Rory McIlroy is considering a move to join the US Tour next year,and who can blame him.Already a superstar in the World at 20 years of age,even through he has only won one tournament since turning Professional last year.
Compere the money on offer in the US compared to Europe and you can see why it would be tempting.
Tiger has won $10,508.163 from 17 outings,plus the $10Million he won for the FedEx Cup.In Europe Martin Kaymer has won 1,982,055Euros from 16 starts as No1 player.Even taking into account the difference between the Euro and the Dollar Tiger is still over 7Million ahead of Kaymer.
McIlroy has 1,726,927 Euros from 19 outings and is in 3rd place in the Race to Dubai,while Phil Mickleson is 3rd in the US with $5,332,755 from 18 events plus his $3Million bonus from the FedEx.
Padraig Harrington only came good over the last 6 outings in America,yet he is 19th in their Merit table with $2,628,377 from 20 tournaments.19th in Europe is Ernie Els with 847,963 Euros from 13 outings(230,000 of that was earned in the US Majors)
I can only think Rory will make the move sooner rather than later.With his long hitting and his short game improving all the time,he will make a fortune and improve his World ranking quicker.
GOOD LUCK RORY !!!!!!!!
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Tuesday 29 September 2009
Monday 28 September 2009
MICKLESON WINS/ TIGER WINS.
Phil Mickleson roared back to his brilliant best with a round of 65-5 to win the TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP at EAST LAKE in ATLANTA with a 9 under par total.He also moved from 14th to 2nd in the FEDEX CUP.
It was a good pay day for Phil as he won the $1.35Million prize money for winning the tour championship and a $3Million bonus from the FedEx Cup.
Tiger was runner up to Phil in the tour championship on 6 under par and won $810,000,but the big bonus was the $10Million for winning the FEDEX CUP.
Padraig Harrington can go home happy as well.He was 2 over par after 6 holes but fought back to shoot a 69 that left him in a tie for 4th with Kenny Perry(74).
He picked up $330,000 and a FedEx bonus of $600,000.
It was a good pay day for Phil as he won the $1.35Million prize money for winning the tour championship and a $3Million bonus from the FedEx Cup.
Tiger was runner up to Phil in the tour championship on 6 under par and won $810,000,but the big bonus was the $10Million for winning the FEDEX CUP.
Padraig Harrington can go home happy as well.He was 2 over par after 6 holes but fought back to shoot a 69 that left him in a tie for 4th with Kenny Perry(74).
He picked up $330,000 and a FedEx bonus of $600,000.
MCILROY & MCDOWELL SHIN IN VIVENDI TROPHY.
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell were the stars of GB&I win over Europe at the weekend.
Another Irish man Paul McGinley did a great job as team captain to warrent a shot at the Ryder Cup captaincy soon.
He fielded what was supposed to be a weak side against a strong European side and came away as 16 1/2 to 11 1/2 winners at SAINT-NOM-LA-BRETECHE golf club in PARIS.
After the first 3 days GB&I were 12 1/2--5 1/2 up going into the 10 singles matches. There was a 1/2 point awarded to the teams when Anthony Wall couldn't play because of injury.
Needing only 2 points McGinley soon had the VIVENDI TROPHY wrapped up when 20 year old McIlroy beat World No5, Henrik Stenson by one hole and McDowell was very impressive when he beat Robert Karlsson by 3/2 for an overall winning total of
GB&I 16 1/2.........Europe 11 1/2.
Another Irish man Paul McGinley did a great job as team captain to warrent a shot at the Ryder Cup captaincy soon.
He fielded what was supposed to be a weak side against a strong European side and came away as 16 1/2 to 11 1/2 winners at SAINT-NOM-LA-BRETECHE golf club in PARIS.
After the first 3 days GB&I were 12 1/2--5 1/2 up going into the 10 singles matches. There was a 1/2 point awarded to the teams when Anthony Wall couldn't play because of injury.
Needing only 2 points McGinley soon had the VIVENDI TROPHY wrapped up when 20 year old McIlroy beat World No5, Henrik Stenson by one hole and McDowell was very impressive when he beat Robert Karlsson by 3/2 for an overall winning total of
GB&I 16 1/2.........Europe 11 1/2.
Saturday 26 September 2009
Kenny Perry leads tour championship,Tiger will collect $10Million
KENNY PERRY takes a 2 shot lead into the last round of the TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP,but it looks like TIGER WOODS will win the $10 Million FEDEX CUP as his closest challenger STEVE STRICKER is 4 shots behind him,despite hitting a brilliant 66.
PERRY got a great start when he birdied the first 4 holes,and got himself into a great position to win the $1.35Million cheque for winning the TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP,but as he is only 9th in the FEDEX rankings unless TIGER has a disaster tomorrow,he can't catch him.
HARRINGTON dropped 2 late shots to finish with a 1 over par 71 and leaves him 5 shots behind PERRY and with 4 players ahead of him,it is unlikely that he can win the FEDEX but it will be another good week for picking up dollars.
FEDEX RANKINGS...........TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP.
8TH..........KENNY PERRY 72/66/64 -8.
1ST..........TIGER WOODS 67/68/69 -6.
7TH..........SEAN O HAIR 66/70/70 -4.
14TH.........PHIL MICKLESON 73/67/66 -4.
6TH.......PADRAIG HARRINGTON 67/69/71 -3.
25TH.......STEVE MARINO 69/71/67 -3.
2ND.......STEVE STRICKER 70/72/67 -2.
22ND.......ERNIE ELS 71/66/71 -2.
PERRY got a great start when he birdied the first 4 holes,and got himself into a great position to win the $1.35Million cheque for winning the TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP,but as he is only 9th in the FEDEX rankings unless TIGER has a disaster tomorrow,he can't catch him.
HARRINGTON dropped 2 late shots to finish with a 1 over par 71 and leaves him 5 shots behind PERRY and with 4 players ahead of him,it is unlikely that he can win the FEDEX but it will be another good week for picking up dollars.
FEDEX RANKINGS...........TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP.
8TH..........KENNY PERRY 72/66/64 -8.
1ST..........TIGER WOODS 67/68/69 -6.
7TH..........SEAN O HAIR 66/70/70 -4.
14TH.........PHIL MICKLESON 73/67/66 -4.
6TH.......PADRAIG HARRINGTON 67/69/71 -3.
25TH.......STEVE MARINO 69/71/67 -3.
2ND.......STEVE STRICKER 70/72/67 -2.
22ND.......ERNIE ELS 71/66/71 -2.
Harrington keeps pressure on Tiger after 36 holes.
PADRAIG HARRINGTON is keeping TIGER WOODS in his sights as he is only one shot behind after 36 holes of the TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP at EAST LAKE in ATLANTA.The problem Padraig has,is even if he wins the tournament he has to hope that Tiger doesn't finish second,otherwise Tiger will win the FEDEX CUP and the 10 MILLION DOLLARS that goes with it.
There is still a lot of golf to be played and Tiger is in good form.He is 5 under par after rounds of 67/68 and could have been even better if he had of holed two 6 foot putts coming to the end of his round.
Padraig is like a terrier dog,once he gets a grip he refuses to let go.He is on 4 under par after rounds of 67/69 and is joined by overnight leader SEAN O HAIR who didn't putt as well as in round one for a 70.
FEDEX CUP STANDINGS TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP.
1ST TIGER WOODS 67 68 -5.
6TH PADRAIG HARRINGTON 67 69 -4.
7TH SEAN O HAIR 66 70 -4.
22ND ERNIE ELS 71 66 -3.
9TH KENNY PERRY 72 66 -2.
29TH JERRY KELLY 71 67 -2.
There is still a lot of golf to be played and Tiger is in good form.He is 5 under par after rounds of 67/68 and could have been even better if he had of holed two 6 foot putts coming to the end of his round.
Padraig is like a terrier dog,once he gets a grip he refuses to let go.He is on 4 under par after rounds of 67/69 and is joined by overnight leader SEAN O HAIR who didn't putt as well as in round one for a 70.
FEDEX CUP STANDINGS TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP.
1ST TIGER WOODS 67 68 -5.
6TH PADRAIG HARRINGTON 67 69 -4.
7TH SEAN O HAIR 66 70 -4.
22ND ERNIE ELS 71 66 -3.
9TH KENNY PERRY 72 66 -2.
29TH JERRY KELLY 71 67 -2.
Friday 25 September 2009
Briallant performance by John Kelly at Q school.
12 Irish played in the first stage of the EUROPEAN TOUR QUALIFYING SCHOOL last week and none qualified.This week 25 started out and 8 came through with flying colours.
The best performance came from JOHN KELLY who hit rounds of 70,68,69,69 over THE OXFORDSHIRE course to finish in joint 3rd place on 12 under par.The winner was American RYAN BLAUM on 17 under par.MICHAEL COLLINS,-7,DAVID HIGGINS -6 and CHRIS DEVLIN -4 all made it through.
At GOLF DE MOLIETS near PARIS,CIAN MCNAMARA made it through in 12th place after a final round of 70 left him on -8.He was an amazing 14 shots behind the winner,Spains CARLOS BALMESEDA on 22 under par.Irish/Austrailian EDDIE BARR also played well to qualify in 15th place on -7 after a closing 73.
At FLEESENSEE GOLF CLUB in GERMANY MERVYN OWENS came home in 13th place on -5 after a closing 71. ALLY MELLOR from ENGLAND won the group on 14 under par.NIALL KEARNEY(AM) nearly slipped up with a closing 74,but got through on the cut mark of -3.
No Irish made it through at CIRCOLO GOLF CLUB in ITALY,but young amateur RUAIDHRI MCGEE put up a good show to finish on +2 after a closing 75.Swiss man MARTIN ROMINGER won the stage on 14 under par.
IRISH SCORES.
----------------
GOLF DE MOLIETS,FRANCE PAR 72. 26 PLAYERS QUALIFIED ON -5.
QUALIFIED.12TH: CIAN MCNAMARA -8.
15TH: EDDIE BARR -7.
MISSED 72 HOLE CUT.
41ST: PAUL O HANLON -1.
MISSED 54 HOLE CUT.
SHANE FRANKLIN +15.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
THE OXFORDSHIRE,ENGLAND PAR 72. 28 PLAYERS QUALIFIED ON -4.
QUALIFIED.3RD: JOHN KELLY -12.
15TH: MICHAEL COLLINS -7.
17TH: DAVID HIGGINS -6.
27TH: CHRIS DEVLIN -4.
MISSED 72 HOLE CUT.
29TH: DAMIEN MOONEY -3.
35TH: PETER O KEEFFE,CIAN CURLEY(AM) -2.
47TH: TIM RICE +2.
MISSED 54 HOLE CUT.
RICHARD KILPATRICK,MARK STAUNTON +5.
DARREN MCWILLIAMS +7.
GREG BOWDEN +14.
GLEN ROBINSON +18.
PAUL MCDONALD RTD.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FLEESENSEE GOLF CLUB,GERMANY PAR72. 31 QUALIFIED ON -3.
QUALIFIED 13TH: MERVYN OWENS -5.
24TH NIALL KEARNEY -3.
MISSED 72 HOLE CUT.
75TH: MARK CAMPBELL +7
MISSED 54 HOLE CUT.
JUSTIN BRINK +12.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CIRCOLA GOLF CLUB,ITALY PAR 72. 30 QUALIFIED ON -2.
MISSED 72 HOLE CUT.
44TH: RUAIDHRI MCGEE +2.
MISSED 54 HOLE CUT.
DAVID RAWLUK +11.
The best performance came from JOHN KELLY who hit rounds of 70,68,69,69 over THE OXFORDSHIRE course to finish in joint 3rd place on 12 under par.The winner was American RYAN BLAUM on 17 under par.MICHAEL COLLINS,-7,DAVID HIGGINS -6 and CHRIS DEVLIN -4 all made it through.
At GOLF DE MOLIETS near PARIS,CIAN MCNAMARA made it through in 12th place after a final round of 70 left him on -8.He was an amazing 14 shots behind the winner,Spains CARLOS BALMESEDA on 22 under par.Irish/Austrailian EDDIE BARR also played well to qualify in 15th place on -7 after a closing 73.
At FLEESENSEE GOLF CLUB in GERMANY MERVYN OWENS came home in 13th place on -5 after a closing 71. ALLY MELLOR from ENGLAND won the group on 14 under par.NIALL KEARNEY(AM) nearly slipped up with a closing 74,but got through on the cut mark of -3.
No Irish made it through at CIRCOLO GOLF CLUB in ITALY,but young amateur RUAIDHRI MCGEE put up a good show to finish on +2 after a closing 75.Swiss man MARTIN ROMINGER won the stage on 14 under par.
IRISH SCORES.
----------------
GOLF DE MOLIETS,FRANCE PAR 72. 26 PLAYERS QUALIFIED ON -5.
QUALIFIED.12TH: CIAN MCNAMARA -8.
15TH: EDDIE BARR -7.
MISSED 72 HOLE CUT.
41ST: PAUL O HANLON -1.
MISSED 54 HOLE CUT.
SHANE FRANKLIN +15.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
THE OXFORDSHIRE,ENGLAND PAR 72. 28 PLAYERS QUALIFIED ON -4.
QUALIFIED.3RD: JOHN KELLY -12.
15TH: MICHAEL COLLINS -7.
17TH: DAVID HIGGINS -6.
27TH: CHRIS DEVLIN -4.
MISSED 72 HOLE CUT.
29TH: DAMIEN MOONEY -3.
35TH: PETER O KEEFFE,CIAN CURLEY(AM) -2.
47TH: TIM RICE +2.
MISSED 54 HOLE CUT.
RICHARD KILPATRICK,MARK STAUNTON +5.
DARREN MCWILLIAMS +7.
GREG BOWDEN +14.
GLEN ROBINSON +18.
PAUL MCDONALD RTD.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FLEESENSEE GOLF CLUB,GERMANY PAR72. 31 QUALIFIED ON -3.
QUALIFIED 13TH: MERVYN OWENS -5.
24TH NIALL KEARNEY -3.
MISSED 72 HOLE CUT.
75TH: MARK CAMPBELL +7
MISSED 54 HOLE CUT.
JUSTIN BRINK +12.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
CIRCOLA GOLF CLUB,ITALY PAR 72. 30 QUALIFIED ON -2.
MISSED 72 HOLE CUT.
44TH: RUAIDHRI MCGEE +2.
MISSED 54 HOLE CUT.
DAVID RAWLUK +11.
TIGER AND HARRINGTON LOCKED TOGETHER.
SEAN O HAIR holds a 1 shot lead after the first round of the FEDEX CUP at EAST LAKE ATLANTA.oHair got a putting lesson from Tiger and it paid off as he shot a 4 under par round of 66.There is a 3 way tie for second on -3,67 and they include Tiger Woods,Padraig Harrington and OPEN champion Stewart Cink.
Padraig got off to a flyer when he was 4 under par after 7 holes at which stage he was 5 shots clear of Tiger. Padraig was 1 over par for the last 13,while Tiger was 4 under for the same holes.
FEDEX STANDINGS EAST LAKE.
7TH SEAN O HAIR 66 -4.
1ST TIGER WOODS 67 -3
6TH PADRAIG HARRINGTON 67 -3.
26TH STEWART CINK 67 -3.
20TH LUCAS GLOVER 68 -2.
25TH STEVE MARINO 69 -1
15TH RETIEF GOOSEN 69 -1
11TH DUSTIN JOHNSTON 69 -1.
Padraig got off to a flyer when he was 4 under par after 7 holes at which stage he was 5 shots clear of Tiger. Padraig was 1 over par for the last 13,while Tiger was 4 under for the same holes.
FEDEX STANDINGS EAST LAKE.
7TH SEAN O HAIR 66 -4.
1ST TIGER WOODS 67 -3
6TH PADRAIG HARRINGTON 67 -3.
26TH STEWART CINK 67 -3.
20TH LUCAS GLOVER 68 -2.
25TH STEVE MARINO 69 -1
15TH RETIEF GOOSEN 69 -1
11TH DUSTIN JOHNSTON 69 -1.
GOOD SCORING BY THE IRISH AT Q SCHOOL.
There was some good scoring by the Irish in the 3rd round of qualifying school.John Kelly is in joint 5th position at THE OXFORDSHIRE on 9 under par after a 69.With the top 27 on -3 or better MICHAEL COLLINS is in joint 6th on -7 and DAVID HIGGINS is on -4.
In FRANCE EDDIE BARR is in joint 8th place on -8 where the cut of point is -3.CIAN MCNAMARA IS IN GOOD SHAPE IN 15TH ON -6.PAUL O HANLON is 2 shots outside the cut mark on -1.
In GERMANY,the cut mark is -1 going into the final round.Walker cup amateur NIALL KEARNEY is in good shape on -5 after a 68 and MERVYN OWENS despite taking a 73 is on -4.
In ITALY amateur RUAIDHRI MCGEE is on the cut mark of -1 after a 71.
IRISH SCORES.
---------------------
GOLF DE MOLIETS,FRANCE PAR 72. TOP 26 TO QUALIFY.
8TH: EDDIE BARR -8.
15TH: CIAN MCNAMARA -6.
39TH: PAUL O HANLON -1.
MISSED CUT
98TH: BRENDAN MCCARROLL +14.
99TH: SHANE FRANKLIN +15.
-------------------------------------------
THE OXFORDSHIRE,ENGLAND PAR 72. TOP 27 TO QUALIFY.
5TH: JOHN KELLY -9.
9TH: MICHAEL COLLINS -7.
18TH: DAVID HIGGINS -4.
29TH: DAMIEN MOONEY -2.
33RD: PETER OKEEFFE -1.
39TH: CHRIS DEVLIN PAR.
44TH: TIM RICE,CIAN CURLEY(AM) +1.
67TH: RICHARD KILPATRICK,MARK STAUNTON +5.
MISSED CUT.
75TH: DARREN MCWILLIAMS +7.
95TH: GREG BOWDEN +14.
102ND: GLEN ROBINSON +18.
RTD: PAUL MCDONALD RTD.
-----------------------------------------
FLEESENSEE GOLF CLUB.GERMANY PAR 72.TOP 26 TO QUALIFY.
8TH: NIALL KEARNEY(AM) -5.
14TH: MERVYN OWENS -4.
59TH: MARK CAMPBELL +4.
MISSED CUT
95TH: JUSTIN BRINK +12.
--------------------------------
CIRCOLO GOLF CLUB.ITALY PAR 72. TOP 27 TO QUALIFY.
27TH: RUAIDHRI MCGEE -1.
MISSED CUT.
82ND: DAVID RAWLUK +11.
In FRANCE EDDIE BARR is in joint 8th place on -8 where the cut of point is -3.CIAN MCNAMARA IS IN GOOD SHAPE IN 15TH ON -6.PAUL O HANLON is 2 shots outside the cut mark on -1.
In GERMANY,the cut mark is -1 going into the final round.Walker cup amateur NIALL KEARNEY is in good shape on -5 after a 68 and MERVYN OWENS despite taking a 73 is on -4.
In ITALY amateur RUAIDHRI MCGEE is on the cut mark of -1 after a 71.
IRISH SCORES.
---------------------
GOLF DE MOLIETS,FRANCE PAR 72. TOP 26 TO QUALIFY.
8TH: EDDIE BARR -8.
15TH: CIAN MCNAMARA -6.
39TH: PAUL O HANLON -1.
MISSED CUT
98TH: BRENDAN MCCARROLL +14.
99TH: SHANE FRANKLIN +15.
-------------------------------------------
THE OXFORDSHIRE,ENGLAND PAR 72. TOP 27 TO QUALIFY.
5TH: JOHN KELLY -9.
9TH: MICHAEL COLLINS -7.
18TH: DAVID HIGGINS -4.
29TH: DAMIEN MOONEY -2.
33RD: PETER OKEEFFE -1.
39TH: CHRIS DEVLIN PAR.
44TH: TIM RICE,CIAN CURLEY(AM) +1.
67TH: RICHARD KILPATRICK,MARK STAUNTON +5.
MISSED CUT.
75TH: DARREN MCWILLIAMS +7.
95TH: GREG BOWDEN +14.
102ND: GLEN ROBINSON +18.
RTD: PAUL MCDONALD RTD.
-----------------------------------------
FLEESENSEE GOLF CLUB.GERMANY PAR 72.TOP 26 TO QUALIFY.
8TH: NIALL KEARNEY(AM) -5.
14TH: MERVYN OWENS -4.
59TH: MARK CAMPBELL +4.
MISSED CUT
95TH: JUSTIN BRINK +12.
--------------------------------
CIRCOLO GOLF CLUB.ITALY PAR 72. TOP 27 TO QUALIFY.
27TH: RUAIDHRI MCGEE -1.
MISSED CUT.
82ND: DAVID RAWLUK +11.
Wednesday 23 September 2009
BARR,HIGGINS AND OWENS KEEP THE IRISH FLAG FLYING AT TOUR SCHOOL.
EDDIE BARR from WARRENPOINT now living in AUSTRAILIA added a second round of 70 to his opening 68 to sit in joint 13th place on - 6 after the second round of the qualifying school at GOLF DE MOLIETS in FRANCE.He is 6 shots behind the Spanish pair of CARLOS BALMESEDA 69/63 and RAUL QUIROS 65/67.
JOHN KELLY shot a super 68 to finish in joint 5th place at the OXFORDSHIRE on -6 and 6 shots behind American,RYAN BLAUM who scored a second round of 63.
MERVYN OWENS could only manage a level par 72 at FLEESENSEE GOLF CLUB in GERMANY but he is still in sight of a qualifying spot in 6th place on -5.MARIUS THORP from NORWAY still leads on -11 after a second round of 69.
In Italy MARTIN ROMINGER has the half way lead on -10.Irish amateur RUAIDHRI MCGEE got himself back in to contention with a 2 under par 70 that leaves him in 27th spot on level par 144.
IRISH SCORES.
--------------
--------------
GOLF DE MOLIETS. FRANCE PAR 72.
JOINT 13TH: EDDIE BARR 68.70 -6.
" 18TH: CIAN MCNAMARA 71.68 -5.
" 39TH: PAUL O HANLON 71.72 -1.
" 98TH: BRENDAN MCCARROLL 76.78 +10.
" 103RD: SHANE FRANKLIN 78.77 +11.
--------------------------------------------
THE OXFORDSHIRE. ENGLAND PAR 72.
JOINT 5TH: JOHN KELLY 70.68 -6.
" 7TH: MICHAEL COLLINS 70.69,DAVID HIGGINS 68.71 -5.
" 19TH: PETER O KEEFFE 72.69 -3.
" 24TH: TIM RICE 72.70 -2.
" 31ST: CIAN CURLEY(AM)74.69,CHRIS DEVLIN 73.70,DAMIEN MOONEY 73.70 -1
" 59TH: MARK STAUNTON 73.74 +3.
" 70TH: RICHARD KILPATRICK 75.73,DARREN MCWILLIAMS 78.70 +4.
" 95TH: GREG BOWDEN 73.80 +9.
" 103RD: GLEN ROBINSON 80.77 +13.
" 113RD: PAUL MCDONALD 79.79 +14.
--------------------------------------------------
FLEESENSEE GOLF CLUB. GERMANY PAR 72.
jOINT 6TH: MERVYN OWENS 67.72 -5.
" 29TH: NIALL KEARNEY(AM) 71.72 -1.
" 44TH: MARK CAMPBELL 74.71 +1.
" 78TH: JUSTIN BRINK 78.72 +6.
----------------------------------------------
CIRCOLO GOLF BOGOGNO. ITALY PAR 72.
jOINT 27TH: RUAIDHRI MCGEE 74.70 PAR.
" 87TH: DAVID RAWLUK 77.76 +9.
JOHN KELLY shot a super 68 to finish in joint 5th place at the OXFORDSHIRE on -6 and 6 shots behind American,RYAN BLAUM who scored a second round of 63.
MERVYN OWENS could only manage a level par 72 at FLEESENSEE GOLF CLUB in GERMANY but he is still in sight of a qualifying spot in 6th place on -5.MARIUS THORP from NORWAY still leads on -11 after a second round of 69.
In Italy MARTIN ROMINGER has the half way lead on -10.Irish amateur RUAIDHRI MCGEE got himself back in to contention with a 2 under par 70 that leaves him in 27th spot on level par 144.
IRISH SCORES.
--------------
--------------
GOLF DE MOLIETS. FRANCE PAR 72.
JOINT 13TH: EDDIE BARR 68.70 -6.
" 18TH: CIAN MCNAMARA 71.68 -5.
" 39TH: PAUL O HANLON 71.72 -1.
" 98TH: BRENDAN MCCARROLL 76.78 +10.
" 103RD: SHANE FRANKLIN 78.77 +11.
--------------------------------------------
THE OXFORDSHIRE. ENGLAND PAR 72.
JOINT 5TH: JOHN KELLY 70.68 -6.
" 7TH: MICHAEL COLLINS 70.69,DAVID HIGGINS 68.71 -5.
" 19TH: PETER O KEEFFE 72.69 -3.
" 24TH: TIM RICE 72.70 -2.
" 31ST: CIAN CURLEY(AM)74.69,CHRIS DEVLIN 73.70,DAMIEN MOONEY 73.70 -1
" 59TH: MARK STAUNTON 73.74 +3.
" 70TH: RICHARD KILPATRICK 75.73,DARREN MCWILLIAMS 78.70 +4.
" 95TH: GREG BOWDEN 73.80 +9.
" 103RD: GLEN ROBINSON 80.77 +13.
" 113RD: PAUL MCDONALD 79.79 +14.
--------------------------------------------------
FLEESENSEE GOLF CLUB. GERMANY PAR 72.
jOINT 6TH: MERVYN OWENS 67.72 -5.
" 29TH: NIALL KEARNEY(AM) 71.72 -1.
" 44TH: MARK CAMPBELL 74.71 +1.
" 78TH: JUSTIN BRINK 78.72 +6.
----------------------------------------------
CIRCOLO GOLF BOGOGNO. ITALY PAR 72.
jOINT 27TH: RUAIDHRI MCGEE 74.70 PAR.
" 87TH: DAVID RAWLUK 77.76 +9.
Mervyn Owens top of the 25 Irish at qualifying school.
MERVYN OWENS made a great start at FLEESENSEE GOLF CLUB in GERMANY in the first round of qualifying school.He fired a 5 under par round of 67 and finds himself 3 shots behind Norway's MARIUS THORP who shot a brilliant 64.
At the OXFORDSHIRE,former tour player DAVID HIGGINS got of to a fine start with a 4 under par 68 and in joint 2nd place behind GAVIN DEER who opened with a 67.
Young amateur RUAIDHRI MC GEE now living in RODA GOLF CLUB in SPAIN shot a 2 over par 74 at CIRCOLO GOLF CLUB in ITALY and finds himself 8 shots behind the leader,amateur JOON KIM.
EDDIE BARR from Warrenpoint now living in Austrailia and leading the Queensland PGA order of merit,leads the Irish challenge at GOLF DE MOLIETS in FRANCE when he hit a 4 under par 68.The leader is DAVID OLIVER with a super round on -8,64.
IRISH SCORES
--------------------
THE OXFORDSHIRE.ENGLAND PAR 72.
DAVID HIGGINS 68.
MICHAEL COLLINS,JOHN KELLY 70.
GREG BOWDEN,PETER O KEEFFE,TIM RICE 72.
DAMIEN MOONEY,CHRIS DEVLIN,MARK STAUNTON 73.
CIAN CURLEY(AM) 74.
RICHARD KILPATRICK 75.
DARREN MC WILLIAMS 78.
PAUL MCDONALD 79.
GLEN ROBINSON 80.
----------------------------------------
GOLF DE MOLIETS FRANCE PAR 72.
EDDIE BARR 68.
CIAN MCNAMARA,PAUL O HANLON 71.
BRENDAN MC CARROLL 76.
SHANE FRANKLIN 78.
---------------------------------------
FLEESENSEE GOLF CLUB GERMANY PAR 72.
MERVYN OWENS 67.
NIALL KEARNEY(AM) 71.
MARK CAMPBELL 74.
JUSTIN BRINK 78.
------------------------------------
CIRCOLO GOLF CLUB ITALY PAR 72.
RUAIDHRI MCGEE(AM) 74.
DAVID RAWLUK 77.
At the OXFORDSHIRE,former tour player DAVID HIGGINS got of to a fine start with a 4 under par 68 and in joint 2nd place behind GAVIN DEER who opened with a 67.
Young amateur RUAIDHRI MC GEE now living in RODA GOLF CLUB in SPAIN shot a 2 over par 74 at CIRCOLO GOLF CLUB in ITALY and finds himself 8 shots behind the leader,amateur JOON KIM.
EDDIE BARR from Warrenpoint now living in Austrailia and leading the Queensland PGA order of merit,leads the Irish challenge at GOLF DE MOLIETS in FRANCE when he hit a 4 under par 68.The leader is DAVID OLIVER with a super round on -8,64.
IRISH SCORES
--------------------
THE OXFORDSHIRE.ENGLAND PAR 72.
DAVID HIGGINS 68.
MICHAEL COLLINS,JOHN KELLY 70.
GREG BOWDEN,PETER O KEEFFE,TIM RICE 72.
DAMIEN MOONEY,CHRIS DEVLIN,MARK STAUNTON 73.
CIAN CURLEY(AM) 74.
RICHARD KILPATRICK 75.
DARREN MC WILLIAMS 78.
PAUL MCDONALD 79.
GLEN ROBINSON 80.
----------------------------------------
GOLF DE MOLIETS FRANCE PAR 72.
EDDIE BARR 68.
CIAN MCNAMARA,PAUL O HANLON 71.
BRENDAN MC CARROLL 76.
SHANE FRANKLIN 78.
---------------------------------------
FLEESENSEE GOLF CLUB GERMANY PAR 72.
MERVYN OWENS 67.
NIALL KEARNEY(AM) 71.
MARK CAMPBELL 74.
JUSTIN BRINK 78.
------------------------------------
CIRCOLO GOLF CLUB ITALY PAR 72.
RUAIDHRI MCGEE(AM) 74.
DAVID RAWLUK 77.
Monday 21 September 2009
TIGER'S MAJOR WINS....
TIGER WOODS won 6 tournaments this year,but didn't manage to win a Major.He is still on 14 Majors and chasing Jack Nicklaus record of 18 wins.
Looking back over the 14 Majors that Tiger won,i thought it was interesting to see the different people who he came up against and how a lot of them have dissapeared of the scene completely.
MAJOR RECORD FOR TIGER.
------------------------------
1997: MASTERS.......BEAT TOM KITE BY 12 SHOTS.
1999: PGA CHAMPIONSHIP......BEAT SERGIO GARCIA 1 SHOT.
2000: US OPEN.....BEAT ERNIE ELS & M A JIMENEZ 15 SHOTS.
2000: OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP....BEAT THOMAS BJORN & ERNIE ELS 8 SHOTS.
2000: PGA CHAMPIONSHIP.....BEAT BOB MAY PLAY OFF.
2001: MASTERS...... BEAT DAVID DUVAL 2 SHOTS.
2002: MASTERS......BEAT RETIEF GOOSEN 3 SHOTS.
2002: US OPEN......BEAT PHIL MICKLESON 3 SHOTS.
2005: MASTERS.......BEAT CHRIS DE MARCO PLAY OFF.
2005: OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP.....COLM MONTGOMERY 5 SHOTS.
2006: OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP....CHRIS DE MARCO 2 SHOTS.
2006: PGA CHAMPIONSHIP....SHAUN MICHAEL 5 SHOTS.
2007: PGA CHAMPIONSHIP....WOODY AUSTIN 2 SHOTS.
2008: US OPEN......ROCCO MEDIATE PLAY OFF.
Looking back over the 14 Majors that Tiger won,i thought it was interesting to see the different people who he came up against and how a lot of them have dissapeared of the scene completely.
MAJOR RECORD FOR TIGER.
------------------------------
1997: MASTERS.......BEAT TOM KITE BY 12 SHOTS.
1999: PGA CHAMPIONSHIP......BEAT SERGIO GARCIA 1 SHOT.
2000: US OPEN.....BEAT ERNIE ELS & M A JIMENEZ 15 SHOTS.
2000: OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP....BEAT THOMAS BJORN & ERNIE ELS 8 SHOTS.
2000: PGA CHAMPIONSHIP.....BEAT BOB MAY PLAY OFF.
2001: MASTERS...... BEAT DAVID DUVAL 2 SHOTS.
2002: MASTERS......BEAT RETIEF GOOSEN 3 SHOTS.
2002: US OPEN......BEAT PHIL MICKLESON 3 SHOTS.
2005: MASTERS.......BEAT CHRIS DE MARCO PLAY OFF.
2005: OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP.....COLM MONTGOMERY 5 SHOTS.
2006: OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP....CHRIS DE MARCO 2 SHOTS.
2006: PGA CHAMPIONSHIP....SHAUN MICHAEL 5 SHOTS.
2007: PGA CHAMPIONSHIP....WOODY AUSTIN 2 SHOTS.
2008: US OPEN......ROCCO MEDIATE PLAY OFF.
Sunday 20 September 2009
Rafael Cabrera-Bella shoots a 60 to win in Austria.
25 year old Rafael Cabrera-Bella will never forget his first win on the European Tour.He started the last round of the AUSTRIAN OPEN 8 shots behind Benn Barham,but what a round he put together.Bella birdied the 3rd,4th,5th,8th,9th,10th,11th,13th,14th,16th and 18th and 7 pars to equal the European tour record low score of 60 shots.
Bella collects the 166,660 Euros first prize with his -20 under par and moves up to 46th in the Race to Dubai.
Benn Barham(175th)finished runner up only one shot behind on -19 and has now moved up to (126th) with a cheque for 111,110 Euros,but it is little consolation as he played great golf all week,but he couldn't have expected Rafael to come out of the pack with a stunning round of 60.
Soren Hansen was 3rd for the 2nd week in a row with a closing 68 to finish on -17.
Damien McGrane(53rd)hit 3 rounds of 67 to go with his opening 71 to finish on -12 and in joint 10th place.He won 17,925 Euros but it only moved him up one spot to(52nd).
Gary Murphy(153rd) moved up 5 places to(148th) with a closing 66 that earned him a share of 14th place and 14,700 Euros.
Bella collects the 166,660 Euros first prize with his -20 under par and moves up to 46th in the Race to Dubai.
Benn Barham(175th)finished runner up only one shot behind on -19 and has now moved up to (126th) with a cheque for 111,110 Euros,but it is little consolation as he played great golf all week,but he couldn't have expected Rafael to come out of the pack with a stunning round of 60.
Soren Hansen was 3rd for the 2nd week in a row with a closing 68 to finish on -17.
Damien McGrane(53rd)hit 3 rounds of 67 to go with his opening 71 to finish on -12 and in joint 10th place.He won 17,925 Euros but it only moved him up one spot to(52nd).
Gary Murphy(153rd) moved up 5 places to(148th) with a closing 66 that earned him a share of 14th place and 14,700 Euros.
Molinari breaks Challenge tour money earnings.
Edoardo Molinari started the richest tournament on the Challenge tour in No1 spot and after a fine win in the KAZAKHSTAN OPEN he has broke the record for money earned in one season and it is not over yet.
Molinari won the 64,000 Euros first prize and has now won 188,080 Euros that will see him tee up next year on the main European Tour.
Simon Thornton(68th) moved up to (60th)when he finished in a tie for 21st after a final round 72 earned him 3,760 Euros on -7.
Colm Moriarty(46th) finished in a tie for 36th after a final round of 69 won him 2,600 Euros on -5,but he dropped down to (53rd) on the money list.
Gareth Shaw(100th) moved up 1 place to (99th)when he won 1,160 Euros for finishing 62nd after a closing 74 left him in 62nd spot.
Molinari won the 64,000 Euros first prize and has now won 188,080 Euros that will see him tee up next year on the main European Tour.
Simon Thornton(68th) moved up to (60th)when he finished in a tie for 21st after a final round 72 earned him 3,760 Euros on -7.
Colm Moriarty(46th) finished in a tie for 36th after a final round of 69 won him 2,600 Euros on -5,but he dropped down to (53rd) on the money list.
Gareth Shaw(100th) moved up 1 place to (99th)when he won 1,160 Euros for finishing 62nd after a closing 74 left him in 62nd spot.
Saturday 19 September 2009
Benn Barham still leads in Austria.
Benn Barham(175th)in the Race to Dubai can reach the top 100 if he continues to play such fine golf over the FONTANA GOLF COURSE near VIENNA.He took a double bogey at the par 3,7th hole to reach the turn in level par with birdies at the 1st and 9th.
A back nine of 4 under par gives him a 3 shot lead going into the final round tomorrow from Soren Hansen(16th)
Barham has only made 82,777 Euros from 22 outings this year and if he can hold on to the lead tomorrow he will collect double that amount(166,660 Euros).
Damien McGrane(53rd) moved up 19 places with another 67 that included an eagle 2 at the par 4,12th.He is in joint 15th place on -8.
Gary Murphy(153rd) went the opposite way.He dropped down 16 spots with a round of 72 to finish in joint 27th on -6.
A back nine of 4 under par gives him a 3 shot lead going into the final round tomorrow from Soren Hansen(16th)
Barham has only made 82,777 Euros from 22 outings this year and if he can hold on to the lead tomorrow he will collect double that amount(166,660 Euros).
Damien McGrane(53rd) moved up 19 places with another 67 that included an eagle 2 at the par 4,12th.He is in joint 15th place on -8.
Gary Murphy(153rd) went the opposite way.He dropped down 16 spots with a round of 72 to finish in joint 27th on -6.
No1 Molinari leads in Kazakhstan by 3 shots.
Challenge tour No1 Edoardo Molinari takes a 3 shot lead into the last round of the KAZAKHSTAN OPEN after a 3rd round of 66 leaves him on -16 and in line for a 64,000 Euros pay day if he can hold on tomorrow.Peter Gustafsson(51st) is in touch with Molinari after a 67 leaves him on -13.
Simon Thornton(68th) was 1 under with 2 to go,before disaster struck.He lost 3 shots over the last 2 holes for a 74 which dropped him down into a share of 18th on -7.Colm Moriarty(46th) dropped down 15 places to joint 46th after a 73 left him on -3.
Gareth Shaw(100th) also fell 10 spots when he took 76 shots to sit in a share of 61st on +3.
Simon Thornton(68th) was 1 under with 2 to go,before disaster struck.He lost 3 shots over the last 2 holes for a 74 which dropped him down into a share of 18th on -7.Colm Moriarty(46th) dropped down 15 places to joint 46th after a 73 left him on -3.
Gareth Shaw(100th) also fell 10 spots when he took 76 shots to sit in a share of 61st on +3.
No Irish eyes smiling after Qualifying school.
Only 4 of the 12 Irish who started the qualifying school had a chance to make it to the next stage with a good final round,but it didn't happen.
Barrie Trainor(Ulster PGA Champion)needed a 1 under par round of 71,but starting on the 10th hole he drove into a bush and had to take a penalty drop.It left him with a mountain to climb when he took a double bogey.He finished with a 74 to miss out by 3 shots.After starting the week with a -2 70,Barrie hit a triple and 4 double bogies over the final three rounds that cost him a place in stage 2.
Brian McElhinney finished on +9 after a 74 also at Dundonald links and Michael Lavelle hit a final round of 78 to finish well away on +14.
At Ribagolfe in Portugal,ex footballer Stephen Grant was 4 shots outside the mark when he finished +9 with a final round of 74.
Barrie Trainor(Ulster PGA Champion)needed a 1 under par round of 71,but starting on the 10th hole he drove into a bush and had to take a penalty drop.It left him with a mountain to climb when he took a double bogey.He finished with a 74 to miss out by 3 shots.After starting the week with a -2 70,Barrie hit a triple and 4 double bogies over the final three rounds that cost him a place in stage 2.
Brian McElhinney finished on +9 after a 74 also at Dundonald links and Michael Lavelle hit a final round of 78 to finish well away on +14.
At Ribagolfe in Portugal,ex footballer Stephen Grant was 4 shots outside the mark when he finished +9 with a final round of 74.
Friday 18 September 2009
Simon Thornton in great shape in Kazakhstan.
Royal County Down's Simon Thornton moved to within 1 shot of the 3 leaders after the second round of the KAZAKHSTAN OPEN.Thornton who hasn't had a great year so far is down in 68th in the order of merit as he only made 15,015 Euros from 8 starts.He can jump into the top 10 if he could win the first prize of 64,000 Euros this week.
It might be hard to do as the No1 player Edoardo Molinari 67.67,Gary Boyd(10th) 63.71 and Andrew Marshall(55th)71.63 are 1 shot ahead on -10.While Thornton(68th) hit 69 and a 4 birdie,1 eagle round of 66 for -9.
Colm Moriarty(49th) is on -3 after a second round of 70 and Gareth Shaw only made the -1 cut after a 73.
Johnny Caldwell who took a week off from the main tour was disqualified.
It might be hard to do as the No1 player Edoardo Molinari 67.67,Gary Boyd(10th) 63.71 and Andrew Marshall(55th)71.63 are 1 shot ahead on -10.While Thornton(68th) hit 69 and a 4 birdie,1 eagle round of 66 for -9.
Colm Moriarty(49th) is on -3 after a second round of 70 and Gareth Shaw only made the -1 cut after a 73.
Johnny Caldwell who took a week off from the main tour was disqualified.
Benn Barham leads in Austria with record 36 hole score.
Englands Benn Barham(175th) in the Race to Dubai,has shot the lowest 36 hole total this year on the European tour in the AUSTRIAN OPEN.He followed up on his opening 63 with a 66 for a 2 shot lead on 13 under par.Left hander Richard Green(75th) is making a late charge to try and reach the top 60 returned 65 & 66 to sit in second on -11.
Gary Murphy(153rd) is more worried about keeping his card for next year,and he is in good shape this week on -7 after rounds of 68,67.He is in a group of 11 players in 11th place.
Damien McGrane(53rd) improved from his opening 71 to shoot a 67 and in a share of 34th place on -4.
The cut came at -2 and it knocked out Michael Hoey who recovered from an opening 72 to hit a 69,but unfortunately was one shot too many.
Gary Murphy(153rd) is more worried about keeping his card for next year,and he is in good shape this week on -7 after rounds of 68,67.He is in a group of 11 players in 11th place.
Damien McGrane(53rd) improved from his opening 71 to shoot a 67 and in a share of 34th place on -4.
The cut came at -2 and it knocked out Michael Hoey who recovered from an opening 72 to hit a 69,but unfortunately was one shot too many.
Thursday 17 September 2009
The Irish making no improvement at tour school.
Out of the 12 Irish players competiting at the first stage of the qualifying school,only 4 will still be in action for the final round tomorrow,but nobody is inside the qualifying score.
At Dundonald Links Barrie Trainor made a double bogey followed by a triple bogey in the early stages of his 3rd round but recovered with a 2 over par 74 to sit 3 shots outside the pace on +6.Brian McElhinney is making a fight back and is back to +7 after a 2 under par 70. Michael Lavelle hit a 71 to qualify for the final round on +8.
The only other Irish to make it to the final round is Stephen Grant who is playing at Ribagolf in Portugal.He is on +7 and 3 shots outside the cut mark after a 3rd round of 73.
Dundonald Links..Scotland..Leader Jamie Elson -8.......20 qualifiers..cut +3
Irish scores........Barrie Trainor 74 +6.
Brian McElhinney 70 +7.
Michael Lavelle 71 +8.
Non Qualifiers.... Neil o Briain 74 +14.
James Fox(AM) 79 +15.
Ger Hall 73 +18.
------------------------------------------
Chart Hills. England..Leader James Bushy,Mathew Baldwin -9........21 qualifiers...cut +1.
Non Qualifiers....Daniel Sugrue 75 +10.
------------------------------------------
Ribagolf..Portugal..Leader J.Van Der Vaart 72 -7.....12 qualifiers cut +2.
Irish qualifiers...Stephen Grant 73 +7.
Non qualifiers...Byron Campbell(Am) 79 +15.
Noel Fox 83 +22.
Adam Savage 92 +40.
---------------------------------------------
Lubber Golf Denmark...Leader..Lars Johansen & Victor Almstrom -2..9 qualifiers +4.
Non qualifiers...Alan Murray 77 +18.
At Dundonald Links Barrie Trainor made a double bogey followed by a triple bogey in the early stages of his 3rd round but recovered with a 2 over par 74 to sit 3 shots outside the pace on +6.Brian McElhinney is making a fight back and is back to +7 after a 2 under par 70. Michael Lavelle hit a 71 to qualify for the final round on +8.
The only other Irish to make it to the final round is Stephen Grant who is playing at Ribagolf in Portugal.He is on +7 and 3 shots outside the cut mark after a 3rd round of 73.
Dundonald Links..Scotland..Leader Jamie Elson -8.......20 qualifiers..cut +3
Irish scores........Barrie Trainor 74 +6.
Brian McElhinney 70 +7.
Michael Lavelle 71 +8.
Non Qualifiers.... Neil o Briain 74 +14.
James Fox(AM) 79 +15.
Ger Hall 73 +18.
------------------------------------------
Chart Hills. England..Leader James Bushy,Mathew Baldwin -9........21 qualifiers...cut +1.
Non Qualifiers....Daniel Sugrue 75 +10.
------------------------------------------
Ribagolf..Portugal..Leader J.Van Der Vaart 72 -7.....12 qualifiers cut +2.
Irish qualifiers...Stephen Grant 73 +7.
Non qualifiers...Byron Campbell(Am) 79 +15.
Noel Fox 83 +22.
Adam Savage 92 +40.
---------------------------------------------
Lubber Golf Denmark...Leader..Lars Johansen & Victor Almstrom -2..9 qualifiers +4.
Non qualifiers...Alan Murray 77 +18.
Gary Boyd leads in Kazakhstan with a 63.
10th in the Challenge tour rankings,Englands Gary Boyd had a great day as he returned a -9 round of 63 in the first round of the KAZAKHSTAN OPEN the richest event on the Challenge tour.The winner pick's up 64,000 Euros.
The top Irish man is Simon Thornton who is 68th in the rankings,he opened with a 3 under par 69.Gareth Shaw(100th) had a bad finish when he dropped 2 shots over the last 2 holes for a 70-2.
Colm Moriarty(49th) is on -1 after a steady start of 70 while Johnny Caldwell back from the main tour is on level par 72.
The top Irish man is Simon Thornton who is 68th in the rankings,he opened with a 3 under par 69.Gareth Shaw(100th) had a bad finish when he dropped 2 shots over the last 2 holes for a 70-2.
Colm Moriarty(49th) is on -1 after a steady start of 70 while Johnny Caldwell back from the main tour is on level par 72.
Ben Barham leads in Austria with a 63.
Ben Barham down in 175th place in the Race to Dubai came good in the first round of the AUSTRIAN OPEN at FONTANA GOLF CLUB in VIENNA when he returned an 8 under par 63 to lead by 1 from Scott Drummond(158th) and Brett Rumford(100th).
Gary Murphy(153rd) in the rankings needs a good finish to the season if he is to keep his tour card.He made a good start this week with a round of 68-3 to sit in joint 21st. Damien McGrane(53rd) is in 61st place on level par 71 and needs to improve tomorrow if he is to make the cut.
There is no improvement for Michael Hoey(93rd) as he is down in 74th on 72 +1.
Gary Murphy(153rd) in the rankings needs a good finish to the season if he is to keep his tour card.He made a good start this week with a round of 68-3 to sit in joint 21st. Damien McGrane(53rd) is in 61st place on level par 71 and needs to improve tomorrow if he is to make the cut.
There is no improvement for Michael Hoey(93rd) as he is down in 74th on 72 +1.
Wednesday 16 September 2009
Irish struggling at 1st qualifying stage.
There are 12 Irish players involved in the first stage of pre qualifying over 4 different courses and at the half way stage NONE are inside the cut mark.
Barrie Trainor,Ulster PGA champion started with a brilliant 2 under par 70 and was level par through 9 holes of his second round at Dundonald Links in Scotland.He took a double bogey at the 10th and 18th and with 2 bogies in between signed off with a 78 to sit 1 shot outside the cut mark on +4 with 2 rounds to go.
At the same venue Brian McElhinney is 6 shots off the pace after rounds of 78,75 +9.
Noel Fox is being outplayed by his amateur brother James.James is +8 at Dundonald while Noel is +11 at Riba Golf in Portugal.
Dundonald Links.Scotland 20 qualifiers.
Leader: Jamie Elson 69.69 138 -6. 20th place: +3 147.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Irish scores: Joint 23rd. Barrie Trainor 70.78 148 +4
Joint 49th. James Fox(Am) 75.77 152 +8
Joint 55th. Michael Lavelle 78.75 153 +9
" 55th Brian McElhinney 78.75 153 +9
Joint 64th. Neil o Briain(Am) 78.78 +12
Joint 78th. Ger Hall 82.75 +17
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chart Hills. England 21 qualifiers.
Leader: James Busby 135 -9. 21st place +1.
Irish scores: Joint 60th Daniel Sugrue 73.78 151 +7.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Riba Golf Portugal 12 Qualifiers 12th place +2.146
Leader: Jurrian Van Der Vaart(Am) 68.69 137 -7
Irish Scores: Joint 25th Stephen Grant 75.75 150 +6
" 32nd Byron Campbell 76.76 152 +8
" 39th Noel Fox 79.76 155 +11
" 46th Adam Savage 83.81 164 +20
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lubber Golf Resort Denmark 9 Qualifiers +4 148.
Leaders: Lars Johansen & Oliver Suhr 143 -1.
Irish Scores: Joint 26th Alan Murray 79.78 157 +13.
Barrie Trainor,Ulster PGA champion started with a brilliant 2 under par 70 and was level par through 9 holes of his second round at Dundonald Links in Scotland.He took a double bogey at the 10th and 18th and with 2 bogies in between signed off with a 78 to sit 1 shot outside the cut mark on +4 with 2 rounds to go.
At the same venue Brian McElhinney is 6 shots off the pace after rounds of 78,75 +9.
Noel Fox is being outplayed by his amateur brother James.James is +8 at Dundonald while Noel is +11 at Riba Golf in Portugal.
Dundonald Links.Scotland 20 qualifiers.
Leader: Jamie Elson 69.69 138 -6. 20th place: +3 147.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Irish scores: Joint 23rd. Barrie Trainor 70.78 148 +4
Joint 49th. James Fox(Am) 75.77 152 +8
Joint 55th. Michael Lavelle 78.75 153 +9
" 55th Brian McElhinney 78.75 153 +9
Joint 64th. Neil o Briain(Am) 78.78 +12
Joint 78th. Ger Hall 82.75 +17
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chart Hills. England 21 qualifiers.
Leader: James Busby 135 -9. 21st place +1.
Irish scores: Joint 60th Daniel Sugrue 73.78 151 +7.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Riba Golf Portugal 12 Qualifiers 12th place +2.146
Leader: Jurrian Van Der Vaart(Am) 68.69 137 -7
Irish Scores: Joint 25th Stephen Grant 75.75 150 +6
" 32nd Byron Campbell 76.76 152 +8
" 39th Noel Fox 79.76 155 +11
" 46th Adam Savage 83.81 164 +20
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lubber Golf Resort Denmark 9 Qualifiers +4 148.
Leaders: Lars Johansen & Oliver Suhr 143 -1.
Irish Scores: Joint 26th Alan Murray 79.78 157 +13.
Tuesday 15 September 2009
What a year for Tiger............So far.
Tiger Woods has had an amazing year so far,having come back from injury in April this year.He has played in 16 tournaments and even though he didn't win any majors he managed 6 victories winning a massive $9,698,163.He leads the stroke average of 68.06 per round,has 13 top 10s and is No1 in scrambling with a 68.09% return.
With his BMW win last week,his wins on the US tour are now 71,only 2 behind the great Jack Nicklaus and 11 behind the leader,Sam Snead.
His wins this year came at the ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL,THE MEMORIAL,AT&T NATIONAL,BUICK OPEN,BRIDGESTONE INVITATIONAL and the BMW CHAMPIONSHIP.
Tiger is the only modern day player to feature on the all time winners list which would indicate that nobody is in a position to challenge him for the foreseable future.
1: Sam Snead 82
2: Jack Nichlaus 73
3: TIGER WOODS 71
4: Ben Hogan 64
5: Arnold Palmer 62
6: Byron Nelson 52
7: Billy Casper 51
8: Walter Hagen 45
9: Cary Middlecoff 40
10: Gene Sarazen 39
11: Tom Watson 39.
With his BMW win last week,his wins on the US tour are now 71,only 2 behind the great Jack Nicklaus and 11 behind the leader,Sam Snead.
His wins this year came at the ARNOLD PALMER INVITATIONAL,THE MEMORIAL,AT&T NATIONAL,BUICK OPEN,BRIDGESTONE INVITATIONAL and the BMW CHAMPIONSHIP.
Tiger is the only modern day player to feature on the all time winners list which would indicate that nobody is in a position to challenge him for the foreseable future.
1: Sam Snead 82
2: Jack Nichlaus 73
3: TIGER WOODS 71
4: Ben Hogan 64
5: Arnold Palmer 62
6: Byron Nelson 52
7: Billy Casper 51
8: Walter Hagen 45
9: Cary Middlecoff 40
10: Gene Sarazen 39
11: Tom Watson 39.
Monday 14 September 2009
TOP 30 FOR FEDEX CUP FINALS.
There is only one tournament left to determine the winner of the FEDEX CUP and that will be played at EAST LAKES GOLF CLUB in ATLANTA in 2 weeks time.The field is now down to 30 with Tiger at the top after his big win in the BMW CHAMPIONSHIPS.
FEDEX CUP STANDINGS.
1. TIGER WOODS 7,196 POINTS.
2. STEVE STRICKER 5,692 "
3. JIM FURYK 3,108 "
4. ZACH JOHNSTON 3,031 "
5. HEATH SLOCUM 3,005 "
6. PADRAIG HARRINGTON 2,633 "
7. SEAN O HAIR 2,624 "
8. SCOTT VERPLANK 2,416 "
9. KENNY PERRY 2,318 "
10. JASON DUFNER 2,224 "
11. DUSTIN JOHNSTON 2,212 "
12. NICK WATNEY 2,170 "
13. GEOFF OGILVY 2,126 "
14. PHIL MICKLESON 2,110 "
15. RETIEF GOOSEN 2,091 "
16. MARC LEISHMAN 2,070 "
17. BRIAN GAY 1,989 "
18. KEVIN NA 1,976 "
19. DAVID TOMS 1,951 "
20. LUCAS GLOVER 1,919 "
21. Y.E.YANG 1,919 "
22. ERNIE ELS 1,833 "
23. HUNTER MAHAN 1,832 "
24. ANGEL CABRERA 1,690 "
25. STEVE MARINO 1,681 "
26. STEWART CINK 1,663 "
27. MIKE WEIR 1,631 "
28. LUKE DONALD 1,570 "
29. JERRY KELLY 1,568 "
30. JOHN SENDEN 1,532 "
FEDEX CUP STANDINGS.
1. TIGER WOODS 7,196 POINTS.
2. STEVE STRICKER 5,692 "
3. JIM FURYK 3,108 "
4. ZACH JOHNSTON 3,031 "
5. HEATH SLOCUM 3,005 "
6. PADRAIG HARRINGTON 2,633 "
7. SEAN O HAIR 2,624 "
8. SCOTT VERPLANK 2,416 "
9. KENNY PERRY 2,318 "
10. JASON DUFNER 2,224 "
11. DUSTIN JOHNSTON 2,212 "
12. NICK WATNEY 2,170 "
13. GEOFF OGILVY 2,126 "
14. PHIL MICKLESON 2,110 "
15. RETIEF GOOSEN 2,091 "
16. MARC LEISHMAN 2,070 "
17. BRIAN GAY 1,989 "
18. KEVIN NA 1,976 "
19. DAVID TOMS 1,951 "
20. LUCAS GLOVER 1,919 "
21. Y.E.YANG 1,919 "
22. ERNIE ELS 1,833 "
23. HUNTER MAHAN 1,832 "
24. ANGEL CABRERA 1,690 "
25. STEVE MARINO 1,681 "
26. STEWART CINK 1,663 "
27. MIKE WEIR 1,631 "
28. LUKE DONALD 1,570 "
29. JERRY KELLY 1,568 "
30. JOHN SENDEN 1,532 "
TIGER IS NO1 EVERYWHERE !!!!!!!!!
World No1,Fedex No1 and Money List No1.TIGER WOODS had an 8 shot win in the BMW CHAMPIONSHIP last night after hitting rounds of 68,67,62(course record)and a 68 for a 19 under par total and 8 shots to spare over Jim Furyk and Mark Leishman.
Heading to East Lakes for the final Fedex event on the 24th September Tiger has a 1,504 point lead over Steve Stricker and a 4,088 point lead over 3rd placed Jim Furyk.
Padraig Harrington will be in the final event as he moved up one spot to 6th after a poor closing round of 73.
John Senden took the 30th and final spot,but it was tears all the way for Brandt Snedeker who had a 12 foot putt for par on the final green.3 putts would have done him for 30th as it turned out he 4 putted to finish in 33rd.Ian Poulter found water at the last and it cost him a place in the finals as he was 31st.Mark Wilson who was leading with Tiger at the half way stage put up a great fight but came up short in 32nd place.
Heading to East Lakes for the final Fedex event on the 24th September Tiger has a 1,504 point lead over Steve Stricker and a 4,088 point lead over 3rd placed Jim Furyk.
Padraig Harrington will be in the final event as he moved up one spot to 6th after a poor closing round of 73.
John Senden took the 30th and final spot,but it was tears all the way for Brandt Snedeker who had a 12 foot putt for par on the final green.3 putts would have done him for 30th as it turned out he 4 putted to finish in 33rd.Ian Poulter found water at the last and it cost him a place in the finals as he was 31st.Mark Wilson who was leading with Tiger at the half way stage put up a great fight but came up short in 32nd place.
James Kingston win Mercedes championship.
Last week South African James Kingston was outside a safe card position for next year in 116th position.Today he is in 46th position with a place in Dubai at the end of the season and a 2 year exemption on the European Tour all thanks to a great play off win in the MERCEDES-BENZ CHAMPIONSHIP and a cheque for 320,000 Euros.
48 year old Kingston beat Anders Hansen at the first play off hole with a par after they both finished the 72 holes in 13 under par.
Darren Clarke(72) and Graeme McDowell(70) picked up 28,200 Euros for a share of 15th on -6.On a normal week,Gareth Maybin would have missed the cut,but as it was a limited field of 78 there was no cut.He was +5 after 2 rounds but had a brilliant weekend with rounds of 67,68 to finish on -4 and a share of 23rd worth 19,000 Euros.
Paul McGinley played well for a share of 34th place on -3 and collected 14,200 Euros.
Shane Lowry finished with a 71 and his +2 total won him 6,000 Euros for 57th.Damien McGrane finished with a 72 for 64th place on +4 and worth 4,700 Euros and Michael Hoey was 71st on +10 worth 3,425 Euros.
48 year old Kingston beat Anders Hansen at the first play off hole with a par after they both finished the 72 holes in 13 under par.
Darren Clarke(72) and Graeme McDowell(70) picked up 28,200 Euros for a share of 15th on -6.On a normal week,Gareth Maybin would have missed the cut,but as it was a limited field of 78 there was no cut.He was +5 after 2 rounds but had a brilliant weekend with rounds of 67,68 to finish on -4 and a share of 23rd worth 19,000 Euros.
Paul McGinley played well for a share of 34th place on -3 and collected 14,200 Euros.
Shane Lowry finished with a 71 and his +2 total won him 6,000 Euros for 57th.Damien McGrane finished with a 72 for 64th place on +4 and worth 4,700 Euros and Michael Hoey was 71st on +10 worth 3,425 Euros.
Moriarty finishes 12th in Holland.
Colm Moriarty moved up 7 places to 49th on the Challenge tour rankings when he finished in joint 12th place on -9 in the DUTCH FUTURES CHAMPIONSHIP at the weekend.
He is still 18,000 Euros short of the top 20,but with big money events coming up and his game in good shape he could still make it.
Nicolas Colsaerts(-17)secured his card with his second win of the year and is now in 3rd position going into the final 5 events.He had 4 shots to spare from Julien Quesne and Andrew McArthur.
He is still 18,000 Euros short of the top 20,but with big money events coming up and his game in good shape he could still make it.
Nicolas Colsaerts(-17)secured his card with his second win of the year and is now in 3rd position going into the final 5 events.He had 4 shots to spare from Julien Quesne and Andrew McArthur.
McIlroy only 3rd in Korea.
Rory McIlroy who was leading going into the final round of the KOREAN OPEN had to settle for a share of 3rd when he took a 72 to finish 4 shots behind the winner,local Bar Sang-moon who successfully defended his title with a final round of 67 for a 10 under par total.
It was still a good week for Rory as he shot 71,68,67 72 for a -6 total.He finished 6 shots ahead of 17 year old star Ryo Ishikawa and 9 shots ahead of 18 year old Danny Lee.
It was still a good week for Rory as he shot 71,68,67 72 for a -6 total.He finished 6 shots ahead of 17 year old star Ryo Ishikawa and 9 shots ahead of 18 year old Danny Lee.
Saturday 12 September 2009
McIlroy on top in Korea going into final round.
20 Year old Rory McIlroy is the joint leader with local Kim Dae-Sub going into the final round of the KOLON HANA BANK KOREA OPEN.Rory shot a 4 under par 67 to add to his 71 and 68 to move through the field into top spot on -7.
17 year old Ryo Ishikawa playing with McIlroy didn't have a good day and took a 72 to sit 5 behind the leaders on -2.
18 year old Danny Lee had his 3rd,71 to start the final round on level par.
17 year old Ryo Ishikawa playing with McIlroy didn't have a good day and took a 72 to sit 5 behind the leaders on -2.
18 year old Danny Lee had his 3rd,71 to start the final round on level par.
Moriarty makes a move in Holland.
Nicolas Colsaerts(8th) in the CHALLENGE TOUR ORDER OF MERIT is in the lead going into the final round of the DUTCH FUTURES CHAMPIONSHIP after returning a 3rd round of 67 for a -14 total.He will be playing with Edoardo Molinari,the leader of the order of merit as he is in second place after a 66 left him on -13.Andrew Butterfield,2nd in the order of merit is on -11 after a 70.
Colm Moriarty made a great move with a 3rd round of 66 that leaves him in a share of 8th place on -9.Colm is down in 56th in the merit table but with a couple of good finishes he could still make the top 20.Next week there is 300,000 Euros on offer in the KAZAKHSTAN OPEN and if Colm could put in a good round tomorrow,and a high finish next week he will still have a top 20 spot in his mind as he heads into the final few tournaments.
Colm Moriarty made a great move with a 3rd round of 66 that leaves him in a share of 8th place on -9.Colm is down in 56th in the merit table but with a couple of good finishes he could still make the top 20.Next week there is 300,000 Euros on offer in the KAZAKHSTAN OPEN and if Colm could put in a good round tomorrow,and a high finish next week he will still have a top 20 spot in his mind as he heads into the final few tournaments.
Hanson in the driving seat at the Mercedes championship.
Peter Hanson is looking to make it 3 in a row for Sweden as he leads the MERCEDES-BENZ CHAMPIONSHIP heading into the last round.Peter Hedblom and Alexander Noren won for Sweden in the last 2 tournaments and Hanson is in the driving seat after a 3rd round of 67 leaves him on -11.He has only 1 shot to spare from the KLM CHAMPION Simon Dyson who is on -10 after a 68.
Darren Clarke who is 84th in the race to Dubai is making a late charge to make it into the top 60 over the last 10 tournaments. He is only 5 shots behind the leader after his 3rd round of 70 that put's him in a share of 14th place on -6.
Graeme McDowell(70) and Paul McGinley(72) are hoping for a low last round as they are in 21st place on -4.
Gareth Maybin made a good recovery after being at the end of the field on +5,he hit back with a 67 to share 44th place on Par.Shane Lowry(72)is in 62nd place on +3,Damien McGrane fell back badly after a 76 to finish in 63rd on +4 and Michael Hoey(74) is holding up the field in 76th place on +11
Darren Clarke who is 84th in the race to Dubai is making a late charge to make it into the top 60 over the last 10 tournaments. He is only 5 shots behind the leader after his 3rd round of 70 that put's him in a share of 14th place on -6.
Graeme McDowell(70) and Paul McGinley(72) are hoping for a low last round as they are in 21st place on -4.
Gareth Maybin made a good recovery after being at the end of the field on +5,he hit back with a 67 to share 44th place on Par.Shane Lowry(72)is in 62nd place on +3,Damien McGrane fell back badly after a 76 to finish in 63rd on +4 and Michael Hoey(74) is holding up the field in 76th place on +11
Tiger back on top in FedEx Play off's.
It was 1992 when 16 year old Tiger Woods stood on the 1st Tee with Mark Wilson in the final of the US JUNIOR AMATEUR.Woods came from 2 down to win on the final green.
17 years on the same 2 guys will Tee of together again,but with a lot more at stake.
They share the lead at Cog Hill at the half way stage of the BMW CHAMPIONSHIPS on 7 under par.A win for Tiger will put him back in pole position heading to the TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP in 2 weeks time at EAST LAKE with a chance of winning the $10Million bonus pool.
For Mark Wilson he needs to finish high if he is to jump into the final 30 from his current position of 41st.
4Top 10s in the last 4 outings has Harrington in 7th place.He should have joined the leaders on -7,but hit a ball out of bounds at the last to finish in a tie on -6 with Rory Sabbatini(35th),Bo Van Pelt(54th)and Mark Leishman(67th)
No1,Steve Stricked is well back on +3,but he will hold on to the top spot unless Tiger wins.
17 years on the same 2 guys will Tee of together again,but with a lot more at stake.
They share the lead at Cog Hill at the half way stage of the BMW CHAMPIONSHIPS on 7 under par.A win for Tiger will put him back in pole position heading to the TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP in 2 weeks time at EAST LAKE with a chance of winning the $10Million bonus pool.
For Mark Wilson he needs to finish high if he is to jump into the final 30 from his current position of 41st.
4Top 10s in the last 4 outings has Harrington in 7th place.He should have joined the leaders on -7,but hit a ball out of bounds at the last to finish in a tie on -6 with Rory Sabbatini(35th),Bo Van Pelt(54th)and Mark Leishman(67th)
No1,Steve Stricked is well back on +3,but he will hold on to the top spot unless Tiger wins.
Friday 11 September 2009
Butterfield & Colsaerts lead in Holland.
order of merit No2 on the Challenge tour,Andrew Butterfield is making a push for the top spot as he is the half way leader along with Nicolas Colsaerts in the DUTCH FUTURES CHAMPIONSHIP.
Butterfield added a 67 to his opening 68,while Colsaerts had a 66 to go with his opening 69 to lead on -9.
Order of merit leader Edoardo Molinari will be trying to hold on to top spot and he is only 2 shots behind after scores of 68,69-7.
The only Irish to make the cut was Colm Moriarty.He is 6 behind the leaders after scores of 70,71-3.He will be looking for a good weekend to improve his ranking from 56th.
The cut of point was 1 under par.Gareth Shaw who opened with a 70 missed out by 1 shot after a second round 74.Michael McGeady 74,73+3 and Johnny Caldwell 75,75+6 all have another weekend off.
Butterfield added a 67 to his opening 68,while Colsaerts had a 66 to go with his opening 69 to lead on -9.
Order of merit leader Edoardo Molinari will be trying to hold on to top spot and he is only 2 shots behind after scores of 68,69-7.
The only Irish to make the cut was Colm Moriarty.He is 6 behind the leaders after scores of 70,71-3.He will be looking for a good weekend to improve his ranking from 56th.
The cut of point was 1 under par.Gareth Shaw who opened with a 70 missed out by 1 shot after a second round 74.Michael McGeady 74,73+3 and Johnny Caldwell 75,75+6 all have another weekend off.
Scott & Strange lead in Germany.
Scott Strange(49th in the race to Dubai) and Chris Wood(37th) hold the halfway lead in the MERCEDES-BENZ CHAMPIONSHIP in GERMANY as they top the table on 9 under par.
Strange 67,68 and Wood 66,69 can make moves up the rankings if they can continue to lead over the final 36 holes.
Darren Clarke(84th) and Paul McGinley(117th) are both 5 shots behind the leaders on -4.Clarke had 4 birdies and 2 bogies for the second day in a row for two rounds of 70.
McGinley was in good form with his putter again for a second round of 68 to leave them in a share of 19th.
Graeme McDowell(38th) is in 29th place on -2 70,72 and Damien McGrane(48th) had his second 72 to sit on level par.
Shane Lowry(189th) improved with a level par 72 to add to his opening 75 to share 61st place on +3.Gareth Maybin(57th) can't afford to move outside the top 60.He will need a good weekend as he is +5 with scores of 76,73.Michael Hoey(93rd) is showing no signs of improving,with rounds of 76,77+9.
Strange 67,68 and Wood 66,69 can make moves up the rankings if they can continue to lead over the final 36 holes.
Darren Clarke(84th) and Paul McGinley(117th) are both 5 shots behind the leaders on -4.Clarke had 4 birdies and 2 bogies for the second day in a row for two rounds of 70.
McGinley was in good form with his putter again for a second round of 68 to leave them in a share of 19th.
Graeme McDowell(38th) is in 29th place on -2 70,72 and Damien McGrane(48th) had his second 72 to sit on level par.
Shane Lowry(189th) improved with a level par 72 to add to his opening 75 to share 61st place on +3.Gareth Maybin(57th) can't afford to move outside the top 60.He will need a good weekend as he is +5 with scores of 76,73.Michael Hoey(93rd) is showing no signs of improving,with rounds of 76,77+9.
McIlroy still in the hunt in Korea.
Aussie Michael Wright set the pace after 36 holes of the KOLON-HANA BANK KOREA OPEN with a 9 under par score of 133.
He is 6 shot clear of the young guns,Rory McIlroy who finished with 2 birdies for a 68 and 17 year old Ryo Ishikawa who had a 69 to join a group of 7 players on -3.
There will be a massive crowd tomorrow following Rory and Ryo who have been drawn out together.
The 18 year old Danny Lee will be trying to make up ground tomorrow as he shot his second 72 to sit on level par.
He is 6 shot clear of the young guns,Rory McIlroy who finished with 2 birdies for a 68 and 17 year old Ryo Ishikawa who had a 69 to join a group of 7 players on -3.
There will be a massive crowd tomorrow following Rory and Ryo who have been drawn out together.
The 18 year old Danny Lee will be trying to make up ground tomorrow as he shot his second 72 to sit on level par.
Sabbatini and Marino lead BMW play off's.
The top 70 players tee'd of in the BMW CHAMPIONSHIP at COG HILL GOLF CLUB,CHICAGO in the second last play off event before the top 30 after this week will go through to the TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP for the FEDEX CUP in 2 weeks time at EAST LAKE GOLF CLUB,ATLANTA.
No1 in the rankings,Steve Stricker got of to a poor start and it took a final hole birdie for a round of +1,72.No2 Tiger Woods is better placed after a -3 round of 68 leaves him 2 shots behind the leaders in a group of 6 players that includes the only Irishman in the field,Padraig Harrington who is 7th in the rankings.
Rory Sabbatini,who is outside the cut mark in 35th place is on top of the leaderboard with Steve Marino(26th)after they both returned -5 rounds of 66.
No1 in the rankings,Steve Stricker got of to a poor start and it took a final hole birdie for a round of +1,72.No2 Tiger Woods is better placed after a -3 round of 68 leaves him 2 shots behind the leaders in a group of 6 players that includes the only Irishman in the field,Padraig Harrington who is 7th in the rankings.
Rory Sabbatini,who is outside the cut mark in 35th place is on top of the leaderboard with Steve Marino(26th)after they both returned -5 rounds of 66.
Ben Mason leads Challenge event in Holland.
England's Ben Mason finished with an eagle 2 at the par 4,16th hole and a birdie at the 18th to lead the DUTCH FUTURES CHAMPIONSHIP at HOUTRAK GOLF CLUB in HOLLAND with a 5 under par 67 after the first round.
The only Irishman with a chance of making the top 20 to gain a card for the main tour next year is Colm Moriarty.He is lying in 56th position and put himself in a good position with an opening round of 70 -2 for a share of 28th place along with Gareth Shaw who is well down the rankings in 97th place.
Michael McGeady (185th) needs a miracle and it won't happen here as he took 74 +2 for a share of 95th and Johnny Caldwell(110th) who got his card at Qualifying school last year at the first attempt,will have to go again this year after taking a 75+3 and a share of 107th place.
The only Irishman with a chance of making the top 20 to gain a card for the main tour next year is Colm Moriarty.He is lying in 56th position and put himself in a good position with an opening round of 70 -2 for a share of 28th place along with Gareth Shaw who is well down the rankings in 97th place.
Michael McGeady (185th) needs a miracle and it won't happen here as he took 74 +2 for a share of 95th and Johnny Caldwell(110th) who got his card at Qualifying school last year at the first attempt,will have to go again this year after taking a 75+3 and a share of 107th place.
Thursday 10 September 2009
Clarke and McDowell best of the Irish in Germany.
Denmarks Soren Hanson is the first round leader in the MERCEDES-BENZ CHAMPIONSHIP played at the GOLF CLUB GUT LARCHENHOF in GERMANY after a superb 7 under par 65 to move past Chris Wood who held the lead for most of the day on 66-6.
The field is limited this week to 78 players and with points for the end of season "Race to Dubai" and with "Ryder Cup"points available 7 Irish are in the field.
Good start's by Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell with 2 under par 70s,leaves them in a tie for 20th. Paul McGinley and Damien McGrane are on level par 72 and in a share of 45th.
Shane Lowry finds it difficult to get of to a good start,and he faltered again this week with a share of 64th on 75+3 and Gareth Maybin and Michael Hoey are at the end of the field in 67th place after 76s+4.
The field is limited this week to 78 players and with points for the end of season "Race to Dubai" and with "Ryder Cup"points available 7 Irish are in the field.
Good start's by Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell with 2 under par 70s,leaves them in a tie for 20th. Paul McGinley and Damien McGrane are on level par 72 and in a share of 45th.
Shane Lowry finds it difficult to get of to a good start,and he faltered again this week with a share of 64th on 75+3 and Gareth Maybin and Michael Hoey are at the end of the field in 67th place after 76s+4.
MCILROY RECOVER'S FROM POOR START IN KOREA.
Rory McIlroy played the first 5 holes in the KOLON HANA BANK KOREA OPEN in 3 over par.He recovered to birdie 4 holes and with a final hole bogey he finished on level par 71 to join Danny Lee and sit one behind 17 year old Ryo Ishihawa.
McIlroy is 4 behind the leaders after the first round.
McIlroy is 4 behind the leaders after the first round.
Wednesday 9 September 2009
NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.
20 year old Rory McIlroy will miss the chance to take over the top spot in the RACE TO DUBAI in Germany this week as his manager Chubby Chandler has wisked him of to Korean Open for a six figure appearance fee.
He will be the senior member when he tee's up with 17 year old RYO ISHIKAWA,who won his 3rd event this year on the JAPAN TOUR and his 5th title in total,and he won't be 18 until next week.The 3rd member is 18 year old New Zealander Danny Lee.
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Greg Norman and Fred Couples were in Washington DC this week to announce their wild card picks for the PRESIDENTS CUP.Couples played safe with US OPEN champion,Lucas Glover and Hunter Mahan.
Norman shocked everyone when he picked Adam Scott who has played terrible golf this past year. Sitting at number 3 in the world last June he has missed 10 out of 18 cuts and tumbled down the rankings to No 53.
His 2nd pick was 17 year old Ryo Ishikawa,who should bring some excitement to the tournament.
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Jeff Sluman won at PEBBLE BEACH for the second year in a row,in the WALMART FIRST TEE OPEN on the US Seniors tour with a final round of 68 that included a hole in one at the 187 yard,5th hole.
He will be the senior member when he tee's up with 17 year old RYO ISHIKAWA,who won his 3rd event this year on the JAPAN TOUR and his 5th title in total,and he won't be 18 until next week.The 3rd member is 18 year old New Zealander Danny Lee.
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Greg Norman and Fred Couples were in Washington DC this week to announce their wild card picks for the PRESIDENTS CUP.Couples played safe with US OPEN champion,Lucas Glover and Hunter Mahan.
Norman shocked everyone when he picked Adam Scott who has played terrible golf this past year. Sitting at number 3 in the world last June he has missed 10 out of 18 cuts and tumbled down the rankings to No 53.
His 2nd pick was 17 year old Ryo Ishikawa,who should bring some excitement to the tournament.
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Jeff Sluman won at PEBBLE BEACH for the second year in a row,in the WALMART FIRST TEE OPEN on the US Seniors tour with a final round of 68 that included a hole in one at the 187 yard,5th hole.
Tuesday 8 September 2009
HARRINGTON MOVED TOO EARLY !
Padraig Harrington started the final round of the DEUTSCHE BANK CHAMPIONSHIP one shot behind the leaders.He got a quick start with 4 birdies to take the lead heading into the back nine.He produced a hook at the 10th into water and the same at the 12th which resulted in a double bogey.Paddy found himself needing a good finish to get back to the leaders.He was back to his brilliant best when he birdied the 17th and gave himself a 12 foot eagle putt at the last,which unfortunately didn't go in.His final round of 68 left him in a tie for 4th place on -15 with Dustin Johnston 66 and Angel Cabrera 65.
Paddy has now moved up to 7th place in the FEDEX Cup table,heading to the BMW CHAMPIONSHIP this week.
It was a great tournament for Steve Stricker.His final round of 67,with birdies on the last 2 holes gave him his 3rd win of the year on -17.It gave him No1 spot on the Fedex list and moves him to World No2 behind Tiger.He won by one shot from Jason Dufner 65 and Scott Verplank 67 on -16.
The round of the day came from the Tiger.He raced to the turn in 7 under par.He made 2 bogies on the back nine but still came home in -1 for a round of 63 that took him from 30th to 11th and is No2 behind Steve Stricker heading into the second last week of the Fedex play off's.
With only 70 heading to the BMW this week,the holder Vijay Singh is out as is Justin Rose,Fred Couples.
Sergio Garcia survived moving from 71st up to 55th.He will have to improve again next week if he is to make the final top 30.
Paddy has now moved up to 7th place in the FEDEX Cup table,heading to the BMW CHAMPIONSHIP this week.
It was a great tournament for Steve Stricker.His final round of 67,with birdies on the last 2 holes gave him his 3rd win of the year on -17.It gave him No1 spot on the Fedex list and moves him to World No2 behind Tiger.He won by one shot from Jason Dufner 65 and Scott Verplank 67 on -16.
The round of the day came from the Tiger.He raced to the turn in 7 under par.He made 2 bogies on the back nine but still came home in -1 for a round of 63 that took him from 30th to 11th and is No2 behind Steve Stricker heading into the second last week of the Fedex play off's.
With only 70 heading to the BMW this week,the holder Vijay Singh is out as is Justin Rose,Fred Couples.
Sergio Garcia survived moving from 71st up to 55th.He will have to improve again next week if he is to make the final top 30.
Monday 7 September 2009
HARRINGTON READY TO POUNCE !
Padraig Harrington is ready to pounce on the leaders in the final round of the DEUTSCHE BANK CHAMPIONSHIP at TPC BOSTON,after a third round of 67 to sit on -12 and only one shot behind Steve Stricker 65,Retief Goosen 68 and Sean o Hare 70 who are all on -13. Harrington is joined on -12 by Kevin Na 66 and Scott Verplank 68.
Padraig has been having a good time of late and his shorter back swing is becoming more comfortable.He has made a lot of changes to his swing since turning Professional.He used to have a massive left foot heal lift and an overswing on his backswing.Now he keeps his left foot steady and stops the club short of parallel,and it is paying rewards as he has had 3 top 10 finishes in his last 3 tournaments.
I wouldn't be surprised if he adds another 67 tonight and lifts the $1.35 Million first prize.
Tiger is the one who is struglling with his putter.He could only manage a 72 and is 9 behind the leaders on -4.
Padraig has been having a good time of late and his shorter back swing is becoming more comfortable.He has made a lot of changes to his swing since turning Professional.He used to have a massive left foot heal lift and an overswing on his backswing.Now he keeps his left foot steady and stops the club short of parallel,and it is paying rewards as he has had 3 top 10 finishes in his last 3 tournaments.
I wouldn't be surprised if he adds another 67 tonight and lifts the $1.35 Million first prize.
Tiger is the one who is struglling with his putter.He could only manage a 72 and is 9 behind the leaders on -4.
Sunday 6 September 2009
NOREN HOLDS ON TO WIN FIRST EUROPEAN EVENT.
Alexandre Noren played like a veteran to win his first European Tour event at the OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS with a 2 shot victory over Bradley Dredge.Dredge threw everything at Noren during the final round but Noren never flinched.He played a brilliant round of 66 to finish on -20,picked up a cheque for 333,330 Euros that moves him from 88th up to 36th in the RACE TO DUBAI.
Rory McIlroy played a brilliant round that saw him jump from 34th on -5 to 7th on -12with a best of the day 64.It was one of those rounds that the crowds flock to see.He eagled the 1st and had 8 birdies and could afford 3 bogies for a 7 under par round.His 48,700Euro cheque keeps him in 3rd place on the DUBAI table.
Paul McGinley was 8 under after 2 rounds.He only improved by one shot over the weekend to -9 and a share of 17th worth 26,400 Euros.Graeme McDowell 69 was 32nd on -6 for 14,920 Euros,Darren Clarke 72 was 60th for 5,600 Euros and Gareth Maybin 71 got 4,600 Euros for 66th.
Rory McIlroy played a brilliant round that saw him jump from 34th on -5 to 7th on -12with a best of the day 64.It was one of those rounds that the crowds flock to see.He eagled the 1st and had 8 birdies and could afford 3 bogies for a 7 under par round.His 48,700Euro cheque keeps him in 3rd place on the DUBAI table.
Paul McGinley was 8 under after 2 rounds.He only improved by one shot over the weekend to -9 and a share of 17th worth 26,400 Euros.Graeme McDowell 69 was 32nd on -6 for 14,920 Euros,Darren Clarke 72 was 60th for 5,600 Euros and Gareth Maybin 71 got 4,600 Euros for 66th.
RHYS DAVIES WINS ON CHALLENGE TOUR.
Welshman Rhys Davies moved a step closer to the main European Tour after his second win on the CHALLENGE TOUR at the FRED OLSEN CHALLENGE de SPAIN.Earlier in the season he won the SWALEC WALES OPEN and after collecting a cheque for winning today of 24,000 Euros he moves up to 6th in the order of merit with a total of 74,024 Euros.
He hit a final round of 67 to finish on -17 and a one shot victory over joint overnight leader Steven Jeppesen.
Michael McGeady and Peter o Keeffe were the only 2 Irish playing and they both missed the cut.
He hit a final round of 67 to finish on -17 and a one shot victory over joint overnight leader Steven Jeppesen.
Michael McGeady and Peter o Keeffe were the only 2 Irish playing and they both missed the cut.
oHair & Furyk lead the Play off's at the TPC.
Jim Furyk and Sean o Hair are in pole position at the half way stage of the second play off for the FEDEX CUP,during the DEUTSCHE BANK CHAMPIONSHIP.
furyk and oHair are on 12 under par.
Padraig Harrington continues to improve.He is sitting in a share of 11th place after his second round of 67 leaves him on -8 and only 4 behind the leaders.
Tiger was on the cut mark of -1 after 9 holes,before recovering with a 4 under back nine for a 67 to sit in 28th place on -5.
With only the top 70 to make it to the next event,Sergio Garcia who is on 71st position only made the cut on -1 and will have to improve before Mondays finish if he is jump into the top 70 for next week.
Some of the big names to miss the cut this week were Stewert Cink,Recent winner,Ryan Moore,Ian Poulter,Ernie Els and Fred Couples.
furyk and oHair are on 12 under par.
Padraig Harrington continues to improve.He is sitting in a share of 11th place after his second round of 67 leaves him on -8 and only 4 behind the leaders.
Tiger was on the cut mark of -1 after 9 holes,before recovering with a 4 under back nine for a 67 to sit in 28th place on -5.
With only the top 70 to make it to the next event,Sergio Garcia who is on 71st position only made the cut on -1 and will have to improve before Mondays finish if he is jump into the top 70 for next week.
Some of the big names to miss the cut this week were Stewert Cink,Recent winner,Ryan Moore,Ian Poulter,Ernie Els and Fred Couples.
NOREN LEADS EURO MASTERS GOING INTO FINAL ROUND.
Sweden's Alexander Noren held on to his lead after a brilliant 63 in the 3rd round of the OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS leaves him on -15.
Paul McGinley's putter went cold again and he could only manage a one under par 70 that leaves him 6 shots behind the leader in joint 9th on -9.
Rory McIlroy got a bad start with two early bogies but recovered with 3 birdies to stay in position for a high finish after a 70 left him in 34th place on -5.
Graeme McDowell hit a 71 for a share of 40th on -4,Darren Clarke had a poor day with a 74.He dropped down to 60th on -1 and Gareth Maybin is well down in 68th on +2 after a dissapointing 76.
Paul McGinley's putter went cold again and he could only manage a one under par 70 that leaves him 6 shots behind the leader in joint 9th on -9.
Rory McIlroy got a bad start with two early bogies but recovered with 3 birdies to stay in position for a high finish after a 70 left him in 34th place on -5.
Graeme McDowell hit a 71 for a share of 40th on -4,Darren Clarke had a poor day with a 74.He dropped down to 60th on -1 and Gareth Maybin is well down in 68th on +2 after a dissapointing 76.
Saturday 5 September 2009
Stricker and Furyk lead at the TPC Boston.
Steve Stricker can overtake Tiger this week if he wins the DEUTSCHE BANK CHAMPIONSHIP at the TPC BOSTON in the second of the play off weeks.He has made a great start with a great opening round of 8 under par 63.He was joined by Jim Furyk late in the day.Both players made 12 pars and 6 birdies and not a bogey in sight.
Padraig Harrington eagled the 18th,his 9th on his way to a round of 67 -4 and a share of 13th.Tiger is struggling once again on the greens and is well back on -1,70 and Phil Mickleson is one further back on level par 71.
With only the top 70 going through to the BMW CHAMPIONSHIP next week there will be some big names disappear after Mondays finish.
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR DETAILS ALL WEEKEND..........
Padraig Harrington eagled the 18th,his 9th on his way to a round of 67 -4 and a share of 13th.Tiger is struggling once again on the greens and is well back on -1,70 and Phil Mickleson is one further back on level par 71.
With only the top 70 going through to the BMW CHAMPIONSHIP next week there will be some big names disappear after Mondays finish.
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR DETAILS ALL WEEKEND..........
Bad week for the Irish on the Challenge Tour.
There was only 2 Irish playing in the FRED OLSEN CHALLENGE de ESPANA on the CANARY ISLANDS,SPAIN.
Michael McGeady who is down in 182nd place on the order of merit this year will drop even further after scores of 74/70 +2 left him 3 shots outside the cut.
Peter oKeeffe is worse off.He is 196th and after rounds of 78 and a much improved 69 he missed out on a weekend of golf by 6 shots when he finished +5.
The tournament is being led by Swedish golfer Steven Jeppesen and he is on 14 under par.He has played 36 holes with 12 birdies,1 eagle and the rest all pars for scores of 65/63.
Spains,Jesus Maria Arruti 65/65 is second 2 shots back on -11 and Welsh man Sion Bebb is 3rd after scores of 68/63 -11.
Michael McGeady who is down in 182nd place on the order of merit this year will drop even further after scores of 74/70 +2 left him 3 shots outside the cut.
Peter oKeeffe is worse off.He is 196th and after rounds of 78 and a much improved 69 he missed out on a weekend of golf by 6 shots when he finished +5.
The tournament is being led by Swedish golfer Steven Jeppesen and he is on 14 under par.He has played 36 holes with 12 birdies,1 eagle and the rest all pars for scores of 65/63.
Spains,Jesus Maria Arruti 65/65 is second 2 shots back on -11 and Welsh man Sion Bebb is 3rd after scores of 68/63 -11.
McGinley determined to make the Ryder Cup Team.
In the first event that gives points towards next years Ryder Cup team,Paul McGinley has played the best golf of the year to sit only 2 shots of the lead at the half way stage of the OMEGA EUROPEAN MASTERS at CRANS-SUR-SIERRA.
South African,Thomas Aiken shot the low round of the day with a 7 under par 64 to go with his opening 68 to take the lead on -10 132.He is closely followed by Bradley Dredge 68,65 and Miguel Angel Jimenez 65,68 133.
McGinley is in a group of 4 on -8 after he shot 66/68.He was impressive in the second round and even though he didn't get a lot of putts he managed 15 pars and 3 birdies.
Darren Clarke is also showing good form and is in 22nd position on -5 after rounds of 69/68.
Three Irish are locked in a group of 13 on -4.Rory McIlroy dropped 3 late shots to hit 67/71,Graeme McDowell 68/70 and Gareth Maybin 70/68 all all still within 6 shots of the leader.
For the 2nd week in a row Shane Lowry has missed the cut by one shot.The first round of 72 left him under pressure.He was -3 after the first nine holes of the second round and looked like making the cut,but a bogey at the par 3,16th left him one shot too many on -1 after a 69.
Gary Murphy fighting to save his card,looks like he will be going back to the qualifying school after missing out by 2 shots after scores of 70/72.
Michael Hoey is not playing well and has missed out on a cheque again after 71/74 left him on +3 and 5 shots too many.
South African,Thomas Aiken shot the low round of the day with a 7 under par 64 to go with his opening 68 to take the lead on -10 132.He is closely followed by Bradley Dredge 68,65 and Miguel Angel Jimenez 65,68 133.
McGinley is in a group of 4 on -8 after he shot 66/68.He was impressive in the second round and even though he didn't get a lot of putts he managed 15 pars and 3 birdies.
Darren Clarke is also showing good form and is in 22nd position on -5 after rounds of 69/68.
Three Irish are locked in a group of 13 on -4.Rory McIlroy dropped 3 late shots to hit 67/71,Graeme McDowell 68/70 and Gareth Maybin 70/68 all all still within 6 shots of the leader.
For the 2nd week in a row Shane Lowry has missed the cut by one shot.The first round of 72 left him under pressure.He was -3 after the first nine holes of the second round and looked like making the cut,but a bogey at the par 3,16th left him one shot too many on -1 after a 69.
Gary Murphy fighting to save his card,looks like he will be going back to the qualifying school after missing out by 2 shots after scores of 70/72.
Michael Hoey is not playing well and has missed out on a cheque again after 71/74 left him on +3 and 5 shots too many.
Wednesday 2 September 2009
INFORMATION ON FEDEX CUP PLAY OFF'S.
The play off's for the FedEx cup started last week with 125 players competiting in the Barclays.This week the field is down to 100 for the DEUTSCHE BANK CHAMPIONSHIP at the TPC BOSTON.
The field will then be cut to the top 70 for the BMW CHAMPIONSIP,with the top 30 making the TOUR CHAMPIONSHIPS FINAL presented by COCA COLA.
Some of the great escapes from last week was the surprise winner,Heath Slocum who jumped from 124th up to 3rd.Troy Matterson moved from 125th up to 83rd,Fredric Jacobson moved from 107th up to 48th and Richard S Johnston went from 108th to 85th.
Tiger still leads the way with 4,381 points and is 1,276 clear of 2nd place Steve Stricker on 3,105.Padraig Harrington has made a great move over the last 3 weeks.He is now in 14th place a jump from 66th last week.
Adam Scott,Aaron Baddeley and Ben Curtis are just 3 of the big names who finished outside the top 100.
The field will then be cut to the top 70 for the BMW CHAMPIONSIP,with the top 30 making the TOUR CHAMPIONSHIPS FINAL presented by COCA COLA.
Some of the great escapes from last week was the surprise winner,Heath Slocum who jumped from 124th up to 3rd.Troy Matterson moved from 125th up to 83rd,Fredric Jacobson moved from 107th up to 48th and Richard S Johnston went from 108th to 85th.
Tiger still leads the way with 4,381 points and is 1,276 clear of 2nd place Steve Stricker on 3,105.Padraig Harrington has made a great move over the last 3 weeks.He is now in 14th place a jump from 66th last week.
Adam Scott,Aaron Baddeley and Ben Curtis are just 3 of the big names who finished outside the top 100.
MORE NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.
Past World No1 and Hall of fame golfer Annika Sorenstam retired from competitive golf last year to start a family with her husband Mike McGee.
She got her wish yesterday September 1st at 3.30am when Ava Madelyn McGee arrived into the World.
Best wishes to Annika and Mike and we will no doubt have another World No1 by the time Ave reaches her 20th birthday.
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On a sadder note,Cobra Golf who were taken over by Titliest are not renewing any more golf bag sponsership deals.It has been reported that their sales are down 60%.
The biggest casuality is Major winner Geoff Ogilvy.
She got her wish yesterday September 1st at 3.30am when Ava Madelyn McGee arrived into the World.
Best wishes to Annika and Mike and we will no doubt have another World No1 by the time Ave reaches her 20th birthday.
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On a sadder note,Cobra Golf who were taken over by Titliest are not renewing any more golf bag sponsership deals.It has been reported that their sales are down 60%.
The biggest casuality is Major winner Geoff Ogilvy.
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