with Bryan Angus

Thanks for joining me today. I look forward to your comments . They are always welcome here on FairwaysPlus. Bryan Angus bryanangus4@gmail.com



Monday, October 29, 2018

Connors finishes 2nd at Sanderson Farms Championship

PGA Tour Sanderson Farms final scoreboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2019/sanderson-farms-championship/leaderboard.html

At the turn on Sunday, Cory Connors was tied for the lead the Sanderson Farms Championship, having caught Cameron Champ, who had a four shot lead but played the front nine in +1.

However the 23 year old American, playing in only his 9th PGA Tour start, birdied five of his last six holes finishing with a -4 68 -21 to regain the lead for his 1st win.

Connors also  shot -4 68 to finish 2nd at 217 and that is his best finish on the PGA Tour. His best finish in life came just a week ago when he got married !

Nick Taylor finished with a 69 T26th -8. Ben Silverman shot 71 T39 and Adam Svensson also T39 after his 68.


Bryan Angus

Sunday, October 28, 2018

Nelly Korda wins Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan

Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship final scoreboard/prize money http://www.lpga.com/leaderboard

Wei-Ling Tsu started play on Sunday tied for the lead in front of her adoring fans with Nelly Korda at -9 at the Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship.

However the diminutive Taiwanese star slumped to a 74 while Korda went on to post -4 68 -13 275, to win by 2 shots from a charging Minjee Lee (66) for her 1st LPGA title and the $330,000 that goes with it.

"Truthfully, I cannot put it into words," Korda said. "It still hasn't hit. It's definitely one of the best days of my entire life. I can finally check that off of my list, winning an LPGA event, something that I dreamed of ever since I started playing"

Local favorite Wei-Ling Hsu had five bogeys to finish T6 with Lydia Ko (72).

Brooke Henderson shot 75 to end up T38 worth just over $12,000

Bryan Angus

Corey Connors shoots 64 takes 2nd place at Sanderson Farms

PGA Tour Sanderson Farms Championship leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2019/sanderson-farms-championship/leaderboard.html

He has delayed his honeymoon but newly married Corey Connors may well be paying for it this week in sunny Jackson Mississippi at this Sanderson Farms Championship where his colleague Nick Taylor won in 2015.

Connors fired a -8 64 -13 to soar up the leaderboard to take 2nd place and he will be in the final pairing with American rookie Cameron Champ who shot a 64 of his own at -17.

Connors had 5 birdies on the front nine for a 31, 4 more on the back with just one bogey for 33. He's 4th in Greens in regulation 44/54, 1st in sand saves 4/4 and 6th in scrambling. He is also T3 with 16 birdies.

Nick Taylor (71) and Ben Silverman (71) are T38 at -5 while Adam Svensson (72) is T58

Bryan Angus

Schauffele beats Finau in playoff to win WGC HSBC Champions

WGC HSBC Champions final scoreboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2018/tournamentid=2018086/leaderboard/index.html#/results

2017 Rookie of the Year, Xander Schauffele birdied his last two holes to catch Tony Finau, then birdied the par 5 18th in a sudden death playoff for his first win of the year, the 3rd of his young career. Finau found a bunker with his drive and had to lay up.

Schauffele's  -4 68 was the low score of the day at this WGC HSBC Champions in Shanghai and it was worth 550 Fed Ex Cup points and well over $1 million dollars. He also moves in 4th place in the Race To Dubai.

"I felt like I was playing great all day," he said. "We kept our heads down. Even when I was signing my card I was like, 'oh, wow, I actually went birdie-birdie to get in the play-off'. I was just in my own world out there. It means a lot, it was my birthday this week. To have my family out here, especially with the win, it's really special."

Defending champion Justin Rose (72) was 3rd at -10. That meant that a successful title defence is still missing from Rose's remarkable golfing CV, something he is hoping to put right with two more defences coming up soon, starting with next week's Turkish Airlines Open.

 
Adam Hadwin shot 75 to end up T30 +3.


Bryan Angus

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Corey Connors leads Canadians at Sanderson Farms Championship

PGA Tour Sanderson Farms leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2019/sanderson-farms-championship/leaderboard.html

While many of the world's best are in Shanghai, the wrap around 2019 season is well under way, this week it's the Sanderson Farms Championship in Jackson, Mississippi.

Corey Conners (68) is the low Canadian, sitting in a tie for T15th -5 under just 4 shots off the lead. Nick Taylor (71)  and Ben Silverman (65) T31st -4 under. Adam Svensson (71) T50th at -2.

David Hearn and Roger Sloan both missed the cut.

A 19 year old called Norman Xiong shot a -5 67 for a share of the lead at the Country Club of Jackson in just his seventh career start. He’s even with American,Cameron Champ who shot 70, both are at -9.

Bryan Angus

Crowded leaderboard at the Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship

Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/leaderboard

Nelly Korda shot a -3 69 to share the lead with Taiwan's Wei-Ling Hsu after three rounds of the LPGA Taiwan Championship on Saturday.

Playing in front of a home crowd, Hsu finished with an E 72 on Saturday after shooting 68 and 67 in the first two rounds.

Korda and Hsu have a total of -9 207 and both will be looking for their first LPGA titles in Sunday's final round at the Ta Shee Golf and Country Club.

"I think I'll definitely be a little nervous," Korda said of Sunday's round. "Anyone who is in contention on a Sunday will obviously feel those types of feelings. But I'll also be excited and just happy to be in that position."

She will be playing in the final round with Hsu, who she knows will be the crowd favorite. "Wei-Ling was playing right behind me (today), but you heard a couple roars," she said. "I think it's awesome to see how much they support women's golf out here and just how they support a home player is really great. It's really nice to see."

Korda is the sister of fellow LPGA player Jessica Korda.

Five players are within two shots of the leaders: Jin Young Ko (69), Bronte Law (69), Megan Khang (70), Lydia Ko (72) and Jodi Ewart Shadoff (73).

Brooke Henderson has moved into the top 25 with rounds of 70 74 73 +1. Her stats indicate she has been driving the ball very well and accurately with 36/42 fairways hit, but she is just 36/54 in greens in regulation and has used 27 32 32 = 91 total putts

By way of example the leader Hsu has used 29 24 25 = 71 putts through 3 rounds.

Bryan Angus
(lpgatour.com)

Tony Finau continues to lead WGC HSBC Champions in Shanghi

WGC HSBC Champions leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2018/tournamentid=2018086/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y#/leaderboard

Tony Finau's decision to get out of the States to become an international player is turning out to be a good one particularly after he birdied his last three holes in the third round to take a three-shot lead into the final day of the WGC-HSBC Champions.

The American started Saturday with that advantage before defending champion Justin Rose (70)reeled him in and moved two ahead with two to play on a dramatic day at Sheshan International Golf Club.

But while Finau completed his big finish to get to -13, Englishman Rose dropped three shots on the final two holes to sit three off the lead alongside American duo Patrick Reed (70) and Xander Schauffele (69).

Reigning Race to Dubai champion Tommy Fleetwood (72) is five shots off the lead alongside America's Andrew Putnam (67).

Finau's round of 70 put him in pole position to claim his first European Tour win at just the 20th attempt but the chasing pack have plenty to play for in Shanghai

"It was great to birdie the last three. It's always a nice way to finish no matter what position you're in. I didn't have a lot going my way for the first half of the day and Rosey was making his run. I was just really pleased I was able to finish that way and get some momentum going into tomorrow"
 
A win for Rose could move him back to the top of the Official World Golf Ranking, while a Reed victory could put him top of the Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex. Fleetwood could also move to the top of the Race to Dubai standings, while Schauffele and Putnam are both still seeking their first European Tour wins

Adam Hadwin has shot 74 68 74 E T26th.
 
Bryan Angus
(europeantour.com)


Friday, October 26, 2018

Lydia Ko moves into contention at Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan.. live scoreboard

Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan Championship leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/leaderboard

Wei-Ling Hsu was feeling the love from her home crowd at the LPGA Taiwan Championship on Friday and it inspired her to a -5 67 and a one-stroke lead after two rounds.

Hsu had a total of -9 135 on the Ta Shee Golf and Country Club, one ahead of first-round leader Jodi Ewart Shadoff (71).

"That was probably the most people I had around me, I felt a lot of support," Hsu said. "It also helped that I didn't look around much or check the scoreboards."

If she had, she would have seen that former No. 1 Lydia Ko was the big mover Friday with a round-of-the day -6 66 to move into third place and within two strokes of her lead.

The South Korean-born New Zealander had five birdies on her front nine but then stalled somewhat on the back nine. She birdied the 10th and had a bogey on the 11th, then had all pars until her approach to one foot on the par-4 17th gave her a late tap-in birdie.
"Probably one of the best shots of my career," Ko said.

Mirim Lee (67) and Nelly Korda (71) were tied for fourth, three shots off the lead.

Brooke Henderson has shot 70 74 T29 at E. Her undoing was 4 bogey's in 5 holes from the 1st-5th.

Bryan Angus
(lpga.com)

Tony Finau leads WGC-HSBC Champions heading into the weekend.. live leaderboard

WGC-HSBC Champions leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2018/tournamentid=2018086/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard

Tony Finau will take a three-shot lead into the weekend at the WGC-HSBC Champions after firing a -5 67 on a day of twists and turns at Sheshan International Golf Club. Finau has decided to expand his golfing CV after playing in Paris at the Ryder Cup. He had a top 10 finish in Scotland at the Dunhill Links 2 weeks ago.
 
The San Diego native entered the second round two shots behind overnight leader Patrick Reed but soon overhauled him and led by three before an unfortunate double-bogey on the 11th.

Three birdies in his last five holes then moved the 29 year old back to -11 under, three shots ahead of Masters Tournament champion Reed, defending champion Justin Rose and reigning Race to Dubai champion Tommy Fleetwood.

American Xander Schauffele was then at -7, a shot ahead of countryman Patrick Cantlay.

Fleetwood and Reed are currently second and third respectively in the Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex as they look to chase down Francesco Molinari, while Rose could go back to the top of the Official World Golf Ranking should results go his way over the weekend.

Adam Hadwin recovered  from an opening 74 with a -4 68 and at -2 he is T21.

Bryan Angus
(europeantour.com)





 

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Brooke Henderson at Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan.. tee times..

Here are the pairings and tee times for the Swinging Skirts  LPGA Taiwan http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/swinging-skirts-lpga-taiwan-championship/pairings

The LPGA's Asian Tour has moved to Taiwan this week for the Swinging Skirts LPGA Taiwan. I have listed the pairings and tee times above. Remember Taiwan is 12 hours ahead of EST.

Brooke Henderson is the lone Canuck and she is off the 1st tee at 950am (9.50pm Wednesday EST) local with Katherine Kirk and Yu-Chaing Hu.

Bryan Angus

Rose leads the world's best at WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai

Defending champion Justin Rose will look to become the first player to retain a WGC-HSBC Champions trophy when he tees it up at Sheshan International Golf Club this week.

The World Number Three, who came roaring back in last year’s final round to erase an eight-shot deficit, would follow Tiger Woods as the only other player to successfully defend a WGC tournament if he is able to overcome the star-studded field assembled in Shanghai.
The 38 year old, who briefly topped the Official World Golf Ranking for the first time in his career last month, has had a season to remember on the European Tour.

The Englishman went on to win the Turkish Airlines Open off the back of his WGC victory last year, and has continued that form into 2018 recording five top ten finishes, including a tied second at The Open Championship, before going on to play an integral role in Team Europe’s stunning Ryder Cup victory at Le Golf National in September and hosting the Sky Sports British Masters earlier this month.
Nine of his Ryder Cup teammates join him in the field this week including Open Champion and current Race to Dubai leader Francesco Molinari. The Italian became the first European – and just the fourth player ever – to win five matches out of five in France, and is a former winner of this event in 2010.

Four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy has five top ten finishes in his six appearances at Sheshan International and with three tournaments remaining on his schedule for the 2018 season, the 29 year old knows big results are required to keep him in contention for a fourth Race to Dubai title.

Meanwhile, new World Number One Brooks Koepka is eyeing a long spell on top of the world as he prepares for the European Tour's final World Golf Championships event of the season. The American's victory at last week's CJ Cup moved him to the summit of the Official World Golf Ranking at a time when the battle to be golf's top dog has never been more competitive. 

Justin Rose: “It's been a special year. It's been a special month, a couple of those things you mentioned, going to Number One, The Ryder Cup, the FedEx all happened pretty much off the back of one another. British Masters was a huge honour to host that. It's been a really exciting couple of months to be honest with you.

“It's always a funny time of year, really, because the new season has started but you're also coming to what feels like the end of the year. You're trying to get off to a great start for your 2019 campaign on the PGA TOUR and trying to finish strong on the 2018 European Tour Race to Dubai, but you are also looking forward to a break at the same time.

“My manager, Mark Steinberg, walked nine holes with me at this tournament last year during the Pro-Am, and we were talking. I said, listen, I think it's really time to go on a bit of a run here and let's put some great golf here. I felt very hungry and motivated to just try and find another level, really.

“We kind of look back now and that nine holes was kind of poignant, just the discussions that we had out there, and the fun that we had out there, and the intention that I had to go and try and start to play at another level. So this tournament absolutely did kick-start some great golf for me that's lasted the best part of the year."

Rory McIlroy: “I've played well here in the past. I haven't quite got the win, but I've consistently finished quite high and I feel like it's a good golf course for me.

“I'm in a much better place this year than I was this time last year in terms of injury, and I've played very consistent golf. Maybe haven't quite had the wins I've wanted but I have three tournaments this year to try to add to that, so I'm excited for this week and the next few weeks.

“I feel like I need one win, maybe two out of the next three, to have any sort of a chance. So you know, I'm playing with Francesco the first couple of days, so it's good to keep an eye on him, I guess.
“I need to play some very, very good golf over these next few weeks to at least have a chance. If I can go there, if I can go to Dubai with a mathematical chance of winning, you know, you never know what can happen. Still open to it, but I know it's a long shot."

Francesco Molinari: “I've got some great memories here. It's one event I always look forward to. The course is in great shape, so it's nice to be back. It's been quite a journey since 2010, but especially this year, it's been incredible. It's nice to be here. I've got a couple more events to go, this one an Dubai, and it would be nice to finish off the season in style.

“Potentially it will be massive (in the Race to Dubai standings). I know that there's a lot of guys still in with a chance and there's a lot of money to play for the next few weeks. I know it definitely won't be easy for the Europeans. It's the main goal remaining in the season, and everyone will do their best to try and catch me.”

Brooks Koepka: “To start the year off with a win is something you always want to do. One-for-one is always nice. Just got to build on that. I feel like I've built a lot of momentum throughout the year and obviously only a week off in between, it felt like, so there wasn't much of a gap.

“To build that momentum and kind of build on what I've done this year was key, and hopefully it rolls over into this week and then have a few weeks off to kind of figure out what I need to work on and what needs to get better, and go from there.”

Dustin Johnson: “I always look forward to coming here. I like the golf course. It's a great tournament. HSBC does a great job here. I don't really get to play in Asia much, so it's good for me to come over here and play. I've had a lot of success on this golf course, so it's a tournament that I look forward to coming to play.”

Rose and Dustin Johnson have both held top spot in recent weeks and both of those players could replace Koepka should results go their way this week, however the 28 year old has no intention of giving his position up, and is aiming for yet another milestone as he seeks a first WGC win to go with his three Major Championships.

Monday, October 22, 2018

Sergio Garcia wins his 3rd Andalucia Valderrama Masters

It took 5 days to complete 54 holes at the Andalucia Valderrama Masters in Sotogrande, southern Spain where flash flooding has claimed at least one life.

Early this morning the host Sergio Garcia extended his 3 shot lead when play began to 4 as he posted a -2 69, -12 total to successfully defend his title and win it for the third time. It is his 15th European Tour victory.

Ireland's Shane Lowery shot 66 to finish 2nd at -8.

As importantly the top 116 in the money order who will keep their European Tour cards for next year has been settled and I will post that list when it is published. .

Those players will begin the Race to Dubai playoffs after this week's WGC HSBC Championship in Shanghai.

More to follow..

Bryan Angus

Sunday, October 21, 2018

Danielle Kang emerges from the pack to win Buick LPGA Shanghai

Buick LPGA Shanghai final leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/leaderboard

Recently Danielle Kang who was struggling with her game and suffering from anxiety, turned to Butch Harmon for help as many before have. Harmon encouraged the talented young American to stop over analyzing and just go out, enjoy the day and let her talents flow.

After rounds of 67 68 71 69 -13 she has emerged from the logjam to win this Buick LPGA Shanghai by 2 shots from 7 players T2 at -11 including Lydia Ko and world #2 Ariya Jutanugarn.

"More so than anything I'm finally at a place where I'm peaceful and happy with my game, with my life,” said Kang. “There is just so much more you can get through. I hope I win more; I did the best I can. I'm going to keep working hard and keep giving myself chances and keep putting myself in contention. I'll win more. I'll play better.”

Brooke Henderson's week looked like this: 75 72 69 70 -2 T26

Chinese teenager, Wenbo Liu captivated the home crowd as she vied for this title and to her credit she did very well 68 72 69 68 -11 T2, the top Chinese player out of the 20 in the field this week so let's watch out for her.

Bryan Angus

Play suspended Monday finish at Andalucia Valderrama Masters

European Tour Andalucía Valderrama Masters leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2018/tournamentid=2018084/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y#/leaderboard

Considering the terrible weather forecast for the week in Sotogrande, Spain they have survived several delays and a predicted 6 hours of steady rain on Saturday to get in 2 rounds however this morning (EST) under dark ominous skies and crackling lightning officials have suspended play in the 3rd and final round (54 holes), at this Andalucia Valderrama Masters, clearing the course with the leader Sergio Garcia at -10 through seven holes.

Lee Westwood was -4 through 8 holes to sit 2nd at -7.

BREAKING NEWS...Play has been suspended for the day. Round 3 will resume at 9.10am local time on Monday. The tournament was reduced to 54 holes on Saturday.

As I mentioned yesterday a lot of the guys have their playing priveleges for next season hanging in the balance based on their finish here. The top 116 are in.


Bryan Angus

Koepka wins CJ Cup @ Nine Bridges..Hadwin shoots 64

CJ Cup @ Nine Bridges final leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html

Gary Woodland smiled as he finished his round and shook hands with a sponsor and said " I'm trying" after posting a sensational -9 63 to get to -17.

His smile was whimsical however because behind him another of the young bombers, Brooks Koepka was chipping in for birdie at the 16th on his way to a -8 64 of his own for a -21 total to win this CJ Cup @ Nine Bridges by 4 shots on this "bombers paradise" resort course on JeJu island in golf crazy South Korea.

With the win the big muscle bound American who hails from Florida but honed his pro career playing around the world on the European tours has moved into the World's #1 spot. Woodland finished 2nd.

Meanwhile Adam Hadwin who'd been "SteadyEddie " all week took advantage of the soft conditions for a brilliant -8 64 to move right up the scoreboard to T10 -10 to round off a very nice week.

He had 5 birdies in a row on his back nine of 30, ending up with 9 and just one bogey at the 7th.

Next week the men move over to Shanghai for the WCG HSBC Championship.

Bryan Angus


Saturday, October 20, 2018

Jam packed leaderboard, Henderson battles back at Buick LPGA Classic

Buick LPGA Classic leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/leaderboard

Brooke Henderson will not win this Buick LPGA Classic in Shanghai but she is battling getting better with every round. After opening with a 35 putt +3 75 on Thursday she posted E 72 on Friday then overnight a -3 69 and now at E she finds herself T38 going into Sunday's final round.

Brooke had an impressive 6 birdies mixed in with 3 bogey's and a much improved 28 putts.

There are 10 players within 3 shots atop the leaderboard. Spain's Carlota Ciganda and South Korean Sei Young Kim are at -11 but world #2 Ariya Jutanugarn and in form Danielle Kang are right behind at -10.

Of note Paula Creamer is finally healthy and back in contention at -8 and watch out for Australia's Minjee Lee who battled Brooke Henderson for the world #1 spot as an amateur. She is also at -8.



Bryan Angus

Koepka heading for World #1 at CJ Cup

PGA Tour CJ Cup @ Nine Bridges leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2019/the-cj-cup-at-nine-bridges/leaderboard.html

Brooks Koepka has added a -5 67 on Saturday to his -7 65 on Friday and at -13 he leads this CJ Cup by 4 shots going into Sunday's final round.

A win or solo 2nd will put the PGA Tour's Player of the Year into the World's #1 spot.

Who can catch this 3 time major champion who is right on top of his game, hitting it miles off the tee, going and finding it then hitting it again, "caveman golf" as he calls it.

There are 2 players at -9 including Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter who posted -4 68, then there are 8 players at -8 and they could all be playing for 2nd place considering the form Koepka is in.

Adam Hadwin shot E 72 so is T31 at -2.


Bryan Angus

Friday, October 19, 2018

Hadwin T15 after 2 rounds of the CJ Cup@NINE Bridges

PGA Tour CJ Cup @ Nine Bridges leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2019/the-cj-cup-at-nine-bridges/leaderboard.html

Adam Hadwin has posted his 2nd consecutive -1 71 and at -2 he is T15 going into the weekend 7 shots off the lead at this CJ Cup on JeJu island in South Korea where Justin Thomas is the defending champion.

Hadwin was 'steady eddie' all day with 15 pars, 2 birdies and just the one bogey.

Scott Piercy and Brooks Koepka both shot -7 65 ' s. Piercy leads at -9, Koepka, the Player of the Year is at -8. Thomas is at -1.



Bryan Angus

Rain in Spain playing havoc with Andalucia Valderrama Masters

European Tour Andalucia Valderrama Masters leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2018/tournamentid=2018084/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard

With rain, thunder and lightning wiping out most of play on Thursday the field is playing catch up today in Spain at Sergio's Andalucía Valderrama Masters. The problem is there is 6 hours of steady rain forecast for Saturday morning and more for Sunday.

It seems certain the event will be reduced to 54 holes with a possible Monday finish.

Garcia is not only the host but the defending champion and he is currently T2 at -3 after completing his first round.

The leader is an Englishman Ashley Chesters at -5.

So they will play until dark today with many in the field not able to finish their 2nd rounds then wait to see how much if any play they can get in tomorrow.

This is an important event because it's the last chance for players on the bubble, trying to get into the top 116 who then qualify for the Race to Dubai playoffs.



Bryan Angus


Henderson shoots par 72..Kim leads Buick LPGA Shanghai

Buick LPGA Shanghai leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/leaderboard

After opening this Buick LPGA Shanghai with a +3 75 Brooke Henderson has moved up the leaderboard with an E 72, still not in contention but moving in the right direction. She had 3 birdies and 3 bogey's, used 32 putts, down from 35 on Thursday and drove the ball well with 12/14 fairways.

Remember last week she started slowly but shot into contention with a 65 on Saturday. She'll need something similar tomorrow.

The leader at -10 is Sei young Kim who has posted consecutive 67's. American Danielle Kang and the tour's best player this year Ariya Jutanugarn are at -9.



Bryan Angus

Thursday, October 18, 2018

Hadwin opens with -1 71 at CJ Cup @ Nine Bridges, South Korea

PGA Tour CJ Cup @Nine Bridges leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html

The PGA Tour has moved on to the holiday resort of JeJu Island in South Korea and Canadian Adam Hadwin is in the field. He opened his stay with a -1 71 good to T11, 3 shots behind the leader Chez Reavie -4 68.

Hadwin had 4 birdies and a bogey, out in 33, but struggled with 3 bogey's coming in for 38. He hit 10/14 fairways but just 13/18 greens in regulation.

There are no other Canadians in the field.

Bryan Angus

Henderson opens with a 75 at Buick LPGA Shanghai

Buick LPGA Shanghai leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/leaderboard

World #2 Ariya Jutanugarn shot a -6 66 to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the Buick LPGA Shanghai tournament while you slept overnight

Sei Young Kim and Danielle Kang (-5 67) were one shot back, with six other players only two shots off the lead. Kang has hooked up with Butch Harmon with immediate results, T3 last week for example. The tournament is the second of five being played in South Korea, Japan, China and Taiwan in the LPGA's annual Asian swing

Brooke Henderson hit 16 /18 greens in regulation but used 35 putts with 3 bogey's a double and 2 birdies, 36 out, 39 in +3 75 T60. It was a sunny but cool breezy day in Shanghai, with gusts up to 18kph and remember they are 12 hours ahead of EST.

Nice to see Paula Creamer back in contention, she seems to have disappeared ever since she got married. Both Lydia Ko and Creamer posted -4 68's.

Bryan Angus



Sunday, October 14, 2018

Marc Leishman caps a week of low scoring to win the CIMB Classic

PGA Tour CIMB Classic final scoreboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2019/cimb-classic/leaderboard.html

In a week of low scoring on the revamped TPC Kuala Lumpur west course it was veteran Aussie Marc Leishman (68 62 67 65) who simply made more birdies than all the rest with a final round -7 65 to tie the tournament record at -26 262 for his 4th career win, this one by 5 strokes.

" I knew that even though I got off to a good start, I still needed to grind because there's some tough holes out there. Managed to hit some good shots and this is the result. It's great to get back in the winner's circle, excited to be back in Malaysia and leaving with this."

"We'll sit that (trophy) in the middle of the table tonight and have a few beers and just talk about it and just have a good night with friends really. I'm looking forward to doing that tonight."

Justin Thomas who fired a final round -8 64 T5 had set the record during his win in 2015.

Bronson Burgoon (68), Chesson Hadley (66) and Emiliano Grillo (66) finished T2.


Bryan Angus


Henderson T14 as Chun wins Keb Hana Bank Championship

LPGA Keb Hana Bank Championship final scoreboard http://www.lpga.com/leaderboard

Coming off a Team South Korea win last week at the UL International Crown gave In Gee Chun all the confidence she needed to go out and win this LPGA Keb Hana Bank Championship overnight in Incheon.

She shot her 2nd consecutive 66 -16 to beat Charley Hull (71) -13 by 3 shots. It was her first LPGA Tour win since the 2016 The Evian Championship. She also won the 2015 U.S. Women's Open Championship

Brooke Henderson shot 73 73 65 71 -6 T14 to begin her five week Asian swing. She battled all week and her 65 on Saturday was hard to duplicate early this morning in very windy conditions. She had 2 birdies and a bogey on her front nine and all pars on the back. 29 putts and just 12/18 greens in regulation wrapped up her week.


Bryan Angus

Saturday, October 13, 2018

12 players within 4 shots going into Sunday at CIMB Championship

PGA Tour CIMB Classic leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html

After another day of low scoring on TPC Kuala Lumpur west there are 12 players within 4 shots of the lead going into Sunday's final round of the CIMB Championship

The leader's at -19 are Marc Leishman and Gary Woodland who posted -5 67 ' s and Indian star Shubhankar Sharma with his -6 66.

Sharma stunned the golfing world with his play early in the 2017/18 season where he won the Joburg Open then the Maybank Championship which got him into the Masters.

Louis Oosthuizen shot 65 to get to -17. He has a schedule that sees him play about 6 months away from home, but when the little South African does go home to his farm, he leaves his clubs behind for a couple of months while he works with his tractor.

Good old Stewart Cink shot 63 to move all the way up to -15, which is the same score as Charles Howell III who is the ultimate grinder, rarely winning but always keeping his card.... and no he wasn't on Gilligan's Island...

Bryan Angus


Henderson soars into T10 at Keb Hana Bank Championship

LPGA Keb Hana Bank Championship leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/leaderboard

After opening with two rounds of 73, Brooke Henderson has soared up the leaderboard at the Keb Hana Bank Championship in Incheon, South Korea with a sparkling -7 65.

At -5 she is T10, 28 places higher than she was on Friday night. Brooke made 8 birdies including 5 on her front nine, and just 1 bogey on the par 5 13th. With 13/14 fairways hit and 16/18 greens in regulation, she used just 27 putts. All these stats a strong improvement on her first 2 rounds. 

She will be paired with Lexi Thompson and Jeongmin Cho in the final round.

The leaders at -12 are England's Charley Hull and American Danielle Kang who both posted 68's.

Lydia Ko is in contention in a group at -10 (70 68 68) and world  #2 Ariya Jutanugarn 69 67 69 -11 is alone in 2nd.


Bryan Angus

Friday, October 12, 2018

Europe still on a high at British Masters..Eddie Pepperell the clubhouse leader

European Tour British Masters leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2018/tournamentid=2018082/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard

With 4 players, the captain and 2 vice captains from the jubilant Ryder Cup team in the field for this weeks British Masters at Walton Heath, some 20 miles south of London, there is a distinct air of celebration amongst the huge crowds who have turned out to follow their hero's. Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari are super stars in Europe now, and their every move is followed and reported on every level of social media.

Justin Rose is the host and he is playing loaded with the flu, but battling on to make the weekend. The cut is at +2 and Justin opened with a 74, and is at E so far today.

With round 2 under way, England's Eddie Pepperell who did not make the Ryder Cup squad, carded a brilliant 69 in very tough, windy conditions to set the clubhouse target at -8, some 5 shots clear of the field with the late wave still to play.

He made the shot of the day on the par 3 220 yard 9th on Thursday when he flew his tee shot right into the cup on the fly, it bounced right back out a foot away, then spun right back in !!

Follow the live scoring on the link above.

Bryan Angus


Low scoring featued at CIMB Classic, Woodland, Leishman lead

PGA Tour CIMB Classic leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html

Gary Woodland posted -11 61, while Aussie veteran Marc Leishman shot -10 62 to lead this CIMB Classic after 2 rounds on the revamped TPC Kuala Lumpur West course. They are at -14. Woodland has been T2 at this event in 2013/14.

Justin Thomas who won here in 2015/16, held the course record at 61. Paul Casey joined the birdie fest with -7 65 and he is T3 -13 along with Indian Shubhankar Sharma (64). Thomas shot 69 and at -9 is just 5 off the lead and will be the guy I'm watching for this weekend.

The course, a par 72 is playing to an average of just over 69, so the field is taking it apart and I'd think something around -22 will be required to win.

Bryan Angus

Henderson needs a strong weekend at LPGA Keb Hana Bank Championship

LPGA Keb Hana Bank Championship leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/tournaments/lpga-keb-hana-bank-championship/leaderboard

With 4 bogey's and 3 birdies Brooke Henderson carded her 2nd straight 73 at this Keb Hana Bank Championship  While she drove the ball well she used 31 putts again, and only hit 12/18 greens in regulation. So Brooke will need a strong weekend move up into contention.

She is at +2 T32, ten shots off the pace. There is a 4 way tie at -8, Ariya Jutanugarn (69 67) Sung Hyun Park (68 68) Charley Hull (67 69) and Danielle Kang (67 69) all moved past first round leader Nasa Hataoka who opened with 65 but slipped back with 73 in round two T5 -6

Park is ranked #1 and she'll be paired with Jutanugarn who is #2.

Lydia Ko is up amongst the leaders 70 68 -6.

The weather is cold in the morning in Incheon, Korea, 7*c but warms up to 18*c by early afternoon, there is no rain and not much wind forecast over the weekend.

Bryan Angus

Thursday, October 11, 2018

Justin Thomas is lurking at the CIMB Classic after round 1.

PGA Tour CIMB Classic leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2019/cimb-classic/leaderboard.html

The CIMB Classic is the first of 3 PGA Tour events in Asia. As I mentioned yesterday next week is the CJ Cup in South Korea then the WGC event in Shanghai.

This week in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia the prize money is $7million US with $1.62m going to the winner.

Speaking of winners Justin Thomas has won it twice, and overnight be birdied 4 of his last 5 holes for a -6 66, but is still 3 shots of the lead held by another American, relative unknown Bronson Burgoon -9 63. He is ranked #162 and his best result last year was a T2 at the John Deere Classic.

Austin Cook is next -8 64, then Scott Piercy, Billy Horschel and CT Pan are all in with -7 65's. European Ryder Cup star Paul Casey is not with the rest of his mates at the British Masters this week. He is in this field and opened with -6 66.

Thomas has won the PGA Tour money list award, while big Brooks Koepka has won the Player Of the Year award.

There are no Canadians in the field.

Bryan Angus

Brooke Henderson opens with 73 at LPGA Keb Hana Bank Championship

LPGA Keb Hana Bank Championship leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/leaderboard

Overnight in Incheon, South Korea, Brooke Henderson has opened her Asian swing with a +1 73 to sit in a large group T28, 8 shots off the lead at this KEB Hana Bank Championship.

On a windy, cold damp day, she went out in -1 35, and had all pars, but 2 bogey's coming in for 38. She hit 10/14 fairways but 12 /18 greens in regulation and 31 putts.

Meanwhile 19 year old Nasa Hataoka of Japan fired a -7 65, with only 21 putts and 8 birdies, to take a two-stroke lead after the first round while Danielle Kang (67)and Charley Hull (67) are two shots back at the Sky 72 Ocean Course.

Hataoka was ranked near 200,just a year ago but has climbed to No. 14 in the LPGA rankings.


Bryan Angus

Wednesday, October 10, 2018

It's off to Asia !

Both the LPGA and PGA Tours are off to Asia. The women begin a 5 tournament swing with the Hana Bank event this weekend in South Korea where Brooke Henderson will return to action.

The men are in Malaysia at the CIMB Classic in steamy Kuala Lumpur then off to the CJ Cup @ Nine Bridges in South Korea

These tournaments are all reflective off the spread of the game worldwide. The LPGA Tour of course is dominated by South Koreans and other nationalities in particular the USA and Canada have embraced the opportunity to travel and support this growth.

The men have been slower to respond but that is changing. Justin Thomas has won the CIMB. Patrick Reed is joined by Tony Finau, Matt Kuchar and other Americans who realize the game deserves their support abroad and hey, it's a chance to see the world albeit from some pretty cushy, plush locations.

I will post the live scoreboards when they are announced later tonight..Remember Asia in general is about 13 hours ahead. .

Bryan Angus

Monday, October 8, 2018

Snedeker blows lead, Kevin Tway wins Safeway Open in a playoff

PGA Tour Safeway Open final leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2019/safeway-open/leaderboard.html

After Tyrrell Hatton's implosion on Sunday at the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews it was Brandt Snedeker's turn 10,000 miles away at the Safeway Open in California.

Snedeker was 5 shots in front with 11 to play after leading from the get go on Thursday, made bogey on 10,11 and 12, then again at 17 and shot his worst round of the week (66 65 69), a 74 to fall into a playoff with Kevin Tway (71), and Ryan Moore (67) which Tway won with a birdie on the 3rd extra trip down the 18th.

It is the first PGA Tour win for the 30 year old son of Bob Tway who won 8 times including our Canadian Open in Hamilton in 2003 when Kevin was just 15.

As I mentioned yesterday 6 Canadians made the cut, but because it was so big, David Hearn and Ben Silverman were paid but were eliminated in a second cut after Saturday's round, (MDF)

Mac Hughes T33 -6, Adam Svensson T41 -5, Nick Taylor T53 -3 and Roger Sloan T60 -2.

Bryan Angus

Sunday, October 7, 2018

Hatton collapses, Bjerregaard wins Dunhill Links Championship

European Tour Dunhill Links Championship final leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2018/tournamentid=2018080/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard

If ever you wanted validation of the old adage, " the toughest golf course in the world is the one between your ears" you just had to watch the back nine antics of Tyrrell Hatton this morning, who needs a great big dose of maturity so he can get on with realizing what great potential he has, and how lucky he is to have it.
 
With 4 straight birdies on his front nine on a blustery morning at St Andrews, the rest of the field had conceded the little Englishman's 3rd win in a row at this Dunhill Links Championship. He was 4 shots clear and looked certain to join Sir Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie, Tiger Woods and Ernie Els with wins in the same event in three consecutive seasons.
 
However a bogey at 10, and a 3 putt bogey at 11 saw his lead down to 2 shots, however he was still winning, but his demeanour was shocking. He was so angry at himself and the golfing gods, grimacing skywards, holding his head in his hands, he couldn't get out of his own way. Two more bogey's at 15 and 16 and his lead was gone, never to be regained. He just couldn't control himself and it cost him the championship. He came home in 40 for a E 72 -14 total.
 
Meanwhile Danish star Lucas Bjerregaard was plugging away some 6 shots behind, but was playing very well and after a 30 foot birdie at the 16th, he posted a brilliant round of 67 -15 total, to catch Hatton and win his second European Tour title.
 
Hatton finished second alongside countryman and fellow Ryder Cup winner Tommy Fleetwood at -14, with Finn Tapio Pulkkanen at -12

The big tall Dane with the hard to spell name, Bjerregaard has been a very consistent performer since graduating from the Qualifying School in 2013, never finishing lower than 90th in the Race to Dubai Rankings and winning the Portugal Masters in 2017 to go with the GolfSixes title alongside Thorbjørn Olesen.
 
The 27 year old had three consecutive top tens before finishing in the top 20 at his Portugal Masters title defence and will now move into the top ten in the Race to Dubai Rankings after his sparkling run of form.

It didn't really look like I was ever in it today, it looked like Tyrrell was going to take off with it. I was trucking away at it. I've been playing well for a little while and I played really well today and I'm really pleased that it was enough.”
 
He doesn't travel to this side of the Atlantic very much, I heard he has a dislike of flying, so is little known here, but watch out for this guy for future Ryder Cups.
 
Speaking of which Tyrrell Hatton said in an interview from the Ryder Cup that he was going to stay as calm as possible for his team because he is well aware how he has lost in the past when he is so hard on himself, getting in his own way is the term.
 
Well here is a week later, Ryder Cup winner, completely losing it at the slightest adversity. He didn't conduct himself graciously as the defending champion at all, which is a shame for himself and his family at such a wonderful event, and on the Old Course of all places.
 
There are two events left for the top 116 to qualify for the Race to Dubai playoffs. Francesco Molinari is the run away leader.
 
Bryan Angus
 
 




Saturday, October 6, 2018

Ryder Cup star Hatton leads at the Dunhill Links, Fleetwood close behind

European Tour Dunhill Links Championship leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2018/tournamentid=2018080/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y#/leaderboard

Tyrrell Hatton fired a 66 over the Old Course at St Andrews to take the clubhouse lead on day three and put himself in prime position to win a third consecutive Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at -14.

The Englishman became the first player to successfully defend this title last season and is now looking to become the first to win the same regular European Tour event three years in a row since Ernie Els at the Heineken Classic between 2002 and 2004.

Aussie Marcus Fraser has posted a fine 68 67 67 -13 and will join Hatton in the final pairing tomorrow.

Hatton's Ryder Cup colleague Tommy Fleetwood declared himself a little frustrated with his 67 today but still he and Stephen Gallagher are right in contention at -11.

The weather on Scotland's east coast has been cool but sunny and with the rough away down from where it was in July for the Open, and the fairway's no where near as fast, Carnoustie, Kings Barns and the Old Course have been a much easier test of golf, however Mother Nature is sending in the wind for Sunday.

So the field will have a rare shot gun start at 8.30, with the R&A trying to figure out the pairings for the top 60 and ties for the pros, and the top 20 teams from the pro-am.

This is simply a marvellous week for this event as many of Europe's top sportsmen, entertainers and business giants join the pros at these 3 iconic courses for some serious play, and a lot more fellowship and laughs at each other's expense.

Much of that by the way is brilliantly portrayed by the broadcast team lead by Dougie Donnelly, with Mark James, Sam Torrance and Ken Brown who join in the spirit of the week with hysterical jabs a each other, accompanied by hearty laughter from the background crew unheard of on this side of the Atlantic.

Ken Brown commenting on an animal swimming in the salt water outdoor pool behind the R&A clubhouse " That dog will be a seaweedy mess when it's owner gets it out of that pool".... Donnelly " That dog is a seal" .. Brown " Oh is it, ok that seal will be a seaweedie mess when it's owner gets a hold of it".... laughter, then Donnelly " more from our wildlife expert a little later on "...

Tonight there is a gala dinner with all the trimmings, and a spectacular fireworks display on the front lawn of the Old Course Hotel. The early Sunday start and rough weather may curtail the single malts for those who are playing, but none the less these are heady times for the European Tour, so spectacularly triumphant last week in Paris at the Ryder Cup.

Bryan Angus

Six of eight Canucks make the cut at the Safeway Open

PGA Tour Safeway Open leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2019/safeway-open/leaderboard.html

As I mentioned on Thursday there were a record 8 Canadians in this first event of the wraparound season, the Safeway Open, which officially kicks off the 2018-19 year on this PGA Tour.

The good news is 6 of them has made the cut out in the sunny warm Napa valley in California where Brandt Snedeker has shot 66 65 to lead by 3 shots at -13. Phil Mickelson, Ryan Moore and Micheal Thompson are at -10.

Mac Hughes opened with a sparkling 66 and recovered on Friday with 3 birdies late on his back nine to shoot 71 so he's at T15 -7. Nick Taylor T24 71 67 -6, Adam Svensson 69 69 -6 T24. Roger Sloan 67 72 -5 T37, Ben Silverman 72 68 -4 T49, David Hearn 72 69 -3 T68.

Adam Hadwin and Corey Conors M/C.

Follow their rounds with the live scoring link above, and a happy long Thanksgiving weekend to everybody.

Bryan Angus

Thursday, October 4, 2018

There are 8 Canadian flags flying in this week's Safeway Open

PGA Tour Safeway Open leaderboard / tee times https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2019/safeway-open/leaderboard.html

It's hard to get up for a golf tournament after the staggering drama of the Ryder Cup, however the European lads are playing the Dunhill Links Championship, a pro-am at 3 courses, St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.

Ryder Cuppers Tyrrell Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood are in the field, Hatton trying to win it for the 3rd straight year.

Meanwhile the 2018-19 PGA Tour season actually begins today in the Napa valley, it's the Safeway Open, lot's of familiar names, Phil Mickelson, Freddie Couples the biggest.

There are a record (by my count) 8 Canadians in the field, Nick Taylor, Mac Hughes, David Hearn, Corey Connors, Adam Svensson, Roger Sloan, Adam Hadwin, and Ben Silverman. Graham DeLaet is still recovering from a back injury. Previous high was seven.

Hadwin is the only one in the top 100 of the world golf rankings at #58. Silverman is next at #240, followed by Taylor #280 DeLaet #294 and Hughes #297.

Silverman, Sloan and Svensson have graduated from the Web.com although Silverman played a bit on the big tour last year with 2 T10's and he had this to say about his colleagues.

"I think we were just pushing each other to get better. We were all very talented at the time but just not there yet, not at TOUR level yet. Just knowing that there was only two or three Canadians to look at, yet we were all right there in the mini-tour ranks, it just probably pushed us all and motivated us all to make it.”

Follow the scoring on my link above.