At a time when most 48 year old's are winding down their career's and looking forward to the Seniors tour,Kenny Perry is coming to life.He has had a remarkable 12 months when he has won 5 tour events.He claimed his second this year with a record total of -22 in the PGA Travelers Championship. The low record has stood since 1982,and was held by Tim Morris.
48 year old Perry had rounds of 61,68,66,63 for his 14th PGA Tour victory and with a prize fund of $1,008,000 is now leading the way in the Fed Ex cup table ahead of Zach Johnston,Phil Mickleson and Tiger Woods.
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Monday 29 June 2009
Sunday 28 June 2009
Nick Dougherty wins in Germany after 2 years.
Liverpool golfer Nick Dougherty shot a final round of 64 to win the BMW International Open in Germany.His -22 total was the lowest score of the year and it took it all as Rafa Echenique covered the back nine in an incredible 9 under par 27,which included a last hole albatross.He holed a 3 iron shot for a 2 at the par 5,18th hole that forced Dougherty to work hard for 3 closing pars.
This was Doherty's first win for two years,and also very rewarding.He collected a cheque for 333,330.00 Euros and invites to the World Golf Chanpionship-Bridgestone Invitational-HSBC Champions. The Mercedes-Benz Championship and the Open at Turnberry.Nick has now moved up to 14th in the Race To Dubai with 677,190 Euros.
Retief Goosen started 3 clear of Dougherty but could only manage a 71-18.
Rory McIlroy had another fine tournament and was the top Irish in 15th with a closing 67 for -14 total.Peter Lawrie had a good week.He finished 19th on -12 after a final round of 69.
The other 3 fell back.Gareth Maybin shot a 72-3 for 58th,Gary Murphy 73-2 for 62nd and Michael Hoey went from -4 to +4 after an 80 and finished in 69th place.
This was Doherty's first win for two years,and also very rewarding.He collected a cheque for 333,330.00 Euros and invites to the World Golf Chanpionship-Bridgestone Invitational-HSBC Champions. The Mercedes-Benz Championship and the Open at Turnberry.Nick has now moved up to 14th in the Race To Dubai with 677,190 Euros.
Retief Goosen started 3 clear of Dougherty but could only manage a 71-18.
Rory McIlroy had another fine tournament and was the top Irish in 15th with a closing 67 for -14 total.Peter Lawrie had a good week.He finished 19th on -12 after a final round of 69.
The other 3 fell back.Gareth Maybin shot a 72-3 for 58th,Gary Murphy 73-2 for 62nd and Michael Hoey went from -4 to +4 after an 80 and finished in 69th place.
Carl Mason wins 3rd De Vere trophy.
Carl Mason won his 3rd De Vere Seniors championship title at Slaley Hall after a closing 69 left him on -9 for a 3 shot victory.The win was worth 47,115 Euros.
His previous wins were in 2004 and 2007. It was also Carl's 21 Seniors victory and he is now only 2 away from catching Tommy Horton who has 23 wins
Jimmy Heggarty closed with a 71.His -2 total left him in 8th place,Des Smith rallied with a closing 67 to finish 21st on +2,Eamon Darcy was 36th on +5(74)and Peter Hanna was 63 (81) +23.
His previous wins were in 2004 and 2007. It was also Carl's 21 Seniors victory and he is now only 2 away from catching Tommy Horton who has 23 wins
Jimmy Heggarty closed with a 71.His -2 total left him in 8th place,Des Smith rallied with a closing 67 to finish 21st on +2,Eamon Darcy was 36th on +5(74)and Peter Hanna was 63 (81) +23.
Italion,Diane Luna wins AIB event in Dublin.
There was a fog delay in the AIB Ladies Irish Open at Portmarnock in Dublin. Once play got underway there was only going to be one winner when Italian Diana Luna had a great tournament hitting rounds of 68,69,68 -11.She won by 4 clear shots from favorite Sophie Gustafson(Sweden),Gwladys Nocera(France)and Florontyna Parker(England).Luna picked up 75,000 Euros.
It was a good pay day for the top Irish performer,Martina Gillen from Beaverstown finished in joint 26th and won 5,175 Euros.
Carlows Tara Delaney was 37th on +5 and won 3,520 Euros.Rebecca Coakley 52nd+5,Hazel Cavanagh 59th+8 and Kilkeel amateur Danielle Mc Veigh was 61st on +9.Danielle had a hole in one at the 3rd hole in round two,qualified on level par but had a poor 81 in the final round.
Despite missing the cut,the 14 year old twin Maguires made a lot of new admirers.They will be competing for major Pro honours in the not too distant future.Leona finished +8 and beat her playing partner Laura Davis for the second day in a row,while Lisa was 2 shots worse on +10 for 36 holes.
It was a good pay day for the top Irish performer,Martina Gillen from Beaverstown finished in joint 26th and won 5,175 Euros.
Carlows Tara Delaney was 37th on +5 and won 3,520 Euros.Rebecca Coakley 52nd+5,Hazel Cavanagh 59th+8 and Kilkeel amateur Danielle Mc Veigh was 61st on +9.Danielle had a hole in one at the 3rd hole in round two,qualified on level par but had a poor 81 in the final round.
Despite missing the cut,the 14 year old twin Maguires made a lot of new admirers.They will be competing for major Pro honours in the not too distant future.Leona finished +8 and beat her playing partner Laura Davis for the second day in a row,while Lisa was 2 shots worse on +10 for 36 holes.
Andrew Butterfield wins after 13 years on the Challenge Tour.
You can't fault Englands Andrew Butterfield for trying,in fact he has been trying to win for the last 13 years on the Challenge tour.He finished 2nd a few times before getting his break in the PRINCESS Tournament in Sweden today.
He put himself under pressure coming towards the end,but survived to win by one shot and with a pay day of 48,000 Euros he moves into pole position with 80,464 Euros.He should be rewarded with one of the 20 places for a Europan tour card for 2010.
Colm Moriarty beat Simon Thornton by 6 shots in the final round with a 68 against 74 to finish top Irish in joint 12th on -8.He won 5550 Euros and is now 55th in the order of merit.
Simon Thornton finished -4.He was 24th and won 2670 Euros.Thornton is now 49th on 11,460 Euros.
He put himself under pressure coming towards the end,but survived to win by one shot and with a pay day of 48,000 Euros he moves into pole position with 80,464 Euros.He should be rewarded with one of the 20 places for a Europan tour card for 2010.
Colm Moriarty beat Simon Thornton by 6 shots in the final round with a 68 against 74 to finish top Irish in joint 12th on -8.He won 5550 Euros and is now 55th in the order of merit.
Simon Thornton finished -4.He was 24th and won 2670 Euros.Thornton is now 49th on 11,460 Euros.
Friday 26 June 2009
Goosen in top gear in BMW in Germany.
Retief Goosen is in top form in the BMW International Open in Germany. After a good performance at the US Open last week,he continues to perform in overdrive.
He followed up his 64 with a 66 to sit on top of the leaderboard on -12.
5 of the 8 Irish made the cut after some impressive second rounds.Peter Lawrie hit a 68 to go with his opening 69 and is only 5 behind.Rory McIlroy only -1 yesterday got to -7 before 2 late bogies and a final hole birdie left him -6.Gareth Maybin 68 is on -5.Michael Hoey 71 and Gary Murphy 70 got through on a low cut mark of -3.
Shane Lowry will have to wait another week for his first cheque,but he is improving.
He started badly with a +2,74. After 11 holes of the second round he had got to -2 after 4 birdies. Only requiring one more birdie,he lost shots at the 15th & 17th to finish on 70.Level par was 3 shots too many.
Paul Mc Ginley is still looking for answers. He opened with a superb 68,but followed up with a 75 to miss the cut by 2 shots on -1.
Damien Mc Grane couldn't hole a putt and finished on level par 71,73.
He followed up his 64 with a 66 to sit on top of the leaderboard on -12.
5 of the 8 Irish made the cut after some impressive second rounds.Peter Lawrie hit a 68 to go with his opening 69 and is only 5 behind.Rory McIlroy only -1 yesterday got to -7 before 2 late bogies and a final hole birdie left him -6.Gareth Maybin 68 is on -5.Michael Hoey 71 and Gary Murphy 70 got through on a low cut mark of -3.
Shane Lowry will have to wait another week for his first cheque,but he is improving.
He started badly with a +2,74. After 11 holes of the second round he had got to -2 after 4 birdies. Only requiring one more birdie,he lost shots at the 15th & 17th to finish on 70.Level par was 3 shots too many.
Paul Mc Ginley is still looking for answers. He opened with a superb 68,but followed up with a 75 to miss the cut by 2 shots on -1.
Damien Mc Grane couldn't hole a putt and finished on level par 71,73.
Butterfield -11 leads the way in Sweden.
Andrew Butterfield added a 2 under par 69 to his record score of 62 to lead the PRINCESS tournament on the Challenge tour in Sweden on -11.
Only 2 of the 6 Irish made the cut.Simon Thornton who could only make 1 birdie in a first round 72,made 7 birdies in his second round of 66 to finish on -4.Colm Moriarty is one behind Simon on -3 after following up a 72 with a 67.
The cut came at level par.Johnny Caldwell 72/71+1,Noel Fox 75/72+5,Gareth Shaw 75/72 and Michael Mc Geady 76/73 all have the weekend off.
Only 2 of the 6 Irish made the cut.Simon Thornton who could only make 1 birdie in a first round 72,made 7 birdies in his second round of 66 to finish on -4.Colm Moriarty is one behind Simon on -3 after following up a 72 with a 67.
The cut came at level par.Johnny Caldwell 72/71+1,Noel Fox 75/72+5,Gareth Shaw 75/72 and Michael Mc Geady 76/73 all have the weekend off.
Martina Gillen best of Irish in Ladies event..
Swedens Maria Hjorth and France's Julie Greciet lead the way after the first round of the AIB Ladies Open at Portmarnock Links.They shot -5 rounds of 67.
Unlike the mens Open the ladies enjoyed one of the warmest days of the year.Dubliner Martina Gillen is only two shots behind the leaders on 70-2.They were the only 2 Irish to break par.
The whole talk around Dublin is the 14 year old twins competing against seasoned Professionals.Leona had a 74 early in the day and was on hand to watch Lisa in the afternoon.Lisa looked like beating Leona until she dropped 5 shots and made 2 birdies over the last 7 holes.She signed for a 76+4.They had the biggest gallerys of the day and handled it like seasoned Professionals.Another great performance came from Kilkeel amateur Danielle Mc Veigh 74.
Unlike the mens Open the ladies enjoyed one of the warmest days of the year.Dubliner Martina Gillen is only two shots behind the leaders on 70-2.They were the only 2 Irish to break par.
The whole talk around Dublin is the 14 year old twins competing against seasoned Professionals.Leona had a 74 early in the day and was on hand to watch Lisa in the afternoon.Lisa looked like beating Leona until she dropped 5 shots and made 2 birdies over the last 7 holes.She signed for a 76+4.They had the biggest gallerys of the day and handled it like seasoned Professionals.Another great performance came from Kilkeel amateur Danielle Mc Veigh 74.
Jimmy Heggarty leads Irish scores in Seniors.
Only 3 Irish out of 6 made the +8 cut mark in the De Vere Seniors Challenge at Slaley Hall.Angel Franco held on to the lead on -3 after a second round of level par 72.
Jimmy Heggarty made a great 3 under par round to put himself back in contention on -1 after an opening 74.Des Smyth 73/75+4 and Eamon Darcy 73/77+7 will be around for the weekend,but out go Eddie Polland 76/77,Peter o Hagan 77/78+11 and Denis o Sullivan 75/83+14.
Jimmy Heggarty made a great 3 under par round to put himself back in contention on -1 after an opening 74.Des Smyth 73/75+4 and Eamon Darcy 73/77+7 will be around for the weekend,but out go Eddie Polland 76/77,Peter o Hagan 77/78+11 and Denis o Sullivan 75/83+14.
Great start for 14 year old Leona Maguire in AIB Ladies Irish Open.
4 Time Major champion and a double Irish Ladies champion Laura Davies got her eyes opened when she tee'd of in the AIB Ladies Open at Portmarnock Links in the company of 14 year old Leona Maguire and French star Jade Schaeffer.
The 2 seasoned Professionals were pushed the whole way by the remarkable game of Leona.She shot a +2 score of 74 and tied with Jade and beat Laura by a shot.It could have been even better for Leona as she messed up the par 5,13th taking a double bogey.
"She is an unbelievable talent", said Laura.Most girls are only taking up the game at 14,yet Leona and her twin Lisa have already won a large amount of tournaments and are breaking records on a weekly basis.I found out how this morning,Beamed Laura.
The 2 seasoned Professionals were pushed the whole way by the remarkable game of Leona.She shot a +2 score of 74 and tied with Jade and beat Laura by a shot.It could have been even better for Leona as she messed up the par 5,13th taking a double bogey.
"She is an unbelievable talent", said Laura.Most girls are only taking up the game at 14,yet Leona and her twin Lisa have already won a large amount of tournaments and are breaking records on a weekly basis.I found out how this morning,Beamed Laura.
Thursday 25 June 2009
Log jam at the top in De Vere Seniors.
There is a 4 way tie at the top of the De Vere Seniors event at Slaley Hall golf club in Northumberland.
John Benda,Gorden Brand jun,Angel Franco and Jeff Hawkes are tied on 69-3.Like the Irish players on the Challenge tour there was a lack of birdies in the Irish camp.The 6 players could only manage 11 between them and as a result none of them finished under par.
Des Smyth is the top Irish on 73+1( 2 birdies),Eamon Darcy 74+2(2 birdies),Jimmy Heggarty 74+2(1 birdie),Denis o Sullivan 75+3(3 birdies),Eddie Polland 76+4(2 birdies),Peter o Hagan 77+5(1 birdie)
John Benda,Gorden Brand jun,Angel Franco and Jeff Hawkes are tied on 69-3.Like the Irish players on the Challenge tour there was a lack of birdies in the Irish camp.The 6 players could only manage 11 between them and as a result none of them finished under par.
Des Smyth is the top Irish on 73+1( 2 birdies),Eamon Darcy 74+2(2 birdies),Jimmy Heggarty 74+2(1 birdie),Denis o Sullivan 75+3(3 birdies),Eddie Polland 76+4(2 birdies),Peter o Hagan 77+5(1 birdie)
Poor day for the Irish on Challenge Tour in Sweden.
There was 6 Irish in action in Sweden on the Challenge Tour.Between them they made only 10 birdies. The leader Andrew Butterfield had 7 birdies and 1 eagle for a round of 62 and a 3 shot lead after the first round.
Johnny Caldwell and Colm Moriarty had 3 birdies each,Michael Mc Geady had 2,Noel Fox and Simon Thornton had 1 each and Gareth Shaw couldn't find any.None are under par.
All 6 will have to improve tomorrow if they are going to be around for the weekend.
Irish scores: Johnny Caldwell, Colm Moriarty & Simon Thornton 72+1,Noel Fox & Gareth Shaw 75+4 and Michael Mc Geady 76+5
Johnny Caldwell and Colm Moriarty had 3 birdies each,Michael Mc Geady had 2,Noel Fox and Simon Thornton had 1 each and Gareth Shaw couldn't find any.None are under par.
All 6 will have to improve tomorrow if they are going to be around for the weekend.
Irish scores: Johnny Caldwell, Colm Moriarty & Simon Thornton 72+1,Noel Fox & Gareth Shaw 75+4 and Michael Mc Geady 76+5
Goosen on top in Germany after brilliant 64 -8.
Retief Goosen was none the worse for ware on his return from the US Open.He rattled of 8 birdies,including the last 3 holes for a brilliant round of 64 and the lead after the first round of the BMW International Open at Golf Club Munchen Eichenried in Germany.
paul Mc Ginley leads the 8 Irish players after a steady -4 round of 68.Rory McIlroy had a quiet day and sits on -1,71 alongside defending champion Martin Kaymer.
7 of the 8 Irish are under par.Shane Lowry,still looking to pick up his first cheque since winning the Irish Open, will need to improve a lot tomorrow after a 4 birdie/6 bogey round of 74.
Irish scores: Paul Mc Ginley 68-4,Paul Lawrie 69-3,Michael Hoey 70-2,Gareth Maybin,Damien Mc Grane,Rory McIlroy,Gary Murphy 71-1,Shane Lowry74+2.
paul Mc Ginley leads the 8 Irish players after a steady -4 round of 68.Rory McIlroy had a quiet day and sits on -1,71 alongside defending champion Martin Kaymer.
7 of the 8 Irish are under par.Shane Lowry,still looking to pick up his first cheque since winning the Irish Open, will need to improve a lot tomorrow after a 4 birdie/6 bogey round of 74.
Irish scores: Paul Mc Ginley 68-4,Paul Lawrie 69-3,Michael Hoey 70-2,Gareth Maybin,Damien Mc Grane,Rory McIlroy,Gary Murphy 71-1,Shane Lowry74+2.
Jerry Scullion leads Open regional qualifying at Royal Dublin
66 Professionals & amateurs took part in a regional qualifying event at Royal Dublin golf club,looking for one of the 8 spots available that would take them through to the final qualifying, for a place in next months Open Championship at Turnberry.
The finals will be played at Barassie,Glasgow Gailes and Western Gailes.There will be 96 playing at each course with only 4 from each venue heading to Turnberry.
The conditions were bright and very breezy,which made scoring very difficult.Gerry Scullion is no stranger to links golf,coming from Royal County Down.He took full advantage returning the top score of level par 72.Three amateurs keep their dream alive.Andrew Hogan (Newlands),James Fox(Portmarnock) and Sean Einhaus(Germany).
Final scores...........Top 8 qualify.........4 Reserves.
72...Gerry Scullion..Royal County Down.
73...Andrew Hogan..Newlands,Sean Einhaus..Germany,Brendan Mc Dermott..Castlecomer.
74...Jesper Thuen..Denmark,Daniel Sugrue..Unattached,James Fox..Portmarnock,David Rawluk..The Island.
Reserves:75..Seamus Mc Monagle Unattached 15th,Peter Ellebye..Denmark 18th,Patrick Devine..Royal Dublin 47th,Mark Murphy..Unattached 50th.
The finals will be played at Barassie,Glasgow Gailes and Western Gailes.There will be 96 playing at each course with only 4 from each venue heading to Turnberry.
The conditions were bright and very breezy,which made scoring very difficult.Gerry Scullion is no stranger to links golf,coming from Royal County Down.He took full advantage returning the top score of level par 72.Three amateurs keep their dream alive.Andrew Hogan (Newlands),James Fox(Portmarnock) and Sean Einhaus(Germany).
Final scores...........Top 8 qualify.........4 Reserves.
72...Gerry Scullion..Royal County Down.
73...Andrew Hogan..Newlands,Sean Einhaus..Germany,Brendan Mc Dermott..Castlecomer.
74...Jesper Thuen..Denmark,Daniel Sugrue..Unattached,James Fox..Portmarnock,David Rawluk..The Island.
Reserves:75..Seamus Mc Monagle Unattached 15th,Peter Ellebye..Denmark 18th,Patrick Devine..Royal Dublin 47th,Mark Murphy..Unattached 50th.
Wednesday 24 June 2009
McIlroy one of 20 Irish in action this week around Europe.
There is a total of 20 Irish golfers in action around Europe this week on 3 tours.
Rory McIlroy arrived in Germany straight from his brilliant 10th place finish in the US Open.
Now up to 16th in the World rankings and full of confidence,he will be hard to beat in the BMW International Open,Germany.
Simon Thornton is the top placed Irish golfer on the Challenge tour order of merit.He is 53rd.They are in Sweden.
Des Smyths is 9th on the Seniors order of merit and he joins 5 other countrymen in Slaley Hall in the De Vere championship.
The full list of Irish in Germany for the BMW event on the main tour:
Rory McIlroy (3rd),Paul Lawrie(50th),Gareth Maybin(58th),Michael Hoey(59th),Damien Mc Grane(70th),Paul Mc Ginley(124th),Gary Murphy(137th),Shane Lowry(no ranking)
The full challenge tour Irish list in Sweden:
Simon Thornton(53rd),Gareth Shaw(79th),Colm Moriarty(97th),Johnny Caldwell(115th),Noel Fox(168th),Michael Mc Geady(179th)
The De Vere Collection Seniors at Slaley Hall:
Des Smyth(9th),Jimmy Heggerty(13th),Eamon Darcy(14th),Denis o Sullivan(54th),Eddie Polland(85th),Peter o Hagan(no ranking)
Rory McIlroy arrived in Germany straight from his brilliant 10th place finish in the US Open.
Now up to 16th in the World rankings and full of confidence,he will be hard to beat in the BMW International Open,Germany.
Simon Thornton is the top placed Irish golfer on the Challenge tour order of merit.He is 53rd.They are in Sweden.
Des Smyths is 9th on the Seniors order of merit and he joins 5 other countrymen in Slaley Hall in the De Vere championship.
The full list of Irish in Germany for the BMW event on the main tour:
Rory McIlroy (3rd),Paul Lawrie(50th),Gareth Maybin(58th),Michael Hoey(59th),Damien Mc Grane(70th),Paul Mc Ginley(124th),Gary Murphy(137th),Shane Lowry(no ranking)
The full challenge tour Irish list in Sweden:
Simon Thornton(53rd),Gareth Shaw(79th),Colm Moriarty(97th),Johnny Caldwell(115th),Noel Fox(168th),Michael Mc Geady(179th)
The De Vere Collection Seniors at Slaley Hall:
Des Smyth(9th),Jimmy Heggerty(13th),Eamon Darcy(14th),Denis o Sullivan(54th),Eddie Polland(85th),Peter o Hagan(no ranking)
Tuesday 23 June 2009
Lucas Glover wins 109th US Open at Bethpage.
Lucas Glover was crowned US Champion after 5 long days of rain delayed golf at Bethpage golf club in Long Island,New York.
His -4 finish of 276 was good enough to win,even though his playing partner Ricky Barnes got to -11 after 4 holes of his 3rd round.Mid way through the day, any one of 10 golfers could have won.
After Barnes filtered away shots at the 1st,5th,6th,7th and 8th it left Glover in the lead on -4.Peoples favorite Phil Mickleson had the large crowd on their feet as he birdied the 12th and eagled the 13th.David Duval took a 6 at the par 3,3rd hole,but refused to give up.He birdied 3 in a row at the 14th,15th and 16th to join Glover & Mickleson at the top on -4.Other golfers trying to get in on the act were Tiger,Ross Fisher,Soren Hanson and Hunter Mahan.
Mickleson playing for his wife Amy, as she goes for Breast surgery next week was the first to drop out of the lead with a missed 3 foot putt on the 15th for par,and another missed 8 footer at the 17th took him back to -2.Duval's dream return took a knock when his 3foot putt Horse-shoeed out of the hole to leave him on -2.Long time leader Ricky Barnes steadied the ship after his poor start, also finished with a -2 total.
This left the door open for Lucas Glover.He battled hard all day,making some great up and down's for pars.A bogey at the 15th was a set back,but he clinched the title on the 16th with his one and only birdie of the day.He was a relieved man as his 2 putt par at the last won him his first Major title and he had to do it the hard way.
Glover started the year at 177 in the World.After yesterday he is now in 18th place.
Duval who had all but dissapeared since his British Open win in 2001,is happy to be back.He was world No1 in 1999.He started this week 882nd in the world and is now in 142nd spot.We can expect to see a lot more of him from now on.Tiger Woods finished in joint 6th on level par.Not only did he play the first two days in the worst of the weather but his putting let him down.When his normal average is 27 this week he took 31,30,29,30.
20 year old Rory McIlroy had another great tournament and no doubt is a future champion.He shot a best of the day 68 to finish in joint 10th on +2.Rory jumped up 2 spots in the world ranking to 16th.
Graeme Mc Dowell also had the wrong side of the draw over the first two days finished in 18th on +4.
His -4 finish of 276 was good enough to win,even though his playing partner Ricky Barnes got to -11 after 4 holes of his 3rd round.Mid way through the day, any one of 10 golfers could have won.
After Barnes filtered away shots at the 1st,5th,6th,7th and 8th it left Glover in the lead on -4.Peoples favorite Phil Mickleson had the large crowd on their feet as he birdied the 12th and eagled the 13th.David Duval took a 6 at the par 3,3rd hole,but refused to give up.He birdied 3 in a row at the 14th,15th and 16th to join Glover & Mickleson at the top on -4.Other golfers trying to get in on the act were Tiger,Ross Fisher,Soren Hanson and Hunter Mahan.
Mickleson playing for his wife Amy, as she goes for Breast surgery next week was the first to drop out of the lead with a missed 3 foot putt on the 15th for par,and another missed 8 footer at the 17th took him back to -2.Duval's dream return took a knock when his 3foot putt Horse-shoeed out of the hole to leave him on -2.Long time leader Ricky Barnes steadied the ship after his poor start, also finished with a -2 total.
This left the door open for Lucas Glover.He battled hard all day,making some great up and down's for pars.A bogey at the 15th was a set back,but he clinched the title on the 16th with his one and only birdie of the day.He was a relieved man as his 2 putt par at the last won him his first Major title and he had to do it the hard way.
Glover started the year at 177 in the World.After yesterday he is now in 18th place.
Duval who had all but dissapeared since his British Open win in 2001,is happy to be back.He was world No1 in 1999.He started this week 882nd in the world and is now in 142nd spot.We can expect to see a lot more of him from now on.Tiger Woods finished in joint 6th on level par.Not only did he play the first two days in the worst of the weather but his putting let him down.When his normal average is 27 this week he took 31,30,29,30.
20 year old Rory McIlroy had another great tournament and no doubt is a future champion.He shot a best of the day 68 to finish in joint 10th on +2.Rory jumped up 2 spots in the world ranking to 16th.
Graeme Mc Dowell also had the wrong side of the draw over the first two days finished in 18th on +4.
Monday 22 June 2009
Lisa Maguire adds Irish Open Title to Close Title.
14 year old twin Lisa Maguire is having a wounderful year, as she added the Irish Ladies Open title to the Irish Ladies Close title she won a few weeks ago.
Playing at Portmarnock Links she hit scores of 66,73,75 and was surprised to find that she would have to go to tie holes,as Englands Hannah Burke made up 8 shots on her with a closing 67.
Undeterred,Lisa matched Hannah shot for shot until the 7th tie hole,where she rolled in a tricky birdie putt to lift the title.
Ireland were leading the team event until the last round when Scotland and Austrailia beat them.Lisa,her twin Leona and Niamh Kitching had to settle for 3rd.
The twins along with Kilkeel's Danielle Mc Veigh will be back in action this week again when they take part in the AIB Ladies Irish Open.I'm sure the girls will give the Professionals a run for their money......
Playing at Portmarnock Links she hit scores of 66,73,75 and was surprised to find that she would have to go to tie holes,as Englands Hannah Burke made up 8 shots on her with a closing 67.
Undeterred,Lisa matched Hannah shot for shot until the 7th tie hole,where she rolled in a tricky birdie putt to lift the title.
Ireland were leading the team event until the last round when Scotland and Austrailia beat them.Lisa,her twin Leona and Niamh Kitching had to settle for 3rd.
The twins along with Kilkeel's Danielle Mc Veigh will be back in action this week again when they take part in the AIB Ladies Irish Open.I'm sure the girls will give the Professionals a run for their money......
Barnes & Glover in for a sleepless night.....
28 year old Ricky Barnes and Lucas Glover are in for a sleepless night as they lead the US Open at Bethpage by 5 shots with 17 long holes to go.On the longest day of the year, the golf was delayed until mid day,because of more heavy rain.
When play got under way,Ricky Barnes looked like he was going to run away with the title when he started par,birdie,par,eagle to go to -11.At this stage he held a 6 shot lead.(He is only the 4th player to reach double digit under par figures in a US Open,Gil Morgan 1992,Tiger 2000 & Jim Furyk 2003.)
On the back nine his driving let him down and with his playing partner Lucas Glover making some birdies of his own,Barnes managed to finish only one clear of Glover as they headed for the 1st Tee to start their last round.
After a bad drive Barnes dropped a shot and as play was called off for the day,himself and Glover hold a 5 shot lead overnight.
What will keep them awake is, in the chasing group on -2 is local favorite Phil Mickleson,Ross Fisher,Hunter Mahan and one time World No1 David Duval.Mike Weir is the only other one under par.
Tiger Woods was 15 shots behind at one time,and now sits on level par after 7 holes with the gap down to 7.The same score as Graeme Mc Dowell.
Rory McIlroy is through 10 holes of his final round.With 2 birdies to get back to +2,he is in a good position for a top 10 finish.
When play got under way,Ricky Barnes looked like he was going to run away with the title when he started par,birdie,par,eagle to go to -11.At this stage he held a 6 shot lead.(He is only the 4th player to reach double digit under par figures in a US Open,Gil Morgan 1992,Tiger 2000 & Jim Furyk 2003.)
On the back nine his driving let him down and with his playing partner Lucas Glover making some birdies of his own,Barnes managed to finish only one clear of Glover as they headed for the 1st Tee to start their last round.
After a bad drive Barnes dropped a shot and as play was called off for the day,himself and Glover hold a 5 shot lead overnight.
What will keep them awake is, in the chasing group on -2 is local favorite Phil Mickleson,Ross Fisher,Hunter Mahan and one time World No1 David Duval.Mike Weir is the only other one under par.
Tiger Woods was 15 shots behind at one time,and now sits on level par after 7 holes with the gap down to 7.The same score as Graeme Mc Dowell.
Rory McIlroy is through 10 holes of his final round.With 2 birdies to get back to +2,he is in a good position for a top 10 finish.
Sunday 21 June 2009
Caldwell disqualified in France.
Sweden's Christian Nilsson was the easy winner of the Saint-Omer Open in France in a joint European Tour/Challenge Tour event.
Runner up in the same event last year,Nilsson was taking no chances this year. He returned scores of 68,69,65,69 for a -13 total and victory by 6 shots from Jose-Filipe Lima.
Irelands Johnny Caldwell was the only one of 4 Irish to make the cut,and after a 3rd round of 72 was disqualified.
Runner up in the same event last year,Nilsson was taking no chances this year. He returned scores of 68,69,65,69 for a -13 total and victory by 6 shots from Jose-Filipe Lima.
Irelands Johnny Caldwell was the only one of 4 Irish to make the cut,and after a 3rd round of 72 was disqualified.
Bertus Smit wins Wales Seniors Open.
There was a clear winner of the Ryder Cup Wales Senior Open at the Royal Porthcawl golf club,when South African Bertus Smit finished on 5 under par.A poor start of 74 was soon forgotten with rounds of 68,69 to win by 4 shots from Aussie,David Merriman who was the only other one to finish under par.
Local favorite Ian Woosnam had to settle for a share of 3rd place when he faded out of contention after a final round 74.It left him with a level par total,alongside Des Smyth,Bobby Lincoln and Ross Drummond.
Jimmy Heggarty recovered from an 80 in round one to hit 69,72 for a share of 19th on +5.Denis o Sullivan +9,Eamon Darcy +13 and Eddie Polland +18 made up the Irish scores.
Local favorite Ian Woosnam had to settle for a share of 3rd place when he faded out of contention after a final round 74.It left him with a level par total,alongside Des Smyth,Bobby Lincoln and Ross Drummond.
Jimmy Heggarty recovered from an 80 in round one to hit 69,72 for a share of 19th on +5.Denis o Sullivan +9,Eamon Darcy +13 and Eddie Polland +18 made up the Irish scores.
Ricky Barnes leads US Open on record score...
Former amateur champion Ricky Barnes is the surprise leader of the rain delayed US Open at the halfway stage.
He hasn't made any in roads in America since he turned Pro,in fact he plays most of his golf on the Nationwide tour.
Having come through qualifying and getting the best part of the draw,he produced scores of 67,65 to set a new 36 hole score of 132 -8.
Lucas Glover is second on 133-7.First round leader Mike Weir is 3rd on 134-6.
Tournament favorite Tiger Woods played some great golf and came through on +3,1 inside the +4.
There was 10 players on the +4 and final qualifying score including Vijay Singh and Ian Poulter.
He hasn't made any in roads in America since he turned Pro,in fact he plays most of his golf on the Nationwide tour.
Having come through qualifying and getting the best part of the draw,he produced scores of 67,65 to set a new 36 hole score of 132 -8.
Lucas Glover is second on 133-7.First round leader Mike Weir is 3rd on 134-6.
Tournament favorite Tiger Woods played some great golf and came through on +3,1 inside the +4.
There was 10 players on the +4 and final qualifying score including Vijay Singh and Ian Poulter.
Harrington leaves America dejected.
3 Time major winner Padraig Harrington packed his bags yesterday after another miserable display of golf at the US Open in Bethpage Black on Long Island.
Playing with Tiger Woods ,Harrington was in full view of the golfing world on T.V.It was clear to see why Padraig has now missed 7 cuts this year and 4 in a row for the first time since he turned Professional.
His driving was awful,he looked very unsure of what he was trying to do.He only hit 3 out of 14 fairways in regulation.He has spent all year working on "Something" in his swing that was going to make him a better player.
We all hope that he will forget all the nonsence,and goes back to the theory "IF IT IS NOT BROKE, DON'T FIX IT."
It might have worked for Faldo & Woods but it doesn't work for everyone.Baker-Finch,comes to mind.Win a major and go in search of the PERFECT SWING.You will find it is not available.
We all want to see Padraig back to his best for the OPEN,so please go back to your normal practice routine and enjoy the rewards.
Playing with Tiger Woods ,Harrington was in full view of the golfing world on T.V.It was clear to see why Padraig has now missed 7 cuts this year and 4 in a row for the first time since he turned Professional.
His driving was awful,he looked very unsure of what he was trying to do.He only hit 3 out of 14 fairways in regulation.He has spent all year working on "Something" in his swing that was going to make him a better player.
We all hope that he will forget all the nonsence,and goes back to the theory "IF IT IS NOT BROKE, DON'T FIX IT."
It might have worked for Faldo & Woods but it doesn't work for everyone.Baker-Finch,comes to mind.Win a major and go in search of the PERFECT SWING.You will find it is not available.
We all want to see Padraig back to his best for the OPEN,so please go back to your normal practice routine and enjoy the rewards.
Saturday 20 June 2009
McIlroy safely through to US Open weekend.
At only 20 years of age Rory McIlroy knows how to make the cut at Major tournaments.
In only his 3rd Major he hasn't missed a cut yet.
In the rain delayed US Open at Bethpage Black on Long Island,Rory played like a veteran to hit 72/70 +2 to easily make the cut which will probably come at +4.
The early clubhouse leader is big hitter,Lucas Glover who is on -7 after 69/64.
The stats for both players are very similar on distance,fairways hit and putting,the difference is greens in regulation.
Rory ................. Lucas
Greens hit 23--36 ............. 31--36
Fairways hit 19--28 .............. 20--28
putts 59 .............. 59
Driving distance 295.25yards.......... 287.75yards .
Darren Clarke is falling down the World rankings like a stone.He is at present 101st.
He looked "out of condition" at Bethpage and it was reflected in his performance.He shot 74/76 +10 and can sit back and enjoy the weekend watching the golf on T.V.
In only his 3rd Major he hasn't missed a cut yet.
In the rain delayed US Open at Bethpage Black on Long Island,Rory played like a veteran to hit 72/70 +2 to easily make the cut which will probably come at +4.
The early clubhouse leader is big hitter,Lucas Glover who is on -7 after 69/64.
The stats for both players are very similar on distance,fairways hit and putting,the difference is greens in regulation.
Rory ................. Lucas
Greens hit 23--36 ............. 31--36
Fairways hit 19--28 .............. 20--28
putts 59 .............. 59
Driving distance 295.25yards.......... 287.75yards .
Darren Clarke is falling down the World rankings like a stone.He is at present 101st.
He looked "out of condition" at Bethpage and it was reflected in his performance.He shot 74/76 +10 and can sit back and enjoy the weekend watching the golf on T.V.
Friday 19 June 2009
Great performance by McIlroy in US Open.
20 year old superstar Rory McIlroy returned a 2 over par 72 in the first round of the US Open,only his 3rd major event.
Starting on the 10th he went to +2 after losing shots at the 10th and 12th.A birdie at the 13th got him to the turn in one over par.A double at the first and a bogey at the 2nd left him +4. McIlroy showed why he is rated so highly by making birdies at the 4th,5th and 6th.A bogey at the 7th gave him a 72 and leaves him in good position for round 2.
The early leader in the clubhouse is none other than David Duval.Duval was No 2 to Tiger and his biggest threat 10 years ago.He has only played in a handful of events since then and without any success.
In todays round he turned the clock back to record 5 birdies and 2 bogies for a -3 round of 67.
Starting on the 10th he went to +2 after losing shots at the 10th and 12th.A birdie at the 13th got him to the turn in one over par.A double at the first and a bogey at the 2nd left him +4. McIlroy showed why he is rated so highly by making birdies at the 4th,5th and 6th.A bogey at the 7th gave him a 72 and leaves him in good position for round 2.
The early leader in the clubhouse is none other than David Duval.Duval was No 2 to Tiger and his biggest threat 10 years ago.He has only played in a handful of events since then and without any success.
In todays round he turned the clock back to record 5 birdies and 2 bogies for a -3 round of 67.
Caldwell sole Irish surviver in France.
Englands James Morrison leads the way in the Saint-Omer Open in France after adding a 69 to his opening 67 to take a one shot lead on -6 at the half way stage.
Out of the 4 Irish players competing only Johnny Caldwell will be in action at the weekend.Johnny only made one birdie each round but with 29 pars and 5 bogies he made the cut by one shot on +3.
Colm Moriarty made a level par 71 but with a 76 in the first round he came up one short on +5.
Michael Mc Geady was out of sorts on +10 75/77 and Simon Thornton who had a steady start of 73 fell well away after a 83 to finish +14.
Out of the 4 Irish players competing only Johnny Caldwell will be in action at the weekend.Johnny only made one birdie each round but with 29 pars and 5 bogies he made the cut by one shot on +3.
Colm Moriarty made a level par 71 but with a 76 in the first round he came up one short on +5.
Michael Mc Geady was out of sorts on +10 75/77 and Simon Thornton who had a steady start of 73 fell well away after a 83 to finish +14.
Home favorite Woosnam bad start in Wales Seniors Open.
Home favorite Ian Woosnam had a bad start in the Ryder Cup Wales Seniors Open at Royal Porthcawl golf club. Woosnam is 6 shots behind Englands Bob Camerion who shot a 3 under par round of 69,against Woosies 75.
There are 5 Irish in action. Denis o Sullivan who isn't having a great year is the best.He is in a tie for 8th after a one over par 73. Des Smyth is in joint 10th after a 74. Eamon Darcy 75,Eddie Polland 77 and Jimmy Heggarty 80 make up the Irish party.
There are 5 Irish in action. Denis o Sullivan who isn't having a great year is the best.He is in a tie for 8th after a one over par 73. Des Smyth is in joint 10th after a 74. Eamon Darcy 75,Eddie Polland 77 and Jimmy Heggarty 80 make up the Irish party.
McDowell fast start in US Open.
Graeme Mc Dowell has made a great start in his 4th US Open at Bathpage Black in Long Island.In the rain delayed first round Mc Dowell got off to a bad start by dropping shots at the 10th & 11th holes.Brilliant birdie two's at the 14th & 17th got him to level par.Further birdies at the 2nd & 4th and his only mistake, a bogey at the difficult 6th left him the early clubhouse leader on 69,along with Drew Weaver.
Mc Dowells best finish in 3 previous US Opens was joint 30th at oakmount in 2007.
Padraig Harrington rescued something from his round with a world class birdie from a fairway bunker on the last hole.He was +7 after 12 holes. Birdies at the 13th & 14th were spoilt by a double bogey at the 15th to go back to +7.The birdie at the last will give him some chance of a comeback tomorrow to make the half way cut.
Playing in the same group as Harrington,Tiger Woods got back to level par with birdies at the 11th & 12th,but faded with some poor golf to finish on +4,74.Woods a winner at Pebble Beach 2000,Bethpage 2002 and Torrey Pines in 2008 will still be favorite for the title.
Mc Dowells best finish in 3 previous US Opens was joint 30th at oakmount in 2007.
Padraig Harrington rescued something from his round with a world class birdie from a fairway bunker on the last hole.He was +7 after 12 holes. Birdies at the 13th & 14th were spoilt by a double bogey at the 15th to go back to +7.The birdie at the last will give him some chance of a comeback tomorrow to make the half way cut.
Playing in the same group as Harrington,Tiger Woods got back to level par with birdies at the 11th & 12th,but faded with some poor golf to finish on +4,74.Woods a winner at Pebble Beach 2000,Bethpage 2002 and Torrey Pines in 2008 will still be favorite for the title.
Thursday 18 June 2009
Bad day for the Irish in France........
Swedens Fredrik-Andersson Hed shot a brilliant 6 under par round to lead the SAINT-OMER OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP on the European Tour in France.
There was 4 Irish playing. Johnny Caldwell and Simon Thornton were the best on 2 over par 73s. They lie in 68th place and need to improve tomorrow if are to make the cut. Michael Mc Geady is +4 on 76 and Colm Moriarty is well down the field on +5, 76.
There was 4 Irish playing. Johnny Caldwell and Simon Thornton were the best on 2 over par 73s. They lie in 68th place and need to improve tomorrow if are to make the cut. Michael Mc Geady is +4 on 76 and Colm Moriarty is well down the field on +5, 76.
Daniel Brooks wins in Europro event.
Daniel Brooks was the easy winner of the SURESHOT GPS INTERNATIONAL OPEN at BOVEY CASTLE in DEVON.Daniel is up to second in the order of merit behind Steve Surry.
The best of the Irish was Brian McElhinney who finished on +2 after a 71.Brendan Mc Carroll,72 +3.Michael Collins 72 & Damien Mooney 72 +5.Tim Rice,73 +6. Mark Staunton,76 +7. Jonathon Mallon 77 +11.
The best of the Irish was Brian McElhinney who finished on +2 after a 71.Brendan Mc Carroll,72 +3.Michael Collins 72 & Damien Mooney 72 +5.Tim Rice,73 +6. Mark Staunton,76 +7. Jonathon Mallon 77 +11.
McIlroy needs a fast start,Harrington starts badly.
20 year old Rory McIlroy needs a fast start to the US Open at Betpage today.A couple of weeks ago he bought a new grey Ferrari,and when he comes home he collects a new Audi RS6. With a purchase price of £200,000 he could do with picking up the winners cheque.
On the other hand,3 time major winner Padraig Harrington got off to a terrible start by 3 putting the first and followed up with a bogey at 4th and a double bogey at the 6th to go to 4 over par after 6 holes.
On the other hand,3 time major winner Padraig Harrington got off to a terrible start by 3 putting the first and followed up with a bogey at 4th and a double bogey at the 6th to go to 4 over par after 6 holes.
Great comeback by Damien Mooney in Europro.
Belfast's Damien Mooney who won the Irish PGA Club Professionals tournament in Dundalk recently,was heading for an early bath after taking a 8 over par 78 in the first round of the SURESHOT GPS INTERNATIONAL OPEN at BOVEY CASTLE GOLF CLUB in Devon. He was out early in the second round and played some magnificent golf to return a 5 under par 65.His overall total of +3 made the cut by 1 shot.
Overnight leaders Daniel Brooks and Carlos Balmaseda had mixed fortunes.Brooks returned a 67 to open up a 4 shot lead going into the final round.A win will lift him from 13th in the merit table into 2nd.Balmaseda went the other way by taking 78 and is now +1 from -7.
7 Irish from 18 made the cut with Brian Mc Elhinney,Brendan Mc Carroll and Mark Staunton the best on +1.
Irish Results.
Brian Mc Elhinney,Brendan Mc Carroll,Mark Staunton 141 +1,Damien Mooney,Tim Rice,Michael Collins 143 +3,Jonathon Collins 144 +4.
Missed cut: Mark Campbell,Stephen Grant 145 +5.Barrie Trainor 146 +6.Justin Kehoe,Richard Kilpatrick 148 +8.Cian Mc Namara 149 +9.Padraig Dooley 150 +10.Daniel Sugrue 151 +11.Michael Lavelle 153 +13.Ger Hall 157 +17.Paul o Hanlon 159 +19.
Overnight leaders Daniel Brooks and Carlos Balmaseda had mixed fortunes.Brooks returned a 67 to open up a 4 shot lead going into the final round.A win will lift him from 13th in the merit table into 2nd.Balmaseda went the other way by taking 78 and is now +1 from -7.
7 Irish from 18 made the cut with Brian Mc Elhinney,Brendan Mc Carroll and Mark Staunton the best on +1.
Irish Results.
Brian Mc Elhinney,Brendan Mc Carroll,Mark Staunton 141 +1,Damien Mooney,Tim Rice,Michael Collins 143 +3,Jonathon Collins 144 +4.
Missed cut: Mark Campbell,Stephen Grant 145 +5.Barrie Trainor 146 +6.Justin Kehoe,Richard Kilpatrick 148 +8.Cian Mc Namara 149 +9.Padraig Dooley 150 +10.Daniel Sugrue 151 +11.Michael Lavelle 153 +13.Ger Hall 157 +17.Paul o Hanlon 159 +19.
Wednesday 17 June 2009
Mixed fortunes for the Irish in Europro tour event.
Spain's Carlos Balmeseda and England's David Brooks returned brilliant 7 under par scores of 63 to lead the way in the SURESHOT GPS INTERNATIONAL OPEN at Bovey Castle golf club in Devon.
There was mixed fortunes for the 18 Irish playing.Brian Mc Elhinney played a patience round and got rewarded with a eagle at the last to finish on 68 -2.Brendan Mc Carroll and Tim Rice were the only other one's to finish under par.69-1.Barrie Trainor was 3 under after 7 holes,before his game fell apart losing 9 shots on the remaining 11 holes for a 76.Justin Kehoe was 5 over par after 2 holes but rallied to finish with a 73. Cian Mc Namara started with a 9 at the par 4,first.He kept his chin up to finish on 76.Michael Collins was -4 well into his round,but fell back to finish on 2 over,72.
Irish Results..
Brian Mc Elhinney 68,Brendan Mc Carroll,Tim Rice 69,Mark campbell,Mark Staunton,Padraig Dooley,Stephen Grant 71,Michael Collins,Richard Kilpatrick 72,Justin Kehoe 73,Jonathon Mallon 74,Barrie trainor,Cian Mc Namara 76,Ger Hall,Damien Mooney,Daniel Sugrue 78,Michael Lavelle,80,Paul o Hanlon 81.
There was mixed fortunes for the 18 Irish playing.Brian Mc Elhinney played a patience round and got rewarded with a eagle at the last to finish on 68 -2.Brendan Mc Carroll and Tim Rice were the only other one's to finish under par.69-1.Barrie Trainor was 3 under after 7 holes,before his game fell apart losing 9 shots on the remaining 11 holes for a 76.Justin Kehoe was 5 over par after 2 holes but rallied to finish with a 73. Cian Mc Namara started with a 9 at the par 4,first.He kept his chin up to finish on 76.Michael Collins was -4 well into his round,but fell back to finish on 2 over,72.
Irish Results..
Brian Mc Elhinney 68,Brendan Mc Carroll,Tim Rice 69,Mark campbell,Mark Staunton,Padraig Dooley,Stephen Grant 71,Michael Collins,Richard Kilpatrick 72,Justin Kehoe 73,Jonathon Mallon 74,Barrie trainor,Cian Mc Namara 76,Ger Hall,Damien Mooney,Daniel Sugrue 78,Michael Lavelle,80,Paul o Hanlon 81.
Tuesday 16 June 2009
14 year old Irish twin golfers make history again..
Slieve Russell golf club members were in celebration with the news that their 14 year old members Leona and Lisa Maguire were picked for the Vagliano Cup Great Britian and Irish team that play their biennial match against Europe on July 24th & 25th July.
Making history is nothing new for these very talented 14 year old twins.
Leona is the current Scottish strokeplay champion and French under 21 champion.
Last week she became the youngest player to qualify for the British Ladies Amateur Championship,going on to reach the quarter finals.
Lisa,is the current Irish Ladies champion, a title won by Leona as a 13 year old beating Lisa in the 2008 final. Lisa is also the Irish girls champion.
They will be joined on the team by Kilkeel's Danielle Mc Veigh who is the Welsh Ladies champion and former World University champion in 2007.
All 3 girls will warm up in the AIB Ladies Irish Open at Portmarnock Links from 26th-28th July.
Making history is nothing new for these very talented 14 year old twins.
Leona is the current Scottish strokeplay champion and French under 21 champion.
Last week she became the youngest player to qualify for the British Ladies Amateur Championship,going on to reach the quarter finals.
Lisa,is the current Irish Ladies champion, a title won by Leona as a 13 year old beating Lisa in the 2008 final. Lisa is also the Irish girls champion.
They will be joined on the team by Kilkeel's Danielle Mc Veigh who is the Welsh Ladies champion and former World University champion in 2007.
All 3 girls will warm up in the AIB Ladies Irish Open at Portmarnock Links from 26th-28th July.
Monday 15 June 2009
Good Finish by McDowell lifts him into top 50....
A best of the day round by Graeme McDowell in the St.Jude Classic lifted him into 46th in the World rankings.Graeme returned scores of 66,71,69 and 63 to share 7th spot on -11, 7 shots behind the winner Brian Gay.
Padraig Harrington has dropped from 3rd this year down to 11th after his 6th missed cut this year at the St.Jude classic.
Rory McIlroy is in 18th even though he hasn't played this last two weeks.
All 3 will be teeing up this week in the US Open at Bethpage,New York.
Irish World rankings after St Jude Classic 14 june 2009.
11th: Padraig Harrington.
18th: Rory McIlroy.
46th: Graeme McDowell.
101st: Darren Clarke.
123rd: Gareth Maybin.
156th: Damien McGrane.
160th: Michael Hoey.
166th: Shane Lowry.
168th: peter Lawrie.
186th: Paul McGinley.
424th: Gary Murphy.
475th: Michael McGeady.
691st: Colm Moriarty.
853rd: Simon Thornton.
876th: Stephen Browne.(Retired)
903rd: Kieth Nolan.
905th: Gareth Shaw.
914th: David Higgins.
Padraig Harrington has dropped from 3rd this year down to 11th after his 6th missed cut this year at the St.Jude classic.
Rory McIlroy is in 18th even though he hasn't played this last two weeks.
All 3 will be teeing up this week in the US Open at Bethpage,New York.
Irish World rankings after St Jude Classic 14 june 2009.
11th: Padraig Harrington.
18th: Rory McIlroy.
46th: Graeme McDowell.
101st: Darren Clarke.
123rd: Gareth Maybin.
156th: Damien McGrane.
160th: Michael Hoey.
166th: Shane Lowry.
168th: peter Lawrie.
186th: Paul McGinley.
424th: Gary Murphy.
475th: Michael McGeady.
691st: Colm Moriarty.
853rd: Simon Thornton.
876th: Stephen Browne.(Retired)
903rd: Kieth Nolan.
905th: Gareth Shaw.
914th: David Higgins.
Brian Gay wins the St Judes Classic from the front.
Brian Gay doesn't believe in close finishes. His last win in April at the Verizon Heritage Classic was by 10 shots,yesterday he won the St.Jude Classic by 5 shots from David Toms and Bryce Molder.
Not only did Gay pick up a cheque for $1008,000,it also qualified him for next weeks US Open at Bethpage.It moves him into 4th in the FedEx standings and into 35th in the World rankings.(It is Brian's first time to enter the top 50)
Gay is a revelation to all "Short Hitters",as all the talk in golf these day's are about distance.Gay's average drive was 265 yards,a full 50 yards behind Robert Garrigus who hit the ball an average of 315 yards,yet Brian returned scores of 64,66,66,66 to finish on -18,while Garrigus finished on -2.On average Gay was 4 shots better than Garrigus per round.
When gay won last month,his average drive was 260 yards,yet he beat Rory McIlroy by 15 shots and his average drive was 297 yards
Not only did Gay pick up a cheque for $1008,000,it also qualified him for next weeks US Open at Bethpage.It moves him into 4th in the FedEx standings and into 35th in the World rankings.(It is Brian's first time to enter the top 50)
Gay is a revelation to all "Short Hitters",as all the talk in golf these day's are about distance.Gay's average drive was 265 yards,a full 50 yards behind Robert Garrigus who hit the ball an average of 315 yards,yet Brian returned scores of 64,66,66,66 to finish on -18,while Garrigus finished on -2.On average Gay was 4 shots better than Garrigus per round.
When gay won last month,his average drive was 260 yards,yet he beat Rory McIlroy by 15 shots and his average drive was 297 yards
Sunday 14 June 2009
Robert Coles wins on Challenge tour in Ireland.
Englands Robert Coles is playing the best golf of his life.Only last month he won the Moroccan Open and now he is the champion of Moyvalley in Ireland after a 3 hole play off victory over Nicolas Colsaerts.
Coles has now jumped into pole position in the order of merit table after collecting a cheque for 24,000 Euros.One more win would guarentee him a place on the main European tour next year
Coles raced to the turn in 31 shots.He still needed to birdie the last as he lost shots at the 14th and 16th to open the door for Colsaerts.Colsaerts took full advantage by making birdie at the last two holes to force a play off.
Coles 67 and Colsaerts 68 both finished on -10,one clear of Peter Baker.
A birdie by Robert at the 18th,the 3rd play off hole gave him a victory.Nicolas Colsaerts moves into the top 10 after collecting a cheque for 16,500 Euros.
Johnny Caldwell who was only one shot behind the leaders going into the final round,faded badly with a 74 to join Colm Moriarty,71 as leaing Irishmen on -5.
Noel Fox 72 +1 was 41st,Niall Turner 74 +3,Michael Mc Geady 79 +4,Noel Kilpatrick 74 &Simon Thornton 77 +5,Cian McNamara 73 +6,Robert Giles 73 & Tim Rice 75 +8 and the 17 year old amateur Michael Durcan faded with a 79 +12.
Coles has now jumped into pole position in the order of merit table after collecting a cheque for 24,000 Euros.One more win would guarentee him a place on the main European tour next year
Coles raced to the turn in 31 shots.He still needed to birdie the last as he lost shots at the 14th and 16th to open the door for Colsaerts.Colsaerts took full advantage by making birdie at the last two holes to force a play off.
Coles 67 and Colsaerts 68 both finished on -10,one clear of Peter Baker.
A birdie by Robert at the 18th,the 3rd play off hole gave him a victory.Nicolas Colsaerts moves into the top 10 after collecting a cheque for 16,500 Euros.
Johnny Caldwell who was only one shot behind the leaders going into the final round,faded badly with a 74 to join Colm Moriarty,71 as leaing Irishmen on -5.
Noel Fox 72 +1 was 41st,Niall Turner 74 +3,Michael Mc Geady 79 +4,Noel Kilpatrick 74 &Simon Thornton 77 +5,Cian McNamara 73 +6,Robert Giles 73 & Tim Rice 75 +8 and the 17 year old amateur Michael Durcan faded with a 79 +12.
Deloy Cambridge wins in Jersey after 4 hole play-off.
49 year old Jamaican Delroy Cambridge won his 5th European Seniors title when he collected the Jersey Open Seniors championship after a 3 hole play-off.Delroy hasn't won for 7 years and it was his second win in Jersey.He fired a super 68 to finish on -9 to catch Austrailian Mike Clayton who led from the start after an opening 64.
It took 3 holes to seperate them and it was down to a great up and down from a bunker by Delroy. His reward was a cheque for 24,394 Euros.
Des Smyth was the leading irish man when he closed with a 72 -5 for a share of 8th place.
Jimmy Heggarty was joint 23rd on level par after a closing 73 and Denis oSullivan was 38th after a good 70 got him back to +3.
It took 3 holes to seperate them and it was down to a great up and down from a bunker by Delroy. His reward was a cheque for 24,394 Euros.
Des Smyth was the leading irish man when he closed with a 72 -5 for a share of 8th place.
Jimmy Heggarty was joint 23rd on level par after a closing 73 and Denis oSullivan was 38th after a good 70 got him back to +3.
Saturday 13 June 2009
Johnny Caldwell only one behind at Moyvalley.
Johnny Caldwell should be well ahead after 3 rounds of the Challenge of Ireland at Moyvalley golf club in Ireland,but instead sits 1 shot behind Englands Andrew Marshall. Marshell was -3 for the last 6 holes to finish with a 67 and -8.On the other hand Caldwell lost 3 shots over the same stretch to go from -10 back into joint 2nd on -7 along with Francois Calmels and Peter Kaensche.
Overnight leader Ake Nilsson fell into the pack after a miserable day when he took a 76 to finish on -5.
Colm Moriarty held his ground with a level par 72,and is joint 13th on -4.17 year old amateur Michael Durcan who was doing so well after 36 holes,fell back after a 78 to +5.
Full Irish results:
Johnny Caldwell -7
Colm Moriarty -4
Michael McGeady -3
Simon Thornton Level.
Noel Fox,Niall Turner +1
Richard Kilpatrick +3
Michael Durcan +5 Amateur.
Cian McNamara,Tim Rice +5
Robert Giles +7.
Overnight leader Ake Nilsson fell into the pack after a miserable day when he took a 76 to finish on -5.
Colm Moriarty held his ground with a level par 72,and is joint 13th on -4.17 year old amateur Michael Durcan who was doing so well after 36 holes,fell back after a 78 to +5.
Full Irish results:
Johnny Caldwell -7
Colm Moriarty -4
Michael McGeady -3
Simon Thornton Level.
Noel Fox,Niall Turner +1
Richard Kilpatrick +3
Michael Durcan +5 Amateur.
Cian McNamara,Tim Rice +5
Robert Giles +7.
Harrington misses 6th cut this year.
Padraig Harrington missed his 6th cut this year when he shot 72/72 for a +4 total in the St Jude Classic.
After running into a storm yesterday,and coming back this morning to finish the last 3 holes,Padraig needed 2 birdies,but unfortunately his driving let him down as he bogied the par 5,16th,and the par 4,17th to comfortable miss the level par cut by 4 shots.
Harrington is heading to New York for next weeks US Open,still believing that his game is in good shape and he will be ready when he tees of with Tiger next Thursday.
After running into a storm yesterday,and coming back this morning to finish the last 3 holes,Padraig needed 2 birdies,but unfortunately his driving let him down as he bogied the par 5,16th,and the par 4,17th to comfortable miss the level par cut by 4 shots.
Harrington is heading to New York for next weeks US Open,still believing that his game is in good shape and he will be ready when he tees of with Tiger next Thursday.
Harrington sings,HEY JUDE DON'T LET ME DOWN.
It is a case of "Hey Jude don't let me down",as Padraig Harrington walked of the course in the St Jude Classic yesterday after storms brought a halt to the second round.
Harrington,who has already missed 5 cuts this year,will need to find at least 2 birdies over the closing 3 holes as he sits on +2,with the projected cut sitting at level par,if he is going to be around for the weekend.
Padraig still hasn't found his "A" game in his build up to the US Open starting next Thursday.
The tournament is being led by Brian Gay on -10 64/66.Gay who won the Verizon Heritage Classic by 10 shots in late April,only needed 49 putts for 36 holes.
Graeme McDowell keeps the Irish flag flying as he easily made the weekend after rounds of 66/71 -3.
Harrington,who has already missed 5 cuts this year,will need to find at least 2 birdies over the closing 3 holes as he sits on +2,with the projected cut sitting at level par,if he is going to be around for the weekend.
Padraig still hasn't found his "A" game in his build up to the US Open starting next Thursday.
The tournament is being led by Brian Gay on -10 64/66.Gay who won the Verizon Heritage Classic by 10 shots in late April,only needed 49 putts for 36 holes.
Graeme McDowell keeps the Irish flag flying as he easily made the weekend after rounds of 66/71 -3.
Friday 12 June 2009
Caldwell in great shape in Moyvalley.
Clandeboys Johnny Caldwell is in great form in the Challenge of Ireland tournament,being played in Moyvalley.Swedens Ake Nilsson held on to the lead after a 68 to leave him on -9.Johnny Caldwell is in great shape after a second 68,and along with Nicolas Colsaerts sit only one shot behind the leader.Robert Coles who is sitting in 3rd place in the order of merit can move up this week as the leader,Edoardo Molinari and 2nd place Gary Boyd are not playing.Coles is only 2 shots behind the leader on -7 after rounds of 68/69.
Michael Mc Geady shot a course record 66 to join Colm Moriarty on -4.
The cut came at +2 and Ireland have 11 players in action at the weekend including the young amateur Michael Durcan. Michael looked out of it after a first round 75,but rallied with a brilliant -4 round of 68.He is tied 26th on -1.
Irish players results: Johnny Caldwell -8,Michael Mc Geady,Colm Moriarty -4,Michael Durcan(amateur)-1,Simon Thornton Level,Richard Kilpatrick,Cian Mc Namara,Tim Rice,Niall Turner +1,Noel Fox,Robert Giles +2.
Failed to make the cut: David Higgins,Justin Kehoe,Chris Devlin +3,Paul o Hanlon +4,Stephen Grant +5,Mark Campbell,John Kelly,Michael Mc Dermott,Alan Murray,Peter o Keeffe,Gareth Shaw +6,Tristan Mullally +7.
Amateurs: Chris Selfridge +8,Paul Reavey +13,David Reilly +15.
Michael Mc Geady shot a course record 66 to join Colm Moriarty on -4.
The cut came at +2 and Ireland have 11 players in action at the weekend including the young amateur Michael Durcan. Michael looked out of it after a first round 75,but rallied with a brilliant -4 round of 68.He is tied 26th on -1.
Irish players results: Johnny Caldwell -8,Michael Mc Geady,Colm Moriarty -4,Michael Durcan(amateur)-1,Simon Thornton Level,Richard Kilpatrick,Cian Mc Namara,Tim Rice,Niall Turner +1,Noel Fox,Robert Giles +2.
Failed to make the cut: David Higgins,Justin Kehoe,Chris Devlin +3,Paul o Hanlon +4,Stephen Grant +5,Mark Campbell,John Kelly,Michael Mc Dermott,Alan Murray,Peter o Keeffe,Gareth Shaw +6,Tristan Mullally +7.
Amateurs: Chris Selfridge +8,Paul Reavey +13,David Reilly +15.
Heggarty chasing the leaders in Jersey.
Austrailian,Mike Clayton shot a blistering 8 under par 64 to take a 3 shot lead after the first round of the Jersey Seniors Classic in La Moye golf club.
Englands Nick Job is second after a solid 67. Irelands Jimmy Heggarty is next in line on 68 and is joined by 4 others,including Roger Chapman who has made such a great impression since joining the tour last month.Last weeks winner in Ireland,Ian Woosnam is sitting pretty on his home course on -2,70.
Des Smyth hit a level par round of 72,and Denis o Sullivan will have a lot of work to do on +4,76.
Englands Nick Job is second after a solid 67. Irelands Jimmy Heggarty is next in line on 68 and is joined by 4 others,including Roger Chapman who has made such a great impression since joining the tour last month.Last weeks winner in Ireland,Ian Woosnam is sitting pretty on his home course on -2,70.
Des Smyth hit a level par round of 72,and Denis o Sullivan will have a lot of work to do on +4,76.
Thursday 11 June 2009
Swedens Ake Nilsson leads in Ireland.
After the first round of the Challenge of Ireland tournament played at the beautiful Moyvalley course in Ireland,Ake Nilsson from Sweden sits on his own at the top of the leaderboard on -5,67.There was great scoring in ideal weather conditions.
Johnny Caldwell,one of the favorites as he is a full card holder on the main tour is one of 8 players only one shot behind on -4,68.
The next best Irish is Colm Moriarty on -2,70.Cian McNamara was the only other one to break par on -1,71.
The full list of Irish players; Johnny Caldwell 68.Colm Moriarty 70. Cian McNamara 71.Chris Devlin,Tim Rice,Niall Turner 72.Robert Giles,David Higgins,Mark Murphy 73.John Kelly,Michael McDermott,Michael McGeady,A.Murray,Gareth Shaw,Simon Thornton 74.Stephen Grant,Mark Campbell,Noel Fox 75.Paul oHanlon,Justin Kehoe,Richard Kilpatrick 76,Tristan Mullally 77 and Peter o Keeffe 79.
With 4 amateurs invited there is going to be no repeat of Shane Lowry's feat in the Irish Open as Chris Selfridge,Michael Devlin 75 and Paul Reavey and David Reilly 77.
Johnny Caldwell,one of the favorites as he is a full card holder on the main tour is one of 8 players only one shot behind on -4,68.
The next best Irish is Colm Moriarty on -2,70.Cian McNamara was the only other one to break par on -1,71.
The full list of Irish players; Johnny Caldwell 68.Colm Moriarty 70. Cian McNamara 71.Chris Devlin,Tim Rice,Niall Turner 72.Robert Giles,David Higgins,Mark Murphy 73.John Kelly,Michael McDermott,Michael McGeady,A.Murray,Gareth Shaw,Simon Thornton 74.Stephen Grant,Mark Campbell,Noel Fox 75.Paul oHanlon,Justin Kehoe,Richard Kilpatrick 76,Tristan Mullally 77 and Peter o Keeffe 79.
With 4 amateurs invited there is going to be no repeat of Shane Lowry's feat in the Irish Open as Chris Selfridge,Michael Devlin 75 and Paul Reavey and David Reilly 77.
Scott Jamieson wins Partypoker.com event.
Scott Jamieson beat Elliot Saltman in a play off to win the Partypoker.com European Championship at the Princes golf club in Sandwich,Kent. Jamieson 70 and Saltman 72 had tied on 9 under par.The win moves Jamieson into 3rd in the Europro tour order of merit behind Steve Surry and Jack Doherty. Saltman is now 4th.
The leading Irish man was Mark Staunton in joint 16th on -3 after a 74.Warrenpoint's Barrie Trainor was joint 29th on -1 after a closing level par 71.
The leading Irish man was Mark Staunton in joint 16th on -3 after a 74.Warrenpoint's Barrie Trainor was joint 29th on -1 after a closing level par 71.
Wednesday 10 June 2009
Mark Staunton in good shape in Europro event.
Mark Staunton is sitting 4 shots behind Chris Hanson and Elliot Saltman after a great second round of 4 under par 68,in the Party poker.com sponsered Europro event,played at the Princes golf club in Sandwich,Kent.Elliot and Saltman are on -9 and lead the 51 players that made the cut on -1.
Of the 9 Irish players, only Staunton and Irish Assistant champion Barrie Trainor made it through to the final round tomorrow.Trainor finished on the cut mark after rounds of 72/71.
Brendan McCarroll was unlucky to miss out by one shot on level par after a brave 71.
Jonathon Mallon and Michael Lavelle were a shot further back on +1.
Padraic O Rourke shot 69 in the first round,but fell away to finish on +2 after a 77,and join Brian McElhinney. Patrick Geraghty +4 and Shane Franklin +7 were the other Irish casualties.
Of the 9 Irish players, only Staunton and Irish Assistant champion Barrie Trainor made it through to the final round tomorrow.Trainor finished on the cut mark after rounds of 72/71.
Brendan McCarroll was unlucky to miss out by one shot on level par after a brave 71.
Jonathon Mallon and Michael Lavelle were a shot further back on +1.
Padraic O Rourke shot 69 in the first round,but fell away to finish on +2 after a 77,and join Brian McElhinney. Patrick Geraghty +4 and Shane Franklin +7 were the other Irish casualties.
Tuesday 9 June 2009
Peter Lawrie loses OPEN spot in play off.........
Irelands Peter Lawrie lost out on a place in the OPEN at Turnberry after getting knocked out in a 6 man play off at the International final qualifying at Sunningdale.
Rafa Enhenique and Graeme Storm led the way on 10 under par after 36 holes.
Oliver Fisher and Richard Ramsay took the final two places on 7 under after knocking out Peter Lawrie,Taco Remkes,Danny Willett and Mark Foster in a play off.
Gary Murphy was 2 shots too many on -5.Shane Lowry broke par for the first time since turning Professional 2 weeks ago. He finished on -1 after rounds of 70,69.Gareth Maybin was consistant 70/70 for level par and Michael Mc Geady was well of the pace on +6.
Other big names to miss out were,Gregory Havret-6,Thomas Bjorn-6,Nick Dougherty-4,Bradley Dredge-2 and Simon Dyson 70/nr.
The 10 qualifers were.
Rafa Echenique Argentina 66/64 130 -10.
Graeme Storm England 62/68 130 -10.
David Drysdale Scotland 65/66 131 - 9.
Gary Orr Scotland 68/63 131 - 9.
Brendan Grace S.Africa 65/66 131 - 9.
Raphael Jacquelin France 64/68 132 - 8.
Paul Broadhurst England 65/67 132 - 8.
Rhys Davis Wales 65/67 132 - 8.
Oliver Fisher England 66/67 133 - 7.
Richard Ramsay Scotland 65/68 133 - 7.
Rafa Enhenique and Graeme Storm led the way on 10 under par after 36 holes.
Oliver Fisher and Richard Ramsay took the final two places on 7 under after knocking out Peter Lawrie,Taco Remkes,Danny Willett and Mark Foster in a play off.
Gary Murphy was 2 shots too many on -5.Shane Lowry broke par for the first time since turning Professional 2 weeks ago. He finished on -1 after rounds of 70,69.Gareth Maybin was consistant 70/70 for level par and Michael Mc Geady was well of the pace on +6.
Other big names to miss out were,Gregory Havret-6,Thomas Bjorn-6,Nick Dougherty-4,Bradley Dredge-2 and Simon Dyson 70/nr.
The 10 qualifers were.
Rafa Echenique Argentina 66/64 130 -10.
Graeme Storm England 62/68 130 -10.
David Drysdale Scotland 65/66 131 - 9.
Gary Orr Scotland 68/63 131 - 9.
Brendan Grace S.Africa 65/66 131 - 9.
Raphael Jacquelin France 64/68 132 - 8.
Paul Broadhurst England 65/67 132 - 8.
Rhys Davis Wales 65/67 132 - 8.
Oliver Fisher England 66/67 133 - 7.
Richard Ramsay Scotland 65/68 133 - 7.
Monday 8 June 2009
Irish amateur golf on a roll.........
This time last year the Irish Professionals were winning a title nearly on a weekly basis. This year with the exception of Rory McIlroy winning in Dubia there is little to cheer about.
It is the year of the amateur....3 weeks ago Irelands top amateur Shane Lowry took on and beat all the Professionals in the Irish Open.As we all know Shane threw up the chance of playing Walker Cup and turned Professional.
The same week,Niall Kearney put himself in line for the Walker Cup when he won the Brabazon Trophy at Lytham.
This week Rathmore's Alan Dunbar who only got into the St Andrews Links Trophy as a late reserve won after finishing on 2 under par for 4 rounds. He followed up a 71 on the new course at St Andrews with rounds of 73,71,70 on the Old Course.
It is the year of the amateur....3 weeks ago Irelands top amateur Shane Lowry took on and beat all the Professionals in the Irish Open.As we all know Shane threw up the chance of playing Walker Cup and turned Professional.
The same week,Niall Kearney put himself in line for the Walker Cup when he won the Brabazon Trophy at Lytham.
This week Rathmore's Alan Dunbar who only got into the St Andrews Links Trophy as a late reserve won after finishing on 2 under par for 4 rounds. He followed up a 71 on the new course at St Andrews with rounds of 73,71,70 on the Old Course.
TIGER IS BACK WITH A ROAR !
Tiger Woods played one of the best rounds of his life to come from behind and win The Memorial Tournament,hosted by Jack Nicklaus in Dublin,Ohio for a record 4 times.
Tiger silenced his skeptics(and there were many.)by hitting every fairway in the final round for a fantastic round of -7,65 to pip Jim Furyk by one shot.
During the whole tournament Tiger only missed 5 fairways in total.His best hitting since the 2000 Masters.He let the leaders know early that he was on the prowl.He birdied the 2nd,4th,5th and 7th,gave one back at the 8th,and after missing 2 easy chances for birdies at 9&10,he played a unbelieveable cut up chip from behind the 11th green for eagle that sent the crowd wild.He birdied the 15th but gave it straight back at the next,when he failed to get up and down from a bunker.
He saved the best for last.A high 9 iron into 12 feet at the 17th got him into the lead on his own for the first time,but it was his 7 iron from 183 yards to 9 inches from the cup for victory that will be long remembered.
Tiger has now recorded 67 PGA Tour wins under his belt....................
Tiger silenced his skeptics(and there were many.)by hitting every fairway in the final round for a fantastic round of -7,65 to pip Jim Furyk by one shot.
During the whole tournament Tiger only missed 5 fairways in total.His best hitting since the 2000 Masters.He let the leaders know early that he was on the prowl.He birdied the 2nd,4th,5th and 7th,gave one back at the 8th,and after missing 2 easy chances for birdies at 9&10,he played a unbelieveable cut up chip from behind the 11th green for eagle that sent the crowd wild.He birdied the 15th but gave it straight back at the next,when he failed to get up and down from a bunker.
He saved the best for last.A high 9 iron into 12 feet at the 17th got him into the lead on his own for the first time,but it was his 7 iron from 183 yards to 9 inches from the cup for victory that will be long remembered.
Tiger has now recorded 67 PGA Tour wins under his belt....................
Sunday 7 June 2009
Another new winner on the European Tour.
26 year old German,Jeppe Kuldahi became the 9th first time winner on the European tour this year when he won the Celtic Manor Wales Open with a final round of 67.He out shone the more experienced,by hitting 4 biries and 14 pars.(He finished with 7 pars in a row.)His -9 total won by one shot from Niclas Fasth.
Sitting in 188th in the race to Dubai with only 39,943 Euros from 14 outings and 377th in the World rankings you would expect Jeppe to show some pressure when being chased by players like Niclas Fasth and Ignacio Garrido,but it was the other way around.
Fasth dropped shots at the 16 &17th to come up one short,and Garrido who had got to level with Jeppe after 15 holes,doubled bogied the 16th to finish 3rd on -7.
Paul McGinley got to -6 after 11 holes,but cannot hold his game together.He lost 3 shots in 4 holes and finished down in joint 15th place on -3.
Peter Lawrie had a good 69 to finish 24th on level par and Johnny Caldwell was holding up the field on +9 after a 75.
Sitting in 188th in the race to Dubai with only 39,943 Euros from 14 outings and 377th in the World rankings you would expect Jeppe to show some pressure when being chased by players like Niclas Fasth and Ignacio Garrido,but it was the other way around.
Fasth dropped shots at the 16 &17th to come up one short,and Garrido who had got to level with Jeppe after 15 holes,doubled bogied the 16th to finish 3rd on -7.
Paul McGinley got to -6 after 11 holes,but cannot hold his game together.He lost 3 shots in 4 holes and finished down in joint 15th place on -3.
Peter Lawrie had a good 69 to finish 24th on level par and Johnny Caldwell was holding up the field on +9 after a 75.
Gareth Shaw loses ground over weekend in Austria.
German Christoph Gunther shot an amazing 62 to go from 1 under par to 10 under par and win the Karnten Open presented by Marcus Brier.
Gunther had played 4 events this year on the challenge tour and had only earned 1,838 Euros.Today he collected 22,400 Euros and has jumped into 10th place on the order of merit table,behind Italion Edoardo Molinari,who leads the way with 52,090 Euros.
The only Irish representive,Gareth Shaw had a poor weekend. He was on -7 after opening with a 70,67 but finished well down the field when he hit a 71/74 to finish on -4.His cheque for 672 Euros lifts him to 51st in the table with 5917 Euros.
Gunther had played 4 events this year on the challenge tour and had only earned 1,838 Euros.Today he collected 22,400 Euros and has jumped into 10th place on the order of merit table,behind Italion Edoardo Molinari,who leads the way with 52,090 Euros.
The only Irish representive,Gareth Shaw had a poor weekend. He was on -7 after opening with a 70,67 but finished well down the field when he hit a 71/74 to finish on -4.His cheque for 672 Euros lifts him to 51st in the table with 5917 Euros.
Woosnam comeback to win Irish Seniors...
Ian Woosnam continues his love affair with Ireland.In his hay day he won the Irish Open in 1988 and 1989 and then captained Europe to their record win in the Ryder cup at the K Club.
Now enjoying life on the Seniors tour,he came from nowhere to claim the Irish Seniors Open at Ballybunion and 52,500 Euros, after a final round of 67.His 2 under finish got him into a play off with American Bob Boyd.It took 3 holes before Woosnam's birdie won him the title.
Long time leader Roger Chapman will have to wait for his maiden victory as he fired a 74 to be joined in joint 3rd with Tony Johnston.
The leading Irish man was Eamon Darcy on +1 after a good finish of a 69.Local favorite Des Smyth never got going and had to settle for a share of 16th spot on +6.
Now enjoying life on the Seniors tour,he came from nowhere to claim the Irish Seniors Open at Ballybunion and 52,500 Euros, after a final round of 67.His 2 under finish got him into a play off with American Bob Boyd.It took 3 holes before Woosnam's birdie won him the title.
Long time leader Roger Chapman will have to wait for his maiden victory as he fired a 74 to be joined in joint 3rd with Tony Johnston.
The leading Irish man was Eamon Darcy on +1 after a good finish of a 69.Local favorite Des Smyth never got going and had to settle for a share of 16th spot on +6.
Saturday 6 June 2009
Harrington misses cut in Memorial tournament.
Padraig Harrington missed his 5th cut this year when he had another poor performance in The Memorial tournament at the famous Muirfield Village in Dublin,Ohio.
He finished the first round with 3 bogies and things didn't improve in the second round with 5 bogies,1 double bogey and his only 2 birdies coming at par 5s.
75 and 77 left him on +8,4 shots too many.
Jonathan Byrd and Jim Furyk lead the way on 137 -7.
He finished the first round with 3 bogies and things didn't improve in the second round with 5 bogies,1 double bogey and his only 2 birdies coming at par 5s.
75 and 77 left him on +8,4 shots too many.
Jonathan Byrd and Jim Furyk lead the way on 137 -7.
Rookie Ramsey leads in Wales after 36 holes.
The Celtic Manor Wales Open is being led by tour rookie Richie Ramsey.He added a 67 to his opening 68 -7,to lead favorite Ross Fisher and Irish Open runner up Robert Rock by one shot.
There was mixed fortunes for the 7 Irish men.Paul McGinley who split with his caddy,Darren Reynolds after 6 years is in joint 12th after adding a level par 71 to his opening 68 -3.If Paul had of made two pars at the 12th hole he would be leading.
The one hole has cost him 5 shots as he took a double bogey in round two after suffering a triple bogey in the first round.
Peter Lawrie is in joint 33rd on -1 with Johnny Caldwell the only other Irish to make the cut on a higher than usual cut mark of +2.
The other 4 have a weekend off.Damien McGrane missed by one on +3,Gary Murphy +6,Michael Hoey +8 and Shane Lowry +10.Lowry continues to struggle as he only made 2 birdies in 36 holes and 12 bogies.
He will be hoping for better golf in the Open Championship qualifing round at Sunningdale on Monday.
There was mixed fortunes for the 7 Irish men.Paul McGinley who split with his caddy,Darren Reynolds after 6 years is in joint 12th after adding a level par 71 to his opening 68 -3.If Paul had of made two pars at the 12th hole he would be leading.
The one hole has cost him 5 shots as he took a double bogey in round two after suffering a triple bogey in the first round.
Peter Lawrie is in joint 33rd on -1 with Johnny Caldwell the only other Irish to make the cut on a higher than usual cut mark of +2.
The other 4 have a weekend off.Damien McGrane missed by one on +3,Gary Murphy +6,Michael Hoey +8 and Shane Lowry +10.Lowry continues to struggle as he only made 2 birdies in 36 holes and 12 bogies.
He will be hoping for better golf in the Open Championship qualifing round at Sunningdale on Monday.
Friday 5 June 2009
New kid on the block leads Irish Seniors....
Roger Chapman turned 50 on 1stMay, finished 3rd inhis first Seniors outing in Mallorca behind Mark James and Eamon Darcy and now in his second tournament he is leading the Irish Seniors at Ballybunion after a -4 round of 67. Chapman had 2 eagles,3 birdies and 3 bogies to lead a group of 5 players by 2 shots.One of those players is local favorite Des Smyth.
Irish Results:
Des Smyth 69.
Eamon Darcy 73.
Liam Higgins 74.
Peter oHagan 74.
Jimmy Heggarty 75.
Denis oSullivan 77.
Eoin Feely 79.
Eddie Polland 79.
Arthur Spring 87.
AMATEURS>>>>
Michael Coote 77.
Enda McMenamin 80.
Liam Macnamara 81.
Dermot Morris 82.
Irish Results:
Des Smyth 69.
Eamon Darcy 73.
Liam Higgins 74.
Peter oHagan 74.
Jimmy Heggarty 75.
Denis oSullivan 77.
Eoin Feely 79.
Eddie Polland 79.
Arthur Spring 87.
AMATEURS>>>>
Michael Coote 77.
Enda McMenamin 80.
Liam Macnamara 81.
Dermot Morris 82.
Gareth Shaw only Irish to make the cut in Austria...
Spains Carlos Rodiles is in great form hitting back to back 65s for a -14 total at the halfway stage of the Karnten Open presented by Marcus Brier.
The standard of golf on the challenge tour is high,with the cut coming at -2 and the only irish to survive for the weekend is Lurgans Gareth Shaw.
Shaw hit 6 birdies and only one bogey and is nicely placed for a high finish this week on -7 after rounds of 70,67.
Noel Fox who was up with the leaders after a fine opening 68,had to pack his bags once again after a miserable 79. He was joined on +3 by Stephen Grant 76/71 and Alan Murray 75/72.
Big hitting Peter o Keeffe was +6,Daniel Sugrue +8 and Michael Campbell +13 all have the weekend off........
The standard of golf on the challenge tour is high,with the cut coming at -2 and the only irish to survive for the weekend is Lurgans Gareth Shaw.
Shaw hit 6 birdies and only one bogey and is nicely placed for a high finish this week on -7 after rounds of 70,67.
Noel Fox who was up with the leaders after a fine opening 68,had to pack his bags once again after a miserable 79. He was joined on +3 by Stephen Grant 76/71 and Alan Murray 75/72.
Big hitting Peter o Keeffe was +6,Daniel Sugrue +8 and Michael Campbell +13 all have the weekend off........
Thursday 4 June 2009
McGinley makes good start in Wales.....
49 year old David Frost set the early pace in the Celtic Manor Wales Open played over the Twenty ten Ryder cup course. Frost hit a sparkling 5 under par 66 and was later joined by Thomas Bjorn,Nick Dougherty and Alan McClean.
Past champion Paul McGinley had a strange day.He had an eagle at the 18th,a triple bogey and a mix of pars and birdies that all added up to a 3 under par 68.
Peter Lawrie is in good shape with a -2 69.
Johnny Caldwell and Gary Murphy both had +1,72s,Michael Hoey was one worse on 73,Damien McGrane wasn't at the races on 75 and Shane Lowry returned a poor 77.
With both Ryder cup captains in action,Europe took an early advantage when Monty returned a 69 and Pavin had a 72.
Past champion Paul McGinley had a strange day.He had an eagle at the 18th,a triple bogey and a mix of pars and birdies that all added up to a 3 under par 68.
Peter Lawrie is in good shape with a -2 69.
Johnny Caldwell and Gary Murphy both had +1,72s,Michael Hoey was one worse on 73,Damien McGrane wasn't at the races on 75 and Shane Lowry returned a poor 77.
With both Ryder cup captains in action,Europe took an early advantage when Monty returned a 69 and Pavin had a 72.
Irish Seniors Open at Ballybunion.
Ireland will have 13 golfers on show for the Irish Senior Open in association with Failte Ireland and AIB Bank in Ballybunion.
In the top class field will be past Ryder cup captains Ian Woosnam and Sam Torrence.
The Irish Professionals are:Jimmy Heggarty,Eddie Polland,Eamon Darcy,Denis o Sullivan,Peter o Hagan,Des Smyth,Liam Higgins,Arthur Spring and Eoin Feely.
The amateurs are,Dermot Morris,Liam Macnamara,Enda McMenamin and Michael Coote.
In the top class field will be past Ryder cup captains Ian Woosnam and Sam Torrence.
The Irish Professionals are:Jimmy Heggarty,Eddie Polland,Eamon Darcy,Denis o Sullivan,Peter o Hagan,Des Smyth,Liam Higgins,Arthur Spring and Eoin Feely.
The amateurs are,Dermot Morris,Liam Macnamara,Enda McMenamin and Michael Coote.
Another sad day for Lowry...
The whole of Ireland was hoping that Shane Lowry would hit a good score this week in Wales,to settle him into his Professional career,but it wasn't to be.
Shane lost shots at the 1st,4th,and 6th before making his only birdie at the 213 yard,7th to go back to +2 after 9. Things didn't improve on the back nine as he dropped shots at the 10th,12th,16th and 17th to complete his round on +6,77.
It will take a miracle for Shane to make the cut which will probably come at -1 tomorrow.
Shane lost shots at the 1st,4th,and 6th before making his only birdie at the 213 yard,7th to go back to +2 after 9. Things didn't improve on the back nine as he dropped shots at the 10th,12th,16th and 17th to complete his round on +6,77.
It will take a miracle for Shane to make the cut which will probably come at -1 tomorrow.
Noel Fox finds form in Austria...........
Noel Fox has at last found his golf game this year. After 5 starts on the Challenge tour,he has only picked up one cheque and that was last week for 472Euros.He is lying in 168th position in the order of merit.
That could be all about to change,as he fired 6 birdies and 2 bogies in the first round of the Karnten Open presented by Marcus Brier in Austria.Fox is on 68,only 3 shots behind German Florian Fritsch and Spains Carlos Rodiles who both scored 65s.
Steady Gareth Shaw is in good shape once again, sitting in 42nd place on 2 under 70.
The other 5 Irish are struggling.Alan Murray +3,Peter o Keeffe & Stephen grant +4,and Michael Campbell & Danny Sugrue are holding up the field on 80 +8.
That could be all about to change,as he fired 6 birdies and 2 bogies in the first round of the Karnten Open presented by Marcus Brier in Austria.Fox is on 68,only 3 shots behind German Florian Fritsch and Spains Carlos Rodiles who both scored 65s.
Steady Gareth Shaw is in good shape once again, sitting in 42nd place on 2 under 70.
The other 5 Irish are struggling.Alan Murray +3,Peter o Keeffe & Stephen grant +4,and Michael Campbell & Danny Sugrue are holding up the field on 80 +8.
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