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Thongchai enjoys Tiger talk in WGC-HSBC Champions

Golf International — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:04:00 GMT

Thongchai Jaidee was thoroughly impressed with Tiger Woods at the WGC-HSBC Champions on Thursday.

Not only was the American world number one, who is half-Thai, the perfect golfing gentleman on the course, he also attempted to speak to Thongchai, the current Asian Tour number one, in Thai language.

JAIDEE & WOODS Picture © Getty Images

“On some holes we started talking about our families and about how we were playing this season. He’s a really nice guy and it was easy to talk to him. He makes others feel comfortable and he was even speaking in Thai to me, like saying hello and thank you in Thai language. I enjoyed it,” said Thongchai.

The full-blooded Thai battled to a 71 in the opening round at Sheshan International Golf Club to lie in equal 28th place while Woods was four shots better to lie in tied fifth going into Friday’s second round. American Nick Watney leads with a 68.

Thonghai was solid with his ball striking but his putter let him down.

“I played okay but missed a few greens. I hit 11 fairways and 13 greens but I think it’ll be good tomorrow and I’ll try to get better,” said Thongchai, who has won twice in Indonesia and Korea this season.

“Conditions were good for scoring and the greens were not hard and you could see it in the scores. If the weather stays good, scores will be good. I’ll be trying to catch up tomorrow.”

The only drawback that Thongchai sees from playing with the 14-time Major champion is the large number of fans and media following the marquee group which included Ross Fisher of England, who won last week’s Volvo World Match Play Championship.

“It is difficult as there are so many people around moving after Tiger finishes his hole. You need to concentrate really well which I’ll have to do again tomorrow,” said Thongchai, whose card included three birdies against two bogeys.

Asia’s top finisher was Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wen-tang. The ever-smiling Lin said being in a relaxed mood helped him to perform well where his 67 matched Woods’ opening round.

“This is my third World Golf Championships and I have been learning a lot. On the 12th hole, I nearly made a hole in one and it got my round going. I had a very good score,” said Lin, who romped home in 32.

“This tournament has many superstars, so I told my caddie, we are the local player, but let’s enjoy the tournament. I am taking a learning attitude and also I've been trying to keep myself relaxed. I’m happy,” said Lin, who finished second on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit last season.

Randhawa, Asia’s number one 2002, produced some of his best golf of the year with a 68 which saw him end the day in tied ninth, four behind the leader.

“I got my swing back into the groove after a long time and it felt good. I putted well, just coming in I wished I made a few more putts as the greens were fast and true but it’s the best that I’ve hit in the past two or three months. I’m really happy,” said the Indian.

He said being in the company of the world’s leading players in Asia’s first WGC event was a challenge. “If you play good golf, you can play good anywhere. I’ve played this course a few times before and it helps with the local knowledge.

“Anywhere you play, you just play your own game. That is what I always try to do, play my own game, relax and do the best that I can. It’s the same whether it’s a Major or being back home. You just stay committed to the shots and stay relaxed.”

Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing was also happy to post a 71, his first under-par score in five WGC rounds.

“I played pretty solid but made two bogeys coming in which were pretty disappointing. But I’m happy as I shot under par. I played pretty solid but those late bogeys hurt a bit. On the last hole, I drove it into the water which is disappointing as you are always looking for birdie on a par five,” said Lam

“I’ve got no complaints. It’s my first under par round in a WGC event, so I’m satisfied. I’ll try to improve on my scores over the next few days. Just keep on what I’m doing.”

Watney Steals Limelight to Lead WGC-HSBC Champions

Golf International — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:03:00 GMT

Shanghai, November 5: American Nick Watney upstaged the stars at the WGC-HSBC Champions with a course-record equalling eight-under-par 64 on Thursday but world number one Tiger Woods was lurking three shots back.

NICK WATNEY Picture © Getty Images

Watney, a two-time winner on the US PGA Tour, was in superb form at Sheshan International Golf Club where he reeled in one eagle and seven birdies but a late bogey on his last hole spoilt his card.

German’s Martin Kaymer, back recently from injury, Irishman Shane Lowry and American Ryan Moore shot 66s to lie two back in the star-studded US$7 million tournament, which is Asia’s first ever WGC event.

Woods carded a 67 for a share of fifth place with amongst others, Chinese Taipei’s Lin Wen-tang who ended the day as Asia’s top finisher. India’s Jyoti Randhawa was a further shot back with a 68 to ensure a strong Asian Tour presence on the leaderboard.

Coming off his best season where he finished 12th on the FedEx Cup rankings, the 28-year-old Watney was delighted with his round which included four straight birdies after the turn. He also holed a 30-foot putt for eagle on the 14th hole after the starting the day from the 10th tee.

“That's why I came, to try to win the event. I'm playing well. I did some good work with Butch (Harmon) when I was home on both ball striking and putting, and today I was in good form. So hopefully it will continue,” said Watney, who won the Buick Invitational and finished second in the WGC-CA Championship earlier this year.

“The greens are so good that if you hit a putt on line, it's definitely going to go in. So I was putting very well, just tried to give myself as many chances as possible, and I was able to make a few.”

He knows it is too early to be worried about Woods, whose record in WGC events is impeccable with 16 wins from 30 tournaments over the past decade. “If it was Saturday night, I don't know how well I'd be sleeping. But just for Friday, I'm in a great position, but at the same time, there's a really long way to go. It's always good to beat Tiger, and hopefully I can keep a little cushion between us,” said Watney.

Woods, chasing a first HSBC title after finishing second in 2005 and 2006, put himself in prime spot to launch another title charge for a seventh win of the year with six birdies against a bogey.

“Well, I got it around today. It wasn't my best ball striking round for sure but I made some putts which was nice, and just managed my game well,” said the 14-time Major champion.

“I was a bit frustrated today because I kind of had a two-way miss going today a little bit. That's not always a fun thing when you have a two way miss.”

Lin, who finished second on the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit last season, enjoyed a sizzling back nine with six birdies against two bogeys adding to two earlier birdies on the outward nine. He was thrilled to tie Woods after day one.

Playing his third WGC event this season, the man from Taipei said he was relaxed this week being in the company of the world’s leading players.

“I had a very good score today. In this tournament, there are so many superstars and I told my caddie, we are the local guys but let’s enjoy the tournament. I hit it good and putted well, took only 25 putts.

“On the front nine, I tried to keep it steady, but on the back nine, I just became alive. On the 12th hole, I nearly made a hole in one (with a hybrid) and the round improved from there,” said Lin.

Randhawa, Asia’s number one in 2002, was also pleased with his start after enduring a difficult past few months with poor form. “I got my swing back into the groove after a long time and it felt good. I putted well, just coming in I wished I made a few more putts as the greens were fast and true but it’s the best that I’ve hit it in the past two or three months. I’m really happy,” said Randhawa.

Entering the week in 115th place on the European Tour, Randhawa knows that his card will be locked up after this week’s event which has no halfway cut. “It was at the back of my mind and not being able to swing the way I wanted to plays on your mind. Right now, I’m really comfortable and I’ve got my card for next year. I’ll try to freewheel it this week and hope it works. I’m feeling good,” he said.

Thai star Thongchai Jaidee, who played with Woods, shot a 71 for a share of 28th position which was matched by compatriot Chapchai Nirat and Singapore’s Lam Chih Bing.

Title holder Sergio Garcia of Spain struggled to a 75 while world number two Phil Mickelson, winner here in 2007, shot a 69.

Michelle Wie to play in Dubai Ladies Classic

Golf International — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:02:00 GMT

Michelle Wie, one of the brightest stars in the world of women’s golf, will headline a stellar field when the American golf sensation tees it up for the first time in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters.

MICHELLE WIE Picture © Getty Images

The Ladies European Tour’s end of season event will be played at the Emirates Golf Club for the fourth consecutive year from December 7 to 12, 2009.

After a tremendously successful rookie season on the LPGA Tour, which also saw her play a key role in the US team’s Solheim Cup victory, the 20-year-old is expected to electrify the tournament when she joins an already talented field from Europe in what promises to be an intense Desert Duel.

Named in a 2006 Time magazine article as “one of 100 people who shape our world,” the Hawaiian is the latest superstar to sign up for the Dubai Ladies Masters which, since its inception in 2006, has showcased players of calibre and reputation of Annika Sorenstam, Laura Davies, Karrie Webb, Gwladys Nocera, Sophie Gustafson and Natalie Gulbis, making it the most popular ladies golf event of Dubai’s sporting calendar.

“We are really delighted to have Michelle in the field. She is charismatic, she is skilful and her presence will certainly provide a big boost to the tournament,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi — the promoters and organisers of the euro 500,000 tournament.

“Michelle Wie may be just 20, but it appears that she has been around for a long time and has done wonders to raise the profile of women's golf. The amount of hard work she puts in every day to improve her game and fitness shows she is determined to realise her dream and is on the brink of mega-star status,” said Buamaim, who also welcomed Omega on board as title sponsors of the golf in DUBAi events, which also includes the Dubai Desert Classic.

“Together, we will strive to deliver events befitting the global image of the brand Dubai,” he said.

Nayla Hayek, a member of the Swatch Group Board of Directors, commented: “We’re excited that Michelle, who is also an Omega brand ambassador, is making her first visit to Dubai. Combining feminine grace with power and technique, she is a strong ambassador for the future of women’s golf.

“Omega is one of the few brands in the world with a rich history and tradition that can compete with that of golf. Our involvement in international golf today includes tour and tournament sponsorship as well as official timekeeping,” she added.

Commenting on Michelle Wie’s first visit to Dubai, Buamaim said: “Her presence will certainly bring star value to the event, but the reputation of the Dubai Ladies Masters is built on the collective presence of the players. And we are very pleased to know it has once again attracted a strong field.

“All the 108 players in the field are capable of winning the event on their day, but certainly fans will also be keen to follow the progress of seasoned stars such as Laura Davies, Sophie Gustafson, Gwladys Nocera, defending champion Anja Monke and the new Swedish sensation Anna Nordqvist, who will formally seal her “Rookie of the Year’ award in Dubai.

"I wish all players, officials, caddies and guests a pleasant stay here in Dubai and I am confident they will all return home with fond memories of this city and further propagate the message of Dubai, as the ‘City of Golf’,” Buamaim added.

“I am very excited about making my first trip to Dubai and playing in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters,” said Wie. “I have heard so many great things about Dubai as a city, but also about the golf here, and I’m looking forward to experiencing it for myself.”

“This season was a very rewarding one for me, both on the golf course and off, and I’d love nothing more than to wrap this year up with a strong showing at the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters. I have such great respect for the players on the Ladies European Tour, and was able to develop close friendships with many of them in my first Solheim Cup experience, so it will be a great week.”

Wie, ranked 15 in the world, turned professional in October 2005, and has been building an impressive resume in golf since a young age. At 10, she became the youngest player to qualify for the USGA Women’s Amateur Public Links Championship in 2000 and qualified for an LPGA event when she was 12.

A year later, she became the youngest to make a cut. She played in the men’s Sony Open when she was 14. Now 20 years old, Wie is proving successful both on and off the golf course.

'golf in DUBAi' is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the sponsor while BMW, CNN, Emirates Airline, Emirates NBD, Gulf News, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Jumeirah Hotels, MasterCard and wasl are co-sponsors in its drive to showcase the emirate's vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.

Greg Norman Forced to Pull Out of Australian Open

Golf International — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:01:00 GMT

Greg Norman’s slower-than-expected recovery from shoulder surgery will force him to miss next month’s Australian Open.

Tournament officials said that Norman was advised by his doctors not to play competitive golf again this year following arthroscopic surgery in September.

GREG NORMAN Picture © Getty Images

The Australian Open will be at the New South Wales Golf Club in Sydney from Dec. 3-6. Golf Australia said Norman will also sit out his signature event in Florida, the Shark Shootout, in the week after the Australian Open.

Geoff Ogilvy, Adam Scott and John Daly are entered in the Australian Open, the second of three tournaments on the Australian late-year circuit.

The Australian Masters, featuring Tiger Woods’ first appearance in Australia since the Presidents Cup in 1998, is next week at Kingston Heath in Melbourne

Clive is the Pride of the 19th Hole

Golf International — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:00:00 GMT

‘If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again’, goes the saying and that certainly applied to Clive Bailey who has been voted the Fuller’s London Pride EGU Steward of the Year for 2009.

CLIVE BAILEY CENTRE RECEIVING IS AWARD. Picture Tom Ward

The 55 year old from Devon came out on top when the four regional winners met for the final decision over a celebratory lunch at the Fuller’s-owned The Counting House in the City of London. It was the second successive year that Clive had won the South West competition but when the final was held last year he was unfortunately on holiday, appropriately playing golf in Florida.

So it was second time lucky when the man from Willingcott Valley Golf Club was given the verdict over the other regional winners, Andy Shaw from Southport Old Links, representing the North, South East’s Angela Hall of Royal Ascot, and Tessa Byrne from Evesham, the Midland winner.

After receiving his prizes from David Spencer, Brand Marketing Manager of Fullers and Nigel Evans, chairman of the EGU, Clive said: “For the first time in my life I’m speechless. I felt I had a good chance of winning last year but not being present at the final I can understand why I didn’t. I was very proud to be the south west winner again this year and quietly confident I might do it this time.”

In their appraisal of Clive, the judges, who considered a record entry of over 600 votes in this year’s competition, emphasised his exceptional service behind the bar at Willingcott Valley, an 18 hole parkland course at Woolacombe on the north Devon coast, that he makes the clubhouse a popular place, and it’s clear that Clive is a natural host and makes an instant impression with club members and visitors. In addition to managing the bar, Clive is an excellent worker for charities, raising thousands of pounds for the local children’s hospice and successfully managing auctions when once he was known to successfully sell an empty carrier bag!!

After presenting Clive with his award David Spencer Brands Marketing Manager of Fuller’s, commented, “As the Official Beer of the EGU, London Pride is a perfect sponsor for Steward of the Year. The accolade rewards excellent standards of service, as well as innovation, dedication and commitment. Clive’s unique personality and character allows him to deliver all those qualities and we are delighted for him, Willingcott Valley and Clive’s many happy customers.”

Clive is an adopted Devonian, having moved to the south west in 1978 from his roots in the East End of London. He is an avid Leyton Orient fan and a ‘crazy collector’, a title that refers to his massive collection of golf bag-tags which adorn the Willingcott Valley clubhouse.

“I have around 660 in the collection from all over the world as well as Britain,” said Clive, who also adds that he is teetotal, something not associated with someone in his position.

Clive has been working at Willingcott Valley since the day it opened 13 years ago. He is believed to have pulled the first pint in the clubhouse, has been a member and a captain of the club as well as being its well-loved steward.

“Winning the Steward of the Year is like scoring the winning goal at Wembley,” added Clive. “I have been bombarded with cards and banners since I returned from London so it’s been quite fantastic. Boy, am I going to enjoy the coming year,” he predicted.

The London Pride EGU Steward of the Year is part of a five year deal between Fuller’s and the EGU, which supports amateur golf and provides greater recognition to clubs and their members.

Paul Casey Eager for Return to Action

Golf International — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:16:00 GMT

Britain’s world number four Paul Casey will make his first appearance since July at the World Match Play Championship in Spain on Thursday.

PAUL CASEY Picture © Getty Images

Casey returns after a rib injury which has ruled him out since the British Open and caused him to slip from first to fourth in the Race to Dubai money list.

“This is the longest I’ve been out of action and I am really eager to get back out on the course,” Casey, the 2006 World Match Play champion, told the European Tour website.

“I’ve listened to, and followed, all the medical advice and my first goal is to try to win The Race to Dubai, starting with the Volvo World Match Play.”

Following a break in 2008, the tournament debuts at the Costa del Sol’s Finca Cortesin Golf Club having previously been held at Wentworth, England since its inception in 1964.

The Race to Dubai list’s top four—leader Lee Westwood of Britain, Germany’s Martin Kaymer, Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy and Casey—have been kept apart in the 16-man line-up.

Masters champion Angela Cabrera of Argentina, Sweden’s world number seven Henrik Stenson and Colombian Camilo Villegas are also in the field.

The new format sees four groups of four players compete in a round robin over the first two days with the leading player from each group qualifying for the semi-final knock out stage.

Draw (prefix denotes seeding, British unless stated):

Group A: 1-Paul Casey, 8-Retief Goosen (South Africa), 9-Anthony Kim (U.S.), 16-Scott Strange (Australia).

Group B: 4-Sergio Garcia (Spain), 5-Martin Kaymer (Germany), 12-Robert Allenby (Australia), 13-Oliver Wilson.

Group C: 3-Henrik Stenson (Sweden), 6-Rory McIlroy, 11-Angel Cabrera (Argentina), 14-Simon Dyson.

Group D: 2-Lee Westwood, 7-Camilo Villegas (Colombia), 10-Ross Fisher, 15-Jeev Milkha Singh (India).

Strongest Ever Field Lines Up for Singapore Open

Golf International — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:15:00 GMT

The Race to Dubai heats up in Southeast Asia this week when the newly co-sanctioned Singapore Open tees off on Thursday at the city-state’s demanding Sentosa Golf Club.

DARREN CLARKE & PADRAIG HARRINGTON Picture © Getty Images

Still regarded as the flagship event on the Asian Tour, the $5 million tournament joined up with the European Tour this year and will boast its strongest ever field as the pursuit for a big payday in the Middle East next month nears its conclusion.

Marquee players such as Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Geoff Ogilvy, Padraig Harrington and K.J. Choi will also line up at island’s Serapong Course but Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee is confident he can upset the odds and emerge as champion.

“This year, my body is stronger than last year,” the former paratrooper said.

“The key this year has been my health. If I feel strong, I can play well. I played well in a couple of majors and it’s given me a lot of confidence.”

The 39-year-old Thongchai has been a big name in the region for a decade, winning two Asian Tour order of merit titles, but has made a global breakthrough this year with victories in co-sanctioned events in South Korea and Indonesia.

The Lop Buri native has seven other top-20 finishes on the European Tour this year and sits just three places outside the top 15 in the Race to Dubai rankings.

Thongchai feels the Singapore layout is perfect for his game and arrived in good shape after a finishing in a tie for 19th at the Portugal Masters two weeks ago.

“The course is very tricky but my swing is better than last time,” said Thongchai, who recovered from a disappointing opening 76 last year to finish 13th. “I’m confident of playing well, because my driver and irons are working well.

“I’ve not won three tournaments in a year before but this year I have a very good chance of achieving that goal.

“However, you need to drive the ball well around (Serapong), and hit the fairways. It’s not an easy course to score on. The greens are firm and the rough is very thick. On some holes, you have to hit away from trouble.”

Thongchai admits the players from outside the region may have better skills but feels the sweltering conditions can help level the playing field.

“The tournament is in Asia so there is good chance for an Asian to win,” he added. “We have very strong players who regularly play well in the tournament.

“It’s a good field but the weather favours Asian players. Europeans always struggle in the heat, so it’s an advantage for our players.

The last two European Tour order of merit winners, Britain’s Justin Rose and Sweden’s Robert Karlsson, as well as twice Singapore Open champion Adam Scott of Australia are also in the field.

Phil Mickelson Looking to End Season on a High Note

Golf International — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:14:00 GMT

Phil Mickelson has produced a strong finish to a turbulent year off the course and the world number two credits an improved performance on the greens for helping him end his season on a high note.

PHIL MICKELSON Picture © Getty Images

Mickelson stormed to a pair of early victories on the PGA Tour and fifth place at the U.S. Masters before his wife Amy was diagnosed with breast cancer and the popular Californian opted to put his season on hold to spend more time with his family.

A brief return to action was halted again after an emotional second-place finish at the U.S. Open to Lucas Glover in June when his mother was also diagnosed with breast cancer and Mickelson took a second sabbatical before returning to action in August.

His results improved steadily and he capped a strong end to the PGA season with last month’s win at the Tour Championship in Atlanta and by helping the U.S. team retain the Presidents Cup.

“It’s been an interesting year,” Mickelson told reporters after completing a practice round for this week’s co-sanctioned Singapore Open on Tuesday.

“The last few weeks I started to play very well but I have had some interesting things go on throughout the year that has made this year unique,” he added.

“Fortunately, I have been able to return to the course and started playing well again.

“Looking back, having won three times in the U.S., it’s been an okay year. I would have liked to have won a major and had opportunities at the U.S. Open and Masters but just couldn’t pull through.”

Mickelson is winding down his schedule with an Asian swing that takes in the Singapore Open and next week’s HSBC Champions in Shanghai and the 39-year-old has been buoyed by the positive recent results following extensive work on his short game.

“My putting has really improved. Since I began working with (swing coach) Butch Harmon I have been striking the ball better than ever, hitting it more confidently and driving the ball straighter and longer than I ever,” he said.

“However, I have not had the scores or the results because my performance on the greens has been bad over the past two years… I have not been consistently at a high level.

“Working with (putting coach) Dave Stockton has got me back the way I have always putted. I had slowly gravitated away from some of the techniques and feel I have grown up playing.

“He has reaffirmed all I believe in my short game. Hearing it from a guy has won two PGAs had validated what I knew.”

Mickelson also feels the development of golf internationally will benefit by the abridged PGA Tour season and the sport’s successful bid to be included as an Olympic event from the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

“Our season in the U.S. has been shortened and that allows many of the top players to play internationally and allows me to come here and compete,” Mickelson said.

“I am hoping this will help grow the game in addition to the Olympics.

“The Olympic Foundations will direct a lot of money towards the educating and teaching of juniors. I think the game of golf will finally get the recognition it deserves.”

Michael Jonzon Wins Again After 12 Years

Golf International — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:13:00 GMT

Michael Jonzon ended a 12-year wait for his second European Tour victory when the Swede won the Castello Masters on Sunday.

SERGIO GARCIA & MICHAEL JONZON Picture © Getty Images

The 37-year-old stayed calm to birdie the final hole at the Mediterraneo club and post a four-under-par 67 for a 20-under total of 264, one stroke better than Germany’s Martin Kaymer and Swede Christian Nilsson.

Since he won the 1997 Portuguese Open, Jonzon’s career has failed to take off. But Sunday’s victory moved him from 158th on the money-list to 65th and in with a chance of playing next month’s lucrative Dubai World Championship.

“I was so proud of myself holing that putt on the last,” he told Reuters. “I was determined not to let the win get away from me.

“Life has been desperate at times and I came here looking at playing at the qualifying school.”

It looked as though Jonzon would run away with it going into the back nine after chalking up an eagle and three birdies in six holes to the turn.

Three dropped shots in three holes coming home, though, provided a nervous ending for the Swede.

Jonzon went to the 18th tied with Nilsson, who was already in the clubhouse, and Kaymer, one of his playing partners.

An 18-foot putt, while Kaymer missed from half that length, then earned Jonzon the $495,000 first prize.

Kaymer slumped six strokes behind the Swede after double-bogeying the 13th. But the 24-year-old German, back after a nine-week injury absence, came roaring back.

While he made ground on Race to Dubai money list leader Lee Westwood, joint second place here was not quite enough for Kaymer to regain top spot.

“I came here not knowing what to expect after such a long time off so this is very encouraging,” he said.

Holder and tournament host Sergio Garcia (69) was the title favourite going into the final round but he was hampered by sickness and needed medical attention on the course.

The world number 10 had to settle for fourth place on 267 after a double-bogey at the 12th ruined his chances.

“I tried to pump myself up but I just didn’t have any energy because of not eating,” said Garcia.

British rookie Sam Hutsby (71) briefly shared the lead when he holed out with his second shot for an eagle on the first.

The 20-year-old, playing in only his third European Tour event as a professional, finished on 270 to earn a place in next week’s Singapore Open.

Troy Matteson Wins in a Playoff

Golf International — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:09:00 GMT

Recovering from a late collapse, Troy Matteson birdied the second playoff hole to beat Jamie Lovemark and Rickie Fowler in the Frys.com Open on Sunday at Grayhawk Golf Club.

TROY MATTESON Picture © Getty Images

Matteson bogeyed the final two holes of regulation to fall into the playoff with Lovemark and Fowler, who are both seeking PGA Tour cards.

After all three players parred the first playoff hole, Matteson hit his approach within 3 feet on the 464-yard, par-4 17th hole. With shadows stretching onto the green, he rolled in the putt for his second PGA Tour win.

On the first playoff hole—the 515-yard, par-4 18th—Matteson and Fowler each reached the green in two and made easy par putts.

Lovemark got a gift when his approach splashed into a man-made lagoon, then bounced onto the slope of the green. Lovemark chipped to 3 feet and made the putt to stay alive.

The 29-year-old Matteson’s first tour victory came as a rookie in 2006, when he won the Frys.com Open in Las Vegas, now called the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open.

Fowler and Lovemark had finished their rounds when Matteson faltered on a sun-splashed afternoon in the desert.

After bogeying the 17th, Matteson (68) knocked his approach shot into a bunker on the 18th. He chipped to about 10 feet, then missed the putt to force a playoff with Fowler and Lovemark.

Fowler and Lovemark watched the drama unfold from a practice green across the lagoon from the 18th green.

Fowler (64) led briefly midway through the round, but his bogey on 18 cost him a chance to win in regulation.

Lovemark played his way into contention with a 64. He had seven birdies in regulation, five on the back nine.

Bill Lunde (66) and Tim Clark (67) tied for fourth at 16 under, and 2007 winner Mike Weir (61) and Bryce Molder (63) followed at 15 under. Weir had a chance for the fourth 59 in PGA Tour history, but parred the final three holes.

Matteson rolled into Sunday with a three-stroke lead, thanks to back-to-back 61s on Friday and Saturday—a PGA Tour record for lowest score in consecutive rounds.

For most of the day, the tourney was a duel between Fowler and Matteson, who traded salvos on Grayhawk’s Raptor Course.

Fowler entered in a five-way tie at 12 under, four strokes back of Matteson. But the 20-year-old Fowler, who turned pro after the Walker Cup last month, quickly charged into the lead.

Fowler aced the par-3, 203-yard fifth hole to go to 17 under and leapfrog Matteson. It was the fourth hole-in-one in two days.

Matteson, playing two groups behind Fowler, responded with an eagle on the par-5 fourth hole to jump back in front.

Matteson’s edge grew to two strokes with a birdie on the par-4 No. 6, and he led by two at the turn. But Fowler birdied the 10th, 11th and 12th to reclaim the lead.

Matteson tied it with a birdie on the par-5 11th.

Fowler dropped a stroke with a bogey on the par-3 13th. But he regained his composure and pulled back into a tie with a 30-foot birdie putt on the 14th.

Moments later, a roar went up behind Fowler: Matteson had answered with his own birdie on the 12th and led again.

Matteson clung to the lead as the duel moved to the final holes. With a chance to tie on 16, Fowler missed a 45-foot birdie putt by inches.

Fowler was still in the hunt until the par-4 18th, when his tee shot landed on the side of a fairway bunker. Fowler put his next shot into a bunker to the left of the green, then chipped to the fringe and narrowly missed a par-saving putt.

The victory capped a strong final two months for Matteson, who played inconsistently for much of the year.

Matteson missed the cut in 11 of his first 22 starts this season. But he found his form as the year wound down, making the cut in his final eight events and finishing in the top 20 three times.

Lucas Glover Coasts to Five Shot Grand Slam Win

Golf International — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:25:00 GMT

U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover brought a new set of irons to the PGA Grand Slam of Golf to start getting ready for next year, and it worked out beautifully in Bermuda at the PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

LUCAS GLOVER Picture © Getty Images

Glover briefly gave up the lead to British Open champion Stewart Cink until running off three straight birdies around the turn at Port Royal Golf Course and closing with a 5-under 66 for a five-shot victory.

Masters champion Angel Cabrera also had a 66 and finished second after Cink bogeyed the last hole for a 70. PGA champion Y.E. Yang, still struggling with jet lag after a flight full of delays from South Korea, shot 70 to finish last among the four major champions.

“I brought out new irons this week with the new grooves just to try and see how they work, because I wanted a couple of rounds under my belt with this new model,” Glover said. “So Nike made a good set, and I think I like them.”

A new rule changing the dimensions of grooves in irons starts next year, although it is expected to affect wedges the most, and Glover kept his old wedges in the bag this week because he didn’t want to give up too much of an advantage.

Ultimately, he won with his putter, especially the birdie putts on the ninth, 10th and 11th holes to pull away. Cink made bogey on the 12th and 13th, eliminating any drama in Bermuda.

Glover finished at 11-under 131 and earned $600,000, pushing his total for the year over $4 million.

Cabrera, who won the Grand Slam two years ago when it first moved to Bermuda, finished at 136 and made $300,000. Cink earned $250,000 and Yang took home $200,000.

For at least a couple of hours, it looked as though the 36-hole event might be headed for a playoff for the third straight year.

Cink opened with two birdies, and another birdie at No. 5 gave the British Open champion the lead. Glover’s birdie on the ninth put him in a tie for the lead as they headed to the back nine, and it was over four holes later. Glover birdied the next two holes, Cink followed with two bogeys and no one else had a serious chance of catching the U.S. Open champion.

“I had it going really well, and then I just … I don’t know, the wheels kind of fell off out there,” Cink said. “And then the bogey I made on 12, really, I just felt like the momentum just sort of dissipated completely.”

Cabrera also was in the hunt until he missed a birdie putt at No. 12 that had the makings of a two-shot swing.

“I made what I made and I missed what I missed, and I think that the 12th hole was a key there,” Cabrera said. “I went on to lose it, on the 12th hole, when Lucas had made a very important long putt for par, and I missed a short one for birdie there.”

Mike Weir Happy for Frys Open to Stay in the Desert

Golf International — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:24:00 GMT

The Frys.com Open has camped at Grayhawk Golf Course until its home course in California is ready.

Mike Weir has heard good things about the event’s future home at the Institute Golf Course in Morgan Hill, Calif. But after winning the inaugural Frys.com Open in 2007 and finishing in a fourth-place tie last year, Weir is happy the tournament has at least one more year in the desert.

“You still hate to see it leave here,” Weir said on Wednesday. “I love coming here.”

Two years ago, Weir joined dozens of Canadian fans for an impromptu toast outside the media center after his one-stroke victory over Mark Hensby. Weir celebrated his first tour victory in three years—and he hasn’t won since.

“It’s been a little bit of a drought again,” said Weir, whose best finishes this season were third in the Bob Hope Classic in January and second at Pebble Beach the following month.

This is the third year the Frys.com Open has been played on the par-70, 7,125-yard Raptor Course as part of the PGA Tour’s Fall Series. Victories and earnings in the five fall events count on tour records and in the world golf rankings.

There’s a $5 million purse, with the winner taking home $900,000.

Scottsdale is one of only two cities, along with Orlando, that hosts two PGA tour events. In February, TPC Scottsdale is home to the FBR Open, the tour’s most heavily attended tournament.

But the struggling economy has put a squeeze on Scottsdale’s two events.

The FBR Open, formerly called the Phoenix Open, is seeking a new sponsor after FBR announced it would not renew its deal after 2010.

Meanwhile, the Frys.com Open is “year-to-year” at Grayhawk, tournament director Scott Reid said. The Institute won’t be ready to host the event in 2010, he said, and organizers will consider other cities as potential hosts.

“I think that Grayhawk would continue to host this event if we wanted to stay,” Reid said. “But I think we’re just kind of going to evaluate the opportunities that might be in another market that doesn’t have a PGA Tour event already.”

The Frys.com Open drew 35,450 last year, up about 8,000 from its first year as word spread about the event. The Frys.com Open doesn’t draw the same partying throngs as the FBR Open, but that can be a bonus for golf fans.

“We feel like we’re more of a true golf-fans event,” Reid said. “It’s more about the golf tournament, seeing the players and seeing the golf than it is about being seen.”

This year’s tournament has attracted some big names in the field of 132, including Fred Couples, David Duval and Justin Leonard.

Some golfers, like Couples, Tom Lehman and Tim Clark, are playing because the course is in their neighborhood.

“They can sleep in their own bed and still play for a $5 million pursue,” Reid said.

For others, the tourney represents a chance to move up on the money list.

“You’ve still got stuff to play for,” Clark said. “A win is big. It does a lot for you.”

Just ask defending champion Cameron Beckman.

Beckman entered last year’s Frys.com Open ranked 176th on the money list and 447th in the world. He had skipped eight weeks because of back problems and was in danger of losing his tour card.

But Beckman defeated Kevin Sutherland on the second playoff hole to earn his second career victory.

Beckman’s only other tour win had come in 2001, in the Southern Farm Bureau Classic. In between victories, Beckman had to go back to Q school twice. Thanks to his victory here last year, Beckman has an exemption through 2010.

“I went through some tour schools in between (victories) and had some rough years,” the 39-year-old Beckman said. “For some of us, if you’re not playing well, you’re trying to keep a job.”

Lucas Glover Leads Grand Slam with Record Round

Golf International — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:23:00 GMT

Lucas Glover shot a course record Tuesday to dominate the first round of the PGA Grand Slam.

Glover hit six birdies and an eagle to finish at 6-under 65 at the newly renovated Port Royal Golf Course, but bogeys at Nos. 13 and 16 stopped him from taking total control of the tournament.

The U.S. Open champion owed his record-setting round to a hot putting, including monster putts of 60-plus feet on Nos. 4 and 17, which earned him the eagle and a two-shot lead over Stewart Cink.

“I played well,” Glover said. “I’m really pleased with my round. I didn’t know what to expect. I think, truthfully, not seeing the course might have helped, because we might not have known where some of the trouble was.”

Despite missing several putts on the back nine, British Open champion Cink remained confident that he could chase down Glover.

“I think the greens are, they are tricky to read,” Cink said. “I’ll maybe slightly adjust for tomorrow.”

While Glover and Cink had good rounds, Angel Cabrera and Y.E. Yang struggled. Cabrera finished five shots behind Glover, with four bogeys on the back nine. At the par-5 17th hole, Cabrera duffed two chip shots and then two-putted from 14 feet.

Yang, still recovering from the long flight from South Korea, finished with an even par 71.

“I tried my best,” Yang said. “Unfortunately, I didn’t hit under par. Fortunately, I didn’t embarrass myself by hitting over par. Hopefully, tomorrow I’ll end in on a stronger note.”

Martin Kaymer Returns After Foot Injury

Golf International — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:22:00 GMT

Talented young German Martin Kaymer will make his comeback from injury at this week’s Castello Masters in Spain.

The 24-year-old, who won back-to-back tournaments in July when he lifted the French Open and Scottish Open trophies, has been sidelined by a foot problem for seven weeks.

“I am really looking forward to getting back out on the golf course,” said Kaymer on the tour’s official website on Monday.

“My foot has healed well and the doctor has told me I am fit, to put pressure on the foot and play normally.”

Kaymer was injured in a go-karting accident and his long absence has allowed British pair Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy to overtake him in the Race to Dubai money list.

“Hopefully, I can get back to the form I was in before the accident because I was playing great and was top in the Race to Dubai,” he said.

“If I can get back to that kind of form I have a chance to win tournaments and the Race to Dubai itself. But I have to be patient and make sure I am confident my foot is 100 percent this week.”

World number 10 Sergio Garcia returns to the scene of his tear-jerking victory in Castellon last year when he defends his title at the Club de Campo del Mediterraneo where his father is the club professional.

“Winning the Castello Masters was one of the most emotional moments of my career,” said the Spaniard. “It was a dream come true and a very special victory in front of all my family, friends and members of the club where I have grown up.

“Many people came to watch that day and they made me feel they wanted me to win which is something I will never forget. I started crying during the prize giving as it was so emotional.”

The tournament starts on Thursday.

European Tour Gains Two Tournaments, Loses Three

Golf International — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:21:00 GMT

The European PGA Tour added a pair of tournaments to its 2010 schedule on Monday and left three others off the list.

The Africa Open in South Africa and the Hassan 11 Golf Trophy in Morocco were put on the schedule, while the Johnnie Walker Classic in Australia, the Malaysian Open and the Indonesian Open were missing.

The three missing events had a combined prize fund of more than $4 million in 2009.

The Africa Open, which will be co-sanctioned with the Sunshine Golf Tour, will be held at the East London Golf Club in the first week of January. In March, the Hassan 11 Golf Trophy, which dates back to 1971 and is being upgraded to Tour status, will be played at the Royal Dar-Es-salam Club in Rabat. The tournament features a new celebrity pro-am format over the first two rounds.

The Tour also said that the Race to Dubai, the European tour’s money list bonus scheme, will be in place again next season. The Race to Dubai’s future was put in doubt when Leisurecorp, the initial backers of the scheme, was hit by the recession and taken over by Nakheel Leisure, which negotiated a $5 million reduction in the prize fund.

“We are committed and proud to take our partnership with The European Tour forward into the new season,” Nakheel Leisure managing director Hamza Mustafa said. “The inaugural Race to Dubai has been a phenomenal success and I believe we are currently seeing the benefits of the new format with some impressive fields in the latter part of the season as players race to qualify for the Dubai World Championship.”

The 2010 season starts in December 2009 with two tournaments in South Africa. It then moves on to the three-event desert swing in Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Dubai in late January.