WGC Dell Match Play final scoreboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/wgc-dell-technologies-match-play/leaderboard.html
Wayne Gretzky and his family have rescued an enormously talented but immature Dustin Johnson and schooled him on how to be a champion,,
This weekend DJ edged a spectacular Spaniard who we will hear much more of... especially Ryder Cup, Jon Rahm (22) to win the Dell Match Play.
Dustin was 2nd too many times when he should have won majors..then came the sexy Ms Gretzky who wooed and won him...she grew up,...he grew up and after 6 months off to say "ok I have a gift...lets drop the booze and drugs...and take advantage of my talent"...
Who better to coach him than the Wayner, who had every temptation laid on his lap... but somehow as this country's most celebrated hockey star. he leaned on his parents upbringing... turned aside the puck bunnies lined up outside his door and stayed true to his Playboy pinup wife Janet and his family..
Now he is DJ's golf partner, father in law, confident, soul brother, media adviser, professional colleague and head cheerleader....
No wonder DJ has grown to be the undisputed world #1 when all the talk was about the Big3, Rory, Jordan and Jason. Wayne has had all and more of the media than DJ will ever get and he knows what it's like to be in the #1 spotlight..
The Wayne Gretzky influence is still alive and kicking as his son in law and prize pupil rules the world of golf.....
Bryan Angus
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Johnson, Rahm hot favourites at WGC Dell Match Play
WGC Dell Match Play scoreboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/wgc-dell-technologies-match-play/leaderboard.html
After 5 days of play and all the twists and turns, birdies and bogey's, round robins and quarter finals, it's down to the semi final four, and two of them are the hot favourites.
Dustin Johnson has been easing his way through his half of the draw like Usian Bolt easing his way to gold through 200 meters. Extraordinarily gifted, enormously talented and now totally dedicated.
Alex Noren gave him a game, DJ won 3&2, he beat a very tenacious Zack Johnson 5&4, Jimmy Walker went down 5&3, Martin Kaymer 3&2 and Webb Simpson 5&3.
Today he faces one of the surprises, 38 year old Japanese veteran Hideto Tanihara who beat Jordan Spieth 4&2 back on Wednesday and has gone on to 4 wins including over a pair of Englisnmen, Paul Casey and Ross Fisher. He was ranked #60 and has 14 wins on his Japanese tour.
He has little or no chance against world #1 Johnson who is vying for his 3rd title in a row, and is the favourite going into Augusta. Tanihara however can take comfort that with his success this week he has qualified for Augusta.
Jon Rahm has had the same type of success in his half of the draw, undefeated with wins over Soren Kjeldson (7&5), Sergio Garcia (6&4), Kevin Chappell, Charles Howell (6&4) and Shane Lowry. The tall, powerful Spaniard hits it almost as long as DJ, and has all the other tools as well.
Rahm was so dominant he played only 27 holes in two matches Saturday. He hasn’t had a match go longer than 14 holes since Thursday. And the 22-year-old rookie from Spain still hasn’t played the 18th hole since a practice round Tuesday. (pgatour.com)
He plays Bill Haas who beat Phil Mickelson 2&1 in the quarter finals to get here. He is a stuffy player with great genes, father is Jay Haas, remember Bill won the Fed Ex Cup back in 2011. Haas looks like an insurance salesman, and is a quiet guy, but he will give Rahm a game, although if on form the Spaniard is the betting favourite..
Bryan Angus
After 5 days of play and all the twists and turns, birdies and bogey's, round robins and quarter finals, it's down to the semi final four, and two of them are the hot favourites.
Dustin Johnson has been easing his way through his half of the draw like Usian Bolt easing his way to gold through 200 meters. Extraordinarily gifted, enormously talented and now totally dedicated.
Alex Noren gave him a game, DJ won 3&2, he beat a very tenacious Zack Johnson 5&4, Jimmy Walker went down 5&3, Martin Kaymer 3&2 and Webb Simpson 5&3.
Today he faces one of the surprises, 38 year old Japanese veteran Hideto Tanihara who beat Jordan Spieth 4&2 back on Wednesday and has gone on to 4 wins including over a pair of Englisnmen, Paul Casey and Ross Fisher. He was ranked #60 and has 14 wins on his Japanese tour.
He has little or no chance against world #1 Johnson who is vying for his 3rd title in a row, and is the favourite going into Augusta. Tanihara however can take comfort that with his success this week he has qualified for Augusta.
Jon Rahm has had the same type of success in his half of the draw, undefeated with wins over Soren Kjeldson (7&5), Sergio Garcia (6&4), Kevin Chappell, Charles Howell (6&4) and Shane Lowry. The tall, powerful Spaniard hits it almost as long as DJ, and has all the other tools as well.
Rahm was so dominant he played only 27 holes in two matches Saturday. He hasn’t had a match go longer than 14 holes since Thursday. And the 22-year-old rookie from Spain still hasn’t played the 18th hole since a practice round Tuesday. (pgatour.com)
He plays Bill Haas who beat Phil Mickelson 2&1 in the quarter finals to get here. He is a stuffy player with great genes, father is Jay Haas, remember Bill won the Fed Ex Cup back in 2011. Haas looks like an insurance salesman, and is a quiet guy, but he will give Rahm a game, although if on form the Spaniard is the betting favourite..
Bryan Angus
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Brooke Henderson misses the cut at Kia Classic
LPGA Tour Kia Classic leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/kia-classic/leaderboard
It wasn't a great week for the Canadians out in Carlsbad, Ca., unless your name is Jennifer Ha who recovers from an opening 74 with a sparkling 67 -3 total to stick around for the weekend T18.
Brooke Henderson 75 74, Alena Sharp 72 74, Maude Aimee Leblanc 76 74, all missed the cut as did defending champ Lydia Ko 74 72.
The leader is former champion Cristie Kerr 66 69 -9 followed by southern California's Mo Martin 66 70 and Mirim Lee 68 68 both at -8.
Bryan Angus
It wasn't a great week for the Canadians out in Carlsbad, Ca., unless your name is Jennifer Ha who recovers from an opening 74 with a sparkling 67 -3 total to stick around for the weekend T18.
Brooke Henderson 75 74, Alena Sharp 72 74, Maude Aimee Leblanc 76 74, all missed the cut as did defending champ Lydia Ko 74 72.
The leader is former champion Cristie Kerr 66 69 -9 followed by southern California's Mo Martin 66 70 and Mirim Lee 68 68 both at -8.
Bryan Angus
Rain delays Puerto Rico Open with De Chambeau and Points leading
PGA Tour Puerto Open leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/puerto-rico-open/leaderboard.html
Former U.S. Amateur champion Bryson DeChambeau ran off four straight birdies in a stop-and-start round Friday and finished with a 7-under 65 -11 133 total to share the lead with D.A. Points in the rain-delayed Puerto Rico Open.
Heavy rain kept the opening round from finishing, and there was another two-hour rain delay on Friday.
Canadian scores: David Hearn 66 69 -9 T12, Brad Fritsch 71 70 -3, Graham DeLaet 73 70 -1, Nick Taylor 71 72 -1
Bryan Angus
Former U.S. Amateur champion Bryson DeChambeau ran off four straight birdies in a stop-and-start round Friday and finished with a 7-under 65 -11 133 total to share the lead with D.A. Points in the rain-delayed Puerto Rico Open.
Heavy rain kept the opening round from finishing, and there was another two-hour rain delay on Friday.
Canadian scores: David Hearn 66 69 -9 T12, Brad Fritsch 71 70 -3, Graham DeLaet 73 70 -1, Nick Taylor 71 72 -1
Bryan Angus
Mickelson, Dustin Johnson headline sweet 16 elimination at WGC Dell Match Play
WGC Dell Match Play scoreboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/wgc-dell-technologies-match-play/leaderboard.html
All the drama of this Dell Match Play round robin has been decided, and so have the final 16 players who begin playing knock out matches this morning with the final 8 going this afternoon. Here are the match ups with Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson left standing as the headliners.
As for the others, Rory McIlroy (2) was mathematically eliminated on Thursday; Jason Day (3) withdrew due to his mother's battle with lung cancer; Hideki Matsuyama (4) didn’t win a match; and Jordan Spieth (5) didn’t make it out of group play for the second time in three years. (CP)
There is also a run down of the drama from Friday afternoon from Golf Digest.
http://www.golfdigest.com/story/wgc-dell-match-play-live-players-vying-for-a-spot-in-the-sweet-16
Bryan Angus
All the drama of this Dell Match Play round robin has been decided, and so have the final 16 players who begin playing knock out matches this morning with the final 8 going this afternoon. Here are the match ups with Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson left standing as the headliners.
As for the others, Rory McIlroy (2) was mathematically eliminated on Thursday; Jason Day (3) withdrew due to his mother's battle with lung cancer; Hideki Matsuyama (4) didn’t win a match; and Jordan Spieth (5) didn’t make it out of group play for the second time in three years. (CP)
There is also a run down of the drama from Friday afternoon from Golf Digest.
http://www.golfdigest.com/story/wgc-dell-match-play-live-players-vying-for-a-spot-in-the-sweet-16
Bryan Angus
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Brooke Henderson struggles in 1st round of Kia Classic
LPGA Tour Kia Classic leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/kia-classic/leaderboard
This week the LPGA has returned to action out in la la land, Carlsbad California for the Kia Classic where Lydia Ko is the defending champion. She is competing in her fifth event of 2017 and has three top-10 finishes: T8 at the Honda LPGA Thailand, T9 at the HSBC Women’s Champions and T8 at the Bank of Hope Founder’s Cup.
She has opened with +2 74.
The clubhouse leaders with -6 66 in perfect weather are Mo Martin and Cristie Kerr.
Canadian scores : Brooke Henderson +3 75 and she made 4 bogey's in 5 holes on her back nine, Maude Aimee Leblanc +4 76, Alena Sharp, Jennifer Ha are early in their rounds as I write.
Bryan Angus
This week the LPGA has returned to action out in la la land, Carlsbad California for the Kia Classic where Lydia Ko is the defending champion. She is competing in her fifth event of 2017 and has three top-10 finishes: T8 at the Honda LPGA Thailand, T9 at the HSBC Women’s Champions and T8 at the Bank of Hope Founder’s Cup.
She has opened with +2 74.
The clubhouse leaders with -6 66 in perfect weather are Mo Martin and Cristie Kerr.
Canadian scores : Brooke Henderson +3 75 and she made 4 bogey's in 5 holes on her back nine, Maude Aimee Leblanc +4 76, Alena Sharp, Jennifer Ha are early in their rounds as I write.
Bryan Angus
Hearn opens Puerto Rico Open T5
PGA Tour Puerto Rico Open leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/puerto-rico-open/leaderboard.html
Round 1 of the Puerto Rico Open in Rio Grande, has been suspended due to rain and now the threat of lightning leaving those who did not finish scheduled to return a 7am local time Friday morning.
David Hearn with went out and came in in 33 for ay -6 66 good for a T5. Other Canadian scores Graham DeLaet +1 73, Nick Taylor -1 71, Brad Fritsch -1 thru 13.
With all eyes on the WGC Dell Match Play in Austin Texas, there is a full field of others in Puerto Rico, where a win has all the trappings of a regular PGA Tour event.
The leader at -9 63 is American, Troy Mullinax, a week after he was married, and remember our own Adam Hadwin is getting married tomorrow after the best two weeks of his PGA Tour, a win at the Valspar and a T6 last week at Arnie's tournament.
Bryan Angus
Round 1 of the Puerto Rico Open in Rio Grande, has been suspended due to rain and now the threat of lightning leaving those who did not finish scheduled to return a 7am local time Friday morning.
David Hearn with went out and came in in 33 for ay -6 66 good for a T5. Other Canadian scores Graham DeLaet +1 73, Nick Taylor -1 71, Brad Fritsch -1 thru 13.
With all eyes on the WGC Dell Match Play in Austin Texas, there is a full field of others in Puerto Rico, where a win has all the trappings of a regular PGA Tour event.
The leader at -9 63 is American, Troy Mullinax, a week after he was married, and remember our own Adam Hadwin is getting married tomorrow after the best two weeks of his PGA Tour, a win at the Valspar and a T6 last week at Arnie's tournament.
Bryan Angus
Revised Dell Match Play format is better
WGC Dell Match Play scoreboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/wgc-dell-technologies-match-play/leaderboard.html
Day 2 is underway in the Dell Match Play in windy Austin, Texas, and before I get to today's match ups, in a recent poll of the players, the majority interviewed said they understood why the "old lose and you go home, win and you go on" format ala' March Madness has been revised, but most said they preferred the way it was, some said it has lost it's edge, or drama.
Personally I am for the new format in which the first round of 32 matches in the group stage took place yesterday. The field of 64 players will play a round-robin format, with the 16 groups of four winners, advancing to the weekend’s single-elimination rounds.
My reason is simple, you get to see your favourites play at least until Saturday, so if they run up against a guy having a hot round on day one, they still have a chance to get through. Yesterday for example the little Dane Soren Kjeldsen beat Rory McIlroy and Hideto Tanimara beat an out of sorts Jordan Spieth, which of those four do you want to watch on the weekend ?
Years ago in 2009 I recall Judy Rankin was nearly apoplectic interviewing Tiger at greenside after he bowed out in the first round, as she and the rest of the crew saw the ratings nosedive, as Geoff Ogilvy went on to beat Paul Casey 4&3 in the final in front of friends and family.
Other finals like Jeff Maggert vs Andrew Magee, Steve Stricker vs Pierre Fulke or Kevin Sutherland vs Scott McCarron were ensuring this event was not going to be on the schedule for long and to be honest guys like Monty or Adam Scott were not all that keen flying half way around the world to the Arizona desert to lose 6&5 before heading right back to the airport.
This revised way gives the great players fans want to see, a better chance, and I don't buy the lack of drama theory, there is plenty of drama come Friday when all 16 groups will be decided. Also fans get a chance to see some of the lesser known stars from other countries over a few days, like Si Woo Kim from Korea for example.
Day two of the round robin is available by clicking on my link above. There are no Canadians in the field.
Bryan Angus
Day 2 is underway in the Dell Match Play in windy Austin, Texas, and before I get to today's match ups, in a recent poll of the players, the majority interviewed said they understood why the "old lose and you go home, win and you go on" format ala' March Madness has been revised, but most said they preferred the way it was, some said it has lost it's edge, or drama.
Personally I am for the new format in which the first round of 32 matches in the group stage took place yesterday. The field of 64 players will play a round-robin format, with the 16 groups of four winners, advancing to the weekend’s single-elimination rounds.
My reason is simple, you get to see your favourites play at least until Saturday, so if they run up against a guy having a hot round on day one, they still have a chance to get through. Yesterday for example the little Dane Soren Kjeldsen beat Rory McIlroy and Hideto Tanimara beat an out of sorts Jordan Spieth, which of those four do you want to watch on the weekend ?
Years ago in 2009 I recall Judy Rankin was nearly apoplectic interviewing Tiger at greenside after he bowed out in the first round, as she and the rest of the crew saw the ratings nosedive, as Geoff Ogilvy went on to beat Paul Casey 4&3 in the final in front of friends and family.
Other finals like Jeff Maggert vs Andrew Magee, Steve Stricker vs Pierre Fulke or Kevin Sutherland vs Scott McCarron were ensuring this event was not going to be on the schedule for long and to be honest guys like Monty or Adam Scott were not all that keen flying half way around the world to the Arizona desert to lose 6&5 before heading right back to the airport.
This revised way gives the great players fans want to see, a better chance, and I don't buy the lack of drama theory, there is plenty of drama come Friday when all 16 groups will be decided. Also fans get a chance to see some of the lesser known stars from other countries over a few days, like Si Woo Kim from Korea for example.
Day two of the round robin is available by clicking on my link above. There are no Canadians in the field.
Bryan Angus
Sunday, March 19, 2017
Sunday story.. leaders, live leaderboards
So you have the story for the PGA Tour at Arnie's tournament, here is a quick round up of the others.
PGA Tour Champions Tucson Conquistadores Classic leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/champions/tournaments/tucson-conquistadores-classic/leaderboard.html
Steve Stricker has just turned 50, a rookie again ! He has a 3 shot lead in his first start on the Champions Tour 67 63 -16. Tom Lehman is closest at 66 67 -13.
Stephen Ames is at 67 73 -6 while Rod Spittle is 73 71 -2.
LPGA Tour Bank of Hope Founders Cup leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/bank-of-hope-founders-cup/leaderboard
Scoring is extremely low on this Desert Ridge course in the Valley of the Sun down in Phoenix. Playing in record 95-degree heat Sweden's Anna Nordqvist shot the lowest, -11 61, -21 total and in the process broke the tournament 54-hole record of -19 set by Ai Miyazato in 2013.
However there are 9 players within 5 shots chasing her today, including Ariya Jutanugarn and Stacy Lewis who each shot 66 to sit at -19. Lydia Ko 68 69 63 is at -16.
Brooke Henderson 69 67 69 is at -11 T33
PGA Tour Latinoamerica Guatemala Stellar Artois leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/la/en/tournaments/guatemala-stella-artois-open/leaderboard.html
This event has been plagued by rain forcing officials to shorten it to 36 holes. Canadian Ally Tidcombe from Wolfville NS finished his first round with -6 66 so is playing today T3.
Other Canucks: Matt Hill -1 71, Derek Gillespie E 72, and Russell Budd +5 77.
The leader at -10 is Christian Espanoza (62) from Chile
Bryan Angus
PGA Tour Champions Tucson Conquistadores Classic leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/champions/tournaments/tucson-conquistadores-classic/leaderboard.html
Steve Stricker has just turned 50, a rookie again ! He has a 3 shot lead in his first start on the Champions Tour 67 63 -16. Tom Lehman is closest at 66 67 -13.
Stephen Ames is at 67 73 -6 while Rod Spittle is 73 71 -2.
LPGA Tour Bank of Hope Founders Cup leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/bank-of-hope-founders-cup/leaderboard
Scoring is extremely low on this Desert Ridge course in the Valley of the Sun down in Phoenix. Playing in record 95-degree heat Sweden's Anna Nordqvist shot the lowest, -11 61, -21 total and in the process broke the tournament 54-hole record of -19 set by Ai Miyazato in 2013.
However there are 9 players within 5 shots chasing her today, including Ariya Jutanugarn and Stacy Lewis who each shot 66 to sit at -19. Lydia Ko 68 69 63 is at -16.
Brooke Henderson 69 67 69 is at -11 T33
PGA Tour Latinoamerica Guatemala Stellar Artois leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/la/en/tournaments/guatemala-stella-artois-open/leaderboard.html
This event has been plagued by rain forcing officials to shorten it to 36 holes. Canadian Ally Tidcombe from Wolfville NS finished his first round with -6 66 so is playing today T3.
Other Canucks: Matt Hill -1 71, Derek Gillespie E 72, and Russell Budd +5 77.
The leader at -10 is Christian Espanoza (62) from Chile
Bryan Angus
Hoffman, Kisner lead Hadwin and young guns at Arnold Palmer Invitational
PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/arnold-palmer-invitational-presented-by-mastercard/leaderboard.html
20 years ago I got my late Dad a job up at Emerald Hills GC with Harry Allard as a starter / club maker / handyman and as usual he gave much more than he got paid. However at the end of the summer he'd come home and take off his ball hat at dinner and he had that silly looking golf hat tan ! All brown from the eyebrows down to the open shirt neckline, but shockingly white from the forehead to the midway point at the back of his head !
Charley Hoffman displayed the same look as he doffed his cap and punched the air after holing a 30 foot curler on the 18th hole to take a share of the lead at -11 with Kevin Kisner going into today's final round at Bay Hill.
However despite their 3 shot cushion they will be pursued by a young pack including two Englishmen at -8, Matthew Fitzpatrick (72) and Tyrell Hatton (67) along with streaky Aussie Mark Leishman (71).
Red hot Adam Hadwin actually was tied for the lead after he birdied 4 of his first 6 holes, ending up with -3 69 to sit at -7. He continues to drive the ball extremely well (12 of 14 fairways) and today I'm sure he will take every opportunity to go flag hunting, I mean what does he have to lose !
David Hearn is well back 70 73 74 +1.
A pair of 65's have Rory at -6 and Rickie Fowler at -5, they'll need help from the leaders to have a chance at the trophy and my favourite, the cherry red alpaca cardigan that the champion will be awarded. Arnie of course wore it with such style and élan throughout his career.
Should be quite a Sunday, sadly they have done everything possible to honour him this week, but he will be missed the most at the 72nd green for the traditional handshake with whoever wins
Bryan Angus
20 years ago I got my late Dad a job up at Emerald Hills GC with Harry Allard as a starter / club maker / handyman and as usual he gave much more than he got paid. However at the end of the summer he'd come home and take off his ball hat at dinner and he had that silly looking golf hat tan ! All brown from the eyebrows down to the open shirt neckline, but shockingly white from the forehead to the midway point at the back of his head !
Charley Hoffman displayed the same look as he doffed his cap and punched the air after holing a 30 foot curler on the 18th hole to take a share of the lead at -11 with Kevin Kisner going into today's final round at Bay Hill.
However despite their 3 shot cushion they will be pursued by a young pack including two Englishmen at -8, Matthew Fitzpatrick (72) and Tyrell Hatton (67) along with streaky Aussie Mark Leishman (71).
Red hot Adam Hadwin actually was tied for the lead after he birdied 4 of his first 6 holes, ending up with -3 69 to sit at -7. He continues to drive the ball extremely well (12 of 14 fairways) and today I'm sure he will take every opportunity to go flag hunting, I mean what does he have to lose !
David Hearn is well back 70 73 74 +1.
A pair of 65's have Rory at -6 and Rickie Fowler at -5, they'll need help from the leaders to have a chance at the trophy and my favourite, the cherry red alpaca cardigan that the champion will be awarded. Arnie of course wore it with such style and élan throughout his career.
Should be quite a Sunday, sadly they have done everything possible to honour him this week, but he will be missed the most at the 72nd green for the traditional handshake with whoever wins
Bryan Angus
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Your weekend golf story, live leaderboards.
Here's all you need to now about what's happening in golf this weekend, including news of Stephen Ames, Adam Hadwin and Brooke Henderson, all in contention.
PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/arnold-palmer-invitational-presented-by-mastercard/leaderboard.html
With pair of 70's Adam Hadwin is T10 at -4, six shots out of the lead held by Charlie Hoffman (68 66 -10) as play gets underway this morning in Orlando at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Hadwin admits life has been " a bit of a blur" since he won the Valspar Championship last week. It's not everyday he gets texts from the Prime Minister or Wayne Gretzky !
David Hearn is currently T35 with rounds of 70 73 -1 and he is on course at E through 5 holes. Both Graham DeLaet 76 73 and MacKenzie Hughes 79 72 joined the likes of Henrik Stenson missing the cut which fell at +3.
After rounds of 74 71 Rory McIlroy is -5 through 13 holes on today's round while his pal Rickie Fowler (74 72) is in the clubhouse with a sparkling -7 65 and is currently T8.
PGA Tour Champions Tuscon Conquistadores Classic leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/champions/tournaments/tucson-conquistadores-classic/leaderboard.html
Stephen Ames is back in the news after his -6 67 left him 2 shots off the lead held by Freddie Couples (64 -8). Couples is 57 now and playing a limited schedule depending how his ailing back is holding up. He won the Chubb Classic last month so is in good form with the Masters right around the corner.
Rod Spittle had an E 73 T55. Old timers reading this will remember Tuscon has another Canadian connection with Ian Leggatt and the late George Knudsen winning there.
LPGA Tour Bank of Hope Founders Cup leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/bank-of-hope-founders-cup/leaderboard
Brooke Henderson is in Phoenix for the Founders Cup and with rounds of 69 67 she is T30 at -8 five shots off the lead held by Ariya Jutanugarn and Stacy Lewis who both shot 64 67 -13.
In other Canadian news Maude Aimee LeBlanc, Alena Sharp, Augusta James and Jennifer Ha all missed the cut which fell a -4. LeBlanc missed despite shooting a 64 yesterday.
Nice to see Sandra Post being honoured yesterday along with Hollis Stacy as one of the pioneers who have had the greatest impact on the LPGA Tour and women's golf.
In other news, Ally Tidcombe who is from a place called Wolfville N.S, is at -5 through 15 holes T4 down in Guatemala at the Stellar Artois Championship on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica. http://www.pgatour.com/la/en/tournaments/guatemala-stella-artois-open/leaderboard.html
Meanwhile earlier in the week on the NCAA circuit Canada’s top-ranked female amateur Maddie Szeryk won the Dr. Donnis Invitational in Hawaii by 4 shots 67 71 69 -9 total for her second NCAA victory. She is attending Texas A&M.
PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/arnold-palmer-invitational-presented-by-mastercard/leaderboard.html
With pair of 70's Adam Hadwin is T10 at -4, six shots out of the lead held by Charlie Hoffman (68 66 -10) as play gets underway this morning in Orlando at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Hadwin admits life has been " a bit of a blur" since he won the Valspar Championship last week. It's not everyday he gets texts from the Prime Minister or Wayne Gretzky !
David Hearn is currently T35 with rounds of 70 73 -1 and he is on course at E through 5 holes. Both Graham DeLaet 76 73 and MacKenzie Hughes 79 72 joined the likes of Henrik Stenson missing the cut which fell at +3.
After rounds of 74 71 Rory McIlroy is -5 through 13 holes on today's round while his pal Rickie Fowler (74 72) is in the clubhouse with a sparkling -7 65 and is currently T8.
PGA Tour Champions Tuscon Conquistadores Classic leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/champions/tournaments/tucson-conquistadores-classic/leaderboard.html
Stephen Ames is back in the news after his -6 67 left him 2 shots off the lead held by Freddie Couples (64 -8). Couples is 57 now and playing a limited schedule depending how his ailing back is holding up. He won the Chubb Classic last month so is in good form with the Masters right around the corner.
Rod Spittle had an E 73 T55. Old timers reading this will remember Tuscon has another Canadian connection with Ian Leggatt and the late George Knudsen winning there.
LPGA Tour Bank of Hope Founders Cup leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/bank-of-hope-founders-cup/leaderboard
Brooke Henderson is in Phoenix for the Founders Cup and with rounds of 69 67 she is T30 at -8 five shots off the lead held by Ariya Jutanugarn and Stacy Lewis who both shot 64 67 -13.
In other Canadian news Maude Aimee LeBlanc, Alena Sharp, Augusta James and Jennifer Ha all missed the cut which fell a -4. LeBlanc missed despite shooting a 64 yesterday.
Nice to see Sandra Post being honoured yesterday along with Hollis Stacy as one of the pioneers who have had the greatest impact on the LPGA Tour and women's golf.
In other news, Ally Tidcombe who is from a place called Wolfville N.S, is at -5 through 15 holes T4 down in Guatemala at the Stellar Artois Championship on the PGA Tour Latinoamerica. http://www.pgatour.com/la/en/tournaments/guatemala-stella-artois-open/leaderboard.html
Meanwhile earlier in the week on the NCAA circuit Canada’s top-ranked female amateur Maddie Szeryk won the Dr. Donnis Invitational in Hawaii by 4 shots 67 71 69 -9 total for her second NCAA victory. She is attending Texas A&M.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Hadwin continues fine form at Arnold Palmer Invitational
PGA Tour Arnold Palmer Invitational leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/arnold-palmer-invitational-presented-by-mastercard/leaderboard.html
On a sunny, breezy day at Bay Hill, tributes continued to pour in for the late great King who recently passed away.
Under the powerful 13 foot high bronze statue, capturing his famous self taught follow through, the tournament goes on as usual, he is here in spirit if not in body. His golf cart is parked with his two sets of clubs at the 16th tee where he used to sit and watch, and the claret jug which he won twice is on full display in his honour.
Adam Hadwin had another great round going at -4 just a shot off the lead held by two young guns, Emiliano Grillo from Argentina and Matthew Fitzpatrick from England who both shot -5 67, until he came to the 18th and took a double bogey 6.
Still he is one of only 27 players who broke par so far and at -2 70 he is in a group T8 along with fellow Canuck David Hearn.
Defending champion Jason Day is also at -2. Rory McIIroy had 3 bogey's and a double on his back nine of 39 and is T58 with a +2 74.
Other Canadian scoring : Graham DeLaet 76, MacKenzie Hughes 79
Bryan Angus
On a sunny, breezy day at Bay Hill, tributes continued to pour in for the late great King who recently passed away.
Under the powerful 13 foot high bronze statue, capturing his famous self taught follow through, the tournament goes on as usual, he is here in spirit if not in body. His golf cart is parked with his two sets of clubs at the 16th tee where he used to sit and watch, and the claret jug which he won twice is on full display in his honour.
Adam Hadwin had another great round going at -4 just a shot off the lead held by two young guns, Emiliano Grillo from Argentina and Matthew Fitzpatrick from England who both shot -5 67, until he came to the 18th and took a double bogey 6.
Still he is one of only 27 players who broke par so far and at -2 70 he is in a group T8 along with fellow Canuck David Hearn.
Defending champion Jason Day is also at -2. Rory McIIroy had 3 bogey's and a double on his back nine of 39 and is T58 with a +2 74.
Other Canadian scoring : Graham DeLaet 76, MacKenzie Hughes 79
Bryan Angus
Monday, March 13, 2017
Adam Hadwin can dine out on this Valspar Championship for the rest of his life.
PGA Tour Valspar Championship final leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/valspar-championship/leaderboard.html
When Adam sunk that 55' putt up and down across the green with a double break at the 13th for birdie 2, I finally thought this is it, this is his time, all these bombs he's made only go in the week you win.
I said it wasn't going to be easy in yesterday's missive, so here comes the big slice into the aqua off the 16th tee and a resulting double bogey 6 and suddenly he's tied at -14 with Cantley.
What was most impressive for me was on that 17th tee, where he got a hold of his emotion, something he admits has been a problem all of his life, and made a solid par to stay even, then got through another bad break when his approach on 18 ran through the green up against the collar, but he rescued himself with a lovely little bellied wedge to 2 feet and a par while Cantley missed his 15 footer and left the 72nd with a bogey, and the runners up spot.
So Adam is going to Augusta, is now 51st in the world, a million dollars richer, exempt for 2 years, a solid bet for the Presidents Cup, way up the Fed Ex Cup standings and is getting married in two weeks!!
But that is far from all. Adam Hadwin has joined his peers as a winner on the PGA Tour, and with that monkey off his back he has years of play in front of him to win some more.
Here in Canada he will dine out on that for the rest of his life. Remember a Canadian golfer called Ian Leggatt.
Around this time in 2002 at the age of 36, and after 10 years of futility he shot a 64 on Sunday to win the Tuscon Open. It was his only win on the PGA Tour and injuries finally forced him out of the game in 2009.
However Ian parlayed that win and his experiences in and around the game to a career as a consultant and agent with the Wasserman Media group, then a gig with SNET TV as a golf analyst, and now as the Director of Golf at the very private Summit Golf Club here in Toronto.
Adam can do the same thing, even if he never wins again. That's why it all means so much. He'll soon be a husband, then a father, and with good health he can go on to add to stature as a pro golfer, one of Canada's best.
That all started last night in Tampa. Congratulations to Adam Hadwin, winner of the 2017 Valspar Championship... and much more..
Bryan Angus
When Adam sunk that 55' putt up and down across the green with a double break at the 13th for birdie 2, I finally thought this is it, this is his time, all these bombs he's made only go in the week you win.
I said it wasn't going to be easy in yesterday's missive, so here comes the big slice into the aqua off the 16th tee and a resulting double bogey 6 and suddenly he's tied at -14 with Cantley.
What was most impressive for me was on that 17th tee, where he got a hold of his emotion, something he admits has been a problem all of his life, and made a solid par to stay even, then got through another bad break when his approach on 18 ran through the green up against the collar, but he rescued himself with a lovely little bellied wedge to 2 feet and a par while Cantley missed his 15 footer and left the 72nd with a bogey, and the runners up spot.
So Adam is going to Augusta, is now 51st in the world, a million dollars richer, exempt for 2 years, a solid bet for the Presidents Cup, way up the Fed Ex Cup standings and is getting married in two weeks!!
But that is far from all. Adam Hadwin has joined his peers as a winner on the PGA Tour, and with that monkey off his back he has years of play in front of him to win some more.
Here in Canada he will dine out on that for the rest of his life. Remember a Canadian golfer called Ian Leggatt.
Around this time in 2002 at the age of 36, and after 10 years of futility he shot a 64 on Sunday to win the Tuscon Open. It was his only win on the PGA Tour and injuries finally forced him out of the game in 2009.
However Ian parlayed that win and his experiences in and around the game to a career as a consultant and agent with the Wasserman Media group, then a gig with SNET TV as a golf analyst, and now as the Director of Golf at the very private Summit Golf Club here in Toronto.
Adam can do the same thing, even if he never wins again. That's why it all means so much. He'll soon be a husband, then a father, and with good health he can go on to add to stature as a pro golfer, one of Canada's best.
That all started last night in Tampa. Congratulations to Adam Hadwin, winner of the 2017 Valspar Championship... and much more..
Bryan Angus
Sunday, March 12, 2017
It won't be easy today for Adam Hadwin at the Valspar Championship
PGA Tour Valspar Championship leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/valspar-championship/leaderboard.html
So far so good for Adam Hadwin, driving it straight, hitting greens and just making everything with his putter, including a 60 footer right across the green on the 16th yesterday. With rounds of 68 64 67 -14 he is 4 shots clear of the field as he and Patrick Cantley ( 71 66 66 -10) tee off at 1.55 in the last pairing of this Valspar Championship.
Now, and it sounds cliché but he has to try and treat these last 18 holes just like any other round this week. He hasn't managed to do that yet in his young PGA Tour career, but he certainly has the game to get his break through win.
The stakes are so high, they are hard to keep out of your mind. Over a million in prize money, 2 year's exemption, a spot at the Masters, a spot in the President's Cup, a jump way up the Fed Ex Cup standings... and more..A win might be enough to get him into the Dell Match Play but has another appointment that week because he is getting married, his wedding is the Friday of that week.!!!
The old adage goes like this " the toughest golf course in the world is the one between your ears"
Today he will have to play that one, as well as a very tough Copperhead course, so you know it won't be easy. This is what he was thinking before he tees it up today.
"Guys are going to have to shot a good score to catch you. To go bogey-free today, I mean, I’d love to do that again. I think somebody would have to play an extremely good round of golf to catch me. Make some pars and make guys come and get you"
He may be buoyed by the pay of his countryman Graham DeLaet who is -6 on today's round playing the 16th, currently T9.
David Hearn is playing his 4th round, 68 74 68 T19, Nick Taylor is finished at 72 70 73 75 +5
Bryan Angus
So far so good for Adam Hadwin, driving it straight, hitting greens and just making everything with his putter, including a 60 footer right across the green on the 16th yesterday. With rounds of 68 64 67 -14 he is 4 shots clear of the field as he and Patrick Cantley ( 71 66 66 -10) tee off at 1.55 in the last pairing of this Valspar Championship.
Now, and it sounds cliché but he has to try and treat these last 18 holes just like any other round this week. He hasn't managed to do that yet in his young PGA Tour career, but he certainly has the game to get his break through win.
The stakes are so high, they are hard to keep out of your mind. Over a million in prize money, 2 year's exemption, a spot at the Masters, a spot in the President's Cup, a jump way up the Fed Ex Cup standings... and more..A win might be enough to get him into the Dell Match Play but has another appointment that week because he is getting married, his wedding is the Friday of that week.!!!
The old adage goes like this " the toughest golf course in the world is the one between your ears"
Today he will have to play that one, as well as a very tough Copperhead course, so you know it won't be easy. This is what he was thinking before he tees it up today.
"Guys are going to have to shot a good score to catch you. To go bogey-free today, I mean, I’d love to do that again. I think somebody would have to play an extremely good round of golf to catch me. Make some pars and make guys come and get you"
He may be buoyed by the pay of his countryman Graham DeLaet who is -6 on today's round playing the 16th, currently T9.
David Hearn is playing his 4th round, 68 74 68 T19, Nick Taylor is finished at 72 70 73 75 +5
Bryan Angus
SSP Chawrasia defends title at Hero Indian Open
European Tour Hero Indian Open final leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017020/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard
SSP Chawrasia doesn't play very well around the world on this European Tour, but when it comes to this national championship at home, he owns it.
With 4 runner up finishes, and a win last year, he simply lapped the field after a long Sunday with rounds of 72 67 68 71 -10 on the very difficult DLF course in New Delhi.
He was 7 shots clear of his nearest rival, Gavin Green from Malaysia at -3. Only seven players managed to break par over 4 days, only 4 shot rounds in the 60's on the last day.
SSP Chawrasia doesn't play very well around the world on this European Tour, but when it comes to this national championship at home, he owns it.
With 4 runner up finishes, and a win last year, he simply lapped the field after a long Sunday with rounds of 72 67 68 71 -10 on the very difficult DLF course in New Delhi.
He was 7 shots clear of his nearest rival, Gavin Green from Malaysia at -3. Only seven players managed to break par over 4 days, only 4 shot rounds in the 60's on the last day.
His second win in New Delhi made him the first Indian to successfully defend a European Tour title and the first player to win their first four events in their home country. He also became the first player to successfully defend a European Tour title since Branden Grace won the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in 2016.
"I'm winning back-to-back so I'm really very happy," he said.
"I was very happy to have everyone supporting me and having my wife here too to see me winning the Indian Open two times back to back. I’m just very, very happy.
"I learned many things this week and hopefully I can play better in Europe. That’s my target next, I have to win in Europe.
"This is probably my best win of my career as it was a really tough course. This week, I made less mistakes and others made more mistakes."
Bryan Angus
"I'm winning back-to-back so I'm really very happy," he said.
"I was very happy to have everyone supporting me and having my wife here too to see me winning the Indian Open two times back to back. I’m just very, very happy.
"I learned many things this week and hopefully I can play better in Europe. That’s my target next, I have to win in Europe.
"This is probably my best win of my career as it was a really tough course. This week, I made less mistakes and others made more mistakes."
Bryan Angus
Saturday, March 11, 2017
Round 3 suspended at Hero Indian Open
European Tour Hero Indian Open leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017020/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard
Halfway around the world from the Valspar Championship in Tampa, the European Tour has made their stop in the bustling capital city of New Delhi in northern India for the Hero Indian Open.
Play in round 3 has been suspended due to darkness with nearly half the field being brought back early Sunday morning to complete their rounds.
So far there are only 11 players under par.
Bryan Angus
Halfway around the world from the Valspar Championship in Tampa, the European Tour has made their stop in the bustling capital city of New Delhi in northern India for the Hero Indian Open.
Play in round 3 has been suspended due to darkness with nearly half the field being brought back early Sunday morning to complete their rounds.
Defending champion SSP Chawrasia , Eddie Pepperell and Carlos Pigem will take a share of the lead at -6 when play resumes.
They have lost four hours of play due the threat of lightning on days one and two and all three of the leading players will have to return to finish round three on Sunday morning.
Chawrasia must be the favourite as the defending champ and 4 second place finishes at his national championship, this year being played on this difficult Gary Player designed DLF Golf an Country Club.
Here's what he had to say. "I stuck to the same game-plan that I have had for the first two rounds. I just want to hit straight, keep the ball in play and keep giving myself chances all the time. The key is not to give away loose shots. Birdies are so difficult to find on this course and they require a lot of hard work, so to give away a bogey is painful."
This is how Pepperell described the tricky greens. "The greens are firm, the pin positions are tricky. The greens are like something you would find at Disneyland. It's difficult. The fairways are tight, there's no let-up. You need to hit good shot after good shot."
They have lost four hours of play due the threat of lightning on days one and two and all three of the leading players will have to return to finish round three on Sunday morning.
Chawrasia must be the favourite as the defending champ and 4 second place finishes at his national championship, this year being played on this difficult Gary Player designed DLF Golf an Country Club.
Here's what he had to say. "I stuck to the same game-plan that I have had for the first two rounds. I just want to hit straight, keep the ball in play and keep giving myself chances all the time. The key is not to give away loose shots. Birdies are so difficult to find on this course and they require a lot of hard work, so to give away a bogey is painful."
This is how Pepperell described the tricky greens. "The greens are firm, the pin positions are tricky. The greens are like something you would find at Disneyland. It's difficult. The fairways are tight, there's no let-up. You need to hit good shot after good shot."
So far there are only 11 players under par.
Bryan Angus
Adam Hadwin has the game to win the Valspar Championship
PGA Tour Valspar Championship leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/valspar-championship/leaderboard.html
There are 4 Canadians in play for this weekend at the Valspar Championship and one of them is in the lead.
Adam Hadwin with rounds of 68 64 is at -10 after two rounds and nobody else is better than that so far. He will tee off in the final pairing at 1.45 today with Jim Herman 62 71 -9
Nick Taylor E 72 70, David Hearn E 68 74 and Graham DeLaet 71 71 E are all out early this morning with round 3 now under way.
Remember Hadwin shot that 59 at the CareerBuilder Challenge in January and on this shotmakers Copperhead course at Innisbrook he has the game to win his first PGA tour championship. However the question is can he pull it off.
At Torrey Pines he was in the final group on Saturday but slumped with rounds of 74-76.
On Friday he made five straight birdies on his back nine of 29 then in the presser he explained how he did it. "You can’t go out and shoot -7 on the Copperhead Course without doing everything right. I put myself in position off the tee box, hit a ton of fairways then just really hit the irons solidly today, and here I am going into the weekend.”
The best player left in the field is #6 ranked Henrik Stenson (71) and he is only 3 shots behind in a group at -7 135 along with Russell Henley (71) and Dominic Bozzelli (68).
Still I'll be watching Adam who had this to say about having the lead going into the weekend. "I’ve put myself in position the last couple of years. I feel like the finishes have gotten stronger, and I keep kind of putting myself there going into the weekends. Just getting more comfortable out there. Learning how I feel under pressure, and figuring out how to deal with that. I’m excited for this weekend, what it will bring, and hope to keep some of these scores coming.
Here, here !
Bryan Angus
There are 4 Canadians in play for this weekend at the Valspar Championship and one of them is in the lead.
Adam Hadwin with rounds of 68 64 is at -10 after two rounds and nobody else is better than that so far. He will tee off in the final pairing at 1.45 today with Jim Herman 62 71 -9
Nick Taylor E 72 70, David Hearn E 68 74 and Graham DeLaet 71 71 E are all out early this morning with round 3 now under way.
Remember Hadwin shot that 59 at the CareerBuilder Challenge in January and on this shotmakers Copperhead course at Innisbrook he has the game to win his first PGA tour championship. However the question is can he pull it off.
At Torrey Pines he was in the final group on Saturday but slumped with rounds of 74-76.
On Friday he made five straight birdies on his back nine of 29 then in the presser he explained how he did it. "You can’t go out and shoot -7 on the Copperhead Course without doing everything right. I put myself in position off the tee box, hit a ton of fairways then just really hit the irons solidly today, and here I am going into the weekend.”
The best player left in the field is #6 ranked Henrik Stenson (71) and he is only 3 shots behind in a group at -7 135 along with Russell Henley (71) and Dominic Bozzelli (68).
Still I'll be watching Adam who had this to say about having the lead going into the weekend. "I’ve put myself in position the last couple of years. I feel like the finishes have gotten stronger, and I keep kind of putting myself there going into the weekends. Just getting more comfortable out there. Learning how I feel under pressure, and figuring out how to deal with that. I’m excited for this weekend, what it will bring, and hope to keep some of these scores coming.
Here, here !
Bryan Angus
Thursday, March 9, 2017
Tiger to miss Arnie's tournament at Bay Hill
Citing health issues the 8 time winner of Arnie's tournament at Bay Hill, Tiger Woods has announced he will be unable to play next week, as he continues to take treatment on his ailing back.
Tiger joins other luminaries like Dustin Johnson, Adam Scott and Phil Mickelson who will not be attending due to a very crowded PGA Tour schedule leading up to the Masters.
In particular the WGC MatchPlay in Texas is the week after Arnie's and the top players are committed to play in WGC events, remember there was also one last week in Mexico so Arnie's event will be missing some guys who had a tough decision to make.
More to follow
Bryan Angus
Tiger joins other luminaries like Dustin Johnson, Adam Scott and Phil Mickelson who will not be attending due to a very crowded PGA Tour schedule leading up to the Masters.
In particular the WGC MatchPlay in Texas is the week after Arnie's and the top players are committed to play in WGC events, remember there was also one last week in Mexico so Arnie's event will be missing some guys who had a tough decision to make.
More to follow
Bryan Angus
Jim Herman's -9 62 leads fog delayed Valspar Championship
PGA Tour Valspar Championship leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/valspar-championship/leaderboard.html
Jim Herman made a late entry into this Valspar Championship near Tampa in Florida, after shooting an eight straight birdie 65 in a practice round last week, and on a relatively benign day he continued that form to shoot -9 62 for the clubhouse lead. He went out early and took advantage of the soft greens and no wind.
Play was delayed for an hour due to fog this morning so the twenty or so guys who didn't finish will return early tomorrow, where there is more fog in the forecast.
Russell Henley and Henrik Stenson are T2 -7 64.
Canadian scores: David Hearn -3 68 T11, Adam Hadwin -3 68 T11, Graham DeLaet E 71 T56 Nick Taylor +1 72 T79
Bryan Angus
Play was delayed for an hour due to fog this morning so the twenty or so guys who didn't finish will return early tomorrow, where there is more fog in the forecast.
Russell Henley and Henrik Stenson are T2 -7 64.
Canadian scores: David Hearn -3 68 T11, Adam Hadwin -3 68 T11, Graham DeLaet E 71 T56 Nick Taylor +1 72 T79
Bryan Angus
Matteo Manassero leads weather delayed Hero Indian Open
European Tour Hero Indian Open leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017020/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard
Due to a 90 minute delay due to the threat of lightning at this Hero Indian Open on a tricky Gary Player designed DLF course in New Delhi, play in round one was called due to darkness with Matteo Manasserso in the clubhouse with the lead at -4 68.
Manassero hasn't won since 2013, and has only had one top 3 in the last two years, so this return to form is long overdue. I remember him playing with Mike Weir as a 16 year old sensation at the Masters, and Weirsy said after the round, "he plays a game well beyond his years" He has made 3 /4 cuts so far this year.
Due to a 90 minute delay due to the threat of lightning at this Hero Indian Open on a tricky Gary Player designed DLF course in New Delhi, play in round one was called due to darkness with Matteo Manasserso in the clubhouse with the lead at -4 68.
Manassero hasn't won since 2013, and has only had one top 3 in the last two years, so this return to form is long overdue. I remember him playing with Mike Weir as a 16 year old sensation at the Masters, and Weirsy said after the round, "he plays a game well beyond his years" He has made 3 /4 cuts so far this year.
England's Eddie Pepperell also completed his round with a -3 69.
Play was suspended at 3.11pm local time and with an hour and 35 minutes lost before a resumption, 66 players will have to complete their first rounds on Friday morning
England's David Horsey at -5 through 15 holes is one of them.
Bryan Angus
Wednesday, March 8, 2017
Hearn, Hadwin, Taylor, DeLaet all at the Valspar this week
PGA Tour Valspar Championship tee times http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/valspar-championship/tee-times.html
Henrik Stenson and Bubba Watson are the two headliners starting Thursday morning at the Valspar Championship down at the Innisbrook resort in Florida. Charl Schwartzel is the defending champion and he is in the pairing with Bubba and Henrik at 7.56 off #10.
There are 4 Canadians in the field. David Hearn is off #1 at 7.01am while Adam Hadwin is off #10 7.01am. Graham DeLaet is off #1 at 12.02 and Nick Taylor is off #1 at 12.13.
It's not a particularly strong field sandwiched between last week's WGC in Mexico (where Dustin Johnson won but Phil Mickelson provided all the entertainment.) and Arnie's event at Bay Hill where everyone is showing up to pay homage to the King, then the WGC Match Play at the Austin GC.
Bryan Angus
Henrik Stenson and Bubba Watson are the two headliners starting Thursday morning at the Valspar Championship down at the Innisbrook resort in Florida. Charl Schwartzel is the defending champion and he is in the pairing with Bubba and Henrik at 7.56 off #10.
There are 4 Canadians in the field. David Hearn is off #1 at 7.01am while Adam Hadwin is off #10 7.01am. Graham DeLaet is off #1 at 12.02 and Nick Taylor is off #1 at 12.13.
It's not a particularly strong field sandwiched between last week's WGC in Mexico (where Dustin Johnson won but Phil Mickelson provided all the entertainment.) and Arnie's event at Bay Hill where everyone is showing up to pay homage to the King, then the WGC Match Play at the Austin GC.
Bryan Angus
Weir to co-captain International team at Presidents Cup
The news yesterday that Mike Weir will be an assistant captain on Nicky Price's International team at this years Presidents Cup at Liberty National GC in New Jersey, was bitter sweet for me and I'm sure many Canadian golf fans.
The sweet side is that he is respected enough by his peers to lend his leadership, experience, comradeship and motivation to this team that has only won once since the Presidents Cups' inception in 1994, that was in Melbourne in 1998. The team record is 9 -1-1 in favour of the USA..
The bitter side is that he is no longer good enough to play, because when he did he was a bulldog with a record of 13-9-2.
Here is the release from the PGA.
For the first time in event history, Presidents Cup team captains have the option to add a fourth assistant to their respective teams. Today, U.S. Team Captain Steve Stricker and International Team Captain Nick Price announced Jim Furyk and Mike Weir (Canada) as their fourth captains’ assistants, respectively, for the 2017 Presidents Cup.
Weir will join the International Team as a first-time captain’s assistant after having competed in five Presidents Cups (2000, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009); he was a teammate of Price in the 2000 and 2003 events. The eight-time PGA TOUR winner is 13-9-2 all-time at the Presidents Cup and one of five International Team members with 10 or more match wins in the competition. In 2007, the Presidents Cup was staged in Canada for the first time, and Weir put on a show for his Canadians fans with a 3-1-1 record that was capped by a thrilling 1-up victory over Tiger Woods in Singles.
“The Presidents Cup has been such a big part of my professional career, and some of my fondest memories are from the competition and, perhaps even more so, the team cabins,” said Weir. “I’m excited to be a part of the International Team again, especially alongside Ernie, Geoff and Tony, with an aim to help Captain Price and the International Team win back the Cup.”
Bryan Angus
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Thomas leads the the stars into Sunday at WGC Mexico Championship
PGA Tour WGC Mexico Championship leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/wgc-mexico-championship/en/leaderboard.html
Despite winning three times in his short time on tour, including back to back wins in Hawaii, Justin Thomas can be forgiven for looking at the star studded pack chasing him as he begins play today with a one shot lead 69 66 66 -12 over his playing partners, world #1 Dustin Johnson 70 66 66 -11 and Rory McIlroy 68 65 70 -10.
Right behind them comes Phil Mickelson 67 68 68 -10, Lee Westwood 67 71 66 -9 and young Spanish star Jon Rahm 67 70 67 -9.
There were many highlight reel moments on Saturday, but three really stood out.
First I must say Thomas is yet another of the seemingly endless line of new young guns, with all the tools combined with the nerves of youth. He took the lead on the par-3 13th. when he hit his 6-iron 240 yards where it bounced once and went right in for a hole in one !
Then Dustin Johnson was tied for the lead when his wayward second shot on the 16th didn't come down from a tree. He had to return to the original spot and hit his fourth to inside 20 feet and he holed the putt for a solid bogey. The twist in the story was that the ball fell out of the tree as he walked by it for the second time on his way to the green !!
The third story involves the rejuvenated Phil Mickelson who shot a remarkable 68 and was at his scrambling best. He was plain wild off the tee, missing seven out of eight fairways early on and through 12 holes he had to engage the help of the referee 3 times regarding drops, and he even managed to make a par when a spectator took off with his golf ball. He also managed par after taking a drop from a sprinkler into bushes.
Jordan Spieth has been pretty sick this week but he set the course record with an -8 63 to get into a large pack within five shots of the lead.
Canadian scores : MacKenzie Hughes 70 70 73 +1
Bryan Angus
Despite winning three times in his short time on tour, including back to back wins in Hawaii, Justin Thomas can be forgiven for looking at the star studded pack chasing him as he begins play today with a one shot lead 69 66 66 -12 over his playing partners, world #1 Dustin Johnson 70 66 66 -11 and Rory McIlroy 68 65 70 -10.
Right behind them comes Phil Mickelson 67 68 68 -10, Lee Westwood 67 71 66 -9 and young Spanish star Jon Rahm 67 70 67 -9.
There were many highlight reel moments on Saturday, but three really stood out.
First I must say Thomas is yet another of the seemingly endless line of new young guns, with all the tools combined with the nerves of youth. He took the lead on the par-3 13th. when he hit his 6-iron 240 yards where it bounced once and went right in for a hole in one !
Then Dustin Johnson was tied for the lead when his wayward second shot on the 16th didn't come down from a tree. He had to return to the original spot and hit his fourth to inside 20 feet and he holed the putt for a solid bogey. The twist in the story was that the ball fell out of the tree as he walked by it for the second time on his way to the green !!
The third story involves the rejuvenated Phil Mickelson who shot a remarkable 68 and was at his scrambling best. He was plain wild off the tee, missing seven out of eight fairways early on and through 12 holes he had to engage the help of the referee 3 times regarding drops, and he even managed to make a par when a spectator took off with his golf ball. He also managed par after taking a drop from a sprinkler into bushes.
Jordan Spieth has been pretty sick this week but he set the course record with an -8 63 to get into a large pack within five shots of the lead.
Canadian scores : MacKenzie Hughes 70 70 73 +1
Bryan Angus
South African Dean Burmester wins Tshwane Open
European Tour Tshwane Open final leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017018/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y#/results
South Africa's Dean Burmester fired a closing 65 to win his first European Tour title in style at the Tshwane Open in Pretoria.
South Africa's Dean Burmester fired a closing 65 to win his first European Tour title in style at the Tshwane Open in Pretoria.
He had a six-shot lead out in 29, then held on to finish the week at -18 to win by 3 from Spaniard Jorge Campillo (68) and Finn Mikko Korhonen (67)
He entered the week without playing privileges on the European Tour after finishing 140th on last season's Race to Dubai Rankings but today's win changes all that with a full card for 2 years, and a move into the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Bryan Angus
He entered the week without playing privileges on the European Tour after finishing 140th on last season's Race to Dubai Rankings but today's win changes all that with a full card for 2 years, and a move into the top 100 in the Official World Golf Ranking.
Bryan Angus
Inbee Park wins HSBC Women's Champions, Henderson T4
LPGA HSBC Women's Champions final leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/hsbc-womens-champions/results
Brooke Henderson saved her best round of the week until Sunday and her -6 66 shot her right up the scoreboard into T4th place at -14, however it was a little too late to catch the -8 64 posted by Olympic champion Inbee Park who at -19 edged Thai star Ariya Jutanugarn who closed with 66 -18.
Sung Hyun Park (68) -17 was third. Michelle Wie had the lead at the start of play but fell out of contention with a 4 putt for a double bogey at the 5th and a 72 dropped her down to a T4 along with Henderson and last year’s winner, Jang Ha Na (69).
The remarkable Park had taken six months off after Rio2016 to recover from a thumb injury and was playing only her second event. On Saturday she was still striking the ball beautifully but her putts weren't dropping.
Sunday was a completely different story, she made 9 birdies holing long putts from all over the greens and had this to say afterwards “my putting was amazing today, obviously,I couldn’t make any putts yesterday and obviously I made up for it today."
Lydia Ko finished with 72 -12 T9 while Alena Sharp finished 55th 75 74 74 71 +6.
The LPGA is off next week before the women travel to Phoenix for the Bank of Hope Founders Cup
Bryan Angus
Brooke Henderson saved her best round of the week until Sunday and her -6 66 shot her right up the scoreboard into T4th place at -14, however it was a little too late to catch the -8 64 posted by Olympic champion Inbee Park who at -19 edged Thai star Ariya Jutanugarn who closed with 66 -18.
Sung Hyun Park (68) -17 was third. Michelle Wie had the lead at the start of play but fell out of contention with a 4 putt for a double bogey at the 5th and a 72 dropped her down to a T4 along with Henderson and last year’s winner, Jang Ha Na (69).
The remarkable Park had taken six months off after Rio2016 to recover from a thumb injury and was playing only her second event. On Saturday she was still striking the ball beautifully but her putts weren't dropping.
Sunday was a completely different story, she made 9 birdies holing long putts from all over the greens and had this to say afterwards “my putting was amazing today, obviously,I couldn’t make any putts yesterday and obviously I made up for it today."
Lydia Ko finished with 72 -12 T9 while Alena Sharp finished 55th 75 74 74 71 +6.
The LPGA is off next week before the women travel to Phoenix for the Bank of Hope Founders Cup
Bryan Angus
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Good sleep has McIlroy in fine fettle at WGC Mexico Championship
PGA Tour WGC Mexico Championship leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/wgc-mexico-championship/en/leaderboard.html
Jim Bones MacKay was the latest who succumbed at this WGC Mexico Championship, as players and caddies alike suffer from the infamous Mexican stomach bug. Phil Mickelson's long time caddie had to retire to the toilet after 4 holes, leaving Mickelson's younger brother Tim to finish up his round of 68 good for -7 and a T2.
Rory McIlroy however was feeling much better after medication and a 14 hour sleep and buoyed by an eagle 2 at the 14th when he holed his approach from 160 yards, he has taken the halfway lead with a sparkling -6 65, -9 total, and it could have been even better when you consider he missed 4 putts from inside 7 feet.
Justin Thomas (66) and Ross Fisher (68) are also T2 with Mickelson who will be playing with Rory in the final group today.
New world #1 Dustin Johnson is right in contention again after he birdied three of his last four holes for a 66, -6 total.
Canadian MacKenzie Hughes is T27 at -2 after his second straight 70.
Bryan Angus
Jim Bones MacKay was the latest who succumbed at this WGC Mexico Championship, as players and caddies alike suffer from the infamous Mexican stomach bug. Phil Mickelson's long time caddie had to retire to the toilet after 4 holes, leaving Mickelson's younger brother Tim to finish up his round of 68 good for -7 and a T2.
Rory McIlroy however was feeling much better after medication and a 14 hour sleep and buoyed by an eagle 2 at the 14th when he holed his approach from 160 yards, he has taken the halfway lead with a sparkling -6 65, -9 total, and it could have been even better when you consider he missed 4 putts from inside 7 feet.
Justin Thomas (66) and Ross Fisher (68) are also T2 with Mickelson who will be playing with Rory in the final group today.
New world #1 Dustin Johnson is right in contention again after he birdied three of his last four holes for a 66, -6 total.
Canadian MacKenzie Hughes is T27 at -2 after his second straight 70.
Bryan Angus
Wie leads strong field in Singapore, Henderson slipping back
LPGA HSBC Women's Champions leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/hsbc-womens-champions/leaderboard
Playing on a sponsors exemption, and ranked #179 in the world, Michelle Wie has shot rounds of 66 69 67 -14 to take the lead into Sunday's final round as she vies for her first win since 2014.
Looking like the Wie of old, and playing pain free after years of dogged injuries, she made 6 birdies and admitted she feels a bit nervous. "There definitely is some butterflies out there, but it’s exciting getting that feeling again and being in this position.” Besides her never ending fashion stylings, the first thing you will notice about Michelle is she has dropped that bent over, table top putting stance that made us all feel like we had sinned everytime we watched.
Brooke Henderson slipped back to a T11 after her -1 71 but at -8 it seems her chance of winning has gone, at least for this week. Her driving and ball striking have been magnificent with 13/14 fairways in regulation, but as Judy Rankin said " when Brooke learns how to use that flat stick, look out world #1"
Alena Sharp is not having her best week, 75 74 74 +7 T61.
Lydia Ko shot 67 and is in a three-way T2 at -12 along with Thai star Ariya Jutanugarn (69) and south Korean, Park Sung-Hyun (68).
Meanwhile Inbee Park shot a -1 71 and is lurking at -11 just 3 shots back along with defending champion Ha Na Jang (68).
Bryan Angus
Playing on a sponsors exemption, and ranked #179 in the world, Michelle Wie has shot rounds of 66 69 67 -14 to take the lead into Sunday's final round as she vies for her first win since 2014.
Looking like the Wie of old, and playing pain free after years of dogged injuries, she made 6 birdies and admitted she feels a bit nervous. "There definitely is some butterflies out there, but it’s exciting getting that feeling again and being in this position.” Besides her never ending fashion stylings, the first thing you will notice about Michelle is she has dropped that bent over, table top putting stance that made us all feel like we had sinned everytime we watched.
Brooke Henderson slipped back to a T11 after her -1 71 but at -8 it seems her chance of winning has gone, at least for this week. Her driving and ball striking have been magnificent with 13/14 fairways in regulation, but as Judy Rankin said " when Brooke learns how to use that flat stick, look out world #1"
Alena Sharp is not having her best week, 75 74 74 +7 T61.
Lydia Ko shot 67 and is in a three-way T2 at -12 along with Thai star Ariya Jutanugarn (69) and south Korean, Park Sung-Hyun (68).
Meanwhile Inbee Park shot a -1 71 and is lurking at -11 just 3 shots back along with defending champion Ha Na Jang (68).
Bryan Angus
Friday, March 3, 2017
Henderson stays in contention at HSBC Women's Champions
LPGA Tour HSBC Women's Champions leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/hsbc-womens-champions/leaderboard
Round two is in the books in Singapore at the HSBC Women's Champions and Brooke Henderson shot -2 70 and at -7 goes into the weekend T7, just 3 shots off the lead held by Olympic gold medalist Inbee Park who emerged from the pack with a -5 67 to sit at -10. Morning rain made the greens very soft, and the field took advantage of them.
Brooke mixed 5 birdies with 3 bogey's, out and in in 35 strokes each. Alena Sharp (75 74) is at +5
Henderson is in good company in a group at -7 including Lydia Ko (69 68), Ha Na Jang (70 67), and Charley Hull (69 68).
Three players trail Park at -9 . Michelle Wie shot a bogey-free 69 to join Hur Mi-Jung (67) and Ariya Jutanugarn (68). Suzann Pettersen (67) and Park Sung-Hyun (68) are next at -8 T5.
Bryan Angus
Round two is in the books in Singapore at the HSBC Women's Champions and Brooke Henderson shot -2 70 and at -7 goes into the weekend T7, just 3 shots off the lead held by Olympic gold medalist Inbee Park who emerged from the pack with a -5 67 to sit at -10. Morning rain made the greens very soft, and the field took advantage of them.
Brooke mixed 5 birdies with 3 bogey's, out and in in 35 strokes each. Alena Sharp (75 74) is at +5
Henderson is in good company in a group at -7 including Lydia Ko (69 68), Ha Na Jang (70 67), and Charley Hull (69 68).
Three players trail Park at -9 . Michelle Wie shot a bogey-free 69 to join Hur Mi-Jung (67) and Ariya Jutanugarn (68). Suzann Pettersen (67) and Park Sung-Hyun (68) are next at -8 T5.
Bryan Angus
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Six tied for the lead at WGC Mexico Championship
PGA Tour WGC Mexico Championship leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/wgc-mexico-championship/en/leaderboard.html
Club de Golf Chapultepec and it's tight tree lined fairways and small, tricky undulating greens provided the field with a tough challenge today, examining their ability to shape shots and put themselves in the right position off the tee.
The best this elite field could do in ideal scoring conditions under blue sunny skies was -4 67, and 6 players managed that score, Americans Ryan Moore, Phil Mickelson and Jimmy Walker, Englishmen Lee Westwood and Ross Fisher, and Spaniard Jon Rahm.
There are another six at -3 including Rory McIlroy, so a tightly bunched leaderboard after day 1 of this WGC Mexico Championship. Rory is suffering from what so many of us who have holidayed in Mexico have experienced, un upset tummy. In fact Henrik Stenson was forced to withdraw after 11 holes.
Canada's lone representative MacKenzie Hughes is T20 at -1 70.
The altitude has these guys hitting 8 irons 220 yards, and there is a lot of elevation changes throughout the layout. The leading pack have a combination of youth and veterans. bombers and shot makers, but I enjoyed watching them all think their way around this traditional old style course.
Bryan Angus
Club de Golf Chapultepec and it's tight tree lined fairways and small, tricky undulating greens provided the field with a tough challenge today, examining their ability to shape shots and put themselves in the right position off the tee.
The best this elite field could do in ideal scoring conditions under blue sunny skies was -4 67, and 6 players managed that score, Americans Ryan Moore, Phil Mickelson and Jimmy Walker, Englishmen Lee Westwood and Ross Fisher, and Spaniard Jon Rahm.
There are another six at -3 including Rory McIlroy, so a tightly bunched leaderboard after day 1 of this WGC Mexico Championship. Rory is suffering from what so many of us who have holidayed in Mexico have experienced, un upset tummy. In fact Henrik Stenson was forced to withdraw after 11 holes.
Canada's lone representative MacKenzie Hughes is T20 at -1 70.
The altitude has these guys hitting 8 irons 220 yards, and there is a lot of elevation changes throughout the layout. The leading pack have a combination of youth and veterans. bombers and shot makers, but I enjoyed watching them all think their way around this traditional old style course.
Bryan Angus
Rory McIlroy returns to play WGC Mexico Championship today.
PGA Tour WGC Mexico Championship leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/wgc-mexico-championship/en/leaderboard.html
This week instead of playing at Doral, 49 of the world's top 50, along with another 25 or so qualifiers are at altitude in Mexico City at Club de Golf Chapultepec, where Rory McIlroy, still bandaged up to protect his ribs, returns to action.
"I would say my focus was on just trying to get ready for this event and play here. I think it’s nice I get to play four rounds, see where my game is, take the week off next week, reassess, how does my body feel, how does my game feel. From there I can start to think about the Masters and what I really need to do to get ready for Augusta"
This new venue is a shot makers course, tight tree lined fairways, small greens, kind old fashioned. Jordan Spieth says “who has best control from really 100 to about 150 yards is really, really important out here."
MacKenzie Hughes is the lone Canadian and he is paired with Brendan Steele at 11.03.
Jason Day is not in the field, citing illness. Of interest for me was Dustin Johnson's presser where he told us the altitude means 15% longer ball flight. He has been hitting wedges 185 yards.
Bryan Angus
This week instead of playing at Doral, 49 of the world's top 50, along with another 25 or so qualifiers are at altitude in Mexico City at Club de Golf Chapultepec, where Rory McIlroy, still bandaged up to protect his ribs, returns to action.
"I would say my focus was on just trying to get ready for this event and play here. I think it’s nice I get to play four rounds, see where my game is, take the week off next week, reassess, how does my body feel, how does my game feel. From there I can start to think about the Masters and what I really need to do to get ready for Augusta"
This new venue is a shot makers course, tight tree lined fairways, small greens, kind old fashioned. Jordan Spieth says “who has best control from really 100 to about 150 yards is really, really important out here."
MacKenzie Hughes is the lone Canadian and he is paired with Brendan Steele at 11.03.
Jason Day is not in the field, citing illness. Of interest for me was Dustin Johnson's presser where he told us the altitude means 15% longer ball flight. He has been hitting wedges 185 yards.
Bryan Angus
Brooke Henderson T2 at HSBC Women's Champions
LPGA HSBC Women's Champions leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/hsbc-womens-champions/leaderboard
Brooke Henderson says that Singapore is her "favourite place to travel to on tour" and this week the LPGA stop is at the famous Sentosa Golf Club that has 2 championship courses, Serapong and the new Tanjong which is the course they are playing this week.
The property has a stunning view of Singapore right across the strait, and the price to play is stunning as well. $480 per round for a guest on the weekend, $300 during the week !!!
Michelle Wie playing pain free shot a -6 66 to take the first round lead in sunny but breezy conditions. Wie hasn't won since 2014, has had just one top-10 finish since then and is only in this 63 player field on a sponsors exemption. She is all the way down to #179 in the world these days.
Brooke Henderson is off to a great start at -5 67 for a five-way tie for second place along with Inbee Park, Mo Martin, Anna Nordqvist and Ariya Jutanugarn.
Other notables : Lydia Ko -3 69, Stacy Lewis and Paula Creamer -4 68, China's Shanshan Feng and the best legs on tour, Lexi Thompson each had 70, veteran Aussie Karrie Webb 75 and Cristie Kerr 77.
Canadian scores: Brooke Henderson T2 -5 67, Alena Sharp T55 +3 75
Bryan Angus
Brooke Henderson says that Singapore is her "favourite place to travel to on tour" and this week the LPGA stop is at the famous Sentosa Golf Club that has 2 championship courses, Serapong and the new Tanjong which is the course they are playing this week.
The property has a stunning view of Singapore right across the strait, and the price to play is stunning as well. $480 per round for a guest on the weekend, $300 during the week !!!
Michelle Wie playing pain free shot a -6 66 to take the first round lead in sunny but breezy conditions. Wie hasn't won since 2014, has had just one top-10 finish since then and is only in this 63 player field on a sponsors exemption. She is all the way down to #179 in the world these days.
Brooke Henderson is off to a great start at -5 67 for a five-way tie for second place along with Inbee Park, Mo Martin, Anna Nordqvist and Ariya Jutanugarn.
Other notables : Lydia Ko -3 69, Stacy Lewis and Paula Creamer -4 68, China's Shanshan Feng and the best legs on tour, Lexi Thompson each had 70, veteran Aussie Karrie Webb 75 and Cristie Kerr 77.
Canadian scores: Brooke Henderson T2 -5 67, Alena Sharp T55 +3 75
Bryan Angus
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