PGA Tour Sanderson Farms final leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2018/sanderson-farms-championship/leaderboard.html
As I mentioned earlier last week, this Sanderson Farms Championship doesn't get a lot of attention in general, part of the wrap around season, and opposing the WGC HSBC Champions, not to mention the World Series ( and oh my, one of, if not the most exciting game with Houston prevailing 13-12 in 10 innings over the Dodgers in the wee hours of this morning), and of course the NFL and NBA.
However it means the world to the guy who wins, and this week it was journeyman Ryan Armour who turned pro in 1999 out of Ohio State, but couldn't get his card until 2007 and has bounced around tours, mainly between the Web.com and his 105 appearances on the PGA Tour. Last year he played 20 events but finished 159th in Fed Ex Cup standings and had to go back to Web.com finals to get his status back this year.
Now 41, he won for the first time, finishing at -19 for a five-shot victory over Chesson Hadley. He shot 66 68 67 68 after finding something on the driving range that stayed with him all week and long may it last. He led from wire to wire.
He wins close to $1,000,000 and gets full status on the PGA Tour for 2 years not to mention a spot at Augusta amongst other big tournaments.
Next week's tournament is the Shriners in Las Vegas but he had planned to travel to New York instead to cheer on his wife at the New York City marathon.
Canadians: It was of course a big week for rookie Ben Silverman who closed his week at -9 after a Sunday 72 T7, for his first top 10.
David Hearn shot 77 T59 +1 and Corey Conners, with a 73 finished +2 T65
Bryan Angus
Monday, October 30, 2017
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Brooke Henderson shoots 64, Cristie Kerr wins Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia
LPGA Tour Sime Darby Malaysia final leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/sime-darby-lpga-malaysia/results
Brooke Henderson just got better and better this week at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia with scores of 70, 69 68 and overnight in EST,she had the round of the day, -7 64 to storm up the leaderboard to -13 good enough to hold the clubhouse lead.
It was vintage Henderson, 7 birdies, no bogey's 31 out 33 in 64 total, worth $58,391.00
However it wasn't quite enough as she finished 2 shots behind the winner, veteran American Cristie Kerr who followed her Saturday 65 with a Sunday 70 for a -15 total and her 20th career win after after enduring a dangerous weather delay that lasted over an hour.
Her -15 total was enough to win by one-stroke over Jacqui Concolino (67), Danielle Kang (66) and Shanshan Feng (71) who vied with Kerr all day for the title. Feng now has three 2nds and 2 wins in her last 5 events here.
With 22 points Kerr is just now 5 away from the LPGA Hall of Fame.
Alena Sharp shot 72 to end up T62.
Bryan Angus
Brooke Henderson just got better and better this week at the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia with scores of 70, 69 68 and overnight in EST,she had the round of the day, -7 64 to storm up the leaderboard to -13 good enough to hold the clubhouse lead.
It was vintage Henderson, 7 birdies, no bogey's 31 out 33 in 64 total, worth $58,391.00
However it wasn't quite enough as she finished 2 shots behind the winner, veteran American Cristie Kerr who followed her Saturday 65 with a Sunday 70 for a -15 total and her 20th career win after after enduring a dangerous weather delay that lasted over an hour.
Her -15 total was enough to win by one-stroke over Jacqui Concolino (67), Danielle Kang (66) and Shanshan Feng (71) who vied with Kerr all day for the title. Feng now has three 2nds and 2 wins in her last 5 events here.
With 22 points Kerr is just now 5 away from the LPGA Hall of Fame.
Alena Sharp shot 72 to end up T62.
Bryan Angus
Dustin Johnson collapses, Justin Rose wins WGC HSBC Champions
WGC HSBC Champions final scoreboard https://www.pgatour.com/competitionhE/2018/wgc-hsbc-champions/leaderboard.html
Big names have blown big golf tournaments after holding big leads.
Remember Greg Norman blowing a 6 shot lead at the 1996 Masters, Nick Faldo took the title, Jordan Spieth lost after leading by 5 shots at Augusta in 2016, the list goes on and includes names like Ken Venturi, Arnie Palmer...
This morning you can add the name Dustin Johnson to that list.
Starting play 6 shots up and cruising at the WGC HSBC Champions, simply overpowering the Shenshan International GC, and putting beautifully with his new Taylor made Spider we all had conceded the event to the world #1.
He bogeyed his first 2 holes and couldn't make a birdie going out in 38, and things got worse on the back with 3 more bogey's and all the rest pars, for 39 and a shocking +5 77, -12 total.
As is always the case, the rest of the field smelled blood, even on a very windy difficult day for scoring.
Henrik Stenson (70) caught him at -12, Brooks Koepka (71) caught him at -12 but it was English star Justin Rose with the round of the day -5 67 that caught and passed them all at -14 to add this WGC HSBC title to his Olympic gold medal and his US Open Championship. He also won the WGC Cadillac Championship in 2012.
Rose started the day 8 behind Johnson and was 6 behind on the 10th tee. However he got hot at the right time making 5 birdies, coming in with just 31 strokes.
Big names have blown big golf tournaments after holding big leads.
Remember Greg Norman blowing a 6 shot lead at the 1996 Masters, Nick Faldo took the title, Jordan Spieth lost after leading by 5 shots at Augusta in 2016, the list goes on and includes names like Ken Venturi, Arnie Palmer...
This morning you can add the name Dustin Johnson to that list.
Starting play 6 shots up and cruising at the WGC HSBC Champions, simply overpowering the Shenshan International GC, and putting beautifully with his new Taylor made Spider we all had conceded the event to the world #1.
He bogeyed his first 2 holes and couldn't make a birdie going out in 38, and things got worse on the back with 3 more bogey's and all the rest pars, for 39 and a shocking +5 77, -12 total.
As is always the case, the rest of the field smelled blood, even on a very windy difficult day for scoring.
Henrik Stenson (70) caught him at -12, Brooks Koepka (71) caught him at -12 but it was English star Justin Rose with the round of the day -5 67 that caught and passed them all at -14 to add this WGC HSBC title to his Olympic gold medal and his US Open Championship. He also won the WGC Cadillac Championship in 2012.
Rose started the day 8 behind Johnson and was 6 behind on the 10th tee. However he got hot at the right time making 5 birdies, coming in with just 31 strokes.
This is what he had to say afterwards:
"This is really, really satisfying. All players pride themselves on winning and I've won every year since 2010 (worldwide). I was very aware that that was slipping away from me this year. To win a WGC is just amazing, they count for so much on both tours. It's an incredible start to my 2018 PGA Tour campaign and gives me a real shot in the Race to Dubai as well."
Adam Hadwin with rounds of 69 74 79 73 finished +7 T65
Bryan Angus
Ben Silverman T3 at Sanderson Farms Championship
PGA Tour Sanderson Farms Championship leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2018/sanderson-farms-championship/leaderboard.html
Canadians are no strangers to the winners circle at the Sanderson Farms Championship with Nick Taylor the winner in 2014, Dan Halldorson and Dick Zokol winners in the mid 80's when it was called the Deposit Guaranty Golf Classic.
Today tour rookie Ben Silverman with rounds of 68 70 69 -9 is T3 going into today's final round as he tries to add his name to that list.
However he is 6 shots behind leader 41 year old Ryan Armour who shot 67 to get to a 5 shot -15 lead. He is looking for his first ever PGA Tour win in a journeyman career.
Chesson Hadley (68) is second at -10 with Vaughn Taylor (70), Scott Strohmeyer (68), Beau Hossler (69) and Seamus Power (71) joining Silverman T3 at -9
For those of you who are asking me, Silverman is from Thornhill and graduated from the Web.com.
David Hearn (74) -4 and Corey Conners (74) is at +1
Bryan Angus
Canadians are no strangers to the winners circle at the Sanderson Farms Championship with Nick Taylor the winner in 2014, Dan Halldorson and Dick Zokol winners in the mid 80's when it was called the Deposit Guaranty Golf Classic.
Today tour rookie Ben Silverman with rounds of 68 70 69 -9 is T3 going into today's final round as he tries to add his name to that list.
However he is 6 shots behind leader 41 year old Ryan Armour who shot 67 to get to a 5 shot -15 lead. He is looking for his first ever PGA Tour win in a journeyman career.
Chesson Hadley (68) is second at -10 with Vaughn Taylor (70), Scott Strohmeyer (68), Beau Hossler (69) and Seamus Power (71) joining Silverman T3 at -9
For those of you who are asking me, Silverman is from Thornhill and graduated from the Web.com.
David Hearn (74) -4 and Corey Conners (74) is at +1
Bryan Angus
Saturday, October 28, 2017
Tiger Woods pleads guilty to reckless driving, avoids jail
Tiger Woods accompanied by his lawyer worked out a deal with the prosecution at Palm Beach County, pleading guilty to reckless driving, while the judge dropped the more serious charge of DUI.
As a result he goes on probation for a year under the first offender program, but could go to jail if he violates the plea agreement.
Last March he was found passed out in his car, subsequently found to have been smoking weed, and had alcohol in his system. He claimed after the arrest that he had an unexpected reaction to prescription medication for his ailing back.
The State Attorney's Office said Woods was not treated differently than anyone else in similar circumstances would be treated.
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As a result he goes on probation for a year under the first offender program, but could go to jail if he violates the plea agreement.
Last March he was found passed out in his car, subsequently found to have been smoking weed, and had alcohol in his system. He claimed after the arrest that he had an unexpected reaction to prescription medication for his ailing back.
The State Attorney's Office said Woods was not treated differently than anyone else in similar circumstances would be treated.
Hearn and Silverman 4 shots off the lead at Sanderson Farms Championship
PGA Tour Sanderson Farms Championship leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2018/sanderson-farms-championship/leaderboard.html
David Hearn and Ben Silverman are T9 at -6 after shooting 68,70 as they head into the weekend at the Sanderson Farms Championship currently 4 shots off the lead, so right in contention. Corey Connors got caught in the late rain that suspended play for the day, he opened with 72, and is E through 13 holes on round 2.
You've gotta love the leader, Ryan Armour who is now 41 and has never won a PGA Tour tournament and has only been a T10 4 times in over 100 events!.
He shot a -4 68 to get to -10 134, to take a one-shot lead before thunderstorms blew over the Jackson CC, suspending play for the day
Tyrone Van Aswegen is a shot behind at -9 after shooting -7 65. Vaughn Taylor shot -6 66 for -8 total along with Seamus Power, who will return this morning to finish 2 holes.
There are 30 players who are returning this morning at 8.15 EST, to finish their second rounds.
Bryan Angus
David Hearn and Ben Silverman are T9 at -6 after shooting 68,70 as they head into the weekend at the Sanderson Farms Championship currently 4 shots off the lead, so right in contention. Corey Connors got caught in the late rain that suspended play for the day, he opened with 72, and is E through 13 holes on round 2.
You've gotta love the leader, Ryan Armour who is now 41 and has never won a PGA Tour tournament and has only been a T10 4 times in over 100 events!.
He shot a -4 68 to get to -10 134, to take a one-shot lead before thunderstorms blew over the Jackson CC, suspending play for the day
Tyrone Van Aswegen is a shot behind at -9 after shooting -7 65. Vaughn Taylor shot -6 66 for -8 total along with Seamus Power, who will return this morning to finish 2 holes.
There are 30 players who are returning this morning at 8.15 EST, to finish their second rounds.
Bryan Angus
Cristie Kerr leads the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia
LPGA Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/sime-darby-lpga-malaysia/leaderboard
Cristie Kerr has shot 63 65 after opening with 70 and leads at -15 going into the final round in Kuala Lumpur at this Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia Championship.
China's Shanshan Feng is keeping pace with rounds of 66 65 68 -14 and they will be in the final group along with Sei Young Kim 69 65 68 -11.
Feng's record here is phenomenal: 2013 2nd, 2014 1st, 2015 2nd, 2016 1st
Kerr in her 20th season has one victory in 2017, but nine other top 10's. She is looking for her 20th career win and had this to say about why she has made 9 and 7 birdies in her last 2 rounds.
"I found a feel in my swing yesterday and it has made a big difference. I made some big par saves on the back. I definitely hit it better and when I give my putter chances, usually I do okay with that. So it's been fun the last couple days"
Brook Henderson 70 69 68 T19 -6, Alena Sharp 71 74 75 T62 +7.
Former world No. 1 Stacy Lewis shot 66, -10 T4.
Bryan Angus
Cristie Kerr has shot 63 65 after opening with 70 and leads at -15 going into the final round in Kuala Lumpur at this Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia Championship.
China's Shanshan Feng is keeping pace with rounds of 66 65 68 -14 and they will be in the final group along with Sei Young Kim 69 65 68 -11.
Feng's record here is phenomenal: 2013 2nd, 2014 1st, 2015 2nd, 2016 1st
Kerr in her 20th season has one victory in 2017, but nine other top 10's. She is looking for her 20th career win and had this to say about why she has made 9 and 7 birdies in her last 2 rounds.
"I found a feel in my swing yesterday and it has made a big difference. I made some big par saves on the back. I definitely hit it better and when I give my putter chances, usually I do okay with that. So it's been fun the last couple days"
Brook Henderson 70 69 68 T19 -6, Alena Sharp 71 74 75 T62 +7.
Former world No. 1 Stacy Lewis shot 66, -10 T4.
Bryan Angus
Johnson leads by a touchdown at WGC HSBC Champions
WGC HSBC Champions leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2018/wgc-hsbc-champions/leaderboard.html
On a windy day in Shanghai at the WGC HSBC Champions what was shaping up to be a two horse race ended with one of the horses bolting from the barn.
Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka were vying for the lead until the par 5 8th where Brooks drove out of bounds, then into a hazard for a triple bogey, while DJ made his birdie for a 4 shot swing that Johnson never relinquished.
He shot -4 68, on a day where scores were soaring to get to -17 199 while Koepka shot 73 -11, and he is the closest player to DJ, so it looks like everyone else will be playing for 2nd come Sunday.
If Johnson does win he will be the first guy to win three WGC's in the same year having won in Mexico and Texas earlier.
He had this to say on how he'd approach the final round with such a big lead.
"I’m not going to change anything, play the golf course just how I’ve been playing it, I’m in a good position going into tomorrow, but I’m still going to have to go out and play a really solid round if I want to get it done.”
He has 22 birdies so far this week just over powering this Shenshan International GC.
Henrik Stenson birdied three of his last five holes for a 69 and is 3rd at -10 while Justin Rose could only manage a 72 and is next at -9 and said " You never know, a windy day and a couple of dangerous holes, maybe he makes a mistake, other than that, playing for second barring something crazy from him.”
Adam Hadwin slipped to a +7 79 T68 at +6.
Bryan Angus
On a windy day in Shanghai at the WGC HSBC Champions what was shaping up to be a two horse race ended with one of the horses bolting from the barn.
Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka were vying for the lead until the par 5 8th where Brooks drove out of bounds, then into a hazard for a triple bogey, while DJ made his birdie for a 4 shot swing that Johnson never relinquished.
He shot -4 68, on a day where scores were soaring to get to -17 199 while Koepka shot 73 -11, and he is the closest player to DJ, so it looks like everyone else will be playing for 2nd come Sunday.
If Johnson does win he will be the first guy to win three WGC's in the same year having won in Mexico and Texas earlier.
He had this to say on how he'd approach the final round with such a big lead.
"I’m not going to change anything, play the golf course just how I’ve been playing it, I’m in a good position going into tomorrow, but I’m still going to have to go out and play a really solid round if I want to get it done.”
He has 22 birdies so far this week just over powering this Shenshan International GC.
Henrik Stenson birdied three of his last five holes for a 69 and is 3rd at -10 while Justin Rose could only manage a 72 and is next at -9 and said " You never know, a windy day and a couple of dangerous holes, maybe he makes a mistake, other than that, playing for second barring something crazy from him.”
Adam Hadwin slipped to a +7 79 T68 at +6.
Bryan Angus
Friday, October 27, 2017
Ko slips down the field at Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia
LPGA Tour Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia learboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/sime-darby-lpga-malaysia/leaderboard
Rain moved into Kuala Lumpur on Friday and as a result play was halted for close to four hours.
First round leader Lydia Ko slipped to a T6 after a +1 72 with four bogeys after her opening -7 64.
Brooke Henderson shot -2 69 T23rd while Alena Sharp is T57 71,74 +3
The leader is China's Shanshan Feng who shot -6 65 overnight to take a one stroke lead after the second round of the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia at -11 131.
Madelene Sagstorm (66) is in second place at -10, followed by Cristie Kerr (63) at -9 133.
Bryan Angus
Rain moved into Kuala Lumpur on Friday and as a result play was halted for close to four hours.
First round leader Lydia Ko slipped to a T6 after a +1 72 with four bogeys after her opening -7 64.
Brooke Henderson shot -2 69 T23rd while Alena Sharp is T57 71,74 +3
The leader is China's Shanshan Feng who shot -6 65 overnight to take a one stroke lead after the second round of the Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia at -11 131.
Madelene Sagstorm (66) is in second place at -10, followed by Cristie Kerr (63) at -9 133.
Bryan Angus
Dustin Johnson shoots 63 to edge Koepka at WGC HSBC Champions
WGC HSBC Champions leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2018/wgc-hsbc-champions/leaderboard.html
Brooks Koepka followed his opening 64 with a -4 68 but his -12 total wasn't enough to keep his lead, as Dustin Johnson, playing with a Spider putter he received just 20 minutes before he teed off, overpowered the Shenshan International course with -9 63 to get to -13.
Justin Rose (68) and Kirsdech Aphibarnrat (70) are next, T3 at -9. Adam Hadwin 69 74 -1 is T38.
Johnson didn't like any of the 3 putters he had with him so ordered another, which arrived at the last minute. "The guys here in China made me one. I got it right before I walked to the tee,” Johnson said. “I hit a few putts on the practice green with it and I was like, ‘Oh, this will work pretty well.’ Went out and holed a lot of putts today, so I kind of like it.
Koepka and Johnson are not exactly quote machines as far as the media are concerned, both fabulously wealthy, very laid back, pretty quiet guys, they are actually next door neighbours in Florida and you may remember were partners at the Presidents Cup, which was the last time DJ swung a club before this week.
Bryan Angus
Brooks Koepka followed his opening 64 with a -4 68 but his -12 total wasn't enough to keep his lead, as Dustin Johnson, playing with a Spider putter he received just 20 minutes before he teed off, overpowered the Shenshan International course with -9 63 to get to -13.
Justin Rose (68) and Kirsdech Aphibarnrat (70) are next, T3 at -9. Adam Hadwin 69 74 -1 is T38.
Johnson didn't like any of the 3 putters he had with him so ordered another, which arrived at the last minute. "The guys here in China made me one. I got it right before I walked to the tee,” Johnson said. “I hit a few putts on the practice green with it and I was like, ‘Oh, this will work pretty well.’ Went out and holed a lot of putts today, so I kind of like it.
Koepka and Johnson are not exactly quote machines as far as the media are concerned, both fabulously wealthy, very laid back, pretty quiet guys, they are actually next door neighbours in Florida and you may remember were partners at the Presidents Cup, which was the last time DJ swung a club before this week.
Bryan Angus
Hearn, Silverman T10 at Sanderson Farms Championship
PGA Tour Sanderson Farms Championship leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2018/sanderson-farms-championship/leaderboard.html
David Hearn and Ben Silverman have both opened their account at this SSanderson Farms Championship with -4 68's T10 down in Jackson, Mississippi. Corey Connors shot E 72 and is T69.
With most of the world's top players either not playing or at the WGC in Shanghai, the top ranked player here is William McGirt #75.
The leaders at -6 66 are Americans Ryan Armour, Andrew Landry, Conrad Shindler, JJ Spaun and Wyndham Clark, most of whom you may never have heard of.
Still this is a full value tournament in this 2017-18 wrap around season, you'll remember Nick Taylor got his 2 year exemption when he won it in 2014, so it's a very important event to all the guys in the field.
Bryan Angus
David Hearn and Ben Silverman have both opened their account at this SSanderson Farms Championship with -4 68's T10 down in Jackson, Mississippi. Corey Connors shot E 72 and is T69.
With most of the world's top players either not playing or at the WGC in Shanghai, the top ranked player here is William McGirt #75.
The leaders at -6 66 are Americans Ryan Armour, Andrew Landry, Conrad Shindler, JJ Spaun and Wyndham Clark, most of whom you may never have heard of.
Still this is a full value tournament in this 2017-18 wrap around season, you'll remember Nick Taylor got his 2 year exemption when he won it in 2014, so it's a very important event to all the guys in the field.
Bryan Angus
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Lydia Ko back on top at Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia
LPGA Tour Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/sime-darby-lpga-malaysia/leaderboard
Lydia Ko has had a quiet year by her standards, we all know about all the changes she made while world #1, New clubs, new ball, new coach, new swing, searching for more length off the tee, all resulted in no wins so far.
However on closer inspection she has had 10 top 10's and has been getting better every week, T2 last week in Taiwan.
Overnight she posted a rock solid, bogey free -7 64 to lead this Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia by a shot from fellow Aussie Sue Oh -6 65.
Canadians: Brooke Henderson is T20 -1 70 while Alena Sharp is T32 E71
For those of you who were asking Sime Darby is a Malaysia-based diversified multinational involved in key growth sectors, namely, plantations, property, motors and industrial equipment amongst others.
Bryan Angus
Lydia Ko has had a quiet year by her standards, we all know about all the changes she made while world #1, New clubs, new ball, new coach, new swing, searching for more length off the tee, all resulted in no wins so far.
However on closer inspection she has had 10 top 10's and has been getting better every week, T2 last week in Taiwan.
Overnight she posted a rock solid, bogey free -7 64 to lead this Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia by a shot from fellow Aussie Sue Oh -6 65.
Canadians: Brooke Henderson is T20 -1 70 while Alena Sharp is T32 E71
For those of you who were asking Sime Darby is a Malaysia-based diversified multinational involved in key growth sectors, namely, plantations, property, motors and industrial equipment amongst others.
Bryan Angus
Brooks Koepka 64 leads WGC HSBC Champions, Hadwin -3 69
WGC HSBC Champions leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2018/wgc-hsbc-champions/leaderboard.html
Brooks Koepka only has 2 PGA Tour wins to his name, one of them is the US Open.
He will have many more by the time he is done.
He hits it a mile (7th), is in the top 10 in all putting categories and iron play. As important is his demeanour. You'll remember after graduating from college in Florida, he decided to travel the world to earn his golfing stripes. He won on the European Challenge Tour, he won on the European Tour, and he has won now on the PGA Tour.
He honed his craft on courses and conditions all over the world, he learned to appreciate different cultures, different money, different languages and different food.
All of that has given him experience that many, frankly spoiled American kids of his era just don't have. He has learned that the game of golf is not the be all to end all.
He is injury free this year and overnight be posted an easy -8 64 to lead the WGC HSBC Champions in Shanghai. He went out in 33, back in with31 including an eagle 3 at the 18th.
Two guys who are hot right now, American Gavin Green, and Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat are a shot back -7 65.
Scores were low in calm, overcast conditions on the Shenshan International GC including Adam Hadwin playing the back nine first in 34, back in 35 -3 69 T21.
Notables : Henrik Stenson, Dustin Johnson, Tyrrell Hatton -4 68, defending champion, Hideki Matsuyama +2 74, Matt Kuchar, Justin Rose -5 67, Phil Mickelson -1 71
Bryan Angus
Brooks Koepka only has 2 PGA Tour wins to his name, one of them is the US Open.
He will have many more by the time he is done.
He hits it a mile (7th), is in the top 10 in all putting categories and iron play. As important is his demeanour. You'll remember after graduating from college in Florida, he decided to travel the world to earn his golfing stripes. He won on the European Challenge Tour, he won on the European Tour, and he has won now on the PGA Tour.
He honed his craft on courses and conditions all over the world, he learned to appreciate different cultures, different money, different languages and different food.
All of that has given him experience that many, frankly spoiled American kids of his era just don't have. He has learned that the game of golf is not the be all to end all.
He is injury free this year and overnight be posted an easy -8 64 to lead the WGC HSBC Champions in Shanghai. He went out in 33, back in with31 including an eagle 3 at the 18th.
Two guys who are hot right now, American Gavin Green, and Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat are a shot back -7 65.
Scores were low in calm, overcast conditions on the Shenshan International GC including Adam Hadwin playing the back nine first in 34, back in 35 -3 69 T21.
Notables : Henrik Stenson, Dustin Johnson, Tyrrell Hatton -4 68, defending champion, Hideki Matsuyama +2 74, Matt Kuchar, Justin Rose -5 67, Phil Mickelson -1 71
Bryan Angus
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Brooke Henderson busy season continues at Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia
LPGA Tour Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia leaderboard
http://www.lpga.com/leaderboard
No. 4 In Gee Chun, No. 8 Lydia Ko and No. 11 Brooke Henderson are paired together at 9.45am (local) when play gets under way tomorrow in Kuala Lumpur at this year's Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia. Remember they are 12 hours ahead of EST.
Brooke is simply the iron women of the LPGA again this year playing in her 28th tournament while none of her peers have played more than 23.
She won at the beginning of the month in rainy New Zealand and rallied to finish T8 in Korea. She has 2 wins during her sojourn this year. Alena Sharp is the other Canuck in this elite field.
Bryan Angus
http://www.lpga.com/leaderboard
No. 4 In Gee Chun, No. 8 Lydia Ko and No. 11 Brooke Henderson are paired together at 9.45am (local) when play gets under way tomorrow in Kuala Lumpur at this year's Sime Darby LPGA Malaysia. Remember they are 12 hours ahead of EST.
Brooke is simply the iron women of the LPGA again this year playing in her 28th tournament while none of her peers have played more than 23.
She won at the beginning of the month in rainy New Zealand and rallied to finish T8 in Korea. She has 2 wins during her sojourn this year. Alena Sharp is the other Canuck in this elite field.
Bryan Angus
WGC HSBC Champions this week in Shanghai.. tee times
WGC HSBC Champions tee times http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017088/teetimes/index.html
A strong field have made their way to Shanghai for this week's big ($9.5m) WGC HSBC Champions where Hideki Matsuyama will defend the title he ran away with last year on this Sheshan International GC.
Adam Hadwin is the lone Canuck and he is off at 10.10pm EST with Ireland's Paul Dunne and American Kyle Stanley, remember Shanghai is 12 hour ahead of EST.
The final group features Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm and Hideki Matsuyama. Others that caught my attention, Phil Mickelson with Patrick Reed and Si Woo Kim, Henrik Stenson, Jason Day and Brooks Koepka.
Sheshan is reknown as a shot makers course, with a premium on hitting tee balls into the right area of the fairway.
Here are some names I'd have in my pool sheet since they are in great form coming into this week. Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Francesco Molinari, Tommy Fleetwood, Marc Leishman, Tyrrell Hatton, Paul Dunne and Pat Perez.
DJ can overpower any course he plays on, and was playing well three weeks ago, Matsuyama was right out of sync at the Presidents Cup and big Jon Rahm MC last week in Spain and in consecutive weeks he has travelled from Atlanta to Italy to Spain and now to China as he chases the Race to Dubai trophy where he is in 3rd place.
Bryan Angus
A strong field have made their way to Shanghai for this week's big ($9.5m) WGC HSBC Champions where Hideki Matsuyama will defend the title he ran away with last year on this Sheshan International GC.
Adam Hadwin is the lone Canuck and he is off at 10.10pm EST with Ireland's Paul Dunne and American Kyle Stanley, remember Shanghai is 12 hour ahead of EST.
The final group features Dustin Johnson, Jon Rahm and Hideki Matsuyama. Others that caught my attention, Phil Mickelson with Patrick Reed and Si Woo Kim, Henrik Stenson, Jason Day and Brooks Koepka.
Sheshan is reknown as a shot makers course, with a premium on hitting tee balls into the right area of the fairway.
Here are some names I'd have in my pool sheet since they are in great form coming into this week. Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Francesco Molinari, Tommy Fleetwood, Marc Leishman, Tyrrell Hatton, Paul Dunne and Pat Perez.
DJ can overpower any course he plays on, and was playing well three weeks ago, Matsuyama was right out of sync at the Presidents Cup and big Jon Rahm MC last week in Spain and in consecutive weeks he has travelled from Atlanta to Italy to Spain and now to China as he chases the Race to Dubai trophy where he is in 3rd place.
Bryan Angus
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Legalizing marijuana, a pain in the butt for golf industry, and society
First this is in no way a political missive, I don't care which party or which person is our Prime Minister.
Whomever it is, I am opposed to their plan to legalize marijuana next July, and for the golf industry it is just a pain in the butt...
My good pal Kevin Thistle, the new President of the PGA of Canada, has been writing about his concerns, in particular the lack of guidelines he can provide to staff across the country to deal with this awful decision.
Like me Kevin is not a weed smoker, like me he doesn't care whether you do or don't.. until it affects those who don't.
Imagine having a twosome joining you, only to find out they are sparking up every other hole while driving their cart, and stinking you out of yours! You ask them to stop and they say "hey man, cool it, this is legal now baby"
Imagine them getting in their cars after smoking up all day. Right now staff serving alcohol have to attend training before they can sell you a beer. Golf course staff are held responsible by the courts, if someone gets in their car over the limit and gets caught. How will staff adjudge the affects on drivers who are smoking weed.
I can honestly say in all my 50 odd years playing and covering this game, I can't remember the last time I played with or even smelled anyone smoking weed on the course. So it's fair to assume that as of July 1 a majority of your members are going to be very annoyed at those who take advantage of the legalization, and that is going to be another hassle for staff to deal with.
When you start to think about it, the problems go on and on, as I said a real pain in the butt for the golf industry.
Further to that and lastly, we as parents, teachers, policemen have been warning our kids about the perils of drugs, including weed and yes all the studies show the connection from weed to more serious drugs. How the heck can we just simply tell them it's ok as of July 1, we've been wrong all these years?
High schools cannot and do not try to stop underage smoking as long as the kids are off property. Now you can add marijuana to that sentence.
Imagine how stoned those who partake can get before, during and after classes. Imagine them standing on your front lawn smoking weed in front of your young children. Imagine you being stunk out of your own apartment, etc etc....All with no more recourse.
You won't be able to call the police anymore.... because it will be legal.
What a disaster, I just can't believe the leader of our great country can't see all of this, no matter how much drug money helps balance the budget.
Bryan Angus
Whomever it is, I am opposed to their plan to legalize marijuana next July, and for the golf industry it is just a pain in the butt...
My good pal Kevin Thistle, the new President of the PGA of Canada, has been writing about his concerns, in particular the lack of guidelines he can provide to staff across the country to deal with this awful decision.
Like me Kevin is not a weed smoker, like me he doesn't care whether you do or don't.. until it affects those who don't.
Imagine having a twosome joining you, only to find out they are sparking up every other hole while driving their cart, and stinking you out of yours! You ask them to stop and they say "hey man, cool it, this is legal now baby"
Imagine them getting in their cars after smoking up all day. Right now staff serving alcohol have to attend training before they can sell you a beer. Golf course staff are held responsible by the courts, if someone gets in their car over the limit and gets caught. How will staff adjudge the affects on drivers who are smoking weed.
I can honestly say in all my 50 odd years playing and covering this game, I can't remember the last time I played with or even smelled anyone smoking weed on the course. So it's fair to assume that as of July 1 a majority of your members are going to be very annoyed at those who take advantage of the legalization, and that is going to be another hassle for staff to deal with.
When you start to think about it, the problems go on and on, as I said a real pain in the butt for the golf industry.
Further to that and lastly, we as parents, teachers, policemen have been warning our kids about the perils of drugs, including weed and yes all the studies show the connection from weed to more serious drugs. How the heck can we just simply tell them it's ok as of July 1, we've been wrong all these years?
High schools cannot and do not try to stop underage smoking as long as the kids are off property. Now you can add marijuana to that sentence.
Imagine how stoned those who partake can get before, during and after classes. Imagine them standing on your front lawn smoking weed in front of your young children. Imagine you being stunk out of your own apartment, etc etc....All with no more recourse.
You won't be able to call the police anymore.... because it will be legal.
What a disaster, I just can't believe the leader of our great country can't see all of this, no matter how much drug money helps balance the budget.
Bryan Angus
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Garcia wins Andalucia Valderrama Masters
European Tour Andalucia Valderrama Masters final scoreboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017086/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard
Sergio Garcia capped off his own tournament in fine style, shooting a final round -4 67 for a -12 total, to win by just a shot over Dutchman Joost Luiten who closed with a -5 66 to get to -11. His costly 3 putt bogey at the 16th was crucial.
It is the second time Garcia has won the Andalucia Valerrama Masters at Spain's most renown golf course, his 14th European Tour title, his 6th on Spanish soil and has moved him closer to leader Tommy Fleetwood in the Race to Dubai
Sergio Garcia capped off his own tournament in fine style, shooting a final round -4 67 for a -12 total, to win by just a shot over Dutchman Joost Luiten who closed with a -5 66 to get to -11. His costly 3 putt bogey at the 16th was crucial.
It is the second time Garcia has won the Andalucia Valerrama Masters at Spain's most renown golf course, his 14th European Tour title, his 6th on Spanish soil and has moved him closer to leader Tommy Fleetwood in the Race to Dubai
He has only finished outside the top ten once in 13 events here, with eight top fives. It is his 3rd win this season, the Masters and the Dubai Desert Classic.
Bryan Angus
Sergio Garcia takes a 1 shot lead into Sunday at Valderrama
European Tour Andalucia Valderrama Masters http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017086/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard
Sergio Garcia has had quite a year, winning the Masters to top what has been a stellar, at times controversial career, finally finding the love of his life, former Golf Channel reporter Angela Atkins, and getting married in Texas, and now awaiting the arrival of their first child.
With rounds of 66 71 68 -8 he is atop the scoreboard by a shot over England's Daniel Brooks 70 72 64 -7 as he looks to close the gap on Race to Dubai leader Tommy Fleetwood.
Many players this week have a lot at stake and Brooks is one of them who needs a win or a very good finish to secure his playing privileges for next year. Welsh Ryder Cup star Jamie Donaldson is another and he is currently T5 at -4.
Round 4 is under way.
Bryan Angus
Sergio Garcia has had quite a year, winning the Masters to top what has been a stellar, at times controversial career, finally finding the love of his life, former Golf Channel reporter Angela Atkins, and getting married in Texas, and now awaiting the arrival of their first child.
The Spaniard, now 37 was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the European Tour in recognition of his Masters Tournament win in April on Friday night.
Today he takes a 1 shot lead into his own tournament, the Andalucia Valderrama Masters sponsored by the Sergio Garcia Foundation, at his favourite golf course, he won this championship here in 2011 and in fact has won 5 of his 13 European Tour victories in Spain.With rounds of 66 71 68 -8 he is atop the scoreboard by a shot over England's Daniel Brooks 70 72 64 -7 as he looks to close the gap on Race to Dubai leader Tommy Fleetwood.
Many players this week have a lot at stake and Brooks is one of them who needs a win or a very good finish to secure his playing privileges for next year. Welsh Ryder Cup star Jamie Donaldson is another and he is currently T5 at -4.
Round 4 is under way.
Bryan Angus
Eun-Hee Ji romps to victory at Swinging Skirts Taiwan Championship
LPGA Tour Swinging Skirts Taiwan Championship leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/swinging-skirts-lpga-taiwan-championship/leaderboard
At the Swinging Skirts Taiwan Championship, Brooke Henderson (68) and Alena Sharp (74) ended up T27 at E while Lydia Ko had a 68 65 weekend to finish 2nd at -11.
However the run away winner at -17, 271 was veteran South Korean Eun-Hee Ji who shot 69 then 65 overnight, to win for the first time since she captured the US Women's Open in 2009.
"I'm so happy and excited because I haven't won for the past eight years,” said Ji. “So I was waiting for this moment for so long, so I'm super happy right now
She was the class of the field after opening with a -6 66 on Thursday, and over the four days she made 20 birdies with just three bogeys.
Bryan Angus
At the Swinging Skirts Taiwan Championship, Brooke Henderson (68) and Alena Sharp (74) ended up T27 at E while Lydia Ko had a 68 65 weekend to finish 2nd at -11.
However the run away winner at -17, 271 was veteran South Korean Eun-Hee Ji who shot 69 then 65 overnight, to win for the first time since she captured the US Women's Open in 2009.
"I'm so happy and excited because I haven't won for the past eight years,” said Ji. “So I was waiting for this moment for so long, so I'm super happy right now
She was the class of the field after opening with a -6 66 on Thursday, and over the four days she made 20 birdies with just three bogeys.
Bryan Angus
Justin Thomas beats Marc Leishman to win first CJ Cup in a playoff during TV blackout
PGA Tour CJ Cup at Nine Bridges final leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2018/the-cj-cup-at-nine-bridges/leaderboard.html
As we talked about yesterday, today's final round at this CJ Cup at Nine Bridges would be a difficult scoring day with the swirling winds and undulating greens, and it was.
In the end Marc Leishman who won the BMW Championship in Chicago last month shot 70 and Justin Thomas birdied the 18th to shoot 72 and tie for the title at -9, so they went to a playoff, however I must tell you we never saw the finale live. Here's what happened.
Both players made 5's at the first playoff hole, the par 5, 586yard, 18th then live coverage stopped.
The Golf Channel ran out of their allotted satellite time, and began showing a replay of the final holes while the second playoff hole was being completed in real time, and the trophy presented.
Golf Channel technicians scrambled to overcome the disastrous glitch and 15 minutes later they showed us replayed coverage of Leishman hitting his approach into the water resulting in a bogey 6 while Thomas made an easy birdie for his first win of this 2017-18 season.
He won Player of the Year honors with five victories in 2016-17.
Cameron Smith finished alone in third at -8 and Korean Kim Meen-whee was fourth at -6.
Nick Taylor shot +3 75 to end up T23 at -1, while Adam Hadwin finished his week with an E 72, T47 +7.
Bryan Angus
As we talked about yesterday, today's final round at this CJ Cup at Nine Bridges would be a difficult scoring day with the swirling winds and undulating greens, and it was.
In the end Marc Leishman who won the BMW Championship in Chicago last month shot 70 and Justin Thomas birdied the 18th to shoot 72 and tie for the title at -9, so they went to a playoff, however I must tell you we never saw the finale live. Here's what happened.
Both players made 5's at the first playoff hole, the par 5, 586yard, 18th then live coverage stopped.
The Golf Channel ran out of their allotted satellite time, and began showing a replay of the final holes while the second playoff hole was being completed in real time, and the trophy presented.
Golf Channel technicians scrambled to overcome the disastrous glitch and 15 minutes later they showed us replayed coverage of Leishman hitting his approach into the water resulting in a bogey 6 while Thomas made an easy birdie for his first win of this 2017-18 season.
He won Player of the Year honors with five victories in 2016-17.
Cameron Smith finished alone in third at -8 and Korean Kim Meen-whee was fourth at -6.
Nick Taylor shot +3 75 to end up T23 at -1, while Adam Hadwin finished his week with an E 72, T47 +7.
Bryan Angus
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Sharp T10 after 3 rounds of Swinging Skirts Taiwan
LPGA Tour Swinging Skirts Taiwan Championship
http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/swinging-skirts-lpga-taiwan-championship/leaderboard
Alena Sharp is hanging in there at this Swinging Skirts Taiwan Championship with rounds of 75 68 71 -2 good for T10 going into Sunday's final round. Brooke Henderson is improving but is out of contention this week, 74 75 71 +4 T39.
South Korean Eun-Hee Ji will take a 6 shot lead into the final round, so this one is her's to lose with scores of 66 71 69 -10. Lydia Ko is steadily getting her game back after changing her equipment, caddie, swing and management team. She is T2 70 74 68 -4, along with Jenny Shin. Ko's 68 was the low score of the day.
Ji hasn't won since 2009, when she took the U.S. Women's Open title.
Swirling, gusty winds were affecting all the golfers during round 3, scores are soaring except for Ji who has managed to control her ball flight better than anyone else.
Bryan Angus
http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/swinging-skirts-lpga-taiwan-championship/leaderboard
Alena Sharp is hanging in there at this Swinging Skirts Taiwan Championship with rounds of 75 68 71 -2 good for T10 going into Sunday's final round. Brooke Henderson is improving but is out of contention this week, 74 75 71 +4 T39.
South Korean Eun-Hee Ji will take a 6 shot lead into the final round, so this one is her's to lose with scores of 66 71 69 -10. Lydia Ko is steadily getting her game back after changing her equipment, caddie, swing and management team. She is T2 70 74 68 -4, along with Jenny Shin. Ko's 68 was the low score of the day.
Ji hasn't won since 2009, when she took the U.S. Women's Open title.
Swirling, gusty winds were affecting all the golfers during round 3, scores are soaring except for Ji who has managed to control her ball flight better than anyone else.
Bryan Angus
Thomas back on top at CJ Cup in Korea, Nick Taylor T10
PGA Tour CJ Cup at Nine Bridges leaderboard
https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2018/the-cj-cup-at-nine-bridges/leaderboard.html
With players struggling to figure out the swirling winds and undulating greens, round 3 at this inaugural CJ Cup at Nine Bridges is in the books and Justin Thomas is back on top after rounds of 63,74, 70 -9 along with fellow American Scott Brown 66 70 71.
Nick Taylor continues his fine form, and after scores of 68 72 72 -4 he is T10. Adam Hadwin is T56 75 72 76 +7. Grahan DeLaet withdrew after shooting 80 on Friday after his back flared up.
Taylor went out with 3 birdies in 33 strokes, but came back in 39 after 3 bogeys for his 72.
Scoring is at a premium, pars are good in the unpredictable winds and difficult greens at this resort course on Jeju Island. For example outstanding American rookie Xander Schauffele is +13, after being in contention, 69 82 78 and scorecards are littered with scores at 80 or worse.
After his round Thomas, the PGA Tour Player of the Year, spoke about his frustrations. " I've never seen a course where the wind swirls as much as it does here, it's blowing all over the place which is leading to some shots that fans at home may not understand. TV doesn't show the difficulty of these greens. You have to be here on the course to see how difficult they are"
" I played better today with my 70 than I did on Thursday with 63. I wasn't pleased with the way I handled myself the last 2 days, It's easy at the end of a long season and travel half way around the world to be frustrated and it's easy just to be angry all the time on the course. However today we had a game plan and I patiently stuck to it."
The weather forecast calls for higher winds during the final round.
Bryan Angus
https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2018/the-cj-cup-at-nine-bridges/leaderboard.html
With players struggling to figure out the swirling winds and undulating greens, round 3 at this inaugural CJ Cup at Nine Bridges is in the books and Justin Thomas is back on top after rounds of 63,74, 70 -9 along with fellow American Scott Brown 66 70 71.
Nick Taylor continues his fine form, and after scores of 68 72 72 -4 he is T10. Adam Hadwin is T56 75 72 76 +7. Grahan DeLaet withdrew after shooting 80 on Friday after his back flared up.
Taylor went out with 3 birdies in 33 strokes, but came back in 39 after 3 bogeys for his 72.
Scoring is at a premium, pars are good in the unpredictable winds and difficult greens at this resort course on Jeju Island. For example outstanding American rookie Xander Schauffele is +13, after being in contention, 69 82 78 and scorecards are littered with scores at 80 or worse.
After his round Thomas, the PGA Tour Player of the Year, spoke about his frustrations. " I've never seen a course where the wind swirls as much as it does here, it's blowing all over the place which is leading to some shots that fans at home may not understand. TV doesn't show the difficulty of these greens. You have to be here on the course to see how difficult they are"
" I played better today with my 70 than I did on Thursday with 63. I wasn't pleased with the way I handled myself the last 2 days, It's easy at the end of a long season and travel half way around the world to be frustrated and it's easy just to be angry all the time on the course. However today we had a game plan and I patiently stuck to it."
The weather forecast calls for higher winds during the final round.
Bryan Angus
Friday, October 20, 2017
Alena Sharp makes her move at the Swinging Skirts in Taiwan
LPGA Tour Swinging Skirts Taiwan Championship leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/swinging-skirts-lpga-taiwan-championship/leaderboard
Alena Sharp recovered from her opening 75 with a -4 68 overnight to move 41 spots up the leaderboard to a T14 at -1 at the Swinging Skirts Taiwan Championship.
The Hamilton native was bogey free for one of her better rounds in recent weeks. Brooke Henderson meanwhile went in the other direction following her opening 74 with a 75 to sit T54 in overcast damp and dreary conditions off the SE coast of China.
The leaders at -7 are a pair of South Koreans, Jenny Shin (67) and Eun-Hee Ji (71)
Bryan Angus
Alena Sharp recovered from her opening 75 with a -4 68 overnight to move 41 spots up the leaderboard to a T14 at -1 at the Swinging Skirts Taiwan Championship.
The Hamilton native was bogey free for one of her better rounds in recent weeks. Brooke Henderson meanwhile went in the other direction following her opening 74 with a 75 to sit T54 in overcast damp and dreary conditions off the SE coast of China.
The leaders at -7 are a pair of South Koreans, Jenny Shin (67) and Eun-Hee Ji (71)
Bryan Angus
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Brooke Henderson, Alena Sharp at at the Swinging Skirts in Taiwan
LPGA Tour Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/swinging-skirts-lpga-taiwan-championship/leaderboard
The LPGA tour continues it's late season run through Asia, this week they are in Taiwan at the Swinging Skirts Taiwan Championship where the weather has been overcast with rain.
Brooke Henderson didn't have a great opening round, out in 39, back in 35 T34 +2 74, while Alena Sharp was a shot behind 39, 36 T47 +3 75.
The leader is a South Korean, Eun-Hee Ji with a -6 66. She has played all seven Swinging Skirts Taiwan Championships with her best finish a T2 in 2015, where she held the lead after each of the first two rounds, and she had this to say afterwards.
“I like Taiwan, and always when I come here, I play great. That’s why I come always. I like all the people here. I like the food here, dumplings.”
Bryan Angus
The LPGA tour continues it's late season run through Asia, this week they are in Taiwan at the Swinging Skirts Taiwan Championship where the weather has been overcast with rain.
Brooke Henderson didn't have a great opening round, out in 39, back in 35 T34 +2 74, while Alena Sharp was a shot behind 39, 36 T47 +3 75.
The leader is a South Korean, Eun-Hee Ji with a -6 66. She has played all seven Swinging Skirts Taiwan Championships with her best finish a T2 in 2015, where she held the lead after each of the first two rounds, and she had this to say afterwards.
“I like Taiwan, and always when I come here, I play great. That’s why I come always. I like all the people here. I like the food here, dumplings.”
Bryan Angus
Nick Taylor T10 at CJ Cup in South Korea, Justin Thomas leads
PGA Tour CJ Cup at Nine Bridges leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2018/the-cj-cup-at-nine-bridges/leaderboard.html
The PGA Tour is playing their first regular professional event in South Korea at the tourist resort of Jeju Island which is 15 hours ahead of EST. It's called the CJ Cup at Nine Bridges.
Overcast skies and a soft golf course greeted the field and Justin Thomas took full advantage, especially of the par 5's where he had 2 eagles and 2 birdies on his way to a -9 63 to take the first round lead. He is 3 shots clear of 6 players at -6.
There are 3 Canadians who have made the trip, which incidentally took some 30 hours from Florida.
Nick Taylor has posted 6 birdies and 2 bogey's for an opening -4 68 T12, while Graham DeLaet survived a triple bogey 7 at the 11th to shoot -2 70 T30. Adam Hadwin didn't have his best day, T67 +3 75.
In this restricted field, 49 players are currently under par.
Bryan Angus
The PGA Tour is playing their first regular professional event in South Korea at the tourist resort of Jeju Island which is 15 hours ahead of EST. It's called the CJ Cup at Nine Bridges.
Overcast skies and a soft golf course greeted the field and Justin Thomas took full advantage, especially of the par 5's where he had 2 eagles and 2 birdies on his way to a -9 63 to take the first round lead. He is 3 shots clear of 6 players at -6.
There are 3 Canadians who have made the trip, which incidentally took some 30 hours from Florida.
Nick Taylor has posted 6 birdies and 2 bogey's for an opening -4 68 T12, while Graham DeLaet survived a triple bogey 7 at the 11th to shoot -2 70 T30. Adam Hadwin didn't have his best day, T67 +3 75.
In this restricted field, 49 players are currently under par.
Bryan Angus
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Tyrrell Hatton steals Italian Open
European Tour Italian Open final leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017084/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard
With a late charge, 5 birdies in his last 7 holes including the clincher from 15 feet at the last, Tyrrell Hatton snatched the Italian Open today with a closing 65 -21 total.
It seemed a two horse race between Kiradech Aphibarnrat (65) and Ross Fisher (63) but the Thai star took a double bogey 6 at the 16th and Fisher could only manage pars on his last 4 holes and at -20 they looked like we'd need a playoff. However golf's hottest golfer rallied in to win his 2nd consecutive European Tour victory, having won the Alfred Dunhill last week at St Andrews.
So both Aphibarnrat and Fisher ended up -20, (Fisher finished 2nd to Hatton last week as well.) They had to settle for a share of second place, while overnight leader Matt Wallace finished alone in fourth on -19 courtesy of a brilliant chip-in birdie at the 17th.
Francesco Molinari could only manage 2 birdies and his closing 69 left him T6.
Austin Connelly finished T21 at -14 after closing with a solid -6 65.
I must admit I was getting fed up with Hatton this week, he seemed mad at everybody. Having won at St Andrews last week he should have been on top of the world. Instead he was griping and grousing everytime I watched him and before he started his late birdie run, he kept backing off, glaring at the crowd for disturbing him with their phones and cameras.
It's amazing how little the crowd bothers you when you are winning, or playing well. Its time this self absorbed little Englishman grew up and carried himself like he is. A back to back champion. I hope somebody can convince him that 99% of his peers would give their right arms to be able to say that.
Bryan Angus
With a late charge, 5 birdies in his last 7 holes including the clincher from 15 feet at the last, Tyrrell Hatton snatched the Italian Open today with a closing 65 -21 total.
It seemed a two horse race between Kiradech Aphibarnrat (65) and Ross Fisher (63) but the Thai star took a double bogey 6 at the 16th and Fisher could only manage pars on his last 4 holes and at -20 they looked like we'd need a playoff. However golf's hottest golfer rallied in to win his 2nd consecutive European Tour victory, having won the Alfred Dunhill last week at St Andrews.
So both Aphibarnrat and Fisher ended up -20, (Fisher finished 2nd to Hatton last week as well.) They had to settle for a share of second place, while overnight leader Matt Wallace finished alone in fourth on -19 courtesy of a brilliant chip-in birdie at the 17th.
Francesco Molinari could only manage 2 birdies and his closing 69 left him T6.
Austin Connelly finished T21 at -14 after closing with a solid -6 65.
I must admit I was getting fed up with Hatton this week, he seemed mad at everybody. Having won at St Andrews last week he should have been on top of the world. Instead he was griping and grousing everytime I watched him and before he started his late birdie run, he kept backing off, glaring at the crowd for disturbing him with their phones and cameras.
It's amazing how little the crowd bothers you when you are winning, or playing well. Its time this self absorbed little Englishman grew up and carried himself like he is. A back to back champion. I hope somebody can convince him that 99% of his peers would give their right arms to be able to say that.
Bryan Angus
Molinari struggling, Sunday at Italian Open, Austin Connelly closes with 65.
European Tour Italian Open leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017084/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard
Today has brought ideal weather at this Golf Club Milano and the field are tearing it apart. It's a real horse race at the top.
Austin Connelly shot -6 65 to finish off a brilliant week of golf that was only marred by his back nine on Saturday where he made 3 bogey's on his way to 38. He only made 5 bogey's all week to go with 19 birdies. He has finished at -14 and will get a great paycheck.
As for the leaders, there are 17 players 4 shots or less from the lead. England's Ross Fisher has 7 birdies so far as does Aussie Marcus Fraser and they are on their back nine at -19 playing the 13th.
The leading 8 players today are a combined -37 so far. Thailand's star Kiradech Aphibarnrat opened with 4 straight birdies and has played his front nine in 32 shots to sit -18 so watch for him with 9 holes to play.
England's Matt Wallace is also at -18, but is in the last group.
Crowd favourite Francesco Molinari is stalled at -15 as he plays the 11th so he'd better get hot to defend his title.
More to follow
Bryan Angus
Today has brought ideal weather at this Golf Club Milano and the field are tearing it apart. It's a real horse race at the top.
Austin Connelly shot -6 65 to finish off a brilliant week of golf that was only marred by his back nine on Saturday where he made 3 bogey's on his way to 38. He only made 5 bogey's all week to go with 19 birdies. He has finished at -14 and will get a great paycheck.
As for the leaders, there are 17 players 4 shots or less from the lead. England's Ross Fisher has 7 birdies so far as does Aussie Marcus Fraser and they are on their back nine at -19 playing the 13th.
The leading 8 players today are a combined -37 so far. Thailand's star Kiradech Aphibarnrat opened with 4 straight birdies and has played his front nine in 32 shots to sit -18 so watch for him with 9 holes to play.
England's Matt Wallace is also at -18, but is in the last group.
Crowd favourite Francesco Molinari is stalled at -15 as he plays the 11th so he'd better get hot to defend his title.
More to follow
Bryan Angus
Jin Young Ko wins KEB Hana Bank Championship, Henderson T8
LPGA Tour KEB Hana Bank Championship final leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/lpga-keb-hana-bank-championship/results
South Korean Jin Young Ko overcame her nerves after she bogeyed two of the first three holes at the Ocean Course before carding six birdies for a 68 and an overall -19 269 for her first LPGA victory, by 2 shots at this Hana Bank Championship. She takes home $300,000 with a very popular win in golf crazy Korea.
Brooke Henderson had a 72 -10 T8 worth $43,000, while Alena Sharp was well down the field at T46 and she earned $7,500.
Bryan Angus
South Korean Jin Young Ko overcame her nerves after she bogeyed two of the first three holes at the Ocean Course before carding six birdies for a 68 and an overall -19 269 for her first LPGA victory, by 2 shots at this Hana Bank Championship. She takes home $300,000 with a very popular win in golf crazy Korea.
Brooke Henderson had a 72 -10 T8 worth $43,000, while Alena Sharp was well down the field at T46 and she earned $7,500.
Bryan Angus
Pat Perez wins CIMB Classic, Nick Taylor top Canadian
PGA Tour CIMB Classic final leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/cimb-classic/leaderboard.html
Pat Perez kept his pedal to the metal with a -3 69 to win this CIMB Classic by 4 clear shots at -24 (66 65 64 69 264) in Kuala Lumpur. Perez now 41 is a self proclaimed late bloomer who has never fulfilled his immense potential, won in 2016 and now with his new very expensive PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf $5000 per set) equipment has his 3rd PGA Tour win.
Keegan Bradley with a 65 67 weekend led the also rans for his best finish in a long time.
Nick Taylor also had a 67 65 weekend to finish a very creditable T13 considering he opened 70 74 and he was the best of the Canucks.
Richard Lee and Adam Hadwin both T51 at -3 while Graham Delaet opened with 77 and closed with 74 to end up T54 -2.
Bryan Angus
Pat Perez kept his pedal to the metal with a -3 69 to win this CIMB Classic by 4 clear shots at -24 (66 65 64 69 264) in Kuala Lumpur. Perez now 41 is a self proclaimed late bloomer who has never fulfilled his immense potential, won in 2016 and now with his new very expensive PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf $5000 per set) equipment has his 3rd PGA Tour win.
Keegan Bradley with a 65 67 weekend led the also rans for his best finish in a long time.
Nick Taylor also had a 67 65 weekend to finish a very creditable T13 considering he opened 70 74 and he was the best of the Canucks.
Richard Lee and Adam Hadwin both T51 at -3 while Graham Delaet opened with 77 and closed with 74 to end up T54 -2.
Bryan Angus
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Connelly shoots 72, Molinari in contention at his Italian Open
European Tour Italian Open leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017084/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard
Austin Connelly has had a great week so far in Milan, opening with 68 65 but has slipped out of contention today with a +1 72 T34 at -8
His round began brightly with 3 straight birdies after an early bogey to go out in 34 however on a day when the leaders were shooting scores in the mid 60's he made 3 bogey 5's on his back nine, all the rest pars for the 72.
Matt Wallace from England continues to shine, 64 65 and -4 67 today for a 2 shot lead at -17.
However the crowds are all showing up to see hometown favourite Francesco Molinari who has posted a bogey free 66 and he is T2 at -15, and is the big story going into Sunday.
Another storyline is Tyrrell Hatton who won in style at St Andrews last week and has just posted a 65 to T2 as he goes for back to back wins. I must say he has been a very grumpy little guy this week considering his current situation, some guys just are very hard to please !! Looking at his demeanour you'd think he was dead last.
Remember the purse here is huge, US7,000,000 is a testament to the work behind the scenes done by CEO Keith Pelley who has convinced Rolex to step up their involvement with this 8 event series culminating in the US $8,000,000 Race to Dubai finale in the UAE, along with the US$10,000,000 bonus pool.
Keith knows he has to increase prize money to be competitive with the PGA Tour if he wants to keep his stars as full time members of the European Tour.
In all honesty Tiger is in transition to whatever he wants to spend the rest of his life doing, but his legacy, including the huge purses today's players are vying for has never seen the pro game in better shape financially.
Bryan Angus
Austin Connelly has had a great week so far in Milan, opening with 68 65 but has slipped out of contention today with a +1 72 T34 at -8
His round began brightly with 3 straight birdies after an early bogey to go out in 34 however on a day when the leaders were shooting scores in the mid 60's he made 3 bogey 5's on his back nine, all the rest pars for the 72.
Matt Wallace from England continues to shine, 64 65 and -4 67 today for a 2 shot lead at -17.
However the crowds are all showing up to see hometown favourite Francesco Molinari who has posted a bogey free 66 and he is T2 at -15, and is the big story going into Sunday.
Another storyline is Tyrrell Hatton who won in style at St Andrews last week and has just posted a 65 to T2 as he goes for back to back wins. I must say he has been a very grumpy little guy this week considering his current situation, some guys just are very hard to please !! Looking at his demeanour you'd think he was dead last.
Remember the purse here is huge, US7,000,000 is a testament to the work behind the scenes done by CEO Keith Pelley who has convinced Rolex to step up their involvement with this 8 event series culminating in the US $8,000,000 Race to Dubai finale in the UAE, along with the US$10,000,000 bonus pool.
Keith knows he has to increase prize money to be competitive with the PGA Tour if he wants to keep his stars as full time members of the European Tour.
In all honesty Tiger is in transition to whatever he wants to spend the rest of his life doing, but his legacy, including the huge purses today's players are vying for has never seen the pro game in better shape financially.
Bryan Angus
Three Canadians move on from Stage 1 at Web.com Q School
Web.com Q school leaderboards https://pgatq.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/pgatq17/schedule/index.htm
Earlier this week I posted the leaderboards for stage 1 of Web.com Q School and in summary, 3 have advanced from various locations bringing the total of Canucks to 11.
Hugo Bernard from Quebec, picked a great time for a -9 63 at the Dayton Valley Golf Club in Nevada to finish T7, to grab one of the 22 to advance.
Ryan Yip finished a good week at -10 T15 at Sun River Golf Club, Utah while former world #1 amateur Matt Hill was -1 T22 at The Breakers Rees Jones in West Palm Beach to move on.
The second stage of qualifying will run from Oct. 31 – Nov. 10 then the third and final stage is Dec. 7-10 in Chandler, Ariz.
Bryan Angus
Earlier this week I posted the leaderboards for stage 1 of Web.com Q School and in summary, 3 have advanced from various locations bringing the total of Canucks to 11.
Hugo Bernard from Quebec, picked a great time for a -9 63 at the Dayton Valley Golf Club in Nevada to finish T7, to grab one of the 22 to advance.
Ryan Yip finished a good week at -10 T15 at Sun River Golf Club, Utah while former world #1 amateur Matt Hill was -1 T22 at The Breakers Rees Jones in West Palm Beach to move on.
The second stage of qualifying will run from Oct. 31 – Nov. 10 then the third and final stage is Dec. 7-10 in Chandler, Ariz.
Bryan Angus
Hadwin slips down the field, Perez leads at CIMB Classic
PGA Tour CIMB Classic leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/cimb-classic/leaderboard.html
After rounds of 71 67, Adam Hadwin has slipped 43 places down the leaderboard and out of contention after a disappointing third round +4 76 at this CIMB Classic.
After a scrappy front nine with 2 birdies after he opened with 2 straight bogey's, all the damage was done on a back nine 40 with 3 bogey's and a double at the 14th sealing his fate.
Nick Taylor moved up 25 spots after his week's best -5 67 -5 total, while Graham DeLaet moved up 17 with a -4 68 -4 total. Richard Lee shot another -2 70 and is at T44 -3.
Under sunny skies in Kuala Lumpur, Pat Perez has a commanding 4 shot lead 66 65 then a nine birdie, 64 -21 total over closest rival Xander Schauffele who is T -17 after his -5 67.
Bryan Angus
After rounds of 71 67, Adam Hadwin has slipped 43 places down the leaderboard and out of contention after a disappointing third round +4 76 at this CIMB Classic.
After a scrappy front nine with 2 birdies after he opened with 2 straight bogey's, all the damage was done on a back nine 40 with 3 bogey's and a double at the 14th sealing his fate.
Nick Taylor moved up 25 spots after his week's best -5 67 -5 total, while Graham DeLaet moved up 17 with a -4 68 -4 total. Richard Lee shot another -2 70 and is at T44 -3.
Under sunny skies in Kuala Lumpur, Pat Perez has a commanding 4 shot lead 66 65 then a nine birdie, 64 -21 total over closest rival Xander Schauffele who is T -17 after his -5 67.
Bryan Angus
Henderson moves up leaderboard in South Korea
LPGA Tour Hana Bank Championship leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/lpga-keb-hana-bank-championship/leaderboard
Brooke Henderson has added a -4 68 to rounds of 71 67 to sit at -10 T8 going into Sunday's final round in South Korea at this Hana Bank Championship.
It was a bogey free 18 holes, with 3 birdies 33 on her front nine, all pars and 1 birdie on the back 35, and she will begin Sunday 5 shots off the lead. She will be paired with big hitting American Angel Yin (-11) and Spain's Carlota Ciganda (-10)
She had this to say after her round. "There are a few people that I have to climb over, but if I could go out and shoot an under-par round, -6 or something like that, and put some pressure on the leaders and kind of be the leader in the clubhouse, that’s my goal. I would like to do that.”
“I was really excited to get that win outside of North America a few weeks ago (New Zealand), and so to get one in Asia would be really cool, especially with all the fans that have been supporting us the past few days.”
Alena Sharp shot another E 72 and is not in contention at T56.
Another in the long line of South Koreans, Jin Young Ko was also bogey free -6 66 to take a two-shot lead to post a -15 201 target. Sung Hyun Park and In Gee Chun both shot 68 T2 -13.
Bryan Angus
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Brooke Henderson has added a -4 68 to rounds of 71 67 to sit at -10 T8 going into Sunday's final round in South Korea at this Hana Bank Championship.
It was a bogey free 18 holes, with 3 birdies 33 on her front nine, all pars and 1 birdie on the back 35, and she will begin Sunday 5 shots off the lead. She will be paired with big hitting American Angel Yin (-11) and Spain's Carlota Ciganda (-10)
She had this to say after her round. "There are a few people that I have to climb over, but if I could go out and shoot an under-par round, -6 or something like that, and put some pressure on the leaders and kind of be the leader in the clubhouse, that’s my goal. I would like to do that.”
“I was really excited to get that win outside of North America a few weeks ago (New Zealand), and so to get one in Asia would be really cool, especially with all the fans that have been supporting us the past few days.”
Alena Sharp shot another E 72 and is not in contention at T56.
Another in the long line of South Koreans, Jin Young Ko was also bogey free -6 66 to take a two-shot lead to post a -15 201 target. Sung Hyun Park and In Gee Chun both shot 68 T2 -13.
Bryan Angus
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Friday, October 13, 2017
Austin Connelly T6 at the Italian Open
European Tour Italian Open leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017084/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard
He's not getting a lot of air time right now, but that's about to change this weekend at the Italian Open in Milan, the 5th in the new 8 event Rolex Series at the Race to Dubai.
Slightly built Canadian Austin Connelly has posted 68 65 -9 total after 2 rounds and is T6 going into this weekend.
Connelly hasn't had a bogey this week, adding 6 more today with nines of 33 32.
The leaders at -13 are veteran Aussie Marcus Fraser who shot a season best -9 62, and England's Matt Wallace 64 65.
In the Race to Dubai which has 3 playoff events remaining after this week, England's Eddie Pepperall who is currently tied with Connelly at -9 is the leader followed by Spaniards Sergio Garcia, Jon Rahm and Rafa Cabrera Bello. http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/racetodubai/index.html
Oddly no Spaniard with the exception of Seve Ballesteros when it was called the Order of Merit has won this title.
They will visit Turkey next, then to South Africa for the Nedbank Challenge before the season finale in Dubai. All events have a prize fund exceeding US $7,000,000.
Bryan Angus
He's not getting a lot of air time right now, but that's about to change this weekend at the Italian Open in Milan, the 5th in the new 8 event Rolex Series at the Race to Dubai.
Slightly built Canadian Austin Connelly has posted 68 65 -9 total after 2 rounds and is T6 going into this weekend.
Connelly hasn't had a bogey this week, adding 6 more today with nines of 33 32.
The leaders at -13 are veteran Aussie Marcus Fraser who shot a season best -9 62, and England's Matt Wallace 64 65.
In the Race to Dubai which has 3 playoff events remaining after this week, England's Eddie Pepperall who is currently tied with Connelly at -9 is the leader followed by Spaniards Sergio Garcia, Jon Rahm and Rafa Cabrera Bello. http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/racetodubai/index.html
Oddly no Spaniard with the exception of Seve Ballesteros when it was called the Order of Merit has won this title.
They will visit Turkey next, then to South Africa for the Nedbank Challenge before the season finale in Dubai. All events have a prize fund exceeding US $7,000,000.
Bryan Angus
Henderson in contention at LPGA Hana Bank Championship
LPGA Hana Bank Championship leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/lpga-keb-hana-bank-championship/leaderboard
Brooke Henderson has posted -5 67 in South Korea at the Hana Bank Championship to move up the leaderboard T13 at -6.
The leader is long hitting LPGA Tour rookie Angel Yin who fired a -7 65 to post an -11 total 133. The American youngster is overpowering the Ocean course at the SKY72 Golf & Resort.
There are 3 South Koreans chasing her for the lead at -9. 2 more at -8.
Alena Sharp is well down the field after 74 72 +2 T55.
Bryan Angus
Brooke Henderson has posted -5 67 in South Korea at the Hana Bank Championship to move up the leaderboard T13 at -6.
The leader is long hitting LPGA Tour rookie Angel Yin who fired a -7 65 to post an -11 total 133. The American youngster is overpowering the Ocean course at the SKY72 Golf & Resort.
There are 3 South Koreans chasing her for the lead at -9. 2 more at -8.
Alena Sharp is well down the field after 74 72 +2 T55.
Bryan Angus
Hadwin leads Canadians into weekend at CIMB Classic
European Tour CIMB Classic leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/cimb-classic/leaderboard.html
Adam Hadwin has completed his 2nd round in Kuala Lumpur at the CIMB Classic with a splendid -5 67 -6 total, currently in a group T8 heading into the weekend.
He leads the Canadian contingent who have all made the cut. Graham DeLaet also shot -5 67 to recover from his opening +5 77 so is at E T55 along with Nick Taylor who shot +2 74. Richard Lee is also in the field and he has shot 73 70 -1 total T45.
The leader is veteran American, Pat Perez 66 65 -13.
Bryan Angus
Adam Hadwin has completed his 2nd round in Kuala Lumpur at the CIMB Classic with a splendid -5 67 -6 total, currently in a group T8 heading into the weekend.
He leads the Canadian contingent who have all made the cut. Graham DeLaet also shot -5 67 to recover from his opening +5 77 so is at E T55 along with Nick Taylor who shot +2 74. Richard Lee is also in the field and he has shot 73 70 -1 total T45.
The leader is veteran American, Pat Perez 66 65 -13.
Bryan Angus
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Busy week for Canadian golf around the world, live scoreboards
With most of the general public's sports fans moving on to hockey, football, and the World Series, the game of golf continues with important events around the world at this time of year, and many Canadians are right in the thick of things.
Off the golf course I was delighted to see my pal Kevin Thistle named as the President of PGA Canada after a couple of years in Calgary. We exchanged texts and will catch up when he returns home to wife Heather and the boys in mid November. His people skills and golf industry acumen will be a stunning addition to our PGA.
Also a tip of my cap to Anne Catherine Tanguay who has graduated to the LPGA tour via the Symetra Tour money list. She joins Brooke Henderson, Alena Sharp, Maude-Aimee LeBlanc, and Jennifer Ha.
LPGA Tour Hana Bank Championship leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/lpga-keb-hana-bank-championship/leaderboard
Brook Henderson -1 71 T27 and Alena Sharp +2 74 T59 have made the trip to South Korea for the KEB Hana Bank Championship. Round one is in the books with a jam packed leaderboard. The leaders at -6 66 are a pair of South Koreans Min Sun Kim, Sung Htun Park and Aussie Minjee Lee
PGA Tour CIMB Classic leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/cimb-classic/leaderboard.html
4 Canadians are in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at this CIMB Classic and after round 1, Nick Taylor -2 70 T23, Adam Hadwin -1 71 T37, Graham DeLaet +5 77 T72, Richard Lee 73 70 -1 T45
The leader at -8 64 is Cameron Smith from Australia.
European Tour Italian Open leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017084/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard
Canada's Austin Connelly continues his tenure in Europe, this week he is in Milan,Italy and has posted an opening round -3 68 T31.. There is a 6 way tie for the lead at -7 64, including defending champion, Italy's Francesco Molinari.
PGA Tour LatinoAmerica 64 Alberto do Brasil leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/la/en/tournaments/64-aberto-do-brasil/leaderboard.html
Rio de Janeiro is the venue this week, and 6 Canadians including Derek Gillespie T21 E 71 are in the field. Others: Joaquin Lolas +2 73, Christopher Wilson +6,77, Ally Tidcombe and Russell Budd are in the field.
Champions Tour SAS Championship leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/champions/tournaments/sas-championship/leaderboard.html
2 Canadians are in Cary North Carolina for the SAS Championship beginning Friday, Rod Spittle and Stephen Ames.
If all that weren't enough the Web.com Q school is underway. here is the link to all the venues,
Web.com Q School leaderboards https://pgatq.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/pgatq17/schedule/index.htm
Bryan Angus
Off the golf course I was delighted to see my pal Kevin Thistle named as the President of PGA Canada after a couple of years in Calgary. We exchanged texts and will catch up when he returns home to wife Heather and the boys in mid November. His people skills and golf industry acumen will be a stunning addition to our PGA.
Also a tip of my cap to Anne Catherine Tanguay who has graduated to the LPGA tour via the Symetra Tour money list. She joins Brooke Henderson, Alena Sharp, Maude-Aimee LeBlanc, and Jennifer Ha.
LPGA Tour Hana Bank Championship leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/lpga-keb-hana-bank-championship/leaderboard
Brook Henderson -1 71 T27 and Alena Sharp +2 74 T59 have made the trip to South Korea for the KEB Hana Bank Championship. Round one is in the books with a jam packed leaderboard. The leaders at -6 66 are a pair of South Koreans Min Sun Kim, Sung Htun Park and Aussie Minjee Lee
PGA Tour CIMB Classic leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2017/cimb-classic/leaderboard.html
4 Canadians are in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia at this CIMB Classic and after round 1, Nick Taylor -2 70 T23, Adam Hadwin -1 71 T37, Graham DeLaet +5 77 T72, Richard Lee 73 70 -1 T45
The leader at -8 64 is Cameron Smith from Australia.
European Tour Italian Open leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017084/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard
Canada's Austin Connelly continues his tenure in Europe, this week he is in Milan,Italy and has posted an opening round -3 68 T31.. There is a 6 way tie for the lead at -7 64, including defending champion, Italy's Francesco Molinari.
PGA Tour LatinoAmerica 64 Alberto do Brasil leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/la/en/tournaments/64-aberto-do-brasil/leaderboard.html
Rio de Janeiro is the venue this week, and 6 Canadians including Derek Gillespie T21 E 71 are in the field. Others: Joaquin Lolas +2 73, Christopher Wilson +6,77, Ally Tidcombe and Russell Budd are in the field.
Champions Tour SAS Championship leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/champions/tournaments/sas-championship/leaderboard.html
2 Canadians are in Cary North Carolina for the SAS Championship beginning Friday, Rod Spittle and Stephen Ames.
If all that weren't enough the Web.com Q school is underway. here is the link to all the venues,
Web.com Q School leaderboards https://pgatq.bluegolf.com/bluegolf/pgatq17/schedule/index.htm
Bryan Angus
Monday, October 9, 2017
Delaet T5 at Safeway Open
Graham Delaet beard and all has begun his 2017-18 season with a solid T5 finish after a Sunday 72 -11 total 4 shots behind Brenda
n Steele who successfully defended his title at the Safeway Open out in the Napa Valley in sunny California.
He led the Canadians..Nick Taylor T9 -9, Corey Connors T30 -5, Ben Silverman T43 -3, David Hearn T53 -1
Bryan Angus
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n Steele who successfully defended his title at the Safeway Open out in the Napa Valley in sunny California.
He led the Canadians..Nick Taylor T9 -9, Corey Connors T30 -5, Ben Silverman T43 -3, David Hearn T53 -1
Bryan Angus
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Sunday, October 8, 2017
Fisher flirts with 59, Hatton wins Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
European Tour Alfred Dunhill Link Championship final leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017082/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard
On a calm day at St Andrew's the pro's had their way with the Old Course, none more so than England's Ross Fisher, who actually missed a tiddler at the last for 60, settling for a new course record -11 61 -21 total 267.... and he didn't win !!
Tyrrell Hatton set a record of his own, he became the only player to successfully defend his title at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship with rounds of 68 65 65 66 -24 as he won by 3 shots in spectacular style. He didn't make a single bogey over the 3 courses since Thursday. He has 2 wins on the European Tour and they both have happened at St Andrews !! He will move to #22 in the world.
Frenchman Victor Dubuisson had a 63 of his own to finish alone in third 74 66 68 -17.
Fisher stood on the 18th tee having struck 57 shots. His 58th finished in the Valley of Sin right in front of the flag. He chipped and ran to within 3 feet for the 59. His partners cleared, and he stepped up to tap in, and wouldn't you know it,, he missed and if you can believe it was disappointed to settle for 61 !!
When you think of everyone who has played the Old Course since Old and Young Tom Morris until today, none of the greats ever could manage 61, until Ross Fisher today.
Quite a finish, all the celebs and pros now catching a trip to Glasgow or Edinburgh where they will jet off around the world, and tonight the towns folk of St Andrew's will do what they have done for hundreds of years.. take their dogs for a walk over the Old Course and talk about yet another great week of golf... and what a wonderful week of weather they'd enjoyed.
Bryan Angus
On a calm day at St Andrew's the pro's had their way with the Old Course, none more so than England's Ross Fisher, who actually missed a tiddler at the last for 60, settling for a new course record -11 61 -21 total 267.... and he didn't win !!
Tyrrell Hatton set a record of his own, he became the only player to successfully defend his title at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship with rounds of 68 65 65 66 -24 as he won by 3 shots in spectacular style. He didn't make a single bogey over the 3 courses since Thursday. He has 2 wins on the European Tour and they both have happened at St Andrews !! He will move to #22 in the world.
Frenchman Victor Dubuisson had a 63 of his own to finish alone in third 74 66 68 -17.
Fisher stood on the 18th tee having struck 57 shots. His 58th finished in the Valley of Sin right in front of the flag. He chipped and ran to within 3 feet for the 59. His partners cleared, and he stepped up to tap in, and wouldn't you know it,, he missed and if you can believe it was disappointed to settle for 61 !!
When you think of everyone who has played the Old Course since Old and Young Tom Morris until today, none of the greats ever could manage 61, until Ross Fisher today.
Quite a finish, all the celebs and pros now catching a trip to Glasgow or Edinburgh where they will jet off around the world, and tonight the towns folk of St Andrew's will do what they have done for hundreds of years.. take their dogs for a walk over the Old Course and talk about yet another great week of golf... and what a wonderful week of weather they'd enjoyed.
Bryan Angus
Saturday, October 7, 2017
McIlroy just makes the cut at Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
European Tour Alfred Dunhill Links Championship leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017082/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard
Rory McIlroy with rounds of 73 71 was fighting to make the cut, projected to fall today at -4. He made 8 birdies, 2 bogey's and a double today at Kingsbarns for -4 68 to just make the cut on the number !
The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship has a 3rd round cut, because each player must play all 3 courses (Carnoustie, St Andrews and Kingsbarns) before Sunday's final round at the Old Course, St Andrews.
It's McIlroy's final event of the year as he goes about recovering fully from the rib injury he suffered a month or so ago. (that's the official reason, although he looks perfectly fit, bombing drives well over 350 yards) He is leaving the Race to Dubai up to the others this year, and did not figure in the Fed Ex Cup.
The leader is defending champion Tyrrell Hatton who is a diminutive, powerful Englishman and he added a 65 today to his previous 68 65 and at -18 has a 5 shot lead over Gregory Bourdy 70 67 66 -13.
Use my leaderboard link to keep right up to date.
Bryan Angus
Rory McIlroy with rounds of 73 71 was fighting to make the cut, projected to fall today at -4. He made 8 birdies, 2 bogey's and a double today at Kingsbarns for -4 68 to just make the cut on the number !
The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship has a 3rd round cut, because each player must play all 3 courses (Carnoustie, St Andrews and Kingsbarns) before Sunday's final round at the Old Course, St Andrews.
It's McIlroy's final event of the year as he goes about recovering fully from the rib injury he suffered a month or so ago. (that's the official reason, although he looks perfectly fit, bombing drives well over 350 yards) He is leaving the Race to Dubai up to the others this year, and did not figure in the Fed Ex Cup.
The leader is defending champion Tyrrell Hatton who is a diminutive, powerful Englishman and he added a 65 today to his previous 68 65 and at -18 has a 5 shot lead over Gregory Bourdy 70 67 66 -13.
Use my leaderboard link to keep right up to date.
Bryan Angus
DeLaet leads Canadians at Safeway Open
PGA Tour Safeway Open leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html
With rounds of 69 67 -8 Graham DeLaet leads a gaggle of Canucks making their 2017-18 season debuts out in Napa California at the Safeway Open.
This is the first tournament in the wrap around part of the year, there are 7 Canadians with Ben Silverman (70 71 -3 T45) and Corey Connors ( 70 69 -5 T23) playing their first PGA Tour events as full members, joining regulars Nick Taylor (71 68 -5 T23), David Hearn (71 72 -1 T66), MacKenzie Hughes (74 74) missed the cut along with Jamie Sadlowski from Alberta.
The headliner is Phil Mickelson who is 69 69 -6 T15, 7 shots behind leader Tyler Duncan 65 66 -13 followed by defending champion Brendan Steele 65 67 -12.
Duncan is in only his 2nd PGA Tour event having qualified from the Web.com.
Bryan Angus
With rounds of 69 67 -8 Graham DeLaet leads a gaggle of Canucks making their 2017-18 season debuts out in Napa California at the Safeway Open.
This is the first tournament in the wrap around part of the year, there are 7 Canadians with Ben Silverman (70 71 -3 T45) and Corey Connors ( 70 69 -5 T23) playing their first PGA Tour events as full members, joining regulars Nick Taylor (71 68 -5 T23), David Hearn (71 72 -1 T66), MacKenzie Hughes (74 74) missed the cut along with Jamie Sadlowski from Alberta.
The headliner is Phil Mickelson who is 69 69 -6 T15, 7 shots behind leader Tyler Duncan 65 66 -13 followed by defending champion Brendan Steele 65 67 -12.
Duncan is in only his 2nd PGA Tour event having qualified from the Web.com.
Bryan Angus
Friday, October 6, 2017
Alfred Dunhill Links Championship...Green Fees St.Andrews, Carnoustie, Kingsbarns are a steal !
European Tour Alfred Dunhill Links Championship leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017082/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard
With the Presidents Cup away in the rear view mirror, the 2017 season on the European Tour continues this week at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship over 3 classic courses, Old Course, St Andrews, Carnoustie and the new zillion dollar baby Kingbarns, all along the Firth of Forth.
It is the ultimate European Pro-Am, with anyone who is anyone joining an elite field headlined by a struggling Rory McIlroy, who's 'Am partner is his father.
If you ever wondered what it would cost you in Green Fees to play these three in what would be your golfing trip of a lifetime here are the numbers in peak season and as you can see, they are still relatively inexpensive compared to legendary USA courses like Pebble Beach.
Old Course : $ 230.00 (US) Caddie : $65.00 (US) plus tip
Carnoustie : $ 230.00 (US) Caddie : $65.00 (US) plus tip
Kingsbarns : $ 315.00 (US) Caddie : $72.00 (US) plus tip
Now if you think that's expensive consider this.
Pebble Beach : $565.00 (US) Caddie : $90.00 (US) plus tip.
What would you pick, PB in all it's glory or for $330 dollars less, the Old Course at St Andrews.???
In this perspective, two of the world of golf's most historic courses, the home of the game are a steal compared to the Monterrey Peninsula !!
Round 2 is well under way, and the weather is cool, but the wind is down right now and Paul Dunne the young Irishman who won last weekend at the British Masters is tied for the lead at -9 along with Swede, Joakim Lagergren and England's Tyrrell Hatton, the defending champion.
This event has a 3rd round cut, and Rory McIlroy will need it to stick around for Sunday, he is at +2 today playing Carnoustie after an opening 73, so 11 shots off the lead.
Bryan Angus
With the Presidents Cup away in the rear view mirror, the 2017 season on the European Tour continues this week at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship over 3 classic courses, Old Course, St Andrews, Carnoustie and the new zillion dollar baby Kingbarns, all along the Firth of Forth.
It is the ultimate European Pro-Am, with anyone who is anyone joining an elite field headlined by a struggling Rory McIlroy, who's 'Am partner is his father.
If you ever wondered what it would cost you in Green Fees to play these three in what would be your golfing trip of a lifetime here are the numbers in peak season and as you can see, they are still relatively inexpensive compared to legendary USA courses like Pebble Beach.
Old Course : $ 230.00 (US) Caddie : $65.00 (US) plus tip
Carnoustie : $ 230.00 (US) Caddie : $65.00 (US) plus tip
Kingsbarns : $ 315.00 (US) Caddie : $72.00 (US) plus tip
Now if you think that's expensive consider this.
Pebble Beach : $565.00 (US) Caddie : $90.00 (US) plus tip.
What would you pick, PB in all it's glory or for $330 dollars less, the Old Course at St Andrews.???
In this perspective, two of the world of golf's most historic courses, the home of the game are a steal compared to the Monterrey Peninsula !!
Round 2 is well under way, and the weather is cool, but the wind is down right now and Paul Dunne the young Irishman who won last weekend at the British Masters is tied for the lead at -9 along with Swede, Joakim Lagergren and England's Tyrrell Hatton, the defending champion.
This event has a 3rd round cut, and Rory McIlroy will need it to stick around for Sunday, he is at +2 today playing Carnoustie after an opening 73, so 11 shots off the lead.
Bryan Angus
Monday, October 2, 2017
Ireland's Paul Dunne shoots 61 to win British Masters
European Tour British Masters final leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2017/tournamentid=2017080/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y#/results
Paul Dunne produced a fantastic closing 61 to hold off a late charge from Rory McIlroy and win his first European Tour title at the British Masters supported by Sky Sports.
The Irishman turned in 30 to lead by three at Close House Golf Club and looked to be cruising to victory before World Number Six McIlroy birdied five of his last seven holes in a 63 to get to -17.
The Irishman turned in 30 to lead by three at Close House Golf Club and looked to be cruising to victory before World Number Six McIlroy birdied five of his last seven holes in a 63 to get to -17.
That gave Dunne a one-shot lead with two to play but a birdie on the 17th eased the pressure and the 24 year old chipped in on the last for a -20 and a three-shot victory.
Swede Robert Karlsson rolled back the years to finish third on -16 under, two shots ahead of countryman David Lingmerth, local favourite Graeme Storm and German Florian Fritsch.
Dunne had a stellar amateur career, playing in the Walker Cup and leading the 2015 Open Championship after 54 holes but this is his first professional win in his 51st European Tour event after losing out in a play-off to Edoardo Molinari at the Trophée Hassan II in April.
europeantour.com
Swede Robert Karlsson rolled back the years to finish third on -16 under, two shots ahead of countryman David Lingmerth, local favourite Graeme Storm and German Florian Fritsch.
Dunne had a stellar amateur career, playing in the Walker Cup and leading the 2015 Open Championship after 54 holes but this is his first professional win in his 51st European Tour event after losing out in a play-off to Edoardo Molinari at the Trophée Hassan II in April.
europeantour.com
Bad weather pushes Web.com Tour Championship to Monday finish
Web.com Tour Championship leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/webcom/tournaments/web-com-tour-championship/leaderboard.html
The final round of the Web.com Tour Championship at the Atlantic Beach Country Club was suspended on Sunday shortly before noon after a storm dropped 3.5 inches of rain on the course to that point, with more in the forecast. The tournament has resumed this morning with 41 year old Jonathan Byrd leading Sam Saunders by 2 shots.
Canadian Ben Silverman has already secured his PGA Tour card for next year and he is currently T8, six shots off the lead. Sadly, Corey Conners, Adam Svensson and Roger Sloan all missed the cut and David Hearn withdrew.
Bryan Angus
The final round of the Web.com Tour Championship at the Atlantic Beach Country Club was suspended on Sunday shortly before noon after a storm dropped 3.5 inches of rain on the course to that point, with more in the forecast. The tournament has resumed this morning with 41 year old Jonathan Byrd leading Sam Saunders by 2 shots.
Canadian Ben Silverman has already secured his PGA Tour card for next year and he is currently T8, six shots off the lead. Sadly, Corey Conners, Adam Svensson and Roger Sloan all missed the cut and David Hearn withdrew.
Bryan Angus
Presidents Cup : USA routs Internationals
2017 Presidents Cup complete scoreboard https://www.presidentscup.com/leaderboard.html
I turned the sound down, but to be fair what else could Johnny Miller do but gloat, so bad was the USA team's beating of a bedraggled International squad. He has after all presided over all of the European Team's recent thrashings of his fellow countrymen in the Ryder Cup.
Like many I got on with a beautiful sunny day in southern Ontario after Kevin Chappell halved the first match with Marc Leishman, then Daniel Berger went 3 up with three to play against Si Woo Kim in the fourth match to clinch the Cup.
The final score was 19-11.
Fittingly Phil Mickelson got the final point. He has played in every Presidents Cup and in his100th career match (including Ryder Cups) he beat Adam Hadwin, 2 and 1.
Quotes: This is a juggernaut of a U.S. team,” said Nick Price, in his third and final stint of the International captain “They’re an overpowering team that played some phenomenal golf. It was tough to watch, especially being on the receiving end
Daniel Berger: “Our goal from the minute we got here was to crush them as bad as we can. I hope that we close them out today and we go out there tomorrow and beat them even worse.”
Adam Scott: “It was a bit of a slaughtering this week,” after he won his first point of the week beating Brooks Koepka
The facts: USA have a 10-1-1 record with the only loss at Royal Melbourne in 1998 and the matches return to Australia in two years. Needless to say this has to change, the ratings will reflect that this morning. NBC / Golf Channel just took another very expensive bath.
See my posting "Presidents Cup: time for a new selection process"
Bryan Angus
I turned the sound down, but to be fair what else could Johnny Miller do but gloat, so bad was the USA team's beating of a bedraggled International squad. He has after all presided over all of the European Team's recent thrashings of his fellow countrymen in the Ryder Cup.
Like many I got on with a beautiful sunny day in southern Ontario after Kevin Chappell halved the first match with Marc Leishman, then Daniel Berger went 3 up with three to play against Si Woo Kim in the fourth match to clinch the Cup.
The final score was 19-11.
Fittingly Phil Mickelson got the final point. He has played in every Presidents Cup and in his100th career match (including Ryder Cups) he beat Adam Hadwin, 2 and 1.
Quotes: This is a juggernaut of a U.S. team,” said Nick Price, in his third and final stint of the International captain “They’re an overpowering team that played some phenomenal golf. It was tough to watch, especially being on the receiving end
Daniel Berger: “Our goal from the minute we got here was to crush them as bad as we can. I hope that we close them out today and we go out there tomorrow and beat them even worse.”
Adam Scott: “It was a bit of a slaughtering this week,” after he won his first point of the week beating Brooks Koepka
The facts: USA have a 10-1-1 record with the only loss at Royal Melbourne in 1998 and the matches return to Australia in two years. Needless to say this has to change, the ratings will reflect that this morning. NBC / Golf Channel just took another very expensive bath.
See my posting "Presidents Cup: time for a new selection process"
Bryan Angus
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Brooke Henderson wins New Zealand Women's Open
LPGA Tour New Zealand Women's Open final leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/mckayson-new-zealand-womens-open/results
Brooke Henderson has won the New Zealand Women's Open by 5 shots with a final round -3 69 -17 total for her 5th professional win. She wins $195,000 winner’s check and a ceremonial feather cloak presented by the native Maori.
" I felt like the pressure was really off of me this week was possibly why I got off to such a fast start.To play so well on this golf course was just incredible.
“I’m just so happy to win here. My season has been kind of up and down, steady for the most part. I got a lot of questions early in the year but now to get my second wind is great going into the last five events I’m going to play.”
Alena Sharp shot 70 to finish -7 T13
Players had to return on Monday morning to complete their rounds after high winds and heavy rain postponed play on Sunday.
Bryan Angus
Brooke Henderson has won the New Zealand Women's Open by 5 shots with a final round -3 69 -17 total for her 5th professional win. She wins $195,000 winner’s check and a ceremonial feather cloak presented by the native Maori.
" I felt like the pressure was really off of me this week was possibly why I got off to such a fast start.To play so well on this golf course was just incredible.
“I’m just so happy to win here. My season has been kind of up and down, steady for the most part. I got a lot of questions early in the year but now to get my second wind is great going into the last five events I’m going to play.”
Alena Sharp shot 70 to finish -7 T13
Players had to return on Monday morning to complete their rounds after high winds and heavy rain postponed play on Sunday.
Bryan Angus
Brooke Henderson leads New Zealand Women's Open.. final round suspended
LPGA Tour NZ Women's Open leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/mckayson-new-zealand-womens-open/leaderboard
Brooke Henderson birdied 3 of the 6 holes she could play to get to -17, 4 shots clear of the field before bad weather forced officials to postpone play for the day at the New Zealand Women's Open. Play will resume tomorrow to settle who will win the Kiwi's national championship.
She leads a shaky Belen Mozo of Spain and American Brittany Lincicome, both at -13.
Officials sent the field out early but play had to be suspended a couple of times before it was finally called for the day at 5:30p.m by a particularly potent cell of high winds and pouring rain made play impossible.
Local favourite Lydia Ko was -1 at the turn, T9 -9. Alena Sharp is E thru 14 holes -5 total.
Bryan Angus
Brooke Henderson birdied 3 of the 6 holes she could play to get to -17, 4 shots clear of the field before bad weather forced officials to postpone play for the day at the New Zealand Women's Open. Play will resume tomorrow to settle who will win the Kiwi's national championship.
She leads a shaky Belen Mozo of Spain and American Brittany Lincicome, both at -13.
Officials sent the field out early but play had to be suspended a couple of times before it was finally called for the day at 5:30p.m by a particularly potent cell of high winds and pouring rain made play impossible.
Local favourite Lydia Ko was -1 at the turn, T9 -9. Alena Sharp is E thru 14 holes -5 total.
Bryan Angus
Presidents Cup: Sunday singles.. analysis.. live scoring
Presidents Cup Sunday singles https://www.presidentscup.com/leaderboard.html
Here are today's 12 singles, as I mentioned in my last missive, the US only needs a point for their 10th win in 12 matches. My pick in bold.
Notes: First, what a nice day for Adam Hadwin's resume, Phil will probably suggest a little $1000 Nassau. Secondly, the result will be decided early, so most of the singles will be meaningless which will effect the players, notably the US players mindset. It is after all a gentleman's game, many would settle for a halve.
Sunday singles
Match 1: Marc Leishman vs Kevin Chappell
Match 2: Jason Day vs Charlie Hoffman (US wins Cup)
Match 3: Hideki Matsuyama vs Justin Thomas
Match 4: Si Woo Kim vs Daniel Berger (halved)
Match 5: Charl Schwartzel vs Matt Kuchar
Match 6: Louis Oosthuizen vs Patrick Reed
Match 7: Branden Grace vs Dustin Johnson
Match 8: Adam Scott vs Brooks Keopka
Match 9: Jhonattan Vegas vs Jordan Spieth
Match10: Anirban Lahiri vs Kevin Kisner
Match11: Adam Hadwin vs Phil Mickelson ( why not!!)
Match12: Emiliano Grillo vs Rickie Fowler
Bryan's scorecard : USA 8 1\2 Internationals 3 1/2
Bryan Angus
Here are today's 12 singles, as I mentioned in my last missive, the US only needs a point for their 10th win in 12 matches. My pick in bold.
Notes: First, what a nice day for Adam Hadwin's resume, Phil will probably suggest a little $1000 Nassau. Secondly, the result will be decided early, so most of the singles will be meaningless which will effect the players, notably the US players mindset. It is after all a gentleman's game, many would settle for a halve.
Sunday singles
Match 1: Marc Leishman vs Kevin Chappell
Match 2: Jason Day vs Charlie Hoffman (US wins Cup)
Match 3: Hideki Matsuyama vs Justin Thomas
Match 4: Si Woo Kim vs Daniel Berger (halved)
Match 5: Charl Schwartzel vs Matt Kuchar
Match 6: Louis Oosthuizen vs Patrick Reed
Match 7: Branden Grace vs Dustin Johnson
Match 8: Adam Scott vs Brooks Keopka
Match 9: Jhonattan Vegas vs Jordan Spieth
Match10: Anirban Lahiri vs Kevin Kisner
Match11: Adam Hadwin vs Phil Mickelson ( why not!!)
Match12: Emiliano Grillo vs Rickie Fowler
Bryan's scorecard : USA 8 1\2 Internationals 3 1/2
Bryan Angus
Presidents Cup: time for a new selection process.
The USA team leads 14 1/2 to 3 1/2 as we head into the 12 Sunday singles they merely need a point to clinch after they won the Saturday afternoon fourballs 3-1.
Much is being made by the US media about this being the greatest golf team ever assembled. In my opinion there are many variables involved and each competition is different. For example as I have been saying all week, the US team came into this week in great form, high in spirits after the completion of the Fed Ex Cup and with a nearly perfect record at the Presidents Cup, while only 5 of the International team even played in Atlanta, and the form of the rest therefore was therefore in question.
However with 10 wins in 12 matches it may be time to alter the selection process to make this as compelling an event as the Ryder Cup which was going in the same direction until Jack Nicklaus suggested the GB & Ire., team be changed to include Europe, and that along with the arrival of Seve changed everything.
The Internationals play as a team every two years, many of the US squad play every year, so maybe we should look at players from the US Ryder Cup team not being eligible for the Presidents Cup to even things out a little. Most of the US team have been playing with or against each other since college, many are friends, neighbours, while the International team is spread all over the globe.
While the fans who have paid their money and are whooping it up in New Jersey are having a great time, there is nothing compelling about today's singles, no passion, no desperation, no joy, nothing... and ratings will reflect that with a full schedule of NFL games and MLB wrapping up the regular season.
The President's Cup has had some compelling Sunday's, last time the US won by a point, after Anirban Lahiri missed a 3 footer, there was a dramatic draw resolved in the dark on the final green between captains Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus in South Africa. Those were compelling, must see TV events, like a good who dunnit, in doubt right until the end.
However far too often it isn't, so maybe my idea will provide a fairer match. For sure unless the International team starts winning, the future of the Presidents Cup is in doubt.
Bryan Angus
Much is being made by the US media about this being the greatest golf team ever assembled. In my opinion there are many variables involved and each competition is different. For example as I have been saying all week, the US team came into this week in great form, high in spirits after the completion of the Fed Ex Cup and with a nearly perfect record at the Presidents Cup, while only 5 of the International team even played in Atlanta, and the form of the rest therefore was therefore in question.
However with 10 wins in 12 matches it may be time to alter the selection process to make this as compelling an event as the Ryder Cup which was going in the same direction until Jack Nicklaus suggested the GB & Ire., team be changed to include Europe, and that along with the arrival of Seve changed everything.
The Internationals play as a team every two years, many of the US squad play every year, so maybe we should look at players from the US Ryder Cup team not being eligible for the Presidents Cup to even things out a little. Most of the US team have been playing with or against each other since college, many are friends, neighbours, while the International team is spread all over the globe.
While the fans who have paid their money and are whooping it up in New Jersey are having a great time, there is nothing compelling about today's singles, no passion, no desperation, no joy, nothing... and ratings will reflect that with a full schedule of NFL games and MLB wrapping up the regular season.
The President's Cup has had some compelling Sunday's, last time the US won by a point, after Anirban Lahiri missed a 3 footer, there was a dramatic draw resolved in the dark on the final green between captains Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus in South Africa. Those were compelling, must see TV events, like a good who dunnit, in doubt right until the end.
However far too often it isn't, so maybe my idea will provide a fairer match. For sure unless the International team starts winning, the future of the Presidents Cup is in doubt.
Bryan Angus
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