Sunday 31 January 2010

Karlsson wins the Qatar Masters in Doha.

Robert Karlsson completed a stunning comeback from the eye injury that ruined his 2009 campaign with a comprehensive three stroke victory at the Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy.

After becoming the first Swedish player to be European Number One in 2008, Karlsson was sidelined for four months last year suffering from blurred vision caused by fluid behind the retina in his left eye.

But at Doha Golf Club the 40 year old was back to the best which saw him win twice in 2008 to ensure a second successive Ryder Cup appearance.

Karlsson produced the round of the week to win with a stylish bogey free seven under par final round,that earned him 294,584 Euros to kick start his 2010 season.

Peter Lawrie was the best of the Irish.He produced a final round of 69 to collect a cheque for 33,264 Euros in a share of 9th place.
Graeme McDowell had a good finish of -5 to earn 24,421 Euros for a share of 14th.
Shane Lowry is really finding his feet.After his 4th place last week he followed up with a24th place finish on -3.It earned him 18,117 Euros.
Michael Hoey finished in a share of 32nd on level par 288 to win 12,779 Euros and Gareth Maybin had a poor weekend.He finished on +3 and won 7,070 Euros for 49th.

Damien McGrane missed his 2nd cut in a row.This week he was +3 for the 36 holes and was one shot too many.

Sunday 24 January 2010

Martin Kaymer wins back Abu Dhabi Title in style.

Germany’s Martin Kaymer birdied the final hole to edge out Ian Poulter by a shot and win his second Abu Dhabi Golf Championship title in three years.

Overnight leader Kaymer, the 2008 champion and last year’s runner-up, topped the leaderboard at 21 under par as his bogey free final round 66 was enough to see off Poulter, who also hit 66 in a valiant display.

Rory McIlroy dropped just one shot on his way to a five under 67 to claim third place, a further shot adrift.

The 3 Irish Open champion Shane Lowry posted his best finish on The European Tour since turning professional with his bogey free 67 securing fourth at 17 under.Lowry picked up his biggest cheque for 75,000 Euros and moved into 14th place on the Race to Dubai table.

Ryder Cup hopefuls Kaymer, Poulter and McIlroy were playing together in the final group, and were in sensational form from the outset.Polter and Kaymer got early birdies,while McIlroy was only level par after the first 7 holes.He made a brave attempt to close the gap but came up 2 shots shy of Kaymer after he hit 5 birdies for a 67 and a 19 under par total earned him his first cheque of the year of 93,900 Euros.

Peter Lawrie closed with a super 67 to share 27th place and earn 13,350 Euros.Darren Clarke struggled on the greens but still finished 3 under par and a cheque for 4,612 Euros for a share of 56th place.

Graeme McDowell missed the 2 under par 36 hole cut mark by one shot.Michael Hoey had two rounds of 72 to miss by 2 shots.Gareth Maybin was not on form as he was 8 shots away on +6, while Damien McGrane didn't play well at all for a +8 total.

Sunday 17 January 2010

Charl Schwartzel wins second tournament in a row.

Charl Schwartzel cruised to his second straight European Tour title in his home city with a six shot win at the Joburg Open, further extending his early lead in The Race to Dubai.

The Africa Open winner coasted around the East Course at Royal Johannesburg and Kensington in a five under par 66, following rounds of 63, 68 and 64 for a 23 under par total.

That was far too good for the chasing pack, with Schwartzel’s fellow South African Keith Horne sharing second with Darren Clarke on 17 under following a best of the day final round 64.

Clarke let slip a chance to apply real pressure midway through the front nine, but chipped in for eagle on the last.

Schwartzel’s notable double, completed with a polished 66, takes Schwartzel to his best ever position in the World Rankings - possibly as high as 35th depending on what happens on the US PGA Tour this week.He would be a good contender for a major as he is now 43 under par for his last 8 rounds.

Darren Clarke wants to make Monty's Ryder cup team and he has got himself off to a great start with a 17 under par total and a cheque for 119,730 Euros.

Simon Thornton in only his second start as a full card holder played a great tournament to finish in a tie for 17th.He scored 70,65,71,69 (-9) to earn 15,938 Euros.

Michael Hoey had a poor 73 to finish in 25th position on -7 and earn 12,480 Euros.

Young Niall Kearney put up a good show in his second tournament as a Professional.He shot a brilliant 68 in the second round to miss the 3 under par cut mark by only one shot.Gary Murphy was on the same total after a second round 67 to go with his opening 73,while Peter Lawrie missed the cut by 6 shots after scores of 74,71.