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
Friday, November 29, 2019
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 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
Wednesday, November 27, 2019
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
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
Monday, November 25, 2019
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
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
Sunday, November 24, 2019
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
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
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
Saturday, November 23, 2019
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
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
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
" 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
Friday, November 22, 2019
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
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
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
Thursday, November 21, 2019
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
"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.
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
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
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
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.
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
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
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
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
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
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
Monday, November 18, 2019
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.
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
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
Sunday, November 17, 2019
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.
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
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
Saturday, November 16, 2019
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.
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
Round 2 underway at rain delayed Mayakoba Golf Classic.. Canadian scores .. live leaderboard
PGA Tour Mayakoba Golf Classic leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2020/mayakoba-golf-classic/leaderboard.html
When round two got underway early this morning at this Mayakoba Golf Classic there were 86 players at -1 or better. The stats data suggests the cut will fall at -2, and the top 65 and ties will move on to a probable Monday finish, as play was completely washed out on Thursday.
They are playing off split tees, paired in threesomes to make up as much time as possible.
The overnight leader Danny Lee (62 -9) doesn't tee off until 11.30am, you can follow all the live scoring on my link above.
Canadian 1st round scores: Nick Taylor -4 67, Graham DeLaet -3 68, David Hearn -2 69, Mac Hughes -1 70, Michael Gligic -1 70, Roger Sloan +1 72, Ben Silverman +2 73.
Bryan Angus
When round two got underway early this morning at this Mayakoba Golf Classic there were 86 players at -1 or better. The stats data suggests the cut will fall at -2, and the top 65 and ties will move on to a probable Monday finish, as play was completely washed out on Thursday.
They are playing off split tees, paired in threesomes to make up as much time as possible.
The overnight leader Danny Lee (62 -9) doesn't tee off until 11.30am, you can follow all the live scoring on my link above.
Canadian 1st round scores: Nick Taylor -4 67, Graham DeLaet -3 68, David Hearn -2 69, Mac Hughes -1 70, Michael Gligic -1 70, Roger Sloan +1 72, Ben Silverman +2 73.
Bryan Angus
Friday, November 15, 2019
Lombard passes Oosthuizen to take the halfway lead at the Nedbank Golf Challenge... live scoreboard
European Tour Nedbank Golf Challenge leaderboard https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/nedbank-golf-challenge-hosted-by-gary-player-2019/leaderboard
Zander Lombard led the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit last year and today the burly South African had one of the rounds of his career, a -7 65 to grab the lead going into the weekend at this Nedbank Golf Challenge on the Gary Player CC.
At -11 he leads Louis Oosthuizen who follwed his opening 63 with a grinding E 72 to stand 2nd alone. He looked uncomfortable at times today following his bout passing kidney stones yesterday, and said afterward he felt pain in his lower back on the 14th which he made bogey on, and followed with another on 15 before regaining his concentration coming in.
Lombard played with defending champion Lee Westwood (73) and legend Ernie Els who had one of his worst rounds after an effortless 68 on Thursday he was 13 shots worse,81 !
This Gary Player course is a tough one, and today the pins were tucked after their generous placement in round 1.
Bryan Angus
Zander Lombard led the Sunshine Tour Order of Merit last year and today the burly South African had one of the rounds of his career, a -7 65 to grab the lead going into the weekend at this Nedbank Golf Challenge on the Gary Player CC.
At -11 he leads Louis Oosthuizen who follwed his opening 63 with a grinding E 72 to stand 2nd alone. He looked uncomfortable at times today following his bout passing kidney stones yesterday, and said afterward he felt pain in his lower back on the 14th which he made bogey on, and followed with another on 15 before regaining his concentration coming in.
Lombard played with defending champion Lee Westwood (73) and legend Ernie Els who had one of his worst rounds after an effortless 68 on Thursday he was 13 shots worse,81 !
This Gary Player course is a tough one, and today the pins were tucked after their generous placement in round 1.
Bryan Angus
Kuchar's ex caddie has a new bag as rain delayed Mayakoba Golf Classic gets underway
PGA Tour Mayakoba Golf Classic leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2020/mayakoba-golf-classic/leaderboard.html
After torrential rain wiped out play on Thursday at this Mayakoba Golf Classic, the field got up and at it early this morning, see my custommized link above for live scoring, including the 7 Canadians.
Matt Kuchar is the defending champion, I wrote about him here yesterday. By coincidence the local caddie he cheap skated, David Ortiz is back in the field this week, as a replacement again!
Jason Dufner who has just signed a lucrative new deal with Cobra, withdrew, and the first alternative Rob Oppenheim took the chance and flew from Orlando to Mexico but his regular caddie Dean Emerson couldn't get a flight from Boston.
As a result he met with Ortiz and figured he was "the best option" considering he won with Kuchar last year, and they met during the rain delay. Oppenheim assured the media tent "we have a payment agreement in place"
* Aussie Danny Lee has the clubhouse lead after a -9 62.
Bryan Angus
After torrential rain wiped out play on Thursday at this Mayakoba Golf Classic, the field got up and at it early this morning, see my custommized link above for live scoring, including the 7 Canadians.
Matt Kuchar is the defending champion, I wrote about him here yesterday. By coincidence the local caddie he cheap skated, David Ortiz is back in the field this week, as a replacement again!
Jason Dufner who has just signed a lucrative new deal with Cobra, withdrew, and the first alternative Rob Oppenheim took the chance and flew from Orlando to Mexico but his regular caddie Dean Emerson couldn't get a flight from Boston.
As a result he met with Ortiz and figured he was "the best option" considering he won with Kuchar last year, and they met during the rain delay. Oppenheim assured the media tent "we have a payment agreement in place"
* Aussie Danny Lee has the clubhouse lead after a -9 62.
Bryan Angus
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Oosthuizen goes from sick bay to lead Nedbank Golf Challenge with 63...
European Tour Nedbank Golf Challenge leaderboard https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/nedbank-golf-challenge-hosted-by-gary-player-2019/leaderboard
I'm not sure exactly why, perhaps it's the distraction, but I can't tell you how many times golfers have shot their best rounds when they are under the weather. Just recently Xander Schauffele pushed Rory all the way to the wire at the WGC HSBC championship while he was suffering from a bad case of the flu.
Early this morning in Sun City. Louis Oosthuizen was in the hospital passing kidney stones at 3am never thinking he'd be able to tee it up hours later. He had withdrawn from the Wednesday pro-am.
After some medication he felt well enough to try and play, and went out and shot a magnificent bogey free -9 63 to lead this Nedbank Golf Challenge by 3 shots, to the delight of his fans.
Louis has won 9 times on the European Tour, 5 of them in South Africa, but never this "African Major" although he has been in the top ten, 3 times in his last 4 starts.
" I'm pretty chuffed with this round considering I wasn't sure I could play in the hospital at 3am. Walking fast seemed to aggravate things so I just slowed everything down"
Thomas Detry from Belgium is next at -6. Ernie Els and 3 time winner and defending champion Lee Westwood are at -4 after a tricky day with the swirling winds on the Gary Player GC laid out on the floor of a extinct volcano.
Bryan Angus
I'm not sure exactly why, perhaps it's the distraction, but I can't tell you how many times golfers have shot their best rounds when they are under the weather. Just recently Xander Schauffele pushed Rory all the way to the wire at the WGC HSBC championship while he was suffering from a bad case of the flu.
Early this morning in Sun City. Louis Oosthuizen was in the hospital passing kidney stones at 3am never thinking he'd be able to tee it up hours later. He had withdrawn from the Wednesday pro-am.
After some medication he felt well enough to try and play, and went out and shot a magnificent bogey free -9 63 to lead this Nedbank Golf Challenge by 3 shots, to the delight of his fans.
Louis has won 9 times on the European Tour, 5 of them in South Africa, but never this "African Major" although he has been in the top ten, 3 times in his last 4 starts.
" I'm pretty chuffed with this round considering I wasn't sure I could play in the hospital at 3am. Walking fast seemed to aggravate things so I just slowed everything down"
Thomas Detry from Belgium is next at -6. Ernie Els and 3 time winner and defending champion Lee Westwood are at -4 after a tricky day with the swirling winds on the Gary Player GC laid out on the floor of a extinct volcano.
Bryan Angus
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Record breaking purse at the Nedbank Challenge in Sun City, South Africa... tee times.
European Tour Nedbank Golf Challenge Tee times https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/nedbank-golf-challenge-hosted-by-gary-player-2019/tee-times
The 7th event in the very lucrative European Tour Rolex Series is in one of South Africa's premier resorts, Sun City for what is known as The African Major, the Nedbank Golf Challenge hosted by Gary Player.
Last week in Turkey, Tyrrell Hatton won $2m US, this week's winner will receive a world record $2.5m, only to be topped at next week's Tour Championship finale in Dubai, a staggering $3m to the winner.
The European Tour had always been dwarfed in prestige and the size of tournament purses by the PGA Tour, however the enormous success of Team Europe at the Ryder Cup, and the rise through the world rankings by stars like Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson etal, including current world #1 Rory McIlroy, combined with the leadership of CEO Keith Pelley who is determined to provide a lucrative home for all of his members, many of whom have moved to the comforts of America to maximize their earnings has changed all of that.
This year they will play 47 events in 26 different countries, and while travel is much easier in the USA, European Tour members who relish the chance to see the world while playing the game they love are now very well recompensed for their efforts.
Lee Westwood has won this event 3 times and is the defending champion at the Gary Player Country Club which is celebrating their 40th anniversary.
Click on the link above for Thursday tee times.
Bryan Angus
The 7th event in the very lucrative European Tour Rolex Series is in one of South Africa's premier resorts, Sun City for what is known as The African Major, the Nedbank Golf Challenge hosted by Gary Player.
Last week in Turkey, Tyrrell Hatton won $2m US, this week's winner will receive a world record $2.5m, only to be topped at next week's Tour Championship finale in Dubai, a staggering $3m to the winner.
The European Tour had always been dwarfed in prestige and the size of tournament purses by the PGA Tour, however the enormous success of Team Europe at the Ryder Cup, and the rise through the world rankings by stars like Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson etal, including current world #1 Rory McIlroy, combined with the leadership of CEO Keith Pelley who is determined to provide a lucrative home for all of his members, many of whom have moved to the comforts of America to maximize their earnings has changed all of that.
This year they will play 47 events in 26 different countries, and while travel is much easier in the USA, European Tour members who relish the chance to see the world while playing the game they love are now very well recompensed for their efforts.
Lee Westwood has won this event 3 times and is the defending champion at the Gary Player Country Club which is celebrating their 40th anniversary.
Click on the link above for Thursday tee times.
Bryan Angus
Kuchar returns to scene of his "caddy scandal", Mayakoba Golf Classic.. 7 Canucks in the field.. tee times
PGA Tour Mayakoba Golf Classic tee times https://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/mayakoba-golf-classic/tee-times.html
Many won't remember any of Matt Kuchar's scores in winning this Mayakoba Golf Classic at this time last year, but they sure will remember how he was a cheapskate with his local caddie David Ortiz.
Kuchar won $1.3 million and paid his fill in caddie $5,000, after originally agreeing to pay him $4,000 whether he made the cut or not. Ortiz says he added "if you win 10% for me right?" to which Kuhar said "of course"
When the news came out that Ortiz did nor get his 10% ($130,000) Kuchar compounded his situation saying "$5000 is a big payday for a guy making $200 a day" which Ortiz thought was racial, unacceptable.
Finally bowing to public pressure, Kuchar apologized, saying he was hard headed and stubborn, and paid Ortiz $50,000, less than 5%.
Ortiz says he bought a used BMW and has been requested a lot more to caddy at the El Camaleon GC, the venue for this weeks event, where Kuchar defends his title.
There are 7 Canadians in the field, Ben Silverman who Monday qualified, Nick Taylor, Roger Sloan, Mac Hughes, David Hearn, Graham Delaet and Michael Gligic.
Click the customized link above for tee times.
Bryan Angus
Many won't remember any of Matt Kuchar's scores in winning this Mayakoba Golf Classic at this time last year, but they sure will remember how he was a cheapskate with his local caddie David Ortiz.
Kuchar won $1.3 million and paid his fill in caddie $5,000, after originally agreeing to pay him $4,000 whether he made the cut or not. Ortiz says he added "if you win 10% for me right?" to which Kuhar said "of course"
When the news came out that Ortiz did nor get his 10% ($130,000) Kuchar compounded his situation saying "$5000 is a big payday for a guy making $200 a day" which Ortiz thought was racial, unacceptable.
Finally bowing to public pressure, Kuchar apologized, saying he was hard headed and stubborn, and paid Ortiz $50,000, less than 5%.
Ortiz says he bought a used BMW and has been requested a lot more to caddy at the El Camaleon GC, the venue for this weeks event, where Kuchar defends his title.
There are 7 Canadians in the field, Ben Silverman who Monday qualified, Nick Taylor, Roger Sloan, Mac Hughes, David Hearn, Graham Delaet and Michael Gligic.
Click the customized link above for tee times.
Bryan Angus
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Tyrrell Hatton outlasts Matthias Schwab under the lights to win the Turkish Airlines Open
Tyrrell Hatton outlasted 5 five players including Mattias Schwab in a six man play-off to win the Turkish Airlines Open in the most dramatic setting, ending up under the spectacular floodlit 18th hole at the The Montgomerie Maxx Royal.
European Tour Turkish Airlines final scoreboard https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/turkish-airlines-open-2019
If you missed it there were more twists and turns than Murder on the Orient Express and even Hercule Poirot could not have predicted the outcome.
A birdie on the par5, 72nd hole and the resulting 67 got the grumpy little Englishman a place in the record equaling play-off at -20 along with Frenchmen Benjamin Hebert and Victor Perez, American Kurt Kitayama, South African Erik van Rooyen, and hard luck Austrian Matthias Schwab who had led from the get go, and held off the pack all day, right until his last putt.
"It was a close call, I had some good looks and good chances coming down the stretch in regular play and didn't take advantage of them. In the play-off, it is what it is."
To his credit Hatton had to chip-in to keep his hopes alive on the first playoff hole, but a par was enough to overcome Schwab who missed a four footer at the fourth time around to hand Hatton his fourth European Tour trophy. Hatton had missed a 10 footer of his own to win it outright, and was still grumbling to himself about his bad luck, when Mattias missed his. Kitayama missed a 6 footer of his own for the win on the 3rd playoff hole.
Nobody was a loser in this thrilling finale, the European Tour will be lauded for the dramatic floodlit setting under a full moon no less, however they will be questioned about splitting the 6 finalists up into 2 threesomes, which meant the second threesome had to stand and wait on the tee until the first group had played out of range.
Hatton gets a staggering $2m US payday and a trip to the Masters, while the other 5 who T2 get less than $500,000.
Next week it is a 60 man field in South Africa for the Nedbank Challenge, the second in the last of the Rolex Series, before the Race to Dubai wraps up in the UAE for their Tour Championship.
All these events have been nutured along by the European Tour, most recently headed up by Canadian Keith Pelley whose mandate was to increase purses to become the equivalent of the PGA Tour. For example the Rolex Series has been developed into 8 premier events with huge prize money. The Turkish Airlines sponsorship was nothing more than an 8 man exhibition featuring Tiger Woods six years ago. The Nedbank Challenge was a 12 man exhibition to promote Sun City until it became a full field Rolex Series event 3 years ago.
This morning's finale is as dramatic and exciting as it gets, and being beamed around the world, did nothing but good for the game, the European Tour and the players, not to mention the millions who tuned it in.
Bryan Angus
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Is the Presidents Cup a level playing field for the International Team
Presidents Cup teams https://www.presidentscup.com/
Let me be clear, as a proud Canadian with my Scottish ancestry I root for Europe in the Ryder Cup and the International Team in the Presidents Cup.
You know the record after 12 President Cups is 10-1-1 in favour of the USA, which in my opinion will be the eventual death knell for this event if Ernie Els squad doesn't start to win. and win regularly.
A daunting task, and I think drastic action will need to happen in the selection process if they take it on the chin again, as most suspect they will, albeit at the site of their lone win, Royal Melbourne.
Just looking at the teams on my link above, the Yanks are ridiculously stacked again, with Tiger Woods adding himself, Gary Woodland, Tony Finau and sparkplug Patrick Reed to an already daunting lineup, with Rickie Fowler in the bullpen should world #2 Brooks Keopka be unfit.
Although they have 5 rookies, they are well established, well known, even friends to their established team mates.
Add to that, this International Team has 6 rookies out of their 12, from Mexico, China, Taiwan, Chile, Korea and Australia playing on various other tours besides the PGA Tour.
To that point, Adam Hadwin had this to say about their divergent backgrounds and the unique problems it poses in one of his many interviews after his inclusion by captain Els.
" I think Ernie has done a better job getting us together at various tournaments this past year so that we are at least familiar with each other. In the past we get together for two weeks where ever this event is, it's a different team every time, and we don't really gel until the end of the week, when it's too late.
We have language barriers, cultural differences, different food from each other, not to mention an unfamiliarity with each others games, and equipment."
None of theses issues are applicable to Tiger Woods and Team USA. Is that fair? Is this an even playing field. Even without all those issues this would still be David vs Goliath, but at least David would have his slingshot.
A similar scenario was happening in the Ryder Cup when the mighty USA team with Arnie, Jack, Lee etal, would crush the valiant GB & NIreland team to the point it was a non event to the American public. It was huge in Britain, they rarely got to see the American stars in person.
Finally Jack Nicklaus approached the relevant authorities in the late 70's with a young Spanish superstar called Seve Ballesteros emerging, and suggested the GB & NIre., team be expanded to include Europe.
The rest is history, the Ryder Cup is now arguably the most exciting 3 days in sport.
I realize the Presidents Cup to many, was a chance to get great players from outside Europe into a match play competition, so that Greg Norman and all the great Aussies, Ernie Els and all the great South Africans etal had a forum. It was also great golf fill for the TV networks that they previously didnt have and incidently it's the reason Tiger has been "encouraged" to pick himself this year.
However 10-1-1 is likely to become 11-1-1 and with it being on TV in the middle of the night in North America the ratings numbers, even with Tiger will be low. The International Team has to start being relevant, indeed start winning.
There is no Seve on the horizon, so how about this.
American players competing in the Ryder Cup, cannot play the next year in the Presidents Cup.
Think about it, and if you are rooting for the USA try and see the big picture.
Bryan Angus
Let me be clear, as a proud Canadian with my Scottish ancestry I root for Europe in the Ryder Cup and the International Team in the Presidents Cup.
You know the record after 12 President Cups is 10-1-1 in favour of the USA, which in my opinion will be the eventual death knell for this event if Ernie Els squad doesn't start to win. and win regularly.
A daunting task, and I think drastic action will need to happen in the selection process if they take it on the chin again, as most suspect they will, albeit at the site of their lone win, Royal Melbourne.
Just looking at the teams on my link above, the Yanks are ridiculously stacked again, with Tiger Woods adding himself, Gary Woodland, Tony Finau and sparkplug Patrick Reed to an already daunting lineup, with Rickie Fowler in the bullpen should world #2 Brooks Keopka be unfit.
Although they have 5 rookies, they are well established, well known, even friends to their established team mates.
Add to that, this International Team has 6 rookies out of their 12, from Mexico, China, Taiwan, Chile, Korea and Australia playing on various other tours besides the PGA Tour.
To that point, Adam Hadwin had this to say about their divergent backgrounds and the unique problems it poses in one of his many interviews after his inclusion by captain Els.
" I think Ernie has done a better job getting us together at various tournaments this past year so that we are at least familiar with each other. In the past we get together for two weeks where ever this event is, it's a different team every time, and we don't really gel until the end of the week, when it's too late.
We have language barriers, cultural differences, different food from each other, not to mention an unfamiliarity with each others games, and equipment."
None of theses issues are applicable to Tiger Woods and Team USA. Is that fair? Is this an even playing field. Even without all those issues this would still be David vs Goliath, but at least David would have his slingshot.
A similar scenario was happening in the Ryder Cup when the mighty USA team with Arnie, Jack, Lee etal, would crush the valiant GB & NIreland team to the point it was a non event to the American public. It was huge in Britain, they rarely got to see the American stars in person.
Finally Jack Nicklaus approached the relevant authorities in the late 70's with a young Spanish superstar called Seve Ballesteros emerging, and suggested the GB & NIre., team be expanded to include Europe.
The rest is history, the Ryder Cup is now arguably the most exciting 3 days in sport.
I realize the Presidents Cup to many, was a chance to get great players from outside Europe into a match play competition, so that Greg Norman and all the great Aussies, Ernie Els and all the great South Africans etal had a forum. It was also great golf fill for the TV networks that they previously didnt have and incidently it's the reason Tiger has been "encouraged" to pick himself this year.
However 10-1-1 is likely to become 11-1-1 and with it being on TV in the middle of the night in North America the ratings numbers, even with Tiger will be low. The International Team has to start being relevant, indeed start winning.
There is no Seve on the horizon, so how about this.
American players competing in the Ryder Cup, cannot play the next year in the Presidents Cup.
Think about it, and if you are rooting for the USA try and see the big picture.
Bryan Angus
Calm young gun Matthias Schwab stealing the show at Turkish Airlines Open
Turkish Airlines Open leaderboard https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/turkish-airlines-open-2019/leaderboard
There are 6 rookies on Ernie Els International team in the upcoming Presidents Cup. They come from China, Taiwan, Columbia, Korea, Mexico and Australia. My point is that there are young guns that many of you don't know playing all around the world.
In this week's Race to Dubai stop at the Turkish Airlines Open at a ridiculously extravagant resort in Antalya there are several more, including a young baby faced Scot called Robert MacIntyre, but they are chasing a very impressive calm young Austrian, Mattias Schwab.
After posting rounds of 65 67 66 he is at -18, and will take a three shot lead into the final round as he continues his terrific form of late at The Montgomerie Maxx Roy.
There are 6 rookies on Ernie Els International team in the upcoming Presidents Cup. They come from China, Taiwan, Columbia, Korea, Mexico and Australia. My point is that there are young guns that many of you don't know playing all around the world.
In this week's Race to Dubai stop at the Turkish Airlines Open at a ridiculously extravagant resort in Antalya there are several more, including a young baby faced Scot called Robert MacIntyre, but they are chasing a very impressive calm young Austrian, Mattias Schwab.
After posting rounds of 65 67 66 he is at -18, and will take a three shot lead into the final round as he continues his terrific form of late at The Montgomerie Maxx Roy.
Consider this, he has been in the top 5 at the Italian Open and WGC-HSBC Champions in the last few weeks, and that makes 9 top 10's this year.
There are three events left in this European Tour season (47 events in total) and Schwab leads Ross Fisher and Tyrrell Hatton from England, Frenchman Benjamin Hebert, Scot Robert MacIntyre and recent Presidents Cup pick, Patrick Reed.
The thing about this 23 year old tall slim Austrian is his calm demeanor. He rarely changes his facial expression, allowed himself a little fist pump when he birdied his final hole today and had this to say afterwards.
"The game plan is going to be the same as it's been the last three days. "The course is gettable and there are a lot of birdies out there so I'll just stay aggressive because pars won't be enough"
I've got a feeling his main competition will come from Reed who wasn't satisfied with his 65 today, saying he left at least 3 shots out there and predicted with the calm conditions a "59,60 or 61" is out there.
Whomever it is that makes a run at him, I don't see Mattias getting flustered. I'm not sure he knows how to !
Bryan Angus
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Hadwin edges Connors as captains pick for Presidents Cup
International Team for 2019 Presidents Cup https://www.presidentscup.com/news/2019/11/06/international-team-captain-ernie-els-announces-four-captains-pic.html
" I just wanted to say between him and Corey Connors it was also a very very tight race. Its one of the difficult calls I had to make to Corey. He was very gracious and wished us well..."
With these words captain Ernie Els picked Adam Hadwin for the second time to be a member of this years International team for the Presidents Cup. The last time they were routed 19-11 at Liberty National in New Jersey in 2017 and Hadwin finished 0-2-1.
Hadwin probably helped his cause by starting this wrap around season red hot with 2nd at the Safeway Open and T4 at the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Vegas.
" I played with him numerous times. Adam, I just love his game. He's very solid all round. There's not any weakness there. He drives it very consistently well. He's a good iron player, good thinker and is a very good putter on the green and he's been there.
He was there once before and I watched him. Obviously, we got heavily defeated at Liberty but I saw him and he didn't flinch."
The International team are the underdogs as usual, despite being at "home" on the fabled Royal Melbourne course, where they got their only win of the competition, and they got a draw in South Africa when Els and Tiger swapped birdie putts in the dark before captains Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus decided to call it even.
The other 3 picks were Aussie, Jason Day, and rookies Joaquin Niemann from Chile and Korean Sungjae Im. Left on the outside besides Corey Connors was Branden Grace who was undefeated with Louis Oosthuizen at 5-0 in the last Cup. Grace however has had an awful 2019 season.
Tiger Woods makes his announcement today and will likely add himself to Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Brooks Koepka, Matt Kuchar, Xander Schauffele, Webb Simpson, Patrick Cantlay and Bryson DeChambeau.
So it's David vs Goliath all over again, and hopefully the International guys can make a great match of it. TV ratings in the US are poor for this event since the result has been a foregone conclusion most times around, and the matches will be on in the middle of the night in North America, which is most of the reason why Tiger has been "encouraged" to pick himself. The record is a whopping 10-1-1 in favor of his team.
As for Adam he was embarassed by the result for both himself and his team last time, and is well aware of the guys on the USA team.
" I'm going to get prepared to play the best golf that I can play and try and win holes, do little things right all week, try and put as much pressure on their game as I can, which includes, you know, just not being out of the hole, make them earn the hole.
I'm going to try and do my small part that I can for this team to win. If we all do that together I really think we have a chance to get to the 15 1/2 points we need. I was just hungry for a second chance. That's not how I would like my contribution to the Presidents Cup to be remembered and I am grateful for a second chance down at Royal Melbourne."
So this team certainly has all the motivation, they have only won once in 12 outings and of course do have a chance. It is unlikely and I have advocated a change in the selection process with the USA having the same team together every year having lost the Ryder Cup last year with these guys, while the International team is different every two years. I suggested USA can't have the same team for both.
For the full International team and their bios click on the link above..
Bryan Angus
" I just wanted to say between him and Corey Connors it was also a very very tight race. Its one of the difficult calls I had to make to Corey. He was very gracious and wished us well..."
With these words captain Ernie Els picked Adam Hadwin for the second time to be a member of this years International team for the Presidents Cup. The last time they were routed 19-11 at Liberty National in New Jersey in 2017 and Hadwin finished 0-2-1.
Hadwin probably helped his cause by starting this wrap around season red hot with 2nd at the Safeway Open and T4 at the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Vegas.
" I played with him numerous times. Adam, I just love his game. He's very solid all round. There's not any weakness there. He drives it very consistently well. He's a good iron player, good thinker and is a very good putter on the green and he's been there.
He was there once before and I watched him. Obviously, we got heavily defeated at Liberty but I saw him and he didn't flinch."
The International team are the underdogs as usual, despite being at "home" on the fabled Royal Melbourne course, where they got their only win of the competition, and they got a draw in South Africa when Els and Tiger swapped birdie putts in the dark before captains Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus decided to call it even.
The other 3 picks were Aussie, Jason Day, and rookies Joaquin Niemann from Chile and Korean Sungjae Im. Left on the outside besides Corey Connors was Branden Grace who was undefeated with Louis Oosthuizen at 5-0 in the last Cup. Grace however has had an awful 2019 season.
Tiger Woods makes his announcement today and will likely add himself to Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Brooks Koepka, Matt Kuchar, Xander Schauffele, Webb Simpson, Patrick Cantlay and Bryson DeChambeau.
So it's David vs Goliath all over again, and hopefully the International guys can make a great match of it. TV ratings in the US are poor for this event since the result has been a foregone conclusion most times around, and the matches will be on in the middle of the night in North America, which is most of the reason why Tiger has been "encouraged" to pick himself. The record is a whopping 10-1-1 in favor of his team.
As for Adam he was embarassed by the result for both himself and his team last time, and is well aware of the guys on the USA team.
" I'm going to get prepared to play the best golf that I can play and try and win holes, do little things right all week, try and put as much pressure on their game as I can, which includes, you know, just not being out of the hole, make them earn the hole.
I'm going to try and do my small part that I can for this team to win. If we all do that together I really think we have a chance to get to the 15 1/2 points we need. I was just hungry for a second chance. That's not how I would like my contribution to the Presidents Cup to be remembered and I am grateful for a second chance down at Royal Melbourne."
So this team certainly has all the motivation, they have only won once in 12 outings and of course do have a chance. It is unlikely and I have advocated a change in the selection process with the USA having the same team together every year having lost the Ryder Cup last year with these guys, while the International team is different every two years. I suggested USA can't have the same team for both.
For the full International team and their bios click on the link above..
Bryan Angus
Sunday, November 3, 2019
Hearn in position for a great payday at the Bermuda Championship
PGA Tour Bermuda Championship leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2020/bermuda-championship/leaderboard.html
Back on a Monday in September David Hearn shot a 66 to T4 at the Korn Ferry Championship and that was good enough to get in the top 25 and gain his PGA Tour card for this 2019-20 year, and with that out of the way he, like many others this week is aware of how important opportunities like this alternative event, the Bermuda Championship is.
With the leader Harry Higgs at -17 it is unlikely David will win after rounds of 67,68,68 -10 on this par 71 Port Royal GC, so all he can do is take advantage of his chances today to make as much money as he can before the Christmas break during this PGA Tour wrap around season.
The more money he's made, the more Fed Ex points he can acquire will continue to improve his status when the first re-shuffle is made. He's been playing on this tour on and off since 2005, now 40 he has the advantage of knowing all the courses, where to stay, how to get there that rookies like Michael Gligic who has shot 71 66 72 and is currently T53.
update: he is -2 through 2 holes in today's 4th round, -12 total.
Roger Sloan 69 70 71 -3 is -1 through 3 holes today T45 -4 total.
Bryan Angus
Back on a Monday in September David Hearn shot a 66 to T4 at the Korn Ferry Championship and that was good enough to get in the top 25 and gain his PGA Tour card for this 2019-20 year, and with that out of the way he, like many others this week is aware of how important opportunities like this alternative event, the Bermuda Championship is.
With the leader Harry Higgs at -17 it is unlikely David will win after rounds of 67,68,68 -10 on this par 71 Port Royal GC, so all he can do is take advantage of his chances today to make as much money as he can before the Christmas break during this PGA Tour wrap around season.
The more money he's made, the more Fed Ex points he can acquire will continue to improve his status when the first re-shuffle is made. He's been playing on this tour on and off since 2005, now 40 he has the advantage of knowing all the courses, where to stay, how to get there that rookies like Michael Gligic who has shot 71 66 72 and is currently T53.
update: he is -2 through 2 holes in today's 4th round, -12 total.
Roger Sloan 69 70 71 -3 is -1 through 3 holes today T45 -4 total.
Bryan Angus
Brooke Henderson finishes T4 as Korda wins the Taiwan Swinging Skirts
Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA final leaderboard https://www.lpga.com/tournaments/taiwan-swinging-skirts-lpga/results
" I've had a really good week, had some really different conditions out there, just a couple of holes I'd like to have back that cost me, but overall I'm happy "
This from Brooke Henderson moments after she posted a final round -4 68 to finish T4 at -14. It his her 12th top 10 this season worth $93,173
Nelly Korda successfully defended her title shooting -18 and surviving a 3 woman playoff with Minjee Lee and Caroline Masson with a birdie 4 on their 1st hole. Nelly has another $300,000 to spend for her efforts.
Brooke is flying home to rest and prepare for the season ending CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Florida in a fortnight.
Alena Sharp finished T49 at E after a closing with a -3 69.
Bryan Angus
" I've had a really good week, had some really different conditions out there, just a couple of holes I'd like to have back that cost me, but overall I'm happy "
This from Brooke Henderson moments after she posted a final round -4 68 to finish T4 at -14. It his her 12th top 10 this season worth $93,173
Nelly Korda successfully defended her title shooting -18 and surviving a 3 woman playoff with Minjee Lee and Caroline Masson with a birdie 4 on their 1st hole. Nelly has another $300,000 to spend for her efforts.
Brooke is flying home to rest and prepare for the season ending CME Group Tour Championship in Naples, Florida in a fortnight.
Alena Sharp finished T49 at E after a closing with a -3 69.
Bryan Angus
Rory's the Story winning the WGC HSBC Champions
WGC HSBC Champions leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2020/wgc-hsbc-champions/leaderboard.html
" If I can shoot four 67's I think I'll be tough to beat"
Those words from Rory McIlroy after his third round at this WGC HSBC Champions, and how true they proved to be. Playing the most consistent golf of his career he could only manage a par at the 72nd hole after a bad lie from his tee shot, settling for a 68 while a superb but sick Xander Schauffele birdied it for 66 and a tie at -19.
In the playoff Rory played what he called " two of the best shots of the week" a massive 350 yard drive way down the fairway then a towering 4 iron to 20'.
Schauffele drew his drive into the rough around the fairway bunker and had to lay up.
Rory made birdie, Schauffele par and it was over.
" I'm taking 2 months off after my next event in Dubai so I really wanted one more win before I leave so it feels really good to get this done"
The win, his 3rd WGC and 14th on the European Tour puts him on top of the Fed Ex Cup standings for 2020.
Louis Oosthuizen was alone in 3rd at -17. Corey Connors had 5 birdies in a row, shot 66 to finish T20 at -8. For Adam Hadwin it was a tale of two half's. 74,77 then 69 68 on the weekend.
Bryan Angus
" If I can shoot four 67's I think I'll be tough to beat"
Those words from Rory McIlroy after his third round at this WGC HSBC Champions, and how true they proved to be. Playing the most consistent golf of his career he could only manage a par at the 72nd hole after a bad lie from his tee shot, settling for a 68 while a superb but sick Xander Schauffele birdied it for 66 and a tie at -19.
In the playoff Rory played what he called " two of the best shots of the week" a massive 350 yard drive way down the fairway then a towering 4 iron to 20'.
Schauffele drew his drive into the rough around the fairway bunker and had to lay up.
Rory made birdie, Schauffele par and it was over.
" I'm taking 2 months off after my next event in Dubai so I really wanted one more win before I leave so it feels really good to get this done"
The win, his 3rd WGC and 14th on the European Tour puts him on top of the Fed Ex Cup standings for 2020.
Louis Oosthuizen was alone in 3rd at -17. Corey Connors had 5 birdies in a row, shot 66 to finish T20 at -8. For Adam Hadwin it was a tale of two half's. 74,77 then 69 68 on the weekend.
Bryan Angus
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Nelly Korda has the lead, Henderson and Sharp slip back at Taiwan Swinging Skirts
Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA leaderboard https://www.lpga.com/tournaments/taiwan-swinging-skirts-lpga/leaderboard
It always seems to be tough to follow up a really low round with another one, and after posting the low score of the day, a 64 on Friday, Brooke Henderson shot a decent -1 71 to sit in a T9 at -10, but has fallen well behind defending champion Nelly Korda who has taken a commanding 3 shot lead 66,67,65 -18. She had 7 birdies in her bogey free 65, very impressive.
Her closest competitor is in form Asian Aussie Minjee Lee 67 67 67 -15.
Alena Sharp had her worst round in over a month, she opened with a double, and ended with 5 bogey's, two doubles 39, 39 = 78.
Bryan Angus
It always seems to be tough to follow up a really low round with another one, and after posting the low score of the day, a 64 on Friday, Brooke Henderson shot a decent -1 71 to sit in a T9 at -10, but has fallen well behind defending champion Nelly Korda who has taken a commanding 3 shot lead 66,67,65 -18. She had 7 birdies in her bogey free 65, very impressive.
Her closest competitor is in form Asian Aussie Minjee Lee 67 67 67 -15.
Alena Sharp had her worst round in over a month, she opened with a double, and ended with 5 bogey's, two doubles 39, 39 = 78.
Bryan Angus
David Hearn in contention at Bermuda Championship
PGA Tour Bermuda Championship leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2020/bermuda-championship/leaderboard.html
After posting a second round -3 68 David Hearn finds himself T12 but only 4 shots off the lead at -7 in this inaugural Bermuda Championship in gorgeous weather on this island nation of 65,000.
There are 3 players leading at -11. Brendon Todd, Scottie Scheffler and Harry Higgs are in front on a crowded leaderboard as they head into the weekend. There are 15 players within 4 shots at the top.
Here's a blast from the past. Boo Weekley who spends most of his time hunting, has put his rifle away and is in a group a shot behind at -10.
Other Canadians: Michael Gligic is T26 71,66 -5 and Roger Sloan T50 69,70 -3. Mike Weir 72,72 and Graham DeLaet 76,69 missed the cut.
Bryan Angus
After posting a second round -3 68 David Hearn finds himself T12 but only 4 shots off the lead at -7 in this inaugural Bermuda Championship in gorgeous weather on this island nation of 65,000.
There are 3 players leading at -11. Brendon Todd, Scottie Scheffler and Harry Higgs are in front on a crowded leaderboard as they head into the weekend. There are 15 players within 4 shots at the top.
Here's a blast from the past. Boo Weekley who spends most of his time hunting, has put his rifle away and is in a group a shot behind at -10.
Other Canadians: Michael Gligic is T26 71,66 -5 and Roger Sloan T50 69,70 -3. Mike Weir 72,72 and Graham DeLaet 76,69 missed the cut.
Bryan Angus
Consistent McIlroy leads WGC HSBC Champions into final round
WGC HSBC Champions leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2020/wgc-hsbc-champions/leaderboard.html
" Rory is playing very well unfortunately, he's playing very annoying! "
Those words from Matthew Fitzpatrick who is T3 at -13 with Xander Schauffele two of several star players trying to catch world #2 Rory McIlroy who posted his third straight 67 and leads this WGC HSBC Champions by a shot at -15.
He'll be in the final pairing with Louis Oosthuizen whose 65 -14 is good for 2nd place.
McIlroy was saying how proud he is this year with his consistency. Apart from his 3 wins he has 17 top 10's. " I feel like I've taken it to a new level "
He also said he learned a lot from his win at the RBC Canadian Open when he was tied for the lead heading into the final round. " I made up my mind to keep my foot down on the pedal, to go for everything I could. That was a good lesson "
Corey Connors has slipped back 13 shots behind, to 214, 67 73 74 and Adam Hadwin 74,77,69 +4 is well back T60.
Bryan Angus
" Rory is playing very well unfortunately, he's playing very annoying! "
Those words from Matthew Fitzpatrick who is T3 at -13 with Xander Schauffele two of several star players trying to catch world #2 Rory McIlroy who posted his third straight 67 and leads this WGC HSBC Champions by a shot at -15.
He'll be in the final pairing with Louis Oosthuizen whose 65 -14 is good for 2nd place.
McIlroy was saying how proud he is this year with his consistency. Apart from his 3 wins he has 17 top 10's. " I feel like I've taken it to a new level "
He also said he learned a lot from his win at the RBC Canadian Open when he was tied for the lead heading into the final round. " I made up my mind to keep my foot down on the pedal, to go for everything I could. That was a good lesson "
Corey Connors has slipped back 13 shots behind, to 214, 67 73 74 and Adam Hadwin 74,77,69 +4 is well back T60.
Bryan Angus
Friday, November 1, 2019
Rory McIlroy in great shape on a star studded leaderboard at WGC HSBC Champions
WGC HSBC Champions leaderboard https://www.pgatour.com/competition/2020/wgc-hsbc-champions/leaderboard.html
For several weeks Rory McIlroy has stuttered out of the gate with mediocre opening rounds the clawed his way back into another T10 finish (17) which has been one of his trademarks this Player of the Year season.
Lauding an improvement in his short game he has posted 67 67 at this WGC HSBC Champions on the Sheshan International GC nestled just outside the enormous Chinese city of Shanghai with its population of over 23 million people.
At -10 he's a shot behind English star Matthew Fitzpatrick 66 67 -11 who is looking for his first WGC win.
"I have top 10s in 50% of my PGA Tour starts,” McIlroy said. “To me, that’s a nice stat to know that most times you tee it up, you maybe not contend, but you’re putting yourself there.”
Defending champion Xander Schauffele 66 69 is in a group at -9 which includes a resurgent Adam Scott and Sungjae Im.
Li Haotong of China lost ground with a 72, but he remained in the mix at three shots behind. The top eight players going into the weekend came from eight countries.
Corey Connors had 3 bogey's, 39 but came back with 2 birdies 34, and slipped back to -4 (67 73) and Adam Hadwin is struggling this week 74 77 +7 but remember there is no cut in WGC events.
Bryan Angus
For several weeks Rory McIlroy has stuttered out of the gate with mediocre opening rounds the clawed his way back into another T10 finish (17) which has been one of his trademarks this Player of the Year season.
Lauding an improvement in his short game he has posted 67 67 at this WGC HSBC Champions on the Sheshan International GC nestled just outside the enormous Chinese city of Shanghai with its population of over 23 million people.
At -10 he's a shot behind English star Matthew Fitzpatrick 66 67 -11 who is looking for his first WGC win.
"I have top 10s in 50% of my PGA Tour starts,” McIlroy said. “To me, that’s a nice stat to know that most times you tee it up, you maybe not contend, but you’re putting yourself there.”
Defending champion Xander Schauffele 66 69 is in a group at -9 which includes a resurgent Adam Scott and Sungjae Im.
Li Haotong of China lost ground with a 72, but he remained in the mix at three shots behind. The top eight players going into the weekend came from eight countries.
Corey Connors had 3 bogey's, 39 but came back with 2 birdies 34, and slipped back to -4 (67 73) and Adam Hadwin is struggling this week 74 77 +7 but remember there is no cut in WGC events.
Bryan Angus
Brooke Henderson vaults into contention with 64 at Taiwan Swinging Skirts
Taiwan Swinging Skirts LPGA leaderboard https://www.lpga.com/tournaments/taiwan-swinging-skirts-lpga/leaderboard
With a sparkling bogey free -8 64 Brooke Henderson has vaulted into T5 at -9 going into the weekend at the Taiwan Swinging Skirts, just 3 shots off the lead held by Mi Jung Hur of South Korea at -12. Nelly Korda is at -11.
" I feel like Brittany and I did a good job judging the wind and picking clubs, then it was nice to roll in some putts" Her 64 was the low round of the day. While the wind was gusting, at least the sun came out after the rain on Thursday.
Hur came out firing on Friday with birdies on five of her first six holes.
Alena Sharp continues her sub par play with a -2 70 and she is T18 at -3.
Bryan Angus
With a sparkling bogey free -8 64 Brooke Henderson has vaulted into T5 at -9 going into the weekend at the Taiwan Swinging Skirts, just 3 shots off the lead held by Mi Jung Hur of South Korea at -12. Nelly Korda is at -11.
" I feel like Brittany and I did a good job judging the wind and picking clubs, then it was nice to roll in some putts" Her 64 was the low round of the day. While the wind was gusting, at least the sun came out after the rain on Thursday.
Hur came out firing on Friday with birdies on five of her first six holes.
Alena Sharp continues her sub par play with a -2 70 and she is T18 at -3.
Bryan Angus
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