Ryan Moore continued his busy 2011 PGA Tour season with a busy off-season business season, as his newly formed RMG Golf Course Management company added another course to their stable -- Oakbrook Golf and Country Club in Lakewood, Washington.
The RMG group will run the day-to-day operations of three courses as of right now. Along with Oakbrook, they will manage Classic Country Club in Spanaway, Wa. as well as McCormick Woods in Port Orchard.
Moore and his group are looking to launch a membership driven model beginning in January of 2012. The model will ensure that every golfer at every level of play will be attracted to the course and the game.
“We want this to be a product that appeals to everyone – and not just to people who are 45 and can afford a membership and go play golf any time they want.” Said Moore of his group's 2012 plans.
“We want people to have great facilities that they can go play at a reasonable rate.”
Their membership plan will have three levels to offer their members, covering the range of the three courses they currently manage.
All access - $179 per month
One course access - $99 per month
Twilight only - $49 per month
Each membership level; which was thought up but Moore's caddies on the Tour, Jason Moore and JD Rastovski will require the members to sign a 12 month long commitment to that particular level.
Mike Moore, RMG Club’s chief executive officer. said, “Business models are broken. Municipal courses are discounting to the bottom dollar where they cannot afford to maintain them; 75 percent of private clubs are in financial trouble."
With the U.S. and global economy in the position it is in, Moore's ideas and membership driven business plan formed through RMG looks to be a driving force in golf heading into the future.
Tom Lewis welcomes new experiences in 2012
Tom Lewis, the low amateur in the at this season's Open Championship made more headlines as he won his first title as a professional at the Portugal Masters in just his third event as a pro.
The 22-year old will begin his 2012 season at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in January. As will world No. 1 Luke Donald and Tiger Woods.
Lewis actually has said; even if in a joking manner, that he would welcome the chance to tee it up along side both Donald and Woods, sometime during the event.
"The field is amazing and I’m crossing my fingers that I get paired with one of the top names, like Luke Donald or Tiger Woods at some point during the week," said Lewis before Christmas.
"Pretty much every tournament in 2012 is going to be a new experience, so being in Abu Dhabi will be great because it is a course I know well."
Lewis, though young, may get his wish to begin his first full year as a professional. Tournaments these days or more apt to pair the players with what they think will be the biggest draw or story of the week -- Gearing it towards what the fans want to see.
The 22-year old will begin his 2012 season at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in January. As will world No. 1 Luke Donald and Tiger Woods.
Lewis actually has said; even if in a joking manner, that he would welcome the chance to tee it up along side both Donald and Woods, sometime during the event.
"The field is amazing and I’m crossing my fingers that I get paired with one of the top names, like Luke Donald or Tiger Woods at some point during the week," said Lewis before Christmas.
"Pretty much every tournament in 2012 is going to be a new experience, so being in Abu Dhabi will be great because it is a course I know well."
Lewis, though young, may get his wish to begin his first full year as a professional. Tournaments these days or more apt to pair the players with what they think will be the biggest draw or story of the week -- Gearing it towards what the fans want to see.
Peter Uihlein signs with Chubby Chandler
One year removed from winning the U.S. Amateur, Peter Uihlein has decided to turn professional. He signed with famed agent Chubby Chandler of International Sports Management (ISM).
The former Oklahoma State Cowboy will make his professional debut in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship -- Playing the European Tour in 2012.
Uihlein released this statement on his decision.
"I had a great 3 1/2 years at Oklahoma State. The school and the program were great for me, and I believe I contributed to the program’s tradition."
"But I wanted to have the full calendar year to start the next chapter in my life and not start midseason. The coaches at Oklahoma State understood my decision.”
The youngster will join players including Charl Schwartzel, Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke and Louis Oosthuizen at ISM.
The former Oklahoma State Cowboy will make his professional debut in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship -- Playing the European Tour in 2012.
Uihlein released this statement on his decision.
"I had a great 3 1/2 years at Oklahoma State. The school and the program were great for me, and I believe I contributed to the program’s tradition."
"But I wanted to have the full calendar year to start the next chapter in my life and not start midseason. The coaches at Oklahoma State understood my decision.”
The youngster will join players including Charl Schwartzel, Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke and Louis Oosthuizen at ISM.
Els and Goosen among those that could miss Masters
The 2011 season has come to an end and two big names of the game could be left out of the Masters come April -- Ernie Els and Retief Goosen.
Both players having very down years, were unable to finish inside the top-50 in the Official World Golf Rankings. Which would have assured both players a spot at Augusta in 2012.
Els, fell to 56th in the ranking as Goosen resides in the 53rd spot as the last OWGR were released on Sunday for 2011.
Both players of course can still qualify for the Masters. Needing to win a PGA Tour event (except opposite WGC events) the week before the Masters.
Or, by gaining enough points to get back into the top-50 in the OWGR. Again, a week before the Masters.
Other bigger name players that are not yet in the 2012 Masters include: Ryo Ishikawa, Ben Crane, Ryan Moore, Matteo Manassero, Robert Allenby, Anthony Kim and Camilo Villegas.
Both players having very down years, were unable to finish inside the top-50 in the Official World Golf Rankings. Which would have assured both players a spot at Augusta in 2012.
Els, fell to 56th in the ranking as Goosen resides in the 53rd spot as the last OWGR were released on Sunday for 2011.
Both players of course can still qualify for the Masters. Needing to win a PGA Tour event (except opposite WGC events) the week before the Masters.
Or, by gaining enough points to get back into the top-50 in the OWGR. Again, a week before the Masters.
Other bigger name players that are not yet in the 2012 Masters include: Ryo Ishikawa, Ben Crane, Ryan Moore, Matteo Manassero, Robert Allenby, Anthony Kim and Camilo Villegas.
Sergio, a 4-iron and a water hazard
In the first round of the Thailand Golf Championship, often temperamental Spaniard Sergio Garcia decided his 4-iron needed a good cleaning.
On the par-3 eighth hole, Garcia hit a wayward tee shot on the hole and would ultimately card a double bogey en route to carding a four-over, 76.
Moments after the shot, Garcia went Roy McAvoy ala 'Tin Cup' with one of his clubs.
However, instead of breaking clubs over his knee, he launched his 4-iron off into the water hazard, giving the gallery a good laugh out of what ended up being an overall bad start for Garcia.
Garcia ended the round in a tie for 99th place, 16 shots behind the lead of Lee Westwood, who is lighting the course up in Thailand.
No word yet on if anyone retrieved Garcia's 4-iron from the hazard. But I would keep an eye on eBay the next few days, just to make sure.
On the par-3 eighth hole, Garcia hit a wayward tee shot on the hole and would ultimately card a double bogey en route to carding a four-over, 76.
Moments after the shot, Garcia went Roy McAvoy ala 'Tin Cup' with one of his clubs.
However, instead of breaking clubs over his knee, he launched his 4-iron off into the water hazard, giving the gallery a good laugh out of what ended up being an overall bad start for Garcia.
Garcia ended the round in a tie for 99th place, 16 shots behind the lead of Lee Westwood, who is lighting the course up in Thailand.
No word yet on if anyone retrieved Garcia's 4-iron from the hazard. But I would keep an eye on eBay the next few days, just to make sure.
Jeff Overton arrested on misdemeanor charges in Indiana
Jeff Overton was arrested last Saturday morning in Bloomington, Indiana for three counts of misdemeanor charges including public intoxication.
The 28-year old, who played golf at Indiana University was booked into the Monroe County jail and was released the following afternoon at noon, posting his $500 bond.
A police report said officers witnessed Overton yelling from his limousine at a group of people as his limo was blocking traffic flow in front of a local establishment on Walnut street -- Kilroy's Sports Bar.
The driver of the limo said they were outside waiting on others to emerge from the sports bar when police instructed him he could not block the flow of traffic.
Later in the evening, the limousine was pulled over after reports of Oveton yelling at several people.
Reports say that Overton refused to corporate with police after being asked to present his identification.
A police report described Overton’s behavior as “belligerent,” and he reportedly told officers “he wasn’t going to do anything.”
Officers say Overton's breath smelled of alcohol, he had glassy eyes and was slurring his speech.
Overton told the local newspaper, Herald-Times, that he plans to challenge the charges.
“I feel my rights were violated,” he told the newspaper. “I’m sitting in my own limo and got pulled out. Other than that, I’m going to let my lawyer handle it.”
Unfortunately, this is not the first time Overton has been arrested in Bloomington on public intoxication charges.
In December of 2007, he was charged with public intoxication, though the charges were eventually dropped as Overton enrolled himself in a pre-trial diversion program.
Similar charges were also dropped in 2001 and 2003 the Herald Times reports.
Quotes and police reports courtesy of Herald-Times
The 28-year old, who played golf at Indiana University was booked into the Monroe County jail and was released the following afternoon at noon, posting his $500 bond.
A police report said officers witnessed Overton yelling from his limousine at a group of people as his limo was blocking traffic flow in front of a local establishment on Walnut street -- Kilroy's Sports Bar.
The driver of the limo said they were outside waiting on others to emerge from the sports bar when police instructed him he could not block the flow of traffic.
Later in the evening, the limousine was pulled over after reports of Oveton yelling at several people.
Reports say that Overton refused to corporate with police after being asked to present his identification.
A police report described Overton’s behavior as “belligerent,” and he reportedly told officers “he wasn’t going to do anything.”
Officers say Overton's breath smelled of alcohol, he had glassy eyes and was slurring his speech.
Overton told the local newspaper, Herald-Times, that he plans to challenge the charges.
“I feel my rights were violated,” he told the newspaper. “I’m sitting in my own limo and got pulled out. Other than that, I’m going to let my lawyer handle it.”
Unfortunately, this is not the first time Overton has been arrested in Bloomington on public intoxication charges.
In December of 2007, he was charged with public intoxication, though the charges were eventually dropped as Overton enrolled himself in a pre-trial diversion program.
Similar charges were also dropped in 2001 and 2003 the Herald Times reports.
Quotes and police reports courtesy of Herald-Times
Johnson and looper Bobby Brown set for another go
Dustin Johnson on Tuesday announced that he had hired his old caddy, Bobby Brown after a short stint with Joe LaCava.
LaCava, as it's very well known is now on the bag for one Tiger Woods.
Brown on the other hand spent his time apart from Johnson, looping for PGA Tour rookie Kyle Stanley.
“I am really excited to have Bobby back on the bag,” said Johnson to the Golf Channel.
“He and I have always been tight and I appreciate his work ethic. At the end of the day, it’s about results, and four of my five wins came with Bobby at my side. We’re both expecting big things in 2012.”
I'm sure both parties in this relationship have learned from their past mistakes with each other and will make the best once again of a winning combination.
Johnson has won five times in his career -- Brown was on the bag for four of those victories.
LaCava, as it's very well known is now on the bag for one Tiger Woods.
Brown on the other hand spent his time apart from Johnson, looping for PGA Tour rookie Kyle Stanley.
“I am really excited to have Bobby back on the bag,” said Johnson to the Golf Channel.
“He and I have always been tight and I appreciate his work ethic. At the end of the day, it’s about results, and four of my five wins came with Bobby at my side. We’re both expecting big things in 2012.”
I'm sure both parties in this relationship have learned from their past mistakes with each other and will make the best once again of a winning combination.
Johnson has won five times in his career -- Brown was on the bag for four of those victories.
Defending champion Stuart Appleby may miss Aussie Masters
Looking to defend his 2012 Australian Masters title, Aussie golfer Stuart Appleby may be forced to miss that opportunity with a nagging back injury.
On Tuesday, Appleby said his back had become so painful, that his ruined his swing and practice had become too difficult to continue.
With more rest and different treatments, Appleby hopes it will help get him well enough to be on the tee come Thursday to defend his title.
He also added that he doesn't know his body well enough or if he could make it work with a patch work swing, “or whether it’s a futile fight that I need to try another day."
The 40-year old Cohuna, Victoria native also added, "I’ll make that decision closer to the time.”
On Tuesday, Appleby said his back had become so painful, that his ruined his swing and practice had become too difficult to continue.
With more rest and different treatments, Appleby hopes it will help get him well enough to be on the tee come Thursday to defend his title.
He also added that he doesn't know his body well enough or if he could make it work with a patch work swing, “or whether it’s a futile fight that I need to try another day."
The 40-year old Cohuna, Victoria native also added, "I’ll make that decision closer to the time.”
Rory McIlroy withdraws from Thailand tournament
After battling a virus the past few weeks and traveling to Dubai to try and hinder Luke Donald from making history at the Dubai World Championship.
World No. 2 Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from the first year event, the Thailand Golf Championship.
Due to his doctor's recommendation, McIlroy will stay there in Dubai, to recover from the Dengue Fever he contracted earlier this year.
"Can't wait to not have to get up and practice or hit a shot or people telling me what to do or where to go, or just have a few weeks off would be nice," said the young Northern Ireland star.
"The doctor said don't bother getting on a flight for a few days, just completely stay in the one place for a while and just chill out.”
McIlroy; and his clubs, are now on the shelf for the rest of 2011.
World No. 2 Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from the first year event, the Thailand Golf Championship.
Due to his doctor's recommendation, McIlroy will stay there in Dubai, to recover from the Dengue Fever he contracted earlier this year.
"Can't wait to not have to get up and practice or hit a shot or people telling me what to do or where to go, or just have a few weeks off would be nice," said the young Northern Ireland star.
"The doctor said don't bother getting on a flight for a few days, just completely stay in the one place for a while and just chill out.”
McIlroy; and his clubs, are now on the shelf for the rest of 2011.
Round 1 Tee Times set for Dubai World Championship
The Dubai World Championship on the European Tour tees of tomorrow with history on the line for the World's No. 1 ranked player, Luke Donald.
The 34-year old Englishman is trying to become the first player to ever win the money titles on both the PGA and European Tours.
Rory McIlroy, who trails Donald by less than one-million pounds will try to prevent this from happening as the two will be paired together through the first two rounds at the Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Here are the complete tee time listings for round one.
Tee Time Player 1 Player 2
1 07:40 NILSSON Christian -- JAMIESON Scott
1 07:50 LAWRIE Peter -- OTTO Hennie
1 08:00 LAWRIE Paul -- MORRISON James
1 08:10 AGUILAR Felipe -- DAVIES Rhys
1 08:20 VAN ZYL Jaco -- ELS Ernie
1 08:30 OLESEN Thorbjørn -- FISHER Ross
1 08:40 GAGLI Lorenzo -- BOURDY Grégory
1 08:50 LOWRY Shane -- MOLINARI Edoardo
1 09:00 KARLSSON Robert -- LEVET Thomas
1 09:10 ROCK Robert -- HORSEY David
1 09:25 ANDERSSON HED Fredrik -- EDFORS Johan
1 09:35 LYNN David -- GOOSEN Retief
1 09:45 DONALDSON Jamie -- JACQUELIN Raphaël
1 09:55 CASEY Paul -- CABRERA-BELLO Rafael
1 10:05 MANASSERO Matteo -- FOSTER Mark
1 10:15 YANG Y. E. -- COETZEE George
1 10:25 RAMSAY Richie -- HAVRET Grégory
1 10:35 MOLINARI Francesco -- HOEY Michael
1 10:45 POULTER Ian -- LUITEN Joost
1 10:55 QUIROS Alvaro -- AIKEN Thomas
1 11:10 LARRAZÁBAL Pablo -- COLSAERTS Nicolas
1 11:20 HANSON Peter -- FDEZ-CASTAÑO Gonzalo
1 11:30 MCDOWELL Graeme -- OOSTHUIZEN Louis
1 11:40 NOREN Alexander -- JIMÉNEZ Miguel Angel
1 11:50 CLARKE Darren -- DYSON Simon
1 12:00 BJÖRN Thomas -- GARCIA Sergio
1 12:10 HANSEN Anders -- WESTWOOD Lee
1 12:20 SCHWARTZEL Charl -- KAYMER Martin
1 12:30 MCILROY Rory -- DONALD Luke
The 34-year old Englishman is trying to become the first player to ever win the money titles on both the PGA and European Tours.
Rory McIlroy, who trails Donald by less than one-million pounds will try to prevent this from happening as the two will be paired together through the first two rounds at the Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Here are the complete tee time listings for round one.
Tee Time Player 1 Player 2
1 07:40 NILSSON Christian -- JAMIESON Scott
1 07:50 LAWRIE Peter -- OTTO Hennie
1 08:00 LAWRIE Paul -- MORRISON James
1 08:10 AGUILAR Felipe -- DAVIES Rhys
1 08:20 VAN ZYL Jaco -- ELS Ernie
1 08:30 OLESEN Thorbjørn -- FISHER Ross
1 08:40 GAGLI Lorenzo -- BOURDY Grégory
1 08:50 LOWRY Shane -- MOLINARI Edoardo
1 09:00 KARLSSON Robert -- LEVET Thomas
1 09:10 ROCK Robert -- HORSEY David
1 09:25 ANDERSSON HED Fredrik -- EDFORS Johan
1 09:35 LYNN David -- GOOSEN Retief
1 09:45 DONALDSON Jamie -- JACQUELIN Raphaël
1 09:55 CASEY Paul -- CABRERA-BELLO Rafael
1 10:05 MANASSERO Matteo -- FOSTER Mark
1 10:15 YANG Y. E. -- COETZEE George
1 10:25 RAMSAY Richie -- HAVRET Grégory
1 10:35 MOLINARI Francesco -- HOEY Michael
1 10:45 POULTER Ian -- LUITEN Joost
1 10:55 QUIROS Alvaro -- AIKEN Thomas
1 11:10 LARRAZÁBAL Pablo -- COLSAERTS Nicolas
1 11:20 HANSON Peter -- FDEZ-CASTAÑO Gonzalo
1 11:30 MCDOWELL Graeme -- OOSTHUIZEN Louis
1 11:40 NOREN Alexander -- JIMÉNEZ Miguel Angel
1 11:50 CLARKE Darren -- DYSON Simon
1 12:00 BJÖRN Thomas -- GARCIA Sergio
1 12:10 HANSEN Anders -- WESTWOOD Lee
1 12:20 SCHWARTZEL Charl -- KAYMER Martin
1 12:30 MCILROY Rory -- DONALD Luke
McIlroy under the weather heading to Dubai and duel with Donald
After his win in China at the UBS Hing Kong Open, U.S. Open Champion Rory McIlroy appeared on the Golf Channel's Morning Drive. In their traditional 'Champions Tuesday' slot.
The 22-year old Northern Irishman let out that he had in fact trying to shake a virus off now for a few weeks as he battled to chase down Luke Donald for a shot at the European Tour's money title.
"My energy levels just haven't been 100 percent. Just got more tests done today and have to wait on the results."
"But I feel fine. Need to do all I can do to catch Luke Donald."
The two-time winner in 2011 and No. 2 ranked player in the world will need to win the Dubai World Championship this week, and have Donald finish no better than ninth if he was to have any chance of taking the European money title away from the World's No. 1 ranked player.
Jokingly, McIlroy continued on to say, "You make it sound as if I'm on my last leg. It's not that bad."
Donald is trying to become the first player ever to win the money titles on both the PGA and European Tour's in the same year.
The 22-year old Northern Irishman let out that he had in fact trying to shake a virus off now for a few weeks as he battled to chase down Luke Donald for a shot at the European Tour's money title.
"My energy levels just haven't been 100 percent. Just got more tests done today and have to wait on the results."
"But I feel fine. Need to do all I can do to catch Luke Donald."
The two-time winner in 2011 and No. 2 ranked player in the world will need to win the Dubai World Championship this week, and have Donald finish no better than ninth if he was to have any chance of taking the European money title away from the World's No. 1 ranked player.
Jokingly, McIlroy continued on to say, "You make it sound as if I'm on my last leg. It's not that bad."
Donald is trying to become the first player ever to win the money titles on both the PGA and European Tour's in the same year.
Chevron drops sponsorship of Woods' event
After winning his first event in more than two years at the Chevron World Challenge. Tiger Woods found out that Chevron will no longer be sponsoring his event.
They have been the title sponsor for Woods' event for the last four years.
Since its inception in 1999, the event has had three major title sponsors in that time, Williams (1999 - 2001), Target presented by Williams (2002 - 2003), Target presented by Countrywide (2004 - 2007) and Chevron (2008 - 2011).
Though Chevron has pulled out, Sherwood Country Club has renewed its contract with the event to be the host course through the year 2015.
Greg McLaughlin, tournament directors said he feels very confident another title sponsor will be secured before next year's event.
Woods has won the event four times, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2011.
They have been the title sponsor for Woods' event for the last four years.
Since its inception in 1999, the event has had three major title sponsors in that time, Williams (1999 - 2001), Target presented by Williams (2002 - 2003), Target presented by Countrywide (2004 - 2007) and Chevron (2008 - 2011).
Though Chevron has pulled out, Sherwood Country Club has renewed its contract with the event to be the host course through the year 2015.
Greg McLaughlin, tournament directors said he feels very confident another title sponsor will be secured before next year's event.
Woods has won the event four times, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2011.
News and notes from round two of PGA Tour Q-school
Will Claxton is the leader at the 2011 PGA Tour q-school through two rounds. After sharing the lead after round one, Claxton carded a two-under 70, to get his overall total to 10-under par after two rounds of play.
Claxton finished in a tie for 139th last year at q-school. So far this year, he is having a vast improvement.
Young Harris English who made head lines earlier this year by winning the Children's Miracle Hospital Invitational as an amateur on the Nationwide Tour, is currently in a tie for second place after opening rounds of 68 and 67.
An overall score of nine-under par has English in good shape after two rounds.
Through the first two rounds of q-school, it seems the TPC Stadium course is playing the harder of the two courses at the PGA West facility in La Quinta, California.
The Nicklaus Tournament course is playing to a scoring average of 71.401 while the TPC Stadium course is playing to an average of 73.047. Almost a full two shot difference.
The weather conditions in round two took a toll on the scores as well. Only two players managed to card clean rounds -- Harris English and Matt Jones.
Claxton finished in a tie for 139th last year at q-school. So far this year, he is having a vast improvement.
Young Harris English who made head lines earlier this year by winning the Children's Miracle Hospital Invitational as an amateur on the Nationwide Tour, is currently in a tie for second place after opening rounds of 68 and 67.
An overall score of nine-under par has English in good shape after two rounds.
Through the first two rounds of q-school, it seems the TPC Stadium course is playing the harder of the two courses at the PGA West facility in La Quinta, California.
The Nicklaus Tournament course is playing to a scoring average of 71.401 while the TPC Stadium course is playing to an average of 73.047. Almost a full two shot difference.
The weather conditions in round two took a toll on the scores as well. Only two players managed to card clean rounds -- Harris English and Matt Jones.
A pair share the lead at q-school, a hole in one and major champions
Will Claxton and Daniel Summerhays posted eight-under rounds of 64 to lead after round one of six at the PGA Tour q-school in La Quinta, California.
They lead by one over Vaughn Taylor, William McGirt, Bae Sang-Moon and Billy Hurley.
Four major champions in the field, Rich Beem, Shaun Micheel, Lee Janzen and David Duval all began their q-school with even par rounds or better.
Micheel was the best of the four opening his q-school bid with a nice five-under, 67. He is currently in a T10 position after one round.
Eight players kept clean cards across the two courses in the opening round, carding no bogeys in their opening 18 holes.
Clark Dennis also fired a hole-in-one on the 192-yard par-3, 12th hole en route to his five-under, 67.
They lead by one over Vaughn Taylor, William McGirt, Bae Sang-Moon and Billy Hurley.
Four major champions in the field, Rich Beem, Shaun Micheel, Lee Janzen and David Duval all began their q-school with even par rounds or better.
Micheel was the best of the four opening his q-school bid with a nice five-under, 67. He is currently in a T10 position after one round.
Eight players kept clean cards across the two courses in the opening round, carding no bogeys in their opening 18 holes.
Clark Dennis also fired a hole-in-one on the 192-yard par-3, 12th hole en route to his five-under, 67.
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