PGA Tour Quicken Loans National leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/quicken-loans-national/leaderboard.html
TPC Potomac near Washington DC is hosting this week's Quicken Loans National for the first time and has been extensively redesigned since the PGA Tour was last here in 2006.
It is a tough tight course that favours accuracy off the tee and the opening round was played in sunny, breezy conditions.
David Lingmerth won here on Web.com Tour in 2012 and he called on that experience to shoot a -5 65 to take the first-round lead.
Canada's Nick Taylor is in a pack just a shot behind at -4 66 along with Troy Merritt, Marc Leishman, Johnson Wagner, Sung Kang, and Daniel Summerhays
Other Canucks: Mackenzie Hughes T15th at -2 68. David Hearn and Graham DeLaet T49th +171. Adam Hadwin, T66th at +272.
Bryan Angus
Thursday, June 29, 2017
Brooke Henderson "Showtime" opens wiith 68 in the wind at Olympia Fields
LPGA KPMG Women's PGA Championship leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/kpmgwomenspgachampionship/leaderboard
The LPGA tour are playing their 2nd major of the year at the historic north course at Olympia Fields just south of Chicago, which has hosted four major championships: two U.S. Opens (1928, 2003) and two PGA Championships (1925, 1961). It has also been the site of the U.S. Senior Open (1997) and the U.S. Amateur (2015). Jim Furyk won his US Open here in 2003, and Walter Hagen was paid $500 for winning the PGA in 1925.
This week Brooke Henderson is defending her championship fresh off her win at the Meijer Championship two weeks ago and she even has a new nickname! Playing with the legendary Bo Jackson in a Tuesday pro-am he called her " Showtime" after watching her outdrive and out play him and another Hall of Famer Greg Maddux
In windy conditions on this tough tree lined course and she has opened with a -3 68, two shots off the lead held by Chella Choi who shot a -5 66. AmyYang was on the 18th hole at -5 when play was suspended at 7pm.
The long hitters have an advantage this week. Michelle Wie is one of the longest and she has joined Brooke on -3. Brittany Altomare shot a 67, and Joanna Klatten also was -4 when play was suspended.
So Yeon Ryu the new world #1 finished at 69, and while another bomber, Lexi Thompson shot 70. Two-time major winner Lydia Ko also shot 70 while #2 Ariya Jutanugarn had trouble in the wind and shot 77, and Cristie Kerr had a 78.
Alena Sharp is T37th after E71.
Rain and more wind are in the forecast for today.
Bryan Angus
The LPGA tour are playing their 2nd major of the year at the historic north course at Olympia Fields just south of Chicago, which has hosted four major championships: two U.S. Opens (1928, 2003) and two PGA Championships (1925, 1961). It has also been the site of the U.S. Senior Open (1997) and the U.S. Amateur (2015). Jim Furyk won his US Open here in 2003, and Walter Hagen was paid $500 for winning the PGA in 1925.
This week Brooke Henderson is defending her championship fresh off her win at the Meijer Championship two weeks ago and she even has a new nickname! Playing with the legendary Bo Jackson in a Tuesday pro-am he called her " Showtime" after watching her outdrive and out play him and another Hall of Famer Greg Maddux
In windy conditions on this tough tree lined course and she has opened with a -3 68, two shots off the lead held by Chella Choi who shot a -5 66. AmyYang was on the 18th hole at -5 when play was suspended at 7pm.
The long hitters have an advantage this week. Michelle Wie is one of the longest and she has joined Brooke on -3. Brittany Altomare shot a 67, and Joanna Klatten also was -4 when play was suspended.
So Yeon Ryu the new world #1 finished at 69, and while another bomber, Lexi Thompson shot 70. Two-time major winner Lydia Ko also shot 70 while #2 Ariya Jutanugarn had trouble in the wind and shot 77, and Cristie Kerr had a 78.
Alena Sharp is T37th after E71.
Rain and more wind are in the forecast for today.
Bryan Angus
Monday, June 26, 2017
Triumph and Tragedy this weekend..
Jordan Spieth is only 23 and doesn't need to earn another cent in his life, his golfing accomplishments speak for themselves. By now you know he made par from a greenside bunker to get into a playoff, then holed another in the playoff to win his 10th career title.....One day soon he will announce his engagement to some lucky young lady, if he hasn't already (pls let me know) who will stand by his side and help raise little Jordan's and Jordina's who will benefit from his fabulous wealth.
England's Richard Bland who is 44, has played in 410 European Tour events and has yet to win... this week despite rounds of 67 69 67 69 -15 he lost yet again to a young Argentinian with a famous name Anders Romero who had a 68 65 weekend for a -17 total to win the BMW in Munich.
Triumph... and sadly tragedy, although both will play that down...
Here are the leaderboards and storylines..
PGA Tour Travelers Championship final leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/travelers-championship/leaderboard.html
Jordan Spieth, in Tiger fashion holed out from 60 feet for birdie from a greenside bunker on the first hole of a playoff with Daniel Berger on Sunday at TPC River Highlands to win the Travelers Championship.
The 23-year-old Texan joined Tiger Woods as the only PGA Tour players with 10 victories at that age in the era since World War II. Woods won 15 times before he turned 24.
Charley Hoffman (66) and Danny Lee (67) T3 at -9:
Canadian scores: David Hearn (69) was the low Canadian, T8 -8. Mackenzie Hughes (66) T17 -6, Graham DeLaet (68) T26 while Brad Fritsch (68) was -3 T43. Adam Hadwin (71) T57 -1
European Tour BMW International Open final leaderboard https://www.europeantour.com/en/europeantour/tournaments/2017/bmw-international-open/#leaderboard
Anders Romero from Argentina but not related to the great Eduardo Romero, had not made a regular European Tour appearance since the 2012 BMW Masters and his last top ten came at the BMW PGA Championship in 2008. He was in Munich on a sponsors exemption and was ranked 837 in the world.
On Sunday he shot -7 65 to beat Spain’s Masters winner Sergio Garcia, Belgium’s Thomas Detry and Bland with a winning total of -1. 271,
Romero has now regained his playing privileges and given himself a chance of securing a place in the prestigious season-ending DP World Tour Championship,
The final round at Golfclub München Eichenried came down to a four-way battle between Romero, Garcia, Richard Bland and Thomas Detry on a day of high drama in Bavaria.
Garcia, Detry and Bland each received 149,140 Race to Dubai points for sharing the runner-up spot, with the latter making the biggest jump up the rankings from 176th place to 79th with 191,353 for the season.
Bryan Angus
England's Richard Bland who is 44, has played in 410 European Tour events and has yet to win... this week despite rounds of 67 69 67 69 -15 he lost yet again to a young Argentinian with a famous name Anders Romero who had a 68 65 weekend for a -17 total to win the BMW in Munich.
Triumph... and sadly tragedy, although both will play that down...
Here are the leaderboards and storylines..
PGA Tour Travelers Championship final leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/travelers-championship/leaderboard.html
Jordan Spieth, in Tiger fashion holed out from 60 feet for birdie from a greenside bunker on the first hole of a playoff with Daniel Berger on Sunday at TPC River Highlands to win the Travelers Championship.
The 23-year-old Texan joined Tiger Woods as the only PGA Tour players with 10 victories at that age in the era since World War II. Woods won 15 times before he turned 24.
Charley Hoffman (66) and Danny Lee (67) T3 at -9:
Canadian scores: David Hearn (69) was the low Canadian, T8 -8. Mackenzie Hughes (66) T17 -6, Graham DeLaet (68) T26 while Brad Fritsch (68) was -3 T43. Adam Hadwin (71) T57 -1
European Tour BMW International Open final leaderboard https://www.europeantour.com/en/europeantour/tournaments/2017/bmw-international-open/#leaderboard
Anders Romero from Argentina but not related to the great Eduardo Romero, had not made a regular European Tour appearance since the 2012 BMW Masters and his last top ten came at the BMW PGA Championship in 2008. He was in Munich on a sponsors exemption and was ranked 837 in the world.
On Sunday he shot -7 65 to beat Spain’s Masters winner Sergio Garcia, Belgium’s Thomas Detry and Bland with a winning total of -1. 271,
Romero has now regained his playing privileges and given himself a chance of securing a place in the prestigious season-ending DP World Tour Championship,
The final round at Golfclub München Eichenried came down to a four-way battle between Romero, Garcia, Richard Bland and Thomas Detry on a day of high drama in Bavaria.
Garcia, Detry and Bland each received 149,140 Race to Dubai points for sharing the runner-up spot, with the latter making the biggest jump up the rankings from 176th place to 79th with 191,353 for the season.
Bryan Angus
Sunday, June 25, 2017
Spieth back in contention at Travelers Championship
PGA Tour Travelers Championship leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/travelers-championship/leaderboard.html
I have enjoyed watching Jordan Spieth back in contention again this week, but I had to be reminded that he hasn't exactly disappeared from the face of the earth. He is ranked at #6 and did win earlier this year at Pebble Beach. http://www.owgr.com/
It's just that we became so used to seeing him in the picture every week. For me it began this month in 2013 where you'll remember Spieth won the John Deere Classic in a three-way playoff beating David Hearn and Zack Johnson and at 19 he became the fourth youngest PGA Tour winner and went on to become Rookie of the Year.
Of course in 2015 he won the Masters and US Open back to back and went on to become the world #1, winning the Fed Ex Cup in the process.
However in 2016 at Augusta in the final round, after leading by five strokes heading into the back-nine, on top of the world and walking to his 2nd straight green jacket, Spieth suffered that well documented meltdown, one of the biggest collapses in Masters history, losing to Danny Willett, and just wasn't the same afterwards.
This week he has led from the get go, and like the Spieth of old he finished off his -4 66 yesterday with a long birdie putt, accompanied with the trademark fist pump, giving him a one-stroke lead at TPC River Highlands with a -12 198 total as he goes after his 10th tour win.
Another refreshing change see's golf's answer to Jed Clampett of the Beverly Hillbillies, Boo Weekley a shot back in second after a 65 where he birdied five of the last eight holes.
He apparently has been battling personal issues, and is looking for his fourth tour title and first since 2013 and has made just eight cuts in 21 events.
Daniel Berger, looking for his second victory of the month is at -9 after a 66. He won in Memphis two weeks ago Then comes rookie C.T. Pan (64), David Lingmerth (65) and Paul Casey (66) all at -8.
Canadian scores : David Hearn is at -7 after his 66. Graham DeLaet (72) is -3, Adam Hadwin (68) -2, Brad Fritsch (72) is -1.
Speaking of forgotten men, remember Rory McIlroy. He has been fiddling with several different putters after discarding the one he missed the cut with at the US Open.
However he needed 33 putts during his round of 70 and is at E. He is still ranked at #3 in the world.
Bryan Angus
I have enjoyed watching Jordan Spieth back in contention again this week, but I had to be reminded that he hasn't exactly disappeared from the face of the earth. He is ranked at #6 and did win earlier this year at Pebble Beach. http://www.owgr.com/
It's just that we became so used to seeing him in the picture every week. For me it began this month in 2013 where you'll remember Spieth won the John Deere Classic in a three-way playoff beating David Hearn and Zack Johnson and at 19 he became the fourth youngest PGA Tour winner and went on to become Rookie of the Year.
Of course in 2015 he won the Masters and US Open back to back and went on to become the world #1, winning the Fed Ex Cup in the process.
However in 2016 at Augusta in the final round, after leading by five strokes heading into the back-nine, on top of the world and walking to his 2nd straight green jacket, Spieth suffered that well documented meltdown, one of the biggest collapses in Masters history, losing to Danny Willett, and just wasn't the same afterwards.
This week he has led from the get go, and like the Spieth of old he finished off his -4 66 yesterday with a long birdie putt, accompanied with the trademark fist pump, giving him a one-stroke lead at TPC River Highlands with a -12 198 total as he goes after his 10th tour win.
Another refreshing change see's golf's answer to Jed Clampett of the Beverly Hillbillies, Boo Weekley a shot back in second after a 65 where he birdied five of the last eight holes.
He apparently has been battling personal issues, and is looking for his fourth tour title and first since 2013 and has made just eight cuts in 21 events.
Daniel Berger, looking for his second victory of the month is at -9 after a 66. He won in Memphis two weeks ago Then comes rookie C.T. Pan (64), David Lingmerth (65) and Paul Casey (66) all at -8.
Canadian scores : David Hearn is at -7 after his 66. Graham DeLaet (72) is -3, Adam Hadwin (68) -2, Brad Fritsch (72) is -1.
Speaking of forgotten men, remember Rory McIlroy. He has been fiddling with several different putters after discarding the one he missed the cut with at the US Open.
However he needed 33 putts during his round of 70 and is at E. He is still ranked at #3 in the world.
Bryan Angus
Sunday, June 18, 2017
Henderson shoots for her first win of the year at the Meijer LPGA Classic today
Meijer LPGA Classic leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/meijer-lpga-classic-for-simply-give/leaderboard
While all the attention in Wisconsin on the US Open at Erin Hills near Milwaukee, there is another big tournament over in Grand Rapids called the Meijer LPGA Classic and Brooke Henderson will be in the penultimate pairing this afternoon looking for her first win of the year.
The volatile weather system that has been affecting all of us in the north east has reduced the Blythefield course to par 69, as the fifth hole was played as a par 3 instead of a par 5 because of the flooding.
Henderson led for the first two rounds with 63,67, but Lexi Thompson shot 64 yesterday to catch and pass her with a -15 total. Brooke had a 67 to drop into a T2 with South African Lee-Anne Pace (61), and a pair of South Koreans, Sung Hyun Park (62) and Jenny Shin (63), all at -14.
Hyo Joo Kim (65) -12, and Lydia Ko (64), Michelle Wie (64), Moriya Jutanugarn (67) and Carlota Ciganda (68) are all at -11.
Alena Sharp is T47 -5, while Maude Aimee Leblanc is T68 -1.
Bryan Angus
While all the attention in Wisconsin on the US Open at Erin Hills near Milwaukee, there is another big tournament over in Grand Rapids called the Meijer LPGA Classic and Brooke Henderson will be in the penultimate pairing this afternoon looking for her first win of the year.
The volatile weather system that has been affecting all of us in the north east has reduced the Blythefield course to par 69, as the fifth hole was played as a par 3 instead of a par 5 because of the flooding.
Henderson led for the first two rounds with 63,67, but Lexi Thompson shot 64 yesterday to catch and pass her with a -15 total. Brooke had a 67 to drop into a T2 with South African Lee-Anne Pace (61), and a pair of South Koreans, Sung Hyun Park (62) and Jenny Shin (63), all at -14.
Hyo Joo Kim (65) -12, and Lydia Ko (64), Michelle Wie (64), Moriya Jutanugarn (67) and Carlota Ciganda (68) are all at -11.
Alena Sharp is T47 -5, while Maude Aimee Leblanc is T68 -1.
Bryan Angus
Harmon leads young guns in a wide open race for US Open title
US Open leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/us-open/leaderboard.html
Yesterday we talked about the crowded leaderboard and all the big names who missed the cut, and we also talked about the overnight rain, the wide fairways and lack of wind that have made Erin Hills vulnerable, and congratulations, we were right!
Only six players had ever reached -10 or lower in the previous 116 U.S. Opens. There are five players today at that score or better, with the leader Brian Harmon at -12.
42 players shot under par on Saturday, another US Open record.
The best score of the day went to young Justin Thomas in his pink pants who had an astonishing finish, landing a 3-wood on the 18th green from 310 yards that landed like a wedge, settling just 8 feet away, and he made that for eagle, for a remarkable record setting -9 63.
Thomas became the fifth player to shoot 63 in a U.S. Open and the first player at 9 under.
“It doesn’t matter how long, how whatever the course is,” Thomas said about the longest course in major championship history. “When you give us soft greens, good greens and not much wind, you know there are going to be some good scores. I was just happy that I was the one that was able to take advantage of it today"
Brian Harman, the little lefty whose life has been turned around appropriately on this Fathers Day, by the recent birth of his daughter, plotted his way around Erin Hills, staying in the fairways and putting beautifully to the top of the leaderboard for a -5 67 and a one-shot lead over Thomas, Brooks Koepka (68) and Tommy Fleetwood (68), all at -11. He recently won the Wells Fargo and would become the first lefty to win the US Open.
Thomas is staying with his best pal, Rickie Fowler who stayed right in contention with three straight birdies for 68 -10 total. He is my pick to win today.
Adam Hadwin opened with 68, but has slipped into a T47 with rounds of 74 75 +1 total.
So there are 16 players within 6 shots of the lead who have never won a major, and it looks like there will be the seventh straight first time winner of a major.
So much for the big boys who all missed the cut. With the Tiger era over, this is the new world of golf. I don't think there will ever be another era when one or two guys will dominate.
There are so many great young players, and they are from all around the world, let's see which one holds the trophy come 7 o'clock tonight.
Bryan Angus
Yesterday we talked about the crowded leaderboard and all the big names who missed the cut, and we also talked about the overnight rain, the wide fairways and lack of wind that have made Erin Hills vulnerable, and congratulations, we were right!
Only six players had ever reached -10 or lower in the previous 116 U.S. Opens. There are five players today at that score or better, with the leader Brian Harmon at -12.
42 players shot under par on Saturday, another US Open record.
The best score of the day went to young Justin Thomas in his pink pants who had an astonishing finish, landing a 3-wood on the 18th green from 310 yards that landed like a wedge, settling just 8 feet away, and he made that for eagle, for a remarkable record setting -9 63.
Thomas became the fifth player to shoot 63 in a U.S. Open and the first player at 9 under.
“It doesn’t matter how long, how whatever the course is,” Thomas said about the longest course in major championship history. “When you give us soft greens, good greens and not much wind, you know there are going to be some good scores. I was just happy that I was the one that was able to take advantage of it today"
Brian Harman, the little lefty whose life has been turned around appropriately on this Fathers Day, by the recent birth of his daughter, plotted his way around Erin Hills, staying in the fairways and putting beautifully to the top of the leaderboard for a -5 67 and a one-shot lead over Thomas, Brooks Koepka (68) and Tommy Fleetwood (68), all at -11. He recently won the Wells Fargo and would become the first lefty to win the US Open.
Thomas is staying with his best pal, Rickie Fowler who stayed right in contention with three straight birdies for 68 -10 total. He is my pick to win today.
Adam Hadwin opened with 68, but has slipped into a T47 with rounds of 74 75 +1 total.
So there are 16 players within 6 shots of the lead who have never won a major, and it looks like there will be the seventh straight first time winner of a major.
So much for the big boys who all missed the cut. With the Tiger era over, this is the new world of golf. I don't think there will ever be another era when one or two guys will dominate.
There are so many great young players, and they are from all around the world, let's see which one holds the trophy come 7 o'clock tonight.
Bryan Angus
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Brooke Henderson leads Meijer Classic into the weekend.
LPGA Tour Meijer LPGA Classic leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/meijer-lpga-classic-for-simply-give/leaderboard
Brooke Henderson bogeyed the final two holes for a -4 67, leaving her with a two-stroke lead going into this weekend at the Meijer LPGA Classic, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The 19 year old had seven birdies and three bogeys to reach -12 130 to break the 36-hole record at Blythefield after opening with a -8 63
It could have been even lower but her approach on the par-4 17th rolled down a hill and she two-putted. On the par-4 18th, she missed the green, left her chip well short and missed the long par putt.
She summed up her finish this way. "I kind of let emotions get into things and I was chasing birdie to try and get it back, unfortunately, two bogeys to finish. Hopefully, that just gives me a little bit more motivation going into tomorrow"
Other Canadian scores: Maude-Aimee Leblanc (65) is -5 under while Alena Sharp (72) is -3. Unfortunately Jennifer Ha, after shooting a brilliant opening round 64 slipped to an 80 on Friday to miss the cut as did Augusta James.
Lexi Thompson, coming off a playoff loss to Ariya Jutanugarn last Sunday at the Manulife Classic, followed her opening 64 with a 68 to join 2016 runner-up Carlota Ciganda (64) and Mi Jung Hur (66) at -10.
Bryan Angus
(notes lpgatour.com)
Brooke Henderson bogeyed the final two holes for a -4 67, leaving her with a two-stroke lead going into this weekend at the Meijer LPGA Classic, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The 19 year old had seven birdies and three bogeys to reach -12 130 to break the 36-hole record at Blythefield after opening with a -8 63
It could have been even lower but her approach on the par-4 17th rolled down a hill and she two-putted. On the par-4 18th, she missed the green, left her chip well short and missed the long par putt.
She summed up her finish this way. "I kind of let emotions get into things and I was chasing birdie to try and get it back, unfortunately, two bogeys to finish. Hopefully, that just gives me a little bit more motivation going into tomorrow"
Other Canadian scores: Maude-Aimee Leblanc (65) is -5 under while Alena Sharp (72) is -3. Unfortunately Jennifer Ha, after shooting a brilliant opening round 64 slipped to an 80 on Friday to miss the cut as did Augusta James.
Lexi Thompson, coming off a playoff loss to Ariya Jutanugarn last Sunday at the Manulife Classic, followed her opening 64 with a 68 to join 2016 runner-up Carlota Ciganda (64) and Mi Jung Hur (66) at -10.
Bryan Angus
(notes lpgatour.com)
US Open round 3 tee times: heavy rain overnight at Erin Hills
US Open leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/us-open/leaderboard.html
Heavy rain has fallen overnight in the Milwaukee area, and there are scattered thundershowers in the forecast for today, softening the fairways and greens at Erin Hills which should lead to lower scores at this 117th US Open.
Weather forecast : https://www.google.ca/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=EcrMVb3XM4WN8QeTx63wAQ&gws_rd=ssl#q=weather+forecast+for+erin+hills+wisconsin&spf=1497694399843
The grounds keeping staff have been out working most of the night and play will start on time at 8.26 EST with the leaders off shortly after 2pm.
Round 3 tee times http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/us-open/tee-times.html
Of note Adam Hadwin is paired with the popular Adam Beef Johnston.
Remember there are only 8 shots between the cut line and the lead, so good luck picking a winner. For sure it will be compelling.
Bryan Angus
Heavy rain has fallen overnight in the Milwaukee area, and there are scattered thundershowers in the forecast for today, softening the fairways and greens at Erin Hills which should lead to lower scores at this 117th US Open.
Weather forecast : https://www.google.ca/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=EcrMVb3XM4WN8QeTx63wAQ&gws_rd=ssl#q=weather+forecast+for+erin+hills+wisconsin&spf=1497694399843
The grounds keeping staff have been out working most of the night and play will start on time at 8.26 EST with the leaders off shortly after 2pm.
Round 3 tee times http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/us-open/tee-times.html
Of note Adam Hadwin is paired with the popular Adam Beef Johnston.
Remember there are only 8 shots between the cut line and the lead, so good luck picking a winner. For sure it will be compelling.
Bryan Angus
World's top 3 miss the US Open cut..Four tied for the lead
US Open leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/us-open/leaderboard.html
After an amazing first two days at this 117th US Open being held for the first time at Erin Hills near Hartford in Michigan, where only 4 of the world's top 12 have made the cut, the top 18 players on the leaderboard haven't won a major, keeping alive the trend that has seen the last six won by first timers.
It's wide open, with 4 players tied for the lead heading into this weekend.
Dustin Johnson (75 73), Rory McIlroy (78 71) and Jason Day (79 75) the top three players in the world have missed the cut, and they are joined by stars like Open champion Henrik Stenson (74 73), Alex Noren (73 77), Jon Rahm (76 73), Justin Rose (72 74) Bubba Watson (75 73) and Adam Scott (72 75) after the cut for the top 60 and ties was at fell at +1 145, tying a U.S. Open record set in 1990 at Medinah.
Johnson the defending champion missed the cut by three. “I couldn’t have shot any higher, I couldn’t possibly shoot any higher than I did. I just struggled on the greens. It’s simple.”
Day opened with US Open career-worst 79 with a 75. McIlroy made four birdies over the last six holes for a 71 after opening with a 78, missed the cut for the second straight year.
So who are the four leaders?
England's Paul Casey had a triple bogey 8 but then made five straight birdies for -1 71 to post at -7 137. He is joined by American, Brooks Koepka who led for a while, eventually coming in with a 70 -7 total. Then came the little lefty, Brian Harman (70) and rising star Tommy Fleetwood of England who also had 70.
Right behind is a trio of players a shot back at -6, that includes Rickie Fowler (65,73), Jamie Lovemark (69 69) and JB Holmes (69 69)
Canadian scores : Adam Hadwin is T24 at -2 (68,74) and right in contention, while Corey Conners has missed the cut (76 76)
Like I said earlier, this race for the US Open title is wide open, the leaderboard is all jammed up, guys like Sergio Garcia, Brandt Snedeker, Martin Kaymer, Andrew Johnson (Beef), Charley Hoffman, Hideki Matsuyam and Si Yoo Kim and many others are all right in the mix. There are only 8 shots between the cut line and the leaders !
Bryan Angus
After an amazing first two days at this 117th US Open being held for the first time at Erin Hills near Hartford in Michigan, where only 4 of the world's top 12 have made the cut, the top 18 players on the leaderboard haven't won a major, keeping alive the trend that has seen the last six won by first timers.
It's wide open, with 4 players tied for the lead heading into this weekend.
Dustin Johnson (75 73), Rory McIlroy (78 71) and Jason Day (79 75) the top three players in the world have missed the cut, and they are joined by stars like Open champion Henrik Stenson (74 73), Alex Noren (73 77), Jon Rahm (76 73), Justin Rose (72 74) Bubba Watson (75 73) and Adam Scott (72 75) after the cut for the top 60 and ties was at fell at +1 145, tying a U.S. Open record set in 1990 at Medinah.
Johnson the defending champion missed the cut by three. “I couldn’t have shot any higher, I couldn’t possibly shoot any higher than I did. I just struggled on the greens. It’s simple.”
Day opened with US Open career-worst 79 with a 75. McIlroy made four birdies over the last six holes for a 71 after opening with a 78, missed the cut for the second straight year.
So who are the four leaders?
England's Paul Casey had a triple bogey 8 but then made five straight birdies for -1 71 to post at -7 137. He is joined by American, Brooks Koepka who led for a while, eventually coming in with a 70 -7 total. Then came the little lefty, Brian Harman (70) and rising star Tommy Fleetwood of England who also had 70.
Right behind is a trio of players a shot back at -6, that includes Rickie Fowler (65,73), Jamie Lovemark (69 69) and JB Holmes (69 69)
Canadian scores : Adam Hadwin is T24 at -2 (68,74) and right in contention, while Corey Conners has missed the cut (76 76)
Like I said earlier, this race for the US Open title is wide open, the leaderboard is all jammed up, guys like Sergio Garcia, Brandt Snedeker, Martin Kaymer, Andrew Johnson (Beef), Charley Hoffman, Hideki Matsuyam and Si Yoo Kim and many others are all right in the mix. There are only 8 shots between the cut line and the leaders !
Bryan Angus
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Brooke Henderson shots 63 to lead Meijer LPGA Classic
Meijer LPGA Classic leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/meijer-lpga-classic-for-simply-give/leaderboard
Brooke Henderson has been among the leaders all year in all the driving stats, but her putting has been among the worst resuting in only two T10 finishes this year.
The putter finally warmed up on Thursday as she shot an -8-under 63 to top the star-packed leaderboard in the Meijer LPGA Classic in Michigan as she eagled the par-5 eighth hole and had six birdies at Blythefield in her lowest round of the season. She won the major KPMG Women’s PGA Championship last year and has three tour victories.
“It’s beautiful here,” Henderson said. “I feel like this course suits my game really well. There’s a couple tee shots where you need to hit it really straight, which I think is kind of my advantage or my strength. And once the putts start dropping, then really good things can happen.”
Fellow major champions Lexi Thompson, Stacy Lewis and Shanshan Feng were a stroke back along with Calgary’s Jennifer Ha, Giulia Molinaro and Holly Clyburn.
Lydia Ko, at No. 2 in the world after an 85-week run at the top, returned from a three-week layoff to top the group at 65.
Other Canadians : Alena Sharp shot 67 while Maude-Aimee Leblanc, shot 72. Augusta James shot a 2-over 73
Bryan Angus
(notes from CP)
Fowler leads US Open as stars struggle at Erin Hills
US Open leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/us-open/leaderboard.html
Erin Hills GC in Wisconsin is only 11 years old and is making it's US Open debut. It is the longest course in US Open history at over 7800 yards, with the widest fairways and it has been softened by torrential rain earlier this week, making the greens very receptive. It is a links style course.... on steroids !
However Thursday dawned calm, bright and sunny, ideal for scoring, but from the world's top 10, only the leader, Rickie Fowler #9 with a perfect -7 65 and Masters champion Sergio Garcia #7 -2 70 broke par.
World golf ranking http://www.owgr.com/
Jordan Spieth #5 (73), Dustin Johnson #1 75, said they didn't make enough putts. McIlroy #2 +6 78, Henrik Stenson #6 +2 74, Hideki Matsuyama #4 +2 74, Bubba Watson +3 75 Jon Rahm #10 +4 76 Danny Willett +9 81 didn't drive it well and couldn't recover from the deep fescue.
Fowler, who shared the 36-hole lead at the Masters played early in benign conditions, perfect for scoring, and was never in trouble. He drove it beautifully hitting fairway after fairway, combined with an accurate wedge game, resulting in seven birdies, all from within 15 feet.
His -7 score tied the record to par for the first round of a U.S. Open held by Jack Nicklaus (63) and Tom Weiskopf (63) in 1980.
Jason Day #3 had two triple bogeys and posted a 79, his worst score ever in the U.S. Open. Rory McIlroy #2 drove it wildly and shot 78, his worst U.S. Open score.
Paul Casey shot -6 66 along with 357th ranked rookie Xander Schauffele ( Zander Show-flae) and they are T2. Brooks Koepka, Tommy Fleetwood and Brian Harman are at 67.
Canadians: Adam Hadwin, Mr 59 ( CareerBuilder Challenge) who won his first PGA championship back in March at the Valspar, had a great start with a -4 68 and he tied a U.S. Open record when he started on the back nine and promptly made six straight birdies, from the 18th through the fifth hole. Corey Connors, a Monday qualifier shot +4 76.
Others in the 59 club? JustinThomas, Jim Furyk (58,59), Al Geiberger (1977 Memphis Classic), Chip Beck (1991 Las Vegas Invitational), David Duval (1999 Bob Hope Classic), Paul Goydos (2010 John Deere Classic) and Stuart Appleby (2010 Greenbrier Classic).
More rain is forecast for Friday and Saturday afternoon.
Listen for my report on TSN1290 with my pal Rick Ralph at 1215pm Friday.
Bryan Angus
Erin Hills GC in Wisconsin is only 11 years old and is making it's US Open debut. It is the longest course in US Open history at over 7800 yards, with the widest fairways and it has been softened by torrential rain earlier this week, making the greens very receptive. It is a links style course.... on steroids !
However Thursday dawned calm, bright and sunny, ideal for scoring, but from the world's top 10, only the leader, Rickie Fowler #9 with a perfect -7 65 and Masters champion Sergio Garcia #7 -2 70 broke par.
World golf ranking http://www.owgr.com/
Jordan Spieth #5 (73), Dustin Johnson #1 75, said they didn't make enough putts. McIlroy #2 +6 78, Henrik Stenson #6 +2 74, Hideki Matsuyama #4 +2 74, Bubba Watson +3 75 Jon Rahm #10 +4 76 Danny Willett +9 81 didn't drive it well and couldn't recover from the deep fescue.
Fowler, who shared the 36-hole lead at the Masters played early in benign conditions, perfect for scoring, and was never in trouble. He drove it beautifully hitting fairway after fairway, combined with an accurate wedge game, resulting in seven birdies, all from within 15 feet.
His -7 score tied the record to par for the first round of a U.S. Open held by Jack Nicklaus (63) and Tom Weiskopf (63) in 1980.
Jason Day #3 had two triple bogeys and posted a 79, his worst score ever in the U.S. Open. Rory McIlroy #2 drove it wildly and shot 78, his worst U.S. Open score.
Paul Casey shot -6 66 along with 357th ranked rookie Xander Schauffele ( Zander Show-flae) and they are T2. Brooks Koepka, Tommy Fleetwood and Brian Harman are at 67.
Canadians: Adam Hadwin, Mr 59 ( CareerBuilder Challenge) who won his first PGA championship back in March at the Valspar, had a great start with a -4 68 and he tied a U.S. Open record when he started on the back nine and promptly made six straight birdies, from the 18th through the fifth hole. Corey Connors, a Monday qualifier shot +4 76.
Others in the 59 club? JustinThomas, Jim Furyk (58,59), Al Geiberger (1977 Memphis Classic), Chip Beck (1991 Las Vegas Invitational), David Duval (1999 Bob Hope Classic), Paul Goydos (2010 John Deere Classic) and Stuart Appleby (2010 Greenbrier Classic).
More rain is forecast for Friday and Saturday afternoon.
Listen for my report on TSN1290 with my pal Rick Ralph at 1215pm Friday.
Bryan Angus
Sunday, June 11, 2017
David Hearn 3 shots off the lead at St Jude Classic
PGA Tour St Jude Classic leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/fedex-st-jude-classic/leaderboard.html
In a crowded scoreboard with 3 players tied for the lead, David Hearn has added rounds of 67 67 to his opening 70 and at -6 is in a pack just 3 shots off the lead, and just a great round away from his first PGA Tour win.
The leaders at -9 are the handsome Spaniard Rafa Cabrera Bello with a 65, Veteran Steward Cink at 44 with a 69 and former champion Ben Crane (68).
However there are 18 players within 4 shots of the lead including Phil Mickelson, Charl Schwartzel and Retief Goosen so it will be a tall task for whoever emerges victorious, including Hearn.
It is rarely easy to win on this tour, especially with guys honing their games for the US Open or desperately looking for their first wins in the absence of the games big names like McIlroy, Day and Johnson who are elsewhere practising for next week.
Bryan Angus
In a crowded scoreboard with 3 players tied for the lead, David Hearn has added rounds of 67 67 to his opening 70 and at -6 is in a pack just 3 shots off the lead, and just a great round away from his first PGA Tour win.
The leaders at -9 are the handsome Spaniard Rafa Cabrera Bello with a 65, Veteran Steward Cink at 44 with a 69 and former champion Ben Crane (68).
However there are 18 players within 4 shots of the lead including Phil Mickelson, Charl Schwartzel and Retief Goosen so it will be a tall task for whoever emerges victorious, including Hearn.
It is rarely easy to win on this tour, especially with guys honing their games for the US Open or desperately looking for their first wins in the absence of the games big names like McIlroy, Day and Johnson who are elsewhere practising for next week.
Bryan Angus
Canadian trio are in contention on Sunday at the Manulife LPGA Classic
Manulife LPGA Classic leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/manulife-lpga-classic/leaderboard
Lexi Thompson with rounds of 67 65 67 -17 will take a very narrow one shot lead into today's final round at this Manulife LPGA Classic in gorgeous weather in Cambridge, on the Whistling Bear GC.
She will tee off at 12.50 in the final pairing with her fellow American Lindy Duncan 68 65 67 -16.
However both will have to play their best to beat a star studded chasing pack that includes three Canadians led by Alena Sharp who added a gutsy 70 yesterday to her brace of 66's to stand T4 at -14. Brittany Marchand is having a terrific week considering she plays regularly on the Symetra Tour, 67 70 67 T9 at -12, while Brooke Henderson is T14 at -10, 71 67 68.
However world #2 Ariya Jutanugarn who was paired with Marchand shot a 65 and has moved to -14 and it won't be any surprise is she posts a score that Thompson and the rest will have to deal with come late this afternoon. Also in the mix are world #5 In Gee Chun at -15, and Susann Pettersen at -13.
So the scene is set for a dramatic Sunday, with 3 Canucks in the mix for the Cambridge fans, we'll see who makes the headlines around 5.30 this afternoon.
Bryan Angus
Lexi Thompson with rounds of 67 65 67 -17 will take a very narrow one shot lead into today's final round at this Manulife LPGA Classic in gorgeous weather in Cambridge, on the Whistling Bear GC.
She will tee off at 12.50 in the final pairing with her fellow American Lindy Duncan 68 65 67 -16.
However both will have to play their best to beat a star studded chasing pack that includes three Canadians led by Alena Sharp who added a gutsy 70 yesterday to her brace of 66's to stand T4 at -14. Brittany Marchand is having a terrific week considering she plays regularly on the Symetra Tour, 67 70 67 T9 at -12, while Brooke Henderson is T14 at -10, 71 67 68.
However world #2 Ariya Jutanugarn who was paired with Marchand shot a 65 and has moved to -14 and it won't be any surprise is she posts a score that Thompson and the rest will have to deal with come late this afternoon. Also in the mix are world #5 In Gee Chun at -15, and Susann Pettersen at -13.
So the scene is set for a dramatic Sunday, with 3 Canucks in the mix for the Cambridge fans, we'll see who makes the headlines around 5.30 this afternoon.
Bryan Angus
Saturday, June 10, 2017
Former Canadian Open winner Chez Reavie ties for the lead at St Jude Classic
PGA Tour St Jude Classic leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/fedex-st-jude-classic/leaderboard.html
Chez Reavie shot a -5 65 on Friday to move to -9 131 and share the lead with Charl Schwartzel and Sebastian Munoz after two rounds at the St. Jude Classic down in Memphis.
Schwartzel shot 66, Munoz 67 at this final event on the PGA Tour before the US Open which will be held for the first time at Erin Hills in Erin, Wisconsin next week. Here is an easy link for the US Open http://www.usopen.com/#
Reavie now 35 from Arizona State earned his only win on tour at the RBC Canadian Open on a hot muggy rainy weekend at the Abbey in 2008.
Stewart Cink is a shot back at -8 after rounds of 64 68.
David Hearn has shot 70 67 and is T28 at -3, Brad Fritsch missed the cut.
Bryan Angus
.
Chez Reavie shot a -5 65 on Friday to move to -9 131 and share the lead with Charl Schwartzel and Sebastian Munoz after two rounds at the St. Jude Classic down in Memphis.
Schwartzel shot 66, Munoz 67 at this final event on the PGA Tour before the US Open which will be held for the first time at Erin Hills in Erin, Wisconsin next week. Here is an easy link for the US Open http://www.usopen.com/#
Reavie now 35 from Arizona State earned his only win on tour at the RBC Canadian Open on a hot muggy rainy weekend at the Abbey in 2008.
Stewart Cink is a shot back at -8 after rounds of 64 68.
David Hearn has shot 70 67 and is T28 at -3, Brad Fritsch missed the cut.
Bryan Angus
.
Alena Sharp leads the Manulife LPGA Classic
LPGA .. Manulife LPGA Classic leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/manulife-lpga-classic/leaderboard
Alena Sharp has been steadily improving her game over the last 2 years, gone from being just one of the pack, to one who is in contention, and with that she has gained what is most important, confidence, the feeling that she belongs and can play with the best.
This week in Cambridge at the Whistle Bear GC, not far from her home in Hamilton, she leads this Manulife sponsored LPGA Classic along with American star, Lexi Thompson and South Korean Hoo Joo Kim as play begins this hot humid weekend in southern Ontario.
66,66 for Alena, 67 65 for Lexi, 65 67 for Kim, all at -12, leading by just a shot over a packed international leaderboard. There are 10 different flags flying in the top 10 players alone !
"This week has been different,” Sharp said. “I just walked up to the golf course yesterday and today just feeling like it was going to be a good day.Just had these good vibes coming out.”
She overcame a double bogey on the 3rd when she called a penalty on herself, made a birdie at the fourth then an eagle on the par 9th, and kept the momentum going with 3 straight birdies on the back nine.
There are 10 Canadians in the field and after Alena, the next two in contenetion are
Brittany Marchand and Brooke Henderson, who has only had two top 10's this year, still crushing the ball off the tee, but struggling with her putting.
Marchand is from Orangeville and plays on the Symetra Tour, shot a 70 to get to -7 for her very first LPGA Tour cut.
Brooke is six shots back after a 67 following a frustrating 71on Thursday when she left the course without her normal post round presser, she was so deflated with her performance on the greens.
She summed it all up like this. I played really well on Thursday, I hit a lot great shots, I just didn’t make any putts and my energy kind of dropped a little bit. Today I was able to get a few tap-in birdies that were only at three or four feet and that gave me a lot of confidence"
Seven of the ten Canucks have missed the cut, follow all the scores on my scoring link above.
Bryan Angus
Alena Sharp has been steadily improving her game over the last 2 years, gone from being just one of the pack, to one who is in contention, and with that she has gained what is most important, confidence, the feeling that she belongs and can play with the best.
This week in Cambridge at the Whistle Bear GC, not far from her home in Hamilton, she leads this Manulife sponsored LPGA Classic along with American star, Lexi Thompson and South Korean Hoo Joo Kim as play begins this hot humid weekend in southern Ontario.
66,66 for Alena, 67 65 for Lexi, 65 67 for Kim, all at -12, leading by just a shot over a packed international leaderboard. There are 10 different flags flying in the top 10 players alone !
"This week has been different,” Sharp said. “I just walked up to the golf course yesterday and today just feeling like it was going to be a good day.Just had these good vibes coming out.”
She overcame a double bogey on the 3rd when she called a penalty on herself, made a birdie at the fourth then an eagle on the par 9th, and kept the momentum going with 3 straight birdies on the back nine.
There are 10 Canadians in the field and after Alena, the next two in contenetion are
Brittany Marchand and Brooke Henderson, who has only had two top 10's this year, still crushing the ball off the tee, but struggling with her putting.
Marchand is from Orangeville and plays on the Symetra Tour, shot a 70 to get to -7 for her very first LPGA Tour cut.
Brooke is six shots back after a 67 following a frustrating 71on Thursday when she left the course without her normal post round presser, she was so deflated with her performance on the greens.
She summed it all up like this. I played really well on Thursday, I hit a lot great shots, I just didn’t make any putts and my energy kind of dropped a little bit. Today I was able to get a few tap-in birdies that were only at three or four feet and that gave me a lot of confidence"
Seven of the ten Canucks have missed the cut, follow all the scores on my scoring link above.
Bryan Angus
Sunday, June 4, 2017
Sunday's golf headlines from the Memorial, Shoprite LPGA, Nordea Masters
Hello all and first my apologies for my recent dalliance with regard to my daily postings, unfortunately cancer, like it has to so many has hit a member of the family and I am doing all that is necessary to my the main supporter while we go through the surgery and recovery.
However I am keeping tabs on what's happening as we head towards the US Open, and here are the Sunday golf headlines as I see them on this rainy day in the GTA. Please use the leaderboard links to follow your favourites.
PGA Tour Memorial Tournament leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/the-memorial-tournament-presented-by-nationwide/leaderboard.html
Daniel Summerhays started Saturday 8 shots behind runaway leader Jason Dufner and ended the day with a three shot lead as he continues to look for his first PGA Tour win.
Dufner had set the 36 hole record, but on Saturday he shot what he called a pretty pathetic 77 which included 4 straight bogey's on the front, showing what a fickle game golf, even pro golf can be. He is 4 shots out of the lead now.
Summerhays took full advantage, playing steadily for -4 68, -13 203 total. Matt Kuchar, who hasn't won in three years but is a past winner here, looked good with a -5 67 -10 total so he will play with Summerhays today.
Canadian scores : Graham DeLaet (73) -3 total while Nick Taylor (71) is E.
LPGA Tour Shopright Classic leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/shoprite-lpga-classic-presented-by-acer/leaderboard
Brooke Henderson is the only Canadian to make the cut T8 after a 69 put her 4 shots off the lead at -5 at this Shoprite LPGA Classic in New Jersey.
Paula Creamer and In Kyung Kim have the lead in tricky winds after each shot a -4 67 -9 total. Course specialist and two-time defending champion Anna Nordqvist has shot 64, 71 -7 with Moriya Jutanugarn, whose older sister Ariya, who has become the world #1 without even playing as Lydia Ko is also skipping the event and So Yeon Ru MC.
European Tour Nordea Masters leaderboard https://www.europeantour.com/en/europeantour/tournaments/2017/nordea-masters/#leaderboard
Lanky Englishman Chris Wood shot a -4 68 to get to -9 to start play today a shot ahead of France's Benjamin Herbert and Italy's Renato Paratore at the Nordea Masters in Malmo, Sweden.
Overnight leader Jamie Donaldson of Wales shot a two-over 75 to fall three shots off the lead after 54 holes.
Henrik Stenson was given a standing ovation by the crowd as he walked up the 18th. It was the first time the crowd in Malmo had seen him since his historic Open Championship at Royal Troon last summer.
Bryan Angus
However I am keeping tabs on what's happening as we head towards the US Open, and here are the Sunday golf headlines as I see them on this rainy day in the GTA. Please use the leaderboard links to follow your favourites.
PGA Tour Memorial Tournament leaderboard http://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/the-memorial-tournament-presented-by-nationwide/leaderboard.html
Daniel Summerhays started Saturday 8 shots behind runaway leader Jason Dufner and ended the day with a three shot lead as he continues to look for his first PGA Tour win.
Dufner had set the 36 hole record, but on Saturday he shot what he called a pretty pathetic 77 which included 4 straight bogey's on the front, showing what a fickle game golf, even pro golf can be. He is 4 shots out of the lead now.
Summerhays took full advantage, playing steadily for -4 68, -13 203 total. Matt Kuchar, who hasn't won in three years but is a past winner here, looked good with a -5 67 -10 total so he will play with Summerhays today.
Canadian scores : Graham DeLaet (73) -3 total while Nick Taylor (71) is E.
LPGA Tour Shopright Classic leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/shoprite-lpga-classic-presented-by-acer/leaderboard
Brooke Henderson is the only Canadian to make the cut T8 after a 69 put her 4 shots off the lead at -5 at this Shoprite LPGA Classic in New Jersey.
Paula Creamer and In Kyung Kim have the lead in tricky winds after each shot a -4 67 -9 total. Course specialist and two-time defending champion Anna Nordqvist has shot 64, 71 -7 with Moriya Jutanugarn, whose older sister Ariya, who has become the world #1 without even playing as Lydia Ko is also skipping the event and So Yeon Ru MC.
European Tour Nordea Masters leaderboard https://www.europeantour.com/en/europeantour/tournaments/2017/nordea-masters/#leaderboard
Lanky Englishman Chris Wood shot a -4 68 to get to -9 to start play today a shot ahead of France's Benjamin Herbert and Italy's Renato Paratore at the Nordea Masters in Malmo, Sweden.
Overnight leader Jamie Donaldson of Wales shot a two-over 75 to fall three shots off the lead after 54 holes.
Henrik Stenson was given a standing ovation by the crowd as he walked up the 18th. It was the first time the crowd in Malmo had seen him since his historic Open Championship at Royal Troon last summer.
Bryan Angus
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