Adam Scott returns to the winners circle, wins Australian PGA...Cockerill finishes T27

Australian PGA Championship final scoreboard https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/australian-pga-championship-2020/results

There's a touch of grey creeping into his head of hair, but his game is still as good looking, distinguished as ever, and with a final round -3 69 and a -13 total Adam Scott held off a Kiwi, Micheal Hendry (69) -11 and a pack of Aussies to win the Australian PGA by 2 shots for the first time since 2013.

Canadian Aaron Cockerill T27 with a final round 73 -3 total. Defending champion Cameron Smith finished T10.

The turning point for Scott on a topsy turvy day came when he made a birdie at the 14th followed by an eagle 3 at the 15th to open up a 2 shot cushion over Hendry who was playing with damaged ribs.

" I'm pretty stoked actually, I kind of grinded it out this week and I feel like I outsmarted the golf course a little bit which feels good, and it was just  good enough to beat everybody.

It's been a long time between drinks for me and maybe only once or twice did the thought cross my mind that I'd never win again. It feels very good to win here, especially to finish the year off winning  at home. 

I think it is very difficult to win, I'm on the wrong side of this age thing now (40 in July) where these young  guys are really good and I played some really good golf a couple of weeks this year and fell short to record setting scores. You have to be sensational to win these days."

It was Scott's first win since 2016 when he won the WGC Cadillac Championship. He of course became the first Australian to win the Masters in 2013.


Bryan Angus

Aaron Cockerill just 4 shots off Adam Scott's lead at Australian PGA

Australian PGA Championship leaderboard https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/australian-pga-championship-2020/leaderboard

Aaron Cockerill has been a model of consistency through 3 rounds of the Australian PGA on the RACV Royal Pines GC at the sweltering Gold Coast, near Brisbane.

He has only made 3 bogey's, with 9 birdies and all the rest pars (42) in rounds of 70, 71, 69 -6 good for a T9 just 4 shots off the lead held by Aussie idol, Adam Scott 70 67 69 -10.

Cameron Smith looking to win his 3rd straight PGA title has been hot and cold, 74,65,72 -5.

Early starter Nick Flanagan equaled the course record with -8 63 to move into a T3 -8 in the best conditions of the day.

Scott won here in 2013, and the fan favourite birdied 2 of his last 3 holes to the delight of the RACV Royal Pines crowd.

" It's incredibly bunched, and if it's windy tomorrow it will be hard for anyone to separate themselves from the field unless they pl pay an incredible round and roll in a lot of putts.

My strategy will remain the same. Unless I roll in some long putts I just don't see myself running away with this thing. I'm in for a fight tomorrow."

This is the last event of the Australian swing, the European Tour breaks for Christmas before returning for the South African Open in Johannesburg on January 9th, then heading to the Middle East swing.

Aaron Cockerill will return home to Manitoba for Christmas before finalizing his early 2020 schedule. What a Christmas present he has in store with another steady round tomorrow in only his 3rd start on this European Tour.

Bryan Angus

Steady Cockerill T15 after opening round of the Australian PGA Championship

Australian PGA Championship leaderboard https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/australian-pga-championship-2020/leaderboard

Aaron Cockerill, ranked #755, opened his challenge for the Australian PGA Championship with a birdie, then followed with 13 straight pars, before adding 2 more birdies and a lone bogey for a -2 70 T15 in the sweltering heat on the RACV Royal Pines near Brisbane on Australia's Gold Coast. Temperatures were in the mid 30*c or over 90*f.

Australia is trapped in a heat dome with record temperatures soaring over 50*c and bush fires raging in areas around the entire coastline. Some residents near Sydney to the south, are being evacuated, the smoke hangs in the air like an eerie smog, visibility is down to zero in some particularly hot spots.

The leaders at -5 67 are Aussies, Lucas Herbert and Brett Rankin. Adam Scott is in at -2 70 and Cameron Smith vying for his 3rd straight PGA title was 4 over par through 4 holes and battled back for +2 74.

Former Aussie star, Robert Allenby opened double, triple, double and staggered home at +13, 85. My how the mighty have fallen..

Bryan Angus

Canadian Aaron Cockerill is playing in record temperatures at the Australian PGA Championship

Australian PGA Championship tee times https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/australian-pga-championship-2020/tee-times?round=1

Manitoba's Aaron Cockerill's European Tour adventure continues this week at the Australian PGA Championship on the Gold Coast, Queensland at the venerable RACV Royal Pines GC, north of Brisbane.

While temperatures in the Canadian prairies are in a deep freeze, reaching temperatures -40*c, Aaron started his first year on tour in +45*c at Leopard Creek in South Africa, the first time pro's were allowed to play in shorts. The following week he was in 35*c at the Afrasia Bank championship on the island of Mauritius.

This week with fires raging around the coastline of Australia, the highest temperatures in that countries history are forecast, surging above 50*C.

Cockerill returns home for Christmas next week. You can only imagine his face when he steps off the plane in Winnipeg !!

Adam Scott is the headliner on a field made up of mainly Aussie's and Kiwi's. Presidents Cup star Cameron Smith is from Brisbane and is vying for his 3rd consecutive title and the Joe Kirkwood Cup.

Follow the scoring Wednesday night (EST) by clicking on my link above.

Bryan Angus

International Team's fighting performance pumps new life from around the world into the Presidents Cup

Presidents Cup teams, complete, scoring summary https://www.presidentscup.com/leaderboard.html

Somewhere early in the week before this most compelling version of the Presidents Cup had begun, the International team's beloved captain Ernie Els was talking about the exhaustive preparation he, his assistants and his underdog team had put into their game plan, and he opined " we know on paper everybody considers the Americans as overwhelming favorites, but I have a game plan and we will stick to it and see how things go.

It's important for the event we play well because as you know with all the different countries we have, their could be 2 billion people around the world watching"

As you know by now the Americans rallied 8-4 in the Sunday singles to win for the 11th time which would normally be another death knell in the future of the Presidents Cup, 11-1-1 is hardly a compelling storyline, but of course this one was different with Tiger guaranteeing full US TV coverage, Patrick Reed making headlines for all the wrong reasons and the ever popular David vs Goliath theme and the magnificent Royal Melbourne GC.

It would have been a Hollywood ending if Ernie's gutsy lads had crossed the finish line first, but they will forever be proud of the race they ran.

Consider this, audiences from Australia, Canada, Korea, China, Japan, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand and you'd have to think all of Europe and Scandinavia (Ryder Cup) were tuned in cheering for the International Team, and were heartbroken at the result, but full of pride for their efforts.

A note here. I hope they all did not have to endure the NBC broadcast we have here in Canada.

Paul Azinger was chosen to replace Johnny Miller in February, in part for his outspoken, edgy personality. He is of course proudly American, a former USA Ryder Cup captain and an unapologetic pom pom wearing homer for the USA. Dan Hicks shares the booth and the rest of the crew Roger Maltbie, Gary Koch, Notah Begay, Steve Sands all just follow suit. Only David Feherty who hails from Northern Ireland inserted a smidge of balance.

For the millions around the world watching, you'd think NBC would have brought in some International balance. Frank Nobilo, a Florida based Kiwi and former International Team player and assistant captain was reduced to hits for the Golf Channel.

Where was say, Greg Norman, Wayne Grady or Sam Torrance who would have taken no nonsense, Ian Baker Finch is with CBS, so unavailable.

Summary
For those who have followed me on air and in print for over 30 years, you'll know I have insisted unless the International team starts winning this event would die a slow death.

The final score was 16-14 USA, their 11th victory, but this time the Presidents Cup was a winner, so was golf around the world because of the International team's diversity, and the brilliant performance they produced.

Oh yes, and the USA remain the villains which every good mystery needs. 

As Feherty said to Azinger during the broadcast, " C'mon Zinger, you know EVERYbody wants to beat the Americans"

Bryan Angus

Presidents Cup : Day 4, USA WINS 16-14, Sunday singles match results.

Presidents Cup Sunday singles matches https://www.presidentscup.com/leaderboard.html

After building a 9-5 lead on the Day 3 fourball matches, the USA rallied as they traditionally do in the foursomes, to win the afternoon session 3-1, leaving the score 10-8 in favour of captain Ernie Els and his International team heading into the Day 4 singles where Tiger Woods led off against an undefeated Abraham Ancer from Mexico.

Adam Hadwin  played to a halve with Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed beat CT Pan 4&2. Reeds brother in law caddie was suspended for pushing a heckler who told Reed "You f*****g suck!"

In the Saturday afternoon foursomes USA could have swept the if not from a brilliant rally by Abraham Ancer and a struggling Marc Leishman who were 5 down to Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas with 8 holes to play, but flipped the match to catch the Americans for a fighting tie.

Another rookie Joaquin Niemann paired with Ben An after Adam Hadwin reported under the weather, never led but battled superbly all day to earn a halve with steady Matt Kuchar and in form Tony Finau.

update:  Here are the results of the Sunday singles.

Tiger Woods led off against an undefeated Abraham Ancer from Mexico and strated the comeback with a close 3&2 win.


Adam Hadwin  played to a halve with Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Reed beat CT Pan 4&2. Reeds brother in law caddie was suspended for pushing a heckler who told Reed "You f*****g suck!

USA went on to wipe out the International Team's 10-8 lead by match 4 with Dustin Johnson's 4&3 win over an overwhelmed rookie Haotong Li and they never trailed.

Match 1
Abraham Ancer vs 3&2 Tiger Woods

Match 2
Hideki Matsuyama  halved vs Tony Finau

Match 3
CT Pan  vs 4&2 Patrick Reed

Match 4
Haotong Li  vs  4&3 Dustin Johnson

Match 5
Adam Hadwin halved vs Bryson DeChambeau

Match 6
Sungjae Im 4&3  vs Gary Woodland

Match 7
Joaquin Neimann  vs  3&2Patrick Cantley

Match 8
Adam Scott  vs  2&1 Xander Schauffele

Match 9
Byeong Hun An vs  2&1Webb Simpson

Match 10
Cameron Smith 2&1 vs Justin Thomas

Match 11
Louis Oosthuizen vs halved Matt Kuchar

Match 12
Marc Leishman vs  halved Rickie Fowler

Bryan Angus

Presidents Cup: Day 3 International Team lead 10-8 .. live scoring

Presidents Cup day 3 foursome matches / live scoring https://www.presidentscup.com/leaderboard.html

Tiger Woods decided to sit out Day 3, Adam Hadwin will also sit out

Also sitting in the afternoon are Webb Simpson and Patrick Reed who are winless 0-3 to the delight of the Aussie crowd. Reed's caddie apparently got into a dispute with a fan after his loss this morning...no surprise..

Update : Here are the afternoon foursome match results with USA rallying to win 2 matches with the teams halving 2, so USA 3 Internationals 1, with Internationals hold a 10 - 8 lead heading into the Sunday singles.

Marc Leishman was having a brutal day, particularly with his putter where he looked lost on Royal Melbourne's legendary greens and as a result he and Abraham Ancer were 5 down with 8 to play, but they fought back to earn a tie with Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas.

Meanwhile with Adam Hadwin off, fighting a flu bug, Joaquin Neimann and Ben An never gave up and fought in form Tony Finau and Matt Kuchar to a draw to lead the International Team to their first lead going into the singles in 16 years.

Match 1
Louis Oosthuizen/ Adam Scott vs  2&1 Gary Woodland/ Dustin Johnson

Match 2
Marc Leishman/ Abraham Ancer halved  vs Rickie Fowler / Justin Thomas

Match 3
Sungjae Im/ Cameron Smith  vs 2&1 Patrick Cantley/ Xander 
Schauffele

Match 4
Joaquin Neimann/ Byeong Hun An halved vs Matt Kuchar/ Tony Finau



Bryan Angus

Presidents Cup: Day 3 Morning fourball matches / Internationals expand their lead 9-5

Presidents Cup Day 3 Fourball Matches / Results https://www.presidentscup.com/leaderboard.html

With the International winning the Thursday fourball matches 4-1 and splitting the Friday foursomes 2 1/2- 2 1/2, they have a solid 6 1/2 to 3 1/2 lead going into Saturday's play.

The schedule calls for fourballs in the morning starting at 7am local then foursomes in the afternoon after lunch.

Here are the fourball match ups, and follow the scoring by clicking on my link above. The International team expanded their lead winning the 4 matches 2 1/2 - 1 1/2

Match 1
Haotong Li/ Marc Leishman  vs   3&2 Justin Thomas/Rickie Fowler

Match 2
Abraham Ancer / Sungjae Im 3&2  vs Patrick Cantley/ Xander Schauffele

Match 3
Hideki Matsuyama/ CT Pan 5&3  vs  Webb Simpson / Patrick Reed

Match 4
Adam Scott/ Byeong Hun An  halve vs Tony Finau / Matt Kuchar


Bryan Angus

Presidents Cup Day 2: International Team leads 6 1/2 - 3 1/2.. live scoreboard and results..

Presidents Cup matches https://www.presidentscup.com/leaderboard.html

Against all the odds, Ernie Els rolled the dice in Thursday's four ball matches at the Presidents Cup, and following his "all for one and one for all" battle cry his troops stunned the experts, rookies and veterans alike, matching the USA stroke for stroke, making a few huge putts deep into the rounds and coming out on top 4-1 going into todays (Friday in Australia) foursomes (alternate shot).

The captains and their assistants made the draw for today's foursome matches, Tiger standing pat with 3 of his pairings, sitting Bryson DeChambeau and Tony Finau, while Ernie continued to send out all of his players except Haotong Li who sits for the second day.

Follow all today's results by clicking on the link above.

Friday summary: After a day when the International Team looked like they were going to blow the Americans out, the teams split the days play at 2 1/2 a piece. Patrick Cantley made a 20 footer to eek out a win against Adam Hadwin/ Joaquin Niemann and 10 minutes later Justin Thomas made the same putt to just edge Matsuyama/An to salvage the day for USA.

If anyone told you USA would be losing after 2 days play you would have had their heads examined, however if you listened to the American broadcast team of Dan Hicks and Paul Azinger you'd think they just won the Cup, yet again..

Saturday features fourball matches at 7am local, followed by foursomes in the afternoon, before Sunday singles.

Watch here for the fourball pairings later tonight.

Match 1
Louis Oosthuizen/ Adam Scott 3&2  vs  Dustin Johnson/ Matt Kuchar

Match 2
Adam Hadwin/ Joaquin Niemann  vs 1up Xander Schauffele/ Patrick Cantlay

Match 3
Marc Leishman/ Abraham Ancer 3&2  vs Webb Simpson/ Patrick Reed

Match 4
Hideki Matsuyama/ Byeong Hun An  vs 1up Tiger Woods / Justin Thomas

Match 5
Sungjae Im/ Cam Smith halved  vs Gary Woodland/ Rickie Fowler


Bryan Angus

Ernie Els rolls the dice in four ball matches at the President's Cup...Result International Team 4- USA 1

Presidents Cup Thursday fourball matches
https://www.presidentscup.com 

" It's not probable, it's not likely but it is possible "

These words from Frank Nobilo, former International Team stalwart and vice captain sums up the rallying cry for Ernie Els and his underdog team as the four ball matches have just been announced at this year's Presidents Cup in Melbourne, Australia.

" We all know on paper the USA look favourite to win, but this is all about opportunity. It takes 2 years to make this team so you are here for a reason. We are all in this together, we have a plan, we have a system and I'll tell you about it on Sunday night."

So the stage is set, David vs Goliath once again, a chance for 7 rookies from around the world to become legends in their homes, nothing to lose, everything to gain.

As you look at the opening matches you'll see what overwhelming favourites the USA team seem to be, starting with Tiger leading the way with Justin Thomas against Marc Leishman who has never won a 4ball match and a talented but unheralded match play rookie from Chile Joaquin Neimann

Canada's Adam Hadwin has been paired with Rookie of the Year, Korean Sungjae Im in the second match against a deadly duo in Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele.

For all the matches and results click on my link above. International team has lost the last seven matches, haven't won since 1998, and have only won once.

" It doesn't seem probable, but it is possible "


Match 1
Tiger Woods /Justin Thomas 4&3 vs Marc Leishman /Joaquin Neimann

Match 2
Patrick Cantlay/Xander Schauffele vs 1up  Sungjae Im / Adam Hadwin

Match 3
Tony Finau / Bryson DeChambeau vs  2&1 Byeong Hun An /Adam Scott

Match 4
Webb Simpson / Patrick Reed vs  1up CT Pan / Hideki Matsuyama

Match 5
Gary Woodland / Dustin Johnson vs  4&3 Louis Oosthuizen /Abraham Ancer

International Team 4   vs USA 1

Remember Melbourne is 16 hours ahead of EST, so stay up with me in the wee hours of the morning, leave me your comment or at twitter @mummmbles 



Bryan Angus

Weekend results from smokey Sydney, Mauritius and Bahamas

If ever Global Warming wasn't an issue in your world, this weekend in pro golf may make you a believer.

While weather fluctuates wildly here in Canada with winter temperatures ranging from -40*c to 15*c, with more snow falling earlier and deeper than in recent years, players across the world in South Africa played an entire week in their shorts in 100+*F at the Alfred Dunhill Championship. Days later, now in Sydney Australia, it is so hot and dry, forest fires have been raging out of control in New South Wales doing irreparable damage, with a NE wind choking players and spectators at the Australian Open.

Meanwhile Tiger Woods and 17 invited pros, gathered in Albany, to raise money ($12m targeted) for the One Bahamas Fund, to help those islands that were flattened recently by the violence from hurricane Dorian, part of a particularly violent hurricane season, (which also played havoc with the World Rugby tournament in the battered island of Japan.)

The Presidents Cup gets underway this upcoming week in Melbourne, meanwhile here are the results from today's final rounds.

Emirates Australian Open final scoreboard https://www.ausopengolf.com/scores

In the end it came down to Matt Jones (69) and Louis Oosthuizen (66) to see who would lift the fabled Stonehaven Cup, and after Louis made a brilliant eagle 3 at the 72nd hole to post -14, it was Jones who made the required par 5 at the last to edge the in form South African by a shot at -15, to join an elite group of Aussies to win two Australian Opens.

Considered by Australians as a local boy who has done good in America, Jones was surrounded by his family, wife Melissa and their 3 girls, Savannah, Saber and Simone with the coveted trophy and had this to say afterwards.

" “Something like this has been coming and it’s very special when it’s your national Open and to do it two times in a row is something that’s pretty unbelievable right now,” he said. “But I’m going to build on this. If I can play as calm on the US Tour as I did these four days, I think I’ll have a very good year.”


Afrasia Bank Mauritius Open final leaderboard https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/afrasia-bank-mauritius-open-2020/results?round=4

Another young gun,18 year old Dane, Rasmas Hojgaard is the 3rd youngest winner in European Tour history with his victory today at the Afrasia Bank Mauritius Open on the 3rd playoff hole.

He made an eagle 3 the 3rd time that he and Italian Renato Paratore and Frenchman Antoine Rozner played it for the win.Only Italian Matteo Manassero and Aussie Danny Lee were younger.


Hero World Challenge scoreboard https://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html

This is not an official PGA Tour event but does award world ranking points. Henrik Stenson has won it. 10 players from the 18 man field will now head to Melbourne Australia for the Presidents Cup.

Tiger Woods hosts the event and was hoping to raise $12m for the One Bahamas Fund to held rebuild the Bahamas that were flattened by hurricane Dorian.


Bryan Angus

Matt Jones leads Emirates Australian Open heading into Sunday.. live scoring..

Emirates Australian Open leaderboard https://www.ausopengolf.com/scores

With a round to go Aussie Matt Jones added a -3 68 to reach -13 and a three shot lead over jorneyman American Cameron Tringale (69) -10 and Louis Oosthuizen, Paul Casey and Japanese amateur Takuma Kanaya all at -9.

Jones whose trophy wife former Miss Idaho, Melissa Weber Jones garners as much media attention as he does, lives in Scottsdale, and hails from Sydney won here in 2015, and has all of Australia rooting him on.

With swirling winds, choked with the smoke from the fires raging in New South Wales, and tough pin placements, par 71 swelled to just over 72, low scoring obviously at a premium.  

" I was very calm out there today, my caddie said to me on the first tee, are you not nervous?, I was very comfortable and excited to go out and play"

International Team members scoring: Louis Oosthuizen 68 66 70 -9, Marc Leishman 69 67 70 -7, Cameron Smith 68 72 70 -3, Abraham Ancer 72 66 773 -2, Adam Scott 75 67 MC. 

Bryan Angus

Tiger's Hero World Challenge hopes to raise $12 million for the One Bahamas Fund.

Hero World Challenge leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2020/hero-world-challenge/leaderboard.html

I will not be reporting on the scores at the Hero World Challenge, although the PGA Tour has given it tournament status, it is in fact an 18 man exhibition match/ holiday by a few guys who have accepted Tigers invitation to help him raise funding for his Tiger Foundation which of course is admirable for all the great work it does.

Just click on the leaderboard link above if you are interested. 

What is very much more news worthy is that Tiger is contributing half of the money raised to the One Bahamas Fund, the players are contributing money for their birdies and eagles which totalled $43,000 in round 1. 

One Bahamas Foundation was founded by Tiger, the Nexus Luxury Collection, and wealthy members of the Albany community after the devastation caused by Hurricane Dorian on September 9th they are matching money raised dollar for dollar hoping for a total of $12,000,000.

Bryan Angus

Amateurs lead smokey Emirates Australian Open.. live scoreboard

Emirates Australian Open leaderboard https://www.ausopengolf.com/scores 

Keeping with the international theme that will pervade at next week'd Presidents Cup, Takumi Kanaya from Japan  and China's Chun-An Yu shot -6 65's to lead this smoke ridden Emirates Australian Open at the Australian Club in Sydney by 2 shots heading into round 2.  (remember Sydney is 16 hours ahead of EST). 

Kanaya recently won the Taiheiyo Masters on the Japan Tour and Yu was a stand-out at the University of Arizona.

Dozen's of forest fires are still burning in New South Wales and the swirling winds from the NE blew choking smoke over Sydney as the afternoon and evening approached, leading to veteran Aussie Matt Jones saying " I've never seen anything like it, it's tough to see your golf ball, you're eyes are burning and I have this cough"

As for International team members, Cameron Smith and Louis Oosthuizen both shot -3 68's, Marc Leishman -2 69, Abraham Ancer 71, Adam Scott 75.

For full scoring click on my link above.

Bryan Angus

Mike Weir part of an International Team contingent at this week's Australian Open.... tee times.

Emirates Australian Open tee times https://www.ausopengolf.com/tee-times

With the Presidents Cup looming from Dec. 9-15 at Royal Melbourne, there is a strong contingent from the International Team in the field for the Emirates Australian Open, at the Australian GC in Sydney this week.

Led by Abraham Ancer from Mexico who won here by 5 shots last year, Marc Leishman, Cameron Smith, Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen, are all playing as is Ernie and his assistant coaches, Mike Weir, KJ Choi, and Geoff Ogilvy.

It's the 104th edition of this Aussie Open,and between  it, then the Presidents Cup then the Australian PGA it's quite a December for golf in Australia.

Captain Ernie Els realizes his squad this year with 7 rookies are heavy underdogs to another star studded American team led by playing captain Tiger Woods no less.

 In a recent blog, Ernie says he is leaning heavily on veteran Adam Scott who has returned to some of his former glory this 2019 season. Scott is in his 9th Presidents Cup and has been asked to take a leadership role.

Always the ambassador for the game he points out that with 6 different nationalities on his team there will be a potential for a billion viewers with markets from Mexico, China, Taiwan, Canada, Japan and Korea all adding to the Australian and American TV audiences.

" This is monumental in helping to grow this game world wide, and is another motivation for our team to perform well, and with the help of our Australian crowds cheering us on, hopefully winning the Cup".

First it's the Australian Open, follow the live scoreboard on the link above, starting overnight EST in the early hours of the morning.


Bryan Angus

Aaron Cockerill, Richard T Lee, Canadians in the Afrasia Bank Mauritius Open.. Tee times

European Tour Afrasia Mauritius Bank Open tee times https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/afrasia-bank-mauritius-open-2020/tee-times?round=1

Playing in the island paradise of Mauritius, on the Heritage GC for the final week of this 2020 wrap around season on the European Tour, the AFRASIA Mauritius Open which is part holiday, and part serious business begins on Thursday.

Last year Kurt Kitiyama kicked off what would be a race with Scotland's lefty, Robert McDonald for the Rookie of the Year with his maiden win here. The Scot edged him out at the Race to Dubai.

Six of the International Team for the Presidents Cup are joining captain Ernie Els in Sydney for the Australian Open this week before the Presidents Cup in Melbourne, Dec. 9-15.

There are 2 Canadians in the field this week. Aaron Cockerill missed the cut by a shot last week in South Africa and Richard T Lee who plays most of his golf in Japan, Korea and Australia is making his first start on this tour in a while. 

Bryan Angus

Larrazabal limps to 75 to win the Alfred Dunhill Championship... final scoreboard

European Tour Alfred Dunhill Championship final scoreboard https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/alfred-dunhill-championship

Pablo Larrazabal started the day three shots clear but struggled with blisters and swing problems throughout the final round at Leopard Creek, carding six bogeys and a double bogey to fall three shots behind at one stage.

However, the 36-year-old regrouped to make three birdies in his last four holes to seal victory with a 75 and eight under par total. That was one better than Sweden’s Joel Sjöholm, who completed a remarkable weekend effort with a 69.

Dutchman Wil Besseling held at least a share of the lead for most of the final round but bogeyed the last after his second shot finished on rocks behind the green and a 74 left him tied for third with home favourites Branden Grace (73) and Charl Schwartzel (70). Only 5 players managed to break 70 in the extreme heat and swirling winds.

“I woke up this morning and I didn’t think I was going to play,” said Larrazábal. “I couldn’t put my shoe on, I couldn’t walk to the buggy. I really struggled on the back nine, I have a big blister on my right toe and I said to myself ‘If Tiger can win a US Open with a broken leg…’ and I just fought hard

Larrazábal had gone four-and-a-half years without a European Tour victory and added: “It’s been a long road the last few years and this is where I want to be. I want to thank all my family and my wife. This is a place that I really love and I will come back until I cannot play anymore.

Being a winner again means so much. I’ve been working hard, I put as many hours in as I’ve put in in my golfing career and this is what for" 

Bryan Angus 
(europeantour.com)

Jason Day has withdrawn from the Presidents Cup

Presidents Cup teams https://www.presidentscup.com/

Captain Ernie Els has added a 7th rookie to his underdog International team after Jason Day was forced to withdraw with a bad back. This injury has plagued his career. He will also miss the Australian Open.

28 year old South Korean Ben (Byeong) Hun An will make his debut. He finished 15th on the points standings but has been playing well recently, 3rd at Sanderson Farms, T6 at the CJ CUP, T8 in Japan at the ZOZO Championship then  T14 WGC HSBC Championship in Shanghai.

He joins Sungjae Im as the 2nd Korean on a team that will be challenged to communicate with 6 different languages . Im is this years Rookie of the Year on the PGA Tour.

 Day has had one of his worst seasons, but was a captains pick, considering the match is down under where he is enormously popular. Els was hoping he would find his form and add his experience to his young team.

For the full team rosters and bio's click on the link above. This year's event is on Royal Melbourne GC in Australia beginning on December 12.

Bryan Angus

Cockerill misses the cut by a shot at the Alfred Dunhill Championships.. live scoreboard

European Tour Alfred Dunhill Championship leaderboard https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/alfred-dunhill-championship-2020/leaderboard

Aaron Cockerill posted scores of 72 76 +4 at a scorching hot Alfred Dunhill Championship on the spectacular Leopard Creek GC in Malelane, South Africa where temperatures are soaring over 100*f.

The cut has fallen at +3 with the leader Pablo Larrazabal 66 69 at -9, three shots clear of the field.

Cockerill from Stony Mountain, Manitoba was playing in his European Tour debut after qualifying with partial status from Q school and he will now travel Mauritius for the Afrasian Championship then to Australia to play in their PGA Championship.

For all scoring click on my link above.

Bryan Angus

Aaron Cockerill makes his Alfred Dunhill Championship debut.. wearing shorts... tee times

European Tour Alfred Dunhill Championship tee times https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/alfred-dunhill-championship-2020/tee-times

While winter is in it's early stages at home in Manitoba, there is a heatwave warning at the Leopard Creek GC in South Africa where Canadian Aaron Cockerill will make his European Tour debut, wearing shorts.

Cockerill from Stoney Mountain, qualified two weeks ago through the European Tour Q School placing 7th, and has a partial exemption for the 2020 season. 

He played on the Challlenge Tour last year so many courses will be new to him, but none more spectacular than this one, situated right across the Crocodile River from Kruger National Park, with elephants, crocodiles, wildebeests, lions, zebra's etal as your neighbors.

This week there has been a heatwave warning for Malelane, with temperatures soaring to 100*F, so the Tour has issued a notice allowing the players to wear shorts.

Cockerill is off the 1st tee at 7.40am so may avoid the worst of the heat, but it won't be moving out of the area until Sunday evening.

Before Christmas he will play here, then at the Afrasia Bank in Mauritis on December 5th, down to Australia for the PGA Championship December 15th before jetting home.

His twitter handle is @A__Cockerill 

Bryan Angus

Brooke Henderson posts a Sunday charge.. Sei Young Kim wins 10th title and Race to CME Globe

CME Group Tour Championship final leaderboard  https://www.lpga.com/leaderboard

Brooke Henderson did her best 68 67 71 67 -15 5th but when the rest of the world challenged it was yet another South Korean, Sei Young Kim who drilled a curling 20 foot birdie putt on the 18th to win her 10th LPGA event  hitting the jackpot with the Tour Championship and the Race to CME Globe...

She shot 65 67 68 70 -18 worth $1.5m...England's Charley Hull shot 66 66 over the weekend to finish 2nd at -17.

This was Brooke's 13th top 10 to go with two wins. Her $176,000 payday brings her terrific 2019 earnings to nearly $1.17 million.

" It was a good round. I got off to a good start with 3 birdies on the front nine, would have liked a few more on the back but a bogey free 67, I'm really happy "

Alena Sharp (72) finished T29 to cap her best year as a pro.

On a sad note for many who follow the LPGA. Lydia Ko who just a few years ago was the best player in the world on either tour finished this season T53, 73 70 74 75 +4. The game is full of players who have fallen, another reminder of the old adage, "the toughest course is the one between your ears"

I hope Lydia garners inspiration from Brendan Todd who dropped below 2000th in the world, who's head was so messed up he got the yips so bad he couldn't swing the club properly.

He persevered and has gone W,W, 4th in his last 3 events.


Bryan Angus

Henderson looking for a big Sunday to win the CME Globe title... live scoring

LPGA CME Group Tour Championship leaderboard  https://www.lpga.com/

Saturday's moving day wasn't kind to Brooke Henderson, her -1 71 which included 3 bogey's on the par 5's, left her T5 at -10 six  shots behind leader Sei Young Kim (68) -16 and 5 behind her playing partner Nelly Korda who had a 66.

So she isn't out of it but will need one of her patented Sunday charges to have any chance of winning this Tour Championship and the Race to CME Globe that goes with it.

With play in round 4 underway you can follow her live scoring on the link above.

As I write she is T5,  -2 (-12 total) today through 6 holes.

Danielle Kang who is red hot is making a big move, -4 through 6 holes -13 total.

Kim and Nelly Korda are leading at -16 early in their round.

Alena Sharp is +2 through 11, -3 total 

Bryan Angus

" Rhambo " caps the season with a Race to Dubai double. ..

DP World Tour Championship final scoreboard https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/dp-world-tour-championship-dubai-2019/results

Rory had his chances, Tommy Fleetwood birdied the last to tie for the lead, Mike Lorenzo-Vera had 2 putts to tie but in the end it was the sensational big Spaniard Jon Rahm, known to all as " Rahmbo" who controlled his once volatile temper after squandering a 6 shot lead, who made a birdie 4 on the last hole of the season to beat them all and join his hero Seve Ballesteros as the only Spaniards to be the European Tour #1,win the Tour Championship and the Race to Dubai in the same year. (Seve won the Order of Merit)

He made 4 birdies in his first 7 holes and was running away with it, but bogey's at 8 and 9 burst his bubble, he lost his momentum and his swing to allow the guys back in. However he steadied himself with birdie, par, birdie over the last 3 holes to win by a shot at 68 -19 total.

With his fiance on his arm he told the crowd " this is for all you guys who think you have to work out every day. Rest is as important. I took 6 weeks off, 5 with no golf and here I am proof of that "

He won the world record $3m 1st prize and a $2m bonus for the Race to Dubai and he moves to #3 in the world behind Brooks Koepka and #1 Rory McIlroy.

Tommy Fleetwood (65) 2nd, Bernd Wiesberger (72) T28, Shane Lowery (70) T12 and Matt Fitzpatrick (69) 9th also shared in the bonus money.

Scotland's Robert MacIntyre (69) won the 2019 Rookie of the Year joining fellow countrymen Sam Torrance, Colin Montgomerie and Sandy Lyle.
.



Bryan Angus

Hearn, Hughes and Hadwin to play this weekend at the RSM Classic

PGA Tour RSM Classic leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2020/the-rsm-classic/leaderboard.html

As the last event of the wrap around PGA Tour season heads into the weekend, David Hearn 66 69 -7, Mac Hughes 66 70 -6 and Adam Hadwin 71 67 -4, the 3H's will be around to compete, albeit well behind the leader Tyler Duncan 67 61 -14.

They are all playing the Seaside course on this beautiful resort, Sea Island on the eastern Atlantic seaboard.

Captain Ernie Els will be pleased to see Hadwin make the cut as he hopefully rounds into form heading for Melbourne, Australia in early December for the Presidents Cup.

Keep an eye on Brendon Todd who was virtually out of golf all together with a severe case of the yips last year, and has not only overcome his demons, but has won twice in a row and would make history if he can make it three ! He is 66 66 -13.

Bryan Angus

Jon Rahm looking for a Spanish double, Rory shoots back into contention at DP World Tour Championship

European Tour DP World Tour Championship leaderboard https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/dp-world-tour-championship-dubai-2019/leaderboard

A compelling final round of this 2019 European Tour season is all set at this DP World Tour Championship with big Jon Rahm set to become the only Spanish player since Seve to win the tournament and the Race to Dubai.

After a near flawless -6 66 he is tied for the lead with underdog Frenchman, Mike Lorenzo-Vera who has led since his opening -9 63, and shows no signs of cracking under the pressure, considering last week and last year's winner Tommy Fleetwood is at 67 68 70 -11 and of course Rory McIlroy 64, 74 65 is at -13.

It would appear between these 4 although there are others who will likely be going for broke before the winter break. ( Keep in mind the 2020 wrap around season gets under way in South Africa in two weeks time)

Rory says he figured out why his swing was just off during his +2 74 on Friday and he got off to a great start today with a 15 footer for birdie, another at the 2nd, an eagle at 7, birdie at 8 out in 31.
No bogey's and 2 birdies, 35 coming in for his 65.

He and Tommy should be a joy to watch and remember Rahm and Lorenzo-Vera will be watching, right behind them.

I can't help but root for the journeyman from France, who was as sick as a pig starting the week and had this to say. " Winning the Tour Championship is for the big guys, not me, so if I can win it will change my career, give me confidence"

That's just one of the many story lines that will unravel starting at 1.30am EST should you be up and about with me ! So many golf fans on this side of the pond still think this sport ends with the Fed Ex Cup at the end of August.

Just look at what they are missing..

Bryan Angus

Gutsy 67 by Henderson sets up a great weekend at the CME Group Tour Championship

CME Group Tour Championship leaderboard https://www.lpga.com/leaderboard

" I really wanted to get back to par by the ninth hole, that was the difference for me"

Those words from Brooke Henderson moments after signing her card for a terrific -5 67, made even more impressive by her recovery from an unexpected double bogey 7 on her opening hole. Often that will lead to a round that can put you out of contention, however she re grouped, and made birdies at the 4th and 6th to get out in E 36, then her putter got hot, leading to 5 birdies in 6 holes from the 12th, home in 31, and her -9 total has her T3 with Nelly Korda, and they are teeing off together at 11.35am this morning. 

Update: Alena Sharp T24 71 71 -2  has 2 birdies so far today, now -4.

Follow their progress with the live scoring link above.

The leader Sei Young Kim 65 67 -11 is follwed by German star Caroline Masson 68 66 -10.

There are 18 players within 6 shots going into this weekend and watch for defending champion Lexi Thompson and Nelly's older sister Jessica at -7.

Remember this is a winner takes all under the new format, so the reward of $1.5m is massive as is the Race to CME Globe title, before the women head off for the winter.

Bryan Angus

Canadians in round 2 at RSM Classic

PGA Tour RSM Classic leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2020/the-rsm-classic/leaderboard.html

The RSM Classic is held on beautiful Sea Island in Georgia and they play on two different courses until  the cut is made, the Plantation Course (par 72) and the Seaside Course (par 70). The final 2 rounds are on the Seaside.

They are well into round 2 as I write, so follow the live scoring link by clicking above.

There are 5 Canadians this week : Nick Taylor opened with a -5 67 (PL), David Hearn and Mac Hughes had -4 66 (SS), Michael Gligic E 72 (PL), Adam Hadwin -1 71 (PL)

Hughes won here in 2017.

An Aussie, Rhein Gibson is leading late in his second round at -11. The amazing Brendan Todd is going for a third straight win, opening with -6 66 (PL)


Bryan Angus

Rory 10 shots worse in round 2 at DP World Tour Championship

Someone once said " golf is a funny old game" and that someone could well have been Rory McIlroy after he posted a +2 74 earlier in Dubai this morning, 10 shots worse than his masterclass 64 on Thursday.

However at -6 he is 6 shots behind the leader Mike Lorenzo - Vera (63 69 -12). Tommy Fleetwood 68 and Jon Rahm 69 are both at -9.

It is always tough to follow a great round with another, we've seen this time after time. Everything that went well on Thursday for Rory was just off today, missed short putts, sloppy short game, drives just off all equal 37 out 37 in 74.

Speaking of a funny old game, Tyrrell Hatton who won the Turkish Airlines 2 weeks ago is dead last this week after posting a +7 79 today !

More to follow

Bryan Angus

Henderson just 3 shots off the lead after round 1 at CME Group Tour Championship

CME Group Tour Championship leaderboard https://www.lpga.com/leaderboard

"Ok, round 1: get in contention... check"

These were on Brooke Henderson and Alena Sharp's bucket lists after round 1 at this LPGA season finale, the CME Group Tour Championship.

Brooke shot -4 68 T5  while Alena fought back for a -1 71 T22.

Brooke had 3 birdies and a bogey on both nines and used 28 putts which is right on the line in that category.

Alena had 5 birdies sadly 4 bogey's as well.

The leader another South Korean, Sei Young Kim -7 65

Later Brooke was awarded the new Founders Award for the player whose behaviour and deeds best exemplifies the spirit, values and ideals of the LPGA.


Bryan Angus

Follow Brooke Henderson, Alena Sharp at CME Group Tour Championship live scoring

LPGA CME Group Tour Championship live scoreboard https://www.lpga.com/leaderboard

The season finale for the LPGA Tour, the CME Group Tour Championship, is well under way on the Tiburon GC in Naples, Florida under sunny skies, temperatures in the mid 20's Celsius or 70's Fahrenheit.

Follow the live scoring link above including Alena Sharp and Brooke Henderson. For hole by hole coverage just click on their names at the top of the leaderboard.

They are playing for the largest 1st place prize in women's golf $1.5m which is a combination of the $500,000 first prize and the old $1m bonus.

In the past, the CME Group Tour Championship was a 72-woman event, with all players getting into the tournament via the season-long CME points list. There were two competitions going on at the event: the tournament itself, as well as the final fight to get to the top of the points list. Whomever ended the weekend atop that list received a $1 million bonus. 

Rory McIlroy with "the best shot of my year" opens with -8 64 at DP World Tour Championship

European Tour.. DP World Tour Championship leaderboard https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/dp-world-tour-championship-dubai-2019/leaderboard?round=1

Rory McIlroy hit 5 drives over 350 yards today but none of them matched what he described as " the best shot of my year"

After another bomb off the tee on the 645yd par 518th he was 291 yards into the narrow neck of the green, he flushed a 3 wood, straight as an arrow, landing perfectly and rolling exactly pin high 4 feet from the hole. He made the eagle putt to put the icing on a 31 out, 33 in, -8 64. 7 birdies, an eagle with just 1 bogey, just a masterclass, on a day of outstanding play by the top 50 players on the European Tour.

He can't win the Race to Dubai, but is the favourite to scoop the biggest first prize in history, $3m US.

Rory shared that when he arrived home from his win at the WGC HSBC in China into their new house in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, his wife Erica had called in the workmen to build a spectacular trophy case for all of his hardware, which he said " motivated me to push on to do more" 

Rory sold his previous home for $11.5 million and bought Ernie Els 17,000 square foot home on the very exclusive Bear Club.

Frenchman Mike Lorenzo-Vera suffering from a lung infection he picked up in South Africa said "today everything clicked" on his way to a career low -9 63 for the lead. Again, another guy who plays his best when sick!

Big Jon Rahm coming off a 2 month break is one of 5 players who can win the Race to Dubai, started slowly, and closed beautifully with -6 66. Young Engishman Tom Lewis was out early with the clubhouse lead -5 67 T3 with last week's winner at Sun City, Tommy Fleetwood who holed out from the fairway at his first for eagle and had another terrific performance for his 67.

Race to Dubai leader Bernd Weisberger ground out a -2 70.

Playing under overcast skies, without a breath of wind on this Earth course at the Jumeirah Golf Estates, only 18 players were over par. 

Here are the Race to Dubai Rankings https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/rankings/race-to-dubai/rankings/ and you can see who the top 5 are who can win.

Bryan Angus

Rickie Fowler replaces Brooks Koepka on US Presidents Cup team

Presidents Cup rosters https://www.presidentscup.com/

Brooks Koepka has been trying to rehab his knee injury, but with less than a month to go until the Presidents Cup in Melbourne (December 9-15) he has contacted captain Tiger Woods to withdraw.

Woods then advised us that he has replaced Koepka with Rickie Fowler who hasn't played for a couple of months after getting married and going on an extensive honeymoon.

Here is Koepka's statement:

"Today, I am announcing my withdrawal from the U.S. Presidents Cup Team because of my knee injury.  I notified Captain Tiger Woods that despite constant medical care and rehab, I am not able to play golf at this time.  I consider it to be a high honor to be part of the 2019 team and I regret not being able to compete.

Since my injury in Korea, I have been in constant contact with Tiger and assured him that I was making every effort to be 100 percent in time for the Presidents Cup in Australia.  However, I need more time to heal.

I’m sorry I won’t be able to represent the Red, White and Blue this time around and I wish my teammates nothing but the best as they work to retain the Presidents Cup for the USA.”

Bryan Angus

European Tour cancels Hong Kong Open due to " unrest in the city"

For those who haven't been following the turmoil in Hong Kong, the city, for 99 years a colony of Britain has been transitioning to life under Chinese rule for since the British charter expired in 1997.

Hong Kong has a pro western,vibrant capitalist economy and many business's are not happy with the Chinese take over and not to over simplify matters violent protests have been erupting, threatening the city's stability.

Here is the edited statement from the European Tour :

Regretfully the European Tour, in conjunction with our tournament co-sanctioning partner at the Asian Tour, has taken the decision to postpone next week’s Hong Kong Open, scheduled for the Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling from November 28 to December 1. An attempt will be made to reschedule the tournament to early 2020

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the European Tour, said: “The decision has been taken due to the ongoing level of social unrest in Hong Kong. As the safety of our players, staff, stakeholders and everyone involved in each and every one of our tournaments around the world is our top priority, we feel this is the correct, but unfortunate, course of action

Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Asian Tour said: “It is regrettable that the Hong Kong Open has to be postponed due to the ongoing unrest in the city.

“The unpredictability of the current situation in Hong Kong makes it very challenging to sanction the tournament especially with the safety of everyone of utmost importance. However, we are optimistic that once the situation in Hong Kong stabilises, we will be in a better position to sanction the 61st edition of the Hong Kong Open in the very near future "

Bryan Angus.

Canadian Aaron Cockerill qualifies for European Tour

European Tour Q school qualifiers https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/final-qualifying-stage-lumine-2019/leaderboard?round=1

A great big Congratulations to Aaron Cockerill for finishing T5 after 6 rounds of European Tour School to gain full playing privileges for the 2020 season.

With rounds of 73 66 69 67 68 69 412 -16 he is one of 28 players who qualified on the Lumine GC in Tarragona Spain. 

He is from Stony Mountain, Manitoba. He played this year on the Challenge Tour after 3 years on the MacKenzie Tour PGA Tour Canada. He is a graduate of the University of Idaho.

The winner at 403 -25 was Benjamin Poke from Denmark who also played on the Challenge Tour this year.


Bryan Angus

Brooke Henderson, Alena Sharp in action at CME Group Tour season finale this week

LPGA CME Group Tour Championship final field https://www.lpga.com/tournaments/cme-group-tour-championship/final-field

Race to CME CLOBE Projected Points Standing https://www.lpga.com/race-to-cme-globe/projected-points-standing


The season wraps up for the LPGA Tour this weekend with the CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Florida and Brooke Henderson (2) and Alena Sharp (46) will wrap up their seasons with it.

Last year Thailand's Ariya Jutanugarn swept the board. This year the leader is South Korean star Jin Young Ko who is ranked #1, as well as being the Player of the Year and the ANNIKA Major Award winner (Ana Inspiration and the Evian Championship).

She is also is in the lead to win the Vare Trophy (low scoring average). She was second overall to Ariya last year.

The field is the top 60 and ties based on points accrued during the regular season. The points have been reset this year and the old $1m dollar bonus has been added to the $500,000 1st place prize thus giving anyone of the players to win the whole $1.5m and the Race to CME Globe. In other words the season long points total don't matter this week, it's winner take all.


Bryan Angus


    

Brendon Todd comeback story continues with win at the Mayakoba Golf Classic

PGA Tour Mayakoba Golf Classic final leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2020/mayakoba-golf-classic/leaderboard.html

Brendon Todd got up-and-down for par on the final hole Monday morning to close with a 3-under 68 and win the Mayakoba Golf Classic, his second straight victory in a remarkable turnaround.

Early this morning, Todd was tied with Vaughn Taylor when they were among 12 players who had to return to El Camaleon to complete the rain-delayed tournament. 

He holed an 18-foot birdie putt on the 15th hole but missed a 4 foot par putt on the 16th.

He then made pars on 17 and 18 to get to -20, while Taylor had a 15-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole that stopped right on the lip.

Taylor shot 68 and tied for second with Carlos Ortiz and Adam Long at -19.

Todd was 47 under par in his last 8 rounds which is remarkable considering he was suffering from  the full-swing yips. He was so bad he disappeared down the world ranking and lost his status the last three seasons. Playing when he could on Past Champion status, he had made just six of his previous 47 cuts when he entered this 2019 year. 

Canadian scores: Nick Taylor T26, 67 70 70 69 -8, David Hearn T41,  69 70 71 68 -6, Graham DeLaet  T58 68 71 72 71 -2.

Ben Silverman, Roger Sloan, Mac Hughes, Michael Gligic all missed the cut.


Bryan Angus

Tommy Fleetwood shoots 65 to win Nedbank Golf Challenge

European Tour Nedbank Golf Challenge final scoreboard https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/nedbank-golf-challenge-hosted-by-gary-player-2019/results

With 4 birdies and 3 eagles and finally fantastic clutch chip and par putt on the first playoff hole Tommy Fleetwood shot -7 65 to emerge from the pack to win this year's Nedbank Golf Challenge.

The final group Zander Lombard 77, Louis Oosthuizen 75 and Thomas Detry 74 all fell back.

Fleetwood was 6 shots off the lead at the start of the round and his back to back eagles at 9,10 really got him going then a third eagle after the shot of the week at the 14th, 290 yard fairway wood to within 8 feet had him right in contention at -12.

Marcus Kinhult from Sweden shot a solid 68 for his -12 to send them both into a playoff at the par 4 18th.

He hit a tree with his drive, eventually landing greenside with his 3rd. Tommy's drive skipped through the fairway bunker into the thick rough, From an awkward stance he smashed a long iron long and right of the green up against the grandstand.

After a drop he played a delicate lofted pitch which rolled down to 5' and made the putt for his four and the championship. 

It was his first win in 22 months, but during that time he has made 41 straight cuts worldwide.

Tommy now moves right up to 2nd place in next week's finale to the Race to Dubai, right behind leader, Bernd Wiesberger.

"It's such a great, great thing and a feeling to be playing with a chance to win the Race to Dubai in the last event. Everybody starts the Tour at the start of the season to get there and to be one of the guys that can actually finish at the top is very special.

"At a young age now you have a chance to set your family up for life and I think of all my achievements that's the thing I'm most proud of.

Opinion : So often pros take advantage when they need to, by smashing their approach shots over all the hazards in and around the green, into the grandstand because they get a free drop.

I'm not sure if Tommy would have chose his approach shot if the stands were OB incurring a 1 shot penalty. Probably not which means he and Marcus, who made 5, would still be playing.

Bryan Angus

Zander Lombard looks for his 1st win, leads Oosthuizen into final round at the Nedbank Golf Challenge

European Tour Nedbank Golf Challenge leaderboard https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/nedbank-golf-challenge-hosted-by-gary-player-2019/leaderboard

South African rookie Zander Lombard missed eight consecutive cuts earlier this year but has found his form recently and he ground out a E 72 this morning to take a one shot lead into the final round looking for a first European Tour win at the event they call Africa's Major, the Nedbank Golf Challenge.

At -11 he is a shot ahead of Louis Oosthuizen (71) and Thomas Detry (69) who were his playing partners, and will be again tomorrow.

It looks like a three man race, but they tournament organizers are taking some criticism for extremely tough pin placements, and the Gary Player CC cannot be attacked if players are not in the fairway.

Despite a double bogey the tall slim Belgian Detry played the best of the three, while Louis who used only 24 putts on Thursday used 34 in his 72 yesterday and another 31 today.
Lombard was 3 over on his front nine but fought back and had this to say.

"I just couldn't get it going today. I didn't really make any mistakes, I just missed two or three fairways that really put me behind the eight ball and you can't attack this golf course if you're not in the fairway.

I don't want to sound cocky but it's been a long time coming. I've really made big strides in how I do things on and off the golf course. It's nice to get some feedback and some results from the hard work.

Bryan Angus