Stunning -6 66 Cockerill rockets up the Horizon Irish Open leaderboard.. Friday results

 DP World Tour : Horizon Irish Open....Leaderboard

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After an opening +1 73 T106 Canada's Aaron Cockerill took care of business today with an eagle for the 2nd day in row at the 18th, 6 birdies an eagle and 2 bogey's for one of the low rounds of the day at the Horizon Irish Open -6 66 T27.. Same score as Rory Mcllroy 69 70 -5..

Here is the europeantour.com report

Shubhankar Sharma topped the leaderboard alongside Jordan Smith at the halfway stage of the 2023 Horizon Irish Open after front-nine fireworks saw the first-round leader follow up Thursday's 65 with a 66 on day two.

The Indian star went into the second round with a one-shot advantage after carding an eagle and five birdies in his flawless opening effort.

And the morning starter soon put considerable distance between himself and the chasing pack after making seven birdies and no bogeys in a fantastic front-nine 28.

But after two bogeys and another birdie on the back nine saw Sharma head into the clubhouse on 13 under par, he was reined in by England's Smith, who fired a wonderful 65 in the afternoon to join him at the top.

Smith had briefly overtaken Sharma at the summit after making eight birdies in his first 15 holes, but following a double bogey on the 17th, his 13-foot birdie at the last was only good enough for a share of the lead.

Englishman Ross Fisher was one shot back on 12 under after finishing his second-successive 66 with a birdie on the 18th, with Germany's Hurly Long a single stroke further behind in fourth place.

Sharma said: "It was a really quick start. A very early morning start for us, so I was a bit sleepy in the morning.

"I managed to make a lot of putts on the front nine. I had nine single putts, which was amazing. I don't think I've done that before.

"Everything was just going nicely. I was hitting it in the right spots and I was really good inside ten feet. So it all came together.

"I'm pleased with the first two days and the performance I've put up. If I can take that same confidence and good game plan and a good process, I think I'll be fine on the weekend."

europeantour.com

Bryan Angus (edit)

Indian star shines in Ireland... Horizon Irish Open full leaderboard

 DP World Tour : Horizon Irish Open   Leaderboard

Shubhankar Sharma produced a brilliant burst of scoring around the turn as he fired a flawless 65 to lead the 2023 Horizon Irish Open by one shot after Thursday's first round.

The 27-year-old carded an eagle and five birdies as well as pulling off a series of impressive par saves in pleasant afternoon conditions at The K Club.

Sharma's seven-under-par total saw him sit one stroke ahead of Thomas Bjørn, Marcel Schneider, Kristian Krogh Johannessen, Jordan Smith and Ross Fisher.

Hurly Long, Julien Brun, Mikael Lindberg, Wu Ashun, Joost Luiten and Zander Lombard were another shot back on five under, one ahead of home favourites Shane Lowry and Mark Power, who is making his professional debut this week.

"I made a lot of putts on the back nine, which was my front nine, and the round kind of got even better when I made that third shot at the 18th. I holed out from 105 yards. That got me to five under, and the front nine was solid again, which was my back nine."

Sharma was pleased with his putting, adding: "I haven't seen the stats but I'm sure I gained some strokes on the field with my putting. 

"It was one of those days that the hole grew bigger and bigger. Really pleased, yes. I was great off the tee but putter would be number one."

Dane Bjørn, who won this event in 2006, made a magnificent return from a 10-week injury lay-off as he shot seven birdies before closing his 66 with a bogey on the ninth. 

Englishmen Smith and Fisher also carded seven birdies and a single bogey in their first rounds, while afternoon starters Johannessen and Schneider finished with a flourish to join them on six under.

World Number Two Rory McIlroy kicked off his week with a 69 which featured five birdies to sit on three under alongside defending champion Adrian Meronk.

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Bryan Angus (edit)

Making a little boys dream come true. Horizon Irish Open live scoreboard

 DP World Tour : Horizon Irish Open Leaderboard

A heartwarming collaboration between Make-A-Wish Ireland and the DP World Tour brought joy and an unforgettable moment to young Michael Horgan, aged seven, during the practice round of the Horizon Irish Open at The K Club.

Michael’s ultimate wish, to meet his golf hero Rory McIlroy, has turned into an extraordinary experience that transcends the game.

Michael Horgan’s Wish: An Unforgettable Meeting with Golf Superstar, Rory McIlroy

Seven-year-old Michael Horgan, hailing from Dublin, is an avid sports enthusiast with an unbreakable spirit. Despite living with a brain tumour, Michael’s love for golf and football has never waned. His sports heroes, including Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, and Tiger Woods, have inspired him to keep strong throughout his illness. Michael’s initial wish was simple – to receive a personalized video message from Rory. What he didn’t expect was that this wish would evolve into something magical.

Make-A-Wish Ireland, with the generous support of the DP World Tour, contacted Rory, who graciously decided to make Michael's wish an unforgettable reality.

Michael and his family accepted Make-A-Wish's invitation to attend the Horizon Irish Open practice round at The K Club on Wednesday. Little did any of them know that this visit would lead to an extraordinary encounter.

Michael was invited to join a golf buggy ride to watch the professionals up close. What he couldn't anticipate was that his golfing idol, Rory McIlroy, would share the buggy with him. Rory played the final hole of his practice round with Michael by his side, taking a break from his schedule to engage with the young fan and discuss their shared passion for golf whilst having few laughs along the way! This unforgettable moment will forever be etched in Michael and his family's hearts.

Conor, Michael’s dad, said of the wish: "Taking him out on the course with Rory was inspiring and added so much to the occasion, not just meeting him but being able to play with him is a thrill he'll never forget.

On Saturday, September 9th, Horizon will donate €1 for every person on-site who wears green. This special day coincides with Ireland's 2023 Rugby World Cup campaign kick-off against Romania, making it a memorable day for sports and wishes.

edit****

Round 1 is well underway in fine weather, with the clubhouse lead at -6 66 Thomas Bjorn, Ross Fisher and Jordan Smith. Canada's Aaron Cockerill made an eagle 3 at the 18th to salvage an opening +1 73, currently T106.  

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Bryan Angus (edit))

European Captain Luke Donald selects his 6 picks...

Luke Donald has selected Ludvig Aberg, Tommy Fleetwood, Nicolai Højgaard, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose and Sepp Straka as his six Captain’s Picks to complete his 12-man European Team for the 2023 Ryder Cup in Italy.

They join Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Viktor Hovland, Robert MacIntyre, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm, all of whom qualified automatically for the contest against the United States, which takes place at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, Rome, from September 29 – October 1.

Sweden’s Aberg, Denmark’s Højgaard and Austria’s Straka will each be making their first appearance for Europe in the Ryder Cup, while Ireland’s Lowry will be playing in his first on European soil having been part of the team at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin two years ago.

It will be Englishman Fleetwood’s third consecutive Ryder Cup, following his memorable debut in 2018 when he won four points out of five in Paris, while his compatriot Rose returns to the European Team for the first time since that contest at Le Golf National five years ago. Rose will make his sixth Ryder Cup appearance overall, having previously featured in 2008, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018.

European Captain Donald said: “I am delighted to announce Ludvig, Tommy, Nicolai, Shane, Justin and Sepp as part of Team Europe for the Ryder Cup, joining the six players who qualified automatically.

“We have great depth of talent in Europe, and that is perfectly illustrated with the team we now have confirmed for Rome, which is a strong blend of players with previous Ryder Cup experience combined with exciting and talented rookies.

“I’m really pleased to have this team now in place, and we are all looking forward to going to Rome later this month and trying to win back the Ryder Cup.”

EUROPEAN TEAM FOR THE 2023 RYDER CUP

Ludvig Aberg (Sweden). Age 23. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 0 (Rookie) owgr #90

Matt Fitzpatrick (England). Age 29. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2016, 2021) owgr #8

Tommy Fleetwood (England) Age 32. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2018, 2021) owgr #14

Tyrrell Hatton (England). Age 31. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2018, 2021) owgr #13

Nicolai Højgaard (Denmark). Age 22. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 0 (Rookie) owgr #78

Viktor Hovland (Norway). Age 25. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2021) owgr #4

Shane Lowry (Ireland). Age 36. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 1 (2021) owgr #37

Robert MacIntyre (Scotland). Age 27. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 0 (Rookie) owgr #54

Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland). Age 34. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 6 (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021) owgr #2

Jon Rahm (Spain). Age 28. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 2 (2018, 2021) owgr #3

Justin Rose (England) Age 43. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 5 (2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018) owgr #34

Sepp Straka (Austria). Age 30. Previous Ryder Cup appearances: 0 (Rookie) owgr #23

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Bryan Angus (edit)

Monday wrap: Ryder Cup news, Weekend results...

 DP World Tour : Omega European Masters :Results

Ludwig Aberg won his first DP World title in just his 9th start with a stunning finish to win the Omega European Masters 

Ludvig Aberg reeled off four birdies in a row on the back nine to surge to his first professional victory at Crans-sur-Sierre.

In the sun-bathed Swiss Alps, the Swede carded a superb closing 64 to finish 19 under par, two shots ahead of compatriot Alexander Björk.

For much of the final day, it had looked like overnight leader Matt Fitzpatrick would emulate Seve Ballesteros as a three-time winner of the event, but he bogeyed three of the last four holes to finish in a tie for third with Scotland’s Connor Syme.

What made Aberg’s victory all the more impressive was his composure. He began the final round with a bogey and was three adrift of Fitzpatrick when the former U.S. Open champion Fitzpatrick birdied the 13th.

Yet, this only seemed to instigate a spectacular run of scoring for Aberg – playing in the penultimate group of the day – to climb to the top of the leaderboard as Fitzpatrick bogeyed three of his final four holes.

“I don't even know where to start, it's a pretty surreal feeling to be honest,” said Aberg, who becomes the fourth consecutive player to win on debut in Crans-Montana. “Obviously super, super happy.

“I've always had that belief that I've been able to do it, but to do it is pretty cool.

“Winning any tournament is a lot of fun, to do it this quickly (as a professional), I’m over the moon.”

The Omega European Masters marked the final event in the Ryder Cup qualification process for Team Europe, with Matt Fitzpatrick and Robert MacIntyre securing the final two automatic spots.

While Fitzpatrick may not have been able to don the Red Jacket at Crans for the third time, his performance was good enough to overhaul Tommy Fleetwood on the World Points List.

A third Ryder Cup appearance awaits him, while MacIntrye will make his debut in the biennial contest, qualifying via the European Points List.

The pair join Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland and Tyrrell Hatton in Captain Luke Donald’s side to face the United States at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome later this month.

“These six players have been standout performers throughout the qualification period and I am delighted to welcome each and every one of them officially to the 2023 team.”

Donald will complete his 12-player team when he announces his six Captain’s Picks on Monday.

edit*** Canada's Aaron Cockerill making his return to action, opened with 67 and closed with 68 but 70 75 on Friday and Saturday saw him finish T63 at E worth $8,800 cdn and a week in spectacular Crans-sur-Sierre. Next week he is in Ireland for the Horizon Irish Open at the K Club.

europeantour.com

Bryan Angus (edit)

LPGA Tour : The Portland Classic NEWS

A 19 year old Monday qualifier from Thailand, ranked 367 having missed  her previous 9 cuts hit the jackpot at the Portland Classic with a final round -9 63 and a tournament record 68 66 65 63  -26 262

She is Chanettee Wannasaen and she is the first Monday qualifier to win since 2015 when Brooke Henderson won her first of two events here, and set the tournament record at -21.

This week Brooke T34 69 68 72 68 -11 worth $9,078. Maddie Szeryk M/C 76 74 +6

Bryan Angus

Cockerill bogey barrage..Fitzy the story in the Swiss Alps...Sunday leaderboard

 DP World Tour : Omega European Masters Leaderboard

England's Matt Fitzpatrick put himself on course for a hat-trick of Omega European Masters titles with a third-round 67.

The former U.S. Open Championship winner, who turned 29 on Friday, combined seven birdies with two bogeys and a double bogey on the 13th to move to 15 under par.

Fitzpatrick, who became the first player since Seve Ballesteros to defend a title at Crans-sur-Sierre with his victories in 2017 and 2018, is two clear of Swedes Ludvig Aberg and Alexander Björk and Scotland's Connor Syme.

“It was good, sloppy mistake on nine, first putt moved tonnes left to right then second one didn't move,” he said. “That was annoying. Very poor shot on 13 but very happy to play the last five in three under just to get back in it.

“I knew that 14 was reachable in two, 15 is gettable today with the down wind and I was hoping I could pick up one in the last three and did on 18.

“I was really pleased to make sure I was in the mix come Sunday because it could have unraveled if you make two pars on the easy par fives and you can be quite a few behind. Important to get a lead going into tomorrow and looking forward to playing again.”

As well as a third title in the Swiss mountains, which would see Fitzpatrick draw level with Ballesteros for most wins in the event, he will also seal an automatic Ryder Cup berth via the World Points list by finishing in at least a tie for seventh with one other player.

“I feel like there's a lot of things for me this week,” Fitzpatrick added. “I can wrap up Ryder Cup, I can match Seve's record and win here three times. A win here is always special and my third would be even better.”

Björk, whose previous DP World Tour title came in China five years ago, made four birdies and two bogeys in his 68, while compatriot Aberg finished with a hat-trick of gains in his 66.

Syme also made a fast finish with birdies on the 14th, 15th and 16th in a round of 65, with Alex Fitzpatrick and Nicolai Højgaard tied for fifth on 12 under.

edit ***** Canada's Aaron Cockerill who is returning to action after a month off tour at home in Winnipeg opened brightly with a 4 birdie 1 bogey 67, but has faltered to a T71 on moving day with 4 bogey's and a double +5 75 +2 total heading into the final round 17 shots off the lead. He lost 5 shots to par from the 10th with bogey, par bogey, double bogey, bogey.

europeantour.com

Bryan Angus (edit)

Fitzpatrick Ryder Cup bid leads in the Alps.. full Saturday leaderboard

DP World Tour: Omega European Masters  

• Leaderboard

Matt Fitzpatrick stayed on track to make it a hat-trick of wins at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club as he followed his opening 63 with a 65 to take a one-shot lead into the weekend at the Omega European Masters.

The Englishman was champion here in 2017 and 2018 and continued his love affair on his 29th birthday as he moved to 12 under ahead of Swede Alexander Björk, who carded a 64.

Fitzpatrick's younger brother Alex was then at ten under after a 65, a score matched by Frenchman Romain Langasque who was also two shots off the lead.

A tie for seventh with one other or better will see Matt Fitzpatrick make the Ryder Cup team via the World Points List, while there are still four players who can mathematically qualify through the European Points List this week.

One of those is Adrian Meronk, who needs a tie for second with one other to have a chance and, while he shared the lead at one point on day two, a late stumble in his 64 left him at nine under alongside Ludvig Aberg and Renato Paratore - with Robert MacIntyre still on course for a place in Luke Donald's team.

Matt Fitzpatrick led by four as he turned in 30 after starting on the tenth and while he could not make further progress on the front nine, he was pleased with his day's work.

"First nine I played fantastic," he said. "Just carried on where I left off yesterday. Front nine I didn’t give myself too many chances, a little bit scrappy. A couple of pins that didn’t feel like they suited me. Disappointed to only shoot level par on the front given the scoring opportunities but in a good position going into the weekend.

"After Memphis we talked about a few things with the driver, that has been the key. My irons have been good all year, much better than they have been the last few years. Driver has always been my strength, so we knew that was what was letting me down so spent a good bit of time on that.

"Felt like we found something in Memphis, kicked on in Chicago and played pretty solid in Atlanta as well. This is the third week in a row where I feel comfortable with where it’s at and what we’ve done."

Alex Fitzpatrick picked up shots on the first, third, seventh, 14th and 15th, while Langasque was level par for his round after 12 holes before birdieing the fourth and finishing with four in a row.

Italian Paratore matched Meronk's 64, while Swede Aberg carded a 67 to sit a shot ahead of Danish pair Nicolai Højgaard and Niklas Nørgaard, Malaysian Gavin Green, Dutchman Joost Luiten and Scot Connor Syme.

Canadian:  Aaron Cockerill back in Europe after a month off at home in Winnipeg shoots 69. 72 -3..

Bryan Angus