Phil Mickelson was 6 under par, one shot off the lead, through 16 holes in Round 1 of the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai, China. He finished six back after a 1-under 71.
After starting on the 10th, and collecting six birdies to no bogeys, Mickelson hit his third shot with a wedge into the water guarding the green at the par-5 eighth. After a drop, he hit his fifth shot [another wedge] onto the green, but it spun back, past the flag and into the water. He made a quadruple bogey-nine.
Mickelson then hit his approach shot into the water on the par-4 ninth en route to a finishing bogey, and losing five shots in two holes.
Rory McIlroy leads the way after a 7-under 65.
Tim Burke wins Remax Long Drive in Record Fashion
Tim Burke won the Re/Max World Long Drive Championship Wednesday night in Las Vegas, thanks to a 427-yard shot in the final round.
Burke, a 26-year-old from Orlando, Fla., defeated 2010 champion Joe Miller of England for the $250,000 winner-take-all prize. The event took place under the lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with a total of eight contestants hitting from a custom-made platform built into the grandstands, onto a yardage grid on the racetrack infield below.
In the championship match, each player was allowed six total drives. Miller went first, hitting three shots and setting a mark of 381 yards. Burke topped him with one of 405 yards.
Burke, a 26-year-old from Orlando, Fla., defeated 2010 champion Joe Miller of England for the $250,000 winner-take-all prize. The event took place under the lights at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with a total of eight contestants hitting from a custom-made platform built into the grandstands, onto a yardage grid on the racetrack infield below.
In the championship match, each player was allowed six total drives. Miller went first, hitting three shots and setting a mark of 381 yards. Burke topped him with one of 405 yards.
Jason Dufner; a Global Golfer
Jason Dufner has been traveling the world before anyone knew who he was.
The PGA champion first went to Australia for a Nationwide Tour event. He played a Tour de las Americas event in South America. He was the ''other American'' who received a sponsor's exemption to the Australian Masters in 2009 when record crowds watched Tiger Woods win at Kingston Heath.
''I've always wanted to go play different places in the world,'' Dufner said Tuesday at the HSBC Champions. ''Some of the guys I looked up were world players – Gary Player, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh, guys like that. I think it's important for the game of golf. And now that I'm a higher-ranked player, it would be selfish for me not to do it. The game needs us to play more.''
Dufner even is contemplating European Tour membership for next year, though it might be too much on his plate.
The PGA champion first went to Australia for a Nationwide Tour event. He played a Tour de las Americas event in South America. He was the ''other American'' who received a sponsor's exemption to the Australian Masters in 2009 when record crowds watched Tiger Woods win at Kingston Heath.
''I've always wanted to go play different places in the world,'' Dufner said Tuesday at the HSBC Champions. ''Some of the guys I looked up were world players – Gary Player, Ernie Els, Vijay Singh, guys like that. I think it's important for the game of golf. And now that I'm a higher-ranked player, it would be selfish for me not to do it. The game needs us to play more.''
Dufner even is contemplating European Tour membership for next year, though it might be too much on his plate.
Possible Disciplinary Action for Dyson after DQ
Simon Dyson is facing potential disciplinary action from the European Tour after his disqualification last week at the BMW Masters.
The tour is looking into the incident, in which Dyson was clearly shown tapping down a spike mark in his line. A television viewer alerted the tour of the infraction, which merits a two-shot penalty, and Dyson was later DQ’d for signing an incorrect scorecard.
Dyson reportedly told a rules official that he had no recollection of breaking the rule, but the act was so egregious that a few members of the tour’s players’ committee were said to be “outraged,” according to a report in The Telegraph. Dyson will now review the incident with David Garland, the Euro Tour’s director of tournament operations, chief referee John Paramor and chief executive George O’Grady, and it is possible that Dyson could either be fined or suspended.
The tour is looking into the incident, in which Dyson was clearly shown tapping down a spike mark in his line. A television viewer alerted the tour of the infraction, which merits a two-shot penalty, and Dyson was later DQ’d for signing an incorrect scorecard.
Dyson reportedly told a rules official that he had no recollection of breaking the rule, but the act was so egregious that a few members of the tour’s players’ committee were said to be “outraged,” according to a report in The Telegraph. Dyson will now review the incident with David Garland, the Euro Tour’s director of tournament operations, chief referee John Paramor and chief executive George O’Grady, and it is possible that Dyson could either be fined or suspended.
New Ball & Driver for Rory McIlroy
Nike has yet to officially unveil its 2014 equipment line, but that hasn't stopped a number of staffers from showcasing the company's soon-to-be-released VR_S Covert 2.0 driver and 2014 RZN ball over the past few weeks, including two-time major winner Rory McIlroy.
McIlroy was spotted using the new VR_S Covert 2.0 Tour driver and RZN prototype ball during his exhibition match against Tiger Woods in China.
McIlroy, who switched to a VR_S Covert prototype with a pear-shaped head at the British Open, recently showed up at the Asian Tour's Kolon Korea Open with a VR_S Covert Tour 2.0 driver in the bag.
Unlike last year's VR_S Covert Tour, the 2014 version has white paint in the cavity and a TOUR emblem on the sole. Nike has yet to release full details on the new driver. Five players had Covert 2.0 Tour in the bag at the CIMB Classic, but based on the USGA's list of conforming driver heads, the company has already produced two versions of the Tour head.
Nike plans to unveil its new RZN ball next month. According to the Associated Press, the softer RZN prototype ball McIlroy was using on Monday in China prompted Woods to say "How did you do that?" after a chip.
via PGA Tour.com
McIlroy was spotted using the new VR_S Covert 2.0 Tour driver and RZN prototype ball during his exhibition match against Tiger Woods in China.
McIlroy, who switched to a VR_S Covert prototype with a pear-shaped head at the British Open, recently showed up at the Asian Tour's Kolon Korea Open with a VR_S Covert Tour 2.0 driver in the bag.
Unlike last year's VR_S Covert Tour, the 2014 version has white paint in the cavity and a TOUR emblem on the sole. Nike has yet to release full details on the new driver. Five players had Covert 2.0 Tour in the bag at the CIMB Classic, but based on the USGA's list of conforming driver heads, the company has already produced two versions of the Tour head.
Nike plans to unveil its new RZN ball next month. According to the Associated Press, the softer RZN prototype ball McIlroy was using on Monday in China prompted Woods to say "How did you do that?" after a chip.
via PGA Tour.com
PGA Tour Expanding it's Presence in China
Earlier this year in August, the PGA TOUR today announced the hiring of Greg Gilligan, an experienced executive who has been based in China the past 16 years, as Vice President, Managing Director of PGA TOUR’s affiliate in China, PGA TOUR (Beijing) Management Consulting Co Ltd. In this newly created role, Gilligan will help the PGA TOUR to increase its efforts in China, which will include working cooperatively to support the continued growth of golf in China, deepening and broadening the PGA TOUR’s relationships and advancing the TOUR’s business throughout the country.
Gilligan is scheduled to join the PGA TOUR team next month. He is a former McDonald’s executive in China who for the past three years has held the position of Managing Director for APCO China, a global communication, stakeholder engagement and business strategy firm. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Gilligan also currently serves as the Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, which is comprised of 3,800 members from 1,250 member companies.
Gilligan is scheduled to join the PGA TOUR team next month. He is a former McDonald’s executive in China who for the past three years has held the position of Managing Director for APCO China, a global communication, stakeholder engagement and business strategy firm. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Gilligan also currently serves as the Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, which is comprised of 3,800 members from 1,250 member companies.
Lydia Ko, 16, Granted Full LPGA Membership
Newly minted pro Lydia Ko will be a full-time LPGA member beginning with the 2014 season, commissioner Mike Whan announced Monday.
Ko, 16, has won twice on the LPGA and is No. 5 in the Rolex Rankings. She had filed a petition with the LPGA seeking a waiver of the tour’s age requirement of 18.
“This decision ensures that Lydia can attend all of our LPGA rookie development sessions that take place in the early part of the year,” Whan said in a release. “We are looking forward to having Lydia as a full-time member for the 2014 season. It is not often that the LPGA welcomes a rookie who is already a back-to-back LPGA tour champion.”
Ko, 16, has won twice on the LPGA and is No. 5 in the Rolex Rankings. She had filed a petition with the LPGA seeking a waiver of the tour’s age requirement of 18.
“This decision ensures that Lydia can attend all of our LPGA rookie development sessions that take place in the early part of the year,” Whan said in a release. “We are looking forward to having Lydia as a full-time member for the 2014 season. It is not often that the LPGA welcomes a rookie who is already a back-to-back LPGA tour champion.”
Mickelson's Swing Feeling Better; Stumbles with 74 in Final Round
After starting the final round only five shots back on a course filled with birdie chances, Phil Mickelson only managed a single birdie Sunday at the CIMB Classic.
Mickelson said he hit the ball the best he had all week, but his putter fell by the wayside. Mickelson had been fighting swing issues all four days, but he feels he finally turned a corner on the weekend.
"Despite the score, [this] was the best I hit it and the best the swing felt," Mickelson said. "I actually feel like I have some direction heading into next week's HSBC Champions in Shanghai, and I'm looking forward to playing it.
"It got progressively better. Unfortunately, the score today didn't reflect the fact that I played a lot better than the first three rounds, but I have something to build on now for next week."
via PGA Tour
Near the Lead; Simon Dyson DQ'd in Shanghai
European Tour veteran Simon Dyson dealt a blow to his chances to make the lucrative Race to Dubai finale when he was disqualified from this week's BMW Masters for a rules violation.
According to an Associated Press report from the tournament in Shanghai, Dyson committed the infraction during Friday's second round. After marking his ball on the eighth green, he tamped down a spot on his putting line, a violation of Rule 16-1a.
On Saturday morning, the Englishman was approached by European Tour officials, who had been informed of the rule breach. The report did not say who informed them.
Because Dyson, 35, did not include a two-stroke penalty on the hole, he was disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard.
Dyson had been in a tie for second, four shots behind Luke Guthrie.
Dyson is No. 66 on the European Tour money list, and only the top 60 are eligible for the final event in Dubai.
There are two more tournaments, the WGC-HSBC Champions and theTurkish Airlines Open, before the season finale in Dubai.
Suzann Pettersen Continues Strong Play; Winning Taiwan LPGA
Suzann Pettersen shot a 3-under 69 Sunday and held off a furious rally from Azahara Munoz to win her second consecutive Taiwan Sunrise LPGA championship.
Pettersen finished at 9-under 279, beating Munoz by five shots. The Spaniard had a final-round 70.
Pettersen birdied Nos. 13, 14 and 18 to pull away after her bogey on the par-5 No. 9 allowed Munoz to close within one stroke.
Earlier, Munoz had birdies on Nos. 4, 7 and 8, to continue her strong run of play from Saturday's round, when her 3-under 69 put her in competition for the first time. She went on to birdie the 12th before bogeys on Nos. 13 and 16 allowed Pettersen to pull away.
Chang woo-Lee headed to The Masters
Chang-woo Lee secured his spot at The Masters come April after winnhing the Asia-Pacific Amateur on Sunday.
Lee shot a 1-under 70 Sunday in the final round of the Asia-Pacific Amateur to win by three shots and secure an invitation into next year’s Masters. Lee and runner-up Shohei Hasegawa also earn spots into International Final Qualifying for the British Open.
Lee finished at 3-under 281 at Nanshan International Golf Club in Longkou City, China. Last week he finished in a tie for second at the Korean Open – along with world No. 6 Rory McIlroy – and last month he won the Dongbu Promi Open, a professional event on the Korean Tour.
Phil Mickelson: 'Yeah, it's not much better'
Just one day after the No. 3 ranked player in the World, Phil Mickelson said he could not remember his swing being this bad in his career. Said it wasn't much better in round two, though there was progress.
"Yeah, it’s not much better," Mickelson said after carding a 2-under 70 in round two.
"I don’t have the control of the swing that I’d like. I’m not sure what side I’m going to miss it on. Playing this golf course from the rough, which I did today, is extremely difficult. The rough is tough and you’re fighting for pars the whole day."
"It was closer today, the rhythm was a little bit better but technically, I've got a lot of issues."
"With the wedges, the technical flaws really don’t come through, it’s really the longer stuff," said Mickelson, who holed out a green-side bunker shot for a birdie on No. 7.
"So I can get away with it if I can manufacture a few swings into the fairway. But it felt better today, the rhythm felt a little bit better today. I won’t worry so much about technique and the technical side these next two days and just see if I can get a good rhythm with the swing and maybe I can make some birdies."
Mickelson not Pleased with Play
After carding an opening round 1-under 71 at the CIMB Classic on Thursday. Phil Mickelson had some not so nice things to say about his play.
"I can't remember swinging this bad in a long time," Mickelson told Golf Channel in an interview. "I can't find the middle of the club face. And I'm not sure if the ball is going to go dead left or snap hook right and it's a frustrating time tee to green."
"It's way off right now," he continued. "It's as far off as it's ever been."
"I'm swinging awful. I'm swinging terribly at the ball," he said. "The lead for me right now is irrelevant. It's so far off that that's the last thing on my mind, because I just don't know where the ball's going."
After trying something different on nearly every swing to try and solve the issues, Mickelson went on to say, "I would go hit balls, but I don't know what to do to try to fix it. I don't even know what to try to do."
"I can't remember swinging this bad in a long time," Mickelson told Golf Channel in an interview. "I can't find the middle of the club face. And I'm not sure if the ball is going to go dead left or snap hook right and it's a frustrating time tee to green."
"It's way off right now," he continued. "It's as far off as it's ever been."
"I'm swinging awful. I'm swinging terribly at the ball," he said. "The lead for me right now is irrelevant. It's so far off that that's the last thing on my mind, because I just don't know where the ball's going."
After trying something different on nearly every swing to try and solve the issues, Mickelson went on to say, "I would go hit balls, but I don't know what to do to try to fix it. I don't even know what to try to do."
Phil Mickelson Tours Kuala Lampur with Junior Golfers
Phil Mickelson is playing in the CIMB Classic this week for the first time in its four-year history.
But he took a break from his preparation for tournament, which is the first event ever played in Asia to offer FedExCup points, to tour Kuala Lumpur with students from the CIMB Junior Golf Development Program.
Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof, Chairman of CIMB Group, hosted the open-bus tour, which took the group to KL Tower, the highest viewpoint in the city that is open to the public, and ended at the Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin buildings in the world.
Also on the sightseeing trip was Merdeka Square, which is where the Malaysian flag was first raised on Aug. 31, 1957.
"I enjoyed my tour of the city and my visit with the junior golfers," Mickelson said. "It is awesome to see some of the milestones of Kuala Lumpur. It is a beautiful city, thanks to CIMB for hosting us here."
via PGA Tour
But he took a break from his preparation for tournament, which is the first event ever played in Asia to offer FedExCup points, to tour Kuala Lumpur with students from the CIMB Junior Golf Development Program.
Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof, Chairman of CIMB Group, hosted the open-bus tour, which took the group to KL Tower, the highest viewpoint in the city that is open to the public, and ended at the Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin buildings in the world.
Also on the sightseeing trip was Merdeka Square, which is where the Malaysian flag was first raised on Aug. 31, 1957.
"I enjoyed my tour of the city and my visit with the junior golfers," Mickelson said. "It is awesome to see some of the milestones of Kuala Lumpur. It is a beautiful city, thanks to CIMB for hosting us here."
via PGA Tour
Taylormade Expanding SLDR Club Line
TaylorMade's SLDR fairway wood has been on the PGA TOUR for less than a month, but the new line has already received high marks from a number of players, including Justin Rose and D.A. Points, who put the fairway wood in play the very first week at the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola.
Jimmy Walker became the first to win with the SLDR fairway wood when he added one to the bag for the final two rounds of the Frys.com Open and posted 62-66 to secure his first PGA TOUR title.
Similar to the SLDR driver, the new stainless steel fairway wood -- there are five lofts in the line -- has a center of gravity (CG) that's positioned lower and towards the front of the driver, reducing spin by 200 to 300 rpm and increasing the launch angle by 1 degree.
Jimmy Walker became the first to win with the SLDR fairway wood when he added one to the bag for the final two rounds of the Frys.com Open and posted 62-66 to secure his first PGA TOUR title.
Similar to the SLDR driver, the new stainless steel fairway wood -- there are five lofts in the line -- has a center of gravity (CG) that's positioned lower and towards the front of the driver, reducing spin by 200 to 300 rpm and increasing the launch angle by 1 degree.
Fourteen Golf's new Type 7 Driving Iron
Unlike Type 6, an easy-to-hit, oblong-shaped utility iron that had two adjustable weight compartments behind a removable Fourteen Golf badge in the cavity, the new Type 7 — currently being offered in 3-, 4- and 5-iron — has a traditional look and toe shape to the standard long iron.
Hideki Matsyuama WD's from Shriners
Hideki Matsuyama withdrew from the Shriners Hospitals for Children on Thursday morning because of illness. He was replaced in the field by Jim Herman.
Matsuyama, No. 29 in the Official World Golf Ranking, was coming off a career-best third-place finish at last week's Frys.com Open. Herman, who regained his TOUR card at the Web.com Tour Finals, finished T-26 at the Frys.com Open.
Herman was the fifth alternate Monday afternoon. Brice Garnett got in when Brad Fritsch withdrew with a back injury. Tyrone Van Aswegen replaced Steven Bowditch in the field. Chad Collins, the third alternate, Monday qualified into the field. Danny Lee got into the tournament when Blake Adams withdrew with a hip injury.
via PGA Tour
Matsuyama, No. 29 in the Official World Golf Ranking, was coming off a career-best third-place finish at last week's Frys.com Open. Herman, who regained his TOUR card at the Web.com Tour Finals, finished T-26 at the Frys.com Open.
Herman was the fifth alternate Monday afternoon. Brice Garnett got in when Brad Fritsch withdrew with a back injury. Tyrone Van Aswegen replaced Steven Bowditch in the field. Chad Collins, the third alternate, Monday qualified into the field. Danny Lee got into the tournament when Blake Adams withdrew with a hip injury.
via PGA Tour
PGA Championship heading overseas?
The final major of the season the PGA Championship is being talked about being held overseas. And that may come to sight sooner rather than later.
Golf World reported that the PGA of America is conducting an internal study to determine if it would be viable to take the PGA Championship overseas sometime in the next decade.
"This is an exercise we are going through, an analysis. It is far from a fait accompli that we are going to take the PGA Championship international," said PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua according to the report. "When we sat down to map our strategic plan to service our members and grow the game, the question arose as to what impact it would have to take the PGA Championship to an international location once or twice a decade."
Golf World reported that the PGA of America is conducting an internal study to determine if it would be viable to take the PGA Championship overseas sometime in the next decade.
"This is an exercise we are going through, an analysis. It is far from a fait accompli that we are going to take the PGA Championship international," said PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua according to the report. "When we sat down to map our strategic plan to service our members and grow the game, the question arose as to what impact it would have to take the PGA Championship to an international location once or twice a decade."
14-Year Old Guan; giving up on long putter
Guan Tianlang is gearing up for what he hopes is a return to the Masters.
Guan is defending champion next week at the Asia Pacific Amateur, to be played at Nanshan International Golf Club in China. The winner gets an invitation to the Masters. The 14-year-old from China not only became the youngest player in a 72-hole major, he made the cut at Augusta National despite a two-shot penalty for slow play.
Guan turns 15 during the second round of the Asia Pacific Amateur, which is stroke play. He said Tuesday more people recognize him in China, but that his Masters appearance helped accelerate growth of golf in his homeland.
Shriners Monday Qualifier Site Draws Scrutiny from Players
Monday qualifiers are a hard enough way to try and play your way into a PGA Tour event. However, this week in Las Vegas, the players received a little more than they bargained for.
98 players pegged it up on Monday at Coyote Springs Golf Club to try and earn one of four spots up for grabs in the 132 man field of the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. The course is situated about an hour from this week's tournament site, TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas.
What the players were upset with on the course, is what Jamie Lovemark tweeted -- Which were the conditions of the course. Showing that this course, was not up to the standards of a PGA Tour event. For that matter, your local scramble at the Muni down the street.
Lovemark tweeted: Picture of the Monday qualifier course @PGATOUR really??
Kyle Thompson also chimed in via twitter: That's one of the nicer greens!
98 players pegged it up on Monday at Coyote Springs Golf Club to try and earn one of four spots up for grabs in the 132 man field of the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. The course is situated about an hour from this week's tournament site, TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas.
What the players were upset with on the course, is what Jamie Lovemark tweeted -- Which were the conditions of the course. Showing that this course, was not up to the standards of a PGA Tour event. For that matter, your local scramble at the Muni down the street.
Lovemark tweeted: Picture of the Monday qualifier course @PGATOUR really??
Kyle Thompson also chimed in via twitter: That's one of the nicer greens!
McIlroy hit with counter claim in court
Over the weekend an Irish newspaper reported – yet again – that the 24-year-old and his tennis-star girlfriend, Caroline Wozniacki, have split.
And now, on Monday, it was revealed in the Dublin High Court that McIlroy will be slapped with a counter claim in his ongoing legal case against his former management company.
McIlroy is seeking to terminate his five-year deal with Horizon Sports Management, and there appears to be a dispute over the fees charged by the agency. According to multiple published reports, including the BBC, McIlroy is trying to recover 7 million euros (or more than $9.5 million) in the case.
A trial date has been set for October 2014. The case could provide a fascinating insight into the value of contracts and how they are negotiated.
Scott Jamieson ties Euro Record in Portugal Masters
Scott Jamieson shot a 60 to tie a European Tour record, finishing two strokes behind leader Paul Waring after three rounds of the Portugal Masters on Saturday.
Jamieson made 11 birdies for a 11-under total of 199. The Scot made par on the final hole after missing a putt that would have given him the unprecedented 59. Instead, he is the 18th golfer in European Tour history to shoot 60.
After sinking a birdie on the 13th hole, Jamieson told his caddie ''a few more and we could be part of history.''
''I was definitely nervous,'' Jamieson said. ''But thinking about it from the tournament point of view, the leaders are going to be a minimum of 16, 17 maybe 18 under going into tomorrow. So that kept me going from a pushing point of view.''
Waring came in with a share of the overnight lead and birdied the 16th and 17th holes on the Oceanico Victoria course to take sole possession of it.
Simon Thornton, Jamie Donaldson, and Hennie Otto are tied with Jamieson at two shots off the leader.
Chris Doak and Spaniards Pablo Larrazabal and Alvaro Quiros are another shot behind heading into Sunday's final round.
via Associate Press
George McNeill & Jimmy Walker Card 9-Under, 62's
On another perfect day in San Martin, CA. on Cordevalle Golf Club, both George McNeill and Jimmy Walker carded tournament course tying records of 9-under 65, in round three of the Frys.com Open.
McNeill made the turn at 31, after an opening nine which included four birdies on no bogeys. The former Florida State Seminole carded six birdies and one lone bogey on the back nine. Including closing his round out with four straight birdies to finish his 65.
Walker was able to over come his bogey on the par-4, 6th -- By carding five birdies on his front nine. Heading out in 31, just as McNeill did. Five birdies and a clean inward nine, with back-to-back birdies on Nos. 17 and 18 would earn him his own 65.
Both rounds produced big moves for both players.
For McNeill, it took him 19 spots up the leader board. For Walker, it was a 25 spot vault heading into Sunday's final round.
Lexi Thompson Leads after 66 in Maylasia
Lexi Thompson carded a third round 5-under 66 Saturday to take a three shot lead ahead of South Korea's Ilhee Lee after three rounds of the LPGA Maylasia.
The 18-year-old American had five birdies in her bogey free round for a 17-under par total of 196. Lee held the overnight lead but mixed three birdies with two bogeys for a 70. Suzann Pettersen was another three strokes back after a 67, tied for third with Shanshan Feng.
Thompson is aiming for her second career tour title and first since the Navistar LPGA Classic in 2011.
"I felt really well going into today, I had a good practice session before my round, so I was pretty confident," said Thompson. "Every player wants to go into the final round with a lead."
Pettersen had switched golf balls for this week and said she's hitting it longer as a result, but she struggled with her putting all day.
"I'm playing pretty steady, hitting almost 18 greens, and not making a putt. It's very hard to stay patient," Pettersen said. "Four under is pretty much the worse score I could shoot. Just glad there is one more round tomorrow. Lexi is playing great, so there's definitely a low one needed tomorrow."
The 18-year-old American had five birdies in her bogey free round for a 17-under par total of 196. Lee held the overnight lead but mixed three birdies with two bogeys for a 70. Suzann Pettersen was another three strokes back after a 67, tied for third with Shanshan Feng.
Thompson is aiming for her second career tour title and first since the Navistar LPGA Classic in 2011.
"I felt really well going into today, I had a good practice session before my round, so I was pretty confident," said Thompson. "Every player wants to go into the final round with a lead."
Pettersen had switched golf balls for this week and said she's hitting it longer as a result, but she struggled with her putting all day.
"I'm playing pretty steady, hitting almost 18 greens, and not making a putt. It's very hard to stay patient," Pettersen said. "Four under is pretty much the worse score I could shoot. Just glad there is one more round tomorrow. Lexi is playing great, so there's definitely a low one needed tomorrow."
Andres Gonzalez Posts 62 in Round Two of Frys.com Open
Andres Gonzalez vaulted up the leader board in round two of the Frys.com Open after his opening round of 74, by carding a 9-under 62 in round two at CordeValle Golf Club.
Starting his second round off of No. 10 today. Gonzales carded five birdies to make the turn at 31. Including, back-to-back birdies on Nos. 15 and 16.
The front side (his back nine) is where he really went birdie hunting.
A birdie on the par-4, 2nd would see his score go to 6-under, before a bogey on No. four would take him back to 5-under on his round.
A par on No. five would set up a birdie streak from No. six thru No. 9 for a 31 on his inward nine to card a 9-under 62 and put him currently in a tie for ninth.
Starting his second round off of No. 10 today. Gonzales carded five birdies to make the turn at 31. Including, back-to-back birdies on Nos. 15 and 16.
The front side (his back nine) is where he really went birdie hunting.
A birdie on the par-4, 2nd would see his score go to 6-under, before a bogey on No. four would take him back to 5-under on his round.
A par on No. five would set up a birdie streak from No. six thru No. 9 for a 31 on his inward nine to card a 9-under 62 and put him currently in a tie for ninth.
Robert Garrigus Cards Second Round 63
After an opening round of 70 on Thursday, Robert Garrigus made nine birdies and one bogey in round two en route to carding an 8-under 63 at the Frys.com Open. He's now at 9-under par for the tournament and currently T2 at the time of this post.
Garrigus fired a birdie frenzied 6-under 29 on the front side, making birdies on Nos. 1, 3 and 6-9. Doing so on the front is getting it done. As six of the front nine holes at CordeValle Golf Club ranked among the top seven toughest in Round one.
His back nine wasn't quite as filled with circles as his front nine. However, he did collect three birdies to one bogey. His 8-under 63, was only one stroke shy of the tournament course record, though two strokes better than his previous low number in 2013.
Garrigus is seeking his second career PGA Tour victory this week at the Frys.com Open.
Garrigus fired a birdie frenzied 6-under 29 on the front side, making birdies on Nos. 1, 3 and 6-9. Doing so on the front is getting it done. As six of the front nine holes at CordeValle Golf Club ranked among the top seven toughest in Round one.
His back nine wasn't quite as filled with circles as his front nine. However, he did collect three birdies to one bogey. His 8-under 63, was only one stroke shy of the tournament course record, though two strokes better than his previous low number in 2013.
Garrigus is seeking his second career PGA Tour victory this week at the Frys.com Open.
PGA, NBC extend Ryder Cup deal thru 2030
NBC Sports will remain the home of the Ryder Cup through 2030.
The PGA of America and NBC Sports Group announced the unprecedented move Thursday. The Ryder Cup has been televised by NBC since 1991.
“We’re excited to continue our longstanding relationship with the PGA of America and renew the Ryder Cup, one of the most prestigious properties in sports, through 2030,” said Mark Lazarus, the chairman of NBC Sports Group. “This multi-platform agreement allows our broadcast, cable, digital and regional platforms to work with the PGA on their prestigious events and important initiatives.”
The agreement includes new programming and special coverage of the Ryder Cup, including regular Ryder Cup preview shows, vignettes, features, reports and points updates on NBC and Golf Channel; a Ryder Cup documentary series on both networks; live coverage of practice rounds (first time ever); and the Ryder Cup selection show on Golf Channel.
The PGA of America and NBC Sports Group announced the unprecedented move Thursday. The Ryder Cup has been televised by NBC since 1991.
“We’re excited to continue our longstanding relationship with the PGA of America and renew the Ryder Cup, one of the most prestigious properties in sports, through 2030,” said Mark Lazarus, the chairman of NBC Sports Group. “This multi-platform agreement allows our broadcast, cable, digital and regional platforms to work with the PGA on their prestigious events and important initiatives.”
The agreement includes new programming and special coverage of the Ryder Cup, including regular Ryder Cup preview shows, vignettes, features, reports and points updates on NBC and Golf Channel; a Ryder Cup documentary series on both networks; live coverage of practice rounds (first time ever); and the Ryder Cup selection show on Golf Channel.
PGA Tour 2013: Signature Season to air on NBC Sports
The 2013 PGA TOUR season has been an unforgettable journey filled with breakthrough victories, signature performances and historic accomplishments. There was memorable drama each week, as the premiere players from around the world played their best when it mattered most.
Airing on Sunday, Oct 13 from 1-2 p.m. ET on NBC Sports, PGA TOUR 2013: Signature Season will examine the stories, people and moments that defined the year in golf and helped make this season so memorable.
Player Profiles and Features include:
Tiger Woods. Woods maintained his dominance, winning five times and re-establishing himself as the top player in the world. The 2013 PGA TOUR Player of the Year, as voted by his peers, also moved within three victories of matching Sam Snead’s TOUR career record of 82 victories.
Airing on Sunday, Oct 13 from 1-2 p.m. ET on NBC Sports, PGA TOUR 2013: Signature Season will examine the stories, people and moments that defined the year in golf and helped make this season so memorable.
Player Profiles and Features include:
Tiger Woods. Woods maintained his dominance, winning five times and re-establishing himself as the top player in the world. The 2013 PGA TOUR Player of the Year, as voted by his peers, also moved within three victories of matching Sam Snead’s TOUR career record of 82 victories.
16-Year Old Lydia Ko Turning Pro
Amateur teen phenom Lydia Ko plans to compete as a professional in the LPGA’s CME Group Titleholders next month.
Ko’s mother, Tina Hyon, told GolfChannel.com Wednesday that Lydia, 16, will make the trip to Naples, Fla., for the tour’s season-ending event, and she’s also considering a possible spot in the Lorena Ochoa Invitational in Mexico, the week before the CME Group Titleholders.
“If she plays any pro events now, she will play as a pro,” Hyon wrote GolfChannel.com in an email.
Notably, Hyon said the family has officially filed a petition with the LPGA seeking a waiver of the tour’s rule requiring members be at least 18 years old. Ko became the youngest winner of an LPGA event when she claimed the CN Canadian Women’s Open as a 15-year-old last year. She won it again this year in August.
Ko’s mother, Tina Hyon, told GolfChannel.com Wednesday that Lydia, 16, will make the trip to Naples, Fla., for the tour’s season-ending event, and she’s also considering a possible spot in the Lorena Ochoa Invitational in Mexico, the week before the CME Group Titleholders.
“If she plays any pro events now, she will play as a pro,” Hyon wrote GolfChannel.com in an email.
Notably, Hyon said the family has officially filed a petition with the LPGA seeking a waiver of the tour’s rule requiring members be at least 18 years old. Ko became the youngest winner of an LPGA event when she claimed the CN Canadian Women’s Open as a 15-year-old last year. She won it again this year in August.
Erik Compton Receives Inaugural PGA Tour Courage Award
Erik Compton received the inaugural PGA Tour Courage Award from commissioner Tim Finchem Wednesday.
Compton, in the field for this week’s Frys.com Open, is a two-time heart transplant recipient. The award is presented “to a player who, through courage and perseverance, has overcome extraordinary adversity, such as personal tragedy or debilitating injury or illness, to make a significant and meaningful contribution to the game of golf.”
"Eric's story is a remarkable one in the fact that he has overcome extraordinary odds to not only survive, but to thrive, particularly in sports," Finchem said.
Compton called it "the best award I've ever received."
Compton, in the field for this week’s Frys.com Open, is a two-time heart transplant recipient. The award is presented “to a player who, through courage and perseverance, has overcome extraordinary adversity, such as personal tragedy or debilitating injury or illness, to make a significant and meaningful contribution to the game of golf.”
"Eric's story is a remarkable one in the fact that he has overcome extraordinary odds to not only survive, but to thrive, particularly in sports," Finchem said.
Compton called it "the best award I've ever received."
Xiyu Lin Leads 2nd Stage of LPGA Q-School
Seventeen-year-old Xiyu Lin shot an opening-round, 6-under 66 Tuesday to take a one-shot lead at the second stage of LPGA Q-School.
Lin, a rookie on the Ladies European Tour, tied for 23rd at last week’s Reignwood LPGA Classic in Beijing. On Tuesday she played the Panther Course at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Fla., one of the two courses being used this week. The low 80 and ties after Friday’s fourth round will advance to the third and final stage, which will be held Dec. 4-8 at LPGA International in Daytona Beach.
One shot back of Lin is Taylor Collins (67), who is a member of the Symetra Tour. She won the Golf Channel’s Big Break Mexico.
Other notables competing in second stage include Cheyenne Woods, the niece of Tiger Woods, who opened with a 1-over 73, and Madison Pressel, the younger sister of LPGA member Morgan Pressel, who shot 74.
via LPGA Tour
Lin, a rookie on the Ladies European Tour, tied for 23rd at last week’s Reignwood LPGA Classic in Beijing. On Tuesday she played the Panther Course at Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Fla., one of the two courses being used this week. The low 80 and ties after Friday’s fourth round will advance to the third and final stage, which will be held Dec. 4-8 at LPGA International in Daytona Beach.
One shot back of Lin is Taylor Collins (67), who is a member of the Symetra Tour. She won the Golf Channel’s Big Break Mexico.
Other notables competing in second stage include Cheyenne Woods, the niece of Tiger Woods, who opened with a 1-over 73, and Madison Pressel, the younger sister of LPGA member Morgan Pressel, who shot 74.
via LPGA Tour
Stage II LPGA Q-School Set this week in Venice, Fla.
This week, 195 LPGA Tour hopefuls continue their quest to compete on the largest stage in women’s golf at Stage II of the LPGA Tour Qualifying Tournament. The top 80 players at the end of the week will earn a bid to the final stage of Q-School and a chance to earn LPGA or Symetra Tour membership for the 2014 season.
The 72-hole event will be played on the Panther and Bobcat courses at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Fla, which has hosted a stage of the LPGA Qualifying Tournament for the past 25 years. Competition will be at an all-time high as the tournament features a strong and diverse field of amateur and professional golfers who represent 34 countries and 43 states in the U.S.
Headlining this week’s field is former Purdue University standout and Stage I medalist Laura Gonzalez-Escallon, who is one of 61 amateur golfers competing in the qualifier this week. The La Hupe, Belgium native proved to be a strong competitor as she led or co-led all four rounds of Stage I of the LPGA Qualifying Tournament in Rancho Mirage, Calif., in August. She finished her week of solid play with a 12-under 267 and edged Wake Forest alum and current Ladies European Tour rookie Cheyenne Woods by three shots.
The 72-hole event will be played on the Panther and Bobcat courses at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, Fla, which has hosted a stage of the LPGA Qualifying Tournament for the past 25 years. Competition will be at an all-time high as the tournament features a strong and diverse field of amateur and professional golfers who represent 34 countries and 43 states in the U.S.
Headlining this week’s field is former Purdue University standout and Stage I medalist Laura Gonzalez-Escallon, who is one of 61 amateur golfers competing in the qualifier this week. The La Hupe, Belgium native proved to be a strong competitor as she led or co-led all four rounds of Stage I of the LPGA Qualifying Tournament in Rancho Mirage, Calif., in August. She finished her week of solid play with a 12-under 267 and edged Wake Forest alum and current Ladies European Tour rookie Cheyenne Woods by three shots.
No Ceremony in '14; HOF to Review Introduction Criteria
The World Golf Hall of Fame will forego an induction ceremony in May 2014 as it reviews how players are inducted.
In a release Monday, the Hall of Fame said the “strategic review” is ongoing, which includes an “evaluation of the criteria and process for electing/selecting all five avenues of induction and a review of the production of the annual Induction Ceremony, including date, location and presentation.”
The next induction ceremony will be held May 4, 2015.
The current criteria calls for players on the PGA Tour to be at least 40 years old, a member for 10 years, with at least 10 PGA Tour wins, two majors or two Players titles.
In a release Monday, the Hall of Fame said the “strategic review” is ongoing, which includes an “evaluation of the criteria and process for electing/selecting all five avenues of induction and a review of the production of the annual Induction Ceremony, including date, location and presentation.”
The next induction ceremony will be held May 4, 2015.
The current criteria calls for players on the PGA Tour to be at least 40 years old, a member for 10 years, with at least 10 PGA Tour wins, two majors or two Players titles.
14-Year Old Ren Okazaki makes cut on JGTO
Asian golf's crop of talented teenagers delivered another record on Friday when 14-year-old Ren Okazaki became the youngest player to make the cut in a Japan Golf Tour event.
The schoolboy fired a second round seven-over par 79 at the Tokai Classic in Aichi Prefecture to finish in a tie for 49th on six-over 150 at the Miyoshi Country Club.
Okazaki, who opened the 120,000,000 yen ($1.23 million) event with a one-under 71, bettered the previous mark held by Japan's favorite golfing son Ryo Ishikawa, who was 15 years and eight months when he won the 2007 Munsingwear Open.
Despite seven bogeys, five of which came on the back nine, Okazaki finished two shots inside the cut line and said the pressure had played a part down the stretch.
The schoolboy fired a second round seven-over par 79 at the Tokai Classic in Aichi Prefecture to finish in a tie for 49th on six-over 150 at the Miyoshi Country Club.
Okazaki, who opened the 120,000,000 yen ($1.23 million) event with a one-under 71, bettered the previous mark held by Japan's favorite golfing son Ryo Ishikawa, who was 15 years and eight months when he won the 2007 Munsingwear Open.
Despite seven bogeys, five of which came on the back nine, Okazaki finished two shots inside the cut line and said the pressure had played a part down the stretch.
President's Cup: Four Ball Pairings Announced
The 10th President's Cup begins on Thursday with six four ball matches, each with two teams from the American and International squads.
Captains Fred Couples (USA) and Nick Price (International) aligned their pairings for the first round of completion this week at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, OH.
Here are a look at the pairings and matches:
Match 1 (11:45 a.m.): Hunter Mahan and Brandt Snedeker (USA) vs Jason Day and Graham DeLaet (International)
Match 2 (11:55 a.m.): Bill Haas and Webb Simpson (USA) vs Adam Scott and Hideki Matsuyama (International)
Match 3 (12:05 p.m.): Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley (USA) vs Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel (International)
Match 4 (12:15 p.m.): Steve Stricker and Jordan Spieth (USA) vs Ernie Els and Brendon De Jonge (International)
Match 5 (12:25 p.m.): Matt Kuchar and Tiger Woods (USA) vs Angel Cabrera and Marc Leishman (International)
Match 6 (12:35 p.m.): Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson (USA) vs Branden Grace and Richard Sterne (International)
Captains Fred Couples (USA) and Nick Price (International) aligned their pairings for the first round of completion this week at Muirfield Village Golf Club in Dublin, OH.
Here are a look at the pairings and matches:
Match 1 (11:45 a.m.): Hunter Mahan and Brandt Snedeker (USA) vs Jason Day and Graham DeLaet (International)
Match 2 (11:55 a.m.): Bill Haas and Webb Simpson (USA) vs Adam Scott and Hideki Matsuyama (International)
Match 3 (12:05 p.m.): Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley (USA) vs Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel (International)
Match 4 (12:15 p.m.): Steve Stricker and Jordan Spieth (USA) vs Ernie Els and Brendon De Jonge (International)
Match 5 (12:25 p.m.): Matt Kuchar and Tiger Woods (USA) vs Angel Cabrera and Marc Leishman (International)
Match 6 (12:35 p.m.): Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson (USA) vs Branden Grace and Richard Sterne (International)
President's Cup: Jordan Spieth Aces 12th Hole
Jordan Spieth is playing in his first Presidents Cup, but the 20-year-old has wasted little time making his presence known at Muirfield Village.
Spieth upstaged the other high-powered members of his practice group, including world No. 1 Tiger Woods, Matt Kuchar and Steve Stricker. When he made an ace at the par-3, 12th hole on Wednesday.
The recently-named PGA Tour Rookie of the Year used a 7-iron at the 173-yard hole. He watched intently as the ball traveled toward the flagstick, then turned to the crowd and raised his arms into the air when the ball found the hole.
via PGA Tour
Spieth upstaged the other high-powered members of his practice group, including world No. 1 Tiger Woods, Matt Kuchar and Steve Stricker. When he made an ace at the par-3, 12th hole on Wednesday.
The recently-named PGA Tour Rookie of the Year used a 7-iron at the 173-yard hole. He watched intently as the ball traveled toward the flagstick, then turned to the crowd and raised his arms into the air when the ball found the hole.
via PGA Tour
President's Cup: Sneak Peek Perhaps at International Pairings
The International Team set out on Muirfield Village this morning for practice rounds. In what could be a peek at perhaps some pairings we may see later this week in competition.
Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel went off together first this morning. Though no big surprise pairing here. Both are South Africans, close friends and represented South Africa at the 2011 World Cup of Golf.
Jason Day and Graham DeLaet were next off the tee in their A.M. practice session. DeLaet, playing at Muirfield for the first time, has a good playing partner in Day. Who is a member of Muirfield and lives no more than 20 minutes from the club.
A pair of President Cup rookies, Richard Sterne and Branden Grace set off third. Other pairings included Ernie Els and Brendan de Jonge, Masters Champion Adam Scott and Hideki Matusuyama, Angel Cabrera and Marc Leishman.
Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel went off together first this morning. Though no big surprise pairing here. Both are South Africans, close friends and represented South Africa at the 2011 World Cup of Golf.
Jason Day and Graham DeLaet were next off the tee in their A.M. practice session. DeLaet, playing at Muirfield for the first time, has a good playing partner in Day. Who is a member of Muirfield and lives no more than 20 minutes from the club.
A pair of President Cup rookies, Richard Sterne and Branden Grace set off third. Other pairings included Ernie Els and Brendan de Jonge, Masters Champion Adam Scott and Hideki Matusuyama, Angel Cabrera and Marc Leishman.
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