ACTON, ONT.]—The PGA of Canada released its 2012 tournament schedule today, featuring a number of impressive venues for its National Championships.
The five National Championships will be played at stellar courses including Country Hills Golf Club, Calgary; Emerald Hills Golf Club, Stouffville, Ont.; Legends on the Niagara, Niagara Falls, Ont.; Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club, Jasper, Alta.; and PGA Golf Club, Port St. Lucie, Fla.
"We've got five great venues for our National Championships this year,” said PGA of Canada's Managing Director of Championships & Events, Adam LeBrun. "Each course offers a unique challenge to competitors and I believe we'll have five great champions come the end of the year.”
The first of five National Championships—the PGA Championship of Canada sponsored by Mr. Lube and presented by TaylorMade-adidas Golf—takes place June 18-22 on the Talons Course at Country Hills Golf Club in Calgary. Once again, the tournament will feature a 64-player field and a match play format.
The Mr. Lube PGA Seniors' Championship of Canada presented by Cleveland Golf/Srixon sees the PGA of Canada members 50-years and older take to Emerald Hills Golf Club July 17-20.
Legends on the Niagara's Ussher's Creek course plays host to the PGA Women's Championship of Canada presented by Nike Golf, Aug. 28-30.
The famed Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club, which ranked No. 4 on SCOREGolf's 2010 Top 100 Golf Courses in Canada list, welcomes the PGA Assistants' Championship of Canada presented by Titleist & FootJoy, Sept. 17-20.
Once again the Titleist & FootJoy PGA Club Professional Championship of Canada returns to the Wanamaker Course at PGA Golf Club, Nov. 18-21.
For more information, visit the Championships page on the PGA of Canada's website.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
A look at today's World Rankings provides a rosy view of pro golf's future.
click here for the latest world golf rankings.. http://www.officialworldgolfranking.com/rankings/default.sps?region=world
In the Monday morning aftermath of Rory's coronation as the world's #1, and a vintage Sunday charge by Tiger Woods 62 and lost in the shuffle Lee Westwood's 63, the future of the men's pro game is very bright indeed.
Somehow Luke Donald who was the man with his incredible 2011, didn't stir the imagination of fans in North America, and while he was treated with the utmost respect from the media, it was more like " what a great year Luke Donald is having, and congrats on the birth of his new daughter... now to Tiger.."
Rory at 22 is much more appealing to the American public and media, winning the US Open as he did, blowing the Masters as he did, his breathtaking swing, prodigious length, world #2 beautiful tennis star girlfriend...We are all at the start of the next era in golf, but it won't ever be as dominant as it was in Tiger's prime.. but that makes it more exciting.
Here's my look from the World rankings, at some of the guys we are going to enjoy competing against Rory for years to come..
#2 Luke Donald... will never have another season like 2011, but he has shown us all what a worthy top 5 player he is.
#3 Lee Westwood.. at 37, fit as a fiddle, full of confidence playing anywhere in the world, he has nothing left to prove except that he can win a major, and that starts again in 4 weeks at Augusta.
#7 Jason Day.. at 22 will have many a clash with Rory for years to come. He has all the tools, another young gun..
#8 Dustin Johnson.. is just ridiculously talented, and if he ever gets really determined there will be weeks when he is unbeatable. Only 27.
#9 Charl Schwartzel .. is already a Masters champion, and is the real deal also only 27, this South African will compete with Rory around the world for years.
#12 Phil Mickelson may be 42 now but is far from done as he just displayed at Pebble and Riviera, it will be intriguing to see the old guard taking on Rory and the kids for a few more years
# 16 Tiger Woods... enough said... WGC at Doral this week... Bay Hill in a 3 weeks if Tiger plays, Rory has said he will,.. then Augusta.. and that's just the start..
#36 Rickie Fowler... once his game starts to match his clothes look out... He's exciting, he's damn good and he is another 24 year old.. They will battle at the Ryder Cup for years..
# 42 Bae Sang moon.. 22 year old Korean, along with #39 KT Kim and others to come that will take the torch from #21 KJ Choi as SKorea, China, Japan ( #53 Ryo Ishikawa ), Malaysia, Thailand all continue to become big time players on the world stage during the upcoming Rory dynasty...
#62 Matteo Manessero.. this Italian star is only 19, and is truly special, mature beyond his years as Mike Weir said after a practice round with him as a 16 year old at the Masters
Other young American stars like Harris English 22, Patrick Cantley 20, are just starting their pro stories, Tom Lewis 21 is already the European tour Rookie of the Year and I could go on and on.
Rory's win yesterday and his brand new world #1 status along with Tiger's resurgence have certainly given this 2012 season a real shot in the arm, but when you look at the bigger picture, the future... it is very rosy indeed
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
In the Monday morning aftermath of Rory's coronation as the world's #1, and a vintage Sunday charge by Tiger Woods 62 and lost in the shuffle Lee Westwood's 63, the future of the men's pro game is very bright indeed.
Somehow Luke Donald who was the man with his incredible 2011, didn't stir the imagination of fans in North America, and while he was treated with the utmost respect from the media, it was more like " what a great year Luke Donald is having, and congrats on the birth of his new daughter... now to Tiger.."
Rory at 22 is much more appealing to the American public and media, winning the US Open as he did, blowing the Masters as he did, his breathtaking swing, prodigious length, world #2 beautiful tennis star girlfriend...We are all at the start of the next era in golf, but it won't ever be as dominant as it was in Tiger's prime.. but that makes it more exciting.
Here's my look from the World rankings, at some of the guys we are going to enjoy competing against Rory for years to come..
#2 Luke Donald... will never have another season like 2011, but he has shown us all what a worthy top 5 player he is.
#3 Lee Westwood.. at 37, fit as a fiddle, full of confidence playing anywhere in the world, he has nothing left to prove except that he can win a major, and that starts again in 4 weeks at Augusta.
#7 Jason Day.. at 22 will have many a clash with Rory for years to come. He has all the tools, another young gun..
#8 Dustin Johnson.. is just ridiculously talented, and if he ever gets really determined there will be weeks when he is unbeatable. Only 27.
#9 Charl Schwartzel .. is already a Masters champion, and is the real deal also only 27, this South African will compete with Rory around the world for years.
#12 Phil Mickelson may be 42 now but is far from done as he just displayed at Pebble and Riviera, it will be intriguing to see the old guard taking on Rory and the kids for a few more years
# 16 Tiger Woods... enough said... WGC at Doral this week... Bay Hill in a 3 weeks if Tiger plays, Rory has said he will,.. then Augusta.. and that's just the start..
#36 Rickie Fowler... once his game starts to match his clothes look out... He's exciting, he's damn good and he is another 24 year old.. They will battle at the Ryder Cup for years..
# 42 Bae Sang moon.. 22 year old Korean, along with #39 KT Kim and others to come that will take the torch from #21 KJ Choi as SKorea, China, Japan ( #53 Ryo Ishikawa ), Malaysia, Thailand all continue to become big time players on the world stage during the upcoming Rory dynasty...
#62 Matteo Manessero.. this Italian star is only 19, and is truly special, mature beyond his years as Mike Weir said after a practice round with him as a 16 year old at the Masters
Other young American stars like Harris English 22, Patrick Cantley 20, are just starting their pro stories, Tom Lewis 21 is already the European tour Rookie of the Year and I could go on and on.
Rory's win yesterday and his brand new world #1 status along with Tiger's resurgence have certainly given this 2012 season a real shot in the arm, but when you look at the bigger picture, the future... it is very rosy indeed
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Tiger's returns just in time to make the McIlroy dynasty very interesting.
Tiger Woods took a huge step forward this Sunday, in his recovery with a final round -8 62 to post a -10 clubhouse lead, it was the Tiger of old..the type of round we have come to expect from Tiger..the type of round that made players crumble under his onslaught in the past, especially with that birdie, eagle finish, it was vintage
However the Tiger of this era Rory McIlroy wasn't fazed, putting and playing way beyond his 22 years, he made clutch par putt after par putt, getting out of trouble at 15 and 17 with deft touch, posted -1 69 to get to -12 to win the Honda Classic by 2 shots and begin his dynasty as the best player in the world, he is now #1, a dynasty that is well supported by young guns like Keegan Bradley, Rickie Fowler, Matteo Manessero, Tom Lewis, Jason Day, etal and 30 somethings like Sergio, Adam Scott, Luke Donald and yes Tiger Woods.
The media will continue to flock to Tiger until he retires, but his era as the undisputed #1 player in the world is over, yes he will win again, probably even a major, but Rory is now the man amongst the players and any rational thinking scribe or broadcaster.
He was 62 under par in his last 6 events (not counting his 2nd last week at the MatchPlay where scores are assumed) and only had 1 outside the T10. Add another -12 to make him -74 in his last 6 strokeplay events..
He will be the odds on favourite at next week's WGC Cadillac Open at Doral, then at Augusta.. the dynasty has begun.. Luke Donald, off this week, and Lee Westwood -7 63 today, along with Martin Kaymer and GMac, not to mention Dustin Johnson, Webb Simpson, and oldies like Tiger and Phil Mickelson will keep him honest, but Rory drives it as long, has a great long iron game, superb short game, lags well and is now making most from 10' and in.
Golf is in good hands, Rory's, and now it apppears Tiger is back to make things really interesting, and I am happy to be around to watch it all.
Let the Rory dynasty begin, it will be a helluva ride, and this is a Ryder Cup year !! Yikes...
final scoreboard click http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboards/current/r010/
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
However the Tiger of this era Rory McIlroy wasn't fazed, putting and playing way beyond his 22 years, he made clutch par putt after par putt, getting out of trouble at 15 and 17 with deft touch, posted -1 69 to get to -12 to win the Honda Classic by 2 shots and begin his dynasty as the best player in the world, he is now #1, a dynasty that is well supported by young guns like Keegan Bradley, Rickie Fowler, Matteo Manessero, Tom Lewis, Jason Day, etal and 30 somethings like Sergio, Adam Scott, Luke Donald and yes Tiger Woods.
The media will continue to flock to Tiger until he retires, but his era as the undisputed #1 player in the world is over, yes he will win again, probably even a major, but Rory is now the man amongst the players and any rational thinking scribe or broadcaster.
He was 62 under par in his last 6 events (not counting his 2nd last week at the MatchPlay where scores are assumed) and only had 1 outside the T10. Add another -12 to make him -74 in his last 6 strokeplay events..
He will be the odds on favourite at next week's WGC Cadillac Open at Doral, then at Augusta.. the dynasty has begun.. Luke Donald, off this week, and Lee Westwood -7 63 today, along with Martin Kaymer and GMac, not to mention Dustin Johnson, Webb Simpson, and oldies like Tiger and Phil Mickelson will keep him honest, but Rory drives it as long, has a great long iron game, superb short game, lags well and is now making most from 10' and in.
Golf is in good hands, Rory's, and now it apppears Tiger is back to make things really interesting, and I am happy to be around to watch it all.
Let the Rory dynasty begin, it will be a helluva ride, and this is a Ryder Cup year !! Yikes...
final scoreboard click http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboards/current/r010/
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Tee times moved up for round 4 with Rory in the lead.
****WEATHER UPDATE.. Play has resumed at 11.30am after a 2 hour delay due to strong winds and rain..
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Due to bad weather expected today, tee times have been moved up for the final round with players going off both tees in groups of three between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.
According to the forecast, thunderstorms are possible beginning at noon, with a 40 percent chance of rain. By 1 p.m., the chance of rain increases to 50 percent. Winds as high as 25 mph are also expected.
tee times click http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/r010/tee-times.html
live scoring click http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboards/current/r010/
McIlroy, still only 22, could move to No. 4 in the FedExCup standings and become the second-youngest player behind Woods to reach No. 1 in the world this week. He would have to win The Honda Classic to make the move and replace Luke Donald atop the ranking. He shot a brilliant -4 66 in windy conditions at this tough PGA National course to move to -11 199, for a two-shot lead over 22-year-old rookie Harris English (66) and 43-year-old Tom Gillis (69). Seven players were within five shots of the lead, a group that includes PGA champion Keegan Bradley and Masters champion Charl Schwartzel.
In Rory's last 6 events he has been 4th WGC in China, 1st in Hong Kong, 11th at Dubai Worlds, 2nd in Abu Dhabi, 5th in Dubai and 2nd last week at WGC Matchplay, without a round over par in the stroke play events.
He is poised to win today as he prepares his game for the Masters which you remember he was leading after 3 rounds last year. This is the beginning of a dynasty folks, with a great young supporting cast from all over the world..
Tiger Woods could only manage -1 69 and is T18, 9 shots behind at -2 208. " I was close to putting a low one up there today," Woods said. "I felt like it could be had, I could make a run and post 5-under par for the day or something like that and get myself within reach. Right now, Rory is playing some great golf."
Harris English, who won on the Nationwide Tour last year while still an amateur, made a 10-foot par save on the 17th and finished with a 66. He will be in the final group, a rare occasion when McIlroy will be playing with someone his own age with a tournament on the line.
All four Canucks missed the cut as reported here yesterday.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
(with notes fom pgatour.com)
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — Due to bad weather expected today, tee times have been moved up for the final round with players going off both tees in groups of three between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.
According to the forecast, thunderstorms are possible beginning at noon, with a 40 percent chance of rain. By 1 p.m., the chance of rain increases to 50 percent. Winds as high as 25 mph are also expected.
tee times click http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/r010/tee-times.html
live scoring click http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboards/current/r010/
McIlroy, still only 22, could move to No. 4 in the FedExCup standings and become the second-youngest player behind Woods to reach No. 1 in the world this week. He would have to win The Honda Classic to make the move and replace Luke Donald atop the ranking. He shot a brilliant -4 66 in windy conditions at this tough PGA National course to move to -11 199, for a two-shot lead over 22-year-old rookie Harris English (66) and 43-year-old Tom Gillis (69). Seven players were within five shots of the lead, a group that includes PGA champion Keegan Bradley and Masters champion Charl Schwartzel.
In Rory's last 6 events he has been 4th WGC in China, 1st in Hong Kong, 11th at Dubai Worlds, 2nd in Abu Dhabi, 5th in Dubai and 2nd last week at WGC Matchplay, without a round over par in the stroke play events.
He is poised to win today as he prepares his game for the Masters which you remember he was leading after 3 rounds last year. This is the beginning of a dynasty folks, with a great young supporting cast from all over the world..
Tiger Woods could only manage -1 69 and is T18, 9 shots behind at -2 208. " I was close to putting a low one up there today," Woods said. "I felt like it could be had, I could make a run and post 5-under par for the day or something like that and get myself within reach. Right now, Rory is playing some great golf."
Harris English, who won on the Nationwide Tour last year while still an amateur, made a 10-foot par save on the 17th and finished with a 66. He will be in the final group, a rare occasion when McIlroy will be playing with someone his own age with a tournament on the line.
All four Canucks missed the cut as reported here yesterday.
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
(with notes fom pgatour.com)
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Honda Classic Live scoreboard, Round 2 wrap up, Round 3 tee times.
Around about 11.30am Friday, a few Golf Channel suits joined Kelly Tilghman, Rich Lerner, Frank Nobilo, Todd Lewis in taking a knee as they were led in prayer by brother Charlie Rymer just after Tiger made a double bogey 5 on the par 3 5th (his 14th) to fall to +1 and sit right on the cut line..
" Please Lord, don't let the cut go to even, or better still Lord if you can find it in your heart of hearts guide a couple of his approach shots to within a foot of the hole for a kick in birdie.. his putter has been touched in the night by Satan "...
Well the thought of the 2 weekends in a row without their speed elevator to the Ratings Penthouse were answered as Tiger turned their worried faces into smiles of relief as he birdied his final 2 holes to sit at -1, 7 shots out of the lead.
Tom Gillis 64, and Justin Rose 66, share the lead at 132 -8 with Rory McIlroy 67, and veteran Dicky Pride 67 next at 133 -7.
Brian Harmon needed to eagle the par 5 18th, went for the green in 2, ended up in the front bunker, missed a 5 footer for 60 and settled (sic) for -9 61 to shatter the course record of 64.
It was quite a turnaround for Gillis, who has played in 26 countries during a journey that has taken him to tours in Europe, Asia and South Africa. He even thought about quitting after he failed to get back to the PGA TOUR through Q-school, but he stuck with it, hopeful of days like Friday.
T1 18 12 Tom Gillis -8 F -6 color info 68 64 132
T1 1 8 Justin Rose -8 F* -4 color info 66 66 132
T3 1 14 Rory McIlroy -7 F -3 color info 66 67 133
T3 1 44 Dicky Pride -7 F -3 color info 66 67 133
T5 14 78 Vaughn Taylor -6 F* -4 color info 68 66 134
T5 102 52 Brian Harman -6 F -9 color info 73 61 134
for live scoring click here http://www.pgatour.com/r/leaderboard/
It was a poor day for the Canucks, all missing the cut which fell at +1 141, their scores listed below..
CUT 108 Stephen Ames 75 72 147
CUT 123 Graham DeLaet 73 73 146
CUT 94 David Hearn 71 73 144
CUT 216 Mike Weir 75 78 153
Round 3 tee times.. http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/r010/tee-times.html
As luck would have it Lee Westwood and Tiger are paired at 10.57..
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
(with notes from pgatour.com)
" Please Lord, don't let the cut go to even, or better still Lord if you can find it in your heart of hearts guide a couple of his approach shots to within a foot of the hole for a kick in birdie.. his putter has been touched in the night by Satan "...
Well the thought of the 2 weekends in a row without their speed elevator to the Ratings Penthouse were answered as Tiger turned their worried faces into smiles of relief as he birdied his final 2 holes to sit at -1, 7 shots out of the lead.
Tom Gillis 64, and Justin Rose 66, share the lead at 132 -8 with Rory McIlroy 67, and veteran Dicky Pride 67 next at 133 -7.
Brian Harmon needed to eagle the par 5 18th, went for the green in 2, ended up in the front bunker, missed a 5 footer for 60 and settled (sic) for -9 61 to shatter the course record of 64.
It was quite a turnaround for Gillis, who has played in 26 countries during a journey that has taken him to tours in Europe, Asia and South Africa. He even thought about quitting after he failed to get back to the PGA TOUR through Q-school, but he stuck with it, hopeful of days like Friday.
T1 18 12 Tom Gillis -8 F -6 color info 68 64 132
T1 1 8 Justin Rose -8 F* -4 color info 66 66 132
T3 1 14 Rory McIlroy -7 F -3 color info 66 67 133
T3 1 44 Dicky Pride -7 F -3 color info 66 67 133
T5 14 78 Vaughn Taylor -6 F* -4 color info 68 66 134
T5 102 52 Brian Harman -6 F -9 color info 73 61 134
for live scoring click here http://www.pgatour.com/r/leaderboard/
It was a poor day for the Canucks, all missing the cut which fell at +1 141, their scores listed below..
CUT 108 Stephen Ames 75 72 147
CUT 123 Graham DeLaet 73 73 146
CUT 94 David Hearn 71 73 144
CUT 216 Mike Weir 75 78 153
Round 3 tee times.. http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/r010/tee-times.html
As luck would have it Lee Westwood and Tiger are paired at 10.57..
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
(with notes from pgatour.com)
Friday, March 2, 2012
Mixed results so far for Canucks on Nationwide Tour in Panama..
The Nationwide Tour swing through South and Central America continues this week at the Panama Claro Championship and there are 6 Canucks in the field as round 2 gets underway, and 4 of them better play well today just to make the cut.
The leader is an American Justin Hicks after an opening -6 64. The cut is projected at +2 and par for this course is 70.
T20 T19 Brad Fritsch SC 12:40 pm * E 70 -- -- -- 70
T42 T41 Ryan Yip SC E 1 * 2 72 -- -- -- 72
T62 T63 Chris Baryla SC 1:20 pm 3 73 -- -- -- 73
T106 T105 Stuart Anderson SC 12:00 pm * 6 76 -- -- -- 76
T106 T105 Adam Hadwin SC 1:30 pm 6 76 -- -- -- 76
T123 T123 Bryan DeCorso SC 1:30 pm * 8 78 -- -- -- 78
Live scoreboard click http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboards/current/h084/
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
The leader is an American Justin Hicks after an opening -6 64. The cut is projected at +2 and par for this course is 70.
T20 T19 Brad Fritsch SC 12:40 pm * E 70 -- -- -- 70
T42 T41 Ryan Yip SC E 1 * 2 72 -- -- -- 72
T62 T63 Chris Baryla SC 1:20 pm 3 73 -- -- -- 73
T106 T105 Stuart Anderson SC 12:00 pm * 6 76 -- -- -- 76
T106 T105 Adam Hadwin SC 1:30 pm 6 76 -- -- -- 76
T123 T123 Bryan DeCorso SC 1:30 pm * 8 78 -- -- -- 78
Live scoreboard click http://www.pgatour.com/leaderboards/current/h084/
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Honda Classic..Round 2 tee times, live scoreboard, Round 1 wrap..
1st and 2nd round tee times click http://www.pgatour.com/tournaments/r010/tee-times.html
Most of the low scoring came from the morning, when conditions were soft and benign, and before the south Florida wind arrived. Because of rain Wednesday and the possibility of some afternoon showers, players were able to lift, clean and place their golf balls in the fairway, which always helps. The greens were smooth in the morning, another advantage. And there wasn't much wind.
Davis Love now 47, was out early and aided by an ace on the par 3 5th, he tied the PGA National course record -6 64, 2 shots ahead of a group at -4 66 which included Rory McIlroy.
Rory, coming off a runner-up finish last week, needs to win to reach No. 1 in the world. His 66 in the early flight, didn't seem to require much effort. McIlroy twice holed tricky par putts from about 5 feet on the first three holes, and from there gave himself plenty of looks from 20 feet and closer, and I notice these days he is making more of those 6 footers that have been one of the few blemishes in his game.
" That's been a huge improvement, especially inside 6 feet, I definitely don't miss as many as I used to. I feel a lot more confident over those putts. I've always been pretty good from like 15 to 25 feet. I've always holed my fair share, but those putts that you should hole all the time are the only that I've definitely improved on.
Woods played in the afternoon. Making his first appearance in this event as a pro, he didn't distinguish himself, he only missed three greens, but failed to save par each time. His other bogey was a three-putt from 50 feet. He also failed to get up-and-down from left of the par-5 18th green, having to settle for par. He only had two birdie chances inside 10 feet. He is T69th, seven shots behind and again took 34 putts.
Sean Foley noted that Tiger, in his day, always had the toe of his putter up, and has encouraged him to return to that style this week, which helps the toe close as the stroke comes through, but so far Tiger is simply not putting well at all.
Others in the group at -4 include Justin Rose, Ryan Palmer and Harris English, the rookie who won on the Nationwide Tour last year as an amateur and has yet to miss a cut this year.
Lee Westwood, paired with Woods, is E,70 and tip of the cap to the folks at PUMA who had Rickie Fowler with blue pants and hat, and yellow shirt, belt and shoes. He is making Ian Poulter, who WD by the way with the flu, look drab !!
Play is already underway this morning, and remember all the guys who got the worst of the weather, like Weir and Tiger are off early today.
Canadians
In case you were wondering, Weirsy was 142nd in Driving accuracy, T143 in driving length (247yds) and GIR..he only used 26 putts. Unless he finds the solution to his woes off the tee, he is never going to give himself the chance to compete.
Graham DeLaet was cruising along at E par until a triple bogey 6 at the par 3 17th. With the wind in their faces and blowing left to right toward the water to the right ,and a bunker long and left , the only place the guys have is on the green, with just a 30-foot landing area there. Ernie Els has the dubious honour of being in that pond 6 times during his career at this Honda Classic.
T69 1 89 David Hearn 1 12:10pm 71
T107 121 Graham DeLaet 3 11:50am* 73
T132 103 Stephen Ames 5 1:00pm* 75
T132 218 Mike Weir 5 -- -- 75
live scoring click here http://www.pgatour.com/r/leaderboard/
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
(notes from pgatour.com were used in this post)
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
Most of the low scoring came from the morning, when conditions were soft and benign, and before the south Florida wind arrived. Because of rain Wednesday and the possibility of some afternoon showers, players were able to lift, clean and place their golf balls in the fairway, which always helps. The greens were smooth in the morning, another advantage. And there wasn't much wind.
Davis Love now 47, was out early and aided by an ace on the par 3 5th, he tied the PGA National course record -6 64, 2 shots ahead of a group at -4 66 which included Rory McIlroy.
Rory, coming off a runner-up finish last week, needs to win to reach No. 1 in the world. His 66 in the early flight, didn't seem to require much effort. McIlroy twice holed tricky par putts from about 5 feet on the first three holes, and from there gave himself plenty of looks from 20 feet and closer, and I notice these days he is making more of those 6 footers that have been one of the few blemishes in his game.
" That's been a huge improvement, especially inside 6 feet, I definitely don't miss as many as I used to. I feel a lot more confident over those putts. I've always been pretty good from like 15 to 25 feet. I've always holed my fair share, but those putts that you should hole all the time are the only that I've definitely improved on.
Woods played in the afternoon. Making his first appearance in this event as a pro, he didn't distinguish himself, he only missed three greens, but failed to save par each time. His other bogey was a three-putt from 50 feet. He also failed to get up-and-down from left of the par-5 18th green, having to settle for par. He only had two birdie chances inside 10 feet. He is T69th, seven shots behind and again took 34 putts.
Sean Foley noted that Tiger, in his day, always had the toe of his putter up, and has encouraged him to return to that style this week, which helps the toe close as the stroke comes through, but so far Tiger is simply not putting well at all.
Others in the group at -4 include Justin Rose, Ryan Palmer and Harris English, the rookie who won on the Nationwide Tour last year as an amateur and has yet to miss a cut this year.
Lee Westwood, paired with Woods, is E,70 and tip of the cap to the folks at PUMA who had Rickie Fowler with blue pants and hat, and yellow shirt, belt and shoes. He is making Ian Poulter, who WD by the way with the flu, look drab !!
Play is already underway this morning, and remember all the guys who got the worst of the weather, like Weir and Tiger are off early today.
Canadians
In case you were wondering, Weirsy was 142nd in Driving accuracy, T143 in driving length (247yds) and GIR..he only used 26 putts. Unless he finds the solution to his woes off the tee, he is never going to give himself the chance to compete.
Graham DeLaet was cruising along at E par until a triple bogey 6 at the par 3 17th. With the wind in their faces and blowing left to right toward the water to the right ,and a bunker long and left , the only place the guys have is on the green, with just a 30-foot landing area there. Ernie Els has the dubious honour of being in that pond 6 times during his career at this Honda Classic.
T69 1 89 David Hearn 1 12:10pm 71
T107 121 Graham DeLaet 3 11:50am* 73
T132 103 Stephen Ames 5 1:00pm* 75
T132 218 Mike Weir 5 -- -- 75
live scoring click here http://www.pgatour.com/r/leaderboard/
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
(notes from pgatour.com were used in this post)
Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles and at http://www.isr1050.com/
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