH 28 – Nick Watney, U.S. vs. K.J. Choi, International
MATCH 29 – Adam Scott, International vs. Phil Mickelson, U.S.
MATCH 30 – Matt Kuchar, U.S. vs. Retief Goosen, International
MATCH 31 – Ernie Els, International vs. Jim Furyk, U.S.
MATCH 32 – David Toms, U.S. vs. Robert Allenby, International
MATCH 33 – Aaron Baddeley, International vs. Tiger Woods, U.S.
MATCH 34 – Steve Stricker, U.S. vs. Y,E. Yang, International
To check out how each player is doing just click http://www.pgatour.com/2011/tournaments/presidentscup/11/18/Individualrecords/index.html
Check out my earlier Q school post for all Canadian results..
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Traditionally in match play, notably the Ryder Cup,the American side was always at a disadvantage because they grew up never playing it, all stroke play, where as in the UK matchplay is the backbone of every golf club in the country, so their pros were more familiar with all it's nuances.
However as captain Greg Norman pointed out, the tide has turned in the Presidents Cup because the US team is know playing them every year, while his lads just get together every two, and are a different mix from different continents each time.
USA 13 Internationals 9 is the final score heading into the 12 singles and despite a full on fight back in the afternoon fourballs by the International team, it was the arse kicking 4-1 loss in the morning foursomes that will probably seal their fate.
Saturday morning foursomes
Simpson/Watson
WINS 3 & 2
Allenby/Ogilvy
Haas/Kuchar
WINS 1 UP
Els/Ishikawa
Mahan/Toms
WINS 5 & 4
Goosen/Schwartzel
Woods/Johnson
WINS 3 & 2
Scott/Choi
Mickelson/Furyk
WINS 2 & 1
Baddeley/Day
Robert Allenby hasn't won a point, Jason Day, Adam Scott, Charl Schwartzel all battled but just went off the boil they had going at the wrong time, while the likes of Webb and Bubba and Phil and Hunter and Matt have it in top gear and Jim Furyk needs a singles win over Ernie to go 5-0.
That made the score USA 11 - Internationals 6 at lunch and Norman's men were squarely behind the eight ball, and really needed to run the tables in the five fourballs to make Sunday's singles meaningful.
Here are the pairings and results from those fourball matches..
Simpson/Watson
WINS 2 & 1
Goosen/Schwartzel
my thoughts.. it was the 1st loss to the US pair, and they were down 4 with 5 to play bur the Goose who was stellar all day missed 2 five footers for the win before finally closing it on the 17th.
Woods/Johnson
WINS 1 UP
Kim/Yang
my thoughts you would have got 100-1 in any Australian bookmaking shop on this result but trust me the South Koreans, who came off the bench after sitting in the morning, were full value, and when little KT Kim rammed home a breaking downhill 6 footer on the 18th, they became as popular at home as Mike Weir is here when he beat Tiger in Montreal in 2007. Tiger, who is definitely showing progress with his game and Dustin could not make a putt to save themselves.
Stricker/Kuchar
WINS 1 UP
Ogilvy/Choi
my thoughts.. at one point early in this compelling match, Matt Kucher made 4 birdies in a row from long range and he only gained one hole because Ogilvy made 3 of his own..KJ made a 30 footer at the 8th to square the match, then Ogilvy made a 20 footer for birdie at the short par 4 11th, and they battled every hole right to the 18th and made that 1up stand. Great match and the Internationals have their tails up, in dismal weather. The temperature hovered around 60*F in a steady rain and wind, a 30*F drop from Friday.
Mahan/Haas
WINS 2 & 1
Baddeley/Day
my thoughts..First Baddeley and Day, especially Jason were not at their best, but battled with Mahan and Haas who showed that great match play ability to pick up your partner when he is out of it, ham and egging is the phrase. It ended in spectacular fashion on the 17 when Day, from 30' above the hole raced in big breaker down the slippery slope that all before him had misjudged, right into the back of the cup for a birdie 3 and he leapt into Baddeley's arms as they were about to square the match.. HOWEVER...Hunter Mahan with the ghosts of Celtic Manor still in his DNA, simply nailed a 25 footer of his own right in on top of Day's, tossed his putter and marched across the green to be congratulated by his partner on the win, and then by a stunned pair of Aussie's.. that will go down as one of the turning points in these matches..
Furyk/Watney
WINS 1 UP
Scott/Els
my thoughts.. now more drama was to follow, Watney and Els did all the scoring, Watney had his team 2up until Ernie won 9 with a par 4 and 10 with a 10 foot birdie 3 putt. Watney with birdies at 11 and 14 put the US 2up until Ernie signalled an International team comeback with a huge 30 footer for birdie at 15. Enter Adam Scott..
After he and Furyk halved the 16th in par, Scott was left with a right to left curling 10 foot downhiller to halve the match on the 17th. He took his time and for all the world he looked like he had made it as he has done so many times with his new broom handle, but it curled right across the face of the hole and stayed out. On to the 18th still 1 down, now looking for a win to halve the match.
The US pairing were both on in 2, Ernie made a mess of his drive into big rough and was out of it, but Adam punched his 190 yard approach to within 25 feet, the best of the bunch. Watney made par and now Adam had his for the win. Again he hit a beauty of a putt, right on line, good speed and at the last minute it broke hard and just grazed the cup.
So what could have been 12-10 is now 13-9 going into the singles later today (6.30pm Golf Channel) which should be more than enough for the US squad to avenge their loss here in 1998.
Despite that spirited fight back by the International team, it was the 4-1 foursomes loss in the morning that was their undoing.
Here are the pairings for the 12 singles matches in the final day of The Presidents Cup. The U.S.go into the session with a 13-9 lead, requiring the International team to win at least 8-1/2 points to claim the Cup, while the Americans can win with just 4-1/2 points.
The captains alternated their selections, with the players listed below in the order in which they were announced. Couples said he put his veterans out late to give them time to sleep in, and no Scott and Tiger are not paired, although I trust that is old news after all this drama.
The first match begins at 10:30 a.m. local time (6:30 p.m. ET Saturday), and the weather forecast is for the morning partly cloudy and cool 14*c, with a 5k wind from the west, warming up in the afternoon to a mainly sunny 21*c with the breeze freshening to 15k SW.
MATCH 23 – K.T. Kim, International vs. Webb Simpson, U.S.
MATCH 24 – Dustin Johnson, U.S. vs. Charl Schwartzel, International
MATCH 25 – Ryo Ishikawa, International vs. Bubba Watson, U.S.
MATCH 26 – Bill Haas, U.S. vs. Geoff Ogilvy, International
MATCH 27 – Jason Day, International vs. Hunter Mahan, U.S.
MATCH 28 – Nick Watney, U.S. vs. K.J. Choi, International
MATCH 29 – Adam Scott, International vs. Phil Mickelson, U.S.
MATCH 30 – Matt Kuchar, U.S. vs. Retief Goosen, International
MATCH 31 – Ernie Els, International vs. Jim Furyk, U.S.
MATCH 32 – David Toms, U.S. vs. Robert Allenby, International
MATCH 33 – Aaron Baddeley, International vs. Tiger Woods, U.S.
MATCH 34 – Steve Stricker, U.S. vs. Y,E. Yang, International
To check out how each player is doing just click http://www.pgatour.com/2011/tournaments/presidentscup/11/18/Individualrecords/index.html
Check out my earlier Q school post for all Canadian results..
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Friday, November 18, 2011
Rain in Melbourne, and check out the players balls... in foursomes
It's early Saturday morning in Melbourne and it is raining lightly, but steadily with the wind from the NW at 5k freshening to 15k this afternoon
The rain is forecast all weekend with the wind swinging around to the South.
Locals the The_Banter are tweeting about the rain and how it will affect the greens. I'd think it can only help the players get the ball closer than yesterday when just hitting the green was a problem..
Also, and this is a big factor in foursomes, guys don't like playing with another brand of ball other than their own.
For example, Dustin Johnson will have to play Tiger's Nike when Tiger tees off, and Tiger will have to play Dustin's Taylor Made TP Red LDP.
Pros select golf balls that are suited to their ball flight and and swing speed and spin rate, especially in the wind it is an important issue, so much so that players are often paired together who play the same ball.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
The rain is forecast all weekend with the wind swinging around to the South.
Locals the The_Banter are tweeting about the rain and how it will affect the greens. I'd think it can only help the players get the ball closer than yesterday when just hitting the green was a problem..
Also, and this is a big factor in foursomes, guys don't like playing with another brand of ball other than their own.
For example, Dustin Johnson will have to play Tiger's Nike when Tiger tees off, and Tiger will have to play Dustin's Taylor Made TP Red LDP.
Pros select golf balls that are suited to their ball flight and and swing speed and spin rate, especially in the wind it is an important issue, so much so that players are often paired together who play the same ball.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
"Let the Games begin".... Presidents Cup 2011
Helen Ross and Mike McAllister of PGA Tour.com have their picks for tonights foursomes.. I have posted 3.5 - 2.5 Internationals
Helen has it 4-2 USA and Mike 3-3
For their analysis click http://www.pgatour.com/2011/tournaments/presidentscup/11/15/match-previews-thursday-foursomes/index.html
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Helen has it 4-2 USA and Mike 3-3
For their analysis click http://www.pgatour.com/2011/tournaments/presidentscup/11/15/match-previews-thursday-foursomes/index.html
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Teams share the spoils in the wind at Royal Melbourne, Saturday foursome predictions
Well I did predict the score would be 3-3 in my last post, and it was, if not quite in the order I had suggested.
The NNW wind that forced play to move up by 2 hours played havoc with these, many of the world's best, firm fast green running over 14 on the stimpmeter, and tough pin positions made getting an approach close near impossible, as Tiger said " just hitting a green in regulation was an accomplishment"
Highlights...Baddeley's triumphant return, Tiger / Allenby winless, Ogilvy's clutch play, Bubba and Webb 2-0, Saturday foursomes who will sit ?...
Here is a brief breakdown of each match
Watson/Simpson
WINS 3 & 1
Els/Ishikawa
This US pairing needs a new challenge as they beat Ernie and Ryo for the 2nd day in a row, although this one was closer, with Bubba putting it away with birdies at 15 and finally at 17. Ernie only won 1 hole with a birdie all day
Johnson/Woods
WINS 1 UP
Baddeley/Day
After the course and the weather and the course, this was the story. The match was all about near misses for Tiger and the return of Baddeley who got his side up with a 25' birdie putt at the 13th, after Woods and Day had swapped birdies on the front nine. At the par 5 15th Tiger curled a 66 footer for eagle just over the edge, made the birdie but here came Bradley with an exquisite bunker shot 3rd to 5 feet, made birdie. Baddeley matched the US pair with pars at the last 3 and survived a scare at the last when Tiger nearly chipped in for a match tying birdie.
Mickelson/Furyk
WINS 2 & 1
Scott/Kim
This veteran US pair has found some form, and had a solid 3up lead until Kim won the 13th with a par 4, and Scott the 16th with a birdie, but Furyk nailed a 13 footer for birdie 3 at 17 for the point.
Haas/Watney
WINS 1 UP
Ogilvy/Choi
Ogilvy was the difference. He holed a bunker shot at 5 for birdie 2, then nailed an 8 footer for birdie at 6 to go 2up. Bill Haas had his moments birdie at 9 then he drove the 334yd 11th to 7 feet and knocked in the eagle putt to square the match. Ogilvy won the 12th with a par 4 when the US pair both made bogey, and although Watney left a 20 foot birdie putt inches short at the 18th, the International team prevailed.
Kuchar/Stricker
WINS 4 & 3
Yang/Allenby
Captains pick Allenby and his ineffective partner YE Yang were beaten almost single handed by Matt Kuchar who won 5 holes himself, with an out of sorts Steve Stricker.
Kuchar had his team 3 up through 6 before Allenby got one back at the 7th, but birdies at 12 and 15 by Kuchar ended the rout.
Mahan/Toms
WINS 2 & 1
Goosen/Schwartzel
I had the US pair in a tight one mainly because Toms was playing better than the Goose. Well the Goose had his side 2up with wins at 2 and 3 to shut me up, then Schwartzel made it 3up with a beauty of a chip to 4 feet at the driveable 11th. Toms got one back with a par win at the 14th, but the US side ran out of holes at the 17th.
Final score 3-3, Total USA 7 Internationals 5
Now onto the Saturday (Friday evening est) for the 5 foursomes and the 5 fourballs that will go a long way to setting up the singles matches. Colder weather, rain and a wind from the opposite direction means a completely different Royal Melbourne.
Here are the pairings for the morning foursome matches.
MATCH 13 – Robert Allenby-Geoff Ogilvy, International vs. Webb Simpson-Bubba Watson, U.S.
my thoughts.. A new test for the unbeaten US pair, and Allenby must help justify his captains pick with a win here. A tall order, but I think these veteran Aussie's are up to it in this different wind on their home course.. Internationals
MATCH 14 – Bill Haas-Matt Kuchar, U.S. vs. Ernie Els-Ryo Ishikawa, International
my thoughts.. Ernie and Ryo asked captain Norman to be paired again in case you were wondering, Ernie apparently woke up stiff this morning, so a risk by Norman over an American team that is growing more comfortable now that they are into it.
Can Els and his experience in today's weather overcome the stronger pairing from the US ? USA
MATCH 15 – Retief Goosen-Charl Schwartzel, International vs. Hunter Mahan-David Toms, U.S.
my thoughts.. The Goose was better yesterday, Schwartzel is the new heir apparent in South Africa, this is a cast iron International win
MATCH 16 – Tiger Woods-Dustin Johnson, U.S. vs. Adam Scott-K.J. Choi, International
my thoughts.. Scott and Choi dusted Woods and Stricker in this format on Thursday, Johnson replaces Stricker, and Woods was good and unlucky 24 hours ago. This will be a lot closer than Thursday, but remember this is in Australia, in a tough wind/course, and Tiger has flattered to deceive repeatedly recently... Nod to the Internationals
MATCH 17 – Aaron Baddeley-Jason Day, International vs. Jim Furyk-Phil Mickelson, U.S.
my thoughts.. tough veteran pairing to beat, but these young bucks passed their big test yesterday and are buoyed with confidence.. Internationals
Not playing – Steve Stricker (U.S.), Nick Watney (U.S.), K.T. Kim (International), Y.E. Yang (International)
my thoughts.. All these guys must play in the afternoon by the rules..Striker was never going to be asked to play every match due to his injury, Watney is the easiest personality to sit, Yang and Kim have been ineffective so far.
Internationals 4 USA 1
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
The NNW wind that forced play to move up by 2 hours played havoc with these, many of the world's best, firm fast green running over 14 on the stimpmeter, and tough pin positions made getting an approach close near impossible, as Tiger said " just hitting a green in regulation was an accomplishment"
Highlights...Baddeley's triumphant return, Tiger / Allenby winless, Ogilvy's clutch play, Bubba and Webb 2-0, Saturday foursomes who will sit ?...
Here is a brief breakdown of each match
Watson/Simpson
WINS 3 & 1
Els/Ishikawa
This US pairing needs a new challenge as they beat Ernie and Ryo for the 2nd day in a row, although this one was closer, with Bubba putting it away with birdies at 15 and finally at 17. Ernie only won 1 hole with a birdie all day
Johnson/Woods
WINS 1 UP
Baddeley/Day
After the course and the weather and the course, this was the story. The match was all about near misses for Tiger and the return of Baddeley who got his side up with a 25' birdie putt at the 13th, after Woods and Day had swapped birdies on the front nine. At the par 5 15th Tiger curled a 66 footer for eagle just over the edge, made the birdie but here came Bradley with an exquisite bunker shot 3rd to 5 feet, made birdie. Baddeley matched the US pair with pars at the last 3 and survived a scare at the last when Tiger nearly chipped in for a match tying birdie.
Mickelson/Furyk
WINS 2 & 1
Scott/Kim
This veteran US pair has found some form, and had a solid 3up lead until Kim won the 13th with a par 4, and Scott the 16th with a birdie, but Furyk nailed a 13 footer for birdie 3 at 17 for the point.
Haas/Watney
WINS 1 UP
Ogilvy/Choi
Ogilvy was the difference. He holed a bunker shot at 5 for birdie 2, then nailed an 8 footer for birdie at 6 to go 2up. Bill Haas had his moments birdie at 9 then he drove the 334yd 11th to 7 feet and knocked in the eagle putt to square the match. Ogilvy won the 12th with a par 4 when the US pair both made bogey, and although Watney left a 20 foot birdie putt inches short at the 18th, the International team prevailed.
Kuchar/Stricker
WINS 4 & 3
Yang/Allenby
Captains pick Allenby and his ineffective partner YE Yang were beaten almost single handed by Matt Kuchar who won 5 holes himself, with an out of sorts Steve Stricker.
Kuchar had his team 3 up through 6 before Allenby got one back at the 7th, but birdies at 12 and 15 by Kuchar ended the rout.
Mahan/Toms
WINS 2 & 1
Goosen/Schwartzel
I had the US pair in a tight one mainly because Toms was playing better than the Goose. Well the Goose had his side 2up with wins at 2 and 3 to shut me up, then Schwartzel made it 3up with a beauty of a chip to 4 feet at the driveable 11th. Toms got one back with a par win at the 14th, but the US side ran out of holes at the 17th.
Final score 3-3, Total USA 7 Internationals 5
Now onto the Saturday (Friday evening est) for the 5 foursomes and the 5 fourballs that will go a long way to setting up the singles matches. Colder weather, rain and a wind from the opposite direction means a completely different Royal Melbourne.
Here are the pairings for the morning foursome matches.
MATCH 13 – Robert Allenby-Geoff Ogilvy, International vs. Webb Simpson-Bubba Watson, U.S.
my thoughts.. A new test for the unbeaten US pair, and Allenby must help justify his captains pick with a win here. A tall order, but I think these veteran Aussie's are up to it in this different wind on their home course.. Internationals
MATCH 14 – Bill Haas-Matt Kuchar, U.S. vs. Ernie Els-Ryo Ishikawa, International
my thoughts.. Ernie and Ryo asked captain Norman to be paired again in case you were wondering, Ernie apparently woke up stiff this morning, so a risk by Norman over an American team that is growing more comfortable now that they are into it.
Can Els and his experience in today's weather overcome the stronger pairing from the US ? USA
MATCH 15 – Retief Goosen-Charl Schwartzel, International vs. Hunter Mahan-David Toms, U.S.
my thoughts.. The Goose was better yesterday, Schwartzel is the new heir apparent in South Africa, this is a cast iron International win
MATCH 16 – Tiger Woods-Dustin Johnson, U.S. vs. Adam Scott-K.J. Choi, International
my thoughts.. Scott and Choi dusted Woods and Stricker in this format on Thursday, Johnson replaces Stricker, and Woods was good and unlucky 24 hours ago. This will be a lot closer than Thursday, but remember this is in Australia, in a tough wind/course, and Tiger has flattered to deceive repeatedly recently... Nod to the Internationals
MATCH 17 – Aaron Baddeley-Jason Day, International vs. Jim Furyk-Phil Mickelson, U.S.
my thoughts.. tough veteran pairing to beat, but these young bucks passed their big test yesterday and are buoyed with confidence.. Internationals
Not playing – Steve Stricker (U.S.), Nick Watney (U.S.), K.T. Kim (International), Y.E. Yang (International)
my thoughts.. All these guys must play in the afternoon by the rules..Striker was never going to be asked to play every match due to his injury, Watney is the easiest personality to sit, Yang and Kim have been ineffective so far.
Internationals 4 USA 1
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Thursday, November 17, 2011
My predictions for Day 2 at the Presidents Cup
On day 1, I had Internationals 3.5, US 2.5 and if not for the Baddeley breakdown on 17 and 18 which gifted Johnson and Watney a halve, dat's what we would have had..
Here are my thoughts on today, keep in mind tee times have been moved up, a NW wind is forecast to start, which I am told is a tough wind for the Melbourne layout, and remember the US team has not had any practice in this wind this week.
Also along that line, Norman has split his pairings to have someone familiar with that wind with someone who isn't.
Day 2 fourball session (all times Eastern; local time 16 hours ahead)
5:35 p.m.: Bubba Watson-Webb Simpson (U.S.) vs. Ernie Els-Ryo Ishikawa (International)
my thoughts... Although Ernie and Ryo will want to avenge their loss to these guys yesterday, Watson and Simpson are simply better at this time in their careers, they will have to beat themselves for the International pair to win.. USA
5:49 p.m.: Tiger Woods-Dustin Johnson (U.S.) vs. Jason Day-Aaron Baddeley (International)
my thoughts... This is fourball today, so Tiger will be hitting in first of the US pairing behind the prodigious length of DJ, so when he is wild, Johnson will know and can pick him up without having to lay up. Baddeley, a devout Christian will need all his inner peace and faith to overcome the crushing his confidence took blowing that dormie 2 lead just 24 hours ago. Tight match to the USA
6:03 p.m.: Phil Mickelson-Jim Furyk (U.S.) vs. Adam Scott-K.T. Kim (International)
my thoughts.. the old guard vs the young guns. KT Kim is a fine player, but I'm not sure Scott in his present form, familiar with this course in this wind will need him, and remember Furyk and Mickelson had been struggling with their games coming into this week. Internationals
6:17 p.m.: Bill Haas-Nick Watney (U.S.) vs. Geoff Ogilvy- K.J. Choi (International)
my thoughts... Ogilvy on his home course, in a tricky wind, with the rock solid Choi should beat the American rookies who just got a half yesterday, but were let off the hook. Internationals
6:31 p.m.: Steve Stricker-Matt Kuchar (U.S.) vs. Y.E. Yang-Robert Allenby (International)
my thoughts..if I have a halve in mind this is the one. Stricker was hammered yesterday and his game was rusty, while Kuchar missed some clutch shots under the gun. However Allenby has been off form during the Aussie Open, and Yang was beaten soundly yesterday... Someone here will surprise me, but again Allenby was a captain's pick for days like today in this wind, and being a glass half full guy, my nod goes to Internationals
6:45 p.m.: David Toms-Hunter Mahan (U.S.) vs. Charl Schwartzel-Reteif Goosen (International)
my thoughts.. if the Goose was in any kind of form I would award this outright to the South Africans, however as of yet he is not. Charl can play with Mahan, but Toms will beat Goosen. Edge to the USA
Final Score USA 3 Internationals 3
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
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Here are my thoughts on today, keep in mind tee times have been moved up, a NW wind is forecast to start, which I am told is a tough wind for the Melbourne layout, and remember the US team has not had any practice in this wind this week.
Also along that line, Norman has split his pairings to have someone familiar with that wind with someone who isn't.
Day 2 fourball session (all times Eastern; local time 16 hours ahead)
5:35 p.m.: Bubba Watson-Webb Simpson (U.S.) vs. Ernie Els-Ryo Ishikawa (International)
my thoughts... Although Ernie and Ryo will want to avenge their loss to these guys yesterday, Watson and Simpson are simply better at this time in their careers, they will have to beat themselves for the International pair to win.. USA
5:49 p.m.: Tiger Woods-Dustin Johnson (U.S.) vs. Jason Day-Aaron Baddeley (International)
my thoughts... This is fourball today, so Tiger will be hitting in first of the US pairing behind the prodigious length of DJ, so when he is wild, Johnson will know and can pick him up without having to lay up. Baddeley, a devout Christian will need all his inner peace and faith to overcome the crushing his confidence took blowing that dormie 2 lead just 24 hours ago. Tight match to the USA
6:03 p.m.: Phil Mickelson-Jim Furyk (U.S.) vs. Adam Scott-K.T. Kim (International)
my thoughts.. the old guard vs the young guns. KT Kim is a fine player, but I'm not sure Scott in his present form, familiar with this course in this wind will need him, and remember Furyk and Mickelson had been struggling with their games coming into this week. Internationals
6:17 p.m.: Bill Haas-Nick Watney (U.S.) vs. Geoff Ogilvy- K.J. Choi (International)
my thoughts... Ogilvy on his home course, in a tricky wind, with the rock solid Choi should beat the American rookies who just got a half yesterday, but were let off the hook. Internationals
6:31 p.m.: Steve Stricker-Matt Kuchar (U.S.) vs. Y.E. Yang-Robert Allenby (International)
my thoughts..if I have a halve in mind this is the one. Stricker was hammered yesterday and his game was rusty, while Kuchar missed some clutch shots under the gun. However Allenby has been off form during the Aussie Open, and Yang was beaten soundly yesterday... Someone here will surprise me, but again Allenby was a captain's pick for days like today in this wind, and being a glass half full guy, my nod goes to Internationals
6:45 p.m.: David Toms-Hunter Mahan (U.S.) vs. Charl Schwartzel-Reteif Goosen (International)
my thoughts.. if the Goose was in any kind of form I would award this outright to the South Africans, however as of yet he is not. Charl can play with Mahan, but Toms will beat Goosen. Edge to the USA
Final Score USA 3 Internationals 3
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
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New broadcast times, weather for Melbourne Thursday/Friday
GolfChannel...Due to the threat of bad weather, Day 2 Presidents Cup tee times will be moved ahead two hours on Thursday. Golf Channel’s “Live From the Presidents Cup” show will begin at 4 p.m. Eastern time. Live Presidents Cup coverage will air on Golf Channel from 5:30 p.m. to midnight, with another edition of “Live From the Presidents Cup” beginning at midnight.
The first of six fourball matches will begin at 5:35 p.m. ET (9:35 a.m. local time) and the matches will go off in 14-minute intervals.
Weather for Melbourne today, Thursday Nov 17,2011
Melbourne for Thursday Partly cloudy. Winds NE/SE averaging 10 to 20 km/h. Chance of any rainfall: 10% Partly cloudy. The chance of showers during the morning. Winds S/SE averaging up to 25 km/h.
Friday Mostly sunny morning. Isolated showers and the chance of thunderstorms later in the afternoon and evening. Winds N/NW averaging up to 40 km/h becoming light later in the evening. Chance of any rainfall: 40% Rainfall: 0 to 1 mm High.
Only one session is played in each of the first two days of the competition.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
The first of six fourball matches will begin at 5:35 p.m. ET (9:35 a.m. local time) and the matches will go off in 14-minute intervals.
Weather for Melbourne today, Thursday Nov 17,2011
Melbourne for Thursday Partly cloudy. Winds NE/SE averaging 10 to 20 km/h. Chance of any rainfall: 10% Partly cloudy. The chance of showers during the morning. Winds S/SE averaging up to 25 km/h.
Friday Mostly sunny morning. Isolated showers and the chance of thunderstorms later in the afternoon and evening. Winds N/NW averaging up to 40 km/h becoming light later in the evening. Chance of any rainfall: 40% Rainfall: 0 to 1 mm High.
Only one session is played in each of the first two days of the competition.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Internationals let one slip away, match reports, Fourball pairings
The score reads 4-2 USA, but it was a day of disappointment for the International team.
Four of the matches listed below were decisive, but Norman's team let 2 close ones slip away.
Ogilvy and Schwartzel were up by 2 on the 15th tee, and let Haas and Watney square the match with a par on 16, then worse Baddeley and Day were dormie 2 and Aaron missed a short putt to halve the 17th to win, then drove it wildly into the rough on 18, and Johnson and Kuchar walked off the 18th with a half, feeling like they'd won.
The big match was a flop for the Americans as Woods and Stricker didn't make a birdie in 12 holes, in fact made 3 bogey's and were smoked 7 and 6 by Scott and Choi.
Match Summaries
Watson/Simpson
WINS 4 & 2
Els/Ishikawa
* Els and Ishikawa were 2 up after 4 holes before the Americans found their stride and it was all USA after the 5th.
Haas/Watney
HALVED
Ogilvy/Schwartzel
* Internationals were 2up standing on the 15th tee, but Haas and Watney won 15 with a birdie, and the killer, 16 with a par to square the match.
Johnson/Kuchar
HALVED
Baddeley/Day
*Baddeley and Day were in charge all day, 2 up on the 17th tee and made bogey on the last 2 holes to let one slip away, in particular Baddeley missed a short putt on 17 then drove wildly into the rough on 18.
Mickelson/Furyk
WINS 4 & 3
Goosen/Allenby
* this match turned when the USA pairing won 7,8 and 9 with birdie, par, par, then picked up 2 more holes at 12 and 13. Mickelson and Furyk were steadier all day
Mahan/Toms
WINS 6 & 5 Kim/Yang
* 3 up at the turn the US pair won it with birdie, bogey,birdie at 11,12 and 13. A thrashing.
Woods/Stricker
WINS 7 & 6
Scott/Choi
* in 12 holes Stricker and Woods made 3 bogey's and not 1 birdie, and were smoked by this very strong International pair.
Friday Pairings (fourballs)
Watson/Simpson 9:35 AM vs Els/Ishikawa
Johnson/Woods 9:49 AM vs Baddeley/Day
Mickelson/Furyk 10:03 AM vs Scott/Kim
Haas/Watney 10:17 AM vs Ogilvy/Choi
Kuchar/Stricker 10:31 AM vs Yang/Allenby
Mahan/Toms 10:45 AM vs Goosen/Schwartzel
* with wind and rain expected to hit Melbourne in the afternoon the tee times have been pushed up by 2 hours
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Four of the matches listed below were decisive, but Norman's team let 2 close ones slip away.
Ogilvy and Schwartzel were up by 2 on the 15th tee, and let Haas and Watney square the match with a par on 16, then worse Baddeley and Day were dormie 2 and Aaron missed a short putt to halve the 17th to win, then drove it wildly into the rough on 18, and Johnson and Kuchar walked off the 18th with a half, feeling like they'd won.
The big match was a flop for the Americans as Woods and Stricker didn't make a birdie in 12 holes, in fact made 3 bogey's and were smoked 7 and 6 by Scott and Choi.
Match Summaries
Watson/Simpson
WINS 4 & 2
Els/Ishikawa
* Els and Ishikawa were 2 up after 4 holes before the Americans found their stride and it was all USA after the 5th.
Haas/Watney
HALVED
Ogilvy/Schwartzel
* Internationals were 2up standing on the 15th tee, but Haas and Watney won 15 with a birdie, and the killer, 16 with a par to square the match.
Johnson/Kuchar
HALVED
Baddeley/Day
*Baddeley and Day were in charge all day, 2 up on the 17th tee and made bogey on the last 2 holes to let one slip away, in particular Baddeley missed a short putt on 17 then drove wildly into the rough on 18.
Mickelson/Furyk
WINS 4 & 3
Goosen/Allenby
* this match turned when the USA pairing won 7,8 and 9 with birdie, par, par, then picked up 2 more holes at 12 and 13. Mickelson and Furyk were steadier all day
Mahan/Toms
WINS 6 & 5 Kim/Yang
* 3 up at the turn the US pair won it with birdie, bogey,birdie at 11,12 and 13. A thrashing.
Woods/Stricker
WINS 7 & 6
Scott/Choi
* in 12 holes Stricker and Woods made 3 bogey's and not 1 birdie, and were smoked by this very strong International pair.
Friday Pairings (fourballs)
Watson/Simpson 9:35 AM vs Els/Ishikawa
Johnson/Woods 9:49 AM vs Baddeley/Day
Mickelson/Furyk 10:03 AM vs Scott/Kim
Haas/Watney 10:17 AM vs Ogilvy/Choi
Kuchar/Stricker 10:31 AM vs Yang/Allenby
Mahan/Toms 10:45 AM vs Goosen/Schwartzel
* with wind and rain expected to hit Melbourne in the afternoon the tee times have been pushed up by 2 hours
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Here are the pairings for Thursday's 6 foursome matches
I have just watched a very nice, if not long winded Opening Ceremony on a beautiful, sunny, breezy day in Melbourne. It's always a bit weird to see pro golfers sans sponsors hats, in suits.. Some look smooth like Norman and Freddie, others like Jim Furyk with the golfers tan (ie bright white forehead, tanned face and neck) or Aaron Baddeley ("baddeley" needs a haircut) or Hunter Mahan (lose the white shades) look out of place.
Bringing the Cup in with the Aussie horsemen was cool..
My advice, less from the dignitaries, more from the players and their wives, girlfriends... ( Internationals in white dresses, USA in tan coloured pants and some kind of shawl)
Here are the matches..
MATCH 1 – Ernie Els-Ryo Ishikawa, International vs. Bubba Watson-Webb Simpson, U.S.
Couples said he wanted Watson-Simpson in his first match. Couples also said Watson and Simpson came to him six weeks ago and said they wanted to be paired together.
My pick.. USA Simpson has been rock solid going right to the wire for POY, and Bubba played well last week. they look like the best bet of all the pairings. Ernie just hasn't putted well and Ryo arrived late with his usual entourage of advisers, I hope captain Norman can find a way to get them out of the picture for the rest of this week at least.
MATCH 2 – Bill Haas-Nick Watney, U.S. vs. Geoff Ogilvy-Charl Schwartzel, International
My pick.. Internationals.. Ogilvy's home course is Royal Melbourne, Schwartzel will be a star this week, he was T3 last week in Japan.. Haas and Watney, 2 PC rookies are huge talents, but can chalk this 1st one up to experience..
MATCH 3 – Aaron Baddeley-Jason Day, International vs. Dustin Johnson-Matt Kuchar, U.S.
My pick... Internationals..in a tight one, but this all Aussie pairing in form and fired up at home gets the nod, although I expect Dustin Johnson, who will get Kuchar into position to hit mid to long irons into the par 5's to break through for a big week here.
MATCH 4 – Phil Mickelson-Jim Furyk, U.S. vs. Retief Goosen-Robert Allenby, International..
My pick Match halved..Phil and Robert have played in all the PC's, but both do not have their A or even B+ games coming in, Furyk had 2 poor weeks in Shanghai, and the Goose has dropped to 52 in the world. 4 guys, a ton of experience, out of form, should equal out over 18 holes.
(Mickelson and Furyk have made a combined 14 appearances in The Presidents Cup, playing 66 matches. Their opponents, Allenby and Goosen, have made a combined 10 Presidents Cup appearances, playing a combined 48 matches)
MATCH 5 – K.T. Kim-Y.E. Yang, International vs. Hunter Mahan-David Toms, U.S.
My pick... USA I like the South Koreans paired together and will be happy to be proved wrong here, but Toms is a great 4some partner, so steady and straight, and Mahan is the best player in this group.
MATCH 6 – Tiger Woods-Steve Stricker, U.S. vs. Adam Scott-K.J. Choi, International
My pick.. Internationals
It was ultimately decided to keep Woods with Stricker, a partnership that went undefeated two years ago at The Presidents Cup at Harding Park and let me say right here that the media is making way more of Tiger/Adam/Steve Williams than any of them are, they are all pals, the past crap is all done..but it will have everyone's attention.
Adam Scott is complete now that he believes in his putter, and his caddy and is the best player in the International side, nothing fazes KJ including the Tiger hoopla.
Tiger is hot, or is he ??..Stricker's form is a question mark, he didn't play any of the Far East swing.
Internationals 3.5 USA 2.5
As they say at the Olympics. " Let the games begin "
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Bringing the Cup in with the Aussie horsemen was cool..
My advice, less from the dignitaries, more from the players and their wives, girlfriends... ( Internationals in white dresses, USA in tan coloured pants and some kind of shawl)
Here are the matches..
MATCH 1 – Ernie Els-Ryo Ishikawa, International vs. Bubba Watson-Webb Simpson, U.S.
Couples said he wanted Watson-Simpson in his first match. Couples also said Watson and Simpson came to him six weeks ago and said they wanted to be paired together.
My pick.. USA Simpson has been rock solid going right to the wire for POY, and Bubba played well last week. they look like the best bet of all the pairings. Ernie just hasn't putted well and Ryo arrived late with his usual entourage of advisers, I hope captain Norman can find a way to get them out of the picture for the rest of this week at least.
MATCH 2 – Bill Haas-Nick Watney, U.S. vs. Geoff Ogilvy-Charl Schwartzel, International
My pick.. Internationals.. Ogilvy's home course is Royal Melbourne, Schwartzel will be a star this week, he was T3 last week in Japan.. Haas and Watney, 2 PC rookies are huge talents, but can chalk this 1st one up to experience..
MATCH 3 – Aaron Baddeley-Jason Day, International vs. Dustin Johnson-Matt Kuchar, U.S.
My pick... Internationals..in a tight one, but this all Aussie pairing in form and fired up at home gets the nod, although I expect Dustin Johnson, who will get Kuchar into position to hit mid to long irons into the par 5's to break through for a big week here.
MATCH 4 – Phil Mickelson-Jim Furyk, U.S. vs. Retief Goosen-Robert Allenby, International..
My pick Match halved..Phil and Robert have played in all the PC's, but both do not have their A or even B+ games coming in, Furyk had 2 poor weeks in Shanghai, and the Goose has dropped to 52 in the world. 4 guys, a ton of experience, out of form, should equal out over 18 holes.
(Mickelson and Furyk have made a combined 14 appearances in The Presidents Cup, playing 66 matches. Their opponents, Allenby and Goosen, have made a combined 10 Presidents Cup appearances, playing a combined 48 matches)
MATCH 5 – K.T. Kim-Y.E. Yang, International vs. Hunter Mahan-David Toms, U.S.
My pick... USA I like the South Koreans paired together and will be happy to be proved wrong here, but Toms is a great 4some partner, so steady and straight, and Mahan is the best player in this group.
MATCH 6 – Tiger Woods-Steve Stricker, U.S. vs. Adam Scott-K.J. Choi, International
My pick.. Internationals
It was ultimately decided to keep Woods with Stricker, a partnership that went undefeated two years ago at The Presidents Cup at Harding Park and let me say right here that the media is making way more of Tiger/Adam/Steve Williams than any of them are, they are all pals, the past crap is all done..but it will have everyone's attention.
Adam Scott is complete now that he believes in his putter, and his caddy and is the best player in the International side, nothing fazes KJ including the Tiger hoopla.
Tiger is hot, or is he ??..Stricker's form is a question mark, he didn't play any of the Far East swing.
Internationals 3.5 USA 2.5
As they say at the Olympics. " Let the games begin "
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Aussie Legend, Prez Cup captain Peter Thompson guides you through Royal Melbourne
Peter Thompson, Kal Nagle, Greg Norman are 3 of Australia's golfing Gods. and to take you around Royal Melbourne with intimate details I have Peter Thompson for you..
for a hole by hole critique click http://www.golfcanada.ca/professional-tours/pga-tour/?articleId=2235519
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
for a hole by hole critique click http://www.golfcanada.ca/professional-tours/pga-tour/?articleId=2235519
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Couples garners local favour, dresses squad in Aussie national colours
In case you didn't know, Australian National teams are known as the "Wallabies" (small kangaroo) and their national colours are green with gold trim, so when Freddie Couples and his US team showed up on the driving range earlier today dressed in green and gold shirts, there was a story behind it..
By Helen Ross, PGATOUR.COM
MELBOURNE, Australia — At 8:30 on Tuesday morning the 12 members of the U.S. Team assembled on the driving range at Royal Melbourne to have their official photos taken.
With the exception of a small American flag on the left sleeve of their shirts, though, the traditional red, white and blue was no where to be found. Instead, the U.S. team was clad in green shirts with gold trim — colors more closely associated with their hosts in Australia.
There was a method to Fred Couples’ madness, though, and a very good reason, at that.When the U.S. Captain came to Melbourne last year to meet with his International counterpart, Greg Norman, he was touched by the tales he heard about the flooding that swept through Victoria in March, 2010. So he hatched an idea to help raise money for local charities, as well as possibly curry favor with the partisan crowd.
Hence, the day’s deviation in colors. The Americans will autograph their shirts, which in turn will be auctioned off for charity beginning Thursday. The link will be available on PGATOUR.COM beginning on Thursday, and the auction will run until Saturday, Nov. 26.
The money raised will go to Australian football charities Ladder and Reclink. Ladder specifically tackles youth homelessness while Reclink provides sports and arts opportunities for disadvantages Australians.
Couples is pleased with the way the promotion has turned out. He’s hoping the shirts raise around 25,000-30,000 Australian dollars."I just had this idea of coming here, and hopefully to be quite honest, getting a few Aussies behind us and thinking we are pretty nice to come here and raise some money," Couples said. "So I got this idea to wear their colors today. Obviously it’s Tuesday. I would never do it during the tournament.We teed off early and a few people have noticed and made comments. We took team photos today, and a few players were a little bit mystified on why we are not wearing red, white and blue. So they know why, and it was my idea and it was just done to make a little extra money here."
Both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson said the gesture was “cool.” Woods said he knew the Australian national rugby team wears green and gold, especially during the Tri Nations and World Cup. He was just a little unnerved to be wearing white pants — "Haven’t done this I think since I was about eight," he said with a grin. "All of that is going to charity so that is fantastic,” Woods said. “We are trying to obviously do the right thing and trying to help out as many people as we possibly can.”
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
By Helen Ross, PGATOUR.COM
MELBOURNE, Australia — At 8:30 on Tuesday morning the 12 members of the U.S. Team assembled on the driving range at Royal Melbourne to have their official photos taken.
With the exception of a small American flag on the left sleeve of their shirts, though, the traditional red, white and blue was no where to be found. Instead, the U.S. team was clad in green shirts with gold trim — colors more closely associated with their hosts in Australia.
There was a method to Fred Couples’ madness, though, and a very good reason, at that.When the U.S. Captain came to Melbourne last year to meet with his International counterpart, Greg Norman, he was touched by the tales he heard about the flooding that swept through Victoria in March, 2010. So he hatched an idea to help raise money for local charities, as well as possibly curry favor with the partisan crowd.
Hence, the day’s deviation in colors. The Americans will autograph their shirts, which in turn will be auctioned off for charity beginning Thursday. The link will be available on PGATOUR.COM beginning on Thursday, and the auction will run until Saturday, Nov. 26.
The money raised will go to Australian football charities Ladder and Reclink. Ladder specifically tackles youth homelessness while Reclink provides sports and arts opportunities for disadvantages Australians.
Couples is pleased with the way the promotion has turned out. He’s hoping the shirts raise around 25,000-30,000 Australian dollars."I just had this idea of coming here, and hopefully to be quite honest, getting a few Aussies behind us and thinking we are pretty nice to come here and raise some money," Couples said. "So I got this idea to wear their colors today. Obviously it’s Tuesday. I would never do it during the tournament.We teed off early and a few people have noticed and made comments. We took team photos today, and a few players were a little bit mystified on why we are not wearing red, white and blue. So they know why, and it was my idea and it was just done to make a little extra money here."
Both Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson said the gesture was “cool.” Woods said he knew the Australian national rugby team wears green and gold, especially during the Tri Nations and World Cup. He was just a little unnerved to be wearing white pants — "Haven’t done this I think since I was about eight," he said with a grin. "All of that is going to charity so that is fantastic,” Woods said. “We are trying to obviously do the right thing and trying to help out as many people as we possibly can.”
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Schedule of play, when we will know pairings at Presidents Cup
Sometime later tonight or in the wee hours of Wednesday morning I will have the captains picks for Thursday's 6 foursome matches. In the Presidents Cup, unlike the Ryder Cup, the captains and their assistants sit across the table from each other and make the picks on the fly.
I believe Greg Norman gets the advantage of picking second first, then it alternates.
Here is the schedule of play.. (all times ET)
Wednesday, November 16 9 p.m.-2 a.m. (GOLF / live coverage) 6 Foursomes
Thursday, November 17 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (GOLF / tape-delayed)
7:30 p.m.-2 a.m. (GOLF / live coverage) 6 Fourballs
Friday, November 18 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (GOLF / tape-delayed)
3 p.m.-2 a.m. (GOLF / live coverage) 6 Foursomes, 6 Fourballs
Saturday, November 19 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (NBC / tape-delayed)
6:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. (GOLF / live coverage) 12 singles
Sunday, November 20 12-6 p.m. (NBC / tape-delayed)
Australian WWOS.....Presidents Cup captains Greg Norman and Fred Couples will on Wednesday pick their pairings for Thursday's opening day of the tournament at Royal Melbourne.
The first day of competition features six foursomes matches, in which each team's pairs take alternate shots playing the same ball.
The US have dominated the alternate-shot format in past meetings, a key to their historic overall dominance of the Internationals, who have won just once in eight previous clashes.
The International team have the added hurdle of trying to unite players from four countries, with five Australians, three South Africans, three South Koreans and Japan's Ryo Ishikawa grouped against the United States.
The three Koreans and Ishikawa have all been assigned interpreters, which Norman said added a layer of work to bonding as a team, which began with a dinner on Monday night."I got up and made a little speech to try to get everybody comfortable. But even when you make a speech, you've got to be a little bit more thoughtful in your word process, because you're going through an interpreter," Norman said. Those are the things that make it a lot more difficult for me, because when you have experienced teams with communication, it's like, hey, now these guys know how to go out as a team and work and operate."
Ishikawa did not arrive in Australia until late on Tuesday, which Norman said was not ideal, but something the team had to deal with.
Veteran South African Ernie Els, a Presidents Cup regular, said teaming with Australians was a great experience, given the two nations were so often fierce sporting rivals."We give each other quite a hard time away from the course, which is great too, everybody's got a great sense of humour," Els said.
He said the South African and Australian players were happy to make light of the other country's recent sporting failures, with the Wallabies' rugby World Cup quarter-final elimination of South Africa one topic which Els said "still burns a bit".
But Els got his own back by bringing up the Australian cricket team's dismal effort in being bowled out for 47 in their recent Test loss to the Proteas."The (Australian) boys were quite quiet about that one, but I've brought it up a couple of times," he said."Especially to Geoff (Ogilvy). Geoff is a good one, he likes to rub it in, Geoff is a good chirper
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
I believe Greg Norman gets the advantage of picking second first, then it alternates.
Here is the schedule of play.. (all times ET)
Wednesday, November 16 9 p.m.-2 a.m. (GOLF / live coverage) 6 Foursomes
Thursday, November 17 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (GOLF / tape-delayed)
7:30 p.m.-2 a.m. (GOLF / live coverage) 6 Fourballs
Friday, November 18 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (GOLF / tape-delayed)
3 p.m.-2 a.m. (GOLF / live coverage) 6 Foursomes, 6 Fourballs
Saturday, November 19 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (NBC / tape-delayed)
6:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. (GOLF / live coverage) 12 singles
Sunday, November 20 12-6 p.m. (NBC / tape-delayed)
Australian WWOS.....Presidents Cup captains Greg Norman and Fred Couples will on Wednesday pick their pairings for Thursday's opening day of the tournament at Royal Melbourne.
The first day of competition features six foursomes matches, in which each team's pairs take alternate shots playing the same ball.
The US have dominated the alternate-shot format in past meetings, a key to their historic overall dominance of the Internationals, who have won just once in eight previous clashes.
The International team have the added hurdle of trying to unite players from four countries, with five Australians, three South Africans, three South Koreans and Japan's Ryo Ishikawa grouped against the United States.
The three Koreans and Ishikawa have all been assigned interpreters, which Norman said added a layer of work to bonding as a team, which began with a dinner on Monday night."I got up and made a little speech to try to get everybody comfortable. But even when you make a speech, you've got to be a little bit more thoughtful in your word process, because you're going through an interpreter," Norman said. Those are the things that make it a lot more difficult for me, because when you have experienced teams with communication, it's like, hey, now these guys know how to go out as a team and work and operate."
Ishikawa did not arrive in Australia until late on Tuesday, which Norman said was not ideal, but something the team had to deal with.
Veteran South African Ernie Els, a Presidents Cup regular, said teaming with Australians was a great experience, given the two nations were so often fierce sporting rivals."We give each other quite a hard time away from the course, which is great too, everybody's got a great sense of humour," Els said.
He said the South African and Australian players were happy to make light of the other country's recent sporting failures, with the Wallabies' rugby World Cup quarter-final elimination of South Africa one topic which Els said "still burns a bit".
But Els got his own back by bringing up the Australian cricket team's dismal effort in being bowled out for 47 in their recent Test loss to the Proteas."The (Australian) boys were quite quiet about that one, but I've brought it up a couple of times," he said."Especially to Geoff (Ogilvy). Geoff is a good one, he likes to rub it in, Geoff is a good chirper
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
US outranks Internationals at Presidents Cup
Fred Couples may be up against a team of fired up Aussies playing on a Royal Melbourne course that was the scene of the only US defeat in 1998, and by 9 points at that, but if world rankings need be fodder for his pre match pep talk, he has plenty of it.
10 Americans are in the world's new top 25, to only 5 Internationals.
1 (1) Luke Donald 54 10.326
2 (2) Rory McIlroy 50 7.548
3 (3) Lee Westwood 44 7.490
4 (4) Martin Kaymer 51 7
5 (6) Steve Stricker 41 5.911
6 (5) Dustin Johnson 51 5.880
7 (8) Adam Scott 49 5.581
8 (7) Jason Day9 (10) Webb Simpson 54 5.258
10 (9) Matt Kuchar 53 5.143
11 (12) Nick Watney 51 5.126
12 (11) Phil Mickelson 47 5.084
13 (13) Charl Schwartzel 54 4.829
14 (14) Graeme McDowell 54 4.702
15 (15) K.J. Choi 54 4.639
16 (16) Justin Rose 54 4.220
17 (17) Bubba Watson 48 4.047
18 (18) Sergio Garcia 47 4.039
19 (19) Hunter Mahan 54 3.944
20 (21) David Toms 50 3.824
21 (20) Paul Casey 49 3.798
22 (22) Bill Haas 54 3.680
23 (23) Bo Van Pelt 54 3.589
24 (24) Kyung-Tae Kim 54 3.585
25 (25) Ian Poulter 49 3.513
While the top 4, all members of the European Ryder Cup team stay the same, Tiger Woods has moved up to #50, while Ernie Els has dropped out for the first time since 1994 at 52 and Retief Goosen has dropped to 51, both great warriors but in my opinion cause for concern for captain Norman.
click here for complete world rankings
http://www.espn.co.uk/golf/sport/player/rankings.html?type=3
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
10 Americans are in the world's new top 25, to only 5 Internationals.
1 (1) Luke Donald 54 10.326
2 (2) Rory McIlroy 50 7.548
3 (3) Lee Westwood 44 7.490
4 (4) Martin Kaymer 51 7
5 (6) Steve Stricker 41 5.911
6 (5) Dustin Johnson 51 5.880
7 (8) Adam Scott 49 5.581
8 (7) Jason Day9 (10) Webb Simpson 54 5.258
10 (9) Matt Kuchar 53 5.143
11 (12) Nick Watney 51 5.126
12 (11) Phil Mickelson 47 5.084
13 (13) Charl Schwartzel 54 4.829
14 (14) Graeme McDowell 54 4.702
15 (15) K.J. Choi 54 4.639
16 (16) Justin Rose 54 4.220
17 (17) Bubba Watson 48 4.047
18 (18) Sergio Garcia 47 4.039
19 (19) Hunter Mahan 54 3.944
20 (21) David Toms 50 3.824
21 (20) Paul Casey 49 3.798
22 (22) Bill Haas 54 3.680
23 (23) Bo Van Pelt 54 3.589
24 (24) Kyung-Tae Kim 54 3.585
25 (25) Ian Poulter 49 3.513
While the top 4, all members of the European Ryder Cup team stay the same, Tiger Woods has moved up to #50, while Ernie Els has dropped out for the first time since 1994 at 52 and Retief Goosen has dropped to 51, both great warriors but in my opinion cause for concern for captain Norman.
click here for complete world rankings
http://www.espn.co.uk/golf/sport/player/rankings.html?type=3
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Monday, November 14, 2011
Q School, second stage, Rutledge leads Champions Tour Q School.
Second stage of Q School for the PGA, and the final stage for the Champions Tour gets underway tomorrow, November 15 across the US and we have 26 Canucks involved trying to move on and get their tour cards, and 3 in the Champions Tour.
Remember, Canadians who get through this stage will qualify for the final stage in Florida, November 30-December 5th at PGA West
In years gone by I have tracked them all for you myself, and listed all their scores each night.This year with the Presidents Cup taking up a lot of my time, I have hooked up to my broadcast partner, Bob Weeks Scoregolf site where you can click below for the daily updates, and I will add my observations, opinion.
click here to track Canadians at Q School....http://scoregolf.com/articles/news/2011/october/pga-tour-q-school-tracker
*****UPDATE Thursday Nov. 17 *****
Brad Fritsch of Manotick, Ont., and Will Mitchell of Whitby are T2 after 2 rounds at the TPC Craig Ranch in Texas
Stuart Anderson and Ryan Yip are -5 ,T3 at Bear Creek GC out in Murietta, California, and Richard T Lee is a shot back T6 at -4 after the opening round.
In Plantation, Florida, Mitch Gillis of Williams Lake BC is T1 at -7 after round 1
Jim Rutledge leads the field at -9 after 2 rounds of the Champions Tour Q School at TPC Scottsdale
*****UPDATE Friday November 18,2011***
Several Canucks are in good shape after 3 rounds of Q school including Jim Rutledge who is T3 at Champions Q school. Richard Scott is now T4 in Humble, Texas, James Love T3 and Chris Baryla T19 in McKinney Texas.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Remember, Canadians who get through this stage will qualify for the final stage in Florida, November 30-December 5th at PGA West
In years gone by I have tracked them all for you myself, and listed all their scores each night.This year with the Presidents Cup taking up a lot of my time, I have hooked up to my broadcast partner, Bob Weeks Scoregolf site where you can click below for the daily updates, and I will add my observations, opinion.
click here to track Canadians at Q School....http://scoregolf.com/articles/news/2011/october/pga-tour-q-school-tracker
*****UPDATE Thursday Nov. 17 *****
Brad Fritsch of Manotick, Ont., and Will Mitchell of Whitby are T2 after 2 rounds at the TPC Craig Ranch in Texas
Stuart Anderson and Ryan Yip are -5 ,T3 at Bear Creek GC out in Murietta, California, and Richard T Lee is a shot back T6 at -4 after the opening round.
In Plantation, Florida, Mitch Gillis of Williams Lake BC is T1 at -7 after round 1
Jim Rutledge leads the field at -9 after 2 rounds of the Champions Tour Q School at TPC Scottsdale
*****UPDATE Friday November 18,2011***
Several Canucks are in good shape after 3 rounds of Q school including Jim Rutledge who is T3 at Champions Q school. Richard Scott is now T4 in Humble, Texas, James Love T3 and Chris Baryla T19 in McKinney Texas.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Broadcast schedule for Presidents Cup
Remember 10am Sunday is 6pm Saturday (-16hrs) ET, so all of your live viewing will be in prime time ET, the evening before, Golf Channel /NBC will carry it all, but beware the tape-delayed will be old news by the time you see it, especially Sunday 12-6 on NBC.
THE PRESIDENTS CUP BROADCAST TIMES
DOMESTIC US NETWORKS (all times ET)
Wednesday, November 16 9 p.m.-2 a.m. (GOLF / live coverage)
Thursday, November 17 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (GOLF / tape-delayed)
7:30 p.m.-2 a.m. (GOLF / live coverage)
Friday, November 18 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (GOLF / tape-delayed)
3 p.m.-2 a.m. (GOLF / live coverage)
Saturday, November 19 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (NBC / tape-delayed)
6:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. (GOLF / live coverage) Sunday singles live
Sunday, November 20 12-6 p.m. (NBC / tape-delayed)
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
THE PRESIDENTS CUP BROADCAST TIMES
DOMESTIC US NETWORKS (all times ET)
Wednesday, November 16 9 p.m.-2 a.m. (GOLF / live coverage)
Thursday, November 17 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (GOLF / tape-delayed)
7:30 p.m.-2 a.m. (GOLF / live coverage)
Friday, November 18 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (GOLF / tape-delayed)
3 p.m.-2 a.m. (GOLF / live coverage)
Saturday, November 19 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (NBC / tape-delayed)
6:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. (GOLF / live coverage) Sunday singles live
Sunday, November 20 12-6 p.m. (NBC / tape-delayed)
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Royal Melbourne superintendent calling for "wind and warmth"
I can highly recommend PGA TOUR NEWS by Ron Mintz as a great source for news and opinion collated from sources around the world, with of course opinion from Ron himself. Here is an article from his site written in Sky News.com.au
Having spent two years giving Royal Melbourne a facelift, course superintendent Richard Forsyth is waiting on the weather to bring out its true character in the Presidents Cup.
Local knowledge proved handy when the event was previously at Royal Melbourne in 1998, as an International team including four Australians thrashed the United States, in what remains their only victory.
But the adverse effect of drought conditions that followed prompted the resurfacing of all fairways, greens, tees and surrounds in the two years leading up to the prestigious teams event, which starts on Thursday.
Forsyth said while the remedial work was not purely for the Presidents Cup, knowledge that it was coming added to the pressure.'We're dealing with fairly immature grasses, but overall we're reasonably happy with how it is,' Forsyth told AAP on Monday.
Now he wants wind and warmth - ideally a strong northerly - to speed up and add to the challenge on the greens, which were softened by recent wet weather.'It's starting to dry up now and firm up nicely, so I think by Thursday we should be having real Royal Melbourne conditions, I hope,' said Forsyth.
Repeatedly ranked among the best courses in the world, Royal Melbourne's 6,397m composite layout is short by modern standards and includes four par-fours that are 350m or less in length.
But Forsyth said the shorter holes could be the most interesting.
The 161m par three third, which has a severely sloping green and the 401m par four fourth, which has a dog-legged fairway and significant slope on the putting surface are the course's 'signature holes'.
But Forsyth's favourite is the shortest par four, the 285m sixth.'You probably can drive the green,' he said.'But if they miss the green, it's going to be very interesting in terms of recovery shots.'There's a very steep run-off and bunkers are quite deep and severe.'
The 304m par-four 11th poses a similar question of whether to gamble for glory, the matchplay-style Cup format adding drama to that dilemma.
Local knowledge should again help the International team, which contains five Australians plus non-playing captain Greg Norman.But the course was quickly winning over American first-timers.
Webb Simpson, the USA's youngest team member at 26, was only early in his practice round when he declared it 'my new favourite golf course'.
Veteran Steve Stricker, 44, was similarly complimentary, with both noting the tricky greens.'It's not an overly long course. It plays longer though at times because you can't hit a lot of drivers,' Stricker said.'It's great, it's probably one of the best courses I've played really.'Visually it looks good and it plays well too.'
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Having spent two years giving Royal Melbourne a facelift, course superintendent Richard Forsyth is waiting on the weather to bring out its true character in the Presidents Cup.
Local knowledge proved handy when the event was previously at Royal Melbourne in 1998, as an International team including four Australians thrashed the United States, in what remains their only victory.
But the adverse effect of drought conditions that followed prompted the resurfacing of all fairways, greens, tees and surrounds in the two years leading up to the prestigious teams event, which starts on Thursday.
Forsyth said while the remedial work was not purely for the Presidents Cup, knowledge that it was coming added to the pressure.'We're dealing with fairly immature grasses, but overall we're reasonably happy with how it is,' Forsyth told AAP on Monday.
Now he wants wind and warmth - ideally a strong northerly - to speed up and add to the challenge on the greens, which were softened by recent wet weather.'It's starting to dry up now and firm up nicely, so I think by Thursday we should be having real Royal Melbourne conditions, I hope,' said Forsyth.
Repeatedly ranked among the best courses in the world, Royal Melbourne's 6,397m composite layout is short by modern standards and includes four par-fours that are 350m or less in length.
But Forsyth said the shorter holes could be the most interesting.
The 161m par three third, which has a severely sloping green and the 401m par four fourth, which has a dog-legged fairway and significant slope on the putting surface are the course's 'signature holes'.
But Forsyth's favourite is the shortest par four, the 285m sixth.'You probably can drive the green,' he said.'But if they miss the green, it's going to be very interesting in terms of recovery shots.'There's a very steep run-off and bunkers are quite deep and severe.'
The 304m par-four 11th poses a similar question of whether to gamble for glory, the matchplay-style Cup format adding drama to that dilemma.
Local knowledge should again help the International team, which contains five Australians plus non-playing captain Greg Norman.But the course was quickly winning over American first-timers.
Webb Simpson, the USA's youngest team member at 26, was only early in his practice round when he declared it 'my new favourite golf course'.
Veteran Steve Stricker, 44, was similarly complimentary, with both noting the tricky greens.'It's not an overly long course. It plays longer though at times because you can't hit a lot of drivers,' Stricker said.'It's great, it's probably one of the best courses I've played really.'Visually it looks good and it plays well too.'
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
Sunday, November 13, 2011
" All the President's Men " how the 2 teams played this weekend
Captains Fred Couples and Greg Norman have been watching their respective teams closely for a while now, so here is how their guys did this weekend.
USA Team
Matt Kuchar MC, Aussie Open
1st Presidents Cup appearance
Steve Stricker DNP
4th Presidents Cup appearance
Dustin Johnson T38 +1 Aussie Open
1st Presidents Cup appearance
Webb Simpson DNP
1st Presidents Cup appearance
Nick Watney T4 -8 Aussie Open
1st Presidents Cup appearance
Phil Mickelson T37 Singapore
9th Presidents Cup appearance
Bubba Watson T12 -6 Aussie Open
1st Presidents Cup appearance
David Toms T38 +1 Aussie Open
4th Presidents Cup appearance
Hunter Mahan WD Shoulder Aussie Open
3rd Presidents Cup appearance
Jim Furyk DNP
7th Presidents Cup appearance
Tiger Woods 3rd, -11 Aussie Open
7th Presidents Cup appearance
Bill Haas T29 -1 Aussie Open
1st Presidents Cup appearance
Worries ?... Furyk's, Kuchar, Tom's form, Stricker neck, Mahan shoulder,
International Team
Jason Day T4 -9 Aussie Open
1st Presidents Cup appearance
Adam Scott T4 -9 Aussie Open
5th Presidents Cup appearance
Charl Schwartzel T3 -10 Japan
1st Presidents Cup appearance
K.J. Choi DNP
3rd Presidents Cup appearance
Kyung-tae Kim T15 -7 Japan
1st Presidents Cup appearance
Retief Goosen T46 -4 Singapore
6th Presidents Cup appearance
Geoff Ogilvy T4 -9
3rd Presidents Cup appearance
Ernie Els T23 -6 Singapore
7th Presidents Cup appearance
Y.E. Yang T23 -6 Singapore
2nd Presidents Cup appearance
Ryo Ishikawa T7 -9 Japan
2nd Presidents Cup appearance
Robert Allenby MC Aussie Open
6th Presidents Cup appearance
Aaron Baddeley T8 -8 Aussie Open
1st Presidents Cup appearance
Worries ?... Allenby, Goosen, Els form...
Personal.. Ryo Ishikawa has the Japanese press all a tither with word that he has a girlfriend, and she is rumoured to be pregnant. He has a presser on Tuesday...
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
USA Team
Matt Kuchar MC, Aussie Open
1st Presidents Cup appearance
Steve Stricker DNP
4th Presidents Cup appearance
Dustin Johnson T38 +1 Aussie Open
1st Presidents Cup appearance
Webb Simpson DNP
1st Presidents Cup appearance
Nick Watney T4 -8 Aussie Open
1st Presidents Cup appearance
Phil Mickelson T37 Singapore
9th Presidents Cup appearance
Bubba Watson T12 -6 Aussie Open
1st Presidents Cup appearance
David Toms T38 +1 Aussie Open
4th Presidents Cup appearance
Hunter Mahan WD Shoulder Aussie Open
3rd Presidents Cup appearance
Jim Furyk DNP
7th Presidents Cup appearance
Tiger Woods 3rd, -11 Aussie Open
7th Presidents Cup appearance
Bill Haas T29 -1 Aussie Open
1st Presidents Cup appearance
Worries ?... Furyk's, Kuchar, Tom's form, Stricker neck, Mahan shoulder,
International Team
Jason Day T4 -9 Aussie Open
1st Presidents Cup appearance
Adam Scott T4 -9 Aussie Open
5th Presidents Cup appearance
Charl Schwartzel T3 -10 Japan
1st Presidents Cup appearance
K.J. Choi DNP
3rd Presidents Cup appearance
Kyung-tae Kim T15 -7 Japan
1st Presidents Cup appearance
Retief Goosen T46 -4 Singapore
6th Presidents Cup appearance
Geoff Ogilvy T4 -9
3rd Presidents Cup appearance
Ernie Els T23 -6 Singapore
7th Presidents Cup appearance
Y.E. Yang T23 -6 Singapore
2nd Presidents Cup appearance
Ryo Ishikawa T7 -9 Japan
2nd Presidents Cup appearance
Robert Allenby MC Aussie Open
6th Presidents Cup appearance
Aaron Baddeley T8 -8 Aussie Open
1st Presidents Cup appearance
Worries ?... Allenby, Goosen, Els form...
Personal.. Ryo Ishikawa has the Japanese press all a tither with word that he has a girlfriend, and she is rumoured to be pregnant. He has a presser on Tuesday...
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
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