Canadian TEE TIMES this week at the John Deere Classic

PGA Tour: John Deere Classic tee times LEADERBOARD

The next 3 weeks the world's elite are on planes heading for the UK for Ireland, the unofficial JP McManus Pro-Am at Adare Manor which will host the 2027 Ryder Cup and has attracted a star studded field including Tiger is one, and the Irish Open this week, June 30 - July 3 another.

The Genesis Scottish Open July 7-10 is at North Berwick, then the Open Championship at St Andrews, July 14- 17.

However for those who haven't qualified for all or any of the above, the next 3 weeks are a chance for many to catch lightning in a bottle while the big boys are away.

This week the John Deere is a prime example, followed by the Barbasol Championship in Kentucky then the Barracuda Championship in California playing opposite the Open Championship.

There are 7 Canadians at the John Deere at TPC Deere Run in Illinois.

Nick Taylor 740am 1st tee

David Hearn 8.24am 10th tee

Adam Svensson 8.35am 1st tee

Adam Hadwin 12.10 1st tee

Taylor Pendrith 12.10am 1st tee (returns from rib injury)

Roger Sloan 1.16 1st tee

Michael Gligic 2.22 1st tee 

Bryan Angus

DP World Tour expanded and strengthened by PGA Tour alliance

 As I expected the 'boondoggle" DP World Tour CEO Keith Pelley has been working for behind the scenes with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan has arrived. 

More prize money, more lucrative sponsors, more direct access through play to both Tours just a part of the announcement to boost the status of the old European Tour, left vulnerable by the Saudi funded LIV Series.

Here are the details.

The DP World Tour and the PGA TOUR have moved to significantly strengthen not only their existing alliance but also help develop players to compete at the pinnacle of men’s professional golf, by unveiling a ground-breaking new 13-year operational joint venture partnership.

• Move is a significant boost to a global pathway for competitive golf

• PGA TOUR to provide operational support and additional investment to the DP World Tour

• DP World Tour prize fund levels set to grow annually

The partnership, through to 2035, builds on the success of the existing Strategic Alliance between the two Tours that was unveiled in November 2020 and which has already seen tangible benefits for members of both Tours, not least the co-sanctioning of the Genesis Scottish Open on the DP World Tour, alongside access for both memberships into the Barbasol Championship and the Barracuda Championship on the PGA TOUR.

Collaboration has already borne fruit for the DP World Tour with the introduction of new tournament title sponsors such as Genesis and Horizon and new Tour partners such as Fortinet and Velocity Global.

In addition, working together to drive prize funds and commercial revenue will not only benefit the entire range of both memberships immediately, but also develop immense strategic opportunities for all members of both Tours for the future.

As part of the new joint venture, the PGA TOUR will increase its existing stake in European Tour Productions from 15 percent to 40 percent, while utilising the DP World Tour’s recognised international credentials and global footprint to continue to coordinate a worldwide schedule.

The DP World Tour will guarantee growth in annual prize funds to its membership for the next five years, all above the record 2022 levels unveiled as part of the DP World Tour title partnership arrangement announced last November.

The new joint venture will provide additional competitive opportunities for professional golfers of both Tours and also establish a clearly defined pathway for top players around the world. Players from the Sunshine Tour and ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia, with whom the DP World Tour already has existing Strategic Alliances, now enjoy a formal pathway to the DP World Tour. With today’s announcement, DP World Tour members will now have direct and formal access to the very pinnacle of the men’s professional game on the PGA TOUR.

To achieve that, from 2023, the leading ten players on the end of season DP World Tour Rankings [in addition to those already exempt] will earn PGA TOUR cards for the following season.

Furthermore, the DP World Tour will work closely on the development and implementation of the new international events announced by PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan last week at the Travelers Championship in Connecticut, and DP World Tour members will gain access to those events.

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive Officer of the DP World Tour said: “Building on the success of the existing Strategic Alliance between ourselves and the PGA TOUR, this move will significantly enhance the meritocracy that has successfully served the professional game on both sides of the Atlantic for more than 50 years.

“It is a natural extension and progression of what we have been doing over the past few years and I passionately believe that this move is the right thing for our players, our Tour, our fans, and the game of golf in general.

“Our two tours have undoubtedly drawn closer over the past few years and today’s announcement strengthens both Tours for the betterment of both memberships.”

Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA TOUR, said, “It was clear from the outset that our Strategic Partnership with the European Tour Group was a powerful agreement for both sides, and we are thrilled with today’s announcement of this expanded partnership.

“We will continue to collaborate on a global schedule and key commercial areas as we draw our organizations and memberships even closer together while innovating to provide the most entertaining and compelling golf possible to fans around the world. On behalf of the PGA TOUR, I want to credit and commend Keith Pelley and his team at the European Tour Group for their incredible commitment to this effort.” 

Bryan Angus 

Irish eyes will be smilin' this week at Irish Open..Aaron Cockerill returns to action.. TEE TIMES..

 DP World Tour : Irish Open Entry List

Lucas Herbert returns to Mount Juliet Estate this week to defend his title at the Horizon Irish Open, one of the most storied events on the DP World Tour. Here are your five things to know.

Shane Lowry is sure to attract bumper crowds as makes his first appearance on home soil since his Ryder Cup debut last year. The 35-year-old created some of the most memorable scenes in Tour history back in 2009 when he won this event as an amateur and continued to thrill on the island of Ireland when he lifted the Claret Jug at Royal Portrush in 2019. His Ryder Cup skipper and fellow Major Champion Pádraig Harrington, fresh off of his first Senior Major victory at last week's U.S. Senior Open, also tees it up this week, as does another in-form Irishman, Séamus Power, as well as international stars Herbert, Tyrrell Hatton and Thomas Pieters.

The name Fitzpatrick will forever be etched into golfing history after Matt won the U.S. Open earlier this month but this week attention turns to younger brother Alex. Matt made his own professional debut at this event in 2014 and now Alex follows the same path, having previously teed it up in two DP World Tour events as an amateur. The two-time Walker Cup player had some limelight at Brookline as he celebrated his brother's victory but now he will be looking to take centre stage.

The 150th Open Championship at St Andrews gets ever nearer and three places in the field are available at this week's event via the Qualifying Series. The top three players not already exempt who make the weekend will secure their place at the milestone Major Championship in the Home of Golf. The Joburg Open and Dutch Open have already seen six players qualify, with three more spots also available at next week's Genesis Scottish Open.

The 18th this week has been designated as the Birdies for Wishes hole, with every birdie at the last during tournament play resulting in a €500 donation to Make-A-Wish Ireland, the official charity of the Horizon Irish Open. Make-A-Wish Ireland grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions and if spectators wish to make their own contribution, there will be donation points spread across Mount Juliet Estate.

Globe trotting Canadian, Aaron Cockerill returns to action on the DP World Tour after flying to Toronto for the RBC Canadian Open, then missing the cut by a shot last week at the BMW International Open in Munich.  He continues to try and win back his "European Tour" card after beginning this season on the Challenge Tour.

Bryan Angus

(europeantour.com)

Another Scottish honour for Lorne Rubenstein, "Rube"..

 

The renowned golf journalist and author Lorne Rubenstein has been awarded a Life Membership of Royal Dornoch Golf Club thanks to his contribution to the sport.

The Canadian has devoted some 40 years of his life to writing about golf at all levels and is a long-time member at Royal Dornoch.

Rubenstein’s famous book on golf in the Highlands, ‘A Season In Dornoch’, first published 20 years ago, helped promote and raise the visibility of Royal Dornoch – and continues to do so to this day.

Lorne Rubenstein

Rubenstein’s writings have appeared in golf magazines, newspapers and on websites around the world. He has written or co-written 14 books, working with such notable golfers as Tiger Woods, Nick Price, George Knudson and Moe Norman.

In 2018, his career was recognised and honoured when he was named recipient of the PGA Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism.

His other accolades include: a four-time award-winner for magazine features/newspaper columns in the Golf Writers Association of America (1988, ’93, ’94, and 2003); the 1985 Canada National Magazine Award; and three first-place awards from the Golf Journalists Association of Canada (2009, ’16, and ’17). He was also inducted into the Ontario Golf Hall of Fame (2006), the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame (2007), and is a recipient of Sports Media Canada’s Lifetime Achievement Award (2009) and the PGA of Canada’s Distinguished Service Award (2013).

Just as importantly, Rubenstein has been a tireless supporter of Royal Dornoch over the years and the Club are now delighted to recognise his contribution to the game.

Neil Hampton, General Manager at Royal Dornoch, said: “We are delighted to accord Lorne with Life Member status of Royal Dornoch Golf Club.

“I know Lorne is thrilled to receive this accolade and we as a Club feel it is a fitting honour given his career in golf journalism and the many books that he has authored.

“Lorne also has a deep affection for Dornoch, both as a town and our renowned links, and we look forward to giving him our warm Highland welcome next time he is here from Canada.”

To be a Life Member of Royal Dornoch Golf Club, an individual has: “to have made excellent contributions to the game of golf (playing, developing, administering, writing or commentating) at world level and to show ongoing commitment to the aims and objectives of Royal Dornoch Golf Club and to furthering its international reputation.”

“Royal Dornoch and the town itself struck me deeply when I first visited in 1977,” said Rubenstein upon learning of the award. “I have always cherished my time in Dornoch and have made many friends there. I am most appreciative of this honour.”

Letters of nomination were received from members of the Club for Rubenstein’s honour.

What a finish.. Haotong Li monster putt wins BMW International...Final scoreboard..

 DP World Tour: BMW International Open 2022.... final Results..

Li Haotong ended his four-year wait for a DP World Tour title in style as he beat Thomas Pieters in a play-off with a gigantic birdie putt to complete a stunning wire-to-wire victory at the 2022 BMW International Open.

The Chinese star made a dream start to Sunday's final round, with three birdies in his first five holes extending his three-shot overnight lead to five.

But four bogeys and a solitary birdie in his next ten holes opened the door for the chasing pack and he was joined at the top of the leaderboard with three to play.

Li rediscovered the form that had seen him equal the course record at Golfclub München Eichenried on Thursday in the closing stages, though, making birdies at the 16th and 17th to regain a one-shot lead heading down the last.

But his birdie putt on the 18th green lipped out, and with Pieters safely securing his birdie, the contest had to be decided by a play-off.

And after narrowly avoiding the water with his approach at the first play-off hole, Li managed to get up and down for a closing birdie thanks to a monster putt.

That piled the pressure on Pieters to hole his tricky ten-footer and he was unable to do so, handing victory to an emotional Li, who admitted afterwards that he had been considering quitting golf just ten months ago.

The Chinese star made a dream start to Sunday's final round, with three birdies in his first five holes extending his three-shot overnight lead to five.

But four bogeys and a solitary birdie in his next ten holes opened the door for the chasing pack and he was joined at the top of the leaderboard with three to play.

Li rediscovered the form that had seen him equal the course record at Golfclub München Eichenried on Thursday in the closing stages, though, making birdies at the 16th and 17th to regain a one-shot lead heading down the last.

But his birdie putt on the 18th green lipped out, and with Pieters safely securing his birdie, the contest had to be decided by a play-off.

And after narrowly avoiding the water with his approach at the first play-off hole, Li managed to get up and down for a closing birdie thanks to a monster putt.

That piled the pressure on Pieters to hole his tricky ten-footer and he was unable to do so, handing victory to an emotional Li, who admitted afterwards that he had been considering quitting golf just ten months ago.

The 26-year-old's previous victory saw him overcome Rory McIlroy in a thrilling final-round battle in Dubai in January 2018 and this time he found himself duelling another Ryder Cup star in Pieters.

Belgian Pieters carded seven birdies and two bogeys in his 67 to catch runaway leader Li at the summit on 22 under par, and he looked in good shape to win the play-off, with Li much further away after three shots.

But a dramatic finish meant Pieters had to settle for second spot, while Ryan Fox finished two shots further back in third.

Li flew out of the blocks on Sunday, holing from 19 feet on the first green for an opening birdie.

He gave himself another good chance at the second, sending his tee-shot to ten feet but narrowly missing the birdie putt.

Li moved to 22 under with a fine birdie from 20 feet at the third before driving the fifth green and two-putting from 38 feet for another birdie.

At that stage it seemed Li was well and truly out of reach but back-to-back bogeys followed on the sixth and seventh to cut Li's lead to three shots.

Li got two lucky breaks as he narrowly cleared the penalty area with his tee-shot before just missing the water with his second.

He sent his third shot around 40 feet past the hole, and with Pieters having a ten-footer to come, it looked like the Belgian had the advantage.

But Li somehow rolled in his birdie try, leaving Pieters with a testing putt to keep the play-off alive and he could not convert.

Li said: "I never thought that one day I would have a trophy in my hands again. It’s a dream come true.

"Thomas (Pieters) played great all day. My putter wasn’t as hot as yesterday. Golf, this is golf. 

"Sometimes things go your way, sometimes not. I’m just so happy to finish on 18 like that.

"Somehow I thought that I would make that putt (in the play-off). I don’t know how I made that stroke, how the ball went in the hole, because at the end of the day the greens were very bumpy. You just never know.

"No-one knows how much I have gone through over the last couple of years. Ten months ago I nearly

"I didn’t realise I could be that emotional. Maybe just because I never thought golf could be that tough. 

"Through a lot of tough times, I realised how good that feeling is to play good again." decided to not play golf. I thought I couldn’t play golf again. 

"Ten months later, right now, holding a trophy. If someone told me ten months ago I would win again, I wouldn’t believe that. 

Bryan Angus (europeantour.com)

Chun 75, let's the field in with a chance on Sunday at Women's PGA Championship...full scoreboard

 LPGA: KPMG Women's PGA Championship full scoreboard here.

Earlier this week I wrote you about the 'rabbit" In Gee Chun who opened with a huge lead -8 64 and talked about how the pack, as is the case in track and field, would inevitably close on her.

The question going into Sunday is 'can she hang on to win.??

Certainly the field is now within striking distance, maybe not Brooke Henderson, but you never know..

Chun 64, 69, opened the door with her Saturday 75 and now leads by 3 at -8.

The chasing pack is led by Lexi Thompson 74 67 70 -5.

Henderson is plugging away, missing a lot of chances with her putter, 71 69 73 but at -3 T6 she will need some help and one of her big Sunday's to get her 12th win. More likely another top 10.

34 putts in round 3 were a killer..

Maude Aimee Leblanc ballooned to an 84 on Saturday to last place, 71st.

Bryan Angus

 

Canadians improve.... Schauffele leads..Sunday leaderboard/Tee Times...

 PGA Tour: Travelers Championship: Sunday scoreboard/ tee times here. 

Jason Day, Rickie Fowler and Jordan Spieth once A listers on the PGA tour, not these days..all missed the cut at this week's assault on the TPC Highlands course hosting the Travelers Championship.You need to score in the low 60's to win a PGA regular tour event these days.. 

The leader  Xander Schauffele is an example, 63 63 67 -17 and he only. leads by a shot heading into Sunday.

Rory who was the story on Thursday has gone the other way since, 62, 70 72 -6 T31 and may have run out of gas after 4 hectic weeks, and heading into another huge spell back in the UK culminating in the 150th Open at St Andrews

CANADIANS:

 4 of 5 Canucks made the cut this weekend and Roger Sloan just missed 72 67 -1 by a single shot. They all improved their position on Saturday, although none are in contention.

Adam Svensson moved up another 9 spots on Saturday, T15, 71 64 66 - 9....Mac Hughes T31  70 66 68  -6, Michael Gligic T4270 68 68 -4 and Ben Silverman T55 70 68 69 -3

Bryan Angus

Keith Pelley issues DP World Tour sanctions against LIV Series players... full details..

The DP World Tour today confirmed the sanctions to be taken against members who breached Tour regulations and participated in a LIV Golf event at Centurion Club from June 9-11, despite not having received releases to allow them to do so.

Such actions contravened the conflicting event Regulation laid down in the Members’ General Regulations Handbook as well as the Code of Behaviour Regulation, of which the members have been reminded on a number of recent occasions, and has led the Tour to take the following steps, which have been notified to all members concerned.

• They will be fined £100,000*

• They have been advised that they are suspended from participating in the following DP World Tour tournaments - the Genesis Scottish Open and Barbasol Championship (July 7-10) and the Barracuda Championship (July 14-17) and have been removed from the entry lists of these events where applicable.

It is important to note that participation in a further conflicting tournament or tournaments without the required release may incur further sanctions.

*Money raised from the fines will be shared equally in two distinct ways; (i) it will be added to prize funds of upcoming tournaments on the DP World Tour, to the benefit of Members of the DP World Tour who have complied with the Release rules and (ii) it will be distributed through the Tour’s Golf for Good programme to deserving charitable causes in the communities that the DP World Tour plays.

Keith Pelley, Chief Executive of the DP World Tour, said: “Every action anyone takes in life comes with a consequence and it is no different in professional sport, especially if a person chooses to break the rules. That is what has occurred here with several of our members.

“Many members I have spoken to in recent weeks expressed the viewpoint that those who have chosen this route have not only disrespected them and our Tour, but also the meritocratic ecosystem of professional golf that has been the bedrock of our game for the past half a century and which will also be the foundation upon which we build the next 50 years.

“Their actions are not fair to the majority of our membership and undermine the Tour, which is why we are taking the action we have announced today."

When asked why he didn't follow suit with the PGA Tour and just ban his members? "While we are co-sanctioned with the PGA Tour we do operate independently. They have their rules and we have ours. We have acted accordingly."

OPINION:  

I am not surprised by this compromise decision. Pelley has spent all of his time since leaving Rogers Communications to take up the CEO position with the European Tour, getting firmly ensconced in his members corner, and he was not about to ban legends of his tour like Sergio, Poulter and Westwood all of whom will be Ryder Cup captains.

The slap on the wrist $100,000 pounds sounds like a lot to us, Poulter spends less than that on one of his 9 cars and they all have that Saudi appearance money to spend.

Not playing the Scottish Open just means they'll practice for a week on any of the magnificent links in Ireland out of the public eye and only the lower rank and file would play at the 2nd tier Barbasol or Barracuda events. 

This is just a slap on the wrist.

All that remains to be seen of course, is whether any of them play another LIV Series event, which would force Pelley to play a much stronger hand.

Bryan Angus

Rory is the Story at Travelers Championship... Friday leaderboard

 PGA Tour: Travelers Championship live Friday scoreboard here.

"It's like US Open rehab coming here, You're like, Oh I can make some birdies out here. it's nice"

Those words from Rory McIlroy, if you could hear him, he's losing his voice with a cold he picked up from daughter Poppy after a quick visit home to Florida after the US Open

His -8 62 leads the field as he continues the fine form he's displayed over the last 4 weeks, winning the RBC Canadian, and T5 at the US Open. He's back where he belongs, up to #2 in the World rankings.

TPC River Highlands is playing soft after some early week rain, Journeyman JT Boston has matched Rory with a 62 of his own. The field is bunched up behind them, 11 players within 4 shots. 

After this week McIlroy will take 2 weeks off at home before flying across the Atlantic to prepare for the 150th Open.

Canadians:

With the cut projected at -1, the 5 Canadians are off to pedantic starts.

Mac Hughes, Michael Gligic and Ben Silverman are all back at T69 E 70.

Adam Svensson T93 +1 71, Roger Sloan T109 +2 72. 

Bryan Angus

Henderson T6, chasing an incredible round by Gee Chun at Women's PGA Championship....Friday leaderboard

 LPGA : KPMG Women's PGA Championship Friday leaderboard  here.

If you've watched a lot of track and field, you'll know what a "rabbit" is. It's a person who decides to go flat out on the early 2 laps of a race to get a huge lead, then try and hold on as the field inevitably closes.

Usually the rabbit runs out of puff and gets passed on the backstretch..

Yesterday on a cool damp, soft Congressional that was playing very long, a little south Korean veteran In Gee Chun was the rabbit. Using a 7 wood to perfection for her approaches, and making all the putts she shot a record -8 64.

Now for the rest of the field where a Thai player Pornanong Phatlum and another Korean Hye Jin Choi are in with -3 69. 

Nine players including Brooke Henderson and Nelly Korda the defending  champion are at -1 71. Brooke would have been much lower but she lost the place for a while when she made 3 straight bogeys at 5,6 and 7. Otherwise she made 4 birdies and all the rest pars.

She is one of the longest players on tour, many were hitting 3 woods and hybrids into the par 4's which made Chun's 7 wood even more remarkable. Her caddy said afterwards "She is just average off the tee, but we just seemed to have a perfect number for the 7 wood all day, and of course she made the putts"..

Henderson begins on the 10th today at 12.50pm with Korda and Inbee Park.

Maude Aimee Leblanc had a turbulent start off the 10th with a double and 2 bogey's but 2 birdies kept her in it out in +2 38. All pars and 1 birdie coming in for +1 73 T30.

The cut line is projected at +2.

We'll see how far back the rabbit falls today. She is out late at 1.39 off the 1st.

Bryan Angus

Chinese star Haotong Li sets the pace at BMW International... full scoreboard

 DP World Tour: BMW International Championship leaderboard

Li Haotong fired two eagles in his last four holes to tie the course record at Golfclub München Eichenried and open up a one-shot lead on day one of the 2022 BMW International Open.

Starting from the tenth tee, the two-time DP World Tour winner carded six birdies before eagles at the sixth and ninth - the front nine's two par fives - catapulted him to ten under par.

The 26-year-old's flawless 62 gave him a one-stroke advantage over nearest challenger Daan Huizing, who finished with back-to-back birdies to sign for a bogey-free 63.

Home favourite Nicolai von Dellingshausen made an eagle, seven birdies and a single bogey to sit alone in third on eight under.

Li got off to a fast start on Thursday, following up close-range birdies at the 11th and 12th with further gains at the 16th and 18th to turn in 32.

A brilliant burst of scoring on his back nine saw Li take the lead, as he went birdie-birdie-eagle from the fourth to get to eight under.

And a delightful approach into the ninth set up a four-foot eagle putt, which he duly converted to get to double figures under par.

Li was happy with his day's work.

He said: "It’s been an incredible day for me. I didn’t expect that because I spent a couple of weeks off in Dubai, which was hot - I didn’t practise much. 

"I had a good start, two birdies on the first three holes. Then on my back nine, I think I had six one-putts in a row, which helps. Then hit every fairway I think.

"The last few weeks I’ve played solid, I just couldn’t put it all together. Hopefully this week I can use some experience from there and put things together."

Huizing reached the turn in 31 shots after making five birdies on the front nine.

Back-to-back birdies at the 13th and 14th saw the Dutchman climb to seven under before closing gains on the 17th and 18th took him to nine under.

Huizing said: "I thought there would be some low scores out there. 

"Throughout the day you see those going on the board. I wasn’t surprised about that. 

"But it was nice to finish with a couple of birdies to climb up a little bit more. There’s a long way to go, three more days, it’s not much use to look at the scoreboard too much, just keep your head down and play well."

German Von Dellingshausen made birdies at the first and fifth before holing from 16 feet for an eagle on the long sixth.

A bogey followed at the seventh but he bounced back with a birdie at the ninth before picking up four more shots after the turn to get to eight under.

He said: "It's a great feeling. I played well all day. I'm just happy that I could finish with one more birdie on the 18th.

"I would have loved to make the eagle on 18, but it didn’t drop – that’s fine, I’m still very happy."

Bryan Angus...edit europeantour.com

Mac Hughes heads 5 Canadians at PGA Tour Travelers Championship...live scoreboard

 PGA Tour : Travelers Championship live scoreboard here 

The week after the US Open, the PGA Tour has moved to Cromwell, Ct., for the Travelers Championship in a week that has been dominated so far by a players meeting and a resulting lengthy statement from Commissioner Jay Monahan.

Some highlights are a new calendar schedule running from January -August. A revised Fed Ex playoff format, 8 lucrative international limited no cut events and much more prize money, all this driven by the new LIV Series with unlimited funding by the Saudi's.  

Rory McIlroy is playing his 4th straight week heading up a very strong field.

There are 5 Canadians, headed by Mac Hughes 1.30 10th tee, Adam Svensson 12pm 1st tee, Michael Gligic 1.50 10th tee, Ben Silverman who Monday qualified also 1.50pm 10th tee.

Roger Sloan is off early, currently  playing his back nine at +3. 

Bryan Angus

Weir, Ames contend for the US Senior Open.. Alker the favourite.. live scoreboard

 PGA Tour Champions: US Senior Open leaderboard here

Mike Weir ( 1.43 10 tee) and Stephen Ames (8.34 1st tee) are down in Bethlehem, PA., playing in the US Senior Open along with qualifiers Kevin Baker (9.06 10th tee) and Alan McLean (12.30 1st tee)

Jim Furyk is the defending champion, being one of only 8 players to win the US Open and this US Senior Open. It's being played for the 3rd time at the Saucon Valley CC on the Old Course in his home state of Pennsylvania where he grew up in the Pittsburg suburbs.

The Old Course turns 100 this year, Hale Irwin won the last time it was here in 2000.

Steven Alker tops the Power Rankings heading into the U.S. Senior Open

Bernhard Langer with the record 13 Senior majors is playing and the odds on favourite is Kiwi journeyman turned Senior Tour super star Steve Alker with 17 top 10's and 4 wins in just 20 starts. He won the Senior PGA Championship and was T3 at Regions Tradition in the Champions Tour's first 2 majors of 2022.

Bryan Angus 

Brooke Henderson vying for her 2nd major at Women's PGA Championship... full leaderboard

 LPGA: KPMG Women's PGA Championship leaderboard here

Brooke Henderson and Maude Aimee Leblanc are in the field for this LPGA major, the KPMG Women's PGA Championship at the Congressional GC in Bethesda, Maryland.

Brooke with a Canadian record 11 wins is vying for her 2nd major coming off a T9 last week at the Meijer LPGA Classic and a win at the ShopRite LPGA Classic, so is in great form after nearly a month off.

At only 24 she has 67 career top 10's, with 6 so far this year and has won $9,123,105 not to mention her deals with PING, CP and Sketchers amongst others.

She teed off at 7.33am this moening with Inbee Park and the defending champion Nelly Korda.

For a live score board click here

Bryan Angus

Aaron Cockerill back on DP World Tour at BMW International: TEE TIMES

 DP World Tour: BMW International Open Tee Times

After making the cut at the RBC Canadian, Aaron Cockerill is back on the DP World Tour this week in Munich, Germany at the BMW International Open.

All tee times are available above.

Interesting recent LIV Series players like Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer have not been banned by Keith Pelley and the DPWT as they have by Jay Monahan on the PGA Tour.

It seems to me that Pelley would be under pressure to stay in step with his American partner but doesn't have the clout or heart to mess with 2 guys who have been the heart and soul of the European Tour, and Ryder Cup team for decades.

Due to issue an overdue statement on Thursday, I expect Pelley and Monahan have worked out some big compensation for the DPWT who are in a weaker position than the PGA.

Bryan Angus

Faldo to retire, Koepka jumps to LIV Series

I was looking at the field for this weeks Travelers Championship with Rory , Scheffler and a slew of other top players in Connecticut  and I thought "man that's a 3rd straight strong field" ie RBC Canadian and of course the US Open.

Now I find out there's a players meeting going on right now, with another statement coming  tomorrow from commissioner Jay Monahan, which is about the time Brooks Koepka will be jumping for the money next week when the LIV Series plays it's next event in Portland, Oregon.

Brooks Koepka is reportedly set to join the LIV Series

Koepka is not in the players meeting apparently, although he is listed in the field at the Travelers. Abraham Ancer from Mexico is also expected to join. 

""Money doesn't matter, it's not something that's important, it doesn't make me happy. I just want to be happy. I just want to play against the best. If someone gave me $200,000,000 tomorrow it wouldn't change my life, I have enough money to retire right now." were recent words on the matter from Brooks.

LIV say they will be making an announcement "in coming days" 

Meanwhile CBS has announced Nick Faldo told them at the beginning of the year he will be retiring in August after 16 years "in the tower" where he calls the play off a TV monitor.

He says he spoke to his "team" most importantly his wife Lindsey before making the decision, saying he's been on the road for 4 decades and has tired of the travel.

If he had spoke with me, he could have retired 16 years ago.

Trevor Immelman from South Africa will replace him.

Bryan Angus 

Canadian golf pros gather for the PGA Championship of Canada....TEE TIMES/ PAIRINGS

 PGA Championship of Canada : TEE TIMES/leaderboard here

The Professional Golfers Association of Canada was founded in 1911, it's the second oldest PGA in the world. While some of their rank and file have risen to prominent status on the PGA Tour, most toil in obscurity on most all of our courses, working the pro shop, training assistants, giving lessons, collecting range balls, organizing members tournament and social events are amongst their many duties, and none are getting rich doing them.

The 100th playing of the BetRegal PGA Championship

Today 100 gather at Beacon Hall GC up in Aurora in this 2 day heatwave to compete for the 100th PGA Championship of Canada. They are 3700 strong these days and are led by my long time friend Kevin Thistle whom I have known since he was an assistant pro in Pickering at Seaton in 1984 before his 15 years for the Stollery family at Angus Glen in Stouffville. 

Click on here to see the tee times/ leaderboard.

Many you won't know, some have given the weekly golf tip at 7.25am on my Fairways radio show at Fan590, quite a few have been part of my daily blog on this site, now approaching 5000 editions.

First prize is $12,000, Riley Fleming is the defending champion.

If you're in the area drop by Beacon Hall today or tomorrow, it won't be crowded and you can get up close and personal to some damn good golf. The guys will get a kick out of hearing a little applause, they don''t get to doff their caps too often !!

Bryan Angus

Hadwin "I've never been in that situation" T7th.. Matt Fitzpatrick wins US Open.. final results

 US Open: final results here 

I thought a very reflective Adam Hadwin summed up his Sunday at the US Open when he spoke with my old colleague Bob Weeks in the media scrums after Matt Fitzpatrick became a European Tour legend, just like Tony Jacklin before him winning by a shot with rounds of 68 70 68 68 -6 274

" I've never been in that position before. I just wasn't ready for it early on before I settled down"

' Some of the places I hit it early...a couple of snap hooks" led to 2 bogey's in his first 6 holes, but to his credit a brilliant birdie between them at the 4th kept him in touch, as he had been all week

He settled into some steady golf after confirming he was kind of "'scrappy" on Saturday, making 8 straight pars from  #7 - #14 before a bogey, birdie, birdie, bogey finish for +1 71 and a very good T7 -1 279 just 5 shots behind a jubilant Fitzpatrick who is currently counting the $3.1 million his agent carried off for him.

Adam was in the top 10 all week, actually lead after 66 on Thursday and the consensus is that although he never really contended on Sunday, he stayed right around the leaders which will do his confidence the world of good.

He told Weeksy, " I've been playing some really good golf this year and this week was a great learning experience, holding my own at this level, with these players is really going to help my game"

He played with #1 Scottie Scheffler who was in the clubhouse at -5 which is where Will Zalatoris ended up after shaving the hole with his own birdie putt on the 72nd hole, leaving the ball striking machine from England that is Matt Fitzpatrick, who I think made all the difference with a 65 footer birdie putt on the 13th.

You will see that one in all the 122nd US Open highlight reels, along with his epic bunker shot from the fairway to 12 feet at the last. 

Mac Hughes T24 72 69 73 70 +4.

It was an exciting week on the Country Club at Brookline, right down to the finish. The wind blew enough to make it a stern test. The early kerfuffle over the players from the LIV was dispelled in the pre tournament interviews and soon died all together when Phil shot 73 73 before flying out of town, presumably to his wife and kids, apparently the renewed focus in his life.

Matt Fitzpatrick had the week of his life when he won the US Amateur on this course in 2013, until last evening when he did it in spectacular style as a pro. His caddy Billy Foster is a European legend with a dry wit that continues to entertain us who had never won a major in 40 years as a caddy including 10 with Lee Westwood who had nine top 3's including 3 as the bridesmaid.

caddie Billy Foster 

"I've got the monkey off my back, and it felt like a gorilla"

It's been quite a fortnight on the PGA Tour with Rory winning the Canadian Open in front of record crowds, then finishing T5 -2 this week, and Scheffler, Rahm, Matsuyama, Morikawa, all in contention.

Tony Jacklin won the US Open in 1970 and no other Brit joined him until Graeme McDowell at Pebble Beach in 2010. Now it's Matt Fitzpatrick who's on the front page of all the British tabloids, and this win as King of the Country Club will be in their hearts forever. 

Bryan Angus 

Hadwin and Henderson in contention on Sunday.. both leaderboards/tee times

Both Adam Hadwin and Brooke Henderson will begin Sunday just shots off the lead in their respective events. Hadwin at the US Open is T4 -2 with the lead at -4 and Henderson 3rd at Meijer LPGA Classic at -15, 3 shots behind and in the penultimate pairing after winning last week.

US Open: TEE TIMES

Scoring has been at a premium at this US Open at the Country Club in Brookline, Mass.. Only 9 players are under par, with the field incredibly bunched.

A couple of birdies can shoot you up the leaderboard. One of them is Adam Hadwin 66 72 70 -2 who is having a career best major. I have't checked but his opening -4 66 was the low round of the tournament.

Having gone out in +1 36, he was all pars on the back until he chipped in for birdie 4 at the par 5 14th, got unlucky with his approach at 15 into the thick rough only 20 feet from the pin resulting in bogey, but he bounced right back with a 3 at the tough par 4 17th for an E 70.

He will be paired with world #1 Scottie Scheffler in the 3rd last pairing on Sunday. Scheffler, Rahm -3, McIlroy -1 will share the spotlight with the 2 leaders Will Zalatoris and Matt Fitzpatrick both at -4, all vying to make history and win the US Open.

Mac Hughes 72 69 73 +4 T33.

LPGA. Meijer LPGA Classic leaderboard here 

Coming off her 11th LPGA win last week Brooke Henderson has continued her hot streak heading into Sunday 68 66 67 -15 just 3 shots off the lead held by defending champion Nelly Korda -18 then Jennifer Kupcho -17 who will be in the last pairing.

Brooke will be in the penultimate pairing with Lexi Thompson -14. 

The 2 time winner was bogey free with 5 birdies and only 26 putts which was the difference, as she only hit 7 \13 fairways and 13/18 greens in regulation. 

Maude Aimee Leblanc 70 72 68 -6 T34

Bryan Angus 

Hadwin, Hughes battle to stay in contention at US Open.. Saturday leaderboard TEE TIMES

 US Open TEE TIMES

While all the putts fell for Adam Hadwin in his opening -4 66 as is often the case, especially in as tough scoring conditions that windy tough Country Club is providing,  Friday was a different story.

I watched him battling all day, +3 on his front nine, then another bogey up to +4 which was E for the tournament, still well within the cut, which fell at +3. However all those pars were keeping him in it, then came two late back to back birdies at 8 and 9, for a 72 and right back in contention T13 -2.

The field is incredibly bunched with the lead at -5 held by Colin Morikawa and qualifier Joel Dahman.

Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm are right behind at -4.

Mac Hughes got off to a terrible double bogey 6 start, then bogey at the 13th but he recovered with 3 birdies mixed in to go out E 35, then 1 birdie and all pars coming home - 1 34 for a timely 69 which has  him T31 +1 for this weekend.

Sadly the other Canadians, Corey Connors +4, Nick Taylor and Ben Silverman +5 and Roger Sloan +6 are out of the tournament.

Bryan Angus

Henderson chasing down the leaders at Meijer LPGA Classic... Final Friday leaderboard..

 LPGA: Meijer LPGA Classic...Friday leaderboard here 

She's won this event twice and after a 68 66 -10 opening Brooke Henderson who won her 11th LPGA title last weekend is right back in contention going into this weekend..T4, four shots behind the American front runner Jenifer Kupcho 63 67 -14.

She had a terrific 6 birdies and an eagle 3 at the 18th along with 2 bogey's and used only 27 putts today, her achilles...

Maude Aimee Leblanc T67 70 72 -2...

The cut is projected -2

Bryan Angus

Brooke Henderson T15 at Meijer LPGA Classic

 LPGA: Meijer LPGA Classic leaderboard here

She says she loves this Blythefield course, this tournament where she is a two time champion so no surprise to see Brooke Henderson open with a bogey free -4 68 which has her T15 going into today's 2nd round in Belmont, Michigan at the Meijer LPGA Classic.

Her numbers, 11/13 fairways, 16/18 greens in regulation, but 32 putts stopped her from being further up the leaderboard.

Maude Aimee LeBlanc shot a -2 70, good for T45.

Jennifer Kupcho tops the field with a brilliant -9 63 a shot ahead of 37 year old Gina Mendoza -8 64, who had missed 4 cuts in her previous 8 starts. She has struggled combining pro golf with motherhood since 2017.

There are 27 players with 5 shots of the lead. 

Bryan Angus

Adam Hadwin leads the US Open.. full Friday leaderboard

 US Open : full leaderboard TEE TIMES

It's not every morning a guy can wake up and say "I'm leading the US Open" but that's the case in the Hadwin household this morning.

Adam played some great golf earlier this year, he was in contention several times, just never put all 4 rounds together.

I watched all of his fine -4 66 on Thursday. He drove it straight, hit some distinguished irons, and yes a few monster putts fell as well as all those par savers. A superb day all around with 5 birdies in 6 holes from the 4th-9th and he gets to do it all over again early this morning 8.24am, this time beginning on the 10th tee. 

I didn't think anyone would beat Rory's 67, he did the same thing as Adam, except for a drive in the rough at the 9th and the resulting bogey.

With the lead only -4 the field is bunched at this difficult Country Club in Brookline, only 25 players under par 70 and they include defending champion Jon Rahm at -1 along with Justin Thomas. Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Rose and Dustin Johnson are all -2, 

Canadians: 

Apart from Roger Sloan +6 76, (2.31 10th tee) the other 4 Canucks are right in the mix. Corey Connors was in the late wave beginning off the 10th tee had 2 early bogey's but recovered immediately with 2 birdies, and after a bogey and a birdie coming in he made a 3 putt at the 9th for +1 71 T42. He begins at #1 this morning at 7.51.

Mac Hughes saved his front nine after 3 bogey's with an eagle 3 at the 8th out in +1 36, but was steady with 8 straight pars coming in and will be annoyed at his bogey 5 at the 18th for +2 72 T57. He is off the 10th at 2.09 today.

Ben Silverman is also +2 72, (2,42 10th tee) while Nick Taylor 6 bogey's 3 birdies is +3 73 T124. (8.13 10th tee)

Weather:

Warm, windy day 20kph -27kph SW - W with 36% chance of rain around 2pm. With the wind on these small greens and penal rough  expect scoring to be at a premium.

Bryan Angus

 

 

Thursday morning at the US Open in Brookline, Mass.,

 US Open : TEE TIMES/Leaderboard TEE TIMES

While there were scattered T'Storms forecast overnight, round 1 at the old Country Club in Brookline Massachusetts's will be partly cloudy, with a breeze from the SW up to 25kph as the day progresses, rain will not be an issue.

Play gets underway at 6.45 EST with 57 year old qualifier Fran Quinn hitting the first tee shot off the 10th, and 2018 US Amateur champion from Boston, Micheal Thorbjornsen off the 1st. It's the 122 edition of the US national men's championship.

It's the 4th time TCC as it's known, has hosted and the first since 1988. The controversial 1999 Ryder Cup was here as was the 2013 US Amateur.

Jon Rahm has had a mediocre year at best so far, is the defending champion. Rory McIlroy got hot last weekend to defend his RBC Canadian Open title, and will be a hot favourite amongst the many local fans of Irish descent. He was 2nd at the Masters in April and his last major was 11 years ago when he won this championship at the Congressional CC.

Matt Fitzpatrick who is in great form won the US Amateur here in 2013. 

Corey Connors who is ranked 2nd to Jon Rahm in "ball striking" was in the semi finals that year and the finals in 2014. He is one of the 6 Canadians, the others as I mentioned yesterday, Mac Hughes, Adam Hadwin, Roger Sloan, Nick Taylor and Ben Silverman.

Remember Tony Jacklin? He won the US Open 52 years ago at Hazeltine. His 30 year old son Sean has Monday qualified at Jupiter in Florida, Tony has lived in Bradenton for years. It's Sean's 2nd PGA Tour start and his first professional major. He was named after the late great Sean Connery, who played in many pro-ams with Tony in their hey days.

He is just one of the many storylines. The questions surrounding the suspended players, non more so than Phil Mickelson have all been asked and answered.. so far... with the players less concerned than the media about their status. Brooks Koepka, more forthright than most scolded the media room for "throwing the US Open under a black cloud" with their constant obsession with LIV and less about play that starts in 45 minutes..

The total purse for the 156 who have made it is $17,500,000.

Bryan Angus