European Tour Saudi International leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2019/tournamentid=2019014/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard
As many of us in North America are caught in the grip of this frigid polar vortex I am watching the inaugural Saudi International half way around the world in the heat of Saudi Arabia.
TV has as way of zooming in on its target so at first glance it could be just another tournament and it's not until they pan around that you begin to see the surrounds..
Initial thoughts : It's obviously brand new, the course isn't a year old and it reminds me of Dubai 30 years ago without all the skyscrapers surrounding it.
: Thomas Pieters shot 63 -7 in the early calm conditions to lead the first round by 2 shots. As Patrick Reed mentioned, when the Desert wind blows in the afternoon it's a much tougher test.
: The top players are being paid enormous appearance fees and are all housed in first class accommodations at the site so they are being very gracious in their praise. So take that into consideration.
: Remember the European Tour can't play in Europe early in their schedule due to winter so the Middle East has become a great place for them to expand into. For sure each country has its own set of traditions and rules of behaviour and Saudis record on human rights is not great to say the least. However they could argue that also may apply to many other places in the world where pro golf is being played.
: In all of the Middle Eastern countries the local people are not playing the game. Rich ruling families are encouraging tourism to replace oil as a major source of income so a televised pro golf tournament on courses they have built is a great way to promote. Dubai in the UAE leads the way but countries like Turkey, Qatar and now Saudi Arabia are following suit.
Of the marquee names Patrick Reed -3, Bryson DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Ian Poulter, Henrik Stenson all -2. Brooks Koepka and Sergio Garcia -1 Justin Rose E.
Bryan Angus
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Monday, January 28, 2019
Statement from European Tour re the penalty to Li Haotong
As I mentioned in yesterday's post on the 2 shot penalty assessed by the referee on Li Haotong because his caddy paused briefly behind him as he was taking his stance to tap in his final putt has caused a controversy. Caddies are not allowed to stand behind their player to help him with the line of his putt.
What is more unfair is that DeChambeau who has just been brilliant with 4 wins in his last nine outings, constantly breaks the 40 second rule players are allowed to take a shot once they begin their pre shot routine. DeChambeau, dubbed the "scientist" takes up to 90 seconds with his caddie to assess everything including "air density", and is never punished.
Here is the statement released minutes ago from CEO Keith Pelley
"There has been much discussion and comment over the past 24 hours on the two-shot penalty given to Li Haotong for his breach of Rule 10.2b (4) on the 18th green of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic."
‘Let me state initially that, under the new Rules of Golf issued on January 1, 2019, the decision made by our referees was correct, under the strict wording of the rules. It is my strong belief, however, that the fact there is no discretion available to our referees when implementing rulings such as this is wrong and should be addressed immediately.
‘Everyone I have spoken to about this believes, as I do, that there was no malice or intent from Li Haotong, nor did he gain any advantage from his, or his caddie’s split-second actions. Therefore the subsequent two shot penalty, which moved him from T3 in the tournament to T12, was grossly unfair in my opinion.
‘In an era where we are striving to improve all aspects of golf, we need to be careful and find the proper balance between maintaining the integrity of the game and promoting its global appeal.
‘I have spoken personally to R&A Chief Executive Martin Slumbers to voice my opposition to the fact there is no discretion available to our referees in relation to this ruling, and I will be making additional representation to the R&A in the near future to discuss the matter further.’
Li Haotong’s caddie was on a direct line behind the ball when he began to take his stance on the 18th green. The player’s caddie must not stand behind the player for any reason when a player begins taking a stance. Haotong could have avoided the penalty if he had backed off the stroke and retaken his stance. He did not, hence a two-stroke penalty applied to his score on 18.
Bryan Angus
What is more unfair is that DeChambeau who has just been brilliant with 4 wins in his last nine outings, constantly breaks the 40 second rule players are allowed to take a shot once they begin their pre shot routine. DeChambeau, dubbed the "scientist" takes up to 90 seconds with his caddie to assess everything including "air density", and is never punished.
Here is the statement released minutes ago from CEO Keith Pelley
"There has been much discussion and comment over the past 24 hours on the two-shot penalty given to Li Haotong for his breach of Rule 10.2b (4) on the 18th green of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic."
‘Let me state initially that, under the new Rules of Golf issued on January 1, 2019, the decision made by our referees was correct, under the strict wording of the rules. It is my strong belief, however, that the fact there is no discretion available to our referees when implementing rulings such as this is wrong and should be addressed immediately.
‘Everyone I have spoken to about this believes, as I do, that there was no malice or intent from Li Haotong, nor did he gain any advantage from his, or his caddie’s split-second actions. Therefore the subsequent two shot penalty, which moved him from T3 in the tournament to T12, was grossly unfair in my opinion.
‘In an era where we are striving to improve all aspects of golf, we need to be careful and find the proper balance between maintaining the integrity of the game and promoting its global appeal.
‘I have spoken personally to R&A Chief Executive Martin Slumbers to voice my opposition to the fact there is no discretion available to our referees in relation to this ruling, and I will be making additional representation to the R&A in the near future to discuss the matter further.’
------
10.2b(4) - Restriction on caddie standing behind player – explanationLi Haotong’s caddie was on a direct line behind the ball when he began to take his stance on the 18th green. The player’s caddie must not stand behind the player for any reason when a player begins taking a stance. Haotong could have avoided the penalty if he had backed off the stroke and retaken his stance. He did not, hence a two-stroke penalty applied to his score on 18.
Bryan Angus
Sunday, January 27, 2019
Justin Rose wins 10th PGA Tour win at Farmers Insurance. Canadian scores.
PGA Tour Farmers Insurance final leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2019/farmers-insurance-open/leaderboard.html
Justin Rose is coached by my pal, and former Fairways golf analyst, Canadian Sean Foley and together they have come up with the game plan that has made "Rosey" the world's #1 player.
He has changed to the new Honma equipment this year without missing a beat and today has added a 10th PGA Tour win to his glossy resume, winning the Farmers Insurance by 2 shots over Adam Scott after a final round 69 -21 total
He will now fly from San Diego to Saudi Arabia for next week's first pro golf tournament in that controversial Middle East country.
Mac Hughes was the top Canadian T28 -8, Adam Svensson T35 -7, Nick Taylor T43 -5, Ben Silverman T62 -2.
Tiger Woods wasn't in contention but ended up T20 -10. Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Jason Day all T5 -14. Adam Scott had his best finish in years, 2nd at -19 after switching to a new arm lock putter using the claw grip. It was his best week of putting since 2016.
Bryan Angus
Justin Rose is coached by my pal, and former Fairways golf analyst, Canadian Sean Foley and together they have come up with the game plan that has made "Rosey" the world's #1 player.
He has changed to the new Honma equipment this year without missing a beat and today has added a 10th PGA Tour win to his glossy resume, winning the Farmers Insurance by 2 shots over Adam Scott after a final round 69 -21 total
He will now fly from San Diego to Saudi Arabia for next week's first pro golf tournament in that controversial Middle East country.
Mac Hughes was the top Canadian T28 -8, Adam Svensson T35 -7, Nick Taylor T43 -5, Ben Silverman T62 -2.
Tiger Woods wasn't in contention but ended up T20 -10. Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Jason Day all T5 -14. Adam Scott had his best finish in years, 2nd at -19 after switching to a new arm lock putter using the claw grip. It was his best week of putting since 2016.
Bryan Angus
DeChambeau wins his 1st European Tour event, Omega Dubai Desert Classic
European Tour Omega Dubai Desert Classic final scoreboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2019/tournamentid=2019012/leaderboard/index.html#/results
We are in the grips of an Arctic wintry blast with blowing snow early here on Sunday morning in Toronto, nearly -20*c and I am watching young Bryson DeChambeau lapping a strong European Tour field on the other side of the world at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in perfect conditions, hot and sunny.
He has won his 1st International event in record setting form shooting 64 for -24, 8 shots ahead of playing partner and last year's winner Haotong Li.
In 2nd place at -17 is Matt Wallace and joining Li at -16 are stars in their own right including Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter
Veteran broadcaster Jay Townsend was moved to say " Besides Tiger, I haven't seen anyone play this well in a long long time"..
In his last nine starts he has had 4 wins and the rest were all within T20.!
Next week he will join Justin Rose, Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson for the first ever pro tournament in Saudi Arabia.
Haotong Li has been assessed a 2 shot penalty because his caddie stood behind him briefly as he was taking his stance to tap in his final putt. Caddies are not allowed to help players line up to the appropriate line of a putt by standing behind them. This is going to cause a ballyhoo as there was no intent whatsoever, and Li had not taken his stance.
Bryan Angus
We are in the grips of an Arctic wintry blast with blowing snow early here on Sunday morning in Toronto, nearly -20*c and I am watching young Bryson DeChambeau lapping a strong European Tour field on the other side of the world at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in perfect conditions, hot and sunny.
He has won his 1st International event in record setting form shooting 64 for -24, 8 shots ahead of playing partner and last year's winner Haotong Li.
In 2nd place at -17 is Matt Wallace and joining Li at -16 are stars in their own right including Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter
Veteran broadcaster Jay Townsend was moved to say " Besides Tiger, I haven't seen anyone play this well in a long long time"..
In his last nine starts he has had 4 wins and the rest were all within T20.!
Next week he will join Justin Rose, Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson for the first ever pro tournament in Saudi Arabia.
Haotong Li has been assessed a 2 shot penalty because his caddie stood behind him briefly as he was taking his stance to tap in his final putt. Caddies are not allowed to help players line up to the appropriate line of a putt by standing behind them. This is going to cause a ballyhoo as there was no intent whatsoever, and Li had not taken his stance.
Bryan Angus
Saturday, January 26, 2019
Things are looking "Rosey" at the Farmers Insurance
PGA Tour Farmers Insurance leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2019/farmers-insurance-open/leaderboard.html
Justin Rose may be the most under rated world #1, at least on this side of the pond. He garners none of the hullabaloo of Dustin Johnson, or Justin Thomas, or Jordan Spieth just to name three.
He just quietly goes about his business like the tall English gentleman that he is, never boastful, almost self depreciating, but don't be fooled, he is the iron fist in the velvet glove.
Remember he won the Fed Ex Cup last year, was within a stroke of winning the Race to Dubai the year before. He stature on the European Tour is legendary already, even though he has lived in Florida for a decade now.
He is leading this Farmers Insurance at Torrey Pines by 3 shots after posting an opening -9 63 then a -6 66 on the more difficult south course to get to -15 he has made only one bogey in 2 rounds. He has 9 PGA Tour victories including the 2013 US Open.
Japan's Hideki Matsuyama is 3 behind 66,66 -12, coming off a poor 2018 season. Jon Rahm, Billy Horschel and Ryan Palmer are all in the top five at -10
Rory McIlroy posted the low score -7 65 on the North, he's at -8. Tiger is T48, 70 70 -4.
As for the Canadians, Adam Svensson shot -5 67 and is T18 at -7. Ben Silverman T39 -5, Mac Hughes T47 -4, Nick Taylor currently -4 on course in round 3.
Incidentally Jordan Spieth is paired with Patrick Reed today and they squelched all speculation about their dislike for each other with a big hug on the first tee this morning.
Bryan Angus
Justin Rose may be the most under rated world #1, at least on this side of the pond. He garners none of the hullabaloo of Dustin Johnson, or Justin Thomas, or Jordan Spieth just to name three.
He just quietly goes about his business like the tall English gentleman that he is, never boastful, almost self depreciating, but don't be fooled, he is the iron fist in the velvet glove.
Remember he won the Fed Ex Cup last year, was within a stroke of winning the Race to Dubai the year before. He stature on the European Tour is legendary already, even though he has lived in Florida for a decade now.
He is leading this Farmers Insurance at Torrey Pines by 3 shots after posting an opening -9 63 then a -6 66 on the more difficult south course to get to -15 he has made only one bogey in 2 rounds. He has 9 PGA Tour victories including the 2013 US Open.
Japan's Hideki Matsuyama is 3 behind 66,66 -12, coming off a poor 2018 season. Jon Rahm, Billy Horschel and Ryan Palmer are all in the top five at -10
Rory McIlroy posted the low score -7 65 on the North, he's at -8. Tiger is T48, 70 70 -4.
As for the Canadians, Adam Svensson shot -5 67 and is T18 at -7. Ben Silverman T39 -5, Mac Hughes T47 -4, Nick Taylor currently -4 on course in round 3.
Incidentally Jordan Spieth is paired with Patrick Reed today and they squelched all speculation about their dislike for each other with a big hug on the first tee this morning.
Bryan Angus
DeChambeau on line for his first "international" win at Omega Dubai Desert Classic
European Tour Omega Dubai Desert Classic leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2019/tournamentid=2019012/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y#/leaderboard
Bryson DeChambeau remains on course to achieve his dream of winning his first overseas victory this week after producing a -4 68 earlier this morning to take a one-shot lead into the final round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
The "scientist" as the European commentators call he fired six birdies and two bogeys to get to -16 for a one-stroke lead over defending champion Chinese star Li Haotong with 18 holes remaining.
Li closed his third-round -5 67 with back-to-back birdies to sit alone in second place, two shots ahead of three time winner Ernie Els (70) and Matt Wallace on (69) -13.
All DeChambeau has to do is watch Els in the group in front of him tomorrow for inspiration to become a truly International player. Ernie continues to travel the world, in fact Gary Player who really pioneered circling the globe to play golf, says he has travelled some 15 million miles in his storied career. DeChambeau's six wins have all come in the USA.
Lucas Herbert (72) who had led alongside DeChambeau after 36 holes, Challenge Tour graduate Kalle Samooja (68) 2011 winner Alvaro Quiros (71) and Thorbjørn Olesen (68) were then in a T5 on -12 under.
The "scientist" as the European commentators call he fired six birdies and two bogeys to get to -16 for a one-stroke lead over defending champion Chinese star Li Haotong with 18 holes remaining.
Li closed his third-round -5 67 with back-to-back birdies to sit alone in second place, two shots ahead of three time winner Ernie Els (70) and Matt Wallace on (69) -13.
All DeChambeau has to do is watch Els in the group in front of him tomorrow for inspiration to become a truly International player. Ernie continues to travel the world, in fact Gary Player who really pioneered circling the globe to play golf, says he has travelled some 15 million miles in his storied career. DeChambeau's six wins have all come in the USA.
Lucas Herbert (72) who had led alongside DeChambeau after 36 holes, Challenge Tour graduate Kalle Samooja (68) 2011 winner Alvaro Quiros (71) and Thorbjørn Olesen (68) were then in a T5 on -12 under.
After his third round, DeChambeau said: "I can't express to you how awesome it would be to win on the European Tour. I'm still leading, obviously. It's fantastic. I couldn't be displeased with that but my expectation levels are for how I know I can perform, and I feel like I'm under-performing a little bit.
"I'm still in the lead, still got the job done. I made it happen when necessary and hopefully I can have one more of those days and maybe even a better-ball striking day."
Bryan Angus
(europeantour.com)
"I'm still in the lead, still got the job done. I made it happen when necessary and hopefully I can have one more of those days and maybe even a better-ball striking day."
Bryan Angus
(europeantour.com)
Friday, January 25, 2019
Els rolls back the clock at Omega Dubai Desert Open
European Tour Omega Dubai Desert Open leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2019/tournamentid=2019012/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y#/leaderboard
While Aussie Lucas Herbert (63) and world #5 Bryson DeChambeau (66) lead the Omega Dubai Desert Open going into the weekend with the lead at -12, many in the golf world are watching perennial favourite Ernie Els who is rolling back the clock this week, with scores of 68 65 -11 good for T2 with former Spanish star Alvero Quiros (69 64).
Ernie turns 50 in October and hasn't been truly competitive world wide over the last 5 years, including here in Dubai, but his record at this event over his career has been superb, top-ten finishes in his first 11 appearances at the event including three victories, three times T2 and three T3.
While Aussie Lucas Herbert (63) and world #5 Bryson DeChambeau (66) lead the Omega Dubai Desert Open going into the weekend with the lead at -12, many in the golf world are watching perennial favourite Ernie Els who is rolling back the clock this week, with scores of 68 65 -11 good for T2 with former Spanish star Alvero Quiros (69 64).
Ernie turns 50 in October and hasn't been truly competitive world wide over the last 5 years, including here in Dubai, but his record at this event over his career has been superb, top-ten finishes in his first 11 appearances at the event including three victories, three times T2 and three T3.
"I like this place, as you know, I've had some really great times here. I'm swinging well, my body feels well. I'm just happy with the first two days. I see the scoring is really good. I see the scoring slowing down a little bit over the weekend in the afternoons. The greens were getting a little firmer, faster, but if you get it in the fairway, give yourself second-shot opportunities and the putter has been working, so it's been fun"
"It's great coming back, especially later in your career now. I meet up with friends I've met from 25-26 years ago, and in certain ways things don't change, but in many ways it does. It's just great to come back to Dubai and seeing the changes that have gone on here in the last quarter century. It's been amazing. I'm running out of time but enjoying it."
"It's great coming back, especially later in your career now. I meet up with friends I've met from 25-26 years ago, and in certain ways things don't change, but in many ways it does. It's just great to come back to Dubai and seeing the changes that have gone on here in the last quarter century. It's been amazing. I'm running out of time but enjoying it."
"We try and play the game to win tournaments and do as good as you can. I've had a good time. I've been a professional for a very long time, and I've got one more year before I'm 50. I'm only 50 in October, so I'll try and have a good year this year and just try and enjoy it. You've got to keep going. As I say, I think it might play a little tougher over the weekend and in the afternoons if the wind comes. But I think still just keep the foot on the pedal, try and make some birdies."
"I think -20 is probably where you need to be or maybe even more. There's still a lot of work to be done."
Els is currently on 299 career top-ten finishes from nearly 800 starts as a professional and has won 28 times on the European Tour, including 4 majors.
Bryan Angus
(europeantour.com)
while defending champion Haotong Li, qualifier Callum Shinwin, Frenchman Matthieu Pavon and Matt Wallace and Australian Jason Scrivener were all at ten under par.
Rahm's record 62 leads Farmers Insurance...Canadian scores
PGA Tour Farmer's Insurance leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html
The PGA Tour is at Torrey Pines this week playing the usual 2 courses, North and the championship South.
Big Jon Rahm opened with an eagle on the North and never looked back posting a career best -10 62 to take the early lead at this Farmers Insurance Championship.
He's a shot ahead of Justin Rose and Doug Ghim who both posted 63 on the North. Ghim was the low amateur at last year's Masters
Jordan Spieth is back in contention with his -7 65 on the North while Tiger Woods shot -2, 70 on the South.
There are 5 Canadians in the field. Ben Silverman leads the way -4 68 while Mac Hughes, Roger Sloan, Nick Taylor and Adam Svensson all shot -2 70's.
The players all switch courses today with the South playing 2 shots tougher. After the cut tonight both rounds on the weekend are on the South.
Remember Tiger in his prime won around here 8 times as an amateur and pro.
Bryan Angus
The PGA Tour is at Torrey Pines this week playing the usual 2 courses, North and the championship South.
Big Jon Rahm opened with an eagle on the North and never looked back posting a career best -10 62 to take the early lead at this Farmers Insurance Championship.
He's a shot ahead of Justin Rose and Doug Ghim who both posted 63 on the North. Ghim was the low amateur at last year's Masters
Jordan Spieth is back in contention with his -7 65 on the North while Tiger Woods shot -2, 70 on the South.
There are 5 Canadians in the field. Ben Silverman leads the way -4 68 while Mac Hughes, Roger Sloan, Nick Taylor and Adam Svensson all shot -2 70's.
The players all switch courses today with the South playing 2 shots tougher. After the cut tonight both rounds on the weekend are on the South.
Remember Tiger in his prime won around here 8 times as an amateur and pro.
Bryan Angus
Thursday, January 24, 2019
Fitzpatrick leads packed leaderboard at Omega Dubai Desert Classic
European Tour Omega Dubai Desert Classic leaderboard http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2019/tournamentid=2019012/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y#/leaderboard
After their Christmas break the European Tour is off and running with their first event of 2019 and it was Matthew Fitzpatrick who finished with four straight birdies to open up a one-shot lead at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, but he has a stellar chasing pack breathing down his neck.
After their Christmas break the European Tour is off and running with their first event of 2019 and it was Matthew Fitzpatrick who finished with four straight birdies to open up a one-shot lead at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, but he has a stellar chasing pack breathing down his neck.
Fitzpatrick made eight birdies, including six on the back nine, along with a single bogey in trickier afternoon conditions on Thursday for a -7 65, jumping out of the large group at -6 and into first place.
Defending champion Haotong Li was another stroke further back on -5 following a day of impressive scoring at Emirates Golf Club. Nearly three quarters of the field are at par or better in ideal conditions.
There are no Canadians in the field.
Bryan Angus
(europeantour.com)
"I've just added a bit of extra length to my driver, so it's given me a few yards to help get on in two on the last because I've never been able to do that. And then, just wedging it a lot better has given me a few more chances coming in. I do like the golf course. It's tough, you've got to hit fairways, you've got to hit greens and I think it does suit my game if I'm playing well. So it's nice to be able to get off to a good start and three more rounds like that would be nice"
Sergio Garcia and Bryson DeChambeau were among those one shot behind Fitzpatrick after producing sparkling 66s in the morning, alongside Scott Hend, Matthieu Pavon, Thongchai Jaidee and Kalle Samooja, and later starters Callum Shinkwin and Romain Langasque.Defending champion Haotong Li was another stroke further back on -5 following a day of impressive scoring at Emirates Golf Club. Nearly three quarters of the field are at par or better in ideal conditions.
There are no Canadians in the field.
Bryan Angus
(europeantour.com)
Monday, January 21, 2019
Hadwin pipped at the last in the Desert Classic, Henderson T6 in Florida
PGA Tour https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2019/desert-classic/leaderboard.html
Adam Hadwin really has the measure of the Desert Classic. He plays the PGA West, the Stadium and La Quinta courses as well as anyone and this year was no different. After shooting a tournament record 59 in 2017 and finishing T2, then T3 last year, he found himself tied for the lead this weekend with playing partner Phil Mickelson for much of the day, a shot or two ahead of Adam Long the 31 year old graduate of the Web.com Tour who was also in the final pairing.
It was Long who closed the best of the three, making 4 birdies in his final 7 holes including a 15 footer at the last for his -7 65 and the winning -26 total, a shot better than Hadwin who made a par the last for a 67 T2 -25, along with Mickelson who shot 69.
Hadwin will miss the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Club in San Diego to rest for a week before playing in the Waste Management Phoenix Open in Arizona that starts on Jan. 31. He’s also scheduled to play in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in Pebble Beach, Calif., starting Feb. 7 and the Genesis Open at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif., which begins Feb. 14.
Roger Sloan shot 65 T12 at -17 while Adam Svensson 69 T16 at -16.
LPGA Tour Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/leaderboard
Meanwhile in blustery conditions at Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Brooke Henderson struggled to +4 75 finishing at 65 67 69 75 -8 good for a T6 at the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions which is the LPGA season opener. I'm sure Brooke will be happy to start the year with a top 10 finish.
Scoring soared in the wind. Lydia Ko who was tied with Brooke going into the final round shot 77, while world #1 Ariya Jutanugarn shot 75,75 over the weekend.
A Florida based South Korean called Eun Hee Ji shot 70 and won with a -14 total two shots ahead of Aussie Mirim Lee. Ji is 32 and this was her 5th LPGA win. She is also now 40th in the all time LPGA money list.
Bryan Angus
Adam Hadwin really has the measure of the Desert Classic. He plays the PGA West, the Stadium and La Quinta courses as well as anyone and this year was no different. After shooting a tournament record 59 in 2017 and finishing T2, then T3 last year, he found himself tied for the lead this weekend with playing partner Phil Mickelson for much of the day, a shot or two ahead of Adam Long the 31 year old graduate of the Web.com Tour who was also in the final pairing.
It was Long who closed the best of the three, making 4 birdies in his final 7 holes including a 15 footer at the last for his -7 65 and the winning -26 total, a shot better than Hadwin who made a par the last for a 67 T2 -25, along with Mickelson who shot 69.
Hadwin will miss the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Club in San Diego to rest for a week before playing in the Waste Management Phoenix Open in Arizona that starts on Jan. 31. He’s also scheduled to play in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am in Pebble Beach, Calif., starting Feb. 7 and the Genesis Open at Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif., which begins Feb. 14.
Roger Sloan shot 65 T12 at -17 while Adam Svensson 69 T16 at -16.
LPGA Tour Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions leaderboard http://www.lpga.com/leaderboard
Meanwhile in blustery conditions at Lake Buena Vista, Florida, Brooke Henderson struggled to +4 75 finishing at 65 67 69 75 -8 good for a T6 at the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions which is the LPGA season opener. I'm sure Brooke will be happy to start the year with a top 10 finish.
Scoring soared in the wind. Lydia Ko who was tied with Brooke going into the final round shot 77, while world #1 Ariya Jutanugarn shot 75,75 over the weekend.
A Florida based South Korean called Eun Hee Ji shot 70 and won with a -14 total two shots ahead of Aussie Mirim Lee. Ji is 32 and this was her 5th LPGA win. She is also now 40th in the all time LPGA money list.
Bryan Angus
Sunday, January 20, 2019
Henderson, Hadwin both in 2nd place going into Sunday
Hi all I'm up here at Mashkinonje Lodge on Lake Nipissing near North Bay, for an ice fishing weekend with the boys. It's -44*c with the windchill on a beautiful sunny Sunday. I've finally got the satellite up and running and much to the dismay of my football, hockey loving buddies I managed to catch up what's happening under much warmer sunny skies in California and Florida.
Brooke Henderson is off to a flying start as they go into the final round at the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions in Buena Vista, Florida.
She is at -12 just a shot behind leader Lydia Ko at -13
Meanwhile out in LA Quinta, California Adam Hadwin is in 2nd at the Desert Classic, 2 shots behind Phil Mickelson . Remember Hadwin finished 2nd here last year and also holds the tournament record of 59.
He shot a -7 65 to get to -20. Mickelson who won here in 2002 and 2004 opened with a 60 and has led all the way in his first outing since he beat Tiger Woods in their match in Las Vegas. He is at -22 and will be in the final pairing with Hadwin today.
Bryan Angus
Brooke Henderson is off to a flying start as they go into the final round at the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions in Buena Vista, Florida.
She is at -12 just a shot behind leader Lydia Ko at -13
Meanwhile out in LA Quinta, California Adam Hadwin is in 2nd at the Desert Classic, 2 shots behind Phil Mickelson . Remember Hadwin finished 2nd here last year and also holds the tournament record of 59.
He shot a -7 65 to get to -20. Mickelson who won here in 2002 and 2004 opened with a 60 and has led all the way in his first outing since he beat Tiger Woods in their match in Las Vegas. He is at -22 and will be in the final pairing with Hadwin today.
Bryan Angus
Tuesday, January 15, 2019
Weekend wrap and a look ahead at this week
Congratulations to a great week at the Sony Open for Corey Conners. If you've been following along you'll know that he had to Monday qualify just to get in the field then went on to shoot 64 64 on the weekend to finish T3 behind Matt Kuchar who won by 4 shots.
As a result Connors has now won $833,813 in 6 events and is up to 19th on the PGA Tour money list. Remember he T2 back in October at the Sanderson Farms.
He is one of eight Canucks in the field for this week's Desert Classic (the old Bob Hope) along with 2003 winner Mike Weir, Adam Hadwin, David Hearn, Ben Silverman, Adam Svensson, Nick Taylor and Roger Sloan.
The LPGA has a new event, the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions at Lake Buena Vista in Florida. It's an invitational for winners only over the past 2 years. Brooke Henderson is in the field.
Meanwhile the seniors on the Champions Tour play the Mitsubisi Electric Championship where Stephen Ames is the lone Canadian.
FYI the Web.com Tour which is in the Bahamas this week has scrapped it's playoff format and will have a new year long points system that will determine the top 75 players who will make it into the Tour final.
The European Tour resumes in Abu Dhabi this week where Tommy Fleetwood will try to win it for the third straight year. Of note Brooks Koepka is in the field.
Bryan Angus
As a result Connors has now won $833,813 in 6 events and is up to 19th on the PGA Tour money list. Remember he T2 back in October at the Sanderson Farms.
He is one of eight Canucks in the field for this week's Desert Classic (the old Bob Hope) along with 2003 winner Mike Weir, Adam Hadwin, David Hearn, Ben Silverman, Adam Svensson, Nick Taylor and Roger Sloan.
The LPGA has a new event, the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions at Lake Buena Vista in Florida. It's an invitational for winners only over the past 2 years. Brooke Henderson is in the field.
Meanwhile the seniors on the Champions Tour play the Mitsubisi Electric Championship where Stephen Ames is the lone Canadian.
FYI the Web.com Tour which is in the Bahamas this week has scrapped it's playoff format and will have a new year long points system that will determine the top 75 players who will make it into the Tour final.
The European Tour resumes in Abu Dhabi this week where Tommy Fleetwood will try to win it for the third straight year. Of note Brooks Koepka is in the field.
Bryan Angus
Sunday, January 13, 2019
Connors 64 T5, leads Canadians at Sony Open..live scoreboard
PGA tour Sony Open leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html
Corey Connors had to Monday qualify for this Sony Open, and as we go into today's final round, he certainly has made the most of his opportunity.
With rounds of 68 67 64 -11 he finds himself T5, trailing leader Matt Kucher 63 63 66 -18 by seven shots. Still when you consider he is playing with house money, a steady round today will give he and his sponsors a very nice paycheck, and since he has gotten better every round, there's no telling what might happen.
He leads the Canadian contingent. Roger Sloan T14 is right behind him 69 65 66 -10, Adam Svensson 61 74 70 -5, T48, Adam Hadwin T68 73 65 70 -2, Mac Hughes MDF 70 68 73+1.
David Hearn, Ben Silverman missed the cut.
Andrew Putnam is 2nd at -16, Chez Reavie and Keith Mitchell are at -14. Watch out for Bryson DeChambeau who shot 63 yesterday and is at -11
Bryan Angus
Corey Connors had to Monday qualify for this Sony Open, and as we go into today's final round, he certainly has made the most of his opportunity.
With rounds of 68 67 64 -11 he finds himself T5, trailing leader Matt Kucher 63 63 66 -18 by seven shots. Still when you consider he is playing with house money, a steady round today will give he and his sponsors a very nice paycheck, and since he has gotten better every round, there's no telling what might happen.
He leads the Canadian contingent. Roger Sloan T14 is right behind him 69 65 66 -10, Adam Svensson 61 74 70 -5, T48, Adam Hadwin T68 73 65 70 -2, Mac Hughes MDF 70 68 73+1.
David Hearn, Ben Silverman missed the cut.
Andrew Putnam is 2nd at -16, Chez Reavie and Keith Mitchell are at -14. Watch out for Bryson DeChambeau who shot 63 yesterday and is at -11
Bryan Angus
Saturday, January 12, 2019
Sloan surges T12 , Svensson slumps, Kuchar leads at Sony Open
PGA Tour Sony Open leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2019/sony-open-in-hawaii/leaderboard.html
Roger Sloan ( @RogerSloan87 ) posted a bogey free -5 65 to surge up the Sony Open ( @SonyOpenHawaii ) leaderboard to T12 at -6 while his fellow countryman Adam Svensson who grabbed all the headlines on Thursday with his -9 61, was 13 shots worse, slumping to a 74 and out of contention T20 -5.
Veteran Matt Kuchar shot his 2nd straight 63 to lead going into the weekend at -14, one shot ahead of Andrew Putman (65) at -13. Chez Reavie (65) and Stewart Cink (62) were four behind. Reavie had a remarkable round as he holed out for eagle three times from the fairway from 101 yards on No. 10 at the start of his round; from 149 yards on No. 16, and from 135 yards on No. 6.
As I mentioned yesterday it is not unusual for golfers to have a poor round after they shoot a career best. It is difficult mentally not to keep making comparisons and you can see how the veterans like Kuchar draw on their vast experience to block out the day before and keep relying on what is working well for them each day. Remember Svensson is only playing his 6th PGA Tour event and he will learn from this.
Corey Conners 67, T20 -5, Adam Hadwin 65 and Mac Hughes 68, both T65th at -2.
David Hearn and Ben Silverman both missed the cut. Jordan Spieth who is still struggling to find the form that made him America's poster boy has also missed the cut.
Bryan Angus
Roger Sloan ( @RogerSloan87 ) posted a bogey free -5 65 to surge up the Sony Open ( @SonyOpenHawaii ) leaderboard to T12 at -6 while his fellow countryman Adam Svensson who grabbed all the headlines on Thursday with his -9 61, was 13 shots worse, slumping to a 74 and out of contention T20 -5.
Veteran Matt Kuchar shot his 2nd straight 63 to lead going into the weekend at -14, one shot ahead of Andrew Putman (65) at -13. Chez Reavie (65) and Stewart Cink (62) were four behind. Reavie had a remarkable round as he holed out for eagle three times from the fairway from 101 yards on No. 10 at the start of his round; from 149 yards on No. 16, and from 135 yards on No. 6.
As I mentioned yesterday it is not unusual for golfers to have a poor round after they shoot a career best. It is difficult mentally not to keep making comparisons and you can see how the veterans like Kuchar draw on their vast experience to block out the day before and keep relying on what is working well for them each day. Remember Svensson is only playing his 6th PGA Tour event and he will learn from this.
Corey Conners 67, T20 -5, Adam Hadwin 65 and Mac Hughes 68, both T65th at -2.
David Hearn and Ben Silverman both missed the cut. Jordan Spieth who is still struggling to find the form that made him America's poster boy has also missed the cut.
Bryan Angus
Friday, January 11, 2019
How about Adam Svensson leading the Sony Open!
PGA Tour Sony Open leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2019/sony-open-in-hawaii/leaderboard.html
Here's a nice story to begin this 2019. After 3 years on the Web.com Tour Adam Svensson graduated to become one of eight Canadians with status on the PGA Tour.
As many in the east were asleep Adam in only his 6th start fired a career best, bogey free -9 61 on the venerable old Waialea CC which included 7 birdies and an eagle 3 on the par 5 9th. He takes a 1 shot lead over Andrew Putnam going into the 2nd round.
“It was all a blur, I don’t even remember which holes I birdied.” he said in his post round interview.
The 25 year old rookie from Surrey BC started on the 1st and made 2 birdies and capped his front nine with that eagle on the 9th, out in 31 strokes. With the wind dying down, he then made 5 birdies, including 4 in a row to go come back in 30 including a birdie 4 at the last.
He hit 16/18 GIR and used just 25 putts including a 50 footer at the 11th.
His only win on the Web.com was the second event last year at the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic which turned out to be good enough to stay in the top 25 on the money list the rest of the year to reach the PGA Tour.
Corey Conners, -2,68, Roger Sloan -1 69. Nick Taylor, David Hearn and Mackenzie Hughes all E 70. Ben Silverman +171 and Adam Hadwin +2 72 round out the Canadian scoring.
Andrew Putnam had a four-shot lead among the early starters with his 62. By the end of the day, Matt Kuchar had a 63, and 75 players from the 144-man field were under par.
Jordan Spieth shot +3 73, so will need a low round today just to make the cut.
It is notoriously difficult to produce another low score the round after a career best, however with the Waialea course proving to be an east test for today's pros, it will be important for Adam to post something under par today, to stay up with the leading pack come this weekend.
Bryan Angus
Here's a nice story to begin this 2019. After 3 years on the Web.com Tour Adam Svensson graduated to become one of eight Canadians with status on the PGA Tour.
As many in the east were asleep Adam in only his 6th start fired a career best, bogey free -9 61 on the venerable old Waialea CC which included 7 birdies and an eagle 3 on the par 5 9th. He takes a 1 shot lead over Andrew Putnam going into the 2nd round.
“It was all a blur, I don’t even remember which holes I birdied.” he said in his post round interview.
The 25 year old rookie from Surrey BC started on the 1st and made 2 birdies and capped his front nine with that eagle on the 9th, out in 31 strokes. With the wind dying down, he then made 5 birdies, including 4 in a row to go come back in 30 including a birdie 4 at the last.
He hit 16/18 GIR and used just 25 putts including a 50 footer at the 11th.
His only win on the Web.com was the second event last year at the Bahamas Great Abaco Classic which turned out to be good enough to stay in the top 25 on the money list the rest of the year to reach the PGA Tour.
Corey Conners, -2,68, Roger Sloan -1 69. Nick Taylor, David Hearn and Mackenzie Hughes all E 70. Ben Silverman +171 and Adam Hadwin +2 72 round out the Canadian scoring.
Andrew Putnam had a four-shot lead among the early starters with his 62. By the end of the day, Matt Kuchar had a 63, and 75 players from the 144-man field were under par.
Jordan Spieth shot +3 73, so will need a low round today just to make the cut.
It is notoriously difficult to produce another low score the round after a career best, however with the Waialea course proving to be an east test for today's pros, it will be important for Adam to post something under par today, to stay up with the leading pack come this weekend.
Bryan Angus
Thursday, January 10, 2019
David Hearn added to Sony Open field .. Live scoreboard
PGA Tour Sony Open leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2019/sony-open-in-hawaii/leaderboard.html
I mentioned there were 7 Canadians in this week's Sony Open in my last post. I'll upgrade that to 8 after David Hearn has been given a spot in the field off the alternative list.
Bryan Angus
I mentioned there were 7 Canadians in this week's Sony Open in my last post. I'll upgrade that to 8 after David Hearn has been given a spot in the field off the alternative list.
Bryan Angus
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Seven Canadians in the Sony Open field this week.
Full field for the 2019 Sony Open https://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/sony-open-in-hawaii/field.html
With Corey Connors Monday qualifying after a bogey free -5 67 at the Hoakalel CC in Honolulu, there will be 7 Canadians kicking off this 2019 year at the Sony Open this Thursday at the venerable Waialae Country Club.
He'll be joined by Adam Hadwin, Roger Sloan, Mac Hughes, Ben Silverman, Adam Svensson, and Nick Taylor. David Hearn is listed as an alternative
Patton Kizzire won the 2018 title on the 6th playoff hole.
Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth are the headliners. Thomas shot his record tying 59 here two years ago.
Bryan Angus
With Corey Connors Monday qualifying after a bogey free -5 67 at the Hoakalel CC in Honolulu, there will be 7 Canadians kicking off this 2019 year at the Sony Open this Thursday at the venerable Waialae Country Club.
He'll be joined by Adam Hadwin, Roger Sloan, Mac Hughes, Ben Silverman, Adam Svensson, and Nick Taylor. David Hearn is listed as an alternative
Patton Kizzire won the 2018 title on the 6th playoff hole.
Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth are the headliners. Thomas shot his record tying 59 here two years ago.
Bryan Angus
Padraig Harrington to captain European Ryder Cup team in 2020
Padraig Harrington has been named as the European Captain for The 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin from September 25 – 27, 2020.
The three-time Major Champion has a storied Ryder Cup career, having represented Europe six times as a player – including being part of four triumphs – while latterly he has brought his extensive experience to the role of Vice-Captain in the past three editions of the biennial contest.
The 47 year old joins Paul McGinley (2014) and Darren Clarke (2016), as professionals from the island of Ireland to lead Europe and will be hoping to emulate the last European triumph on American soil – at Medinah in 2012 – as Europe defend the trophy won memorably at Le Golf National last September.
As a player, Harrington made his Ryder Cup debut at The Country Club in Brookline in 1999 and was ever-present for the following five editions, helping Europe to victory in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2010.
He was named as Vice-Captain for the first time by fellow Dubliner McGinley for the victory at Gleneagles in 2014, a role he returned to in 2016 at Hazeltine National under Darren Clarke, and again last September in France under Denmark’s Thomas Bjørn.
The former European Number One has collected 30 titles worldwide and famously secured his first Major in The 2007 Open Championship at Carnoustie, defeating Sergio Garcia in a play-off. He successfully defended the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale the following year and became the first European to win back-to-back Majors when he added the 2008 US PGA Championship at Oakland Hills a few weeks later.
Harrington was chosen as Europe’s 2020 Ryder Cup captain by a five-man selection panel comprising the three most recent European Ryder Cup Captains – Bjørn, Clarke and McGinley – as well as the Chief Executive of the European Tour, Keith Pelley, and European Tour Tournament Committee representative Edoardo Molinari.
Harrington said: “It is a tremendous honour to be named Ryder Cup Captain and I am relishing the next 20 months as we work towards Whistling Straits and Europe’s defence of the trophy.
“I have played under, and been involved with, many wonderful European captains since I made my debut in the contest 20 years ago and I would like to think that my captaincy will be a mix of all of them. I am very much looking forward to taking on this role.”
The Irishman claimed a total of 10½ points over his six Ryder Cup appearances, starting at Brookline in 1999, when he teamed up with Miguel Ángel Jiménez in the day one foursomes to halve with Davis Love III and Payne Stewart before claiming his maiden singles victory, defeating Mark O’Meara by one hole.
His first experience of a European victory came in the next edition at The Belfry in 2002 where he took two points from his four matches – partnering Colin Montgomerie to beat Phil Mickelson and David Toms in the fourballs and defeating Mark Calcavecchia 5 and 4 in the singles.
Harrington’s greatest single match points haul of four from five matches came in Europe’s record-breaking 18½ - 9½ victory at Oakland Hills in 2004. He resumed his partnership with Montgomerie to defeat Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods in the fourballs and Davis Love III and Fred Funk in the foursomes, before teaming up with McGinley to beat Love III and Woods in the foursomes, before rounding off with a singles win over Jay Haas.
He was part of another stunning win by the same scoreline two years later, this time on home soil at The K Club in County Kildare, before rounding off his playing career in the contest as part of Europe’s dramatic 14½ - 13½ triumph at The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales in 2010, partnering Ross Fisher to victory over Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson in the foursomes and Jim Furyk and Dustin Johnson in the fourballs.
Bryan Angus
(europeantour.com)
The three-time Major Champion has a storied Ryder Cup career, having represented Europe six times as a player – including being part of four triumphs – while latterly he has brought his extensive experience to the role of Vice-Captain in the past three editions of the biennial contest.
The 47 year old joins Paul McGinley (2014) and Darren Clarke (2016), as professionals from the island of Ireland to lead Europe and will be hoping to emulate the last European triumph on American soil – at Medinah in 2012 – as Europe defend the trophy won memorably at Le Golf National last September.
As a player, Harrington made his Ryder Cup debut at The Country Club in Brookline in 1999 and was ever-present for the following five editions, helping Europe to victory in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2010.
He was named as Vice-Captain for the first time by fellow Dubliner McGinley for the victory at Gleneagles in 2014, a role he returned to in 2016 at Hazeltine National under Darren Clarke, and again last September in France under Denmark’s Thomas Bjørn.
The former European Number One has collected 30 titles worldwide and famously secured his first Major in The 2007 Open Championship at Carnoustie, defeating Sergio Garcia in a play-off. He successfully defended the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale the following year and became the first European to win back-to-back Majors when he added the 2008 US PGA Championship at Oakland Hills a few weeks later.
Harrington was chosen as Europe’s 2020 Ryder Cup captain by a five-man selection panel comprising the three most recent European Ryder Cup Captains – Bjørn, Clarke and McGinley – as well as the Chief Executive of the European Tour, Keith Pelley, and European Tour Tournament Committee representative Edoardo Molinari.
Harrington said: “It is a tremendous honour to be named Ryder Cup Captain and I am relishing the next 20 months as we work towards Whistling Straits and Europe’s defence of the trophy.
“I have played under, and been involved with, many wonderful European captains since I made my debut in the contest 20 years ago and I would like to think that my captaincy will be a mix of all of them. I am very much looking forward to taking on this role.”
The Irishman claimed a total of 10½ points over his six Ryder Cup appearances, starting at Brookline in 1999, when he teamed up with Miguel Ángel Jiménez in the day one foursomes to halve with Davis Love III and Payne Stewart before claiming his maiden singles victory, defeating Mark O’Meara by one hole.
His first experience of a European victory came in the next edition at The Belfry in 2002 where he took two points from his four matches – partnering Colin Montgomerie to beat Phil Mickelson and David Toms in the fourballs and defeating Mark Calcavecchia 5 and 4 in the singles.
Harrington’s greatest single match points haul of four from five matches came in Europe’s record-breaking 18½ - 9½ victory at Oakland Hills in 2004. He resumed his partnership with Montgomerie to defeat Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods in the fourballs and Davis Love III and Fred Funk in the foursomes, before teaming up with McGinley to beat Love III and Woods in the foursomes, before rounding off with a singles win over Jay Haas.
He was part of another stunning win by the same scoreline two years later, this time on home soil at The K Club in County Kildare, before rounding off his playing career in the contest as part of Europe’s dramatic 14½ - 13½ triumph at The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales in 2010, partnering Ross Fisher to victory over Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson in the foursomes and Jim Furyk and Dustin Johnson in the fourballs.
Bryan Angus
(europeantour.com)
Herb Page's bio...
golfcanada.com
Herb Page…
Born March 16, 1951 in Markham, Ont., Herb Page has been a fixture on the Kent State University campus since arriving as an undergraduate three-sport student-athlete (golf, football and hockey) in 1970. Nearly 50 years later, now the university's director of golf, Page has grown to become one of the most respected golf coaches in the world.
For more than 40 years, Page has been an untiring coach to his players and a terrific ambassador for the game of golf. Even after decades of significant accomplishments under his direction, the Kent State Golden Flashes golf program continues to reach new heights. He has built an empire in the Mid-American Conference with a legacy that seems to grow stronger with each passing year. He has led the Golden Flashes to 23 Mid-American Conference (MAC) titles and 28 NCAA Regional appearances - advancing to the NCAA Championship 18 times during that span. Kent State won three NCAA Regional titles (1993, 2001 and 2010) and earned top-10 National finishes in 2000 (9th), 2008 (6th), 2012 (5th) and 2018 (10th). Page has garnered 24 MAC Coach of the Year awards (1983-1984, 1990-1996, 1998-2001, 2003, 2005-2006, 2009-2010, 2012-2014, 2016-2018) during his distinguished career.
He helped to develop countless golfers who have gone on to enjoy successful professional golf careers and opened a pathway for numerous Canadians to pursue NCAA post-secondary golf. Canuck alums who have been coached and recruited by Page include David Morland IV (1987–1991), Bryan DeCorso (1991–1995), Ryan Yip (2002–2006), Mackenzie Hughes (2008–2012), Corey Conners (2010-2014), Taylor Pendrith (2010-2014) and Jon Mills (1998–2002), who now serves as Page’s assistant coach with Kent State. Other notables among the nearly 30 Canadians to play at Kent State under Page include Brian Tisdelle, Paul DeCorso, Ron Reycraft, Chuck Crawford, Spencer Dobbs, Josh Whalen, Billy Walsh, Danny Sahl, Mark Bourgeois J.P. Paiement and Dustin Risdon, as well as current player Johnny Travale and future player Chris Vendette, who has committed to the school starting next year.
Page, who coached two PGA TOUR winners, also mentored Kent State graduate Ben Curtis, who claimed the 2003 Open Championship as well as a runner-up finish at the 2008 PGA Championship, before retiring from competitive golf to open his own golf academy.
He also played an instrumental role in the 1997 launch of the women’s golf program at Kent State, opening a post-secondary for path for Canadian women from B.C., Alberta, Ontario and Quebec including Jennifer Ha, Kira Miexner, Josee Doyon, Taylor Kim and Kirby Dreher as well as Veronique Drouin who is Women’s Head Coach at Oklahoma and Jan Dowling who is Women’s Head Coach at Michigan.
Among his many career honours and achievements, Page has been inducted into the Golf Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame (2003), Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame (2005), Northern Ohio Golf Association Hall of Fame (2012) and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame (2012). He is a past winner of the Golf Coaches of America Labron Harris Award (2008) and was selected to coach the International team at the 2018 Arnold Palmer Cup.
Page and his wife, Dr. Paula Treckel, reside in Kent, Ohio.
Herb Page…
Born March 16, 1951 in Markham, Ont., Herb Page has been a fixture on the Kent State University campus since arriving as an undergraduate three-sport student-athlete (golf, football and hockey) in 1970. Nearly 50 years later, now the university's director of golf, Page has grown to become one of the most respected golf coaches in the world.
For more than 40 years, Page has been an untiring coach to his players and a terrific ambassador for the game of golf. Even after decades of significant accomplishments under his direction, the Kent State Golden Flashes golf program continues to reach new heights. He has built an empire in the Mid-American Conference with a legacy that seems to grow stronger with each passing year. He has led the Golden Flashes to 23 Mid-American Conference (MAC) titles and 28 NCAA Regional appearances - advancing to the NCAA Championship 18 times during that span. Kent State won three NCAA Regional titles (1993, 2001 and 2010) and earned top-10 National finishes in 2000 (9th), 2008 (6th), 2012 (5th) and 2018 (10th). Page has garnered 24 MAC Coach of the Year awards (1983-1984, 1990-1996, 1998-2001, 2003, 2005-2006, 2009-2010, 2012-2014, 2016-2018) during his distinguished career.
He helped to develop countless golfers who have gone on to enjoy successful professional golf careers and opened a pathway for numerous Canadians to pursue NCAA post-secondary golf. Canuck alums who have been coached and recruited by Page include David Morland IV (1987–1991), Bryan DeCorso (1991–1995), Ryan Yip (2002–2006), Mackenzie Hughes (2008–2012), Corey Conners (2010-2014), Taylor Pendrith (2010-2014) and Jon Mills (1998–2002), who now serves as Page’s assistant coach with Kent State. Other notables among the nearly 30 Canadians to play at Kent State under Page include Brian Tisdelle, Paul DeCorso, Ron Reycraft, Chuck Crawford, Spencer Dobbs, Josh Whalen, Billy Walsh, Danny Sahl, Mark Bourgeois J.P. Paiement and Dustin Risdon, as well as current player Johnny Travale and future player Chris Vendette, who has committed to the school starting next year.
Page, who coached two PGA TOUR winners, also mentored Kent State graduate Ben Curtis, who claimed the 2003 Open Championship as well as a runner-up finish at the 2008 PGA Championship, before retiring from competitive golf to open his own golf academy.
He also played an instrumental role in the 1997 launch of the women’s golf program at Kent State, opening a post-secondary for path for Canadian women from B.C., Alberta, Ontario and Quebec including Jennifer Ha, Kira Miexner, Josee Doyon, Taylor Kim and Kirby Dreher as well as Veronique Drouin who is Women’s Head Coach at Oklahoma and Jan Dowling who is Women’s Head Coach at Michigan.
Among his many career honours and achievements, Page has been inducted into the Golf Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame (2003), Northern Ohio PGA Hall of Fame (2005), Northern Ohio Golf Association Hall of Fame (2012) and Ontario Golf Hall of Fame (2012). He is a past winner of the Golf Coaches of America Labron Harris Award (2008) and was selected to coach the International team at the 2018 Arnold Palmer Cup.
Page and his wife, Dr. Paula Treckel, reside in Kent, Ohio.
Rod Spittle's bio..
golfcanada.com
Rod Spittle…
Born July 18, 1955 in St. Catharines, Ont., Rod Spittle had a successful amateur career, finishing runner-up at the 1973 Canadian Junior and winning the 1977 and 1978 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championships while playing Division I golf at Ohio State. Provincially he also helped Ontario win back to back Willingdon Cups (1977-78). During his collegiate golf career, Spittle helped the Buckeyes win the BIG Ten Championship three consecutive years (1976-1978) alongside teammates John Cook and Joey Sindelar, who both went on to enjoy successful professional golf careers that included PGA TOUR victories.
After graduating in 1978 with a degree in Business Administration, Spittle opted to focus on supporting his family by selling insurance for 25 years and continuing his passion for the game in amateur golf. He won a pair of Columbus (Ohio) District Amateur Championships (1989 and 1987) and three Columbus (Ohio) District Mid-Amateur titles (1994, 1995 and 1997). He went on to claim the Ohio Mid-Am Championship three times (2000, 2001 and 2003) prior to turning professional in 2004, shortly before turning 50.
Spittle and his wife, Ann, left their regular jobs behind and made a 5-year plan to fulfill the dream of playing professional golf. In 2009, four years into that plan, Spittle’s goal of being a full-time Tour professional took a severe hit after he failed to secure PGA TOUR Champions status and did not play in a single event.
In 2010, the final year of the five-year plan, Spittle was forced to Monday qualify into events. Playing with limited status, Spittle got into only five events the entire 2010 season. He Monday qualified into the final event of the year, the AT&T Championship, and in a storybook ending, he played stellar golf all week and beat Jeff Sluman in a playoff for his first-ever professional title. Just like that, his dream of playing professional golf, nearly dead and gone, gained new life with a full exemption for 2011 as a PGA TOUR Champions winner.
In 195 starts over his 13-year PGA TOUR Champions career, Spittle missed just five cuts and earned more than $4M in prize money. He never missed more than one cut in any year, and played nine full seasons without missing a single cut. He had a pair of runner-up finishes, a pair of third-place finishes and had 23 top-10s. He played his final PGA TOUR Champions event on home soil, finishing T17 at the 2018 Shaw Charity Classic.
On a personal level, he and his wife Ann have three children (Leslie, Steve and John) and seven grandchildren. The Spittle’s proudly support Special Olympics initiatives in their hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Spittle was inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in 2013.
Rod Spittle…
Born July 18, 1955 in St. Catharines, Ont., Rod Spittle had a successful amateur career, finishing runner-up at the 1973 Canadian Junior and winning the 1977 and 1978 Canadian Men’s Amateur Championships while playing Division I golf at Ohio State. Provincially he also helped Ontario win back to back Willingdon Cups (1977-78). During his collegiate golf career, Spittle helped the Buckeyes win the BIG Ten Championship three consecutive years (1976-1978) alongside teammates John Cook and Joey Sindelar, who both went on to enjoy successful professional golf careers that included PGA TOUR victories.
After graduating in 1978 with a degree in Business Administration, Spittle opted to focus on supporting his family by selling insurance for 25 years and continuing his passion for the game in amateur golf. He won a pair of Columbus (Ohio) District Amateur Championships (1989 and 1987) and three Columbus (Ohio) District Mid-Amateur titles (1994, 1995 and 1997). He went on to claim the Ohio Mid-Am Championship three times (2000, 2001 and 2003) prior to turning professional in 2004, shortly before turning 50.
Spittle and his wife, Ann, left their regular jobs behind and made a 5-year plan to fulfill the dream of playing professional golf. In 2009, four years into that plan, Spittle’s goal of being a full-time Tour professional took a severe hit after he failed to secure PGA TOUR Champions status and did not play in a single event.
In 2010, the final year of the five-year plan, Spittle was forced to Monday qualify into events. Playing with limited status, Spittle got into only five events the entire 2010 season. He Monday qualified into the final event of the year, the AT&T Championship, and in a storybook ending, he played stellar golf all week and beat Jeff Sluman in a playoff for his first-ever professional title. Just like that, his dream of playing professional golf, nearly dead and gone, gained new life with a full exemption for 2011 as a PGA TOUR Champions winner.
In 195 starts over his 13-year PGA TOUR Champions career, Spittle missed just five cuts and earned more than $4M in prize money. He never missed more than one cut in any year, and played nine full seasons without missing a single cut. He had a pair of runner-up finishes, a pair of third-place finishes and had 23 top-10s. He played his final PGA TOUR Champions event on home soil, finishing T17 at the 2018 Shaw Charity Classic.
On a personal level, he and his wife Ann have three children (Leslie, Steve and John) and seven grandchildren. The Spittle’s proudly support Special Olympics initiatives in their hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Spittle was inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame in 2013.
Rod Spittle and Herb Page make it into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame
Golf Canada
OAKVILLE, Ont. – The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum today announced that amateur and professional golf standout, Rod Spittle, as well as celebrated collegiate golf coach Herb Page have been selected for 2019 induction into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.
OAKVILLE, Ont. – The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame and Museum today announced that amateur and professional golf standout, Rod Spittle, as well as celebrated collegiate golf coach Herb Page have been selected for 2019 induction into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame.
"The Canadian Golf Hall of Fame strives to recognize the outstanding achievements of golf’s greatest players and supporters and it’s an absolute privilege to welcome Rod Spittle and Herb Page as our newest honoured members," said Sandra Post, Chair of the Hall of Fame's Selection Committee. "Rod was an accomplished player at the amateur level and later as a professional, while Herb has made a significant impact in the lives of countless student-athletes through his long tenure with Kent State’s golf program. I know I speak on behalf of the entire selection committee as well as the honoured members when I say they are both very deserved of their appointments.”
“I am humbled and thrilled beyond words to be inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame,” said Spittle. “It is an honour to be recognized and included in this group of golf ambassadors and elite players, the induction will be even more special for me since the ceremony will be hosted at Hamilton Golf Club, where my dad caddied as a youngster and where I won my first Canadian Amateur in 1977.”
With his induction, Page becomes the 25th person inducted into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame’s builder category and the first-ever coach.
“It’s been an honour and a pleasure to have the opportunity to help so many young student-athletes grow both on and off the course,” said Page from his home in Ohio. “It’s always great to be recognized for your hard work and this nomination is extra special, but the real gratification comes from seeing players mature into outstanding people.”
Spittle and Page officially join the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony that will take place Tuesday, June 4th, 2019 during RBC Hall of Fame Day as part of the 2019 RBC Canadian Open on the grounds of Hamilton Golf and Country Club
Saturday, January 5, 2019
PGA Tour season is under way in Hawaii
Some sports have the most rugged training imaginable, runners, boxers, martial arts, hockey, rugby etc all are pushed to the limits of physical and mental endurance.
Others not so much, baseball comes to mind, and so did golf. The olden days of Gary Player being the only fitness fanatic on tour have long since gone however, just look at the physiques on today's young guns and you will be reminded.
However the Champions Tour is still the old guys with their old ways, Bernhard Langer is the notable fitness guru there, and as a result, along with a ton of talent and steely determination he is head and shoulders the star of the seniors. Stephen Ames for example, filled his twitter account with pictures of him lying on a hammock drinking beers in the Turks and Caicos for a month, he's been "practising" in Hawaii for the last two weeks.
Both tours are in Hawaii to kick off 2019, many bring their families for a holiday, it's a pretty easy place to slip into the new year.
This week the PGA Tour plays the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Kapalua, its the invitational for the 33 players who won last year. Gary Woodland has the lead 67,67 -12. Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau and Kevin Tway are all at -9.
https://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html
Next week is the first full field event, The Sony Open in Honolulu at the Waialae Club, before they fly back to the west coast swing in California.
Meanwhile the senior circuit opens up next week with the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai Golf Club, then they're off until February 8 where they re surface at the Oasis Championship in Boca Raton.
I'll be covering it all here as always and I hope you will as well. You can copy http://fairwaysplus.com into your phone and my posts will fall into your Inbox automatically.
All the very best !
Bryan Angus
Others not so much, baseball comes to mind, and so did golf. The olden days of Gary Player being the only fitness fanatic on tour have long since gone however, just look at the physiques on today's young guns and you will be reminded.
However the Champions Tour is still the old guys with their old ways, Bernhard Langer is the notable fitness guru there, and as a result, along with a ton of talent and steely determination he is head and shoulders the star of the seniors. Stephen Ames for example, filled his twitter account with pictures of him lying on a hammock drinking beers in the Turks and Caicos for a month, he's been "practising" in Hawaii for the last two weeks.
Both tours are in Hawaii to kick off 2019, many bring their families for a holiday, it's a pretty easy place to slip into the new year.
This week the PGA Tour plays the Sentry Tournament of Champions in Kapalua, its the invitational for the 33 players who won last year. Gary Woodland has the lead 67,67 -12. Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau and Kevin Tway are all at -9.
https://www.pgatour.com/leaderboard.html
Next week is the first full field event, The Sony Open in Honolulu at the Waialae Club, before they fly back to the west coast swing in California.
Meanwhile the senior circuit opens up next week with the Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai Golf Club, then they're off until February 8 where they re surface at the Oasis Championship in Boca Raton.
I'll be covering it all here as always and I hope you will as well. You can copy http://fairwaysplus.com into your phone and my posts will fall into your Inbox automatically.
All the very best !
Bryan Angus
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