Asian Tour SMBC Singapore Open leaderboard http://www.asiantour.com/tournaments/520/leaderboard/
Jordan Spieth has a 5 foot putt for birdie on the 17th green to get to -11. The leader Younghan Song of Korea is at -12 playing the 16th.
Unfortunately play has been suspended due to rain and lightning that has blown through here every afternoon this week. So Spieth and the rest of the field and all the spectators are under shelter waiting to see if they can finish, or come back on Monday.
PGA Tour Farmer's Insurance leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/farmers-insurance-open/leaderboard.html
50 mph wind and torrential rain has driven the field off of Torrey Pines at 820am PST and the rules officials have just announced at 930am PST that they are going to put the players back out now that the squall has blown through to try and play some golf.
They will take it hour by hour until common sense says Mother Nature doesn't want any more golf played today. The forecast for Monday is more of the same...
Bryan Angus
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Spieth completes 3rd round five shots off the lead at SMBC Singapore Open
Asian Tour SMBC Singapore Open leaderboard http://www.asiantour.com/tournaments/520/leaderboard/
Jordan Spieth and his group played his last 3 holes of the day in a virtual jog to try and beat darkness, but he fell 2 holes shy, and had to get up early this morning to finish round 3 on the 17th at -4 on his round -10 total.
He was 2 shots behind leader Younghan Song of Korea who still has 5 holes to play to finish the third round of this weather delayed SMBC Singapore Open
The field has just completed that 3rd round and Song remained in the lead after he completed his third round with a -2 69 -15 total, five shots ahead of Jordan Spieth (-4 67 -10) who had a bogey and a birdie at the Serapong Course, Sentosa Golf Club at this US$1 million event that is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO).
Bryan Angus
Choi, Brown lead as scores soar in the wind at Torrey Pines
PGA Tour Farmers Insurance leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/farmers-insurance-open/leaderboard.html
As I mentioned yesterday, a simple tip about his putting alignment has resulted in one of KJ Choi's best tournaments on the greens and Saturday was no different as he one-putted his last six holes for E 72 to tie for the lead with Scott Brown in deteriorating weather at the Farmers Insurance Open on Torrey Pines.
As I mentioned yesterday, a simple tip about his putting alignment has resulted in one of KJ Choi's best tournaments on the greens and Saturday was no different as he one-putted his last six holes for E 72 to tie for the lead with Scott Brown in deteriorating weather at the Farmers Insurance Open on Torrey Pines.
Brown had a strong 70 on the South Course to get to -9 207, both are a shot ahead of Jimmy Walker (68) and Gary Woodland (73).
Dustin Johnson shot 74 and is -6, one of 24 players within 5 shots of the lead.
Graham DeLaet (71st) shot 82 with a triple and seven bogeys while Adam Hadwin rounded out a tough day for the Canadians with a 78 to T63.
Tee times will be moved up today as bad weather with gusty wins (50mph) and rain have moved into the area and getting 18 holes played will be a challenge.
Bryan Angus
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Big names to miss the cut at Farmers Insurance Open
PGA Tour Farmers Insurance Open leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/farmers-insurance-open/leaderboard.html
Phil Mickelson, Rickie Fowler, Jason Day and Justin Rose will all be spending their weekends elsewhere, none at Torrey Pines as they have all missed the cut, much I am sure to the dismay of the sponsor and the TV suits who are paying to cover this prestigious event along the spectacular Pacific coast just outside San Diego
Gary Woodland (67 -9) and K.J. Choi with renewed faith in his putting stroke (67 -9) share the lead with Dustin Johnson (66 -8) just a shot behind.
Phil Mickelson, Rickie Fowler, Jason Day and Justin Rose will all be spending their weekends elsewhere, none at Torrey Pines as they have all missed the cut, much I am sure to the dismay of the sponsor and the TV suits who are paying to cover this prestigious event along the spectacular Pacific coast just outside San Diego
Gary Woodland (67 -9) and K.J. Choi with renewed faith in his putting stroke (67 -9) share the lead with Dustin Johnson (66 -8) just a shot behind.
Canadians Adam Hadwin 71 70 -2 T27 and Graham DeLaet 72 71 -1 T57 are still playing while Nick Taylor at +5 is not.
Bryan Angus
Branden Grace wins the windy Qatar Masters
European Tour Commercial Bank Qatar Masters leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2016/tournamentid=2016006/leaderboard/index.html#IyPPdbMezWFZQjhF.97
Headliner Sergio Garcia finished his first event of the year, 70 66 74 70 -2 and as usual he was superb from tee to green, but he was painful to watch on the greens, missing away too many from 8 feet and in.
Bryan Angus
Branden Grace shot a closing 69, one of only 4 rounds under 70, to become the first man to successfully defend the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters and win the coveted Mother of Pearl trophy.
He started the day two shots behind two-time champion Paul Lawrie who succumbed to the wind with a 78 to let Grace in, and the South African took advantage getting to -14 under to win by two shots from Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Thorbjørn Olesen.
The Spaniard closed with three birdies to finish with a 70 good enough T2 alongside Olesen who made a birdie putt on the last for 71.
Bradley Dredge finished with four birdies for a fine 69 to shoot up to -11 with Andrew Johnston and Lee Slattery who both shot 70.
It was Grace's 7th European Tour win, his first since this time last year, and he remains ranked #11 in the world.
Remember this event runs from Wednesday - Saturday as Sunday is the start of the work week in many countries in the middle east.
He started the day two shots behind two-time champion Paul Lawrie who succumbed to the wind with a 78 to let Grace in, and the South African took advantage getting to -14 under to win by two shots from Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Thorbjørn Olesen.
The Spaniard closed with three birdies to finish with a 70 good enough T2 alongside Olesen who made a birdie putt on the last for 71.
Bradley Dredge finished with four birdies for a fine 69 to shoot up to -11 with Andrew Johnston and Lee Slattery who both shot 70.
It was Grace's 7th European Tour win, his first since this time last year, and he remains ranked #11 in the world.
Remember this event runs from Wednesday - Saturday as Sunday is the start of the work week in many countries in the middle east.
Headliner Sergio Garcia finished his first event of the year, 70 66 74 70 -2 and as usual he was superb from tee to green, but he was painful to watch on the greens, missing away too many from 8 feet and in.
Bryan Angus
Spieth stalled by afternoon thunderstorms in Singapore...
Asian Tour SMBC Singapore Open leaderboard http://www.asiantour.com/tournaments/520/leaderboard/
Korea’s Younghan Song surged up the leaderboard after carding a sparkling eight-under-par 63 in the second round of the weather-hit SMBC Singapore Open on Friday.
Play was suspended because of inclement weather at 3.06pm (local time) and could not resume due to thunderstorms and lightning activities around the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club.
A total of 78 players, including world number one Jordan Spieth and Byeonghun An who completed seven holes, will return to finish their rounds at 7.30am this morning with round three scheduled to start immediately upon the completion of the second round.
An was at -7 while Spieth traded one birdie and one bogey to stay at -4 after six holes, five shots back of Song at the US$1 million event which is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO
Korea’s Younghan Song surged up the leaderboard after carding a sparkling eight-under-par 63 in the second round of the weather-hit SMBC Singapore Open on Friday.
Play was suspended because of inclement weather at 3.06pm (local time) and could not resume due to thunderstorms and lightning activities around the Serapong Course at Sentosa Golf Club.
A total of 78 players, including world number one Jordan Spieth and Byeonghun An who completed seven holes, will return to finish their rounds at 7.30am this morning with round three scheduled to start immediately upon the completion of the second round.
An was at -7 while Spieth traded one birdie and one bogey to stay at -4 after six holes, five shots back of Song at the US$1 million event which is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO
Friday, January 29, 2016
Lawrie leads in the wind at Qatar Championship
European Tour Commercial Bank Qatar Masters leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2016/tournamentid=2016006/leaderboard/index.html#l9pc4Ls2zA32djRk.97
The wind was howling in the middle east desert surrounding the Doha GC on this penultimate Friday as Aberdeen's Paul Lawrie who rarely played a day without wind on Scotland's NE coast growing up, has a two-shot lead to close in on an unprecedented third Qatar Masters title.
The wind was howling in the middle east desert surrounding the Doha GC on this penultimate Friday as Aberdeen's Paul Lawrie who rarely played a day without wind on Scotland's NE coast growing up, has a two-shot lead to close in on an unprecedented third Qatar Masters title.
Today he started the third round with 13 straight pars before making his first birdie on the 14th hole, then picked up another shot on the par-5 18th to finish at 2-under-par 70 -13 total while all the rest around him could not close the gap in these conditions.
He will start Saturday two ahead of Branden Grace (68) -11 with Denmark’s Thorbjorn Olesen (69). Sergio Garcia in his first start of the year, missed a bunch of short putts after great approach play, made a 50-foot putt for an eagle on the 18th hole to finish a disappointing of +2 74 -6..
Bryan Angus
Bryan Angus
Bitter /Sweet day for John Mills..
I have been following John Mills from Oshawa since he was a junior and he has been a regular on my Fairways golf show, and it seemed he was a can't miss Canadian on his way to the PGA Tour..
He had his first professional win on the Canadian Tour in 2003 en route to becoming the leading money-winner on the Tour that year. Mills also captured two titles on the Web.Com Tour, including the 2005 Canadian PGA Championship and the 2007 Boise Open. He also qualified for three US Opens.
Somewhere along the line that insidious golf bug that attacks the confidence of great pros like Ian Baker Finch and Chip Beck to name a few hit Jon Mills... After a while he just couldn't hit a drive under control...no matter what..
He tried and tried but as sad as it is for a guy so talented he had to make a decision on how he could support his wife and family without driving for nights on end seeking Monday qualifiers
I was relieved to hear Kent State Director of Golf/Head Men’s Golf Coach Herb Page announcing the addition of Jon Mills to his coaching staff. Mills a former Golden Flash, will serve as Associate Head Coach of the the men’s golf team.
Mills had an exceptional career competing as a Golden Flash under Page’s tutelage. He was a two-time All-American as well as the only Kent State golfer to earn First Team All-American honors. Mills was an All-MAC performer each of his four years and was also the MAC Freshman of the Year in 1998. Mills was the medalist at the 2000 NCAA Central Regional Championship, a Kent State individual’s best-ever finish at the regional.
Mills also holds the record for having the second-best finish by a Kent State golfer at the NCAA Championships, placing sixth in 2001. In that same year, he earned MAC Championship medalist honors. Mills was a member of four consecutive MAC Championships teams (1998-2002) and led Kent State to an NCAA Regional title in 2001. That's how good he was..
Sadly the pro tour is littered with these can't miss guys and it is sad from my point of view that Jon will never fulfill his enormous talent..
Still he now has a stable and reliable income to bring up his family and who knows what the future may bring...
Bryan Angus
He had his first professional win on the Canadian Tour in 2003 en route to becoming the leading money-winner on the Tour that year. Mills also captured two titles on the Web.Com Tour, including the 2005 Canadian PGA Championship and the 2007 Boise Open. He also qualified for three US Opens.
Somewhere along the line that insidious golf bug that attacks the confidence of great pros like Ian Baker Finch and Chip Beck to name a few hit Jon Mills... After a while he just couldn't hit a drive under control...no matter what..
He tried and tried but as sad as it is for a guy so talented he had to make a decision on how he could support his wife and family without driving for nights on end seeking Monday qualifiers
I was relieved to hear Kent State Director of Golf/Head Men’s Golf Coach Herb Page announcing the addition of Jon Mills to his coaching staff. Mills a former Golden Flash, will serve as Associate Head Coach of the the men’s golf team.
Mills had an exceptional career competing as a Golden Flash under Page’s tutelage. He was a two-time All-American as well as the only Kent State golfer to earn First Team All-American honors. Mills was an All-MAC performer each of his four years and was also the MAC Freshman of the Year in 1998. Mills was the medalist at the 2000 NCAA Central Regional Championship, a Kent State individual’s best-ever finish at the regional.
Mills also holds the record for having the second-best finish by a Kent State golfer at the NCAA Championships, placing sixth in 2001. In that same year, he earned MAC Championship medalist honors. Mills was a member of four consecutive MAC Championships teams (1998-2002) and led Kent State to an NCAA Regional title in 2001. That's how good he was..
Sadly the pro tour is littered with these can't miss guys and it is sad from my point of view that Jon will never fulfill his enormous talent..
Still he now has a stable and reliable income to bring up his family and who knows what the future may bring...
Bryan Angus
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Jordan Spieth opens suspended Singapore Open with stress free -4 67
Asian Tour SMBC Singapore Open leaderboard http://www.asiantour.com/tournaments/520/leaderboard/
Jordan Spieth continues to cash in on his world #1 status with a stop this weekend at the SMBC Singapore Open where he is being paid a reported $1.5 million US by the sponsor to add his name to the field which has a total prize money of $1m
He has just opened with what he called a stress free -4 67, good for T3, the leader is South African Keith Horne -5 66 with the late wave on course before play was suspended at 6.40pm local time due to lightning.
Play will resume at 730am on Friday.
In his post round interview Spieth said he "drove the ball well but his distance control in the heat and humidity was a bit off so he didn't have a lot of great looks for birdie. He also said that was understandable considering the time change, jet lag, new country and said he would stay committed to each shot and would be fine".
There is one Canadian in the field, Richard T Lee who is -1with one hole to play
Bryan Angus
Jordan Spieth continues to cash in on his world #1 status with a stop this weekend at the SMBC Singapore Open where he is being paid a reported $1.5 million US by the sponsor to add his name to the field which has a total prize money of $1m
He has just opened with what he called a stress free -4 67, good for T3, the leader is South African Keith Horne -5 66 with the late wave on course before play was suspended at 6.40pm local time due to lightning.
Play will resume at 730am on Friday.
In his post round interview Spieth said he "drove the ball well but his distance control in the heat and humidity was a bit off so he didn't have a lot of great looks for birdie. He also said that was understandable considering the time change, jet lag, new country and said he would stay committed to each shot and would be fine".
There is one Canadian in the field, Richard T Lee who is -1with one hole to play
Bryan Angus
Nine Canadians open Web.com season in Panama
Web.com Tour Panama Claro Championship leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/webcom/tournaments/panama-claro-championship/leaderboard.html
The 2016 season gets underway in Panama City this morning and nine Canadians to watch for are in the field.
Adam Svensson, MacKenzie Hughes, Ryan Yip, Taylor Pendrith, Austin Connelly, Albin Choi, Ben Silverman, Brad Fritsch and Roger Sloan have all made it through by various means including Q School and I will be following them here every week, as they all strive to join their fellow Canucks on the PGA Tour..
It's a real mixed bag of players here this week, raw rookies mixed in with veterans like Aussie Peter Leonard and established PGA Tour players like Billy Hurly III.
Bryan Angus
The 2016 season gets underway in Panama City this morning and nine Canadians to watch for are in the field.
Adam Svensson, MacKenzie Hughes, Ryan Yip, Taylor Pendrith, Austin Connelly, Albin Choi, Ben Silverman, Brad Fritsch and Roger Sloan have all made it through by various means including Q School and I will be following them here every week, as they all strive to join their fellow Canucks on the PGA Tour..
It's a real mixed bag of players here this week, raw rookies mixed in with veterans like Aussie Peter Leonard and established PGA Tour players like Billy Hurly III.
Bryan Angus
Scotland's Paul Lawrie leads at Qatar Masters.. Mike Weir misses cut...
European Tour Commercial Bank Qatar Masters leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2016/tournamentid=2016006/leaderboard/index.html#SUgZWz8OVzcGZpCM.97
Scottish veteran Paul Lawrie who has won this event twice already (1999, 2012) took advantage of the calm conditions this morning to shoot 66 and take a one shot lead after day two of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. Remember since Sunday is the start of the work week in Qatar, this event runs from Wednesday - Saturday.
He added that score to the 67 he posted in a very windy round one, so he stands at -11 good for the lead over big hitting Belgian Nicholas Colsaerts who said that his eagle on the par 5 first (his 10th hole) turned his round from an even par to -3 68 -10 total as none of the later starters were making any in roads on Lawrie's lead as the wind got up at this Doha Golf Club.
Two shots back are Grégory Bourdy (67 68 -9), Andrew Johnston (66 69 -9) and Rafa Cabrera-Bello, who shot 68 in the afternoon and has been third here twice.
Sergio Garcia who won in 2014 began his season here shot and 70 on Wednesday, then came in today with a 66 after playing the first seven holes at -5, to get to -8 alongside Pelle Edberg (70 66) Thorbjørn Olesen (67 69) and afternoon starters Johan Carlsson (67) and Tommy Fleetwood (69)
He added that score to the 67 he posted in a very windy round one, so he stands at -11 good for the lead over big hitting Belgian Nicholas Colsaerts who said that his eagle on the par 5 first (his 10th hole) turned his round from an even par to -3 68 -10 total as none of the later starters were making any in roads on Lawrie's lead as the wind got up at this Doha Golf Club.
Two shots back are Grégory Bourdy (67 68 -9), Andrew Johnston (66 69 -9) and Rafa Cabrera-Bello, who shot 68 in the afternoon and has been third here twice.
Sergio Garcia who won in 2014 began his season here shot and 70 on Wednesday, then came in today with a 66 after playing the first seven holes at -5, to get to -8 alongside Pelle Edberg (70 66) Thorbjørn Olesen (67 69) and afternoon starters Johan Carlsson (67) and Tommy Fleetwood (69)
Defending champion Branden Grace had shared the lead with birdies at the 10th, 14th, 18th and first added to an eagle at the 16th, but after a double bogey he ended up with 67 -7 total.
Joost Luiten has two top fives so far this season and he fired a flawless 67 to also sit at -7 alongside Brett Rumford, who shot a 69, and Jens Fahrbring, who carded a 68.
Mike Weir making his second straight start on this European Tour desert swing is starting to shake off the rust, but with rounds of 73 76 +5 will miss the cut which fell at -1.
First round leaders Luis Oosthuizen (65) struggled to a +2 73 while Pablo Larrazabal (65) could only manage +1 72 in the afternoon wind.
With the wind forecast to continue Friday and Saturday the field has certainly got it'ds work cut out for it.
Bryan Angus
Joost Luiten has two top fives so far this season and he fired a flawless 67 to also sit at -7 alongside Brett Rumford, who shot a 69, and Jens Fahrbring, who carded a 68.
Mike Weir making his second straight start on this European Tour desert swing is starting to shake off the rust, but with rounds of 73 76 +5 will miss the cut which fell at -1.
First round leaders Luis Oosthuizen (65) struggled to a +2 73 while Pablo Larrazabal (65) could only manage +1 72 in the afternoon wind.
With the wind forecast to continue Friday and Saturday the field has certainly got it'ds work cut out for it.
Bryan Angus
Monday, January 25, 2016
Dufner beats Lingmerth,Hadwin comes close at CareerBuilder Challenge
PGA Tour CareerBuilder Challenge final scoreboard http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/careerbuilder-challenge-in-partnership-with-the-clinton-
David Lingmerth shot 62 65 over the weekend and lost. Adam Hadwin was tied for the lead at the turn but went +2 coming in and lost but played terrific.(T6)
However back in the winners circle is Pete Dye's revamped PGA West TPC Stadium Course after 29 years in the golfing black book, and Jason Dufner, now divorced and nearly 100 pounds lighter who beat Lingmerth on the second playoff hole with a par after the Swede's 5 iron approach was tugged a smige left and crashed off the rocks into a watery grave.
Dufner shot -2 70 to finish on -25 along with Lingmerth (65) on a course that was used in this event for the first time since it was panned by the pro's and subsequently dropped in 1987.
His shot that is getting all the replay's on TV today and has been dubbed "escape from Alcatraz" which is the name of the island-green 17th.
Dufner got a break when his tee shot didn't get wet but lodged into some hardpan between rocks that surround the green and he looked it over, choked down the shaft and closed the face and hit a little chip with some spin that nearly went in, hitting the flagstick and lay stone dead.
It was his first win since 2013 which incidently was the year Lingmerth also lost a playoff at this event on PGA West’s Palmer Private Course.
Dufner was full value for his win when you consider he opened with a 64 on the Nicklaus Tournament Course, then shot 65 on Friday at the Stadium Course to take the lead, and continued his fine form with 64 at La Quinta on Saturday. His putter which has been his problem (apart from his ex-wife) was terrific all week.
For all you Phil Mickelson fans he finished a good week with 68 T3 -21. This was his first event since November with the new swing devised by his new coach Andrew Getson.
Bryan Angus
David Lingmerth shot 62 65 over the weekend and lost. Adam Hadwin was tied for the lead at the turn but went +2 coming in and lost but played terrific.(T6)
However back in the winners circle is Pete Dye's revamped PGA West TPC Stadium Course after 29 years in the golfing black book, and Jason Dufner, now divorced and nearly 100 pounds lighter who beat Lingmerth on the second playoff hole with a par after the Swede's 5 iron approach was tugged a smige left and crashed off the rocks into a watery grave.
Dufner shot -2 70 to finish on -25 along with Lingmerth (65) on a course that was used in this event for the first time since it was panned by the pro's and subsequently dropped in 1987.
His shot that is getting all the replay's on TV today and has been dubbed "escape from Alcatraz" which is the name of the island-green 17th.
Dufner got a break when his tee shot didn't get wet but lodged into some hardpan between rocks that surround the green and he looked it over, choked down the shaft and closed the face and hit a little chip with some spin that nearly went in, hitting the flagstick and lay stone dead.
It was his first win since 2013 which incidently was the year Lingmerth also lost a playoff at this event on PGA West’s Palmer Private Course.
Dufner was full value for his win when you consider he opened with a 64 on the Nicklaus Tournament Course, then shot 65 on Friday at the Stadium Course to take the lead, and continued his fine form with 64 at La Quinta on Saturday. His putter which has been his problem (apart from his ex-wife) was terrific all week.
For all you Phil Mickelson fans he finished a good week with 68 T3 -21. This was his first event since November with the new swing devised by his new coach Andrew Getson.
Bryan Angus
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Fowler wins the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship
European Tour Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship final leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2016/tournamentid=2016004/leaderboard/index.html#X591xMl0dFcszWYQ.97
Rickie Fowler is just great for the game of golf. Brilliant at times and becoming consistently good with every passing tournament. His bright new Puma gear, highlighted this week with his white high top golf shoes that are sold out right around the world is fun to wear. He is quietly modest, but completely confident, kids and the old crowd alike all just love watching him play.
That is why he is in the UAE on a sponsors (HSBC) invitation. (the unofficial appearance fee for the world #1 is around $2m, that's what Jordan Spieth got), and that is another reason his one shot win at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship earlier this morning is so popular.
Now because Rickie won the Scottish Open last summer he is a member of the European Tour so he is not supposed to receive an appearance fee, so the first prize of 409,686 euros, or $442,399.43 US is probably not as valuable as the fact he is now officially the world #4 player right behind Spieth, Jason Day and McIlroy.
He had this to say afterwards "The goal right now with where my game's at, the best it's been this early in the season in my career, I'm working on getting ready for Augusta. And I'd like to have my shot at getting the Green Jacket there. The ultimate goal this year is to go win a Major and this is a step in the right direction for sure"
Rickie Fowler is just great for the game of golf. Brilliant at times and becoming consistently good with every passing tournament. His bright new Puma gear, highlighted this week with his white high top golf shoes that are sold out right around the world is fun to wear. He is quietly modest, but completely confident, kids and the old crowd alike all just love watching him play.
That is why he is in the UAE on a sponsors (HSBC) invitation. (the unofficial appearance fee for the world #1 is around $2m, that's what Jordan Spieth got), and that is another reason his one shot win at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship earlier this morning is so popular.
Now because Rickie won the Scottish Open last summer he is a member of the European Tour so he is not supposed to receive an appearance fee, so the first prize of 409,686 euros, or $442,399.43 US is probably not as valuable as the fact he is now officially the world #4 player right behind Spieth, Jason Day and McIlroy.
He had this to say afterwards "The goal right now with where my game's at, the best it's been this early in the season in my career, I'm working on getting ready for Augusta. And I'd like to have my shot at getting the Green Jacket there. The ultimate goal this year is to go win a Major and this is a step in the right direction for sure"
If you missed it this one came right down to the last green after Rickie had produced two brilliant shots to help him fend off late charges from young Belgian, Thomas Pieters, Rory McIlroy and Henrik Stenson to win his second European Tour title
He got off to a great start and held a three-shot lead at the turn but kind of stalled with seven straight pars while Rory came home in 31 and Stenson came back in 32 to sit one shot behind in the clubhouse.
The first game changing shot was a holed bunker shot at the eighth for an eagle right after he'd given up two bogey's.
He got off to a great start and held a three-shot lead at the turn but kind of stalled with seven straight pars while Rory came home in 31 and Stenson came back in 32 to sit one shot behind in the clubhouse.
The first game changing shot was a holed bunker shot at the eighth for an eagle right after he'd given up two bogey's.
McIlroy was six shots off the lead as he stood on the 12th tee and was having trouble finding the fairway, but he turned things around with birdies at the 12th and 13th, then followed a chip-in from the rough on the 16th and like the champion he is he signed off with another brilliant eagle on the 18th to put the pressure on Fowler.
Then came Rickie's second game changer, chipping from the rough on the right of the green on the 17th to get to -16 under and keep the hard charging Pieters in his rear view mirror. Pieters by the way left his eagle putt on 18, right on the lip!
The victory follows Fowler's triumph at last season's Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open and makes him just the second American to win this event after Chris DiMarco, who won the title in 2006.
Then came Rickie's second game changer, chipping from the rough on the right of the green on the 17th to get to -16 under and keep the hard charging Pieters in his rear view mirror. Pieters by the way left his eagle putt on 18, right on the lip!
The victory follows Fowler's triumph at last season's Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open and makes him just the second American to win this event after Chris DiMarco, who won the title in 2006.
It was another close call for Rory who had to make do with a T3 after finishing second here in four of the last five years, while Pieters missed out on a third European Tour title after claiming two wins in three weeks last summer.
Jordan Spieth didn't putt or play his best this week but still finished with a 68 to T5 -11 alongside Byeong-hun An, Alejandro Cañizares, Branden Grace, Joost Luiten and Marcel Siem.
Next week the tour moves to Qatar and neither Rory and Rickie or Jordan or Henrik will be there.
Jordan Spieth didn't putt or play his best this week but still finished with a 68 to T5 -11 alongside Byeong-hun An, Alejandro Cañizares, Branden Grace, Joost Luiten and Marcel Siem.
Next week the tour moves to Qatar and neither Rory and Rickie or Jordan or Henrik will be there.
Rickie Fowler clinging to a 1 shot lead in Abu Dhabi
European Tour Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2016/tournamentid=2016004/leaderboard/index.html#qCuSCmHdCdhduG4y.97
Rickie Fowler has 3 holes to play in sunny, warm Abu Dhabi and he is clinging to a one shot lead at -15 from playing partner young Belgian star Thomas Pieters.
Jordan Spieth has shot 68 and is in the clubhouse T5 at -11, Rory McIlroy is at -12 playing the 18th looking for an eagle, Henrik Stenson is on -13 playing the 18th.
That is how the stage is set. Rickie, dressed in his new white and orange high topped golf shoes may just need to par in to win, Pieters has the best chance of catching him..
More to follow
Bryan Angus
Rickie Fowler has 3 holes to play in sunny, warm Abu Dhabi and he is clinging to a one shot lead at -15 from playing partner young Belgian star Thomas Pieters.
Jordan Spieth has shot 68 and is in the clubhouse T5 at -11, Rory McIlroy is at -12 playing the 18th looking for an eagle, Henrik Stenson is on -13 playing the 18th.
That is how the stage is set. Rickie, dressed in his new white and orange high topped golf shoes may just need to par in to win, Pieters has the best chance of catching him..
More to follow
Bryan Angus
Saturday, January 23, 2016
McIlroy, Fowler in a group at -10 as darkness halts round 3 in Abu Dhabi
European Tour Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2016/tournamentid=2016004/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y#aESaFIaxB3psVcEd.97
They arrived to a fog delay of nearly 3 hours at 630am this morning, 60 players set to finish their second rounds and they have just finished an enthralling Saturday in the light of the silvery moon with a sixsome on the ninth green to the delight of Jordan Spieth who launched his tee shot on his final hole just before the horn sounded to end play, which meant his group could complete their round without having to return Sunday morning to play just one hole.
As the crowd who gathered to watch at this Abu Dhabi GC enjoy their Saturday evening cocktails, there are 5 players at various stages of their third rounds atop the leaderboard at -10.
Ian Poulter made 5 birdies in 6 holes and he will start tomorrow morning on the 14th tee -5 on his round. Branden Grace is -6 today through 16 holes. Rickie Fowler is -4 through 11 holes. Joost Luiten is -3 through 10 holes and Rory McIlroy is -2 through 9.
Andy Sullivan had a 2 shot lead on the 9th tee at -12, lost his drive, played 3 off the tee and ended up with a 7 and finds himself starting play early tomorrow on the 10th tee in the group of 5 at -9 which includes Henrik Stenson.
Jordan Spieth shot 68 and is T15 at -7 just 3 shots off the lead. In fact their are 21 players either tied for the lead or within 3 shots.
The good news is the local weathermen say there will be no fog to delay play tomorrow morning and if that is the case they will be able to get rounds 3 and 4 completed, but if the fog does roll in they are headed for a Monday finish.
Bryan Angus
They arrived to a fog delay of nearly 3 hours at 630am this morning, 60 players set to finish their second rounds and they have just finished an enthralling Saturday in the light of the silvery moon with a sixsome on the ninth green to the delight of Jordan Spieth who launched his tee shot on his final hole just before the horn sounded to end play, which meant his group could complete their round without having to return Sunday morning to play just one hole.
As the crowd who gathered to watch at this Abu Dhabi GC enjoy their Saturday evening cocktails, there are 5 players at various stages of their third rounds atop the leaderboard at -10.
Ian Poulter made 5 birdies in 6 holes and he will start tomorrow morning on the 14th tee -5 on his round. Branden Grace is -6 today through 16 holes. Rickie Fowler is -4 through 11 holes. Joost Luiten is -3 through 10 holes and Rory McIlroy is -2 through 9.
Andy Sullivan had a 2 shot lead on the 9th tee at -12, lost his drive, played 3 off the tee and ended up with a 7 and finds himself starting play early tomorrow on the 10th tee in the group of 5 at -9 which includes Henrik Stenson.
Jordan Spieth shot 68 and is T15 at -7 just 3 shots off the lead. In fact their are 21 players either tied for the lead or within 3 shots.
The good news is the local weathermen say there will be no fog to delay play tomorrow morning and if that is the case they will be able to get rounds 3 and 4 completed, but if the fog does roll in they are headed for a Monday finish.
Bryan Angus
Adam Hadwin T2, Taylor has a hole in one at the CareerBuilder Challenge
PGA Tour CarerBuilder Challenge leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/careerbuilder-challenge-in-partnership-with-the-clinton-foundation/leaderboard.html
Skinny Jason Dufner added a -7 65 (SC) to his opening -8 64 (NC) to lead this CareerBuilder Challenge at -15, 129 and will now play La Quinta today and return to the Stadium Course for the final round Sunday.
He played these courses well at the 2008 PGA Tour Q school.“I probably played each four or five times before that Q-school started and I played unbelievable. I think I shot 24 or 25 under for the six rounds.
Canada's Adam Hadwin continues his great play shooting a -6 66 (LQ) to get to -12 three strokes back along with Jason Gore 64 (NC), Anirban Lahiri 68 (NC), Andrew Loupe 66 (SC) and Bill Haas 66 (SC)
Other Canadian scores; Graham DeLaet -3 69 (SC) T24 -8, Nick Taylor (SC) -3 69 T70 -5 went bogey, eagle, hole in one, double bogey, birdie in a stretch from the third hole, David Hearn (LQ) E 72, -4 T88
Bryan Angus
Skinny Jason Dufner added a -7 65 (SC) to his opening -8 64 (NC) to lead this CareerBuilder Challenge at -15, 129 and will now play La Quinta today and return to the Stadium Course for the final round Sunday.
He played these courses well at the 2008 PGA Tour Q school.“I probably played each four or five times before that Q-school started and I played unbelievable. I think I shot 24 or 25 under for the six rounds.
Canada's Adam Hadwin continues his great play shooting a -6 66 (LQ) to get to -12 three strokes back along with Jason Gore 64 (NC), Anirban Lahiri 68 (NC), Andrew Loupe 66 (SC) and Bill Haas 66 (SC)
Other Canadian scores; Graham DeLaet -3 69 (SC) T24 -8, Nick Taylor (SC) -3 69 T70 -5 went bogey, eagle, hole in one, double bogey, birdie in a stretch from the third hole, David Hearn (LQ) E 72, -4 T88
Bryan Angus
McIlroy finishes birdie, eagle in round 2 at Abu Dhabi
European Tour Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2016/tournamentid=2016004/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y#fq5qJrfq9aWp2Ds4.97
60 players have returned at 630am local time to finish their 2nd rounds while you slept here in EST and they were greeted with more fog which delayed the start of play again, but when they did it was Rory McIlroy (70) with a birdie, eagle finish picking up 3 shots who made the biggest splash moving up to -8 T2, just 2 shots off Andy Sullivan's lead.
The rest obviously did him good after an opening 66 and he was one over after 13 holes when darkness fell on Friday, however he and Jordan and Rickie resumed on the 14th and Rory made a three straight of pars, then nearly holed his approach at 17, tapping in for birdie, then nearly holed his second at the par five at the par 5 18th and had another tap-in for eagle to rescue an ordinary round and set the stage for round 3 now under way.
Henrik Stenson, looking to complete a grand slam in the Gulf state events having won The Commercialbank Qatar Masters, the Dubai Desert Classic and the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, had three birdies to save a level par 72, -7 T4.
Martin Kaymer (69 -6) and Rickie Fowler (68 -6) both picked up a shot while Jordan Spieth parred his way for a 73 -3 T33.
The cut fell at -1 and as a result defending champion Gary Stal of France won't be around for the weekend.
The final pairing of Andy Sullivan -10, Bryson Dechambeau -8 and Rory -8 are due off at 335pm local time or 635am EST this morning.
Bryan Angus
The rest obviously did him good after an opening 66 and he was one over after 13 holes when darkness fell on Friday, however he and Jordan and Rickie resumed on the 14th and Rory made a three straight of pars, then nearly holed his approach at 17, tapping in for birdie, then nearly holed his second at the par five at the par 5 18th and had another tap-in for eagle to rescue an ordinary round and set the stage for round 3 now under way.
Henrik Stenson, looking to complete a grand slam in the Gulf state events having won The Commercialbank Qatar Masters, the Dubai Desert Classic and the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai, had three birdies to save a level par 72, -7 T4.
Martin Kaymer (69 -6) and Rickie Fowler (68 -6) both picked up a shot while Jordan Spieth parred his way for a 73 -3 T33.
The cut fell at -1 and as a result defending champion Gary Stal of France won't be around for the weekend.
The final pairing of Andy Sullivan -10, Bryson Dechambeau -8 and Rory -8 are due off at 335pm local time or 635am EST this morning.
Bryan Angus
Friday, January 22, 2016
Speith was warned about slow play at Abu Dhabi
Canadian Keith Pelley who is the new CEO of the European Tour has been a very busy guy as he travels the world getting familiar with all the stops on the tour circuit, which visits 27 different countries, and while he travels he is talking.. and listening and in typical Pelley style, he is quickly implementing..
The pros told him they would like to be able to wear shorts during practice and pro-am rounds and he acted, announcing that new policy earlier this week.
They also told him they wanted a fairer way to punish slow play, identifying individuals rather than groups, so he acted working out a new slow play policy that has been heartily endorsed by tour members...but I see a problem with it
Jordan Spieth was the first golfer cited under the Tour’s new slow-play policy when he took more than the time allotted for a putt during the first round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Thursday.
Spieth’s group ( Rory and Rickie) was told it was being monitored for slow play as it walked from the 3rd green, which was the group’s 13th hole.
Under the new policy, players have 40 seconds, or 50 if they are playing first to hit a shot once monitored and Spieth was identified after he took too long over a putt.
He was then warned again on the ninth tee that he took too much time on the eighth green so under the new rules if he receives another monitoring penalty he’ll be fined $3,000.
Here's my problem... there are not enough officials to monitor the entire field of 156 players evenly, so the guys in the spotlight like Spieth, McIlroy and Fowler are this week are most likely to have a timing official following them..
Now remember Jordan has been paid a huge appearance fee ($2 million?) by HSBC to play this week because he is not a member of the European Tour so some will argue he was an easy target to set an example with.
Spieth said afterward he was a little annoyed by the ruling, saying that his group was taken off the clock on that particular hole since the group trailing them wasn’t in the fairway yet.
“I understand that, if we are being timed and I take too long I get a bad time and I understand the rule, but it doesn’t make sense when we had caught up and were going off the clock. My thing was not to fight it there and go about finishing my round. But I will be asking. I just don’t want to be worrying about it in future rounds.”
The tour is determined to get players around in under 4.5 hours.
Bryan Angus
The pros told him they would like to be able to wear shorts during practice and pro-am rounds and he acted, announcing that new policy earlier this week.
They also told him they wanted a fairer way to punish slow play, identifying individuals rather than groups, so he acted working out a new slow play policy that has been heartily endorsed by tour members...but I see a problem with it
Jordan Spieth was the first golfer cited under the Tour’s new slow-play policy when he took more than the time allotted for a putt during the first round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Thursday.
Under the new policy, players have 40 seconds, or 50 if they are playing first to hit a shot once monitored and Spieth was identified after he took too long over a putt.
He was then warned again on the ninth tee that he took too much time on the eighth green so under the new rules if he receives another monitoring penalty he’ll be fined $3,000.
Here's my problem... there are not enough officials to monitor the entire field of 156 players evenly, so the guys in the spotlight like Spieth, McIlroy and Fowler are this week are most likely to have a timing official following them..
Now remember Jordan has been paid a huge appearance fee ($2 million?) by HSBC to play this week because he is not a member of the European Tour so some will argue he was an easy target to set an example with.
Spieth said afterward he was a little annoyed by the ruling, saying that his group was taken off the clock on that particular hole since the group trailing them wasn’t in the fairway yet.
“I understand that, if we are being timed and I take too long I get a bad time and I understand the rule, but it doesn’t make sense when we had caught up and were going off the clock. My thing was not to fight it there and go about finishing my round. But I will be asking. I just don’t want to be worrying about it in future rounds.”
The tour is determined to get players around in under 4.5 hours.
Bryan Angus
Sullivan leads fog delayed Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship
European Tour Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2016/tournamentid=2016004/leaderboard/index.html#48AGPpE9b8WHy0Gx.97
The morning dawned with a thick fog enshrouding the desert around the city of Abu Dhabi in UAE, and as a result the start of play was delayed for 2 hours and 45 minutes
When it finally burned off another beautiful warm sunny day ensued, and the early wave all completed their rounds, the best of them is no stranger to European Tour leaderboards these days, little Andy Sullivan who shot his second straight -5 67 to lead in the clubhouse at -10 and he did it paired in the company of Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke !
Jordan Spieth was +1 when darkness fell (-3 total) seemed right out of sorts, at one point he turned to his caddie after hitting his approach 30 yards over the pin and said 'what am I doing bro', what was that ?"
Rory was also +1 (5 total)approaching the turn and he hit a couple of wild hooked drives including one in the hazard at #9, and only Rickie in his high top golf shoes was under par, -3 (-5 total).
Scotland's Richie Ramsay had the round of the day so far -6 66, -5 total.
The cut is projected at -1, and 60 of the field will be out at sun up, fog permitting to complete their second rounds
Bryan Angus
The morning dawned with a thick fog enshrouding the desert around the city of Abu Dhabi in UAE, and as a result the start of play was delayed for 2 hours and 45 minutes
When it finally burned off another beautiful warm sunny day ensued, and the early wave all completed their rounds, the best of them is no stranger to European Tour leaderboards these days, little Andy Sullivan who shot his second straight -5 67 to lead in the clubhouse at -10 and he did it paired in the company of Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke !
He finished eighth in last year's Race to Dubai after a breakout season with three wins and arrived in Abu Dhabi after winning three points out of three for a rampant team Europe at last week's Eurasia Cup.
Overnight leader, Californian Bryson DeChambeau, looking to become just the fourth amateur winner in European Tour history played 9 holes before dark at -1 so is in second at -9
Joost Luiten was in the early wave and fired a 68 to sit in the clubhouse at -7 three off the lead with Rafa Cabrera-Bello (67)
The headliners are in the late wave and made it through 13 holes before dark, and I must say they were a pretty quiet threesome today.
The headliners are in the late wave and made it through 13 holes before dark, and I must say they were a pretty quiet threesome today.
Jordan Spieth was +1 when darkness fell (-3 total) seemed right out of sorts, at one point he turned to his caddie after hitting his approach 30 yards over the pin and said 'what am I doing bro', what was that ?"
Rory was also +1 (5 total)approaching the turn and he hit a couple of wild hooked drives including one in the hazard at #9, and only Rickie in his high top golf shoes was under par, -3 (-5 total).
Scotland's Richie Ramsay had the round of the day so far -6 66, -5 total.
The cut is projected at -1, and 60 of the field will be out at sun up, fog permitting to complete their second rounds
Bryan Angus
Hadwin T7, 4 tie for lead at CareerBuilder Challenge
PGA Tour CareerBuilder Challenge leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/careerbuilder-challenge-in-partnership-with-the-clinton-foundation/leaderboard.html
If you are wondering what the heck this CareerBuilder Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation is, just a reminder it is the famous Bob Hope Classic, or merely "The Hope" played in the desert of California at La Quinta on 3 different courses, La Quinta (LQ), PGA West Stadium Course (SC) returning after an absence of 29 years and PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course (TC)
The Nicklaus Tournament Course and Pete Dye's Stadium Course are being used for the first time in the event after the PGA West’s Palmer and Nicklaus private courses withdrew.
With Spieth and McIlroy etal playing in the middle east at Abu Dhabi, and Tiger on the shelf, Phil Mickelson with his ne swing and new coach is the headliner and the 45-year-old opened with a -4 68 at La Quinta in his first start since the Presidents Cup in October. He hasn't won since the Open Championship at Muirfield in 2013 and during his time off he left long time coach Butch Harmon under amicable terms to work with Andrew Getson.
He is four strokes behind leaders who all shot 64's Jason Dufner (TC), Jerry Kelly (LQ), Jeff Overton (TC) and Anirban Lahiri (LQ).
The defending champion is Bill Haas who had a 66 at La Quinta. His father Jay also won this event.
Four Canadians made the short flight from Honolulu to the desert and Adam Hadwin who played Q school here, leads them T7 -6 66, the best score of the day at the tougher Stadium Course.
After the round he had this to say "You give me 68, I probably would have walked away and not played today,so, 66 bogey-free is a fantastic start.”
His round included a birdie at the par-5 16th, and pars on the 17th and 18th. The 17th if you didn't see the action last night is an island-green and the 18th has water everywhere.
Other Canadians: Graham DeLaet (TC) T18 -5 67, David Hearn (SC) T32 -4 68, Nick Taylor (TC) T69 -2 70
If you are wondering what the heck this CareerBuilder Challenge in partnership with the Clinton Foundation is, just a reminder it is the famous Bob Hope Classic, or merely "The Hope" played in the desert of California at La Quinta on 3 different courses, La Quinta (LQ), PGA West Stadium Course (SC) returning after an absence of 29 years and PGA West Nicklaus Tournament Course (TC)
The Nicklaus Tournament Course and Pete Dye's Stadium Course are being used for the first time in the event after the PGA West’s Palmer and Nicklaus private courses withdrew.
With Spieth and McIlroy etal playing in the middle east at Abu Dhabi, and Tiger on the shelf, Phil Mickelson with his ne swing and new coach is the headliner and the 45-year-old opened with a -4 68 at La Quinta in his first start since the Presidents Cup in October. He hasn't won since the Open Championship at Muirfield in 2013 and during his time off he left long time coach Butch Harmon under amicable terms to work with Andrew Getson.
He is four strokes behind leaders who all shot 64's Jason Dufner (TC), Jerry Kelly (LQ), Jeff Overton (TC) and Anirban Lahiri (LQ).
The defending champion is Bill Haas who had a 66 at La Quinta. His father Jay also won this event.
Four Canadians made the short flight from Honolulu to the desert and Adam Hadwin who played Q school here, leads them T7 -6 66, the best score of the day at the tougher Stadium Course.
After the round he had this to say "You give me 68, I probably would have walked away and not played today,so, 66 bogey-free is a fantastic start.”
His round included a birdie at the par-5 16th, and pars on the 17th and 18th. The 17th if you didn't see the action last night is an island-green and the 18th has water everywhere.
Other Canadians: Graham DeLaet (TC) T18 -5 67, David Hearn (SC) T32 -4 68, Nick Taylor (TC) T69 -2 70
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Hyundai replaces Northern Trust as title sponsor at Riviera
AP.. Hyundai has reached a deal to become the title sponsor of the PGA Tour event at Riviera Country Club, following Northern Trust’s decision to shift from the Los Angeles tournament to the FedEx Cup playoff opener in the New York/New Jersey area.
Hyundai Motor America and the PGA Tour announced the deal Wednesday, a day after Northern Trust said it was leaving following the Feb. 18-21 event. Chicago-based Northern Trust took over in 2008 as the Los Angeles title sponsor.
Hyundai is moving its sponsorship from the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. South Korea television giant SBS has a 10-year deal through 2019 at Kapalua, and it farmed out the title to Hyundai in 2011.
Hyundai’s deal at Riviera and Northern Trust’s with the FedEx Cup opener will begin next year. The New York/New Jersey event opened up after Barclays decided not to renew its title sponsorship
Hyundai Motor America and the PGA Tour announced the deal Wednesday, a day after Northern Trust said it was leaving following the Feb. 18-21 event. Chicago-based Northern Trust took over in 2008 as the Los Angeles title sponsor.
Hyundai is moving its sponsorship from the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. South Korea television giant SBS has a 10-year deal through 2019 at Kapalua, and it farmed out the title to Hyundai in 2011.
Hyundai’s deal at Riviera and Northern Trust’s with the FedEx Cup opener will begin next year. The New York/New Jersey event opened up after Barclays decided not to renew its title sponsorship
DeChambeau steals the Abu Dhabi show.. Weir shoots 80
European Tour Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2016/tournamentid=2016004/leaderboard/index.html#PChMj1bikTcRFoQg.97
With his Payne Stewart hat and trademark upright shafts 22 year old US Amateur Champion Bryson DeChambeau stole the show this morning firing a -8 64 to take the clubhouse lead just a shot ahead of Henrik Stenson -7 65 with the big three, McIlroy, Spieth and Fowler all trailing but right in contention.
This is only Dehambeau's second event in Europe but he played and conducted himself like a seasoned pro. He dropped a shot on the third but followed that with back-to-back birdies at the fourth and fifth but it was an eagle on the eighth that really made his round special. Another birdie at the ninth had him out in 32. He didn't let up with another flawless 32 on the back including a birdie at the last for his brilliant 64.
Stenson, showed little rust playing six weeks after knee surgery, his -7 65 had only one bogey and that was good enough to sit a shot clear of McIlroy who had an impressive -6 66 with Spieth who struggled with his driver, two shots back at -4 68.
Rory starting at the 10th was out in 33, and mixed 5 birdies with 2 bogey's for 33 coming in. He has finished second at this Abu Dhabi Golf Club in four of the last five years
Meanwhile his other playing partner Rickie Fowler opened with a bogey 6 on their opening hole when his first putt rolled 16' past and it took him until their back nine to find the pace of the greens, Out in 35 with 2 bogey's and 3 birdies, then back with 8 pars and a birdie 35 -2 70.
Meanwhile his other playing partner Rickie Fowler opened with a bogey 6 on their opening hole when his first putt rolled 16' past and it took him until their back nine to find the pace of the greens, Out in 35 with 2 bogey's and 3 birdies, then back with 8 pars and a birdie 35 -2 70.
It's a great leaderboard with South African star Branden Grace T3 at -6 66, Richard Bland and Andy Sullivan both fired -5 67 with Thomas Bjørn -4 68 and David Howell -4 68 to sit alongside Spieth.
Martin Kaymer who has won three times at Abu Dhabi played the back nine first and really got it going with four birdies in a row from the 15th to go out in -4 32 but he stalled after the turn with eight straight pars spoiled by a bogey at the last for -3 69.
Mike Weir now ranked 745th in the world continues his long road back to the player we all know with a tough 80 which included 5 bogey's a triple, a double and 2 birdies.
Mike Weir now ranked 745th in the world continues his long road back to the player we all know with a tough 80 which included 5 bogey's a triple, a double and 2 birdies.
Bryan Angus
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