There is a 3 way tie after the first round of the SCOTTISH HYDRO CHALLENGE event at the MACDONALD SPEY VALLEY GOLF CLUB on -4 67.
Robert Coles who won the CHALLENGE OF IRELAND event and is in 3rd position in the order of merit is in pole position with French man Julien Guerrier and local Andrew Mc Arthur.
Noel Fox is the best of the Irish on -1,70.Simon Thornton,Michael McGeady and Peter o Keeffe are on +1,72s.
Johnny Caldwell is on the cut mark of +2,73,while Colm Moriarty +4 75 and Gareth Shaw +5 76 will need to improve to make the weekend.
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Thursday 30 July 2009
18 Irish in Europro event in Walton on Thames.
Daniel Gaunt and Matthew Mills lead the way in THE PANDORA 2009 OPEN around the BURHILL GOLF COURSE in WALTON ON THAMES after shooting -4 rounds of 68.
Out of 18 Irish in action only 3 could finish under par.Michael Lavelle was -4 after 6 holes,but fell back to -1 and a 71,to join Stephen Grant and Mark Staunton in a share of 13th place.
Michael Collins is on 73 with Justin Kehoe and Padraig Dooley on the cut mark of +2 74.
Irish 1st round scores
Michael Lavelle,Stephen Grant,Mark Staunton -1 71.
Michael Collins +1 73.
Justin Kehoe,Padraig Dooley +2 74.
Mark Campbell,Paul o Hanlon +3 75.
Barrie Trainor,Shane Franklin,Cian McNamara +4 76.
Richard Kilpatrick,Brendan Mc Carroll,Paul McDonald +5 77.
Ger Hall +6 78.
Brian McElhinney,Jonathan Mallon,Tim Rice +7 79.
Out of 18 Irish in action only 3 could finish under par.Michael Lavelle was -4 after 6 holes,but fell back to -1 and a 71,to join Stephen Grant and Mark Staunton in a share of 13th place.
Michael Collins is on 73 with Justin Kehoe and Padraig Dooley on the cut mark of +2 74.
Irish 1st round scores
Michael Lavelle,Stephen Grant,Mark Staunton -1 71.
Michael Collins +1 73.
Justin Kehoe,Padraig Dooley +2 74.
Mark Campbell,Paul o Hanlon +3 75.
Barrie Trainor,Shane Franklin,Cian McNamara +4 76.
Richard Kilpatrick,Brendan Mc Carroll,Paul McDonald +5 77.
Ger Hall +6 78.
Brian McElhinney,Jonathan Mallon,Tim Rice +7 79.
Argentina Goya inspired by Gonzalez win.
Tano Goya from Argentina was inspired by fellow countryman Ricardo Gonzalez win last week in Sweden,that he sits on top of the leaderboard after the first round of the MORAVIA SILESIA OPEN at PROSPER GOLF RESORT in the CZECH REPUBLIC.
Goya hit a back nine of 30,to finish with a -7 round of 65.
The top Irish this week is Michael Hoey. He got a terrible start being +2 after 3 holes,but rallied well to finish with 2 birdies for a one under par round of 71,and a share of 25th place.
Damien McGrane and Gareth Maybin are on the cut mark of +1,73.Shane Lowry had a bad day on +5,77,and Gary Murphy and Peter Lawrie have a mountain to climb after returning rounds of +7,79.
Goya hit a back nine of 30,to finish with a -7 round of 65.
The top Irish this week is Michael Hoey. He got a terrible start being +2 after 3 holes,but rallied well to finish with 2 birdies for a one under par round of 71,and a share of 25th place.
Damien McGrane and Gareth Maybin are on the cut mark of +1,73.Shane Lowry had a bad day on +5,77,and Gary Murphy and Peter Lawrie have a mountain to climb after returning rounds of +7,79.
Monday 27 July 2009
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How can i learn at home ? How can you learn without a ball ?
The answer to these questions is,you don't need a ball and you don't need to be at a range or golf course to learn how to swing a golf club.
We have proved time and time again that if you have a permanent slice,hook,shank or topped shot,it is IMPOSSIBLE to fix that problem whilst hitting golf balls.
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Sunday 26 July 2009
Loren Roberts wins SENIOR OPEN in exciting finish.
There was a 3 hole play off to decide the SENIOR OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP at SUNNINGDALE when Loren Roberts 67,Fred Funk 67 and Mark McNulty 64 all tied on -12.
Roberts holed a swinging 20 foot putt at the first tie hole (18th) leaving McNulty with a tricky 10 footer to tie which he got.Funk who set a record score after 2 rounds had to pull out as he could only make a par.Roberts & McNulty halved the same hole with pars the second time around.McNulty drove into the bushes at the 3rd tie hole,which required a penalty drop and could only make a bogey 5.Roberts,champion in 2006 camly took his 2 putts for par and the title with 222,777 Euros prize money.
Bernhard Langer who was 3 over par after 17 holes in the first round,recovered brilliantly to finish 4th with a closing 65 to finish on -11.
Sam Torrance was 5th on -10 after a final round 67.Larry Mize 68 and overnight leader Greg Norman 71 were joint 6th on -9.
Last weeks Open Championship runner up Tom Watson had another great week and finished in a group of 5 on -7.
Denis o Sullivan saved his best golf to the last.He had a final round of 67 for a tie in joint 17th on -4,while Des Smyth who started with a 66 finished well down in 58th position on +6.
Roberts holed a swinging 20 foot putt at the first tie hole (18th) leaving McNulty with a tricky 10 footer to tie which he got.Funk who set a record score after 2 rounds had to pull out as he could only make a par.Roberts & McNulty halved the same hole with pars the second time around.McNulty drove into the bushes at the 3rd tie hole,which required a penalty drop and could only make a bogey 5.Roberts,champion in 2006 camly took his 2 putts for par and the title with 222,777 Euros prize money.
Bernhard Langer who was 3 over par after 17 holes in the first round,recovered brilliantly to finish 4th with a closing 65 to finish on -11.
Sam Torrance was 5th on -10 after a final round 67.Larry Mize 68 and overnight leader Greg Norman 71 were joint 6th on -9.
Last weeks Open Championship runner up Tom Watson had another great week and finished in a group of 5 on -7.
Denis o Sullivan saved his best golf to the last.He had a final round of 67 for a tie in joint 17th on -4,while Des Smyth who started with a 66 finished well down in 58th position on +6.
Gonzalez brilliant finish wins SAS event in Sweden.
Richard Gonzalez was the 36 hole leader in Sweden in the SAS MASTERS at BARSEBACK GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB in MALMO,before a 77 in the 3rd round put him back in the pack.
A one over front nine left him trailing the leaders by 3 shots,but nobody was prepared for his finish.He birdied 5 out of the last 6 holes which gave him a round of 4 under par 69 over this 7,655 yard par 73 course and left him the winner by 2 shots from Jamie Donaldson who scored a 5 under par 68 to finish on -8.Jeppe Huldahi was 3rd on -6 with a closing 74.Overnight leader Marcus Frazer was in a group of 7 players who tied for 4th on -4.
The best of the Irish was Gareth Maybin in joint 12th after a level par round of 73 left him -2 for the tournament.peter Lawrie shot a 74 for 27th place on +1.Gary Murphy hit a 75 for 38th place on +3.Michael Hoey,76 for 43rd on +4,and Damien McGrane was 53rd on +6 after a 78.
A one over front nine left him trailing the leaders by 3 shots,but nobody was prepared for his finish.He birdied 5 out of the last 6 holes which gave him a round of 4 under par 69 over this 7,655 yard par 73 course and left him the winner by 2 shots from Jamie Donaldson who scored a 5 under par 68 to finish on -8.Jeppe Huldahi was 3rd on -6 with a closing 74.Overnight leader Marcus Frazer was in a group of 7 players who tied for 4th on -4.
The best of the Irish was Gareth Maybin in joint 12th after a level par round of 73 left him -2 for the tournament.peter Lawrie shot a 74 for 27th place on +1.Gary Murphy hit a 75 for 38th place on +3.Michael Hoey,76 for 43rd on +4,and Damien McGrane was 53rd on +6 after a 78.
Rhys Davis wins challenge tour event in Wales.
Local favorite Rhys Davies gave the home fans something to cheer about when he won the SWALEC WALES CHALLENGE event at the VALE HOTEL &SPA RESORT IN CARDIFF.
Davies had to win the hard way.He beat Englands James Morrision in a play off after they both finished on 2 under par for the tournament.They were happy to be in a play off as Swedens Andreas Hogberg took a bogey at the 16th & 18th to finish one behind on -1.Hogberg had a 68, the best score of the day despite his last 3 holes and they were the only 3 to finish under par over the very difficult Vale course.
Colm Moriarty had a closing 71 for a share of 8th place on +2.Gareth Shaw fell back with a 78 to finish on +8 and a share of 30th.Simon Thornton hit a 74 to finish on +11 and 42nd spot and Michael McGeady was well away in 64th place after a 78 and +15 for the tournament.
Davies had to win the hard way.He beat Englands James Morrision in a play off after they both finished on 2 under par for the tournament.They were happy to be in a play off as Swedens Andreas Hogberg took a bogey at the 16th & 18th to finish one behind on -1.Hogberg had a 68, the best score of the day despite his last 3 holes and they were the only 3 to finish under par over the very difficult Vale course.
Colm Moriarty had a closing 71 for a share of 8th place on +2.Gareth Shaw fell back with a 78 to finish on +8 and a share of 30th.Simon Thornton hit a 74 to finish on +11 and 42nd spot and Michael McGeady was well away in 64th place after a 78 and +15 for the tournament.
Norman leads Seniors after brilliant 64.
Greg Norman is in line to join an exclusive band of players if he can hold on to win the SENIOR OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP at SUNNINGDALE today. Only Bob Charles,Gary Player and Tom Watson have managed to win both the OPEN and SENIORS OPEN and now Norman can join them if he can hold on to the 1 shot lead he takes into the final round after a brilliant -6 round of 64 in the 3rd round.
Norman sits on -10 and has a 1 shot lead over the 36 hole leader Fred Funk who came back into the pack with a 2 over par 72.He is joined on -9 alongside 2006 winner Loren Roberts.Denis Watson -8,Larry Mize and Sam Torrance -7 and Tom Kite,pre tournament favorite Bernard Langer,adopted Irish man Mark McNulty and Bruce Vaughan -6,could all challenge for the title.
Denis oSullivan was level par yesterday to sit in joint 27th place on -1,but Des Smyth had a bad day shooting his second 74 in a row after starting with a 66 and is away down in 57th place on +4.
Norman sits on -10 and has a 1 shot lead over the 36 hole leader Fred Funk who came back into the pack with a 2 over par 72.He is joined on -9 alongside 2006 winner Loren Roberts.Denis Watson -8,Larry Mize and Sam Torrance -7 and Tom Kite,pre tournament favorite Bernard Langer,adopted Irish man Mark McNulty and Bruce Vaughan -6,could all challenge for the title.
Denis oSullivan was level par yesterday to sit in joint 27th place on -1,but Des Smyth had a bad day shooting his second 74 in a row after starting with a 66 and is away down in 57th place on +4.
Saturday 25 July 2009
German Treis leads on Challenge event in Wales.
The Vale Hotel in Wales is taking its toll on the challenge tour golfers with only 5 of them under par after 3 rounds.German Richard Treis leads the way on 3 under par after a 3rd round of 70.Spains Jorge Campillo is one behind on -2 and the other 3 under par is local Rhys Davies,Englands James Morrision and 36 hole leader Steve Surry all on -1.
The leading Irish man is Gareth Shaw on +2 after a round of 71.Colm Moriarty is in joint 13th on +3 after a 71.Shaw and Moriarty need good finishes to move closer to a top 20 position in the order of merit.
Simon Thornton 76 and Michael McGeady 77,dropped down into 50th place on +9.
The leading Irish man is Gareth Shaw on +2 after a round of 71.Colm Moriarty is in joint 13th on +3 after a 71.Shaw and Moriarty need good finishes to move closer to a top 20 position in the order of merit.
Simon Thornton 76 and Michael McGeady 77,dropped down into 50th place on +9.
Marcus Frazer takes over lead in Sweden.
Aussie,Marcus Frazer takes over the lead in the SAS MASTERS at BARREBACK GOLF &COUNTRY CLUB in MALMO,SWEDEN.Frazer moved to -8 after a 70 and has a one shot lead over local Martin Erlendsson,jeppe Huddahl and Lee Slattery.It will be a race for the title as there is 37 players seperated by 8 shots.
One of those is Gareth Maybin who shot a 72 to sit in joint 20th on -2.Peter lawrie fell back with a 75 and is down in joint 30th on Par after a 75.
Michael Hoey 74,Damien McGrane 76 and Gary Murphy 75 all struggled around the 7,665 yard course for a tie of 38th on +1.
One of those is Gareth Maybin who shot a 72 to sit in joint 20th on -2.Peter lawrie fell back with a 75 and is down in joint 30th on Par after a 75.
Michael Hoey 74,Damien McGrane 76 and Gary Murphy 75 all struggled around the 7,665 yard course for a tie of 38th on +1.
Meet Butch Lumpkin an amazing person.
Click on the link below to meet the amazing Butch Lumpkin. He was born with no arms,but can play golf to a 9 handicap.He is also a great tennis player.
He should be an inspiration to anyone,who complains about the bad shot or missed putt.His one ambition in life is to play with Tiger Woods.
Click on the link below to see his interview on the golf channel.
http://www.thegolfchannel.com/golf-videos/...h-lumpkin-9477/?
He should be an inspiration to anyone,who complains about the bad shot or missed putt.His one ambition in life is to play with Tiger Woods.
Click on the link below to see his interview on the golf channel.
http://www.thegolfchannel.com/golf-videos/...h-lumpkin-9477/?
Friday 24 July 2009
Fred Funk leads Senior Open Championship.
There was nobody more surprised than Fred Funk when his 8 iron from 168 yards at the final hole finished in the hole for an eagle 2 to complete a round of 65 to go with his opening 64,for a record 36 hole total of -11.Funk knew his ball was close to the hole and had turned around to get the putter from his caddy when the crowd let him know the ball was in the hole.
For most of the day he had a 7 shot lead until Sam Torrance posted a 65 to close the gap to 3 as he is on -8.Loren Roberts is in 3rd on -6.Michael Allen,Tom Kite and Gordon J Brand are -5 and on -4 is the top Irish man Mark McNulty,Tom Watson,Greg Norman,Don Pooley and Denis Watson.
Denis oSullivan 68/71 -1 and Des Smyth who was second after a first round 66 fell back to level par with a 74.
The cut came at +3,and Eamon Darcy +5,Peter oHagan +9,Christy o Connor jun +11,Jimmy Heggarty +12 and amateur Niall Lavin +16 are on their way home.
For most of the day he had a 7 shot lead until Sam Torrance posted a 65 to close the gap to 3 as he is on -8.Loren Roberts is in 3rd on -6.Michael Allen,Tom Kite and Gordon J Brand are -5 and on -4 is the top Irish man Mark McNulty,Tom Watson,Greg Norman,Don Pooley and Denis Watson.
Denis oSullivan 68/71 -1 and Des Smyth who was second after a first round 66 fell back to level par with a 74.
The cut came at +3,and Eamon Darcy +5,Peter oHagan +9,Christy o Connor jun +11,Jimmy Heggarty +12 and amateur Niall Lavin +16 are on their way home.
Europro star leads Challenge tour event.
Steve Surry who leads the Europro tour order of merit after winning the first event of the year at Collingtree Park,is in pole position in the SWALEC WALES Challenge tour event at VALE HOTEL GOLF & SPA resort in CARDIFF at the halfway stage.With very wet and windy conditions Surry has posted a -2 total after two 71s.
Only 4 of the 8 Irish made the record high cut mark of +7.Gareth Shaw 72/75 +3 is the best in joint 14th,Colm Moriarty & Michael McGeady had matching rounds of 74/74 +4 and Simon Thornton recovered from an opening 78 to hit a one under par 71 to make the cut by two on +5.
On the way home is Noel Fox 77,75 +8,Alan Murray 78/74 +8,Niall Turner 79/82 +17 and Stephen Grant 82/79 +17.
Only 4 of the 8 Irish made the record high cut mark of +7.Gareth Shaw 72/75 +3 is the best in joint 14th,Colm Moriarty & Michael McGeady had matching rounds of 74/74 +4 and Simon Thornton recovered from an opening 78 to hit a one under par 71 to make the cut by two on +5.
On the way home is Noel Fox 77,75 +8,Alan Murray 78/74 +8,Niall Turner 79/82 +17 and Stephen Grant 82/79 +17.
Gonzalez leads in Sweden at the half way stage.
Ricardo Gonzalez from Argentina leads the SAS MASTERS in SWEDEN on a 10 under par total after his second 68 around the 7,665 yard par 73 course.First round leader Lee Slattery is close behind on -9 after adding a 3 under par 70 to his opening 67.
Peter Lawrie and Damien McGrane had matching rounds of 73,71 to sit in joint 19th place on -2.Gareth Maybin 72,73 and Gary Murphy 71,74 are in 29th place on -1.
Michael Hoey made a great recovery from a front nine of +5 that left him well outside the cut mark on +4, after a first round of 72.He made 4 birdies for a back nine of 33 to finish on level par with a second round of 74.
The only Irish man to miss the +2 cut mark was Johnny Caldwell with a closing 77 to finish on +4.
Peter Lawrie and Damien McGrane had matching rounds of 73,71 to sit in joint 19th place on -2.Gareth Maybin 72,73 and Gary Murphy 71,74 are in 29th place on -1.
Michael Hoey made a great recovery from a front nine of +5 that left him well outside the cut mark on +4, after a first round of 72.He made 4 birdies for a back nine of 33 to finish on level par with a second round of 74.
The only Irish man to miss the +2 cut mark was Johnny Caldwell with a closing 77 to finish on +4.
Thursday 23 July 2009
8 Irish in action in Challenge tour event in Wales.
Englands Matthew Cort and John parry lead the SWALEC WALES CHALLENGE event,being played over the VALE HOTEL GOLF CLUB,CARDIFF,WALES with -4 scores of 68.
There are 8 Irish in action,with Gareth Shaw the best in joint 11th place on level par 72.Michael McGeady and Colm Moriarty are around the cut mark of +2,74s.
Noel Fox +5 77,Alan Murray & Simon Thornton +6,78,Niall Turner +7,79,& Stephen Grant +10,82 will have to improve if they are going to be around for the weekend.
There are 8 Irish in action,with Gareth Shaw the best in joint 11th place on level par 72.Michael McGeady and Colm Moriarty are around the cut mark of +2,74s.
Noel Fox +5 77,Alan Murray & Simon Thornton +6,78,Niall Turner +7,79,& Stephen Grant +10,82 will have to improve if they are going to be around for the weekend.
Watson in great shape in Seniors Open.
American,Fred Funk covered the back nine in Sunningdale in 5 under par,30 to take the lead in the first round of the Seniors Open Championship with a -6 round of 64.
Des Smyth birdied the last for a share of second on -4,66 with Jay Hass,Loren Roberts and S.African Chris Williams.
Tom Watson put last weeks OPEN behind him with a share of 6th on -3,67,with Greg Normam,Sam Torrance,Tom Kite and Jerry Bruner.
Denis oSullivan put up a great performance with a share of 11th on -2,68.
Adopted Irish man Mark McNulty was the only other one to break par on -1 69 for a share of 11th spot.
Irish Results.
Des Smyth 66 -4.
Denis o Sullivan 68-2.
Mark McNulty 69 -1.
Christy o Connor 71 +1.
Eamon Darcy 73 +3.
Peter o Hagan 74 +4.
Niall Lavin 76 +6 Amateur.
Jimmy Heggarty 77 +7.
Des Smyth birdied the last for a share of second on -4,66 with Jay Hass,Loren Roberts and S.African Chris Williams.
Tom Watson put last weeks OPEN behind him with a share of 6th on -3,67,with Greg Normam,Sam Torrance,Tom Kite and Jerry Bruner.
Denis oSullivan put up a great performance with a share of 11th on -2,68.
Adopted Irish man Mark McNulty was the only other one to break par on -1 69 for a share of 11th spot.
Irish Results.
Des Smyth 66 -4.
Denis o Sullivan 68-2.
Mark McNulty 69 -1.
Christy o Connor 71 +1.
Eamon Darcy 73 +3.
Peter o Hagan 74 +4.
Niall Lavin 76 +6 Amateur.
Jimmy Heggarty 77 +7.
Lee Slattery leads SAS Masters in Sweden.
Lee Slattery got the perfect start in the SAS MASTERS at BARSEBACK GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB in MALMO SWEDEN.He birdied the first 4 holes for an outward run of 30 shots-6.After an hours weather delay he covered the back nine in level par for a 2 shot lead after the first round.The golf course is the longest in European tour history covering 7,665 yards,and a par of 73.
The 6 Irish competing are all in good shape to make the half way cut,with the best being Gary Murphy on -2,71.Murphy had 4 birdies and 2 bogies for a share of 12th place.Michael Hoey and Gareth Maybin sit in 20th spot on -1,70.
Damien McGrane,Peter Lawrie and Johnny Caldwell are all level on par 73s.
The 6 Irish competing are all in good shape to make the half way cut,with the best being Gary Murphy on -2,71.Murphy had 4 birdies and 2 bogies for a share of 12th place.Michael Hoey and Gareth Maybin sit in 20th spot on -1,70.
Damien McGrane,Peter Lawrie and Johnny Caldwell are all level on par 73s.
McIlroy wins "Duel on the Lough" over Harrington.
Irelands two top golfers went head to head over the Nick Faldo designed,Lough Erne golf resort in County Fermanagh yesterday to celebrate the opening of the £35 million resort in front of a 6,000 crowd.
Triple Major winner Padraig Harrington from Dublin and 20 year old Rory McIlroy trilled the crowd,not only with their wonderful golf but with the time they spent signing autographs and talking to people.
McIlroy who is attached to Lough Erne knew the course and took an early advantage by racing to the turn in 3 under par.Harrington on his first visit was 5 behind on 2 over par.Golf is a game of two halves and harrington closed the gap to 2 by covering the back nine in -4 for a round of 70.McIlroy was 1 undr for his nine and came in the winner with a -4 round of 68.
The real winner was Co.Fermanagh. Fermanagh is better known for boating and fishing but after this game is shown in all countries around the World the people will be flocking here with their golf clubs.
Triple Major winner Padraig Harrington from Dublin and 20 year old Rory McIlroy trilled the crowd,not only with their wonderful golf but with the time they spent signing autographs and talking to people.
McIlroy who is attached to Lough Erne knew the course and took an early advantage by racing to the turn in 3 under par.Harrington on his first visit was 5 behind on 2 over par.Golf is a game of two halves and harrington closed the gap to 2 by covering the back nine in -4 for a round of 70.McIlroy was 1 undr for his nine and came in the winner with a -4 round of 68.
The real winner was Co.Fermanagh. Fermanagh is better known for boating and fishing but after this game is shown in all countries around the World the people will be flocking here with their golf clubs.
Wednesday 22 July 2009
A Dream job if you have been made redundant in the last 12 months.
Tired of your day job? Who's not?
Well, here is your chance at a dream job in golf. Yourgolftravel.com is looking to help someone escape the rat race for a year by offering a chance to travel the world playing and reviewing golf courses in desirable places.
To apply for the ultimate job in golf, candidates will be required to send a 500-1000 word article detailing their best golf holiday and why they are the best candidate for the job. The top 18 candidates will then do battle over 18 holes in a scratch tournament to find out who is the winner of the ultimate job in golf. For more information visit the ultimate job in golf or to apply email greatgolfjob@yourgolftravel.com.
The successful candidate will be chosen by means of a golf tournament and entrants must have a handicap of less than 14. “It’s a genuine offer, with a competitive salary,” Ross Marshall, one of the founders, tells me. “A lot of my friends have been made redundant and are struggling to find jobs. We’re only offering the job to people made redundant in the last 12 months. A corporate background would be useful, but we’re not restricting it.” This article from the Times Online offers more information.
I wish everyone luck in getting this job.
Well, here is your chance at a dream job in golf. Yourgolftravel.com is looking to help someone escape the rat race for a year by offering a chance to travel the world playing and reviewing golf courses in desirable places.
To apply for the ultimate job in golf, candidates will be required to send a 500-1000 word article detailing their best golf holiday and why they are the best candidate for the job. The top 18 candidates will then do battle over 18 holes in a scratch tournament to find out who is the winner of the ultimate job in golf. For more information visit the ultimate job in golf or to apply email greatgolfjob@yourgolftravel.com.
The successful candidate will be chosen by means of a golf tournament and entrants must have a handicap of less than 14. “It’s a genuine offer, with a competitive salary,” Ross Marshall, one of the founders, tells me. “A lot of my friends have been made redundant and are struggling to find jobs. We’re only offering the job to people made redundant in the last 12 months. A corporate background would be useful, but we’re not restricting it.” This article from the Times Online offers more information.
I wish everyone luck in getting this job.
Monday 20 July 2009
Stewart Cink wins his first Major in play off at Turnberry.
36 year old American Stewart Cink was not the peoples favorite as he headed into a 4 hole play off with 59 year old Tom Watson in the 138th Open Championship at Turnberry yesterday.
As the lead changed hands all day,Cink was very much under the radar.Ross Fisher started birdie,birdie to go to -5 only to find himself at +2 on the 7th after a terrible run over the 5 holes.Westwood crept up and at one stage led by 2.21 year old Chris Wood had a run of eagle,birdie,par birdie to join the leaders and went on to set the clubhouse lead on 279 -1.Cink made 2s at the 11th &15th and a 15 foot putt for birdie at the 18th left him the new clubhouse leader on 278 -2.Westwood -2 playing the last,played a magnificent bunker shot onto the green.Feeling that he needed a birdie as Watson had gone to -3 at the 17th,he raced his putt and missed the return for a 279 -1 to join Wood.
The rest is now history as Watson took a 5 and lost to Cink in the 4 hole play off.
"This is a surreal experience" said Cink as he collected the claret jug"I grew up admiring Tom Watson and to be a part of this is very special for me.
It wasn't a great championship for the Irish.7 took part,5 made the cut and the best finish was by Graeme McDowell with a final round 73 for a tie of 34th place on +5.
Paul McGinley slipped up in the last round with a 75 to finish joint 43rd on +7.
Rory McIlroy was expected to compete,but didn't deliver.He had a solid 71 in the last round for a tie of 47th on +8,Darren Clarke recovered with a closing 69 and joint 52nd on +9 and the defending champion Padraig Harrington is still on the road to re discover a swing he should never have lost.He closed with a 73 and joint 65th place on +12.
As the lead changed hands all day,Cink was very much under the radar.Ross Fisher started birdie,birdie to go to -5 only to find himself at +2 on the 7th after a terrible run over the 5 holes.Westwood crept up and at one stage led by 2.21 year old Chris Wood had a run of eagle,birdie,par birdie to join the leaders and went on to set the clubhouse lead on 279 -1.Cink made 2s at the 11th &15th and a 15 foot putt for birdie at the 18th left him the new clubhouse leader on 278 -2.Westwood -2 playing the last,played a magnificent bunker shot onto the green.Feeling that he needed a birdie as Watson had gone to -3 at the 17th,he raced his putt and missed the return for a 279 -1 to join Wood.
The rest is now history as Watson took a 5 and lost to Cink in the 4 hole play off.
"This is a surreal experience" said Cink as he collected the claret jug"I grew up admiring Tom Watson and to be a part of this is very special for me.
It wasn't a great championship for the Irish.7 took part,5 made the cut and the best finish was by Graeme McDowell with a final round 73 for a tie of 34th place on +5.
Paul McGinley slipped up in the last round with a 75 to finish joint 43rd on +7.
Rory McIlroy was expected to compete,but didn't deliver.He had a solid 71 in the last round for a tie of 47th on +8,Darren Clarke recovered with a closing 69 and joint 52nd on +9 and the defending champion Padraig Harrington is still on the road to re discover a swing he should never have lost.He closed with a 73 and joint 65th place on +12.
59 year old Watson is so nearly Champion again !
What other sport in the World could you watch a 59 year old getting so close to winning a Major title ? Tom Watson was a par4 away from re writing the golf history books.Millons watched as he hit an 8 iron right at the flag,only to see it roll over the green.His 3rd shot went 12 feet past and his putt for par was always weak and to the right.The fairytail had ended.
32 years after winning the "Duel in the sun"against Jack Nicklaus at the same Turnberry course,Watson's body wouldn't let him compete against Stewart Cink in the 4 hole play off.He had put so much into the 72 holes and trilled the crowds and TV audience all over the world.He was bound to have felt deflated as he knew his chance had gone,and 36 year old Cink was looking for his first major.
Cink was taking no chances as he was 2 under par for the 4 holes,including his second birdie at the 18th on the day.
Watson heads to Sunningdale for the Seniors Open championship this week,a title he has won 3 times before and the following week he plays in the US Seniors.
THANKS TOM FOR A WONDERFUL WEEK !
32 years after winning the "Duel in the sun"against Jack Nicklaus at the same Turnberry course,Watson's body wouldn't let him compete against Stewart Cink in the 4 hole play off.He had put so much into the 72 holes and trilled the crowds and TV audience all over the world.He was bound to have felt deflated as he knew his chance had gone,and 36 year old Cink was looking for his first major.
Cink was taking no chances as he was 2 under par for the 4 holes,including his second birdie at the 18th on the day.
Watson heads to Sunningdale for the Seniors Open championship this week,a title he has won 3 times before and the following week he plays in the US Seniors.
THANKS TOM FOR A WONDERFUL WEEK !
Sunday 19 July 2009
Watson still in charge with one round to go.
59 year old Tom Watson is only 18 holes away from making history in the 138th OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP at TURNBERRY.He shot a 71 yesterday to take a 1 shot lead into the final round and if he can hang on,he will become the oldest winner and equal Harry Vardons record of 6 OPEN TITLES.
It is going to be a great day of golf,as anyone of 26 golfers,between -4 and +2 can still win,especially if the wind blows.
Ross Fisher only one behind could have a great day as well.He is playing fantastic golf and with his wife Jo overdue it could be a great double.
Graeme McDowell 71 and Paul McGinley 70 are the best of the Irish on +2 and still in with an outside chance if they can make early birdies.McIlroy finished with 3 birdies for a 74 after a terrible start.Defending champion Padraig Harrington still hasn't found that "Perfect Swing" he keeps looking for and is out of the running after a 76 leaves him on +9.
Leaderboard: Tom Watson 71 -4 206
Mathew Goggin 69 -3 207
Ross Fisher 70 -3 207
Retief Goosen 71 -2 208
Lee Westwood 70 -2 208
Stewart Cink -1 209
Jim Furyk -1 209
Irish scores Graeme McDowell 71 +2 210
Paul McGinley 70 +2 210
Rory McIlroy 74 +7 217
Padraig Harrington 76 +9 219
Darren Clarke 78 +10 220
It is going to be a great day of golf,as anyone of 26 golfers,between -4 and +2 can still win,especially if the wind blows.
Ross Fisher only one behind could have a great day as well.He is playing fantastic golf and with his wife Jo overdue it could be a great double.
Graeme McDowell 71 and Paul McGinley 70 are the best of the Irish on +2 and still in with an outside chance if they can make early birdies.McIlroy finished with 3 birdies for a 74 after a terrible start.Defending champion Padraig Harrington still hasn't found that "Perfect Swing" he keeps looking for and is out of the running after a 76 leaves him on +9.
Leaderboard: Tom Watson 71 -4 206
Mathew Goggin 69 -3 207
Ross Fisher 70 -3 207
Retief Goosen 71 -2 208
Lee Westwood 70 -2 208
Stewart Cink -1 209
Jim Furyk -1 209
Irish scores Graeme McDowell 71 +2 210
Paul McGinley 70 +2 210
Rory McIlroy 74 +7 217
Padraig Harrington 76 +9 219
Darren Clarke 78 +10 220
Saturday 18 July 2009
Watson & Marino lead OPEN,Tiger is out !
World No1 Tiger Woods is back in Florida wondering where did it all go wrong.Having shot a 71 in calm conditions in the first round at Turnberry,it was always going to be difficult to make the +4 cut with the wind blowing,especially on the front 9.
Woods played the first 7 holes in 1 under par and was looking comfortable,when "BANG",it all went wrong.Bogey,bogey and a lost ball double bogey at the 10th left him on +4.With 3 further dropped shots he went out to +7.A late charge of birdie,birdie,par was one shot too many for Woods as he missed only his second cut in 49 majors.
59 year old Tom Watson is still living the dream as he holed 30 foot putts on the 16th and 18th greens to share the lead with unknown Steve Marino who is on his first trip to Britain.Another past champion Mark Calcavecchia is only one shot behind.
5 of the 7 Irish golfers are employed for the weekend.Padraig Harrington is still in with a chance to win 3 titles in a row,although he is 8 shots behind the leaders.
Graeme McDowell is the closest to the leaders on +1.
138th OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP.
LEADERS TOM WATSON 65/70,STEVE MARINO 67/68 135 -5
MARK CALCAVECCHIA 67/69
IRISH SCORES: GRAEME MCDOWELL 69/73 142 +1
DARREN CLARKE 71/71,PAUL MCGINLEY 71/71 142 +2
PADRAIG HARRINGTON 69/74,RORY MCILROY 69/74 143 +3
MISSED CUT: DAVID HIGGINS 73/75 148 +8
DAMIEN MCGRANE 78/74 152 +12
Woods played the first 7 holes in 1 under par and was looking comfortable,when "BANG",it all went wrong.Bogey,bogey and a lost ball double bogey at the 10th left him on +4.With 3 further dropped shots he went out to +7.A late charge of birdie,birdie,par was one shot too many for Woods as he missed only his second cut in 49 majors.
59 year old Tom Watson is still living the dream as he holed 30 foot putts on the 16th and 18th greens to share the lead with unknown Steve Marino who is on his first trip to Britain.Another past champion Mark Calcavecchia is only one shot behind.
5 of the 7 Irish golfers are employed for the weekend.Padraig Harrington is still in with a chance to win 3 titles in a row,although he is 8 shots behind the leaders.
Graeme McDowell is the closest to the leaders on +1.
138th OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP.
LEADERS TOM WATSON 65/70,STEVE MARINO 67/68 135 -5
MARK CALCAVECCHIA 67/69
IRISH SCORES: GRAEME MCDOWELL 69/73 142 +1
DARREN CLARKE 71/71,PAUL MCGINLEY 71/71 142 +2
PADRAIG HARRINGTON 69/74,RORY MCILROY 69/74 143 +3
MISSED CUT: DAVID HIGGINS 73/75 148 +8
DAMIEN MCGRANE 78/74 152 +12
Thursday 16 July 2009
Jimenez leads OPEN after a brilliant -6,64.
It was the senior golfers who showed the younger generation how to play links golf in a MAJOR championship.
59 year old Tom Watson a winner at Turnberry in 1977,and a winner of the Senior Open at the same venue led the opening round for 7 hours along with another champion,2003 winner Ben Curtis on -5 65s.It was late in the evening before Miguel Angel Jimenez birdied the last hole from 45 feet to hand in the leading score of 64.His round was played to perfection with 6 birdies and 12 pars.
Last weeks winner on the US Tour,Steve Stricker is one of a group of 5 on -4,66.
The golden oldies of Mark Calcavecchia,Mark oMeara and Vijay Singh are in a group of 11 on -3,67.
The best of the Irish is Graeme McDowell on -2,68.Defending champion Padraig Harrington plotted his way around nicely for a -1 score of 69 and is joined by 20 year old Rory McIlroy who seemed to take on a lot of silly shots,but survived with some great birdies.
Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley are level with Tiger on +1,71s.David Higgins recovered on the closing holes for a +3,73 but Damien McGrane will need a miracle tomorrow if he is to make the cut on +8,78.
59 year old Tom Watson a winner at Turnberry in 1977,and a winner of the Senior Open at the same venue led the opening round for 7 hours along with another champion,2003 winner Ben Curtis on -5 65s.It was late in the evening before Miguel Angel Jimenez birdied the last hole from 45 feet to hand in the leading score of 64.His round was played to perfection with 6 birdies and 12 pars.
Last weeks winner on the US Tour,Steve Stricker is one of a group of 5 on -4,66.
The golden oldies of Mark Calcavecchia,Mark oMeara and Vijay Singh are in a group of 11 on -3,67.
The best of the Irish is Graeme McDowell on -2,68.Defending champion Padraig Harrington plotted his way around nicely for a -1 score of 69 and is joined by 20 year old Rory McIlroy who seemed to take on a lot of silly shots,but survived with some great birdies.
Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley are level with Tiger on +1,71s.David Higgins recovered on the closing holes for a +3,73 but Damien McGrane will need a miracle tomorrow if he is to make the cut on +8,78.
Irish golfers have a great finish in Bristol.
Paul Maddy led from start to finish when he won the Motocaddy Masters at the Players Club in Bristol.Maddy got a scare when he dropped 3 shots in the first 4 holes to go back to -5,but he recovered brilliantly with a final round of 68 to win £10,000 and a -10 total of 200.Maddy is up to 4th in the order of merit table.
In joint second was Mathew Ford who hit a -6 back nine of 29 shots for a course record 63 and Paul Dwyer who had a hole in one at the 16th on his way to a closing 64.They won £3,750 each.
The top Irishman was Paul oHanlon.He returned his third round of 68 for 4th place on his own on -6,204 and a cheque for £1,700.
In joint 5th place was Barrie Trainor.Barrie who opened with a 73,70 finally found his form with a closing -6 round of 64.He was joined by Tim Rice who had a closing 67 and former Ryder cup player,Lorne Kelly,Adam Frayne and Ben Jones on -3 207 and a cheque for £1,070 each.
Stephen Grant was 22nd after a closing 71 to finish on +1 and pick up £370.Brendan McCarroll sliped up coming near the end for 36th place on +2 and £335,and Paul McDonald was +5 after a 73 for £262.
Irish Results.
4th: Paul o Hanlon 68,68,68=204
jt5th: Barrie trainor 73,70,64 Tim Rice 71,69,67 =207
jt22nd:Stephen Grant 72,68,71= 211 +1
jt25th:Brendan McCarroll 69,70,73=212 +2
jt36th:Paul McDonald 74,68,73= +5.
In joint second was Mathew Ford who hit a -6 back nine of 29 shots for a course record 63 and Paul Dwyer who had a hole in one at the 16th on his way to a closing 64.They won £3,750 each.
The top Irishman was Paul oHanlon.He returned his third round of 68 for 4th place on his own on -6,204 and a cheque for £1,700.
In joint 5th place was Barrie Trainor.Barrie who opened with a 73,70 finally found his form with a closing -6 round of 64.He was joined by Tim Rice who had a closing 67 and former Ryder cup player,Lorne Kelly,Adam Frayne and Ben Jones on -3 207 and a cheque for £1,070 each.
Stephen Grant was 22nd after a closing 71 to finish on +1 and pick up £370.Brendan McCarroll sliped up coming near the end for 36th place on +2 and £335,and Paul McDonald was +5 after a 73 for £262.
Irish Results.
4th: Paul o Hanlon 68,68,68=204
jt5th: Barrie trainor 73,70,64 Tim Rice 71,69,67 =207
jt22nd:Stephen Grant 72,68,71= 211 +1
jt25th:Brendan McCarroll 69,70,73=212 +2
jt36th:Paul McDonald 74,68,73= +5.
Wednesday 15 July 2009
Paul o Hanlon in second place in Europro event.
English man Paul Maddy holds onto his 4 shot lead going into the last round of the Motocaddy Masters at the Players club in Bristol after a second round of 68.It was a good display by Paul as he made 16 pars and birdies at the 1st and 12th.
After rounds of 64/68 he takes a 4 shot lead from Paul oHanlon.In the last tournament Paul was only 2 shots behind Tom Haylock going into the last round but his game fell apart for a 78 and a drop down to 21st place.He will have learned from that experience and hopefully can attack the leader tomorrow.
6 Irish from 17 starters made the cut.which drifted out to +5 in the difficult conditions.
Brendan McCarroll 69/70 is on -1,Tim Rice 71/69 & Stephen Grant 72/68 PAR,Paul McDonald 74/68 +2 and Barrie Trainor 73/70 +3 are safely through to the final round.
Last weeks Irish PGA Championship runner up, Brian McElhinney finished on +12 with rounds of 77/75,3rd place finisher Richard Kilpatrick was a little better on +7 after rounds of 72/75 and Mark Staunton who was 4th last week finished on +10.
Irish Rankings.
68/68 Paul oHanlon 136 -4
69/70 Brendan McCarroll -1
71/69 Tim Rice PAR
72/68 Stephen Grant PAR
74/68 Paul McDonald +2
73/70 Barrie Trainor +3
Missed cut 72/75 Richard Kilpatrick +7
75/73 Justin Kehoe +8
71/78 Peter oKeeffe +9
77/73 Mark Staunton +10
81/71 Ger Hall +12
77/75 Brian McElhinney +12
78/76 Jonathan Mallon +14
75/81 Mark Campbell +16
78/79 Shane Franklin +17
78/81 Michael Lavelle +19
76/84 Mark oSullivan +20.
After rounds of 64/68 he takes a 4 shot lead from Paul oHanlon.In the last tournament Paul was only 2 shots behind Tom Haylock going into the last round but his game fell apart for a 78 and a drop down to 21st place.He will have learned from that experience and hopefully can attack the leader tomorrow.
6 Irish from 17 starters made the cut.which drifted out to +5 in the difficult conditions.
Brendan McCarroll 69/70 is on -1,Tim Rice 71/69 & Stephen Grant 72/68 PAR,Paul McDonald 74/68 +2 and Barrie Trainor 73/70 +3 are safely through to the final round.
Last weeks Irish PGA Championship runner up, Brian McElhinney finished on +12 with rounds of 77/75,3rd place finisher Richard Kilpatrick was a little better on +7 after rounds of 72/75 and Mark Staunton who was 4th last week finished on +10.
Irish Rankings.
68/68 Paul oHanlon 136 -4
69/70 Brendan McCarroll -1
71/69 Tim Rice PAR
72/68 Stephen Grant PAR
74/68 Paul McDonald +2
73/70 Barrie Trainor +3
Missed cut 72/75 Richard Kilpatrick +7
75/73 Justin Kehoe +8
71/78 Peter oKeeffe +9
77/73 Mark Staunton +10
81/71 Ger Hall +12
77/75 Brian McElhinney +12
78/76 Jonathan Mallon +14
75/81 Mark Campbell +16
78/79 Shane Franklin +17
78/81 Michael Lavelle +19
76/84 Mark oSullivan +20.
oHanlon leads the Irish challenge again in Europro event.
English man Paul Maddy takes a 3 shot lead into the second round of THE MOTOCADDY MASTERS at THE PLAYERS CLUB in BRISTOL after he made 3 birdies on each nine for a -6 round of 64.
Paul oHanlon leads the Irish challenge as he did in the last event in Stoke by Nayland with an opening -2 68.
Brendan McCarroll is the only other Irish to break par.He had a -1 round of 69.
Brian McElhinney,Runner up to Padraig Harrington in the Irish PGA Championship last week didn't get of to a great start with a +7,77.Richard Kilpatrick 3rd in the same championship is better placed on +2,72.Barrie Trainor was level par after 16 holes.He took a triple bogey 7 at the 8th,his 17th for a +3,73.
The cut for the top 50 and ties should come around +2 142.
Irish Scores.
68:Paul oHanlon -2
69:Brendan McCarroll -1
71:Peter oKeeffe,Tim Rice +1
72:Stephen Grant,Richard Kilpatrick +2
73:Barrie Trainor +3
74:Paul McDonald +4
75:Justin Kehoe,Mark Campbell +5
76:Mark oSullivan +6
77:Mark Staunton,Brian McElhinney +7
78:Jonathan Mallon,Shane Franklin,Michael Lavelle +8
81:Ger Hall +11
Paul oHanlon leads the Irish challenge as he did in the last event in Stoke by Nayland with an opening -2 68.
Brendan McCarroll is the only other Irish to break par.He had a -1 round of 69.
Brian McElhinney,Runner up to Padraig Harrington in the Irish PGA Championship last week didn't get of to a great start with a +7,77.Richard Kilpatrick 3rd in the same championship is better placed on +2,72.Barrie Trainor was level par after 16 holes.He took a triple bogey 7 at the 8th,his 17th for a +3,73.
The cut for the top 50 and ties should come around +2 142.
Irish Scores.
68:Paul oHanlon -2
69:Brendan McCarroll -1
71:Peter oKeeffe,Tim Rice +1
72:Stephen Grant,Richard Kilpatrick +2
73:Barrie Trainor +3
74:Paul McDonald +4
75:Justin Kehoe,Mark Campbell +5
76:Mark oSullivan +6
77:Mark Staunton,Brian McElhinney +7
78:Jonathan Mallon,Shane Franklin,Michael Lavelle +8
81:Ger Hall +11
Monday 13 July 2009
Steve Stricker wins John Deere Classic.
Steve Stricker made it two wins from the last 4 starts when he collected the John Deere Classic after rounds of 71,61,68,64 for a 264 -20.
After a rain delayed start to the tournament the golfers had to play 36 holes on the Sunday.Stricker proved too good for the rest of the field with closing rounds of 68,64.
3 shots back in joint second were Local favorite Zach Johnston,Brandt Snedeler and Brett Quigley on -17.
Quigley won the final place for the Open championship this week,but he won't be taking up the offer.
Instead he will be attending a mermorial service for his good friend and fellow golfer Chris Smith's wife Beth who was killed in a car accident last month.
After a rain delayed start to the tournament the golfers had to play 36 holes on the Sunday.Stricker proved too good for the rest of the field with closing rounds of 68,64.
3 shots back in joint second were Local favorite Zach Johnston,Brandt Snedeler and Brett Quigley on -17.
Quigley won the final place for the Open championship this week,but he won't be taking up the offer.
Instead he will be attending a mermorial service for his good friend and fellow golfer Chris Smith's wife Beth who was killed in a car accident last month.
Kaymer wins two in a row in Scotland..
In 2006 Martin Kaymer was playing on the EPD Tour with only average results.Towards the end of that season he got an invite to a challenge tour event in his own country of Germany.He won it and never looked back. By the end of 2006 he had gained his card for the European Tour for the 07 season.He won the rookie of the year in 07 and now has recorded 4 tournament victories.
Two wins in 2 weeks came at the Scottish Open when he cruised to victory with fantastic golf of 69,65,66,69 for a -15 finish and a 2 shot win over Gonzelo Fdez-Castano and Raphael Jacquelin.He won the first prize of 579,339 Euros to add to the 666,600 Euros he won in the Open de France last week after beating Westwood in a play off.
24 year old Kaymer is now 2nd in the Race to Dubai less than 200,000 Euros behind Paul Casey and has jumped up 8 places to 11th in the World rankings.
The best of the Irish was Damien McGrane.He jumped up 30 places with a closing 68 for a tie of 25th and a cheque for 33,022Euros. Darren Clarke who was on the leader board at one stage fell away badly with a closing 77 for a share of 28th with Graeme McDowell 70 and Paul McGinley 72. They picked up 20,508Euros each.
Rory McIlroy didn't have one of his best weeks.He was -3 after the first round but after closing with a 73 he dropped down to 46th on par 284 and only won 16,337Euros.
Shane Lowry also had a dissapointing finish. He struggled all day for a 79 and finished on +6 290,but at least with a cheque for 5,208Euros his was his second week in a row getting paid.
Two wins in 2 weeks came at the Scottish Open when he cruised to victory with fantastic golf of 69,65,66,69 for a -15 finish and a 2 shot win over Gonzelo Fdez-Castano and Raphael Jacquelin.He won the first prize of 579,339 Euros to add to the 666,600 Euros he won in the Open de France last week after beating Westwood in a play off.
24 year old Kaymer is now 2nd in the Race to Dubai less than 200,000 Euros behind Paul Casey and has jumped up 8 places to 11th in the World rankings.
The best of the Irish was Damien McGrane.He jumped up 30 places with a closing 68 for a tie of 25th and a cheque for 33,022Euros. Darren Clarke who was on the leader board at one stage fell away badly with a closing 77 for a share of 28th with Graeme McDowell 70 and Paul McGinley 72. They picked up 20,508Euros each.
Rory McIlroy didn't have one of his best weeks.He was -3 after the first round but after closing with a 73 he dropped down to 46th on par 284 and only won 16,337Euros.
Shane Lowry also had a dissapointing finish. He struggled all day for a 79 and finished on +6 290,but at least with a cheque for 5,208Euros his was his second week in a row getting paid.
Kaleka wins on Challenge tour in his first Professional Tournament.
Last week 22 year old Alexandre Kaleka was playing for France in the European amateur Championship in Wales.6 days later after turning Professional he won the ALLIANZ EUROPEN de LYON title and the 24,000Euro cheque to go with it,after holding of the challenge from Danish man,Anders Schmidt Hansen by one shot.
It was a dream start to Kaleka Pro career and he did it in style with rounds of 63,67,70 and a final solid round of 68 that left him on 268-16.One more good finish will lift him into the top 20 in the order of merit and a place on the full tour next year.
There was no fairytails for the Irish players.Colm Moriarty moved up 13 places to joint 36th with a closing 69 for 281-3.Michael McGeady who had such an impressive start finished with a 70 for 285+1 and joint 56th and Noel Fox dropped down 9 places with a 74 and 287+3 finish.
It was a dream start to Kaleka Pro career and he did it in style with rounds of 63,67,70 and a final solid round of 68 that left him on 268-16.One more good finish will lift him into the top 20 in the order of merit and a place on the full tour next year.
There was no fairytails for the Irish players.Colm Moriarty moved up 13 places to joint 36th with a closing 69 for 281-3.Michael McGeady who had such an impressive start finished with a 70 for 285+1 and joint 56th and Noel Fox dropped down 9 places with a 74 and 287+3 finish.
Saturday 11 July 2009
Darren Clarke best of Irish in Scotland.
Gonzalo Fdez-Castano is leading the Scottish Open after a 64 left him on -14 heading into the final round with a 1 shot lead from Retief Goosen 69 and Martin Kaymer 66.
There could be a change of fortune for Darren Clarke.He shot a round of 68 which included an eagle at the long 3rd and he holed his second shot at the par4,9th for another eagle. He is in joint 13th on -8.
Shane Lowry had another steady day with a 71,Rory McIlroy wasn't in great form with a 72 and Paul McGinley has let his great start dissappear once again with a poor 75 that leaves all 3 of them in 46th place on -2.McGrane 73 is on -1 and McDowell is back on level par after a 71.
There could be a change of fortune for Darren Clarke.He shot a round of 68 which included an eagle at the long 3rd and he holed his second shot at the par4,9th for another eagle. He is in joint 13th on -8.
Shane Lowry had another steady day with a 71,Rory McIlroy wasn't in great form with a 72 and Paul McGinley has let his great start dissappear once again with a poor 75 that leaves all 3 of them in 46th place on -2.McGrane 73 is on -1 and McDowell is back on level par after a 71.
No joy in France for the 3 Irish....
The 3 Irish golfers in France are well off the pace after the 3rd round of the ALLIANZ EUROPEN de LYON.
Local Alexandre Kaleka and Denmarks Anders Schmidt Hansen have opened up a 4 shot gap at the top of the leaderboard on 13 under par.
Colm Moriarty is the best of the Irish on -1 after he followed his two 71s with a 70 and is in joint 49th.
Noel Fox hit a level par round of 71 and is 57th on par,while Michael McGeady is down in joint 65th after a 2 over par 73.
Local Alexandre Kaleka and Denmarks Anders Schmidt Hansen have opened up a 4 shot gap at the top of the leaderboard on 13 under par.
Colm Moriarty is the best of the Irish on -1 after he followed his two 71s with a 70 and is in joint 49th.
Noel Fox hit a level par round of 71 and is 57th on par,while Michael McGeady is down in joint 65th after a 2 over par 73.
Harrington wins Irish PGA Championship.
padraig Harrington won a hat trick of Irish PGA Championship's at the European club as the only golfer to finish under par,and now he is ready to follow the trends of the last two years and go on to win the Open Championship at Turnberry next week.
Padraig was able to shape the ball around the European club,avoiding most of the bunkers for a final round of 72 for a total tally of 283-1.Another links player,Brian McElhinney was second,7 shots behind Padraig on +6=290.Banbridge's Richard Kilpatrick was 3rd on +7,291.Brendan McGovern who was beaten in a play off by Harrington two years ago was joint 4th with Simon Thornton on +8 292.
IRISH PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
WINNER : PADRAIG HARRINGTON 283 -1
2ND: BRIAN MCELHINNEY 290 +6
3RD: RICHARD KILPATRICK 291 +7
4TH: BRENDAN MCGOVERN,SIMON THORNTON 292 +8
6TH: MARK STAUNTON 294 +10
7TH: GAVIN LUNNY 296 +12
8TH: JOHN KELLY 297 +13
9TH: CAIN MCNAMARA 298 +14
10TH: JIMMY BOLGER,WAYNE O CALLAGHAN,GLEN ROBERTSON 299 +15.
,
Padraig was able to shape the ball around the European club,avoiding most of the bunkers for a final round of 72 for a total tally of 283-1.Another links player,Brian McElhinney was second,7 shots behind Padraig on +6=290.Banbridge's Richard Kilpatrick was 3rd on +7,291.Brendan McGovern who was beaten in a play off by Harrington two years ago was joint 4th with Simon Thornton on +8 292.
IRISH PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
WINNER : PADRAIG HARRINGTON 283 -1
2ND: BRIAN MCELHINNEY 290 +6
3RD: RICHARD KILPATRICK 291 +7
4TH: BRENDAN MCGOVERN,SIMON THORNTON 292 +8
6TH: MARK STAUNTON 294 +10
7TH: GAVIN LUNNY 296 +12
8TH: JOHN KELLY 297 +13
9TH: CAIN MCNAMARA 298 +14
10TH: JIMMY BOLGER,WAYNE O CALLAGHAN,GLEN ROBERTSON 299 +15.
,
Is the European Club a fair test or a joke.
Pat Ruddy set up and designed his dream golf course in Wicklow to be a fair test of golf,but is it?.With 120 of Irelands top Club professionals excited about taking part in their National Championship,69 of them went home after taking more than 156 shots(14 over par) for 2 rounds.The usual questions from their club members"What went wrong,you were playing well"
Anyone who hasn't player the European club probably wouldn't understand.Deep bunkers with Sleepers up to 15feet in the air.Some on the fairway,means you don't have to hit a bad drive to catch one.If you ball is close to the Sleepers you have no shot because you can't follow through.You have to take a penalty drop,inside the bunker.
Is that fair ?.
Run of the fairway and you are in HEAVY rough that can damage your wrist trying to move it forward, Ask Darren McWilliams who finished up in hospital.Leslie Walker,chasing Harrington also had to retire with a damaged wrist and Peter Martin,shoulder injury
Is that fair ?
Not one of the par 4s is under 400yards and 2 are over 500 yards,then you get to the greens which are massive and require a deft putting stroke to walk of with 2 putts.
In my opion it is not a fair test,but more likely to be a test of endurance.
Harrington seems to be able to work his way around,but then again he is a triple major winner with one of the best short games in the World.
Of the top 10 players in round 3,they only managed 18 birdies between them,while the 10 that finished at the bottom could only manage 6 between them.(1 had 3 while 6 had none.)
Is that a fair test?
Anyone who hasn't player the European club probably wouldn't understand.Deep bunkers with Sleepers up to 15feet in the air.Some on the fairway,means you don't have to hit a bad drive to catch one.If you ball is close to the Sleepers you have no shot because you can't follow through.You have to take a penalty drop,inside the bunker.
Is that fair ?.
Run of the fairway and you are in HEAVY rough that can damage your wrist trying to move it forward, Ask Darren McWilliams who finished up in hospital.Leslie Walker,chasing Harrington also had to retire with a damaged wrist and Peter Martin,shoulder injury
Is that fair ?
Not one of the par 4s is under 400yards and 2 are over 500 yards,then you get to the greens which are massive and require a deft putting stroke to walk of with 2 putts.
In my opion it is not a fair test,but more likely to be a test of endurance.
Harrington seems to be able to work his way around,but then again he is a triple major winner with one of the best short games in the World.
Of the top 10 players in round 3,they only managed 18 birdies between them,while the 10 that finished at the bottom could only manage 6 between them.(1 had 3 while 6 had none.)
Is that a fair test?
Friday 10 July 2009
Goosen shoots 63 to lead the Scottish Open by 2.
South African,Retief Goosen hit a 63 to open up a 2 shot lead at the halfway stage of the Scottish Open at Loch Lomand.Sitting at -11 Goosen is 2 shots clear of Adam Scott.
The best of the Irish is still Paul McGinley who shot a level par 71 to go with his opening 65,that leaves him on -6,5 behind Goosen.Darren Clarke had another 69 for a -4 total.Rory McIlroy made bogies at 3 of the 4 par 3s and still managed a level par 71 to sit alongside Damien McGrane on -3.
New Professional Shane Lowry hit 18 pars in his second round to easily make the cut on -2.Graeme McDowell is expected to squeese in on level par 143 after a 70/72.
Peter Lawrie +1,Gareth Maybin +1,Gary Murphy +2 and Michael Hoey +6 all missed the cut.
The best of the Irish is still Paul McGinley who shot a level par 71 to go with his opening 65,that leaves him on -6,5 behind Goosen.Darren Clarke had another 69 for a -4 total.Rory McIlroy made bogies at 3 of the 4 par 3s and still managed a level par 71 to sit alongside Damien McGrane on -3.
New Professional Shane Lowry hit 18 pars in his second round to easily make the cut on -2.Graeme McDowell is expected to squeese in on level par 143 after a 70/72.
Peter Lawrie +1,Gareth Maybin +1,Gary Murphy +2 and Michael Hoey +6 all missed the cut.
Irish stick together in France..
What a difference a day makes ! I reported yesterday that the 3 Irish playing in the ALLIANZ EUROPEN de LYON in Monthieux,FRANCE covered the field with Michael McGeady on top with a 65,Colm Moriarty in the middle on level par 71,and Noel Fox at the bottom on 6 over par 77.
GUESS WHAT ! After the second round they are all equal on level par 142.Noel Fox recovered with a brilliant 6 under par 65 to move from 143rd to 62nd.Colm Moriarty repeated his first round score of 71 to join Fox in 62nd.The biggest surprise came when Michael McGeady lost his game to add a 77 to his opening 65 to join his mates in 62nd spot on level par.He was 4th after the first round.
The trio are 12 shots behind the local leader,Alexandre Kaleka after rounds of 63,67.
GUESS WHAT ! After the second round they are all equal on level par 142.Noel Fox recovered with a brilliant 6 under par 65 to move from 143rd to 62nd.Colm Moriarty repeated his first round score of 71 to join Fox in 62nd.The biggest surprise came when Michael McGeady lost his game to add a 77 to his opening 65 to join his mates in 62nd spot on level par.He was 4th after the first round.
The trio are 12 shots behind the local leader,Alexandre Kaleka after rounds of 63,67.
Harrington takes 4 shot lead into Irish PGA Championship final round.
Padraig Harrington should make it 3 wins in a row in the Irish PGA Championship,having a 4 shot lead going into the final round at the European club.
After the 1st round there were 9 players under par,after the second that was down to 3,now it is down to one.Harrington is on 2 under par after a round of 16 pars and 2 bogies at the 6th and 12th.
With 51 of the top Irish Professionals playing in mild playing conditions,only senior Denis o Sullivan was the only one to match the par of 71,such was the difficulty of the heavy rough and the position of the flags.
Simon Thornton 73 is the closest to Padraig on 2 over par.
Leslie Walker was chasing the leader when he damaged his wrist in the heavy rough and had to retire.Darren McWilliams suffered the same fate.
Irish PGA Championship Leaderboard.
1st:Padraig Harrington 73 -2
2nd:Simon Thornton 73 +2
3rd: Gavin Lunny 74,Richard Kilpatrick 77 +4.
5th: John Kelly 72,Brian McElhinney 72,Glen Robertson 74 +5.
After the 1st round there were 9 players under par,after the second that was down to 3,now it is down to one.Harrington is on 2 under par after a round of 16 pars and 2 bogies at the 6th and 12th.
With 51 of the top Irish Professionals playing in mild playing conditions,only senior Denis o Sullivan was the only one to match the par of 71,such was the difficulty of the heavy rough and the position of the flags.
Simon Thornton 73 is the closest to Padraig on 2 over par.
Leslie Walker was chasing the leader when he damaged his wrist in the heavy rough and had to retire.Darren McWilliams suffered the same fate.
Irish PGA Championship Leaderboard.
1st:Padraig Harrington 73 -2
2nd:Simon Thornton 73 +2
3rd: Gavin Lunny 74,Richard Kilpatrick 77 +4.
5th: John Kelly 72,Brian McElhinney 72,Glen Robertson 74 +5.
McGinley's great start in Loch Lomand...
Paul McGinley who has been having a miserable time,got off to a great start at the Scottish Open at the fabulous Loch Lomand golf course near Glasgow.He eagled the long 3rd,made 5 birdies and only dropped one shot at the 5th for a great round of 65-6.
The leader is leftie Richard green who was in smashing form,shooting a 7 under par round of 64.
Rory McIlroy put in another sub par round of -3,68 and is in joint 17th.
Shane Lowry is coming to terms with the Pro game,and after making his his first cheque last week,is in good shape to make the cut again this week after a 4 birdie,2 bogey round of -2,69,alongside Darren Clarke.
Irish Scores:
Joint 2nd Paul McGinley 65 -6
Joint 17th Rory McIlroy 68 -3
Joint 28th Shane Lowry,Darren Clarke 69 -2
Joint 52nd Gareth Maybin,Graeme McDowell 70 -1
Joint 79th Damien McGrane 71 Par.
Joint 86th Gary Murphy 72 +1.
Joint 112th Michael Hoey,Peter Lawrie 73 +2.
The leader is leftie Richard green who was in smashing form,shooting a 7 under par round of 64.
Rory McIlroy put in another sub par round of -3,68 and is in joint 17th.
Shane Lowry is coming to terms with the Pro game,and after making his his first cheque last week,is in good shape to make the cut again this week after a 4 birdie,2 bogey round of -2,69,alongside Darren Clarke.
Irish Scores:
Joint 2nd Paul McGinley 65 -6
Joint 17th Rory McIlroy 68 -3
Joint 28th Shane Lowry,Darren Clarke 69 -2
Joint 52nd Gareth Maybin,Graeme McDowell 70 -1
Joint 79th Damien McGrane 71 Par.
Joint 86th Gary Murphy 72 +1.
Joint 112th Michael Hoey,Peter Lawrie 73 +2.
Thursday 9 July 2009
McGeady in good shape in France.
There is 3 Irish playing on the challenge tour in France this week and they have the leaderboard covered.One at the top,one in the middle and one at the bottom.
Andre McArthur and Alexander Kaleka lead the ALLIANZ EUROPEN de LYON with rounds of 8 under par 63s.
North West's Michael McGeady could easily have joined them as he took a double bogey at the 18th,his 9th and still finished with a 65-6.
Colm Moriarty is one outside the projected cut mark on level par 71 in the middle of the field and Noel Fox is at the bottom after a miserable 6 over par 77.
Andre McArthur and Alexander Kaleka lead the ALLIANZ EUROPEN de LYON with rounds of 8 under par 63s.
North West's Michael McGeady could easily have joined them as he took a double bogey at the 18th,his 9th and still finished with a 65-6.
Colm Moriarty is one outside the projected cut mark on level par 71 in the middle of the field and Noel Fox is at the bottom after a miserable 6 over par 77.
Harrington back on track for next weeks Open Championship.
The European golf club in Wicklow lived up to it's reputation as probably the hardest test of golf not only in Ireland,but in the World.
After round one of the Irish pga Championship only 9 players were under par,now after two rounds that number is down to 3.(In good conditions.)
The leader is Padraig Harrington on 4 under par after a second round 70 to go with his opening 68.Padraig is getting back to his best,just in time for next weeks Open Championship.
One shot behind Harrington is first round leader Leslie Walker.Walker had an up and down round of 72 that included 6 birdies,3 bogies and 2 double bogies.
The only other one under par is Richard Kilpatrick who has played very steady for two rounds of 70.
The best score of the day came from Simon Thornton who recovered from an opening 75 to produce a fantastic 67-4.
51 players from the 120 starters made the cut on 13 over par,and the unluckiest person in the field was Marian Riordan who made history by becoming the first female ever to qualify for the championship.She proved she wasn't there to make up the numbers when she made 4 birdies in a row at the 18th,1st,2nd and 3rd and only finished one outside the qualifying mark after scores of 80/76.
After round one of the Irish pga Championship only 9 players were under par,now after two rounds that number is down to 3.(In good conditions.)
The leader is Padraig Harrington on 4 under par after a second round 70 to go with his opening 68.Padraig is getting back to his best,just in time for next weeks Open Championship.
One shot behind Harrington is first round leader Leslie Walker.Walker had an up and down round of 72 that included 6 birdies,3 bogies and 2 double bogies.
The only other one under par is Richard Kilpatrick who has played very steady for two rounds of 70.
The best score of the day came from Simon Thornton who recovered from an opening 75 to produce a fantastic 67-4.
51 players from the 120 starters made the cut on 13 over par,and the unluckiest person in the field was Marian Riordan who made history by becoming the first female ever to qualify for the championship.She proved she wasn't there to make up the numbers when she made 4 birdies in a row at the 18th,1st,2nd and 3rd and only finished one outside the qualifying mark after scores of 80/76.
Wednesday 8 July 2009
Leslie WALKer over Harrington to lead Irish PGA.
Padraig harrington was happy with his first under par round since the Irish Open,when he hit a 3 under par 68 at the difficult European club in Brittas bay,Wicklow during the first round of the Irish PGA Championship.Harrinton a winner here for the last 2 years has been having a difficult time recently missing the last 5 cuts. Hopefully that is all behind him now and he looks in great shape to win here again and hopefully he can follow the trend of the last two years and go on to win the Open Championship next week at Turnberry.
He is in second place after the first round.Leslie Walker from Dundalk played his best golf of the year to hit a 4 birdie/14 par round of -4 67,to lead by 1 from Padraig.The early clubhouse leader Seamus McMonagle is alone in 3rd on -2,69.
A grour of 6 players are on -1,70 as there was only 9 from the 120 starters broke par.
The European club is not the place to be if you don't bring your "A" game,ask Phil Ring from Elm Park. Starting on the 10th hole he took 58 shots to play the back nine.
It included an 11 at the par 4,16th,8 at each of the par4s 11th &18th,3 double bogies,1 bogey and 2 pars. Turning into the front 9,he was 22 over par.
Irish PGA Championship.
1st round leaders: Leslie Walker 67 -4.
Padraig Harrington 68-3.
Seamus McMonagle 69-2.
Tim Rice 70-1
Damien Mooney 70-1
Gavin Lunny 70-1.
Richard Kilpatrick 70-1.
Brian McElhinney 70-1.
Glen Robertson 70-1.
He is in second place after the first round.Leslie Walker from Dundalk played his best golf of the year to hit a 4 birdie/14 par round of -4 67,to lead by 1 from Padraig.The early clubhouse leader Seamus McMonagle is alone in 3rd on -2,69.
A grour of 6 players are on -1,70 as there was only 9 from the 120 starters broke par.
The European club is not the place to be if you don't bring your "A" game,ask Phil Ring from Elm Park. Starting on the 10th hole he took 58 shots to play the back nine.
It included an 11 at the par 4,16th,8 at each of the par4s 11th &18th,3 double bogies,1 bogey and 2 pars. Turning into the front 9,he was 22 over par.
Irish PGA Championship.
1st round leaders: Leslie Walker 67 -4.
Padraig Harrington 68-3.
Seamus McMonagle 69-2.
Tim Rice 70-1
Damien Mooney 70-1
Gavin Lunny 70-1.
Richard Kilpatrick 70-1.
Brian McElhinney 70-1.
Glen Robertson 70-1.
Tuesday 7 July 2009
Tiger top sports earner in USA in 2008.
Tiger Woods had half of 2008 off due to knee surgery,but that didn't stop him from being named top earner in the SPORTS ILLUSTRATED top 50 list of athletes in USA.Tiger earned $99,737,626.(What would it have been if he had played all year?)
Only 3 were golfers.Phil Mickleson was second on the list and Jim Furyk came in at 41st.
22 of the list were basketball players with nine of them earning over $30million.
Tiger money was made up as follows:$7,737,626 earnings----$92,000,000 Endorsements----Total: $99,737,626.
2nd:Phil Mickleson $6,350,356 earnings----$46,600,000 endorsements----Total $52,950,356.
41st:Jim Furyk $5,263,127 earnings----$11,000,000 endorsements----Total $16,263,127.
Only 3 were golfers.Phil Mickleson was second on the list and Jim Furyk came in at 41st.
22 of the list were basketball players with nine of them earning over $30million.
Tiger money was made up as follows:$7,737,626 earnings----$92,000,000 Endorsements----Total: $99,737,626.
2nd:Phil Mickleson $6,350,356 earnings----$46,600,000 endorsements----Total $52,950,356.
41st:Jim Furyk $5,263,127 earnings----$11,000,000 endorsements----Total $16,263,127.
Monday 6 July 2009
McIlroy the only bright Irish spark in Race to Dubai.....
With 14 irish golfers playing on the European tour,Rory McIlroy is the only one in the top 30.The top 60 will play in the $10million Race to Dubai in November.5 Irish players are inside the top 60,with Damien McGrane one spot outside on 61st.
On the challenge Tour the best of Irish is Simon Thornton in 54th place. With only the top 20 gaining their full European card next year,it.s not looking good for the irish.
"RACE TO DUBAI---ORDER OF MERIT.
1ST.PAUL CASEY 1,949,841 EUROS.
3RD.RORY MCILROY 1,314,985 "
35TH.GRAEME MCDOWELL 407,899 "
40TH.PETER LAWRIE 378,839 "
46TH.GARETH MAYBIN 357,543 "
61ST.DAMIEN MCGRANE 299,068 "
69TH.MICHAEL HOEY 279,026 "
77TH.PADRAIG HARRINGTON 248,919 "
111ST.DARREN CLARKE 156,858 "
132ND.PAUL MCGINLEY 120,742 "
144ST.GARY MURPHY 111,217 "
233RD.MICHAEL MCGEADY 23,475 "
253RD.SHANE LOWRY 16,800 "
269TH.JOHNNY CALDWELL 9,844 "
CHALLENGE TOUR ORDER OF MERIT.
1ST.ANDREW BUTTERFIELD 83,348 EUROS.
54TH.SIMON THORNTON 11,460 "
59TH.COLM MORIARTY 10,217 "
86TH.GARETH SHAW 6,645 "
127TH.JOHNNY CALDWELL 3,207 "
153RD.ALAN MURRAY 2,174 "
176TH.PETER O KEEFFE 1,656 "
184TH.NOEL FOX 1,312 "
188TH.RICHARD KILPATRICK 1,200 "
197TH.MICHAEL MCGEADY 1,060 "
223RD.CIAN MCNAMARA 502 "
226TH.TIM RICE 458 "
On the challenge Tour the best of Irish is Simon Thornton in 54th place. With only the top 20 gaining their full European card next year,it.s not looking good for the irish.
"RACE TO DUBAI---ORDER OF MERIT.
1ST.PAUL CASEY 1,949,841 EUROS.
3RD.RORY MCILROY 1,314,985 "
35TH.GRAEME MCDOWELL 407,899 "
40TH.PETER LAWRIE 378,839 "
46TH.GARETH MAYBIN 357,543 "
61ST.DAMIEN MCGRANE 299,068 "
69TH.MICHAEL HOEY 279,026 "
77TH.PADRAIG HARRINGTON 248,919 "
111ST.DARREN CLARKE 156,858 "
132ND.PAUL MCGINLEY 120,742 "
144ST.GARY MURPHY 111,217 "
233RD.MICHAEL MCGEADY 23,475 "
253RD.SHANE LOWRY 16,800 "
269TH.JOHNNY CALDWELL 9,844 "
CHALLENGE TOUR ORDER OF MERIT.
1ST.ANDREW BUTTERFIELD 83,348 EUROS.
54TH.SIMON THORNTON 11,460 "
59TH.COLM MORIARTY 10,217 "
86TH.GARETH SHAW 6,645 "
127TH.JOHNNY CALDWELL 3,207 "
153RD.ALAN MURRAY 2,174 "
176TH.PETER O KEEFFE 1,656 "
184TH.NOEL FOX 1,312 "
188TH.RICHARD KILPATRICK 1,200 "
197TH.MICHAEL MCGEADY 1,060 "
223RD.CIAN MCNAMARA 502 "
226TH.TIM RICE 458 "
Win No 68 for Tiger at AT&T Tournament.
Tiger Woods was the "Greedy Host" in his own tournament.He collected the $1,008,000 first prize and handed it straight back to the Tiger Woods foundation.
He worked hard to win his 68th tour victory,as Hunter Mahan had set the clubhouse targer at -12 after a brilliant 62 in the final round.Tiger needed one birdie over the closing 6 holes and delivered with a 20 foot putt on the 16th green.
He added a 67 to his 64,66,and 70 to win the AT&T for the first time.Along with the Arnold Palmers Invitational @ Bay Hill and the Jack Nicklaus Memorial tournament, he has now jumped to the top of the money table with $4,560,163 from 9 starts.He is also in pole position for the Fed Ex cup with 2,051 points from 9 starts Kenny perry is second,having played in 16 events he has only managed 1,874 points.
Tiger is also creeping ahead in the World rankings,as Phil Mickleson is out of action and Paul Casey missed the cut.
Tiger's first job yesterday before play was to txt his good friend Roger Federer on winning his 15th Major in a record 16-14 final set.
Who would bet against Tiger winning his 15th Major at Turnberry next week.
He worked hard to win his 68th tour victory,as Hunter Mahan had set the clubhouse targer at -12 after a brilliant 62 in the final round.Tiger needed one birdie over the closing 6 holes and delivered with a 20 foot putt on the 16th green.
He added a 67 to his 64,66,and 70 to win the AT&T for the first time.Along with the Arnold Palmers Invitational @ Bay Hill and the Jack Nicklaus Memorial tournament, he has now jumped to the top of the money table with $4,560,163 from 9 starts.He is also in pole position for the Fed Ex cup with 2,051 points from 9 starts Kenny perry is second,having played in 16 events he has only managed 1,874 points.
Tiger is also creeping ahead in the World rankings,as Phil Mickleson is out of action and Paul Casey missed the cut.
Tiger's first job yesterday before play was to txt his good friend Roger Federer on winning his 15th Major in a record 16-14 final set.
Who would bet against Tiger winning his 15th Major at Turnberry next week.
Sunday 5 July 2009
Martin Kaymer beats Westwood in play off !
German,Martin Kaymer beat Lee Westwood in a one hole play off with a par in the OPEN de FRANCE over the brilliant and future Ryder cup venue LE GOLF NATIONAL near PARIS.
Over night leader Rafa Echenique got a rough lesson as he was chasing the leaders down the stretch.By attacking too much he took 7s at both the 15th and 18th holes to drop down the field to -5 after taking a 77.At one stage he was looking at going home with 666,660 Euros,instead he had to settle for 55,500 Euros.
Kaymer played good golf for a 68 and has now jumped to 5th in the race to Dubai with a cheque for 666,660 Euros,while Lee Westwood who hasn't won since the British Masters in 2007 has moved into 10th after winning a cheque for 444,440 Euros.
It was a good day for the Irish. Gareth Maybin was -2 on each nine and it earned him a share of 10th and a pay day worth 55,550 Euros.Damien McGrane shot 68 to finish on -5 for 55,500 Euros.Peter Lawrie made 4 birdies in a row from the 10th,his 67 finish won him 44,600 Euros for 21st spot.Darren Clarke took an 8 at the last for a 72,to finish on -2 and in a share of 31st place worth 16,800 Euros.
Shane Lowry collected his first pay cheque as a Professional.He finished in a share of 50th place on +1 after a final round of 73. He will be lodging a cheque for 16,800 Euros.
Over night leader Rafa Echenique got a rough lesson as he was chasing the leaders down the stretch.By attacking too much he took 7s at both the 15th and 18th holes to drop down the field to -5 after taking a 77.At one stage he was looking at going home with 666,660 Euros,instead he had to settle for 55,500 Euros.
Kaymer played good golf for a 68 and has now jumped to 5th in the race to Dubai with a cheque for 666,660 Euros,while Lee Westwood who hasn't won since the British Masters in 2007 has moved into 10th after winning a cheque for 444,440 Euros.
It was a good day for the Irish. Gareth Maybin was -2 on each nine and it earned him a share of 10th and a pay day worth 55,550 Euros.Damien McGrane shot 68 to finish on -5 for 55,500 Euros.Peter Lawrie made 4 birdies in a row from the 10th,his 67 finish won him 44,600 Euros for 21st spot.Darren Clarke took an 8 at the last for a 72,to finish on -2 and in a share of 31st place worth 16,800 Euros.
Shane Lowry collected his first pay cheque as a Professional.He finished in a share of 50th place on +1 after a final round of 73. He will be lodging a cheque for 16,800 Euros.
Peter Baker wins for the 2nd time in Switzerland.
Former Ryder cup player and 3 time winner on the European tour Peter Baker is hopeful of a return to the top flight after his second win in 3 years in Swizerland.Playing in the CREDIT SUISSE CHALLENGE he held on to his one shot overnight lead to beat Austrain,Florian Praegant after they both shot 67s.
41 year old Baker finished on 18 under par after rounds of 70,71,66,67 to become the oldest Challenge tour winner.Now up to 10th in the rankings,he has a good chance of gaining a full card for next year.There won't be any time for celebraring as he has to keep himself in shape as he heads to Glasgow Gailes for the final Open qualifying this week.
Gareth Shaw goes home with 728 Euros after finishing -4 after a 73,and Colm Moriarty was 53rd on -2 after a 71.
41 year old Baker finished on 18 under par after rounds of 70,71,66,67 to become the oldest Challenge tour winner.Now up to 10th in the rankings,he has a good chance of gaining a full card for next year.There won't be any time for celebraring as he has to keep himself in shape as he heads to Glasgow Gailes for the final Open qualifying this week.
Gareth Shaw goes home with 728 Euros after finishing -4 after a 73,and Colm Moriarty was 53rd on -2 after a 71.
Saturday 4 July 2009
Rafa Echenique holds a 1 shot lead in Paris.
Rafa Echenique is currently 241st in the world and 123rd in the race to Dubai.He is set to take a massive jump up both ladders if he can pick up the 666,660 Euros on offer if he wins the OPEN de FRANCE tomorrow.
He holds a slender lead over Martin Kaymer thanks to a birdie at the difficult 18th.
Rafa added a 70 for an overall -11 total with Kaymer 69 is on -10.
The best of the Irish is Darren Clarke on -3 after a round of 68.It could have been so much better as Clarke, 123rd in the Race to Dubai table at the minute was 5 under for his round before taking a double bogey 5 at the short 16th.
Damien McGrane 69 and Gareth Maybin 71 are on -2,Shane Lowry got a nightmare start of 4 bogies,but didn't panic and got rewarded with 4 birdies for a par round of 71 and a -1 total,peter Lawrie had his 3rd 71 in a row and is on level par.
He holds a slender lead over Martin Kaymer thanks to a birdie at the difficult 18th.
Rafa added a 70 for an overall -11 total with Kaymer 69 is on -10.
The best of the Irish is Darren Clarke on -3 after a round of 68.It could have been so much better as Clarke, 123rd in the Race to Dubai table at the minute was 5 under for his round before taking a double bogey 5 at the short 16th.
Damien McGrane 69 and Gareth Maybin 71 are on -2,Shane Lowry got a nightmare start of 4 bogies,but didn't panic and got rewarded with 4 birdies for a par round of 71 and a -1 total,peter Lawrie had his 3rd 71 in a row and is on level par.
Peter Baker rolls back the years.
Past Ryder cup player,Peter Baker rolled back the years to hit a -7 round of 66 in the CREDIT SUISSE CHALLENGE tournament in SWITZERLAND to join American Nathan Smith on top of the leaderboard going into the final round.They are on -12.
Baker was level par for his round after 6 holes,before making 7 birdies in the last 12 holes and will be feeling confident as he won here 2 years ago.
Overnight leader John Parry is only one shot behind on -11 and is joined by Florian Praegant in joint 3rd.
The only 2 Irish survivors Gareth Shaw is in 34th place after a 71 for a -4 total,and Colm Moriarty is well back after a 74.He is in 61st position on par.
Baker was level par for his round after 6 holes,before making 7 birdies in the last 12 holes and will be feeling confident as he won here 2 years ago.
Overnight leader John Parry is only one shot behind on -11 and is joined by Florian Praegant in joint 3rd.
The only 2 Irish survivors Gareth Shaw is in 34th place after a 71 for a -4 total,and Colm Moriarty is well back after a 74.He is in 61st position on par.
Tiger wants the $1,080,000 first prize......
Tiger Woods is the host this week at the AT&T National championship at the Congressional Country Club,but he has made it quite clear that he also wants to win the first prize,not for himself,but to help the kids as part of his "Tiger Woods Foundation".
He opened with a superb -6 round of 64 playing really good golf.Round 2 was a struggle but he managed to play Tiger golf by making some of the best up-and-downs we have come to expect from the World's No1.
He somehow signed for a 66 to sit on top of the leaderboard at the halfway stage on -10.
His partner today will be Austrailian,Rod Pampling. Rod is on -9 after rounds of 67/64.First round leader and defending champion, Anthony Kim had a bad driving round for a level par round of 70 to go with his opening 62.Kim is 3rd on -8.
Jim Furyk is never far away.He is in 4th on -7 66/67 and having been 3rd here for the last 2 years he will be a threat to Tiger over the closing rounds..
He opened with a superb -6 round of 64 playing really good golf.Round 2 was a struggle but he managed to play Tiger golf by making some of the best up-and-downs we have come to expect from the World's No1.
He somehow signed for a 66 to sit on top of the leaderboard at the halfway stage on -10.
His partner today will be Austrailian,Rod Pampling. Rod is on -9 after rounds of 67/64.First round leader and defending champion, Anthony Kim had a bad driving round for a level par round of 70 to go with his opening 62.Kim is 3rd on -8.
Jim Furyk is never far away.He is in 4th on -7 66/67 and having been 3rd here for the last 2 years he will be a threat to Tiger over the closing rounds..
Friday 3 July 2009
Great day for Rafa and Shane in Paris.
Rafa Echenique from Argentina has suddenly realised he can play golf.Last week he holed a 3 iron shot for an albatross to finish second in the BMW in Germany.This week he is leading the Open de France in Le Golf National after rounds of 65/67 -10.
Martin Kaymer took 10 shots more today than yesterday and is still joint second on -8 62/72 along with Charl Schwartzel 68/66 and Steve Webster 69/65.
The happiest man in the field is Shane Lowry.Since he turned Pro after winning the Irish Open he has made his first cut.
After a -2,69 yesterday,Shane made a timely birdie at the 18th to hit a one over par 71. His -1 total left him in line for his first pay day.
Gareth Maybin is one ahead of Shane on -2,and Darren Clarke recovered well to add a 69 to his opening 73.His total of level par was matched by Peter Lawrie 71/71 and Damien Mc Grane 70/72 are safely through to the weekend.
The big 3 of Harrington,McDowell and McGinley all have the weekend off.Harrington woes continue as he missed his 5th cut in a row and 8th this year.He has never played so badly and is bound to be worried with the Open Championship only 2 weeks away.
Irish scores:
69/71 Gareth Maybin -2.
69/72 Shane Lowry -1.
73/69 Darren Clarke,71/71 Peter Clarke,70/72 Damien McGrane PAR.
Missed Cut....
71/73 Michael Hoey +2.
72/75 Padraig Harrington,72/75 Graeme McDowell,72/75 Paul McGinley +5.
74/80 Gary Murphy +12.
Martin Kaymer took 10 shots more today than yesterday and is still joint second on -8 62/72 along with Charl Schwartzel 68/66 and Steve Webster 69/65.
The happiest man in the field is Shane Lowry.Since he turned Pro after winning the Irish Open he has made his first cut.
After a -2,69 yesterday,Shane made a timely birdie at the 18th to hit a one over par 71. His -1 total left him in line for his first pay day.
Gareth Maybin is one ahead of Shane on -2,and Darren Clarke recovered well to add a 69 to his opening 73.His total of level par was matched by Peter Lawrie 71/71 and Damien Mc Grane 70/72 are safely through to the weekend.
The big 3 of Harrington,McDowell and McGinley all have the weekend off.Harrington woes continue as he missed his 5th cut in a row and 8th this year.He has never played so badly and is bound to be worried with the Open Championship only 2 weeks away.
Irish scores:
69/71 Gareth Maybin -2.
69/72 Shane Lowry -1.
73/69 Darren Clarke,71/71 Peter Clarke,70/72 Damien McGrane PAR.
Missed Cut....
71/73 Michael Hoey +2.
72/75 Padraig Harrington,72/75 Graeme McDowell,72/75 Paul McGinley +5.
74/80 Gary Murphy +12.
Kilpatrick misses cut after great start in Switzerland.
Englands John Perry was on 69 the same score as Richard Kilpatrick after the first round of the CREDIT SUISSE CHALLENGE in SWITZERLAND.Perry went on to hit a 67 for a -6 total to lead the event. Kilpatrick went the other way,and finished up missing the cut by taking 79 and finishing +2.
Gareth Shaw returned a 3 under par 70 and with his opening 74 is well placed on -2.
The only other Irish man under par is Colm Moriarty. He hit a 71 to finish on the cut mark of -1.
Irish Scores:
74/70 Gareth Shaw -2.
74/71 Colm Moriarty -1.
74/72 Michael Mc Geady Par.
69/79 Richard Kilpatrick,72/76 Noel Fox +2.
76/75 Alan Murray 76/75 +5.
83/74 Stephen Grant +11.
Gareth Shaw returned a 3 under par 70 and with his opening 74 is well placed on -2.
The only other Irish man under par is Colm Moriarty. He hit a 71 to finish on the cut mark of -1.
Irish Scores:
74/70 Gareth Shaw -2.
74/71 Colm Moriarty -1.
74/72 Michael Mc Geady Par.
69/79 Richard Kilpatrick,72/76 Noel Fox +2.
76/75 Alan Murray 76/75 +5.
83/74 Stephen Grant +11.
Richard Kilpatrick top of Irish in Switzerland.
Banbridge golfer,Richard Kilpatrick hasn't played to his potential since turning Professional.A former East of Ireland champion Kilpatrick has a chance to put the records straight after starting the Credit Suisse Challenge tournament on the Challenge tour with a bogey free -4 round of 69.
Englands Stuart Davis and Simon Robinson lead the way on -6, 67.
Noel Fox is sitting on the projected cut mark of -1,but the other 5 Irish have work to do as they are all over par.
Irish scores:
69 Richard Kilpatrick -4.
72 Noel Fox -1.
74 Colm Moriarty,Michael Mc Geady,Gareth Shaw +1.
76 Alan Murray +3
83 Stephen Grant +10.
Englands Stuart Davis and Simon Robinson lead the way on -6, 67.
Noel Fox is sitting on the projected cut mark of -1,but the other 5 Irish have work to do as they are all over par.
Irish scores:
69 Richard Kilpatrick -4.
72 Noel Fox -1.
74 Colm Moriarty,Michael Mc Geady,Gareth Shaw +1.
76 Alan Murray +3
83 Stephen Grant +10.
Shane Lowry in line for first Professional cut !
24 year old German,Martin Kaymer started the Open de France tournament with a bogey,before taking the course apart with 8 birdies and an eagle for a joint course record of -9,62.
All eyes will be on Irish Open champion,Shane Lowry.He has put himself in a good position to make his first cut as a Professional by shooting a 2 under par 69.
It was an up and down round for Shane as he had 2 birdies,3 bogies and a double bogey at the 18th,his 9th to turn on +3. His front 9 was more like his Baltray golf.
He made 3 birdies and an eagle for a nine holes of -5, 31.
Shane is in joint 32nd position with Gareth Maybin. The big 3 of Harrington,Mc Dowell and Mc Ginley will have to improve on their +1 rounds of 72.
Irish scores:
69 Shane Lowry,Gareth Maybin -2.
70 Damien Mc Grane -1
71 Michael Hoey,Peter Lawrie Level.
72 Padraig Harrington,Graeme Mc Dowell,Paul Mc Ginley +1
73 Darren Clarke +2.
74 Gary Murphy +3.
All eyes will be on Irish Open champion,Shane Lowry.He has put himself in a good position to make his first cut as a Professional by shooting a 2 under par 69.
It was an up and down round for Shane as he had 2 birdies,3 bogies and a double bogey at the 18th,his 9th to turn on +3. His front 9 was more like his Baltray golf.
He made 3 birdies and an eagle for a nine holes of -5, 31.
Shane is in joint 32nd position with Gareth Maybin. The big 3 of Harrington,Mc Dowell and Mc Ginley will have to improve on their +1 rounds of 72.
Irish scores:
69 Shane Lowry,Gareth Maybin -2.
70 Damien Mc Grane -1
71 Michael Hoey,Peter Lawrie Level.
72 Padraig Harrington,Graeme Mc Dowell,Paul Mc Ginley +1
73 Darren Clarke +2.
74 Gary Murphy +3.
Tom Haylock runs away with Europro event..
Tom Haylock ran away with the Stoke on Nayland Europro event by following up rounds of 68,67 with a sparkling 65 to finish on 16 under par and victory by 8 shots from Austrailian Chris Gaunt.
Local favorite,Jamie Mould was joint 3rd with 4 others on -7.
Tim Rice who only made the cut on +1,was still +1 after 13 holes.He then proceded to make an eagle 3 at the par 5,14th,holed his second shot at the par 4,15th,and birdied the 16th for a closing 67 and joint 12th place on -4.
Paul o Hanlon was only 2 shots behind the leader starting out,but took 78 shots and tumbled down to 21st on -1.
Barrie Trainor and Peter o Keeffe both hit 71s to finish on level par.
Brian McElhinney 74 +1,Jonathan Mallon 79 +7 and Brendan Mc Carroll 80 +8 made up the Irish scores.
Local favorite,Jamie Mould was joint 3rd with 4 others on -7.
Tim Rice who only made the cut on +1,was still +1 after 13 holes.He then proceded to make an eagle 3 at the par 5,14th,holed his second shot at the par 4,15th,and birdied the 16th for a closing 67 and joint 12th place on -4.
Paul o Hanlon was only 2 shots behind the leader starting out,but took 78 shots and tumbled down to 21st on -1.
Barrie Trainor and Peter o Keeffe both hit 71s to finish on level par.
Brian McElhinney 74 +1,Jonathan Mallon 79 +7 and Brendan Mc Carroll 80 +8 made up the Irish scores.
Wednesday 1 July 2009
Paul o Hanlon leads Irish challenge in Europro event.
Barrie Trainor & Paul o Hanlon led the Irish challenge after 18 holes with -4 68s in the Europro event at Stoke By Nayland.There was mixed fortunes in round 2,when Trainor finished badly for a 77 and only qualified for the final round on the cut mark of +1. o Hanlon went the other way.He started with 3 birdies and completed his round with a 69.Sitting on the -7 mark he is only 2 shots behind the leaders.
7 out of the 17 Irish starters made the cut. Mark o Sullivan was unlucky to miss by 1 after a 2 under par 70 got him back to +2.Justin Kehoe +3 and Mark Campbell +4 all miss out on the final round.
Tom Hayland 67 and James Ruebotham 64 lead on -9,but the man they will all have to beat is the order of merit leader,Steve Surry. Surry had a +1,73 in round one,but hit back today with a fantastic -9 round of 63 to sit on -8.
Irish qualifiers:
Paul o Hanlon 68/69 -7.
Brian Mc Elhinney 70/73 -1.
Brendan Mc Carroll 72/72,Jonathan Mallon 73/71 Level.
Barrie Trainor 68/77,Peter o Keeffe 69/76,Tim Rice 72/73 +1.
7 out of the 17 Irish starters made the cut. Mark o Sullivan was unlucky to miss by 1 after a 2 under par 70 got him back to +2.Justin Kehoe +3 and Mark Campbell +4 all miss out on the final round.
Tom Hayland 67 and James Ruebotham 64 lead on -9,but the man they will all have to beat is the order of merit leader,Steve Surry. Surry had a +1,73 in round one,but hit back today with a fantastic -9 round of 63 to sit on -8.
Irish qualifiers:
Paul o Hanlon 68/69 -7.
Brian Mc Elhinney 70/73 -1.
Brendan Mc Carroll 72/72,Jonathan Mallon 73/71 Level.
Barrie Trainor 68/77,Peter o Keeffe 69/76,Tim Rice 72/73 +1.
Trainor & o Hanlon lead Irish challenge on Europro Tour.
Warrenpoint's Barrie Trainor and the Curragh's Paul o Hanlon lead the Irish challenge in the Stoke By Nayland,Europro event after both returned -4 rounds of 68.
Trainor made the perfect start.Birdie,par,birdie,par,eagle followed by 13 pars,whereas o Hanlon was +1 after 11,before a charge of 3 birdies and an eagle at the 16th also gave him a 68.Peter o Keeffe -3,69 and Brian Mc Elhinney -2,70 are the only 4 out of 17 Irish under par.
The tournament is being led by Craig Housden and Kieran Staunton on -5,67.
Irish Scores.
Barrie Trainor,Paul o Hanlon 68 -4.
Peter o Keeffe 69 -3.
Brian Mc Elhinney 70 -2.
Brendan Mc Carroll,Tim Rice 72 Level.
Paul Mc Donald,Jonathan Mallon,Mark Campbell,Justin Kehoe 73 +1.
Cian Mc Namara,Mark o Sullivan 76 +4.
Greg Bowden 77 +5.
Patrick Geraghty,Daniel Sugrue 78 +6.
Ger Hall 80 +8.
Michael Lavelle 81 +9.
Trainor made the perfect start.Birdie,par,birdie,par,eagle followed by 13 pars,whereas o Hanlon was +1 after 11,before a charge of 3 birdies and an eagle at the 16th also gave him a 68.Peter o Keeffe -3,69 and Brian Mc Elhinney -2,70 are the only 4 out of 17 Irish under par.
The tournament is being led by Craig Housden and Kieran Staunton on -5,67.
Irish Scores.
Barrie Trainor,Paul o Hanlon 68 -4.
Peter o Keeffe 69 -3.
Brian Mc Elhinney 70 -2.
Brendan Mc Carroll,Tim Rice 72 Level.
Paul Mc Donald,Jonathan Mallon,Mark Campbell,Justin Kehoe 73 +1.
Cian Mc Namara,Mark o Sullivan 76 +4.
Greg Bowden 77 +5.
Patrick Geraghty,Daniel Sugrue 78 +6.
Ger Hall 80 +8.
Michael Lavelle 81 +9.
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