So Hunter Mahan spoiled Rory's coronation with his 2 and 1 win, a very deserving win based on his play all week and as he said afterward " I put this new putter in my bag, got hot with it halfway through the week and managed to ride it out "
* Sponsored by PING who had the week of their lives with 3 of the 4 finalists all wearing their logo, none bigger than Mahan's, only Rory didn't use their equipment, he is with Titleist. Mark Wilson edged Lee Westwood 1up in the consolation all PING final.
* I immediately sent a text to his coach, Sean Foley, another great success for the "professor".
* Dove Mountain resort boasts 350 days of sunshine a year !!
* latest world rankings click http://www.officialworldgolfranking.com/rankings/default.sps?region=world No change in the top 4 Luke, Rory, Lee, Martin but Mahan moves up to #9.
* Americans have won the first 8 events of the PGA tour this year, a first since 2001.
* Robert Allenby, who led by two going to the last hole at the Mayakoba Golf Classic only to hit his drive into the trees, double bogey the hole and eventually lose in an eight-hole playoff to rookie John Huh. I don't know what was crazier: That Allenby squandered the lead, that Huh made eight straight pars in the playoff to win, or that it's not even the longest playoff in TOUR history. That honor went to the 1949 Motor City Open, when Cary Middlecoff and Lloyd Mangrum were declared co-winners after 11 extra holes. It was only Huh's 5th start on the PGA tour... Pretty good huh ??
* Stephen Ames T16 AT -6 closed with 69 and David Hearn went out in 29, but spoiled a great round with bogey, double but still shot 66 to T49
* Yani Tseng just missed making the 4 woman playoff by a shot, In the end Angela Stanford won the HSBC
Women's Championship in Singapore with a par on the third playoff hole over Jenny Shin...No Canucks made the trip.
* Donald Trump has purchased the Blue Monster at Doral for $150m. In typical Trump style he has announced the course will be extensively renovated after the 2013 WGC tournament.
* Weir, Ames, DeLaet and Hearn join a strong field this week at the Honda Classic, Rory, Tiger, Lee, YE and Mark Wilson are all playing on the course with the famous closing holes called the Bear Trap.
* Hunter Mahan got married last year.... to a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader.... he's off this week... off the course that is......
* My pal Lorne Rubenstein has a winter home in the Palm Beach area, home of this week's Honda Classic and today he writes that it’s a home for many of the players, including Tiger Woods, Keegan Bradley, Dustin Johnson, Ernie Els, and Canada’s David Hearn, who has a home in nearby Delray Beach. Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Rickie Fowler and Hank Kuehne, Nick Price and Gary Player have long had homes in the area.
* Mahan's win brings up the debate of who is the best American golfer.. highest ranked are 5.Stricker 6 Simpson 7 Johnson 9 Mahan.. Mickelson is now #11. I say school is still out, but agree with Mahan who says Rory is the world's best. by far..
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at www.isr1050.com
Monday, February 27, 2012
Canadian Tour returns to Windsor
Canadian Tour Re-establishes Windsor Roseland Charity Classic
(Windsor, Ont., February 27, 2012) - The Canadian Tour is proud to announce it has partnered with the City of Windsor, Ontario and Roseland Golf Club to bring the Canadian Tour back to Windsor. The Windsor Roseland Charity Classic was re-introduced today at a gathering of nearly 100 at Roseland Golf Club, which has recently undergone an extensive renovation.
From 1979 until 1991 the Windsor Roseland Charity Classic was a mainstay on the Canadian Tour circuit. Past Champions include future Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Jerry Anderson, Windsor native Matt Cole and recent European Senior Tour Q-School graduate Ken Tarling.
"Windsor is pleased to be welcoming the Charity Classic back to our great city and further we applaud the partnership between the Canadian Tour and Roseland Golf & Curling Club. Windsor is ready to welcome golf fans to a renowned Donald Ross designed course and looks forward to showcasing our tourism infrastructure with them." said Mayor Eddie Francis.
The Windsor Roseland Charity Classic will be played on the par 70 6900-yard Donald Ross layout beginning August 13-19, 2012. The event will be the only official Pro Am on the Canadian Tour circuit for 2012 and will include 128 amateurs and 128 professionals.
"We are thrilled to have the Windsor Roseland Charity Classic back on the schedule for 2012," commented Canadian Tour Commissioner, Rick Janes. "The support from the community for the Tour Championship last season was phenomenal and we expect that to continue with the re-establishment of the once great Windsor Roseland Charity Classic," added Janes.
The Canadian Tour is steeped in history dating back to the 1970's and has boosted a number of great alumni that have gone on to do great things in the world of golf. Those names include Canadian golf icons, Mike Weir, George Knudson, Dave Barr, Al Balding, Dan Halldorson, Bob Panasik, Richard Zokol, Stephen Ames, Ian Leggatt, and more recently David Hearn, Graham Delaet and Matt McQuillan. In addition to the great Canadain's to have played the Canadian Tour a number of international and American players have also graced the fairways of the Canadian Tour. They include major champions Todd Hamilton and Michael Campbell as well as top ranked players such as Steve Stricker, Chris DiMarco, Paul Casey, Tim Clark and Nick Watney.
The economic impact of a Canadian Tour event is in the range of $800,000 to $1.6 million depending on the community. The most important element of a Canadian Tour event however is its impact for local charities. In 2011 Canadian Tour events raised just over $250,000 for various local charities.
For more information contact:
Scott Pritchard
Canadian Professional Golf Tour
Director, Business Development & Communications
spritchard@cantour.com
905-815-9756 Ext. 480
(Windsor, Ont., February 27, 2012) - The Canadian Tour is proud to announce it has partnered with the City of Windsor, Ontario and Roseland Golf Club to bring the Canadian Tour back to Windsor. The Windsor Roseland Charity Classic was re-introduced today at a gathering of nearly 100 at Roseland Golf Club, which has recently undergone an extensive renovation.
From 1979 until 1991 the Windsor Roseland Charity Classic was a mainstay on the Canadian Tour circuit. Past Champions include future Canadian Golf Hall of Famer Jerry Anderson, Windsor native Matt Cole and recent European Senior Tour Q-School graduate Ken Tarling.
"Windsor is pleased to be welcoming the Charity Classic back to our great city and further we applaud the partnership between the Canadian Tour and Roseland Golf & Curling Club. Windsor is ready to welcome golf fans to a renowned Donald Ross designed course and looks forward to showcasing our tourism infrastructure with them." said Mayor Eddie Francis.
The Windsor Roseland Charity Classic will be played on the par 70 6900-yard Donald Ross layout beginning August 13-19, 2012. The event will be the only official Pro Am on the Canadian Tour circuit for 2012 and will include 128 amateurs and 128 professionals.
"We are thrilled to have the Windsor Roseland Charity Classic back on the schedule for 2012," commented Canadian Tour Commissioner, Rick Janes. "The support from the community for the Tour Championship last season was phenomenal and we expect that to continue with the re-establishment of the once great Windsor Roseland Charity Classic," added Janes.
The Canadian Tour is steeped in history dating back to the 1970's and has boosted a number of great alumni that have gone on to do great things in the world of golf. Those names include Canadian golf icons, Mike Weir, George Knudson, Dave Barr, Al Balding, Dan Halldorson, Bob Panasik, Richard Zokol, Stephen Ames, Ian Leggatt, and more recently David Hearn, Graham Delaet and Matt McQuillan. In addition to the great Canadain's to have played the Canadian Tour a number of international and American players have also graced the fairways of the Canadian Tour. They include major champions Todd Hamilton and Michael Campbell as well as top ranked players such as Steve Stricker, Chris DiMarco, Paul Casey, Tim Clark and Nick Watney.
The economic impact of a Canadian Tour event is in the range of $800,000 to $1.6 million depending on the community. The most important element of a Canadian Tour event however is its impact for local charities. In 2011 Canadian Tour events raised just over $250,000 for various local charities.
For more information contact:
Scott Pritchard
Canadian Professional Golf Tour
Director, Business Development & Communications
spritchard@cantour.com
905-815-9756 Ext. 480
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Mahan wins Match Play,.. Summary of semi's, preview and results of final.
live scoring click http://www.worldgolfchampionships.com/leaderboards/current/r470/index.html
So Rory beat Lee 3 and 1 and Hunter beats Mark Wilson 2 and 1, both matches went to dormie 2 and were eventually conceded, but I made notes all the way this morning, and there were a lot of great shots, a cold shank and a very lucky bounce along the way.
McIlroy/ Westwood summary
Rory was 3 down after 4 holes, but won the 5th when Lee ended up against the collar, then Rory made a bomb from 35 feet to win the 6th, then won the 8th after a poor drive by Lee, to square the match.
Then at 9 Westwood miss hit a 3 wood off the tee but hit a beauty from 205 yards to 12 feet, Rory from 185 got inside him to 8 feet. Lee missed, Rory made to go 1 up at the turn.
Turning point for me was par 5 11th where Rory was wild out of bounds with his 2nd, however it bounced around the cactus, hit the cart path and ended up in a perfect lie off the green hole high. He made a beauty chip and putt for a 4, while Lee made his longer putt with a fist pump for 4 as well, it was Rory still 1 up... dodged a big bullet.
Rory then made another long putt at the par 3 12th to go 2 up, then blistered a 3wood to get on the par 5 13th in 2 while Lee's hooked drive lodged in the back of a lady's sweater prompting his caddy to aske her to "walk with it towards the green !" 2 putts for Rory to go 3up
While Lee drove the par 4 15th to make an eagle, he was still 2 down with 3 to play and eventually conceded on the 17th after a gust knocked down his 9 iron approach short of the green, a clumsy chip 10 feet past, missed putt... shake Rory's hand.... 3 and 1..
Mahan / Wilson summary
Meanwhile Scotland lost 23-16 to France in Paris in a hard fought Home International rugby match, as I watched Hunter Mahan survive a cold shank of a wedge on the 5th but he made the turn 2 up.
10 was a highlight as Hunter played a 140 yard fairway bunker shot to 4 feet, Mark Wilson then chipped in from the rough 40 feet short of the green for 3, Hunter made his 4 footer to stay 2 up...
Turning point.. after winning the par 3 12th to reduce Mahan's lead to 1 Wilson had a 12 footer to square the match at 13 after Hunter had thinned his bunker shot to the back of the green, He missed as Mahan rolled his eyes in disbelief, and that was as close as Wilson got. He eventually conceded on the 17th, losing 2 and 1
This afternoon it's Westwood vs Wilson in the consolation match and McIlroy vs Mahan in the championship match, each over 18 holes..
Lee Westwood vs Mark Wilson
I say.. Lee seemed upbeat in his interview after his match with Rory, he was 4 under for 17 holes, and seemed to work out his driver which got ragged in the middle of the match. He played well but Rory made 6 birdies in 8 holes from 5 -12 to get 3 up. Mark was good in his match,but missed a few like the 13th that he had been making all week and he will have trouble handling Westwood's power this afternoon in the all PING match.
RESULT...Mark Wilson wins 1up
Rory McIlroy vs Hunter Mahan
I say.. Now that Rory has made it to the final, and come back from 3 down to beat Lee I can't help but think he will be free to turn loose the dogs this afternoon, and I think Hunter who has been superb all week will do well to get this match past the 16 green.. Rory has too many guns blazing after that slow start at 7.30am this morning.
RESULT.. Mahan wins 2 and 1
Bryan Angus also a twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
So Rory beat Lee 3 and 1 and Hunter beats Mark Wilson 2 and 1, both matches went to dormie 2 and were eventually conceded, but I made notes all the way this morning, and there were a lot of great shots, a cold shank and a very lucky bounce along the way.
McIlroy/ Westwood summary
Rory was 3 down after 4 holes, but won the 5th when Lee ended up against the collar, then Rory made a bomb from 35 feet to win the 6th, then won the 8th after a poor drive by Lee, to square the match.
Then at 9 Westwood miss hit a 3 wood off the tee but hit a beauty from 205 yards to 12 feet, Rory from 185 got inside him to 8 feet. Lee missed, Rory made to go 1 up at the turn.
Turning point for me was par 5 11th where Rory was wild out of bounds with his 2nd, however it bounced around the cactus, hit the cart path and ended up in a perfect lie off the green hole high. He made a beauty chip and putt for a 4, while Lee made his longer putt with a fist pump for 4 as well, it was Rory still 1 up... dodged a big bullet.
Rory then made another long putt at the par 3 12th to go 2 up, then blistered a 3wood to get on the par 5 13th in 2 while Lee's hooked drive lodged in the back of a lady's sweater prompting his caddy to aske her to "walk with it towards the green !" 2 putts for Rory to go 3up
While Lee drove the par 4 15th to make an eagle, he was still 2 down with 3 to play and eventually conceded on the 17th after a gust knocked down his 9 iron approach short of the green, a clumsy chip 10 feet past, missed putt... shake Rory's hand.... 3 and 1..
Mahan / Wilson summary
Meanwhile Scotland lost 23-16 to France in Paris in a hard fought Home International rugby match, as I watched Hunter Mahan survive a cold shank of a wedge on the 5th but he made the turn 2 up.
10 was a highlight as Hunter played a 140 yard fairway bunker shot to 4 feet, Mark Wilson then chipped in from the rough 40 feet short of the green for 3, Hunter made his 4 footer to stay 2 up...
Turning point.. after winning the par 3 12th to reduce Mahan's lead to 1 Wilson had a 12 footer to square the match at 13 after Hunter had thinned his bunker shot to the back of the green, He missed as Mahan rolled his eyes in disbelief, and that was as close as Wilson got. He eventually conceded on the 17th, losing 2 and 1
This afternoon it's Westwood vs Wilson in the consolation match and McIlroy vs Mahan in the championship match, each over 18 holes..
Lee Westwood vs Mark Wilson
I say.. Lee seemed upbeat in his interview after his match with Rory, he was 4 under for 17 holes, and seemed to work out his driver which got ragged in the middle of the match. He played well but Rory made 6 birdies in 8 holes from 5 -12 to get 3 up. Mark was good in his match,but missed a few like the 13th that he had been making all week and he will have trouble handling Westwood's power this afternoon in the all PING match.
RESULT...Mark Wilson wins 1up
Rory McIlroy vs Hunter Mahan
I say.. Now that Rory has made it to the final, and come back from 3 down to beat Lee I can't help but think he will be free to turn loose the dogs this afternoon, and I think Hunter who has been superb all week will do well to get this match past the 16 green.. Rory has too many guns blazing after that slow start at 7.30am this morning.
RESULT.. Mahan wins 2 and 1
Bryan Angus also a twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Semi-finals previews, live scoring for the Accenture World Matchplay.
live scoring click here.. http://www.worldgolfchampionships.com/leaderboards/current/r470/index.html
Play in the semi finals has just begun, remember the guys play both the semi's and the final today, both over 18 holes. Here are my previews with notes from pgatour.com and my analysis.
Once the final is set I will be back on to preview it as well.
61 Hunter Mahan vs. Mark Wilson
Wilson certainly has been at the top of his game this week at Dove Mountain. He's been as opportunistic this week as Mahan has been explosive. I think Mark is going to hit a lot of fairways, a lot of greens," Mahan said. "He's a steady, consistent player. He's playing well now. It would be fun to play against a Ping guy in Arizona. That will be exciting.
Wilson hasn't trailed since the fifth hole of his first round match with Bo Van Pelt, a stretch of 57 holes. Every hole I'm out there trying to make as low a score as possible, without taking on much risk,"
He credits the change in outlook to his work with sports psychologist Bob Rotella.
"I came to him and said there's some things in my swing I don't like," Wilson recalled. "Do I need to just step away from the game and focus hard on those and get those in place? And he looked at me like, no, when you decide that what you have now is good enough, that's when you'll succeed. And all of a sudden, I started practicing less and lo and behold I played better
Mahan has gone 40 straight holes without trailing, dating back to the third hole of his win over Y.E. Yang.The red-hot Mahan has made 22 birdies, two of which were conceded, in his last three matches. Mahan has relied on a brilliant short game this week. He's using Ping's Nome putter for the first time and he's found it easier to keep the ball on line. The work he's done on his chipping in the last year or so has also paid dividends.
"It's been a steady process getting my swing more consistent, a better understanding of such things," Mahan said. "And my short game has come around, which is going to help a lot. ... If I can get up and down and make a few putts, I'm going to have a good week. It's been pretty consistent so far this year, I will keep improving there."
I say..Like the jockey who gives up a mount he has won on, for another he thinks is just better when the big race comes along. I am changing horses. All week I have picked Wilson and no matter what happens this has been a great week for him, but I am picking Hunter today. First he drives the ball better, second he has fallen in love with his new Ping Nome putter, third he is just red hot this week, and fourth I like the way he has travelled the world to play over the last 4 months, down to Australia at the end of 2011, then out to the middle east earlier this year. Travelling with and playing against the world's best in different country's, conditions and courses not only makes him a better player, but a better person, and this year we are seeing a more grown up, experienced Hunter Mahan.
RESULT.. Mahan wins 2 and 1
62 Rory McIlroy vs. Lee Westwood
"My priorities this year were to win major championships and win World Golf Championships because I haven't ever won any," Westwood said simply. "You want to win the big tournaments where the best players are playing and I've given myself a great chance early in the year to do that."
Westwood, who had never advanced past the second round in 11 previous Accenture Match Play Championship appearances, is now in the semifinals after disposing of Martin Laird 4 and 2 in Saturday's final match
McIlroy, who at 22 would be the youngest winner of any World Golf Championship, said the reason he wanted to tee it up against Westwood is simple. "You want to try to beat the best players," he said. "This is why we practice. This is why we work so hard."
McIlroy prevailed in a tight match with PGA TOUR rookie Sang-moon Bae that ended in a 3-and-2 decision.
An interesting sidebar is that Rory left Chubby Chandler's agency last year and Chandler is still Lee's agent and close friend although Westwood was quick to point out that had no bearing on their continued friendship. "We don't spend as much time together as we did when we were in the same management group, but that's understandable," Westwood said with a shrug. "Rory doesn't want to spend time with the people that manage me, and I don't want to spend time with the people that manage Rory."
I say..We are down to the real short strokes now, these 2 should provide some breath taking shots today, I was just on air (tsn1050radio, International Sports Report) and picked Lee over Rory only because I think Rory is a little more volatile, more likely to put one in the desert and make a big number than Lee who is driving it superbly, and is the better of the two overall from tee to green. Remember this is over 18 holes, so mistakes are magnified. Also from a human standpoint Lee is 38, Rory 22 and will have many more of these opportunities ahead, Lee not so many..
RESULT..Rory wins 3 and 1
***PING are the big winners today with Wilson, Mahan and Westwood all using their equipment, Rory of course plays Titleist. Ping has it's world HQ close by in Phoenix..
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Play in the semi finals has just begun, remember the guys play both the semi's and the final today, both over 18 holes. Here are my previews with notes from pgatour.com and my analysis.
Once the final is set I will be back on to preview it as well.
61 Hunter Mahan vs. Mark Wilson
Wilson certainly has been at the top of his game this week at Dove Mountain. He's been as opportunistic this week as Mahan has been explosive. I think Mark is going to hit a lot of fairways, a lot of greens," Mahan said. "He's a steady, consistent player. He's playing well now. It would be fun to play against a Ping guy in Arizona. That will be exciting.
Wilson hasn't trailed since the fifth hole of his first round match with Bo Van Pelt, a stretch of 57 holes. Every hole I'm out there trying to make as low a score as possible, without taking on much risk,"
He credits the change in outlook to his work with sports psychologist Bob Rotella.
"I came to him and said there's some things in my swing I don't like," Wilson recalled. "Do I need to just step away from the game and focus hard on those and get those in place? And he looked at me like, no, when you decide that what you have now is good enough, that's when you'll succeed. And all of a sudden, I started practicing less and lo and behold I played better
Mahan has gone 40 straight holes without trailing, dating back to the third hole of his win over Y.E. Yang.The red-hot Mahan has made 22 birdies, two of which were conceded, in his last three matches. Mahan has relied on a brilliant short game this week. He's using Ping's Nome putter for the first time and he's found it easier to keep the ball on line. The work he's done on his chipping in the last year or so has also paid dividends.
"It's been a steady process getting my swing more consistent, a better understanding of such things," Mahan said. "And my short game has come around, which is going to help a lot. ... If I can get up and down and make a few putts, I'm going to have a good week. It's been pretty consistent so far this year, I will keep improving there."
I say..Like the jockey who gives up a mount he has won on, for another he thinks is just better when the big race comes along. I am changing horses. All week I have picked Wilson and no matter what happens this has been a great week for him, but I am picking Hunter today. First he drives the ball better, second he has fallen in love with his new Ping Nome putter, third he is just red hot this week, and fourth I like the way he has travelled the world to play over the last 4 months, down to Australia at the end of 2011, then out to the middle east earlier this year. Travelling with and playing against the world's best in different country's, conditions and courses not only makes him a better player, but a better person, and this year we are seeing a more grown up, experienced Hunter Mahan.
RESULT.. Mahan wins 2 and 1
62 Rory McIlroy vs. Lee Westwood
"My priorities this year were to win major championships and win World Golf Championships because I haven't ever won any," Westwood said simply. "You want to win the big tournaments where the best players are playing and I've given myself a great chance early in the year to do that."
Westwood, who had never advanced past the second round in 11 previous Accenture Match Play Championship appearances, is now in the semifinals after disposing of Martin Laird 4 and 2 in Saturday's final match
McIlroy, who at 22 would be the youngest winner of any World Golf Championship, said the reason he wanted to tee it up against Westwood is simple. "You want to try to beat the best players," he said. "This is why we practice. This is why we work so hard."
McIlroy prevailed in a tight match with PGA TOUR rookie Sang-moon Bae that ended in a 3-and-2 decision.
An interesting sidebar is that Rory left Chubby Chandler's agency last year and Chandler is still Lee's agent and close friend although Westwood was quick to point out that had no bearing on their continued friendship. "We don't spend as much time together as we did when we were in the same management group, but that's understandable," Westwood said with a shrug. "Rory doesn't want to spend time with the people that manage me, and I don't want to spend time with the people that manage Rory."
I say..We are down to the real short strokes now, these 2 should provide some breath taking shots today, I was just on air (tsn1050radio, International Sports Report) and picked Lee over Rory only because I think Rory is a little more volatile, more likely to put one in the desert and make a big number than Lee who is driving it superbly, and is the better of the two overall from tee to green. Remember this is over 18 holes, so mistakes are magnified. Also from a human standpoint Lee is 38, Rory 22 and will have many more of these opportunities ahead, Lee not so many..
RESULT..Rory wins 3 and 1
***PING are the big winners today with Wilson, Mahan and Westwood all using their equipment, Rory of course plays Titleist. Ping has it's world HQ close by in Phoenix..
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Weir's passport mix up compromises his play at Mayakoba..
First Weirsy gets the snub at Riviera, their two time champion not good enough apparently, then he gets an invite from the good people at Mayakoba, but you need a passport to get into Mexico. That's where his trouble began.
"UPS lost his passport in their Louisville depot (UPS systems were down so they couldn't track for several days). The passport should have gotten to Mike last week. The package was found on Wednesday at 2pm. Mike flew to Louisville to pick up the package, then flew to Cancun arriving almost at midnight." this from IMG.
So Mike gets to bed at 1am, up the next morning with no practice round or course familiarity, shoots 79, 78 to miss the cut along with Matt McQuillan who improved yesterday by 14 shots 82,68.
Now Mike definitely has other problems on the course, the worst of them being his balky driver, but this week's passport screw up certainly didn't help.
Meanwhile Stephen Ames is T14 and David Hearn T27. Here are their scores.
T14 3 84 Stephen Ames -3 F* -1 info 69 70 139
T27 18 71 David Hearn -1 F 2 info 68 73 141
CUT 208 Matt McQuillan 82 68 150
CUT 208 Mike Weir 79 78 157
There is a 3 way tie for the lead at this Mayakoba Golf Classic at -8. Bruce Summerhays, Will Claxton and Greg Owen.
live scoreboard http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboards/current/r457/
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
"UPS lost his passport in their Louisville depot (UPS systems were down so they couldn't track for several days). The passport should have gotten to Mike last week. The package was found on Wednesday at 2pm. Mike flew to Louisville to pick up the package, then flew to Cancun arriving almost at midnight." this from IMG.
So Mike gets to bed at 1am, up the next morning with no practice round or course familiarity, shoots 79, 78 to miss the cut along with Matt McQuillan who improved yesterday by 14 shots 82,68.
Now Mike definitely has other problems on the course, the worst of them being his balky driver, but this week's passport screw up certainly didn't help.
Meanwhile Stephen Ames is T14 and David Hearn T27. Here are their scores.
T14 3 84 Stephen Ames -3 F* -1 info 69 70 139
T27 18 71 David Hearn -1 F 2 info 68 73 141
CUT 208 Matt McQuillan 82 68 150
CUT 208 Mike Weir 79 78 157
There is a 3 way tie for the lead at this Mayakoba Golf Classic at -8. Bruce Summerhays, Will Claxton and Greg Owen.
live scoreboard http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboards/current/r457/
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Quarter-final match previews, live scoring and results at Accenture Match Play
Friday provided more surprises as this WGC Accenture Match Play moves into quarter-final Saturday.
Sang-moon Bae is the biggest surprise, Although well known and respected in Asia he has now beat Poulter, Schwartzel and Henden to get a match with McIlroy today, and trust me Rory had best bring his A game, Bae has nothing to lose.
Mark Wilson as I expected was too steady for DJ, but 4 and 3 was a surprise, as was the 4 and 3 win by Matt Kuchar over Martin Kaymer, and for that matter 5 and 3 by Peter Hanson over Brandt Snedeker, but really that is the nature of 18 holes of virtual sudden death, and the nature of pro golf now, where any of these guys can win on any given week, never mind any given day..
So enjoy today's quarters, because tomorrow there are just 2 matches then Sunday just the one, so it can get a little less exciting especially since the McIlroy vs Westwood match up for world #1 would happen in the semi's, not the final.
Here again are the match previews from pgatour.com along with my analysis and picks in bold
* update.... I went 4-0 with my picks for the quarter finals..
live scoring, full bracket http://www.worldgolfchampionships.com/leaderboards/current/r470/
Match Time (ET) Player Player Bracket
57 12:05 p.m. 9. Peter Hanson vs 10. Mark Wilson Jones
Match Play records: Hanson 5-4, Wilson 4-1
Neither Wilson nor Hanson has seen the 18th hole this week and the Swede has yet to trail in any of his three matches. Hanson, who lost in the first round the last two years, feels like he's been something of a slow starter. So the five-time European Tour winner has opted for a different approach this week because he feels match play is more of a sprint than stroke play where the focus is to be in the hunt on Sunday. Toward that end, Hanson has tried to fire himself up by playing music -- loud -- before each of his matches and it's worked. Hanson has won at least one of the first two holes in all three matches. While Hanson is playing in the Accenture for the fifth time, this week marks Wilson's second appearance. "Match play is a new thing for me," said Wilson, who did lose to Tiger Woods in the championship of the 1992 U.S. Junior Am. "I've definitely felt a little more comfortable each day." Wilson, who won the Humana Challenge last month, says he played his best golf in his first match with Bo Van Pelt. "Since then I haven't scored as well, but my opponents have given me holes,' said Wilson, who was 4 up on Dustin Johnson through seven holes on Friday.. "I played a little more tentative on purpose. I'm happy to be here and advancing and see what we can do tomorrow."
I say.. Wilson has been my pick all along this week so I am sticking with him for all the reasons I've stated. Big Peter will be a tough win the way he's been playing this week, but I've seen him play well before like this, then come up with a stinker when it counted, either way Wilson says he's been winning without being at his best, that's dangerous news for the field.
RESULT..Wilson wins 4 and 3
58 12:20 p.m. 4. Matt Kuchar vs 6. Hunter Mahan Hogan
Match Play records: Kuchar 9-2, Mahan 6-4
The two Americans are well-acquainted with each other after playing together on the most recent U.S. Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup teams. Mahan says Kuchar "never seems to get that angry on the golf course, just kind of ho-hums it and he just kind of laughs and smiles while he's stepping on your heart." Mahan has been the more explosive of the two. Part of the credit there goes to his switch this week to the Ping Nome putter that has less offset and helps him to have better aim. Friday was Mahan's best ball-striking round, too, as he hit 80 percent of his fairways and 83 percent of his greens in regulation. Kuchar, who finished third a year ago, is as steady as they come and has only trailed in two of the 49 holes he's played this week. He's hit 32 of 49 greens in regulation and found all but eight fairways in 38 holes. Kuchar was relentless in beating the world No. 4 Martin Kaymer on Friday. "All in all, I feel like my game is in good form. I just wanted to play a few extra holes to familiarize myself with them." he said after playing the last 3 holes by himself.
I say.. this should go down as a tie ! However the 3 best drivers of the ball left are Hunter, Westwood and Rory, so in looking for the tiniest of edges I will go with Mahan over the smiling assassin.
RESULT.. Mahan wins 6 and 5
59 2:05 p.m. 1. Rory McIlroy vs 11. Sang-moon Bae Player
Match Play records: McIlroy 8-3, Bae 3-0
Bae may be a PGA TOUR rookie while McIlroy is making his 2012 debut in the United States. The two won't need to be introduced on the first tee, though. They were paired together in the final round of the 2009 Korean Open -- which Bae ended up winning, shooting a 67 to McIlroy's 72. "I was really impressed with him," McIlroy recalled. "... He's been very impressive this week taking down (Ian) Poulter and Charl (Schwartzel), two of the best players. McIlroy, though, feels like he played his best golf of the week on Friday in beating Miguel Angel Jimenez. He never trailed against the gritty Spaniard and McIlroy was particularly pleased with his performance on the closing segment. " I hit a lot of quality shots," McIlroy said. "I still hit a couple of loose ones, but for the most part I felt like I drove the ball great. I hit a lot of iron shots close to the pin. I was really pleased when I had to hit good shots coming down the stretch ... I was able to produce them." Bae said the Accenture was his first-ever match play event but he seems to have gotten the hang of things quickly.
I say.. Bae is just the surprise of the tournament, his stock on the PGA tour has sky rocketed, his 1 up win over a very hot John Senden another example. However surely he has met his Waterloo today against Rory.. hasn't he ??
RESULT ..McIlroy wins 3 and 2
60 2:20 p.m. 1. Lee Westwood vs 10. Martin Laird Snead
Match Play records: Westwood 10-11, Laird 3-1
Westwood has applied pressure early in each of his first three matches -- winning the first two holes of his last two matches with birdies and two of the first three in his opener. Chalk that up to the "more aggressive attitude" Westwood has taken to the first tee. Not to mention, after halving his first hole on Wednesday with a par, Westood has been in front of his opponent for his next 48 holes. "I think the format dictates that you need to get off to a fight, really," Westwood said. Laird made his share on Friday, as well, in taking down his countryman Paul Lawrie. The Scotsman who now lives in Scottsdale, Ariz., practices in the desert so he knows the ball starts going farther as the temperatures heat up -- and with a 2:20 p.m. ET tee time on Saturday that could be a bonus. Laird also spent the last four days working with his coach and he feels like he's hitting the ball as well as he has in the last six or eight months.
I say... Laird is really playing well finishing Lawrie off on the 17th green yesterday, but I must admit Lee has the bit between his teeth and is firing on all cylinders. He is full of confidence and is the best player tee to green left. Unless his putter is cold he will prevail against the talented Scot
RESULT.. Westwood wins 4 and 2
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Sang-moon Bae is the biggest surprise, Although well known and respected in Asia he has now beat Poulter, Schwartzel and Henden to get a match with McIlroy today, and trust me Rory had best bring his A game, Bae has nothing to lose.
Mark Wilson as I expected was too steady for DJ, but 4 and 3 was a surprise, as was the 4 and 3 win by Matt Kuchar over Martin Kaymer, and for that matter 5 and 3 by Peter Hanson over Brandt Snedeker, but really that is the nature of 18 holes of virtual sudden death, and the nature of pro golf now, where any of these guys can win on any given week, never mind any given day..
So enjoy today's quarters, because tomorrow there are just 2 matches then Sunday just the one, so it can get a little less exciting especially since the McIlroy vs Westwood match up for world #1 would happen in the semi's, not the final.
Here again are the match previews from pgatour.com along with my analysis and picks in bold
* update.... I went 4-0 with my picks for the quarter finals..
live scoring, full bracket http://www.worldgolfchampionships.com/leaderboards/current/r470/
Match Time (ET) Player Player Bracket
57 12:05 p.m. 9. Peter Hanson vs 10. Mark Wilson Jones
Match Play records: Hanson 5-4, Wilson 4-1
Neither Wilson nor Hanson has seen the 18th hole this week and the Swede has yet to trail in any of his three matches. Hanson, who lost in the first round the last two years, feels like he's been something of a slow starter. So the five-time European Tour winner has opted for a different approach this week because he feels match play is more of a sprint than stroke play where the focus is to be in the hunt on Sunday. Toward that end, Hanson has tried to fire himself up by playing music -- loud -- before each of his matches and it's worked. Hanson has won at least one of the first two holes in all three matches. While Hanson is playing in the Accenture for the fifth time, this week marks Wilson's second appearance. "Match play is a new thing for me," said Wilson, who did lose to Tiger Woods in the championship of the 1992 U.S. Junior Am. "I've definitely felt a little more comfortable each day." Wilson, who won the Humana Challenge last month, says he played his best golf in his first match with Bo Van Pelt. "Since then I haven't scored as well, but my opponents have given me holes,' said Wilson, who was 4 up on Dustin Johnson through seven holes on Friday.. "I played a little more tentative on purpose. I'm happy to be here and advancing and see what we can do tomorrow."
I say.. Wilson has been my pick all along this week so I am sticking with him for all the reasons I've stated. Big Peter will be a tough win the way he's been playing this week, but I've seen him play well before like this, then come up with a stinker when it counted, either way Wilson says he's been winning without being at his best, that's dangerous news for the field.
RESULT..Wilson wins 4 and 3
58 12:20 p.m. 4. Matt Kuchar vs 6. Hunter Mahan Hogan
Match Play records: Kuchar 9-2, Mahan 6-4
The two Americans are well-acquainted with each other after playing together on the most recent U.S. Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup teams. Mahan says Kuchar "never seems to get that angry on the golf course, just kind of ho-hums it and he just kind of laughs and smiles while he's stepping on your heart." Mahan has been the more explosive of the two. Part of the credit there goes to his switch this week to the Ping Nome putter that has less offset and helps him to have better aim. Friday was Mahan's best ball-striking round, too, as he hit 80 percent of his fairways and 83 percent of his greens in regulation. Kuchar, who finished third a year ago, is as steady as they come and has only trailed in two of the 49 holes he's played this week. He's hit 32 of 49 greens in regulation and found all but eight fairways in 38 holes. Kuchar was relentless in beating the world No. 4 Martin Kaymer on Friday. "All in all, I feel like my game is in good form. I just wanted to play a few extra holes to familiarize myself with them." he said after playing the last 3 holes by himself.
I say.. this should go down as a tie ! However the 3 best drivers of the ball left are Hunter, Westwood and Rory, so in looking for the tiniest of edges I will go with Mahan over the smiling assassin.
RESULT.. Mahan wins 6 and 5
59 2:05 p.m. 1. Rory McIlroy vs 11. Sang-moon Bae Player
Match Play records: McIlroy 8-3, Bae 3-0
Bae may be a PGA TOUR rookie while McIlroy is making his 2012 debut in the United States. The two won't need to be introduced on the first tee, though. They were paired together in the final round of the 2009 Korean Open -- which Bae ended up winning, shooting a 67 to McIlroy's 72. "I was really impressed with him," McIlroy recalled. "... He's been very impressive this week taking down (Ian) Poulter and Charl (Schwartzel), two of the best players. McIlroy, though, feels like he played his best golf of the week on Friday in beating Miguel Angel Jimenez. He never trailed against the gritty Spaniard and McIlroy was particularly pleased with his performance on the closing segment. " I hit a lot of quality shots," McIlroy said. "I still hit a couple of loose ones, but for the most part I felt like I drove the ball great. I hit a lot of iron shots close to the pin. I was really pleased when I had to hit good shots coming down the stretch ... I was able to produce them." Bae said the Accenture was his first-ever match play event but he seems to have gotten the hang of things quickly.
I say.. Bae is just the surprise of the tournament, his stock on the PGA tour has sky rocketed, his 1 up win over a very hot John Senden another example. However surely he has met his Waterloo today against Rory.. hasn't he ??
RESULT ..McIlroy wins 3 and 2
60 2:20 p.m. 1. Lee Westwood vs 10. Martin Laird Snead
Match Play records: Westwood 10-11, Laird 3-1
Westwood has applied pressure early in each of his first three matches -- winning the first two holes of his last two matches with birdies and two of the first three in his opener. Chalk that up to the "more aggressive attitude" Westwood has taken to the first tee. Not to mention, after halving his first hole on Wednesday with a par, Westood has been in front of his opponent for his next 48 holes. "I think the format dictates that you need to get off to a fight, really," Westwood said. Laird made his share on Friday, as well, in taking down his countryman Paul Lawrie. The Scotsman who now lives in Scottsdale, Ariz., practices in the desert so he knows the ball starts going farther as the temperatures heat up -- and with a 2:20 p.m. ET tee time on Saturday that could be a bonus. Laird also spent the last four days working with his coach and he feels like he's hitting the ball as well as he has in the last six or eight months.
I say... Laird is really playing well finishing Lawrie off on the 17th green yesterday, but I must admit Lee has the bit between his teeth and is firing on all cylinders. He is full of confidence and is the best player tee to green left. Unless his putter is cold he will prevail against the talented Scot
RESULT.. Westwood wins 4 and 2
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Friday, February 24, 2012
Canadian Tour Announces Major Changes to 2012 Q School
(Oakville, Ont., - February 24, 2012) - The Canadian Tour announced its plans for 2012 Spring Qualifying School today. Canadian Tour Q-School will take place May 8-11 at The Country Club at Soboba Springs and Oak Valley Golf Club, in San Jacinto, California. Both courses have PGA TOUR pedigree with Soboba Springs hosting the Nationwide Tour's Soboba Golf Classic in April and Oak Valley having hosted second and first stages of PGA TOUR Qualifying school in years past.
"The decision to consolidate the Canadian Tour Q-School into a single competition was done for a number of reasons," stated Rick Janes, Commissioner of the Canadian Tour. "The first reason was to offer a maximum number of cards to the field and to move it closer to the start of the domestic Canadian Tour schedule," added Janes, who confirmed the season will kick off at the 28th playing of the Times Colonist Island Savings Open June 7-10, 2012.
A record total of 60 Canadian Tour cards will be awarded to top finishers regardless of field size, which will be capped at 264 players. This marks the first time since 1986 that the Canadian Tour has only offered one Q-School.
Play will be conducted on two tournament courses with each competitor playing both courses twice. Deadline for entries is set for May 2, 2012.
Canadian Tour Q-School graduates include a number of players that have gone on to make a name for them selves in the world of golf be it on the PGA TOUR or in Europe. Notables include PGA TOUR winner's Mike Weir, Ian Leggatt, Chris DiMarco, Steve Stricker, Todd Hamilton, Nathan Green, D.A. Points, Will MacKenzie, Kirk Triplett, Jason Bohn, Brendan Steele, Notah Begay and Tim Herron to name a few. A total of 172 Canadian Tour members have gone on to the PGA TOUR and additional 142 past members have gone on to the Nationwide Tour.
For more information please visit qschool.cantour.com or contact the Canadian Tour office at 1-877-CANTOUR (226-8687)
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
"The decision to consolidate the Canadian Tour Q-School into a single competition was done for a number of reasons," stated Rick Janes, Commissioner of the Canadian Tour. "The first reason was to offer a maximum number of cards to the field and to move it closer to the start of the domestic Canadian Tour schedule," added Janes, who confirmed the season will kick off at the 28th playing of the Times Colonist Island Savings Open June 7-10, 2012.
A record total of 60 Canadian Tour cards will be awarded to top finishers regardless of field size, which will be capped at 264 players. This marks the first time since 1986 that the Canadian Tour has only offered one Q-School.
Play will be conducted on two tournament courses with each competitor playing both courses twice. Deadline for entries is set for May 2, 2012.
Canadian Tour Q-School graduates include a number of players that have gone on to make a name for them selves in the world of golf be it on the PGA TOUR or in Europe. Notables include PGA TOUR winner's Mike Weir, Ian Leggatt, Chris DiMarco, Steve Stricker, Todd Hamilton, Nathan Green, D.A. Points, Will MacKenzie, Kirk Triplett, Jason Bohn, Brendan Steele, Notah Begay and Tim Herron to name a few. A total of 172 Canadian Tour members have gone on to the PGA TOUR and additional 142 past members have gone on to the Nationwide Tour.
For more information please visit qschool.cantour.com or contact the Canadian Tour office at 1-877-CANTOUR (226-8687)
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Round 3 previews, my predictionsand the results at Accenture Match Play
"Come on guys we've got to keep talkin'" said Sir Nick Faldo around 5.30pm yesterday when the TV crew including his in tower partner Terry Gannon covering for the GC and NBC sat in stunned silence as Tiger Woods completely missed the hole from 6 feet on the 18th, took off his hat and shook Nick Watney's hand after losing to the quiet American 1up.
So now we have 3 of the top 4 players in the world in today's 8 matches, but again as I have said for years, these guys are so focused on Tiger they do the rest of the tournament a complete disservice. The last 2 finals here have been all European Tour events with Poulter winning over Casey in 2010 and Donald over Kaymer last year while Tiger was in sex therapy....
In the aftermath of yesterday's round 2, we had just a ridiculous weighting of the coverage, analysis from Rich Lerner, Brandel Chamblee, Charlie Rymer, Tim Rosaforte etal on what was wrong with Tiger as usual, and from Kelly Tilghman a sorrowful, " we'll see Tiger next week at the Honda right here on the Golf Channel" as if to say, "Stay with us please folks, our guy will be back soon"..
Well as usual it just makes guys and there are many, like me glad Woods is back at his mansion on Jupiter Island, not because I don't like or admire him but because now we will finally get some unbiased coverage of the tournament, although I'm sure they have a Tiger package ready to serve up before today's coverage gets underway..
For those who still care here are today's matches from pgatour.com with my analysis in bold
Match Time (ET) Player Player Bracket
49 12:50 p.m. 1. Martin Kaymer vs 4. Matt Kuchar Hogan
Match Play records: Kaymer 9-4, Kuchar 8-2
Last year Kaymer reached the finals, while Kuchar reached the semifinals. Now one of them will suffer an earlier exit. Kaymer has not trailed after any of his 34 holes this week; Kuchar has not trailed after any of his 34 holes this week. Obviously something will have to give between two players who seem to thrive in this format. For the German, it's his second consecutive match against an American -- he beat David Toms 2 up in the second round. Although Kaymer and Kuchar were on opposite Ryder Cup squads in 2010, they did not face each other. But perhaps this is a precursor to this year's Ryder Cup. "It will be nice to play against him," Kaymer said. "He's a nice guy; he's always smiling. I think we'll have a good game tomorrow."
I say..I had Martin getting the boot by Toms yesterday, but he is playing like the Martin of old now and obviously has this course figured out, so I give him the nod over the very steady and talented Kuchar but it should be close.. extras very possible
RESULT..Kuchar wins 4 and 3
50 1:02 p.m. 2. Steve Stricker vs 6. Hunter Mahan Hogan
Match Play records: Stricker 12-8, Mahan 5-4
These two met in 2008 in the second round, with Stricker winning in 20 holes. "It was a lot of fun," Mahan remembered. If Mahan plays like he did on Thursday, it won't be a lot of fun for Stricker. Mahan reeled off six birdies in a seven-hole stretch in an easy win against Y.E. Yang while Stricker had to rally against Louis Oosthuizen, winning with a 21-foot putt at the last. "Good match play player," Stricker said of Mahan. "He's in every hole, doesn't hit it crooked ... It's tough playing a friend. You've got to put that friendship aside for a day and try to beat him."
I say .. Hunter, coached by my pal Sean Foley was very impressive yesterday, so in a tough pick I'll take him just on a bit better form right now than Steve..
RESULT..Mahan wins 4 and 3
51 1:14 p.m. 1. Lee Westwood vs 4. Nick Watney Snead
Match Play records: Westwood 9-11, Watney 6-2
It's uncharted territory for Westwood, who's playing in the third round for the first time in 12 Match Play starts. His reward is facing a player who has eliminated him in each of the past two years. Watney won 2 and 1 in 2010 and 1 up last year. But this is a different Westwood than in past visits to Tucson. Consider this: In 33 holes played, Westwood has been ahead after 32 of them and has never trailed. From the 12th hole on, his lead has been at least 2 up after every hole. "Obviously he's in form," Watney noted. "There may be a bit of revenge factor, I'm not sure. I know it's going to be a really difficult match." Said a confident Westwood: "I feel the way I'm playing I'll be tough to beat."
I say.. Lee really impressed me yesterday with his aggressive play, good driving, accurate approach play and solid putting, I think he is over the Arizona hump. He will need to be to beat a very good Watney.
RESULT.. Westwood wins 3 and 2
52 1:26 p.m. 10. Martin Laird vs 11. Paul Lawrie Snead
Match Play records: Laird 2-1, Lawrie 6-4
After Lawrie won the 1999 British Open, he was asked to speak to a group of about 30 Scottish kids. One of those was a 17-year-old Laird. "I don't remember Martin," Lawrie said. "... but he did tell me the story." Now the two Scots face off, the 43-year-old Lawrie from Aberdeen against the 29-year-old Laird from Glasgow. They've practiced together but have never been paired together in a tournament and don't really know each other that well. "I'm sure there won't be too much chatting going on tomorrow," Laird said. Even so ... "It should be good fun," Lawrie said. But Laird will need to put aside his admiration of Lawrie, who has made an unlikely run to the third round. "I remember looking up to him then, thinking this where I want to go," Laird recalled about that encounter a long time ago, in which Lawrie brought the Claret Jug for the kids to see. "I want to be holding the trophy like he is. And it's kind of funny now I'm playing him tomorrow right here in Arizona."
I say..Well in the old country, Glaswegians make fun of the chughters (choo-ghters, means something akin to hillbillies) from Aberdeen, but I know Martin Laird won't be making fun of one of his idols Paul Lawrie today. I have been picking Paul from the outset, so I'll stick with him today in a close one, he is in the form of his life..
RESULT.. Laird wins 3 and 1
53 1:38 p.m. 9. Peter Hanson vs 5. Brandt Snedeker Jones
Match Play records: Hanson 4-4, Snedeker 2-1
Snedeker and Hanson were paired together in the first two rounds at Muirfield Village in 2010. Hanson posted the better score in both rounds. Does that mean anything? Not really. But Snedeker is impressed by the Swede. "A great ball-striker," Snedeker said. "Probably one of the best out there. If he gets his putter working, he's pretty tough to beat." Of course, the same could be said for Sneds, who says his putting has been mediocre this year. "If I can get my putter going, just average, like it normally is, I should have a really good weekend."
I say.. Extra holes is what I say with the Huckleberry Finn of golf Brandt Snedeker edging Peter out. I never give Snedeker the credit he deserves when he is playing like he is, didn't pick him in the first 2 rounds, learned my lesson and will pick him today.
RESULT Hanson wins 5 and 3
54 1:50 p.m. 10. Mark Wilson vs 3. Dustin Johnson Jones
Match Play records: Wilson 3-1, Johnson 2-3
Wilson is tied for 159th in driving distance on the PGA TOUR this year; Johnson is seventh (and that's low for him). Johnson has already beaten two guys not known for their distance off the tee (Jim Furyk, Francesco Molinari) and now faces a third. But Wilson has been solid this week; he has yet to trail after any of his 32 holes. And last year, he beat Dustin in 19 holes. "He's a great match play player," Johnson said. "He's a good all-around player. It will be a tough match."
I say..As utterly impressive as DJ was yesterday hammering Francesco into an early submission, I am sticking to my guns on the style of player Mark Wilson is. Luke Donald is similar and he won it last year. You don't have to be a bomber here, just keep it in play, hit accurate irons to the right side of the greens and make a few putts. I pick Mark again, I just think he will make less mistakes than DJ
RESULT..Wilson wins 4 and 3
55 2:02 p.m. 1. Rory McIlroy vs 13. Miguel Angel Jimenez Player
Match Play records: McIlroy 7-3, Jimenez 11-10
McIlroy said he hasn't had his best stuff this week, but the fact that he's advanced this far is telling. "I'm confident that I can hang in there," McIlroy said. He'll have his hands full with the 48-year-old Spaniard, the oldest player in the field this week. Jimenez is one of six player who have not trailed in either of their first two matches. "I've been playing well," he said. If Jimenez goes on to win this week, he would be the oldest Match Play winner ... by 10 years.
I say.. What a delightful scalp for the "mechanic" yesterday, beating a redhot Keegan Bradley, that though will be the highlight of Miguel's week. Rory is heading for the world's number 1 slot, and will be too good for his Ryder Cup mate today.
RESULT.. McIlroy wins 3 and 1
56 2:14 p.m. 10. John Senden vs 11. Sang-moon Bae Player
Match Play records: Senden 2-1, Bae 2-0
Hold up your hand if you had this matchup on your bracket. Bae's a PGA TOUR rookie who has beaten a past Match Play champ (Ian Poulter) and the reigning Masters champ (Charl Schwartzel). His front nines have been messy -- six boeys, three birdies -- but he's been solid on the back side at the Ritz-Carlton course. Senden is making just his second Match Play appearance, but you can't overlook his solid play on the PGA TOUR this year. He ranks first in ball-striking, tied for second in total driving and third in scoring average.
I say.. Bae has surprised me with his poise, I never saw him play much before this week, he is good, however I have picked Senden all along and in his present form listed above I am staying with him until the next round..
RESULT..Bae wins 1 up
My record for today was 4-4
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
So now we have 3 of the top 4 players in the world in today's 8 matches, but again as I have said for years, these guys are so focused on Tiger they do the rest of the tournament a complete disservice. The last 2 finals here have been all European Tour events with Poulter winning over Casey in 2010 and Donald over Kaymer last year while Tiger was in sex therapy....
In the aftermath of yesterday's round 2, we had just a ridiculous weighting of the coverage, analysis from Rich Lerner, Brandel Chamblee, Charlie Rymer, Tim Rosaforte etal on what was wrong with Tiger as usual, and from Kelly Tilghman a sorrowful, " we'll see Tiger next week at the Honda right here on the Golf Channel" as if to say, "Stay with us please folks, our guy will be back soon"..
Well as usual it just makes guys and there are many, like me glad Woods is back at his mansion on Jupiter Island, not because I don't like or admire him but because now we will finally get some unbiased coverage of the tournament, although I'm sure they have a Tiger package ready to serve up before today's coverage gets underway..
For those who still care here are today's matches from pgatour.com with my analysis in bold
Match Time (ET) Player Player Bracket
49 12:50 p.m. 1. Martin Kaymer vs 4. Matt Kuchar Hogan
Match Play records: Kaymer 9-4, Kuchar 8-2
Last year Kaymer reached the finals, while Kuchar reached the semifinals. Now one of them will suffer an earlier exit. Kaymer has not trailed after any of his 34 holes this week; Kuchar has not trailed after any of his 34 holes this week. Obviously something will have to give between two players who seem to thrive in this format. For the German, it's his second consecutive match against an American -- he beat David Toms 2 up in the second round. Although Kaymer and Kuchar were on opposite Ryder Cup squads in 2010, they did not face each other. But perhaps this is a precursor to this year's Ryder Cup. "It will be nice to play against him," Kaymer said. "He's a nice guy; he's always smiling. I think we'll have a good game tomorrow."
I say..I had Martin getting the boot by Toms yesterday, but he is playing like the Martin of old now and obviously has this course figured out, so I give him the nod over the very steady and talented Kuchar but it should be close.. extras very possible
RESULT..Kuchar wins 4 and 3
50 1:02 p.m. 2. Steve Stricker vs 6. Hunter Mahan Hogan
Match Play records: Stricker 12-8, Mahan 5-4
These two met in 2008 in the second round, with Stricker winning in 20 holes. "It was a lot of fun," Mahan remembered. If Mahan plays like he did on Thursday, it won't be a lot of fun for Stricker. Mahan reeled off six birdies in a seven-hole stretch in an easy win against Y.E. Yang while Stricker had to rally against Louis Oosthuizen, winning with a 21-foot putt at the last. "Good match play player," Stricker said of Mahan. "He's in every hole, doesn't hit it crooked ... It's tough playing a friend. You've got to put that friendship aside for a day and try to beat him."
I say .. Hunter, coached by my pal Sean Foley was very impressive yesterday, so in a tough pick I'll take him just on a bit better form right now than Steve..
RESULT..Mahan wins 4 and 3
51 1:14 p.m. 1. Lee Westwood vs 4. Nick Watney Snead
Match Play records: Westwood 9-11, Watney 6-2
It's uncharted territory for Westwood, who's playing in the third round for the first time in 12 Match Play starts. His reward is facing a player who has eliminated him in each of the past two years. Watney won 2 and 1 in 2010 and 1 up last year. But this is a different Westwood than in past visits to Tucson. Consider this: In 33 holes played, Westwood has been ahead after 32 of them and has never trailed. From the 12th hole on, his lead has been at least 2 up after every hole. "Obviously he's in form," Watney noted. "There may be a bit of revenge factor, I'm not sure. I know it's going to be a really difficult match." Said a confident Westwood: "I feel the way I'm playing I'll be tough to beat."
I say.. Lee really impressed me yesterday with his aggressive play, good driving, accurate approach play and solid putting, I think he is over the Arizona hump. He will need to be to beat a very good Watney.
RESULT.. Westwood wins 3 and 2
52 1:26 p.m. 10. Martin Laird vs 11. Paul Lawrie Snead
Match Play records: Laird 2-1, Lawrie 6-4
After Lawrie won the 1999 British Open, he was asked to speak to a group of about 30 Scottish kids. One of those was a 17-year-old Laird. "I don't remember Martin," Lawrie said. "... but he did tell me the story." Now the two Scots face off, the 43-year-old Lawrie from Aberdeen against the 29-year-old Laird from Glasgow. They've practiced together but have never been paired together in a tournament and don't really know each other that well. "I'm sure there won't be too much chatting going on tomorrow," Laird said. Even so ... "It should be good fun," Lawrie said. But Laird will need to put aside his admiration of Lawrie, who has made an unlikely run to the third round. "I remember looking up to him then, thinking this where I want to go," Laird recalled about that encounter a long time ago, in which Lawrie brought the Claret Jug for the kids to see. "I want to be holding the trophy like he is. And it's kind of funny now I'm playing him tomorrow right here in Arizona."
I say..Well in the old country, Glaswegians make fun of the chughters (choo-ghters, means something akin to hillbillies) from Aberdeen, but I know Martin Laird won't be making fun of one of his idols Paul Lawrie today. I have been picking Paul from the outset, so I'll stick with him today in a close one, he is in the form of his life..
RESULT.. Laird wins 3 and 1
53 1:38 p.m. 9. Peter Hanson vs 5. Brandt Snedeker Jones
Match Play records: Hanson 4-4, Snedeker 2-1
Snedeker and Hanson were paired together in the first two rounds at Muirfield Village in 2010. Hanson posted the better score in both rounds. Does that mean anything? Not really. But Snedeker is impressed by the Swede. "A great ball-striker," Snedeker said. "Probably one of the best out there. If he gets his putter working, he's pretty tough to beat." Of course, the same could be said for Sneds, who says his putting has been mediocre this year. "If I can get my putter going, just average, like it normally is, I should have a really good weekend."
I say.. Extra holes is what I say with the Huckleberry Finn of golf Brandt Snedeker edging Peter out. I never give Snedeker the credit he deserves when he is playing like he is, didn't pick him in the first 2 rounds, learned my lesson and will pick him today.
RESULT Hanson wins 5 and 3
54 1:50 p.m. 10. Mark Wilson vs 3. Dustin Johnson Jones
Match Play records: Wilson 3-1, Johnson 2-3
Wilson is tied for 159th in driving distance on the PGA TOUR this year; Johnson is seventh (and that's low for him). Johnson has already beaten two guys not known for their distance off the tee (Jim Furyk, Francesco Molinari) and now faces a third. But Wilson has been solid this week; he has yet to trail after any of his 32 holes. And last year, he beat Dustin in 19 holes. "He's a great match play player," Johnson said. "He's a good all-around player. It will be a tough match."
I say..As utterly impressive as DJ was yesterday hammering Francesco into an early submission, I am sticking to my guns on the style of player Mark Wilson is. Luke Donald is similar and he won it last year. You don't have to be a bomber here, just keep it in play, hit accurate irons to the right side of the greens and make a few putts. I pick Mark again, I just think he will make less mistakes than DJ
RESULT..Wilson wins 4 and 3
55 2:02 p.m. 1. Rory McIlroy vs 13. Miguel Angel Jimenez Player
Match Play records: McIlroy 7-3, Jimenez 11-10
McIlroy said he hasn't had his best stuff this week, but the fact that he's advanced this far is telling. "I'm confident that I can hang in there," McIlroy said. He'll have his hands full with the 48-year-old Spaniard, the oldest player in the field this week. Jimenez is one of six player who have not trailed in either of their first two matches. "I've been playing well," he said. If Jimenez goes on to win this week, he would be the oldest Match Play winner ... by 10 years.
I say.. What a delightful scalp for the "mechanic" yesterday, beating a redhot Keegan Bradley, that though will be the highlight of Miguel's week. Rory is heading for the world's number 1 slot, and will be too good for his Ryder Cup mate today.
RESULT.. McIlroy wins 3 and 1
56 2:14 p.m. 10. John Senden vs 11. Sang-moon Bae Player
Match Play records: Senden 2-1, Bae 2-0
Hold up your hand if you had this matchup on your bracket. Bae's a PGA TOUR rookie who has beaten a past Match Play champ (Ian Poulter) and the reigning Masters champ (Charl Schwartzel). His front nines have been messy -- six boeys, three birdies -- but he's been solid on the back side at the Ritz-Carlton course. Senden is making just his second Match Play appearance, but you can't overlook his solid play on the PGA TOUR this year. He ranks first in ball-striking, tied for second in total driving and third in scoring average.
I say.. Bae has surprised me with his poise, I never saw him play much before this week, he is good, however I have picked Senden all along and in his present form listed above I am staying with him until the next round..
RESULT..Bae wins 1 up
My record for today was 4-4
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Thursday, February 23, 2012
PGA tour in Mexico, LPGA in Singapore....live scoring and who are the Canadians.
With all eyes on the Accenture Match Play in Arizona we do have some other golf going on and here's what and where and who our Canucks are..
PGA Tour
Mayakoba Golf Classic
El Camaleon · Riviera Maya, Mexico
Purse: $3.7 millionWinning Share: $666,000FedExCup Points: 250
The leader after round 1 is Will Claxton at -5 66, followed by 7 guys bunched at -4. This event has a real mix, it's a Greg Norman (79) design and he is making a rare PGA tour appearance, the likes of Tom Lehman, Nick Price, Joe Durant and Jose Marie Olazabal have all been invited down to this beautiful resort
.
It wasn't all beautiful for our Canucks and here are their scores.
T9 62 David Hearn -3 F* -3 68
T17 88 Stephen Ames -2 F -2 69
T124 211 Mike Weir 8 F 8 79
131 211 Matt McQuillan 11 F 11 82
tee times click http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/r457/tee-times.html
live scoring click http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboards/current/r457/
LPGA Tour
HSBC Women's Champions 2012
Tanah Merah CC, Garden course
Singapore
Round 2 is already in the books with Angela Stanford still leading 66 70 -8 and she is joined by Katie Futcher 69 67 -8 and Jenny Shin 69 67 -8
for a complete scoreboard click http://www.lpgascoring.com/public/Leaderboard.aspx
There are no Canadians in this field.
The Nationwide and Champions tours are off this week as is the Ladies European tour and the European Senior tour doesn't get going until May. The LPGA Futures tour gets going in late March.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
PGA Tour
Mayakoba Golf Classic
El Camaleon · Riviera Maya, Mexico
Purse: $3.7 millionWinning Share: $666,000FedExCup Points: 250
The leader after round 1 is Will Claxton at -5 66, followed by 7 guys bunched at -4. This event has a real mix, it's a Greg Norman (79) design and he is making a rare PGA tour appearance, the likes of Tom Lehman, Nick Price, Joe Durant and Jose Marie Olazabal have all been invited down to this beautiful resort
.
It wasn't all beautiful for our Canucks and here are their scores.
T9 62 David Hearn -3 F* -3 68
T17 88 Stephen Ames -2 F -2 69
T124 211 Mike Weir 8 F 8 79
131 211 Matt McQuillan 11 F 11 82
tee times click http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/r457/tee-times.html
live scoring click http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboards/current/r457/
LPGA Tour
HSBC Women's Champions 2012
Tanah Merah CC, Garden course
Singapore
Round 2 is already in the books with Angela Stanford still leading 66 70 -8 and she is joined by Katie Futcher 69 67 -8 and Jenny Shin 69 67 -8
for a complete scoreboard click http://www.lpgascoring.com/public/Leaderboard.aspx
There are no Canadians in this field.
The Nationwide and Champions tours are off this week as is the Ladies European tour and the European Senior tour doesn't get going until May. The LPGA Futures tour gets going in late March.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Round 2 matches, my predictions and results at WGC Match Play in Arizona
16 matches begin at 9.35am yesterday, with 32 of the guys are already gone to destinations around the world, here were my picks for the 32 that played. The preview is from pgatour.com with my thoughts under the heading.." I say.."
and then I have posted the final RESULT
My record in round 2 predictions was 8-8..
I must say it might be more intriguing if these first round matches were over 36 holes as they were for years at the World MatchPlay at Wentworth. It gives guys a chance to catch up if they have a few bad holes, and would be a better reflection of who was the better player. 18 holes is really a bit of a coin toss, albeit an exciting one..
ROUND 2 MATCHES
Match Time (ET) Player Player Bracket
33 9:25 a.m. 2. Steve Stricker vs 7. Louis Oosthuizen Hogan
Match Play records: Stricker 11-8, Oosthuizen 1-2
Wednesday marked the first time Oosthuizen had gotten past the first round in three starts at the Accenture Match Play Championship. He faces an experienced -- and confident -- player in Stricker, who won the season-opening Hyundai Tournament of Champions. Oosthuizen, though, also has a 2012 win under his belt at the Joberg Open.
I say : if the wind was blowing I'd pick Louis, a great wind player, however in this perfect desert air Stricker will have the edge
RESULT..Stricker wins 1 up
34 9:37 a.m. 14. Y.E. Yang vs 6. Hunter Mahan Hogan
Match Play records: Yang 5-3, Mahan 5-4
The opportunistic Yang never trailed in beating Graeme McDowell in Wednesday's duel of former major champions. Mahan, on the other hand, was 2 down through 5 holes but eventually forced sudden death with Zach Johnson, winning the 17th to square the match. Both had good runs at Dove Mountain a year ago, Yang taking it to the quarterfinals while Mahan lasted three rounds.
I say.. Yang has a steely quality about him that he has displayed time and time again under pressure (PGA, Presidents Cups), this will be close, but I'll give the nod to the South Korean
RESULT..Mahan wins 5 and 3
35 9:49 a.m. 15. Matteo Manassero vs 10. Martin Laird Snead
Match Play records: Manassero 3-1, Laird 1-1
The 18-year-old from Italy has proven something of a giant-killer in his two appearances at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, beating Steve Stricker and Charl Schwartzel a year ago and taking down world No. 6 Webb Simpson, who finished second in the FedExCup in 2011, on Wednesday. Laird, meanwhile, won a close one with Alvaro Quiros with neither player leading more than 1 up and the Scotsman winning with a 3-footer on the 18th hole.
I say .. Martin Laird's career is on the rise with his maiden PGA tour win last year at Bay Hill, and his move from Scotland to the States to live and play, however young Matteo is special, and fearless as the American audience is going to be reminded of again when he wins today.
RESULT.. Laird wins 2 and 1
36 10:01 a.m. 14. Ryo Ishikawa vs 11. Paul Lawrie Snead
Match Play records: Ryo Ishikawa 3-2, Lawrie 5-4
Ishikawa had to gain confidence from the way he beat Bill Haas, the reigning FedExCup champion who won the Northern Trust Open in a playoff Sunday. Haas was 3 up at the 13th hole Wednesday but Ishikawa won four of the next five with three birdies and a par. Lawrie hasn't played in the Accenture Match Play Championship since 2003 but the Scotsman, who won in Qatar earlier this month, wasted little time getting his sea legs in a hard-fought battle with Justin Rose.
I say.. despite Ryo's late heroics yesterday beating Haas, Paul Lawrie is playing some of the best golf of his career this year with a win and 4 top 10's, and he is one of my sleeper picks. He has always been hardest on himself, but his winning form has that under control right now..
RESULT.. Lawrie wins 1 up
37 10:13 a.m. 15. Robert Rock vs 10. Mark Wilson Jones
Match Play records: Rock 1-1, Wilson 2-1
Rock made a name for himself playing with Tiger Woods in the final round and winning at Abu Dhabi. He has to be pleased with the way he won his opener on Wednesday, too, getting his first lead against Adam Scott with consecutive birdies at Nos. 15 and 16 on the way to victory. But Wilson, who won the Humana Challenge earlier this year, was 6 under through 16 holes in his bogey-free match so he'll take to the first tee with confidence.
I say .. Robert is having the time of his life for the former club pro, who received a hand written letter of congratulations from Arnie after he beat Tiger and I picked him yesterday, but I fear the deadly accurate Mark Wilson will emerge victorious today, leaving Robert time to compose his reply to the King..
RESULT.. Wilson wins 3 and 2
38 10:25 a.m. 3. Dustin Johnson vs 11. Francesco Molinari Jones
Match Play records: Johnson 1-3, Molinari 1-2
Each of the two picked up their first career wins at the Accenture Match Play Championship on Wednesday. The big-hitting Johnson ended three years of futility when he rallied on the back nine to beat Jim Furyk with a par on the 20th hole. Molinari also needed extra holes against a veteran, beating Thomas Bjorn on the 20th hole when he holed a wedge for eagle from 79 feet.
I say.. DJ reminds me of Joe Bugner, the big, superbly talented British heavyweight of the 60's 70's who could have been world champion if he had any fire at all in his belly. He just seems to amble along, taking your breath away with his length and touch, but it never seems to bother him when he is getting his butt kicked... Still Francesco says he is putting poorly in a recent twitter and this course isn't the place to have a cold flat stick..DJ moves on.
RESULT.. Johnson wins 7 and 5
39 10:37 a.m. 2. Jason Day vs 10. John Senden Player
Match Play records: Day 3-1, Senden 1-1
Day should have the momentum after winning his last three holes against Rafael Cabrera-Bello to force sudden death and taking the victory with a 4-footer for birdie at the 19th hole. The other Aussie is extremely steady tee-to-green, though, and he ranks third in scoring average on TOUR right now.
I say... in this battle of Aussie's I am sticking with John Senden, who is down the Aussie pecking order from young Jason, but he has always been under rated in my books, his putter lets him down, but it is working these days, his ball striking always is... Jason was down and out yesterday but Cabrera-Bello let him off the hook.. Senden won't..
RESULT.. Senden wins 6 and 5
40 10:49 a.m. 3. Charl Schwartzel vs 11. Sang-moon Bae Player
Match Play records: Schwartzel 5-3, Bae 1-0
This is classic David vs. Goliath. Schwartzel is the defending Masters champ while Bae is a PGA TOUR rookie. That said, Bae proved himself on Wednesday as he never trailed in taking down the 2010 Accenture Match Play champion Ian Poulter. Schwartzel, though, had a similarly lopsided match against Gary Woodland.
I say.. Bae had best enjoy his win over Poulter yesterday because today he is up against one of my picks to get to the final four. Charl has taken his Masters green jacket all over the world to show it off, and he now carries himself like a champion should, both on and off the course..
RESULT.. Bae wins 1 up41 11:01 a.m. 1. Martin Kaymer vs 8. David Toms Hogan
Match Play records: Kaymer 8-4, Toms 24-9
Will this be a birdie fest? These two combined for 13 birdies in their first-round wins. Kaymer has won six of his last seven matches at the Ritz-Carlton course, but the German knows who the crowd favorite will be in his match. "I won't have a lot of friends here tomorrow," he said after Wednesday's first-round win. "But we'll be fine."
I say.. Toms is exactly the guy for this course, much like Mark Wilson, straight, accurate iron player, good long iron (hybrid) player and a decent putter. Martin has way more talent and he has been getting steadily better after a slow start to 2012, so this is a tough pick. Something inside of me says pick Toms in an upset..
RESULT.. Kaymer wins 2up
42 11:13 a.m. 4. Matt Kuchar vs 5. Bubba Watson Hogan
Match Play records: Kuchar 7-2, Watson 5-2
Both players lost in the semifinals last year, so it's a rematch of their consolation final, when Kuchar beat Watson 2 and 1. The big-hitting Watson was very pleased with his ball striking in the first round. "Bubba is a fantastic player and if he's on, he's going to be tough to beat," Kuchar said. "... I'm just going to plug along. I have got a steady game plan to try and hit fairways and greens."
I say... Matt Kuchar the smiling assassin, never fails to surprise me although he shouldn't after winning it all in 2010. Bubba can beat anyone, any day, unfortunately that includes himself, so I have to pick the steadier of the two, Matt K in a tight match..
RESULT.. Kuchar wins 3 and 2
43 11:25 a.m. 1. Lee Westwood vs 8. Robert Karlsson Snead
Match Play records: Westwood 8-11, Karlsson 3-6
It's the moment of Match Play truth for Westwood. Will he finally get past the second round in this event? He's never done so in 11 previous appearances, surprising for one of the world's best players. If Karlsson plays like he did in the first round, Westwood may not have much say in the matter. The Swede hit every green in regulation, the only player to do that Wednesday.
I say... I don't care how well Lee plays today, Karlsson was one of the surprises of the day yesterday, the question is will he do it again today, if he does nobody beats him. Lee is such a steady grinder early in the year, a notorious slow starter, I fear he won't see Friday here again this year..
RESULT.. Westwood wins 3 and 2
44 11:37 a.m. 4. Nick Watney vs 5. Tiger Woods Snead
Match Play records: Watney 5-2, Woods 33-8
Woods said he was having a tough time judging distances, something he will need to correct against his fellow American. Woods, a three-time winner of this event, obviously has a better track record, but Watney has more wins on this particular course (five to Tiger's two since 2009). Does that mean anything? Maybe not, but Watney must feel comfortable here.
I say... This one isn't tough for me, because Tiger was all over the lot yesterday, missing left and right with the driver, misjudging irons and missing putts and Gonzo said it all afterwards, " Today was the day to beat Tiger but I didn't "
Nick Watney is very steady talented player now, in the old days Tiger would completely intimidate the timid Watney, but should no longer..
RESULT.. Watney wins 1 up
45 11:49 a.m. 16. Ernie Els vs 9. Peter Hanson Jones
Match Play records: Els 11-11, Hanson 3-4
The Big Easy pulled off the biggest upset on Wednesday, knocking off defending champ Luke Donald. Now he'll go against Hanson, who is in the second round for just the second time in five Match Play starts. Both players were solid in the first round, but if Els can avoid the kind of putter issues that have plagued him recently, he'll be a tough out.
I say... Ernie, ERNIE, Ernie.. he's past the first round, but will face a sterner test from the under rated big Swede, however the main thing for me is that Ernie was making putts yesterday, the rest of his game is still fine..
RESULT.. Hansen wins 5 and 4
46 12:01 p.m. 13. Kyle Stanley vs 5. Brandt Snedeker Jones
Match Play records: Stanley 1-0, Snedeker 1-1
Ah, the drama these two cooked up at Torrey Pines, with Snedeker winning in a playoff against Stanley, who blew a three-shot lead on the 72nd hole. Of course, Stanley bounced back quickly the next week, winning at TPC Scottsdale. Obviously, the Arizona desert is his friend. While the Torrey Pines storyline is intriguing, it may not have much bearing on Thursday's match.
I say... this is a toss up although from a human point of view, it seems fitting that Kyle would beat Brandt today, so for that reason and no other I 'll pick him..
RESULT ..Snedeker wins 2 and 1
47 12:13 p.m. 1. Rory McIlroy vs 9. Anders Hansen Player
Match Play records: McIlroy 6-3, Hansen 2-5
McIlroy has been stopped the last two years in the second round, losing to Oliver Wilson in 2010 and Ben Crane last year. Can he avoid another Thursday takedown? He was shaky at the end in his first-round win, while Hansen finished up strong. With Luke Donald out of the equation, McIlroy could rise to world No. 1 by the end of the week.
I say.. I already have Martin and Lee ( two #1 seeds) bowing out today and will say right here that Rory can easily make it three against another under rated ( in North America) European tour veteran, who like Toms and Wilson is straight, accurate and decent on the greens... Rory was last off the practice range last night and should have solved the driver problem that cropped up late in yesterday's round, if he has he will win.
RESULT.. McIlroy wins 3 and 2
48 12:25 p.m. 13. Miguel Angel Jimenez vs 5. Keegan Bradley Player
Match Play records: Jimenez 10-10, Bradley 1-0
Bradley's confidence is soaring right now. He had six birdies and an eagle on a bogey-free Wednesday, and that comes off a dramatic effort at Riviera. And his game and demeanor just seems primed for match play success. Jimenez hasn't fared all that well in this event, although he did reach the quarterfinals last year.
I say.. Keegan Bradley looks like the class of the field this week. He is red hot after his loss in the playoff at Riviera, all aspects of his game are on display and I expect him to beat Miguel handily..
RESULT..Jimenez wins 2 and 1
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
and then I have posted the final RESULT
My record in round 2 predictions was 8-8..
I must say it might be more intriguing if these first round matches were over 36 holes as they were for years at the World MatchPlay at Wentworth. It gives guys a chance to catch up if they have a few bad holes, and would be a better reflection of who was the better player. 18 holes is really a bit of a coin toss, albeit an exciting one..
ROUND 2 MATCHES
Match Time (ET) Player Player Bracket
33 9:25 a.m. 2. Steve Stricker vs 7. Louis Oosthuizen Hogan
Match Play records: Stricker 11-8, Oosthuizen 1-2
Wednesday marked the first time Oosthuizen had gotten past the first round in three starts at the Accenture Match Play Championship. He faces an experienced -- and confident -- player in Stricker, who won the season-opening Hyundai Tournament of Champions. Oosthuizen, though, also has a 2012 win under his belt at the Joberg Open.
I say : if the wind was blowing I'd pick Louis, a great wind player, however in this perfect desert air Stricker will have the edge
RESULT..Stricker wins 1 up
34 9:37 a.m. 14. Y.E. Yang vs 6. Hunter Mahan Hogan
Match Play records: Yang 5-3, Mahan 5-4
The opportunistic Yang never trailed in beating Graeme McDowell in Wednesday's duel of former major champions. Mahan, on the other hand, was 2 down through 5 holes but eventually forced sudden death with Zach Johnson, winning the 17th to square the match. Both had good runs at Dove Mountain a year ago, Yang taking it to the quarterfinals while Mahan lasted three rounds.
I say.. Yang has a steely quality about him that he has displayed time and time again under pressure (PGA, Presidents Cups), this will be close, but I'll give the nod to the South Korean
RESULT..Mahan wins 5 and 3
35 9:49 a.m. 15. Matteo Manassero vs 10. Martin Laird Snead
Match Play records: Manassero 3-1, Laird 1-1
The 18-year-old from Italy has proven something of a giant-killer in his two appearances at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, beating Steve Stricker and Charl Schwartzel a year ago and taking down world No. 6 Webb Simpson, who finished second in the FedExCup in 2011, on Wednesday. Laird, meanwhile, won a close one with Alvaro Quiros with neither player leading more than 1 up and the Scotsman winning with a 3-footer on the 18th hole.
I say .. Martin Laird's career is on the rise with his maiden PGA tour win last year at Bay Hill, and his move from Scotland to the States to live and play, however young Matteo is special, and fearless as the American audience is going to be reminded of again when he wins today.
RESULT.. Laird wins 2 and 1
36 10:01 a.m. 14. Ryo Ishikawa vs 11. Paul Lawrie Snead
Match Play records: Ryo Ishikawa 3-2, Lawrie 5-4
Ishikawa had to gain confidence from the way he beat Bill Haas, the reigning FedExCup champion who won the Northern Trust Open in a playoff Sunday. Haas was 3 up at the 13th hole Wednesday but Ishikawa won four of the next five with three birdies and a par. Lawrie hasn't played in the Accenture Match Play Championship since 2003 but the Scotsman, who won in Qatar earlier this month, wasted little time getting his sea legs in a hard-fought battle with Justin Rose.
I say.. despite Ryo's late heroics yesterday beating Haas, Paul Lawrie is playing some of the best golf of his career this year with a win and 4 top 10's, and he is one of my sleeper picks. He has always been hardest on himself, but his winning form has that under control right now..
RESULT.. Lawrie wins 1 up
37 10:13 a.m. 15. Robert Rock vs 10. Mark Wilson Jones
Match Play records: Rock 1-1, Wilson 2-1
Rock made a name for himself playing with Tiger Woods in the final round and winning at Abu Dhabi. He has to be pleased with the way he won his opener on Wednesday, too, getting his first lead against Adam Scott with consecutive birdies at Nos. 15 and 16 on the way to victory. But Wilson, who won the Humana Challenge earlier this year, was 6 under through 16 holes in his bogey-free match so he'll take to the first tee with confidence.
I say .. Robert is having the time of his life for the former club pro, who received a hand written letter of congratulations from Arnie after he beat Tiger and I picked him yesterday, but I fear the deadly accurate Mark Wilson will emerge victorious today, leaving Robert time to compose his reply to the King..
RESULT.. Wilson wins 3 and 2
38 10:25 a.m. 3. Dustin Johnson vs 11. Francesco Molinari Jones
Match Play records: Johnson 1-3, Molinari 1-2
Each of the two picked up their first career wins at the Accenture Match Play Championship on Wednesday. The big-hitting Johnson ended three years of futility when he rallied on the back nine to beat Jim Furyk with a par on the 20th hole. Molinari also needed extra holes against a veteran, beating Thomas Bjorn on the 20th hole when he holed a wedge for eagle from 79 feet.
I say.. DJ reminds me of Joe Bugner, the big, superbly talented British heavyweight of the 60's 70's who could have been world champion if he had any fire at all in his belly. He just seems to amble along, taking your breath away with his length and touch, but it never seems to bother him when he is getting his butt kicked... Still Francesco says he is putting poorly in a recent twitter and this course isn't the place to have a cold flat stick..DJ moves on.
RESULT.. Johnson wins 7 and 5
39 10:37 a.m. 2. Jason Day vs 10. John Senden Player
Match Play records: Day 3-1, Senden 1-1
Day should have the momentum after winning his last three holes against Rafael Cabrera-Bello to force sudden death and taking the victory with a 4-footer for birdie at the 19th hole. The other Aussie is extremely steady tee-to-green, though, and he ranks third in scoring average on TOUR right now.
I say... in this battle of Aussie's I am sticking with John Senden, who is down the Aussie pecking order from young Jason, but he has always been under rated in my books, his putter lets him down, but it is working these days, his ball striking always is... Jason was down and out yesterday but Cabrera-Bello let him off the hook.. Senden won't..
RESULT.. Senden wins 6 and 5
40 10:49 a.m. 3. Charl Schwartzel vs 11. Sang-moon Bae Player
Match Play records: Schwartzel 5-3, Bae 1-0
This is classic David vs. Goliath. Schwartzel is the defending Masters champ while Bae is a PGA TOUR rookie. That said, Bae proved himself on Wednesday as he never trailed in taking down the 2010 Accenture Match Play champion Ian Poulter. Schwartzel, though, had a similarly lopsided match against Gary Woodland.
I say.. Bae had best enjoy his win over Poulter yesterday because today he is up against one of my picks to get to the final four. Charl has taken his Masters green jacket all over the world to show it off, and he now carries himself like a champion should, both on and off the course..
RESULT.. Bae wins 1 up41 11:01 a.m. 1. Martin Kaymer vs 8. David Toms Hogan
Match Play records: Kaymer 8-4, Toms 24-9
Will this be a birdie fest? These two combined for 13 birdies in their first-round wins. Kaymer has won six of his last seven matches at the Ritz-Carlton course, but the German knows who the crowd favorite will be in his match. "I won't have a lot of friends here tomorrow," he said after Wednesday's first-round win. "But we'll be fine."
I say.. Toms is exactly the guy for this course, much like Mark Wilson, straight, accurate iron player, good long iron (hybrid) player and a decent putter. Martin has way more talent and he has been getting steadily better after a slow start to 2012, so this is a tough pick. Something inside of me says pick Toms in an upset..
RESULT.. Kaymer wins 2up
42 11:13 a.m. 4. Matt Kuchar vs 5. Bubba Watson Hogan
Match Play records: Kuchar 7-2, Watson 5-2
Both players lost in the semifinals last year, so it's a rematch of their consolation final, when Kuchar beat Watson 2 and 1. The big-hitting Watson was very pleased with his ball striking in the first round. "Bubba is a fantastic player and if he's on, he's going to be tough to beat," Kuchar said. "... I'm just going to plug along. I have got a steady game plan to try and hit fairways and greens."
I say... Matt Kuchar the smiling assassin, never fails to surprise me although he shouldn't after winning it all in 2010. Bubba can beat anyone, any day, unfortunately that includes himself, so I have to pick the steadier of the two, Matt K in a tight match..
RESULT.. Kuchar wins 3 and 2
43 11:25 a.m. 1. Lee Westwood vs 8. Robert Karlsson Snead
Match Play records: Westwood 8-11, Karlsson 3-6
It's the moment of Match Play truth for Westwood. Will he finally get past the second round in this event? He's never done so in 11 previous appearances, surprising for one of the world's best players. If Karlsson plays like he did in the first round, Westwood may not have much say in the matter. The Swede hit every green in regulation, the only player to do that Wednesday.
I say... I don't care how well Lee plays today, Karlsson was one of the surprises of the day yesterday, the question is will he do it again today, if he does nobody beats him. Lee is such a steady grinder early in the year, a notorious slow starter, I fear he won't see Friday here again this year..
RESULT.. Westwood wins 3 and 2
44 11:37 a.m. 4. Nick Watney vs 5. Tiger Woods Snead
Match Play records: Watney 5-2, Woods 33-8
Woods said he was having a tough time judging distances, something he will need to correct against his fellow American. Woods, a three-time winner of this event, obviously has a better track record, but Watney has more wins on this particular course (five to Tiger's two since 2009). Does that mean anything? Maybe not, but Watney must feel comfortable here.
I say... This one isn't tough for me, because Tiger was all over the lot yesterday, missing left and right with the driver, misjudging irons and missing putts and Gonzo said it all afterwards, " Today was the day to beat Tiger but I didn't "
Nick Watney is very steady talented player now, in the old days Tiger would completely intimidate the timid Watney, but should no longer..
RESULT.. Watney wins 1 up
45 11:49 a.m. 16. Ernie Els vs 9. Peter Hanson Jones
Match Play records: Els 11-11, Hanson 3-4
The Big Easy pulled off the biggest upset on Wednesday, knocking off defending champ Luke Donald. Now he'll go against Hanson, who is in the second round for just the second time in five Match Play starts. Both players were solid in the first round, but if Els can avoid the kind of putter issues that have plagued him recently, he'll be a tough out.
I say... Ernie, ERNIE, Ernie.. he's past the first round, but will face a sterner test from the under rated big Swede, however the main thing for me is that Ernie was making putts yesterday, the rest of his game is still fine..
RESULT.. Hansen wins 5 and 4
46 12:01 p.m. 13. Kyle Stanley vs 5. Brandt Snedeker Jones
Match Play records: Stanley 1-0, Snedeker 1-1
Ah, the drama these two cooked up at Torrey Pines, with Snedeker winning in a playoff against Stanley, who blew a three-shot lead on the 72nd hole. Of course, Stanley bounced back quickly the next week, winning at TPC Scottsdale. Obviously, the Arizona desert is his friend. While the Torrey Pines storyline is intriguing, it may not have much bearing on Thursday's match.
I say... this is a toss up although from a human point of view, it seems fitting that Kyle would beat Brandt today, so for that reason and no other I 'll pick him..
RESULT ..Snedeker wins 2 and 1
47 12:13 p.m. 1. Rory McIlroy vs 9. Anders Hansen Player
Match Play records: McIlroy 6-3, Hansen 2-5
McIlroy has been stopped the last two years in the second round, losing to Oliver Wilson in 2010 and Ben Crane last year. Can he avoid another Thursday takedown? He was shaky at the end in his first-round win, while Hansen finished up strong. With Luke Donald out of the equation, McIlroy could rise to world No. 1 by the end of the week.
I say.. I already have Martin and Lee ( two #1 seeds) bowing out today and will say right here that Rory can easily make it three against another under rated ( in North America) European tour veteran, who like Toms and Wilson is straight, accurate and decent on the greens... Rory was last off the practice range last night and should have solved the driver problem that cropped up late in yesterday's round, if he has he will win.
RESULT.. McIlroy wins 3 and 2
48 12:25 p.m. 13. Miguel Angel Jimenez vs 5. Keegan Bradley Player
Match Play records: Jimenez 10-10, Bradley 1-0
Bradley's confidence is soaring right now. He had six birdies and an eagle on a bogey-free Wednesday, and that comes off a dramatic effort at Riviera. And his game and demeanor just seems primed for match play success. Jimenez hasn't fared all that well in this event, although he did reach the quarterfinals last year.
I say.. Keegan Bradley looks like the class of the field this week. He is red hot after his loss in the playoff at Riviera, all aspects of his game are on display and I expect him to beat Miguel handily..
RESULT..Jimenez wins 2 and 1
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Round 1 predictions and results at Accenture Match Play.
Here are my predictions from yesterday with the round 1 results from today in Bold..
My record 18 - 14, hardly convincing on a day of tight matches. Some of the highlights or lowlights depending on your perspective.
* Luke with his new irons played poorly and Ernie looked good, kept the ball in play and made some big putts for his 5&3 win
* This Ritz-Carlton course has a big number lurking on every hole if they don't kep it in play or in the right spot on the tricky greens
* Tiger was awful and brilliant at times, he definitely skipped a bullet because Gonzo was just about as bad, especially missing four from 12' or less coming down the stretch. Tiger edged him with a brilliant up and down from the 18th greenside bunker.
* Bill Haas 3 up with 5 to play misses a 3 footer on 17 for the win and loses 1up to Ryo.
* Furyk chips in for birdie on the par 5, 13th then DJ follows with a chip in for eagle !
* sang-moon Bae stiches up Poulter 4&3
* Bradley and Schwartzel were the best 2 players I saw in round 1.
RESULTS
Match 1 Hogan 3 G McDowell vs 14 YE Yang... Tight match but GMac is in better form in last 4 weeks
Result Yang wins 2 and 1
Match 2 Hogan 6 H Mahan vs 11 Z Johnson.... Mahan has been playing well on both sides of Atlantic
Result Mahan wins in 19 holes
Match 3 Snead 3 B Haas vs 14 R Ishikawa .. Haas full of confidence after win at Riviera..
Result Ishikawa wins 1 up
Match 4 Snead 6 J Rose vs 11 P Lawrie... Lawrie won in Qatar, has really played well in middle east this year
Result Lawrie wins 1 up
Match 5 Jones 3 D Johnson vs 14 J Furyk..... Johnson beats the all time grinder, he is in better form, Jim is tough
Result Johnson wins in 20 holes
Match 6 Jones 6 T Bjorn vs 11 F Molinari ....Bjorn is in a renaissance kept momentum going 2012 after a career year
Result Molinari wins in 20 holes
Match 7 Player 3 C Schwartzel vs 14 G Woodland ....nod goes to Charl based on early season fine play
Result Schwartzel wins 4 and 2
Match 8 Player 6 I Poulter vs 11 sang-moon Bae ....Poulter, a past winner here reigning Volvo MP champion
Result Bae wins 4 and 3
Match 9 Hogan 2 S Stricker vs 15 K Na.... should be a nice warm up for Stricker although Na is streaky
Result Stricker wins 2 and 1
Match10 Hogan 7 L Ousthuizen vs 10 A Baddeley ....tight match, both playing decent, nod to Baddeley lives in Arizona
Result Oosthuizen wins 2 and 1
Match11 Snead 2 W Simpson vs 15 M Manassero..... upset here with 18 yr old Matteo taking not yet in form Simpson
Result Matteo wins 3and 2
Match12 Snead 7 A Quiros vs 10 M Laird... toss up really but Alvaro is a desert specialist with wins in Qatar,Dubai
Result Martin Laird wins 1 up
Match13 Jones 2 A Scott vs 15 R Rock ....going with the Tiger slayer, hatless, in form Rock's year just gets better
Result Rock wins 1 up
Match14 Jones 7 Van Pelt vs 10 M Wilson.... in form Wilson pinpoint accuracy beats the bomber
Result Wilson wins 3 and 2
Match15 Player 2 J Day vs 15 RC Bello..... Day should be too good for in form Spaniard
Result Day wins in 19 holes
Match16 Player 7 S Dyson vs 10 J Senden Dyson has cooled after career year, Senden is top 3 ball striker
Result Senden wins 4 and 3
Match17 Hogan 4 M Kuchar vs 13 J Byrd... very close but Byrd was in contention til the end a Riviera, so in form
Result Kuchar wins 1up
Match18 Hogan 5 B Watson vs 12 B Crane... pals for sure, but Bubba has too much game for the reborn Ben Crane
Result Watson wins 3 and 2
Match19 Snead 4 N Watney vs 13 D Clarke... hate to say the Prince has been playing like a diddy, Watney in a romp
Result Watney wins 5 and 4
Match20 Snead 5 T Woods vs 12 GF Castano Tiger really has a sweet heart of a draw in this weak division
Result Tiger wins 1 up
Match21 Jones 4 KJ Choi vs 13 K Stanley yikes. the tank is so steady and tough, in form Stanley in extras'...
Result Stanley wins 2 and 1
Match22 Jones 5 B Snedeker vs 12 R Goosen yes Snedeker has won this year, but the veteran Goose is back in form
Results Snedeker wins 21 holes
Match23 Player 4 S Garcia vs 13 M Jimenez the Spanish stars will put on a show with Sergio prevailing
Result Jimenez wins 2 and 1
Match24 Player 5 K Bradley vs 12 G Ogilvy Ogilvy has picked the wrong time to meet the red hot spitter Bradley
Result Bradley wins 4 and 3
Match25 Hogan 1 M Kaymer vs 16 G Chalmers ....Aussie won back to back earlier 2012, but Kaymer will just edge him
Result Kaymer wins 4 and 2
Match26 Hogan 8 D Toms vs 9 R Fowler ....Toms is so steady, but young electric orange is a good match player
Result Toms wins 1 up
Match27 Snead 1 L Westwood vs 16 N Colsaerts LW.....such a bad record, picking the big Belgium birdie machine
Result Westwood wins 3 and 1..
Match28 Snead 8 R Karlsson vs 9 F Jacobsen.. Freddie is the better chipper and putter between the two Swedes
Result Karlsson wins 6 and 5
Match29 Jones 1 L Donald vs 16 E Els ...hope Ernie makes enough putts to keep it close.. Luke is the best putter
Result Ernie upsets #1 Luke Donald 5 and 4
Match30 Jones 8 J Dufner vs 9 P Hanson ....big Peter has played well in patches this year if anyone cares..
Result Peter Hanson wins 2 and 1
Match31 Player 1 R McIlroy vs 16 G Coetzee.... won't be easy for Rory, but he is way better than the big Springbok
Result McIlroy wins 2up
Match32 Player 8 KT Kim vs 9 A Hansen ....KT showed us all his class at Presidents Cup..
Hansen wins 5 and 3
My record 18 - 14, hardly convincing on a day of tight matches. Some of the highlights or lowlights depending on your perspective.
* Luke with his new irons played poorly and Ernie looked good, kept the ball in play and made some big putts for his 5&3 win
* This Ritz-Carlton course has a big number lurking on every hole if they don't kep it in play or in the right spot on the tricky greens
* Tiger was awful and brilliant at times, he definitely skipped a bullet because Gonzo was just about as bad, especially missing four from 12' or less coming down the stretch. Tiger edged him with a brilliant up and down from the 18th greenside bunker.
* Bill Haas 3 up with 5 to play misses a 3 footer on 17 for the win and loses 1up to Ryo.
* Furyk chips in for birdie on the par 5, 13th then DJ follows with a chip in for eagle !
* sang-moon Bae stiches up Poulter 4&3
* Bradley and Schwartzel were the best 2 players I saw in round 1.
RESULTS
Match 1 Hogan 3 G McDowell vs 14 YE Yang... Tight match but GMac is in better form in last 4 weeks
Result Yang wins 2 and 1
Match 2 Hogan 6 H Mahan vs 11 Z Johnson.... Mahan has been playing well on both sides of Atlantic
Result Mahan wins in 19 holes
Match 3 Snead 3 B Haas vs 14 R Ishikawa .. Haas full of confidence after win at Riviera..
Result Ishikawa wins 1 up
Match 4 Snead 6 J Rose vs 11 P Lawrie... Lawrie won in Qatar, has really played well in middle east this year
Result Lawrie wins 1 up
Match 5 Jones 3 D Johnson vs 14 J Furyk..... Johnson beats the all time grinder, he is in better form, Jim is tough
Result Johnson wins in 20 holes
Match 6 Jones 6 T Bjorn vs 11 F Molinari ....Bjorn is in a renaissance kept momentum going 2012 after a career year
Result Molinari wins in 20 holes
Match 7 Player 3 C Schwartzel vs 14 G Woodland ....nod goes to Charl based on early season fine play
Result Schwartzel wins 4 and 2
Match 8 Player 6 I Poulter vs 11 sang-moon Bae ....Poulter, a past winner here reigning Volvo MP champion
Result Bae wins 4 and 3
Match 9 Hogan 2 S Stricker vs 15 K Na.... should be a nice warm up for Stricker although Na is streaky
Result Stricker wins 2 and 1
Match10 Hogan 7 L Ousthuizen vs 10 A Baddeley ....tight match, both playing decent, nod to Baddeley lives in Arizona
Result Oosthuizen wins 2 and 1
Match11 Snead 2 W Simpson vs 15 M Manassero..... upset here with 18 yr old Matteo taking not yet in form Simpson
Result Matteo wins 3and 2
Match12 Snead 7 A Quiros vs 10 M Laird... toss up really but Alvaro is a desert specialist with wins in Qatar,Dubai
Result Martin Laird wins 1 up
Match13 Jones 2 A Scott vs 15 R Rock ....going with the Tiger slayer, hatless, in form Rock's year just gets better
Result Rock wins 1 up
Match14 Jones 7 Van Pelt vs 10 M Wilson.... in form Wilson pinpoint accuracy beats the bomber
Result Wilson wins 3 and 2
Match15 Player 2 J Day vs 15 RC Bello..... Day should be too good for in form Spaniard
Result Day wins in 19 holes
Match16 Player 7 S Dyson vs 10 J Senden Dyson has cooled after career year, Senden is top 3 ball striker
Result Senden wins 4 and 3
Match17 Hogan 4 M Kuchar vs 13 J Byrd... very close but Byrd was in contention til the end a Riviera, so in form
Result Kuchar wins 1up
Match18 Hogan 5 B Watson vs 12 B Crane... pals for sure, but Bubba has too much game for the reborn Ben Crane
Result Watson wins 3 and 2
Match19 Snead 4 N Watney vs 13 D Clarke... hate to say the Prince has been playing like a diddy, Watney in a romp
Result Watney wins 5 and 4
Match20 Snead 5 T Woods vs 12 GF Castano Tiger really has a sweet heart of a draw in this weak division
Result Tiger wins 1 up
Match21 Jones 4 KJ Choi vs 13 K Stanley yikes. the tank is so steady and tough, in form Stanley in extras'...
Result Stanley wins 2 and 1
Match22 Jones 5 B Snedeker vs 12 R Goosen yes Snedeker has won this year, but the veteran Goose is back in form
Results Snedeker wins 21 holes
Match23 Player 4 S Garcia vs 13 M Jimenez the Spanish stars will put on a show with Sergio prevailing
Result Jimenez wins 2 and 1
Match24 Player 5 K Bradley vs 12 G Ogilvy Ogilvy has picked the wrong time to meet the red hot spitter Bradley
Result Bradley wins 4 and 3
Match25 Hogan 1 M Kaymer vs 16 G Chalmers ....Aussie won back to back earlier 2012, but Kaymer will just edge him
Result Kaymer wins 4 and 2
Match26 Hogan 8 D Toms vs 9 R Fowler ....Toms is so steady, but young electric orange is a good match player
Result Toms wins 1 up
Match27 Snead 1 L Westwood vs 16 N Colsaerts LW.....such a bad record, picking the big Belgium birdie machine
Result Westwood wins 3 and 1..
Match28 Snead 8 R Karlsson vs 9 F Jacobsen.. Freddie is the better chipper and putter between the two Swedes
Result Karlsson wins 6 and 5
Match29 Jones 1 L Donald vs 16 E Els ...hope Ernie makes enough putts to keep it close.. Luke is the best putter
Result Ernie upsets #1 Luke Donald 5 and 4
Match30 Jones 8 J Dufner vs 9 P Hanson ....big Peter has played well in patches this year if anyone cares..
Result Peter Hanson wins 2 and 1
Match31 Player 1 R McIlroy vs 16 G Coetzee.... won't be easy for Rory, but he is way better than the big Springbok
Result McIlroy wins 2up
Match32 Player 8 KT Kim vs 9 A Hansen ....KT showed us all his class at Presidents Cup..
Hansen wins 5 and 3
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Gonzo full of respect for Tiger..
The social media is currently running amok as usual taking part of a quote Gonzalo- Fernandez-Castano gave while doing his media interview at the Accenture Match Play when he said he thought Tiger was beatable.
Not to let facts get in the way of a juicy sound bite here is his interview with europeantour.com. where he couldn't have been more respectfuleuropeantour.com Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño admitted he has “nothing to lose” when he comes up against three time champion Tiger Woods in the first round of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.
The 31 year old Spaniard pulled one of the plum ties of the first round at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and will come face to face with the former World Number One for the first time on the first tee on Wednesday, having not partnered Woods in his career to date.
“I think it's great to be playing against Tiger,” said the five time European Tour champion whose last victory was in the Barclays Singapore Open last November.
“All the top players in the world, they're all good, and you can get beat by any of them. But playing against one of the best players in history is a good experience, and of course I think I have nothing to lose. So I just need to go out there and try my best.
“Being 48th in the World Rankings at the moment, you don't expect to be paired against Tiger Woods at this stage. But these things happen. Maybe it's a good chance to play good and maybe I can beat him? That would certainly be a great feeling.
“I’ve played in front of big galleries before, so I don't think that's going to be a problem but I'm sure they will all be rooting for him and that might be a different story as I've never been in that situation before.“But you never know. I just want to go out there and enjoy it. I've never played with Tiger before, not even on a stroke play event. For me it's a big privilege. If I win, fantastic. If I lose, well, I've lost to one of the best players in history.
“But as I said I know I need to play my best golf and hopefully he doesn't play his best. That's the way it works. Match play is like that. Sometimes you shoot 67 and you lose. Other day you shoot 74 and you win.“So hopefully it goes my way on Wednesday. I was quite happy to see the pairing when the draw came out. And I think I can learn a lot from this experience.”
The Fernandez-Castaño v Woods tie is one of four Europe v United States match-ups in Wednesday’s first round, the others seeing Italy’s Matteo Mannasero, the youngest player in the field, come up against Webb Simpson; Open Champion Darren Clarke face Nick Watney; and Sweden’s Peter Hanson play Jason Dufner.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Not to let facts get in the way of a juicy sound bite here is his interview with europeantour.com. where he couldn't have been more respectfuleuropeantour.com Gonzalo Fernandez-Castaño admitted he has “nothing to lose” when he comes up against three time champion Tiger Woods in the first round of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship.
The 31 year old Spaniard pulled one of the plum ties of the first round at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club and will come face to face with the former World Number One for the first time on the first tee on Wednesday, having not partnered Woods in his career to date.
“I think it's great to be playing against Tiger,” said the five time European Tour champion whose last victory was in the Barclays Singapore Open last November.
“All the top players in the world, they're all good, and you can get beat by any of them. But playing against one of the best players in history is a good experience, and of course I think I have nothing to lose. So I just need to go out there and try my best.
“Being 48th in the World Rankings at the moment, you don't expect to be paired against Tiger Woods at this stage. But these things happen. Maybe it's a good chance to play good and maybe I can beat him? That would certainly be a great feeling.
“I’ve played in front of big galleries before, so I don't think that's going to be a problem but I'm sure they will all be rooting for him and that might be a different story as I've never been in that situation before.“But you never know. I just want to go out there and enjoy it. I've never played with Tiger before, not even on a stroke play event. For me it's a big privilege. If I win, fantastic. If I lose, well, I've lost to one of the best players in history.
“But as I said I know I need to play my best golf and hopefully he doesn't play his best. That's the way it works. Match play is like that. Sometimes you shoot 67 and you lose. Other day you shoot 74 and you win.“So hopefully it goes my way on Wednesday. I was quite happy to see the pairing when the draw came out. And I think I can learn a lot from this experience.”
The Fernandez-Castaño v Woods tie is one of four Europe v United States match-ups in Wednesday’s first round, the others seeing Italy’s Matteo Mannasero, the youngest player in the field, come up against Webb Simpson; Open Champion Darren Clarke face Nick Watney; and Sweden’s Peter Hanson play Jason Dufner.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Monday, February 20, 2012
2012 Accenture Match Play brackets, my 32 picks for Round 1
The brackets came out early this morning, so here they are along with the pgatour.com preview and little bio on each player. I will add my analysis shortly.
click here for Accenture Matchplay brackets http://i.cdn.turner.com/pgatour/docs/2012_wgc_accenture_match_play.pdf#
preview of Bobby Jones bracket
http://www.worldgolfchampionships.com/2012/tournaments/r470/02/20/jones-bracket-preview/index.html
preview of Ben Hogan bracket
http://www.worldgolfchampionships.com/2012/tournaments/r470/02/20/hogan-bracket-preview/index.html
preview of Gary player bracket
http://www.worldgolfchampionships.com/2012/tournaments/r470/02/20/player-bracket-preview/index.html
preview of Sam Snead bracket
http://www.worldgolfchampionships.com/2012/tournaments/r470/02/20/snead-bracket-preview/index.html
My picks for Wednesday's 32 first round matches in numerical order
Match 1 Hogan 3 G McDowell vs 14 YE Yang Tight match but GMac is in better form in last 4 weeks
Match 2 Hogan 6 H Mahan vs 11 Z Johnson Mahan has been playing well on both sides of Atlantic
Match 3 Snead 3 B Haas vs 14 R Ishikawa Haas full of confidence after win at Riviera..
Match 4 Snead 6 J Rose vs 11 P Lawrie Lawrie won in Qatar, has really played well in middle east this year
Match 5 Jones 3 D Johnson vs 14 J Furyk Johnson beats the all time grinder, he is in better form, Jim is tough
Match 6 Jones 6 T Bjorn vs 11 F Molinari Bjorn is in a renaissance kept momentum going 2012 after a career year
Match 7 Player 3 C Schwartzel vs 14 G Woodland nod goes to Charl based on early season fine play
Match 8 Player 6 I Poulter vs 11 sang-moon Bae Poulter, a past winner here reigning Volvo MP champion
Match 9 Hogan 2 S Stricker vs 15 K Na should be a nice warm up for Stricker although Na is streaky
Match10 Hogan 7 L Ousthuizen vs 10 A Baddeley tight match, both playing decent, nod to Baddeley lives in Arizona
Match11 Snead 2 W Simpson vs 15 M Manassero upset here with 18 yr old Matteo taking not yet in form Simpson
Match12 Snead 7 A Quiros vs 10 M Laird toss up really but Alvaro is a desert specialist with wins in Qatar,Dubai
Match13 Jones 2 A Scott vs 15 R Rock going with the Tiger slayer, hatless, in form Rock's year just gets better
Match14 Jones 7 Van Pelt vs 10 M Wilson in form Wilson pinpoint accuracy beats the bomber
Match15 Player 2 J Day vs 15 RC Bello Day should be too good for in form Spaniard
Match16 Player 7 S Dyson vs 10 J Senden Dyson has cooled after career year, Senden is top 3 ball striker
Match17 Hogan 4 M Kuchar vs 13 J Byrd very close but Byrd was in contention til the end a Riviera, so in form
Match18 Hogan 5 B Watson vs 12 B Crane pals for sure, but Bubba has too much game for the reborn Ben Crane
Match19 Snead 4 N Watney vs 13 D Clarke hate to say the Prince has been playing like a diddy, Watney in a romp
Match20 Snead 5 T Woods vs 12 GF Castano Tiger really has a sweet heart of a draw in this weak division
Match21 Jones 4 KJ Choi vs 13 K Stanley yikes. the tank is so steady and tough, in form Stanley in extras'...
Match22 Jones 5 B Snedeker vs 12 R Goosen yes Snedeker has won this year, but the veteran Goose is back in form
Match23 Player 4 S Garcia vs 13 M Jimenez the Spanish stars will put on a show with Sergio prevailing
Match24 Player 5 K Bradley vs 12 G Ogilvy Ogilvy has picked the wrong time to meet the red hot spitter Bradley
Match25 Hogan 1 M Kaymer vs 16 G Chalmers Aussie won back to back earlier 2012, but Kaymer will just edge him
Match26 Hogan 8 D Toms vs 9 R Fowler Toms is so steady, but young electric orange is a good match player
Match27 Snead 1 L Westwood vs 16 N Colsaerts LWsuch a bad record, picking the big Belgium birdie machine
Match28 Snead 8 R Karlsson vs 9 F Jacobsen Freddie is the better chipper and putter between the two Swedes
Match29 Jones 1 L Donald vs 16 E Els hope Ernie makes enough putts to keep it close.. Luke is the best putter
Match30 Jones 8 J Dufner vs 9 P Hanson big Peter has played well in patches this year if anyone cares..
Match31 Player 1 R McIlroy vs 16 G Coetzee won't be easy for Rory, but he is way better than the big Springbok
Match32 Player 8 KT Kim vs 9 A Hansen KT showed us all his class at Presidents Cup..
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
click here for Accenture Matchplay brackets http://i.cdn.turner.com/pgatour/docs/2012_wgc_accenture_match_play.pdf#
preview of Bobby Jones bracket
http://www.worldgolfchampionships.com/2012/tournaments/r470/02/20/jones-bracket-preview/index.html
preview of Ben Hogan bracket
http://www.worldgolfchampionships.com/2012/tournaments/r470/02/20/hogan-bracket-preview/index.html
preview of Gary player bracket
http://www.worldgolfchampionships.com/2012/tournaments/r470/02/20/player-bracket-preview/index.html
preview of Sam Snead bracket
http://www.worldgolfchampionships.com/2012/tournaments/r470/02/20/snead-bracket-preview/index.html
My picks for Wednesday's 32 first round matches in numerical order
Match 1 Hogan 3 G McDowell vs 14 YE Yang Tight match but GMac is in better form in last 4 weeks
Match 2 Hogan 6 H Mahan vs 11 Z Johnson Mahan has been playing well on both sides of Atlantic
Match 3 Snead 3 B Haas vs 14 R Ishikawa Haas full of confidence after win at Riviera..
Match 4 Snead 6 J Rose vs 11 P Lawrie Lawrie won in Qatar, has really played well in middle east this year
Match 5 Jones 3 D Johnson vs 14 J Furyk Johnson beats the all time grinder, he is in better form, Jim is tough
Match 6 Jones 6 T Bjorn vs 11 F Molinari Bjorn is in a renaissance kept momentum going 2012 after a career year
Match 7 Player 3 C Schwartzel vs 14 G Woodland nod goes to Charl based on early season fine play
Match 8 Player 6 I Poulter vs 11 sang-moon Bae Poulter, a past winner here reigning Volvo MP champion
Match 9 Hogan 2 S Stricker vs 15 K Na should be a nice warm up for Stricker although Na is streaky
Match10 Hogan 7 L Ousthuizen vs 10 A Baddeley tight match, both playing decent, nod to Baddeley lives in Arizona
Match11 Snead 2 W Simpson vs 15 M Manassero upset here with 18 yr old Matteo taking not yet in form Simpson
Match12 Snead 7 A Quiros vs 10 M Laird toss up really but Alvaro is a desert specialist with wins in Qatar,Dubai
Match13 Jones 2 A Scott vs 15 R Rock going with the Tiger slayer, hatless, in form Rock's year just gets better
Match14 Jones 7 Van Pelt vs 10 M Wilson in form Wilson pinpoint accuracy beats the bomber
Match15 Player 2 J Day vs 15 RC Bello Day should be too good for in form Spaniard
Match16 Player 7 S Dyson vs 10 J Senden Dyson has cooled after career year, Senden is top 3 ball striker
Match17 Hogan 4 M Kuchar vs 13 J Byrd very close but Byrd was in contention til the end a Riviera, so in form
Match18 Hogan 5 B Watson vs 12 B Crane pals for sure, but Bubba has too much game for the reborn Ben Crane
Match19 Snead 4 N Watney vs 13 D Clarke hate to say the Prince has been playing like a diddy, Watney in a romp
Match20 Snead 5 T Woods vs 12 GF Castano Tiger really has a sweet heart of a draw in this weak division
Match21 Jones 4 KJ Choi vs 13 K Stanley yikes. the tank is so steady and tough, in form Stanley in extras'...
Match22 Jones 5 B Snedeker vs 12 R Goosen yes Snedeker has won this year, but the veteran Goose is back in form
Match23 Player 4 S Garcia vs 13 M Jimenez the Spanish stars will put on a show with Sergio prevailing
Match24 Player 5 K Bradley vs 12 G Ogilvy Ogilvy has picked the wrong time to meet the red hot spitter Bradley
Match25 Hogan 1 M Kaymer vs 16 G Chalmers Aussie won back to back earlier 2012, but Kaymer will just edge him
Match26 Hogan 8 D Toms vs 9 R Fowler Toms is so steady, but young electric orange is a good match player
Match27 Snead 1 L Westwood vs 16 N Colsaerts LWsuch a bad record, picking the big Belgium birdie machine
Match28 Snead 8 R Karlsson vs 9 F Jacobsen Freddie is the better chipper and putter between the two Swedes
Match29 Jones 1 L Donald vs 16 E Els hope Ernie makes enough putts to keep it close.. Luke is the best putter
Match30 Jones 8 J Dufner vs 9 P Hanson big Peter has played well in patches this year if anyone cares..
Match31 Player 1 R McIlroy vs 16 G Coetzee won't be easy for Rory, but he is way better than the big Springbok
Match32 Player 8 KT Kim vs 9 A Hansen KT showed us all his class at Presidents Cup..
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
No catching Perry in Naples.
For all the drama there was to come at Riviera, there wasn't much at the Acer Group Classic, as Kenny Perry blew away the field by 5 shots 64,62,70 -20 196. Defending champion Bernhard Langer 66,65 70 -15 201 was 2nd.
Perry looked like the guy I remember when he was winning on the PGA tour, hitting that big draw a mile, and with that low, slow putting stroke making all the clutch putts, then some.. He really didn't seem interested in playing with the old guys after he turned 50, he was ready to retire for a while, spend time in Kentucky with his family, but if this week is any indication, he's got a " pep in his step" as Gary Player used to say, and he could be a force on this Champions Tour
His opening rounds of 64 and 62 broke the tour's 36-hole record at 18-under 126. The14-time winner on the PGA tour birdied three of his first eight holes, and no one ever got closer than four shots after that. By the way he was 2nd in driving at 306 yds and T2 in GIR.
As Langer said " I didn't play badly, Kenny just ran away with it "
Rod Spittle T9 71 66 69 -10 206 and Jim Rutledge T21 70 68 71 -7 209,
final leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/s/leaderboard/
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Perry looked like the guy I remember when he was winning on the PGA tour, hitting that big draw a mile, and with that low, slow putting stroke making all the clutch putts, then some.. He really didn't seem interested in playing with the old guys after he turned 50, he was ready to retire for a while, spend time in Kentucky with his family, but if this week is any indication, he's got a " pep in his step" as Gary Player used to say, and he could be a force on this Champions Tour
His opening rounds of 64 and 62 broke the tour's 36-hole record at 18-under 126. The14-time winner on the PGA tour birdied three of his first eight holes, and no one ever got closer than four shots after that. By the way he was 2nd in driving at 306 yds and T2 in GIR.
As Langer said " I didn't play badly, Kenny just ran away with it "
Rod Spittle T9 71 66 69 -10 206 and Jim Rutledge T21 70 68 71 -7 209,
final leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/s/leaderboard/
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
On Sunday it was " Bombs away " at Riviera
For me Sunday at Riviera was a day full of spectacular shots and bombs! I mean just bombs on the greens and from the fairways, with a bomb of a finish...
Sergio Garcia ended up 4th in his first event of the year Stateside, but he had the round of the day, a 64. He hit 3-wood to 10 feet for eagle on No. 11, holed a 4-iron from 207 for eagle on No. 15, bombs.. then birdied the 18th for a 30 on his opening nine. When he holed a birdie putt across the third green, another bomb, he was 8 under for the day through 11 holes, and only three shots behind.His momentum ended with a bogey on the par-3 fourth, and he had to settle for the 64
Bill Haas hit a bomb of a 290 yard 3 wood onto the 17th and 2 putted for birdie, made par at 18 for 69 -7, leaving Mickelson and Bradley with the job of making birdie at the 18th.
First Mickelson from over 20' from the fringe above the hole brought the house down with another bomb for his spot in the playoff. Then after the fist bump with Bradley and an invite to "join me"" he watched as Keegan drained his bomb from 15' for a really neat finish.
The 3 of them went off 18 for the first playoff hole...no blood.
Then to the short 312 yard par 4 10th, driveable but risky. Haas was in thick rough behind the 10th green, and smartly played away from the flag with hopes of making par and going on to the next hole.
Mickelson and Bradley each came up short, a horrible angle. Mickelson's flop shot landed near the hole and rolled into the back bunker. Bradley was in the bunker, and did well to blast out to 15 feet, just through the green.
Haas was away, 45 feet across the green with a large break, good time for a long lag.. right... no we're talking about bombs and he made the final one of the day, right in the middle and movin'. What a putt.
Mickelson (71) took the flag out but couldn't make the bunker shot, then Bradley (71) with a 15 footer to tie Haas... fell to his knees as his putt caught the right edge, but rolled just past, they both ran out of bombs !!
final scoreboard http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboards/current/r007/##
Canadian scores
T44 6 96 Graham DeLaet 4 F* 3 info 73 68 73 74 288
T44 17 74 David Hearn 4 F* E info 70 73 74 71 288
That was a a really exciting day, Riviera, the old lady of LA held her own, -7 for these guys over 4 rounds is championship quality, or as the kids today would say "Riviera is the bomb man !"
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
(notes from pagatour.com)
Sergio Garcia ended up 4th in his first event of the year Stateside, but he had the round of the day, a 64. He hit 3-wood to 10 feet for eagle on No. 11, holed a 4-iron from 207 for eagle on No. 15, bombs.. then birdied the 18th for a 30 on his opening nine. When he holed a birdie putt across the third green, another bomb, he was 8 under for the day through 11 holes, and only three shots behind.His momentum ended with a bogey on the par-3 fourth, and he had to settle for the 64
Bill Haas hit a bomb of a 290 yard 3 wood onto the 17th and 2 putted for birdie, made par at 18 for 69 -7, leaving Mickelson and Bradley with the job of making birdie at the 18th.
First Mickelson from over 20' from the fringe above the hole brought the house down with another bomb for his spot in the playoff. Then after the fist bump with Bradley and an invite to "join me"" he watched as Keegan drained his bomb from 15' for a really neat finish.
The 3 of them went off 18 for the first playoff hole...no blood.
Then to the short 312 yard par 4 10th, driveable but risky. Haas was in thick rough behind the 10th green, and smartly played away from the flag with hopes of making par and going on to the next hole.
Mickelson and Bradley each came up short, a horrible angle. Mickelson's flop shot landed near the hole and rolled into the back bunker. Bradley was in the bunker, and did well to blast out to 15 feet, just through the green.
Haas was away, 45 feet across the green with a large break, good time for a long lag.. right... no we're talking about bombs and he made the final one of the day, right in the middle and movin'. What a putt.
Mickelson (71) took the flag out but couldn't make the bunker shot, then Bradley (71) with a 15 footer to tie Haas... fell to his knees as his putt caught the right edge, but rolled just past, they both ran out of bombs !!
final scoreboard http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboards/current/r007/##
Canadian scores
T44 6 96 Graham DeLaet 4 F* 3 info 73 68 73 74 288
T44 17 74 David Hearn 4 F* E info 70 73 74 71 288
That was a a really exciting day, Riviera, the old lady of LA held her own, -7 for these guys over 4 rounds is championship quality, or as the kids today would say "Riviera is the bomb man !"
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
(notes from pagatour.com)
Sunday, February 19, 2012
PGA tour... Mickelson and Bradley lead the pack at Riviera
Phil Mickelson had one of those rounds that make him worth the price of admission.
One shot clipped an ash tree and kept him out of worse trouble than he was in. Another landed behind a Bottle Brush, blocking his path to the 10th green . On yet another hole, Mickelson had to thread a 9-iron through the limbs of five eucalyptus trees. He also walked into the gallery to find his tee shot on the 15th hole to find a man flat on his back, because the spectator was being still since Phil's ball was inside the hem of his shorts.!!!
We have all noticed it's the Phil of old playing last week and this, not just his play but his attitude and according to Mickelson it came because of a pep talk last Friday afternoon from his wife, Amy Mickelson.
"She said, ‘Come on now, cheer up, let's go make some birdies,'" Mickelson said. "She was so positive, and it just changed my attitude, playing one of my favorite courses. It was really an attitude change that she instilled coming out with her bubbly, positive attitude that got me going. I told her in the car that it wouldn't have been possible without that talk."
Twelve players are within three shots of the lead, so it could be anyone's game today.
Mickelson and Bradley are at 7-under 206, one shot ahead of Pat Perez (70), Jonathan Byrd (69) and Bryce Molder (66). Mickelson wasn't the only player on a wild ride along the fabled course off Sunset Boulevard.
Bryce Molder one-putted the last eight greens, five of them for par. Pat Perez three-putted from 10 feet on No. 3, and on the next hole took four putts from 60 feet on the fringe, the last three from inside 5 feet. Jonathan Byrd took only 21 putts in 18 holes, courtesy of only hitting six greens in regulation.
Defending champion Aaron Baddeley had a 66, while Dustin Johnson chopped up the end of his round before a birdie on the 18th that gave him a 67. They were in the group two shots behind, along with FedExCup champion Bill Haas, who had a 68.
Canadian scores
T38 17 94 Graham DeLaet 1 F 2 info 73 68 73 214
T61 22 89 David Hearn 4 F* 3 info 70 73 74 217
full scoreboard click http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboards/current/r007/
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
One shot clipped an ash tree and kept him out of worse trouble than he was in. Another landed behind a Bottle Brush, blocking his path to the 10th green . On yet another hole, Mickelson had to thread a 9-iron through the limbs of five eucalyptus trees. He also walked into the gallery to find his tee shot on the 15th hole to find a man flat on his back, because the spectator was being still since Phil's ball was inside the hem of his shorts.!!!
We have all noticed it's the Phil of old playing last week and this, not just his play but his attitude and according to Mickelson it came because of a pep talk last Friday afternoon from his wife, Amy Mickelson.
"She said, ‘Come on now, cheer up, let's go make some birdies,'" Mickelson said. "She was so positive, and it just changed my attitude, playing one of my favorite courses. It was really an attitude change that she instilled coming out with her bubbly, positive attitude that got me going. I told her in the car that it wouldn't have been possible without that talk."
Twelve players are within three shots of the lead, so it could be anyone's game today.
Mickelson and Bradley are at 7-under 206, one shot ahead of Pat Perez (70), Jonathan Byrd (69) and Bryce Molder (66). Mickelson wasn't the only player on a wild ride along the fabled course off Sunset Boulevard.
Bryce Molder one-putted the last eight greens, five of them for par. Pat Perez three-putted from 10 feet on No. 3, and on the next hole took four putts from 60 feet on the fringe, the last three from inside 5 feet. Jonathan Byrd took only 21 putts in 18 holes, courtesy of only hitting six greens in regulation.
Defending champion Aaron Baddeley had a 66, while Dustin Johnson chopped up the end of his round before a birdie on the 18th that gave him a 67. They were in the group two shots behind, along with FedExCup champion Bill Haas, who had a 68.
Canadian scores
T38 17 94 Graham DeLaet 1 F 2 info 73 68 73 214
T61 22 89 David Hearn 4 F* 3 info 70 73 74 217
full scoreboard click http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboards/current/r007/
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Champions Tour.. Perry leads the Ace Group Classic in Florida
Kenny Perry was on fire for a second straight day, making 11 birdies to shoot a Champions Tour career-best 10-under-par 62 on Saturday. Perry’s round matched the course record at the Talon Course at TwinEagles.
More importantly, his 36-hole total of 18-under 126 established the all-time lowest score in relation to par for the first two rounds in Champions Tour history. Perry’s number easily shattered the previous ACE Group Classic tournament record by four strokes.
Larry Mize, the first-round leader of the event, backed up his 62 yesterday with a 5-under 67 today but despite being bogey free for the first two days, he trails Perry by three strokes
Canadian scores..
T18 Rod Spittle SC P -6 F * -7 71 66 -- 137
T20 Jim Rutledge SC P -4 F -6 70 68 -- 138
live leaderboard click http://www.pgatour.com/s/leaderboard/
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
More importantly, his 36-hole total of 18-under 126 established the all-time lowest score in relation to par for the first two rounds in Champions Tour history. Perry’s number easily shattered the previous ACE Group Classic tournament record by four strokes.
Larry Mize, the first-round leader of the event, backed up his 62 yesterday with a 5-under 67 today but despite being bogey free for the first two days, he trails Perry by three strokes
Canadian scores..
T18 Rod Spittle SC P -6 F * -7 71 66 -- 137
T20 Jim Rutledge SC P -4 F -6 70 68 -- 138
live leaderboard click http://www.pgatour.com/s/leaderboard/
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
European Tour .. Kruger wins in New Delhi
The final round at the Avantha Masters 2012 has just finished and 25 year old South African, Jbe Kruger, the overnight leader, has prevailed with a closing 69 -14 to win by 2 shots over Spaniard Jorge Campillo 67 -12 and German Marcel Siem 70, -12
final scoreboard click
http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2012/tournamentid=2012007/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y
More to follow
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
final scoreboard click
http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2012/tournamentid=2012007/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y
More to follow
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Women's golf.....Tseng wins again in Thailand, Wright wins in New Zealand
It can be argued that the best golfer in the world isn't Rory or Luke or Lee or Tiger.
It's a little woman from Taiwan, Yani Tseng who has just shot 66 to successfully defend her title at the Honda LPGA Thailand 2012 by a shot from overnight leader Ai Miyazato (68)
Last year the world's No. 1-ranked women's golfer recorded seven LPGA titles, including two majors, plus won four other international events. She has won 5 majors, the youngest male or female at 22. When Tiger won his 4th he was 24.
final scoreboard click http://www.lpgascoring.com/public/Leaderboard.aspx
New Zealand Womens Open
Meanwhile in New Zealand there was considerable interest in 14 year old Lydia Ko to again show her immense talents well beyond her years, who had a share of the lead going into Sunday at the New Zealand Womens Open
While her putter had been a key all week, on the day she most needed it most, her putter went as cold as the weather and she had to be content to finish with a +2 74 today to finish on -4 T17th
final scoreboard click http://www.nzopengolf.co.nz/Tournaments/Standard_Navy/TournamentLeaderboard.aspx
The winner was 32 year old Australian golfer Lindsey Wright who has returned from the golfing wilderness. Once No 12 in the world before taking time out of the game with a loss of form, she nailed a 10' birdie putt on the final hole to claim victory at Pegasus Golf and Sports Club near Christchurch minutes ago.
Lorie Kane had a good weekend shooting 72 67 69 to finish T4 AT -8.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
It's a little woman from Taiwan, Yani Tseng who has just shot 66 to successfully defend her title at the Honda LPGA Thailand 2012 by a shot from overnight leader Ai Miyazato (68)
Last year the world's No. 1-ranked women's golfer recorded seven LPGA titles, including two majors, plus won four other international events. She has won 5 majors, the youngest male or female at 22. When Tiger won his 4th he was 24.
final scoreboard click http://www.lpgascoring.com/public/Leaderboard.aspx
New Zealand Womens Open
Meanwhile in New Zealand there was considerable interest in 14 year old Lydia Ko to again show her immense talents well beyond her years, who had a share of the lead going into Sunday at the New Zealand Womens Open
While her putter had been a key all week, on the day she most needed it most, her putter went as cold as the weather and she had to be content to finish with a +2 74 today to finish on -4 T17th
final scoreboard click http://www.nzopengolf.co.nz/Tournaments/Standard_Navy/TournamentLeaderboard.aspx
The winner was 32 year old Australian golfer Lindsey Wright who has returned from the golfing wilderness. Once No 12 in the world before taking time out of the game with a loss of form, she nailed a 10' birdie putt on the final hole to claim victory at Pegasus Golf and Sports Club near Christchurch minutes ago.
Lorie Kane had a good weekend shooting 72 67 69 to finish T4 AT -8.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Kruger leads after round 3 in New Delhi
Golf is a world wide game isn't it. Here it is 530am and the snow is falling all over Toronto, meanwhile as I write round 3 has wrapped up in Thailand as I just posted, now round 3 is in the books on the European tour in New Delhi at the Avantha Masters 2012
South African Jbe Kruger, who has a vowel missing somewhere, with a -6 66 leads the pack at -11. Three are at -10, Marcel Siem 68, the talented German with the red hair ponytail, and the awful wardrobe, Scotland's Peter Whiteford 72, and Jean-Baptiste Gonnet 69.
I must mention the Spaniard Jose Manuel Lara who is at -9 after posting 9 birdies today and a single bogey -8 64 and Paul McGinley of Ireland who birdied the last 2 holes for a 68 also at -9, but has switched to a junior boys putter that can'y be more than 2.5 feet long.
live scoring click here
http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2012/tournamentid=2012007/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and http://www.isr1050.com/
South African Jbe Kruger, who has a vowel missing somewhere, with a -6 66 leads the pack at -11. Three are at -10, Marcel Siem 68, the talented German with the red hair ponytail, and the awful wardrobe, Scotland's Peter Whiteford 72, and Jean-Baptiste Gonnet 69.
I must mention the Spaniard Jose Manuel Lara who is at -9 after posting 9 birdies today and a single bogey -8 64 and Paul McGinley of Ireland who birdied the last 2 holes for a 68 also at -9, but has switched to a junior boys putter that can'y be more than 2.5 feet long.
live scoring click here
http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2012/tournamentid=2012007/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and http://www.isr1050.com/
Tseng a shot off the lead after round 3 in Thailand
Round 3 has just finished at the Honda LPGA Thailand 2012, it's 5am est.
Yani Tseng said to shoot +1 73 in her opening round was pretty sad on the Pattaya Old Course at the Siam CC in Thailand. She has more than made up for it having just posted her 2nd straight 65 to move to -13 one shot off the lead held by diminutive Japanese star Ai Miyazato 67,70 65 -14
Karrie Webb who led after the 2nd round, shot 71 today and is T3 at -12
full leaderboard click http://www.lpgascoring.com/public/Leaderboard.aspx
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and http://www.isr1050.com/
Yani Tseng said to shoot +1 73 in her opening round was pretty sad on the Pattaya Old Course at the Siam CC in Thailand. She has more than made up for it having just posted her 2nd straight 65 to move to -13 one shot off the lead held by diminutive Japanese star Ai Miyazato 67,70 65 -14
Karrie Webb who led after the 2nd round, shot 71 today and is T3 at -12
full leaderboard click http://www.lpgascoring.com/public/Leaderboard.aspx
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and http://www.isr1050.com/
Friday, February 17, 2012
Westwood honoured with the OBE
If you wondered why Lee Westwood isn't at Riviera or in India this week, he had a more important engagement to attend to. His big day at Buckingham Palace...
Lee Westwood has spoken of his pride at collecting his OBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace and admitted he was far more nervous beforehand than he ever gets out on the golf course.
The 38 year old received the award in the Queen's Birthday Honours list last June for his services to the sport after rising to World Number One in 2010.
"It was amazing really, one of the best days of my life. It was a great honour," he said after collecting his medal."Little lad, 12 years old, starting golf over in Worksop at Kilton Forest Golf Club, you don't imagine you're going to be stood receiving an OBE from the Queen one day at Buckingham Palace, so it's a fantastic experience.
"I'm very proud, to have my wife, parents and children here is very special and it's a nice day for everyone to enjoy and celebrate."
Westwood revealed he had enjoyed a brief chat with the Queen about golf, but was more keen to try and turn the conversation to another sporting pursuit."She seemed to know a little bit about golf and I've played with Prince Andrew in the past so maybe he's told her a few things about it," he continued. "I really wanted to get into talking about race horses with her but we didn't have time for that."I must admit I did get sweaty palms inside there waiting for my turn, it's nothing like being on the golf course when you're in a comfort zone - it was a nerve-wracking experience. But I'm full of admiration for the Royal Family and what they do for this country so that's probably why I was nervous."
Speaking of his ambitions for the year ahead, the World Number Two admitted that a maiden major championship remained his overriding priority.
"Hopefully (I'll win) a major championship," he added. "I've got a few tournaments coming up in America and I've started the year okay. I'm looking forward to obviously improving this year and winning one of those big ones."
Westwood will be in the elite WGC field at the Accenture Match Play in Arizona next week.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Lee Westwood has spoken of his pride at collecting his OBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace and admitted he was far more nervous beforehand than he ever gets out on the golf course.
The 38 year old received the award in the Queen's Birthday Honours list last June for his services to the sport after rising to World Number One in 2010.
"It was amazing really, one of the best days of my life. It was a great honour," he said after collecting his medal."Little lad, 12 years old, starting golf over in Worksop at Kilton Forest Golf Club, you don't imagine you're going to be stood receiving an OBE from the Queen one day at Buckingham Palace, so it's a fantastic experience.
"I'm very proud, to have my wife, parents and children here is very special and it's a nice day for everyone to enjoy and celebrate."
Westwood revealed he had enjoyed a brief chat with the Queen about golf, but was more keen to try and turn the conversation to another sporting pursuit."She seemed to know a little bit about golf and I've played with Prince Andrew in the past so maybe he's told her a few things about it," he continued. "I really wanted to get into talking about race horses with her but we didn't have time for that."I must admit I did get sweaty palms inside there waiting for my turn, it's nothing like being on the golf course when you're in a comfort zone - it was a nerve-wracking experience. But I'm full of admiration for the Royal Family and what they do for this country so that's probably why I was nervous."
Speaking of his ambitions for the year ahead, the World Number Two admitted that a maiden major championship remained his overriding priority.
"Hopefully (I'll win) a major championship," he added. "I've got a few tournaments coming up in America and I've started the year okay. I'm looking forward to obviously improving this year and winning one of those big ones."
Westwood will be in the elite WGC field at the Accenture Match Play in Arizona next week.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Friday wrap up for rounds 1 and 2, full scoreboards
LIVE UPDATE Complete Friday wrap up***
European Tour
Round 2 is complete as Peter Whiteford followed his opening 66 with a second round 68 to open up a two shot lead at the Avantha Masters as the Scot chases his first European Tour title.
Sharing the lead with Spaniard Alejandro Cañizares overnight, Whiteford moved to -10 at the halfway stage with six birdies, three bogeys and an eagle three on the long sixth at DLF Golf & Country Club.
The 31 year old leads by two from Thailand’s Prom Meesawat, who birdied five of the last six holes in his best-of-the-week -8 64.
live scoreboard click here
http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2012/tournamentid=2012007/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y
PGA Tour
The first round was suspended by darkness with 30 players yet to finish the round at Riviera at the Northern Trust Open .
Phil Mickelson is the clubhouse leader. buoyed with confidence after his win last week, he finished off a -5 66 with a chip in at the last, and is looking like the old Phil, creative shot making like 300 yard drivers off the deck, the blade putter co-operating, the smile readily available... Remember 3 weeks ago this same guy was shooting 77 to MC, fiddling with a belly putter.. confidence makes a world of difference..
Both Canadians completed their rounds.. David Hearn is in a large group at -1 70 which includes world #1 Luke Donald, and Graham Delaet has a very colourful scorecard with 3 birdies, 3 bogey's and a double at the par 5 11th for a +2 73 T55
LIVE UPDATE ****2.35pm est Friday 17th
pgatour.com...Jimmy Walker birdied his final hole on Friday for a round of 66 that once again has the Texan contending at the Northern Trust Open.Walker, who tied for fourth a year ago at Riviera on the strength of a closing 68, tapped in for the final birdie to move to -4 for the tournament. He shot a sizzling 31 on the front nine, which was his second of the day.
When he finished, Walker was the leader in the clubhouse, two strokes off the pace being set by Carl Pettersson -6 through 13 and Phil Mickelson -6 through 15.
Canucks.... Graham Delaet is T14 after a fine -3 68 to go with his opening 73 so a -1 total. David Hearn has yet to tee off at -1 also T14.
UPDATE..Round 2 wrap up ***
Darkness fell with 8 players left to complete round 2 and the cut set to fall at +3. Phil Mickelson is the leader at the halfway point with a 66,70 -6 total, one shot ahead of Pat Perez 72,65 -5 and Matt Kuchar, Carl Pettersson, Jimmy Walker, Jarrod Lyle and Jonathan Byrd all at -4.
Graham Delaet 73,68 -1 is T21 and David Hearn birdied 17 to stand at +2 on his round, +1 T39 and still has 18 to play Saturday morning.
live scoreboard click here http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboards/current/r007/
Nationwide Tour
The season opener is in Bogota, Columbia where former President Bill Clinton is in attendance at the Pacific Rubiales Colombia Championship presented by Samsung. Veteran Aussie Peter Lonard is the leader at -5 66, along with Americans Bill Horschel and Brian Smock. 2 players didn't finish due to darkness, but will clean up their rounds at 7.30 am Friday.
Clinton played in an all-star pro-am on Wednesday because it supports the Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative (CGSGI) in Colombia as its charitable beneficiary.CGSGI was established in June 2007 by Clinton and philanthropist Frank Giustra, and its economic and social development projects span Colombia, Peru, Mexico, and Haiti. In Colombia, CGSGI works to support entrepreneurship, create jobs, strengthen child nutrition and expand access to health services in remote areas
There are 7 Canucks in a very full field, Stuart Anderson T24, -1 70, Ryan Yip T44 E 71, Jon Mills T76 +2 73, Brad Fritsch T56 +1, Bryan DeCorso T120 +5, Adam Hadwin T56 +1, Chris Baryla T120 +5 76 have all made the trip to South America where they will also play in Panama and Chile before returning to the States..
LIVE UPDATE Round 2 wrap up****
With round 2 in the books the cut fell at +1 Stuart Anderson is in with a 73 today +1 T58 total and Brad Fritsch shot -3 68 to stand T24 at -2
Jon Mills 73,71 and Ryan Yip 71 73 are both at +2, so missed the cut by a shot as did Bryan DeCorso 76 72 +6 , Adam Hadwin 72 78 +8 and Chris Baryla 76 76 +10
Billly Horschel of the States is the leader at 66 66 -10 by 2 shots over Brian Smock 66 68 -8.
live scoreboard click here http://www.pgatour.com/h/leaderboard/
LPGA tour
Karrie Webb held a two-shot lead at 10-under-par when second-round play at the Honda LPGA Thailand was suspended at 4:58 p.m. due to lightning in the area. A total of 14 players remained on the course was play was officially called for the day at 5:15 p.m.
Webb, who has four holes remaining, was -6 in her round on Friday which featured five birdies, one bogey and a hole-in-one on the par 3 12th hole. Sitting two shots back of Webb at -8 when play was halted are Jiyai Shin and Amy Yang. Shin fired a -6 66, -8 total while Yang was 4-under on her round through 14 holes.
Yani Tseng returns to Siam Country Club’s Old Course as the 2011 champion with hopes to defend her first title of the season and she is T7 at -6 after posting a blistering -7 65 earlier this morning to go with her opening +1 73. The top 30 players are in this reduced invitational field of 70. There are no Canucks in this field.
full scoreboard click here http://www.lpgascoring.com/public/Leaderboard.aspx
Champions Tour
LIVE UPDATE ***
The older guys are half way through round 1 at the ACE Group Classic back on the TwinEagles GC (Talon Course) Naples. Jim Rutledge -2 through 12 T24 and Rod Spittle +1 through 10 T59 trail the current leaders Gary Koch and Micheal Allen both at -6 then Russ Cochran , Mark McNulty and Larry Mize at -5.
LIVE UPDATE Round 1 wrap**
Larry Mize shot a sparkling -10 62 to lead after the 1st round, 2 shots clear of Russ Cochrane, Tom Lehman and Kenny Perry all at -8 64.
Jim Rutledge is T28 at -2 70 and Rod Spittle is T39 -1 71
scoreboard and tee times click http://www.pgatour.com/s/leaderboard/
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
European Tour
Round 2 is complete as Peter Whiteford followed his opening 66 with a second round 68 to open up a two shot lead at the Avantha Masters as the Scot chases his first European Tour title.
Sharing the lead with Spaniard Alejandro Cañizares overnight, Whiteford moved to -10 at the halfway stage with six birdies, three bogeys and an eagle three on the long sixth at DLF Golf & Country Club.
The 31 year old leads by two from Thailand’s Prom Meesawat, who birdied five of the last six holes in his best-of-the-week -8 64.
live scoreboard click here
http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2012/tournamentid=2012007/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y
PGA Tour
The first round was suspended by darkness with 30 players yet to finish the round at Riviera at the Northern Trust Open .
Phil Mickelson is the clubhouse leader. buoyed with confidence after his win last week, he finished off a -5 66 with a chip in at the last, and is looking like the old Phil, creative shot making like 300 yard drivers off the deck, the blade putter co-operating, the smile readily available... Remember 3 weeks ago this same guy was shooting 77 to MC, fiddling with a belly putter.. confidence makes a world of difference..
Both Canadians completed their rounds.. David Hearn is in a large group at -1 70 which includes world #1 Luke Donald, and Graham Delaet has a very colourful scorecard with 3 birdies, 3 bogey's and a double at the par 5 11th for a +2 73 T55
LIVE UPDATE ****2.35pm est Friday 17th
pgatour.com...Jimmy Walker birdied his final hole on Friday for a round of 66 that once again has the Texan contending at the Northern Trust Open.Walker, who tied for fourth a year ago at Riviera on the strength of a closing 68, tapped in for the final birdie to move to -4 for the tournament. He shot a sizzling 31 on the front nine, which was his second of the day.
When he finished, Walker was the leader in the clubhouse, two strokes off the pace being set by Carl Pettersson -6 through 13 and Phil Mickelson -6 through 15.
Canucks.... Graham Delaet is T14 after a fine -3 68 to go with his opening 73 so a -1 total. David Hearn has yet to tee off at -1 also T14.
UPDATE..Round 2 wrap up ***
Darkness fell with 8 players left to complete round 2 and the cut set to fall at +3. Phil Mickelson is the leader at the halfway point with a 66,70 -6 total, one shot ahead of Pat Perez 72,65 -5 and Matt Kuchar, Carl Pettersson, Jimmy Walker, Jarrod Lyle and Jonathan Byrd all at -4.
Graham Delaet 73,68 -1 is T21 and David Hearn birdied 17 to stand at +2 on his round, +1 T39 and still has 18 to play Saturday morning.
live scoreboard click here http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboards/current/r007/
Nationwide Tour
The season opener is in Bogota, Columbia where former President Bill Clinton is in attendance at the Pacific Rubiales Colombia Championship presented by Samsung. Veteran Aussie Peter Lonard is the leader at -5 66, along with Americans Bill Horschel and Brian Smock. 2 players didn't finish due to darkness, but will clean up their rounds at 7.30 am Friday.
Clinton played in an all-star pro-am on Wednesday because it supports the Clinton Giustra Sustainable Growth Initiative (CGSGI) in Colombia as its charitable beneficiary.CGSGI was established in June 2007 by Clinton and philanthropist Frank Giustra, and its economic and social development projects span Colombia, Peru, Mexico, and Haiti. In Colombia, CGSGI works to support entrepreneurship, create jobs, strengthen child nutrition and expand access to health services in remote areas
There are 7 Canucks in a very full field, Stuart Anderson T24, -1 70, Ryan Yip T44 E 71, Jon Mills T76 +2 73, Brad Fritsch T56 +1, Bryan DeCorso T120 +5, Adam Hadwin T56 +1, Chris Baryla T120 +5 76 have all made the trip to South America where they will also play in Panama and Chile before returning to the States..
LIVE UPDATE Round 2 wrap up****
With round 2 in the books the cut fell at +1 Stuart Anderson is in with a 73 today +1 T58 total and Brad Fritsch shot -3 68 to stand T24 at -2
Jon Mills 73,71 and Ryan Yip 71 73 are both at +2, so missed the cut by a shot as did Bryan DeCorso 76 72 +6 , Adam Hadwin 72 78 +8 and Chris Baryla 76 76 +10
Billly Horschel of the States is the leader at 66 66 -10 by 2 shots over Brian Smock 66 68 -8.
live scoreboard click here http://www.pgatour.com/h/leaderboard/
LPGA tour
Karrie Webb held a two-shot lead at 10-under-par when second-round play at the Honda LPGA Thailand was suspended at 4:58 p.m. due to lightning in the area. A total of 14 players remained on the course was play was officially called for the day at 5:15 p.m.
Webb, who has four holes remaining, was -6 in her round on Friday which featured five birdies, one bogey and a hole-in-one on the par 3 12th hole. Sitting two shots back of Webb at -8 when play was halted are Jiyai Shin and Amy Yang. Shin fired a -6 66, -8 total while Yang was 4-under on her round through 14 holes.
Yani Tseng returns to Siam Country Club’s Old Course as the 2011 champion with hopes to defend her first title of the season and she is T7 at -6 after posting a blistering -7 65 earlier this morning to go with her opening +1 73. The top 30 players are in this reduced invitational field of 70. There are no Canucks in this field.
full scoreboard click here http://www.lpgascoring.com/public/Leaderboard.aspx
Champions Tour
LIVE UPDATE ***
The older guys are half way through round 1 at the ACE Group Classic back on the TwinEagles GC (Talon Course) Naples. Jim Rutledge -2 through 12 T24 and Rod Spittle +1 through 10 T59 trail the current leaders Gary Koch and Micheal Allen both at -6 then Russ Cochran , Mark McNulty and Larry Mize at -5.
LIVE UPDATE Round 1 wrap**
Larry Mize shot a sparkling -10 62 to lead after the 1st round, 2 shots clear of Russ Cochrane, Tom Lehman and Kenny Perry all at -8 64.
Jim Rutledge is T28 at -2 70 and Rod Spittle is T39 -1 71
scoreboard and tee times click http://www.pgatour.com/s/leaderboard/
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
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