DP World Tour | Smith opens three-shot lead at French Open

2023-09-22 21:05:38

Smith opens three-shot lead at French Open

England's Jordan Smith fired a seven-under-par second-round 64 to grab a three-shot lead in the French Open on Friday.

Scot Ewen Ferguson was two strokes back after his 67 with a two-shot cushion over six men tied on seven under par.

They included Frenchman Julien Brun, who hit 66, Japan's Ryo Hisatsune, Dane Rasmus Hojgaard, South African Zander Lombard, Englishman Richard Mansell and German Yannik Paul.

Smith birdied five of the first six holes and then tackled the tough back nine in 33 for a round of 64, two shots better than the next best rounds of the day.

The Englishman has made the cut in his last ten consecutive starts.

"The last few weeks have been really good, been putting lovely, so there's a lot of confidence in there," he said.

"I hit some awesome iron shots. The challenge was mainly the wind."

Overnight leader Tom Kim was a victim of the famous closing stretch at Le Golf National, which will host the 2024 Olympic golf event, finding the water on the 16th, where he made a double-bogey, and again on the last, for a treble-bogey.

Smith bogeyed the par three 16th but took the shot back with a birdie on 17.

"You've seen it in the past, those last few holes catch people out so it's more of the same. Staying aggressive, greens are soft so you can go straight at the pins," Smith said.

Robert MacIntyre, who will feature in the Ryder Cup next week, missed the cut by six shots after a second-round 77 left him six over.

- AFP

2023-09-18 07:59:56

2023-09-18 07:52:03

New Zealand's Fox wins BMW PGA Championship

New Zealand's Ryan Fox won the BMW PGA Championship with a superb final round fightback to ruin the title dreams of rising star Ludvig Aberg at Wentworth on Sunday.

Fox began the day three shots behind overnight leader Aberg and a triple-bogey seven on the third hole appeared to have taken him out of contention.

But the 36-year-old covered his last 13 holes in eight under par for a closing 67.

Fox's 18-under-par final total gave him a one-shot victory over playing partner Aaron Rai and Tyrrell Hatton.

"I don't really know what to think at the moment to be honest," Fox said after his fourth DP World Tour title.

"It's not a tournament that has treated me very well in the past, although I've loved coming here. I don't know what changed today but it's pretty special to make a birdie on the last to win.

"To have a back nine like that, especially after how I started the day, it's amazing. I played great and pretty much didn't miss a shot from the third hole onwards."

Rai missed a long eagle putt on the 18th which could have given him the title or at least forced a playoff.

World number three Jon Rahm, who had been runner-up on each of his two previous appearances at Wentworth, carded a 68 to claim fourth place on 16 under.

Sweden's Aberg, who had been seeking successive tournament victories in just his 10th event as a professional, held a two-shot lead after 54 holes.

But the 23-year-old sensation slumped to a closing 76, including two double bogeys in the space of three holes.

'Stupid mistakes'

Aberg, whose victory in the final qualifying event earned him a Ryder Cup wild card, admitted failing to close out victory would "sting for a long time".

"It was quite difficult out there and I made a few stupid mistakes where I missed on the wrong side and was a little bit too cute with the chips," he said.

"It cost me today and I'm trying to learn from it. I'm looking forward to the next time I'm in that same position."

Seven members of Europe's Ryder Cup side packed the top 10, with Rory McIlroy surging through the field with a round of 65.

McIlroy, who only made the cut thanks to a birdie on the 18th hole in near darkness on Friday, finished in a tie for seventh place before heading to Mykonos for a friend's stag do on Monday.

Asked if Europe captain Luke Donald would be pleased ahead of the clash with the United States in Rome later in September, McIlroy said: "It's awesome. We're in a good spot.

"We had a really good day in Rome on Monday, the team's been shaping up really well for the last couple of months, everyone's been in pretty good form.

"It's still almost two weeks away until the first ball is hit on the Friday morning but I'm sure you'll ask all the boys that are coming in here they are all just so excited to get to Rome and get going."

- AFP

2023-09-16 08:56:02

Leading second-round scores in the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth (GBR & IRL unless stated, par 72):

134: Ludvig Aaberg (SWE) 68-66, Sebastian Soederberg (SWE) 70-64

135: Tommy Fleetwood 69-66, Adrian Meronk (POL) 67-68, Thomas Detry (BEL) 67-68, Masahiro Kawamura (JPN) 70-65

136: Aaron Rai 69-67, Sepp Straka (AUT) 70-66

137: Tyrrell Hatton 68-69, Jorge Campillo (ESP) 67-70, Ryan Fox (NZL) 69-68, Matthew Baldwin 67-70, Connor Syme 67-70, Kim Joo-Hyung (KOR) 70-67

138: Jon Rahm (ESP) 71-67, Matthew Fitzpatrick 66-72, Billy Horschel (USA) 75-63, Min-Woo Lee (AUS) 71-67, Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) 67-71, Rikuya Hoshino (JPN) 67-71, James Morrison 67-71, Nathan Kimsey 70-68, Robin Sciot-Siegrist (FRA) 69-69

139: Viktor Hovland (NOR) 69-70, Callum Shinkwin 68-71, Richie Ramsay 66-73, Rafael Cabrera Bello (ESP) 72-67, Calum Hill 68-71

140: Shane Lowry 69-71, Vincent Norrman (SWE) 70-70, Rasmus Hoejgaard (DEN) 73-67, Romain Langasque (FRA) 69-71, Adam Scott (AUS) 71-69, Andy Sullivan 72-68, Darius van Driel (NED) 70-70

Note: Play suspended due to darkness, with second round to be finish on Saturday.

2023-09-15 09:41:05

Helligkilde takes early lead at BMW PGA Championship

Marcus Helligkilde produced a big finish at Wentworth Club to open up atwo-shot lead after day one of the BMW PGA Championship.

The Dane birdied his final three holes to sign for a 64 and move to eight underpar ahead of Scot Richie Ramsay and England's Matt Fitzpatrick, before play washalted due to fading light in the fourth Rolex Series event of the season.

All 12 members of Europe's Ryder Cup team are teeing it up this week andFitzpatrick was the best of them on Thursday, with Matthew Baldwin and JamesMorrison one shot further back at five under par alongside Spanish pair JorgeCampillo and Pablo Larrazábal, Belgian Thomas Detry, Japan's Rikuya Hoshino,Pole Adrian Meronk and Scot Connor Syme.

But it was 2021 European Challenge Tour Number One Helligkilde who stole theshow in Surrey.

He carded ten birdies en route to matching his lowest DP WorldTour round to par, as he looks to better his second-place finish in Koreaearlier this year - the best result of his DP World Tour career so far.

Ryder Cup teammates Ludvig Åberg and Tyrrell Hatton are amongst a group ofnine players at four under par, with a further three of Luke Donald's side - Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland and defending champion Shane Lowry - at threeunder, alongside European Junior Ryder Cup Captain Stephen Gallacher, RolexSeries winner Aaron Rai and a further six players.

- DP World Tour

2023-09-03 21:49:12

Ludvig Aberg storms to first DP World Tour title in Switzerland

Ludvig Aberg claimed a maiden victory in only his second DP World Tour event as a professional courtesy of a stunning finish at the Omega European Masters.

The former World Amateur Number One confirmed his status as one of golf's rising stars with a closing 64 at Crans-sur-Sierre to deny Matt Fitzpatrick a hat-trick of titles in the Swiss mountains.

Sweden's Aberg birdied four of his last five holes to finish on 19 under for the week, two ahead of compatriot Alexander Björk, with long-time leader Fitzpatrick eventually finishing in a tie for third with Scotland's Connor Syme after a bogey at the 18th.

The 29-year-old former U.S. Open Championship winner could at least console himself with a place on Luke Donald's Ryder Cup team after taking the last automatic spot via the World Points list, with Scotland's Robert MacIntyre guaranteeing a debut in Rome by claiming the last remaining European Points list place.

After a bogey at the first left him three off the pace, the 23-year-old rolled in a 14-footer for birdie on the fifth. A tee shot to five feet at the eighth and a delicate up-and-down on the ninth saw Aberg turn in 33, although he still had work to do to catch overnight leader Fitzpatrick at that stage.

Four successive pars on the inward nine looked to have ended his chances, but Aberg had other ideas as he cashed in on the back-to-back par-five 14th and 15th, rolled in a 15 footer on the 16th and stiffed his approach to tap-in range at the 17th.

Björk also finished strongly with three birdies in his last four holes to card a 66, while Syme signed for a 67 and Fitzpatrick a 69 featuring four birdies but also three bogeys – all of them coming in the last four holes.

Leading fourth and final round scores from the European Tour/DP World Tour European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre GC, Crans Montana, Switzerland on Sunday (GBR/IRL unless stated, Par 70):

261 - Ludvig Aaberg (SWE) 64-67-66-64

263 - Alexander Bjoerk (SWE) 65-64-68-66

264 - Matthew Fitzpatrick 63-65-67-69, Connor Syme 65-67-65-67

265 - Nicolai Hoejgaard (DEN) 65-67-66-67, Alex Fitzpatrick 65-65-68-67, Joost Luiten (NED) 66-66-68-65

266 - Erik van Rooyen (RSA) 66-69-66-65, Gavin Green (MAS) 63-69-68-66, Oliver Bekker (RSA) 71-62-66-67, Eddie Pepperell 63-70-66-67, Masahiro Kawamura (JPN) 63-70-68-65

267 - Adrian Meronk (POL) 67-64-70-66, Guido Migliozzi (ITA) 72-61-71-63, Soeren Kjeldsen (DEN) 66-71-65-65, Marcus Helligkilde (DEN 71-64-67-65, Ryo Hisatsune (JPN) 68-68-65-66, Adrien Saddier (FRA) 68-69-65-65, Renato Paratore (ITA) 67-64-68-68

2023-09-01 19:46:13

Fitzpatrick takes big step towards Ryder Cup spot

Matt Fitzpatrick moved closer to securing a place on Europe's Ryder Cup team by firing a five-under-par 67 to take a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the European Masters on Friday.

The former US Open champion, who was level at the top overnight, needs only to finish tied seventh or better to qualify via the world points list for the matchplay showdown in Rome ahead of Tommy Fleetwood.

The tournament in Crans-Montana is the final qualifying event before Luke Donald names his six captain's picks on Monday.

Fitzpatrick carded six birdies and just one bogey in his second round to sit atop the leaderboard ahead of Sweden's Alexander Bjork.

His younger brother, Alex Fitzpatrick, is tied for third at 10-under alongside France's Romain Langasque.

"It's weird competing for a tournament because we never did it in juniors," said Matt Fitzpatrick.

"It's going to be a nightmare for my parents."

But Alex disagreed, saying: "Our parents would probably be happy because it would mean less walking, they can walk one round instead of two."

Donald's European side will try to regain the Ryder Cup from the United States in Italy from 29 September to 1 October.

Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy, via the European points list, have already secured places in the 12-man team, as have Viktor Hovland and Tyrrell Hatton, through the world points list.

Poland's Adrian Meronk, who could qualify automatically with a win in Switzerland, charged up the leaderboard to briefly tie the lead with Fitzpatrick.

But he slipped back, dropping three shots in his final two holes.

Scotland's Robert McIntyre, who currently holds the final qualifying place on the European points list, made the cut by a single shot.

But Victor Perez and Rasmus Hojgaard's hopes of qualification ended as the Frenchman and Dane both missed out on the weekend.

- AFP

Leading second-round scores from the European Tour's European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre GC, Crans Montana, Switzerland on Friday (GBR/IRL unless stated, Par 70):

128 - Matt Fitzpatrick 63-65

129 - Alexander Bjork (SWE) 65-64

130 - Alex Fitzpatrick 65-65, Romain Langasque (FRA) 65-65

131 - Renato Paratore (ITA) 67-64, Ludvig Aberg (SWE) 64-67, Adrian Meronk (POL) 67-64

132 - Gavin Green (MAS) 63-69, Connor Syme 65-67, Nicolai Hojgaard (DEN) 65-67, Niklas Norgaard (DEN) 68-64, Joost Luiten (NED) 66-66

133 - Jordan Smith 67-66, Sebastian Soderberg (SWE) 68-65, Simon Forsstrom (SWE) 66-67, Marcus Kinhult (SWE) 67-66, Jason Scrivener (AUS) 68-65, Hennie du Plessis (RSA) 65-68, JC Ritchie (RSA) 68-65, Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 67-66, Antoine Rozner (FRA) 69-64, Guido Migliozzi (ITA) 72-61, Oliver Bekker (RSA) 71-62, Eddie Pepperell 63-70, Masahiro Kawamura (JPN) 63-70

2023-08-31 21:46:31

Fitzpatrick in large leading group in Switzerland

Two-time champion Matt Fitzpatrick was part of a six-way tie for the lead after a low-scoring opening day of the Omega European Masters.

The Englishman put on a brilliant display as he carded a bogey-free 63 that left him at seven under alongside countryman Eddie Pepperell, Dane John Axelsen, Spaniard Nacho Elvira, Malaysia's Gavin Green and Japanese Masahiro Kawamura.

Swede Ludvig Aberg, Scotland's Scott Jamieson and German Yannik Paul were then a shot off the lead at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, with more on the line than just the trophy this week in the final qualifying event for the European Ryder Cup team.

Fitzpatrick needs to finish tied seventh or better to qualify via the World Points List, while Paul will make the team via the European Points List with a win, although he could be heading to Rome with a tie for third with two others or better.

Axelsen, Elvira, Green and Kawamura all joined Fitzpatrick with blemish-free cards, while Pepperell made a single bogey on a course softened by rain with preferred lies in place.

Fitzpatrick missed the cut on his debut at this event in 2014 but then finished second and seventh in the next two editions before claiming the title back-to-back in 2017 and 2018.

He tied for 69th on his next trip up the mountains but was very much back to his brilliant best as he returned for the first time in four years and first time since he became a Major Champion at the 2022 U.S. Open.

"I played brilliant," he said.

"Only hit two bad shots, one I got away with and one I got up and down, so that’s as good as I’ve played for a while."

Leading first round scores in the European Tour/DP World Tour's European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre GC, Crans Montana, Switzerland on Thursday (GBR/IRL unless stated, Par 70):

63 - Matthew Fitzpatrick, Gavin Green (MAS), Eddie Pepperell, Masahiro Kawamura (JPN), Ignacio Elvira (ESP), John Axelsen (DEN)

64 - Yannik Paul (GER), Ludvig Aaberg (SWE), Scott Jamieson

65 - Adria Arnaus (ESP), Nicolai Hoejgaard (DEN), Miguel Angel Jimenez (ESP), Alex Fitzpatrick, Connor Syme, Romain Langasque (FRA), Alexander Bjoerk (SWE), Hennie Du Plessis (RSA), Kazuki Higa (JPN)

66 - Pablo Larrazabal (ESP), Simon Forsstroem (SWE), Kalle Samooja (FIN), Erik van Rooyen (RSA), Fabrizio Zanotti (PAR), Zander Lombard (RSA), Wil Besseling (NED), Soeren Kjeldsen (DEN), Matthias Schmid (GER), Victor Dubuisson (FRA), Joost Luiten (NED), Stephen Gallacher, Ricardo Santos (POR)

67 - Adrian Meronk (POL), Jorge Campillo (ESP), Jordan Smith, Calum Hill, Padraig Harrington, Marcel Schneider (GER), Marcus Kinhult (SWE), Aaron Cockerill (CAN), Daan Huizing (NED), Alexander Levy (FRA), Freddy Schott (GER), Martin Leth Simonsen (DEN), Michael Lorenzo-Vera (FRA), Renato Paratore (ITA)

- DP World Tour

2023-08-27 20:40:08

Clements claims maiden title at Czech Masters

Todd Clements claimed a maiden European Tour title after a bogey-free final round of 63 gave him a one-shot triumph over Matt Wallace in the Czech Masters on Sunday.

The Englishman made three hat-tricks of birdies from the first, sixth and 11th to finish at 22-under for the tournament.

Compatriot Wallace was also bogey-free on Sunday with a closing 67.

"Given the circumstances that's got to be the best round of my life," said Clements.

"I'm over the moon. I've dreamt about winning for a long time and with my birthday coming up on Tuesday I couldn't be happier."

Nicolai Hojgaard carded a 69 to finish four shots off the lead, one clear of Robert MacIntyre.

Leading fourth and final round scores in the European Tour's Czech Masters at the Albatross Golf Resort, Prague, on Sunday (GBR/IRL unless stated, Par 72):

266 - Todd Clements 65-69-69-63

267 - Matt Wallace 70-63-67-67

270 - Nicolai Hoejgaard (DEN) 65-67-69-69

271 - Robert MacIntyre 66-73-66-66, Sami Valimaki (FIN) 63-70-67-71, Nick Bachem (GER) 70-66-67-68, Ludvig Aaberg (SWE) 68-66-71-66, Fabrizio Zanotti (PAR) 67-71-65-68, Max Schmitt (GER) 65-70-68-68

272 - Yannik Paul (GER) 66-70-69-67

273 - Victor Perez (FRA) 68-68-70-67, Thorbjoern Olesen (DEN) 70-69-65-69, Edoardo Molinari (ITA) 66-69-71-67

274 - Daniel Brown 69-71-67-67, Alex Fitzpatrick 70-67-69-68, Jiri Zuska (CZE) 71-67-67-69, Wil Besseling (NED) 67-68-67-72, Alexander Bjoerk (SWE) 65-66-75-68, Niklas Noergaard Moeller (DEN) 68-70-70-66, Freddy Schott (GER) 67-69-68-70, Ryo Hisatsune (JPN) 65-69-69-71

- AFP

2023-07-16 16:42:55

McIlroy birdies last hole to win Scottish Open

Rory McIlroy sank a birdie on the last hole to seal a dramatic victory in the Scottish Open on Sunday for his first tournament win in Scotland.

The four-time major winner had seen his one-shot overnight lead evaporate on a day where 40 mph winds made scoring difficult at the Renaissance Club.

But having missed from eight feet for birdie on the par-five 16th, the Northern Irishman made no such mistake from closer range on the par-three 17th to join Scotland's Robert MacIntyre on 14 under.

McIlroy then played a stunning approach shot on the 18th before a successful 10-foot putt snatched victory from MacIntyre.

"I'm really proud," said McIlroy, who will return next week to the scene of his only British Open triumph at Hoylake in 2014 - the last of his four major titles.

"That was such a tough day, especially the back nine. To play that in four under par to win the tournament I'm really proud of how I stuck in there, hit some amazing shots down the stretch and was able to finish it off."

Victory in the 7 million Scottish Open gave McIlroy his second Rolex Series title of the year.

"It feels incredible," he added. "It's been a sort of long six months I feel since I won in Dubai. I've given myself tons of chances and hopefully, this win sort of breaks the seal for me, especially going in to next week as well."

MacIntyre had a lucky break when a wild drive on the 18th managed to find the spectator walkway. But he made the most of his good fortune with a superb approach shot that landed within four feet of the hole.

The left-hander started the final round five shots behind McIlroy but followed up on his promise to enjoy "absolutely brutal" weather, with birdies on the third and sixth holes followed by an even better eagle on the par-five 10th.

His birdie on the 14th gave MacIntyre the outright lead for the first time and he doubled his advantage on the next.

McIlroy remained in contention with a birdie on the 11th and a par save on the 12th, where the world number three thought he had missed his putt only for the ball to catch the edge of the hole and drop in.

Then, after MacIntyre bogeyed the par-five 16th, McIlroy holed from almost 40 feet on the 14th to share the lead.

MacIntyre's outstanding birdie on the 18th completed an excellent 64 and edged him back in front again.

But he was denied what would have been the biggest win of his professional career by McIlroy's fine finish over the last two holes.

Leading fourth-round scores in the Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, North Berwick on Sunday (GBR/IRL unless stated, par 70):

265 - Rory McIlroy 64-66-67-68

266 - Robert MacIntyre 67-69-66-64

270 - An Byeong-Hun (KOR) 61-70-69-70, Scottie Scheffler (USA) 68-65-67-70, David Lingmerth (SWE) 66-70-66-68

271 - Tommy Fleetwood 70-66-63-72, Kim Joo-Hyung (KOR) 66-65-67-73, JT Poston (USA) 69-66-65-71, Tyrrell Hatton 69-62-71-69, Nicolai Hojgaard (SWE) 70-63-71-67

272 - Grant Forrest 69-65-70-68

273 - Brian Harman (USA) 67-65-67-74, Shane Lowry 71-64-65-73, Max Homa (USA) 66-68-67-72, Ryan Fox (NZL) 69-67-67-70, Lee Hodges (USA) 68-69-67-69, Ewen Ferguson 66-68-70-69, Jordan Smith 68-69-68-68

274 - Corey Conners (CAN) 72-65-71-66, Tom Hoge (USA) 69-66-66-73, Sam Burns (USA) 67-65-71-71, Garrick Higgo (RSA) 67-69-70-68, Nick Taylor (CAN) 68-70-65-71, Sean Crocker (USA) 69-68-67-70

- AFP

2023-07-15 18:21:19

McIlroy says first win in Scotland overdue as he leads Scottish Open

Rory McIlroy said it was about time he won in Scotland for the first time as he took a narrow lead into the final round of the Scottish Open.

The Northern Irishman's 67 on Saturday kept the halfway leader out in front at the Renaissance Club on 13 under par, with South Korea's Tom Kim a shot behind and Tommy Fleetwood and Brian Harman another stroke further back.

World number one Scottie Scheffler and former British Open champion Shane Lowry are in a five-way tie for fifth on 10 under.

Tee times were brought forward several hours on Sunday in a bid to counter winds forecasted to be up to 40 mph.

The 34-year-old McIlroy, who will return next week to the scene of his only British Open triumph at Hoylake in 2014 - the last of his four major wins - made a fine start on Saturday by going through the first 10 holes in four under.

But he covered the last eight in one over as the top 17 players ended the day separated by just five shots.

"I felt like I played really good golf for those first 11 holes and made that first bogey on 12 and it was a little scrappy coming in from there," McIlroy said.

"But overall another solid day's play and (I) put myself into a great position going into the final day.

"There's a lot of great players behind me but it's going to be difficult for everyone. When the wind gets like that there's a lot of skill involved but it's also just attitude and trying to stay upbeat when you're probably going to get bad breaks here and there.

"The guy with the best attitude is going to have the best chance."

McIlroy, asked about the prospect of winning on Scottish soil for the first time, replied: "It would be great. I've had a lot of close calls in Opens and Dunhill Links and all sorts of stuff, but it would be fantastic.

"I remember playing my first Scottish Open at Loch Lomond in 2005. It's nice to reminisce and I've come a long way since then, but 18 years is too long for me to not pick up a trophy in this country."

Fleetwood posted a fine round of 63 on Saturday, matching his impressive closing score at the US Open, thanks to eight birdies and a lone bogey in North Berwick, where he finished fourth last year and lost out in a play-off in 2020. - AFP

2023-07-14 21:15:46

McIlroy ready for anything after going into Scottish Open lead

Rory McIlroy said he was prepared to take on the elements as well as the rest of the field after establishing a narrow lead at the halfway stage of the Scottish Open on Friday.

The Northern Irishman added a second round of 66 to his opening 64 at the Renaissance Club to be 10 under par, a shot ahead of his Ryder Cup team-mate Tyrrell Hatton and South Korea's Tom Kim.

It was another encouraging display by the 34-year-old McIlroy, who will return next week to the scene of his only British Open triumph at Hoylake in 2014 -- the last of his four major wins.

Friday's round meant that for the fifth time in his PGA Tour career -- the event is co-sanctioned with the DP World (European) Tour -- McIlroy has started a tournament with two scores of 66 or better.

Four of those previous occasions led to three tournament wins, including his British Open success of nine years ago.

"I hit the ball really well tee to green, gave myself a ton of looks (at birdie)," McIlroy said.

"Honestly it felt like four under was probably the worst I could have shot out there.

"But you know, it's swings and roundabouts. I holed a couple of long ones on Thursday to shoot a good score and then missed a couple today, but overall really pleased with how the last two days have went."

With thunderstorms forecast for Saturday afternoon, tee times have been brought forward by several hours, while winds of up to 40 mph are predicted to hit the course on Sunday.

"I don't really have any expectations," McIlroy said. "It would be silly of me to try to pick a potential target score to get to.

"So really just embrace the conditions and just sort of make the best of them."

As for the British Open, he added: "I keep saying that yes, we are all looking forward to next week, but I want to go and win this tournament over the weekend."

Earlier, Hatton gave himself a chance of a first victory in two-and-a-half years with a second round of 62.

Hatton, asked if the round had been as easy as it looked, replied: "No, it was stressful at times, as most of my rounds are.

"But very happy with the chances I gave myself."

World number one Scottie Scheffler and three-time major winner Padraig Harrington are three shots off the lead after rounds of 65 and 66 respectively, with Harrington overcoming wet and windy conditions in the first group out at 0615 GMT.

"I hit a great drive off my first hole of the day, 80 yards short of where I hit it yesterday," Harrington, 51, said.

"The marshals were a full 50 yards away from where they should have been for the first three, four holes because they had no idea how short the ball was going," the Irishman added.

Leading second-round scores in the Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, North Berwick on Friday (GBR/IRL unless noted, par 70):

130 - Rory McIlroy 64-66

131 - An Byeong-Hun (KOR) 61-70, Tyrrell Hatton 69-62, Kim Joo-Hyung (KOR) 66-65

132 - Sam Burns 67-65, Brian Harman 67-65

133 - Padraig Harrington 67-66, Nicolai Hoejgaard (DEN) 70-63, Scottie Scheffler (USA) 68-65

134 - Ewen Ferguson 66-68, Grant Forrest 69-65, Rickie Fowler (USA) 67-67, Daniel Hillier (NZL) 68-66, Max Homa (USA) 66-68, Marcel Schneider (GER) 69-65, Sebastian Soederberg (SWE) 67-67

135 - Wyndham Clark (USA) 68-67, Will Gordon (USA) 66-69, Gavin Green (MAL) 69-66, Harry Hall 71-64, Tom Hoge (USA) 69-66, Joakim Lagergren (SWE) 69-66, Romain Langasque (FRA) 70-65, Lee Kyoung-Hoon (KOR) 65-70, Shane Lowry 71-64, Thorbjoern Olesen (DEN) 67-68, JT Poston (USA) 69-66, Erik van Rooyen (RSA) 72-63

- AFP

2023-07-13 21:33:56

Scottish open underway as McIlroy would 'retire' before joining LIV Golf

Rory McIlroy has said he would retire before joining the breakaway LIV Golf tour after it emerged he had been offered a franchise in the Saudi-backed project.

A US Senate sub-committee met on Tuesday to investigate a proposed merger between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund that ended a legal battle between the tours following LIV's launch.

Documents from the hearing showed that as well as being offered franchises, Tiger Woods and McIlroy would play in 10 LIV events had they agreed to sign up.

"If LIV Golf was the last place to play golf on earth, I would retire," said McIlroy, after his six under par first round at the Scottish Open on Thursday.

"That's how I feel about it. I would play the majors, but I'd be pretty comfortable."

A number of leading players who remained loyal to the PGA Tour have been critical of PGA Tour commissioner Jay Monahan for the lack of information they were given prior to the signing of a framework agreement.

McIlroy has been an outspoken defender of the PGA Tour and again refused to criticise Monahan, who will return to work on July 17 after a month away due to a medical issue

."I've read a quote that they (the PGA Tour) were negotiating their survival. That's a very fair thing for a business to do," added McIlroy.

"I'm just apathetic towards all the noise around it. The thing I've realised, no matter what I do or say, or try to show leadership, I'm going to be just fine.

"I've tried to step up for maybe the guys that didn't have a voice early on, but I think with everything that's transpired over the last few weeks, the players are going to find themselves more and more at the table to try to get whatever it is that they want out of it."

On the course, McIlroy shot an eagle and six birdies as his round of opening 64 left him three shots off the lead.

South Korea's An Byeong-hun recorded a flawless 61 that equalled the course record at the Renaissance Club.

American Davis Riley is second on seven under.

"It's a really good start," McIlroy said.

"I've not had particularly great results around this course the last couple of times but I feel like my game is definitely in better shape now.

"I feel like I'm coming in here playing really good golf, producing good results and getting myself in contention and I'm just really trying to do the same things and adapt to the different conditions we're going to face over the next couple of weeks."

An had an even better day as he picked up nine birdies in a bogey-free round.

"I couldn't play any better," said the world number 131, who could secure himself a place at Hoylake by finishing in the top three players not to have already qualified.

"I drove it well, chipped it well, putted well."

Belgium's Thomas Detry joined McIlroy in the clubhouse on six under.

World number one Scottie Scheffler is back at two under.

Leading first round scores on Thursday in the Scottish Open at The Renaissance Club, North Berwick (GBR/IRL unless noted, par-70):

61 - An Byeong-Hun (KOR)

63 - Davis Riley (USA)

64 - Thomas Detry (BEL), Rory McIlroy

65 - Yannik Paul (GER), Lee Kyung-Hoon (KOR)

66 - Joohyung Kim (KOR), Oliver Bekker (RSA), Max Homa (USA), Will Gordon (USA), David Lingmerth (SWE), Julien Brun (FRA), Ewen Ferguson

67 - Robert MacIntyre, Eric Cole (USA), Sami Vlimki (FIN), Padraig Harrington, Thorbjoern Olesen (DEN), Sebastian Sderberg (SWE), Brian Harman (USA), Rickie Fowler (USA), Sam Burns (USA), Thriston Lawrence (RSA), Garrick Higgo (RSA)

- AFP

2023-07-09 22:20:02

Danish delight as Hojgaard wins Himmerland play-off

Rasmus Hojgaard overturned a six-stroke deficit Sunday and beat Nacho Elvira in a play-off to become the first Danish winner of the Made in Himmerland event.

Hojgaard stormed up the leaderboard with a final round of 64 that included seven birdies and one bogey, reeling in Elvira after the Spaniard shot an even-par 70.

Richie Ramsay's hopes of victory evaporated with a disastrous double bogey on the 18th hole, the Scot ending a shot back of Hojgaard and Elvira who needed six extra holes to determine the winner.

Elvira blinked first as he hit a shot out of bounds to effectively give the 22-year-old Hojgaard the title, his fourth on the European Tour.

"I'm speechless at the moment," said Hojgaard, who strengthened his case for a Ryder Cup spot.

"To be fair, I didn't think I'd end up in a play-off - it's quite amazing. To win a home event, it's amazing.

"This is better than I could ever dream of," he added.

"We've wanted a Danish winner for so long now, so to be the first one to do it is amazing."

- AFP

Leaderboard:

267 - Rasmus Hojgaard (DEN) 68 70 65 64, Ignacio Elvira (ESP) 69 62 66 70 (Hojgaard won at the sixth play-off hole)

268 - Richie Ramsay 70 64 65 69

269 - Robert MacIntyre 64 68 66 71, Kalle Samooja (FIN) 72 66 64 67, Alexander Bjork (SWE) 71 68 63 67, Marc Warren 70 64 67 68

270 - Ross Fisher 66 67 71 66, Ryo Hisatsune (JPN) 69 68 67 66

2023-07-08 06:32:17

First-round leader Robert MacIntyre was joined by Marc Warren and Richie Ramsay in a Scottish takeover of the top five of the 2023 Made in HimmerLand day two leaderboard.

While Spain’s Nacho Elvira surged to the summit with an almost flawless 62 to reach nine under par, MacIntyre was just one shot back after following up his opening 64 with a two-under-par 68.

Warren and Ramsay both shot 64 on an easier second day of scoring in Farsø to sit at six under, one behind England's Ross Fisher.

Starting on the back nine, MacIntyre kept up his momentum from Thursday – when he gained five shots in seven holes – by birdieing the 14th, 15th and 17th for the second day in succession.

He came back in 36 after a bogey at the seventh but said: “It was solid. Really good opening nine. The putter just went a wee bit cold on the back nine but, all-in-all, it was solid after yesterday’s round to come out and shoot a reasonable number.

“I don’t think the wind is going to be as strong tomorrow, not sure about Sunday but just got to keep doing the same stuff.

“Driving it well, iron play is good, and I’m rolling it nicely so try and warm the putter back up and let them have it.”

Warren won this tournament in 2014 and said: “Good memories, feelgood factor, always helps.

“Some of the signage up around the place, you see the year you’ve won, there are a few plaques around the place so it’s really nice. It’s been mentioned a few times this week so that always brings back good memories.”

His round was sparked into life immediately by birdies at the first four holes and he added: “It was nice getting out in a bit of sunshine this morning. Less wind after the battle yesterday afternoon, so it was nice to take advantage of the better conditions this morning. Got off to a really hot start.

“Got the usual kind of comments yesterday: ‘Scottish, you’ll be used to this,’ and all of that but, to be honest, speaking for myself, I don’t think there are many more fair weather golfers than me. Conditions like that, you just have to grit your teeth and get on with it.”

- DP World Tour

2023-07-06 22:22:46

Robert MacIntyre took a two-stroke first-round lead at the 2023 Made in HimmerLand with an impressive round of 64.

The Scot fired five birdies in seven holes on the back nine to reach six under par and surpass the early clubhouse leader Ross Fisher, who made 66 in the morning wind and rain on a tough day of scoring in Farsø in northern Denmark.

MacIntyre got up and running with a birdie at the second and another courtesy of a superb approach to the fifth.

He alternated bogeys and birdies around the turn, dropping shots at the eighth and tenth but birdieing the ninth and 11th, the latter after a long bobbling putt from off the green, before holing from 32 feet at the 12th.

He hit the front with another pair of back-to-back birdies thanks to a good up-and-down from beside the 14th green and a long putt at the next.

Another from seven feet at the 17th took him two clear and he said: "I'm in a good mindset just now, I just pitched up here refreshed and with a good attitude.

“It was really tough today. When I was sat in my room this morning, I was quite glad that I wasn't out there. It got a little bit nicer. Obviously, the breeze was really strong, but at least we didn't have any rain.

"It was just a mental battle out there and just had to stay positive. The dropped shots were going to happen and just had to take the chances when they came and thankfully I did that. Bit of luck here and there.

"I've been working hard on the my game the last three weeks, I've chopped and changed. There's been a lot of changes and I've kind of gone back to what I know I'm good at. I've stayed positive and I knew my game was there, just had to drive the ball a little bit better this week.

“Probably on 12 was my best moment when I hit the putt slightly too firm and it was right in the middle of the hole the whole way but I was just praying it didn't bump offline."

2023-07-03 11:28:52

Hillier makes European Tour breakthrough at British Masters

New Zealand's Daniel Hillier produced a stunning finish to win his first DP World Tour event at the British Masters on Sunday.

Hillier carded two eagles either side of a birdie between the 15th and 17th to finish on 10 under par and take the title by two shots from England's Oliver Wilson and American Gunner Wiebe.

"I'm a bit lost for words," said Hillier. "Something hit a switch, or I don't know what happened, but those last few holes will take a while to process."

All of the top three also secured their places in next month's Open Championship.

Wiebe, the world number 1 349, who had made just one cut this season before arriving at the Belfry, carded his own 66 that featured eagle, seven birdies and a triple bogey.

The American, 34, has had to battle back from a career-threatening injury when a pane of glass sliced open his arm and worked as an Uber driver during five outside of the professional game.

"For me it's a dream come true to even be in the position to play again, I never thought I would," said Wiebe, who will follow in the footsteps of his father Mark Wiebe in playing the British Open at Hoylake.

Former world number one Justin Rose finished in a share of fourth alongside Scotsmen Ewen Ferguson and Calum Hill.

- AFP

Leading fourth round scores on Sunday in the British Masters at The Belfry, England (GBR/IRL unless noted, par-72):

278 - Daniel Hillier (NZL) 72-71-69-66

280 - Gunner Wiebe (USA) 73-71-70-66, Oliver Wilson 69-70-70-71

281 - Justin Rose 65-73-74-69, Ewen Ferguson 69-71-73-68, Calum Hill 69-74-69-69

282 - Niklas Nœrgaard Moeller (DEN) 70-69-70-73

283 - Jeff Winther (DEN) 72-72-71-68, Romain Langasque (FRA) 71-70-70-72, Yannik Paul (GER) 68-71-74-70, Gavin Kyle Green (MAS) 69-74-69-71, Joost Luiten (NED) 69-72-68-74, Dan Bradbury 75-67-70-71, Alexander Björk (SWE) 70-71-73-69

2023-07-01 22:15:36

Sullivan surges into share of British Masters lead

England's Andy Sullivan said he needed "a little beer" to calm his nerves after birdies at the final two holes gave him a share of the lead heading into the final round of the British Masters.

Sullivan is joined by fellow Englishmen James Morrison and Oliver Wilson, Joost Luiten, Guido Migliozzi and Niklas Norgaard on seven under par.

There are 10 players within two shots of the lead with Maximilian Kieffer on six under and Romain Langasque, Bryce Easton and Justin Walters one shot further back.

Sullivan is the local favourite as he hails from Nuneaton, just a half hour's drive from The Belfry course in England's Midlands.

After a mixed round that included two birdies and two bogeys on the opening 16 holes, he nailed two putts for a round of 70.

"I'm absolutely buzzing," said Sullivan.

"I can't wait. I'm not going to lie, I'll probably go have a little beer right now to calm down because literally, the nerves on the last when the putt was going down, I was thinking, this could be three-putt."It's amazing. It's been so nice to see so many friendly faces out there. I'm going to enjoy it.

"I didn't get anything going all day, very steady, very solid, and then last couple of holes was sweet to finish like that."

Former world number one Justin Rose began the day in a share of the lead but slipped three shots back after a 74. - AFP

2023-06-30 21:26:57

Rose fights back to share British Masters lead

Justin Rose battled back from a poor start to his second round to grab a share of the lead at the halfway stage of the British Masters at The Belfry on Friday.

The former world number one started the day with a one-shot lead and added a one-over-par 73 to his opening 65 to sit tied with Frenchman Antoine Rozner.

Rose, the highest-ranked player in the field at 31st, was four over for the day through 11 holes but carded four birdies in his final eight holes to stay atop the leaderboard.

"If I had gone and shot 76 today, I'd have walked off and been quite bewildered because I did not play that badly but the score had slipped away from me after 10 holes and that is what it is," said 42-year-old Englishman Rose, who won the British Masters in 2002.

"Didn't appreciate that I would still be leading the golf tournament but through 36 holes I'm in a great spot."

Rose, the 2013 US Open champion, is bidding to win his 12th European Tour title but his first since the 2018 Turkish Open.

Rozner rolled in four birdies in a four-under 68 after opening with a round of 70.

There are seven players tied for third one stroke behind in a tightly-packed field, with Japan's Ryo Hisatsune and Robert MacIntyre a shot further back.

-AFP

2023-06-29 22:06:45

Justin Rose sets pace at British Masters

Justin Rose justified his billing as pre-tournament favourite by setting the pace on day one of the British Masters at The Belfry on Thursday.

The English world number 31, the top-ranked player in the field, carded eight birdies and a solitary bogey to record a seven-under-par 65 and enjoy a one-shot lead over former Ryder Cup team-mate Jamie Donaldson.

Welshman Donaldson birdied five of the last six holes in his 66, with Germany's Yannik Paul, English pair John Gough and James Morrison, Spain's Sebastian Garcia and Frenchman Adrien Saddier all on four under.

"I felt very comfortable with my game from the first shot," said former US Open champion Rose, 42, who won the British Masters in 2002.

"I hit a beautiful little wedge into the 10th hole, made a nice birdie there and I think that's the cleanest round of golf I've played in a long, long time."

Donaldson was just one under par after 12 holes of his round before picking up shots on the 13th, 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th.

"Nothing was going in, it was all a bit slow at the start and suddenly it all kicked in on the back nine," the 47-year-old said.

"Five in six holes to finish, so yeah, fantastic."

Defending champion Thorbjorn Olesen is five shots off the lead after an opening round of 70.

- AFP

2023-06-26 09:21:11

2023-06-26 09:17:00

SA's Thriston Lawrence battles to dramatic victory in Munich

South African golfer Thriston Lawrence claimed his second win of the season as he overhauled Joost Luiten on a dramatic final day in Germany to take the title at the BMW International Open.

Lawrence, 26, entered the final day at Golfclub München Eichenried four shots behind his rival but had reeled him in by the turn before back-to-back three-putts on the 12th and 13th left him two behind with five to play.

The 17th then proved critical as Lawrence hit a stunning tee-shot to set up a birdie and Luiten three-putted the par-three to drop out of the lead for the first time all day.

Lawrence parred the last for a 69 to finish at 13 under and with Luiten unable to make a birdie on the par-five, the 26-year-old was left celebrating a fourth DP World Tour title.

Luiten's closing 74 left him a shot ahead of Kiwi Daniel Hillier, Japan's Rikuya Hoshino, local favourite Maximilian Kieffer and Pole Adrian Meronk.

Lawrence was the first winner of the DP World Tour era last season at the Joburg Open and he added another title at the Omega European Masters en route to being crowned the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year.

Another win in his homeland at the South African Open Championship came at the start of this season but that was his last worldwide top 10 and Lawrence cut an emotional figure as he reflected on a fourth win in 19 months.

"It means a lot," he said, fighting back tears after becoming just the second South African to win this trophy after the great Ernie Els.

"There's been a lot of hard work. I went to America for six weeks and made one cut - this game is not easy. It was a real boost today and I really gave it my all. I feel sorry for Joost, I know how tough this game is.

"I don't know why I'm so emotional but obviously it just shows that it means the world and to get my fourth victory in Germany is unbelievable.

"I seem to win a lot of events that Ernie has won. It's special, he's obviously the ultimate hero for me. I grew up in that era where he was on top of the world and it's very special to to get my name along alongside him."

- DP World Tour

2023-06-23 21:18:39

Hillier hits the summit in Munich, SA's Schaper 4th

Daniel Hillier posted asublime five under-par round of 67 to grasp the 36-hole lead at the BMWInternational Open.

The Kiwi carded a blemish-free second round to reach nine under par and set thepace at the top of the leaderboard, one shot clear of Denmark's RasmusNeergaard-Petersen, who is making his DP World Tour debut this week.

Hillier, who graduated from the European Challenge Tour last year, made theturn at two under par after teeing off the tenth but caught fire as he headedfor home, reeling off a trio of birdies from the sixth to set what proved to bean unassailable target.

Neergaard-Petersen graduated from Oklahoma State University last month and isimpressing after receiving a late invitation to this week's event at GolfclubMünchen Eichenried.

The 23-year-old lies second after posting a round of 67,one stroke clear of Joost Luiten, from the Netherlands.

The Dutchman, who has made his last ten consecutive cuts, made the seventhhole-in-one of his career on his way to posting a six under par 66, the lowround of the day.

Marc Hammer and Marcel Schneider are the leading German players after roundtwo, sharing fourth place alongside South Africa's Jayden Schaper, FrenchmanAdrien Saddier and Finn Sami Välimäki on six under par.

The tournament's Eagles for Education initiative continued on day two inMunich, with 19 eagles resulting in another €19,000 being added to the runningtotal, which currently stands at €41,000.

- DP World Tour

2023-06-11 19:47:59

England's Dale Whitnell held off a late challenge from American Sean Crocker to claim his maiden DP World European Tour win at the Scandinavian Mixed event in Stockholm on Sunday.

Whitnell was handily placed after a closing 96-yard hole-out eagle on day one.

He kept up that momentum with a second-round 61 to leave him six shots clear at the halfway stage.

He took a four shot lead into the final round and that advantage was cut to two with two to play on Sunday as Crocker signed for a closing 65.

But a birdie at the 17th helped ease Whitnell's nerves and he closed with a par 70 and a three-shot win at 21 under.

"It feels awesome," said Whitnell.

"It's been a long road for me, I've got so many people to thank, my fiancee, my coach, my mum and dad ... this means everything to me" added the 34-year-old.

A former top amateur in England he turned professional in 2009.

He came through qualifying to tie for 60th in the 2012 British Open and his best result up to Sunday was fourth in three European Tour events.

The Netherland's Anne van Dam was the leading woman in Stockholm after a final 69 gave her a 273-par total and a share of third with German Yannik Paul, six shots off the winner who said: "It was great playing with the women". -AFP

2023-06-08 20:20:28

Paul, Nørgaard setrecord-breaking pace in Sweden, SA's De Jager one back

Niklas Nørgaard and Yannik Paul took advantage of the early conditionsto card a pair of course-record 65s and lead the way by one shot after day oneof the Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed.

The stunning Ullna Golf and Country Club is playing host to the DP World Tourfor the first time as the innovative event - co-sanctioned with the LadiesEuropean Tour - returns for its third edition.

A field of 78 men and 78 women are playing in the same groups for one prizefund and one trophy, with Linn Grant having made history as the first femalewinner of a DP World Tour event with a brilliant nine-shot victory 12 monthsago.

It was the men who had the better of it early in 2023 but Thailand's TrichatCheenglab was in the group one shot off the lead at six under alongside SouthAfrican Louis de Jager, Frenchman Frederic Lacroix and England's Dale Whitnell.

With the wind always likely to increase at the lakeside venue as the day wenton, Paul was the first player to take advantage of an early tee time, cominghome in 30 after starting on the tenth to set the target at seven under.

Nørgaard's first shot of the week was his opening tee-shot after he injured hisback water-skiing on Monday but the big-hitting Dane showed no signs ofdiscomfort as a birdie-birdie finish saw him join Paul at the top of theleaderboard.

The German is enjoying an excellent season after claiming his maiden win onMallorca in 2022, securing two runner-up finishes and sitting fifth on theEuropean Points List for the Ryder Cup.

And despite picking up five shots in the second half of his round afterstarting on the tenth, he acknowledged the course got trickier as the day wenton.

Cheenglab produced the low-round of the afternoon, with a birdie-birdie finishtaking her tally to seven for the day and leaving her a shot ahead of SpaniardAngel Hidalgo, Dane Søren Kjeldsen, German Nicolai von Dellingshausen and SouthAfrican Justin Walters.

- DP World Tour

2023-06-04 19:34:22

Northern Irish youngster McKibbin wins European Open

Tom McKibbin became the youngest Northern Irishman to win a European Tour event since Rory McIlroy with a two-shot victory at the European Open on Sunday.

The 20-year-old birdied the final hole to card a three-under-par 70 for a nine-under total in Hamburg.McKibbin, the world number 335, finished two strokes clear of France's Julien Guerrier and German pair Marcel Siem and Maximilian Kieffer.

"It probably won't sink in until tomorrow," said McKibbin.

"To have my dad here -- he comes most weeks -- is pretty special.

"To win in front of him is pretty amazing."

He grew up playing at the same Holywood golf club where four-time major champion McIlroy learned his trade.McIlroy was 19 when he won his first Tour title at the 2009 Dubai Desert Classic.

Final-round scores from the European Tour's European Open in Hamburg on Sunday (par 72/GBR & IRL unless stated):

283 - Tom McKibbin 72-69-72-70

285 - Julien Guerrier (FRA) 72-74-67-72, Marcel Siem (GER) 71-73-70-71, Maximilian Kieffer (GER) 69-71-75-70

287 - Frederic Lacroix (FRA) 73-73-71-70

288 - Alexander Bjork (SWE) 72-72-69-75, John Axelsen (DEN) 77-67-69-75, Jordan Smith 70-71-72-75, David Law 75-66-72-75

290 - Paul Waring 71-72-72-75, Connor Syme 73-77-69-71, Ricardo Gouveia (POR) 76-73-70-71, Romain Langasque (FRA) 73-75-74-68

-AFP

2023-06-03 19:07:39

Thrilling finale in store as six share lead in Hamburg

Six players share the leadon six under par going into the final round of the Porsche European Open, withJulien Guerrier moving into a share of first place with a Saturday 67.

The Frenchman started the day level par, but carded eight birdies on the PorscheNord Course at Green Eagle Golf Courses in Hamburg as he set the clubhousetarget of six under.

Guerrier is one of three players in a share of the lead seeking their maiden DPWorld Tour victories, with John Axelsen, who earned his card at Qualifying School,and Challenge Tour graduate Tom McKibbin also on six under.

Axelsen, making just his 20th start on Tour, was a member of thevictorious Danish side at the 2018 Eisenhower Trophy alongside Højgaard twinsNicolai and Rasmus - who have won five DP World Tour titles between them since2019.

Also in a share of the lead are 2017 Porsche European Open winner Jordan Smith,of England, Sweden's Alexander Björk and Scotland's David Law.

Smith will bebidding for a third DP World Tour title tomorrow, with Björk and Law bothhoping to secure their second victories.

Marcel Siem leads the home charge with the aim of becoming the first Germanwinner on home soil in 15 years.

The 42-year-old, who is just one stroke backfrom the leaders on five under, won his fifth DP World Tour title at the Indian Open in February, bridging an eight-and-a-half-year gap since his lastvictory.

- DP World Tour

2023-06-02 22:47:13

Kieffer leads at midway point of Porsche European Open

Maximilian Kieffer continued to shine on home soil as he fired a second-round 71 to lead by one shot at the halfway stage of the 2023 Porsche European Open.

German Kieffer began the day with a share of the lead after opening with a four-under-par 69, and briefly reached eight under par courtesy of four front-nine birdies on Friday morning.

He then produced a stunning par save to remain there before a late double bogey saw him head into the weekend on six under, one stroke ahead of the chasing pack.

Scot David Law, England's Jordan Smith and Northern Irishman Tom McKibbin were in a tie for second on five under.

Starting from the tenth tee, Law got off to a lightning-quick start, carding an eagle and six birdies on his front nine to turn in 30.

Two more birdies and three bogeys followed on his homeward nine as the 32-year-old signed for a 66 - the lowest round of the week so far.

Smith - who won this event in 2017 - made three birdies and a solitary bogey in his second-round 71, while McKibbin finished his 69 with a birdie after finding the 18th green in two.

Overnight co-leader Kieffer started his second round at the tenth tee and opened with a close-range birdie before making back-to-back gains on the 14th and 15th.A successful seven-foot birdie effort on the 18th green took Kieffer to the turn in 34 blows and saw him reach eight under.

After missing the green on the short fifth, Kieffer managed to get up and down for par courtesy of a sensational 12-foot putt from the fringe.

Having kept his card clean for 16 holes, Kieffer dunked his tee-shot at the par-three eighth into the water and went on to make a double bogey before closing with a par.

-DP World Tour

2023-06-01 21:31:02

Kieffer and Forsström share lead in Hamburg

Maximilian Kieffer produced front-nine fireworks in front of his home crowd as he began the 2023 Porsche European Open with a 69 to share the first-round lead with Simon Forsström.

The 32-year-old German star went birdie-eagle from the third hole at Green Eagle Golf Courses after draining successive monster putts from around 50 feet.

And after dropping a shot at the short fifth, he chipped in for a bounce-back birdie on the sixth before making three more birdies and two bogeys over the remaining 12 holes to reach four under par.

The only other player to break 70 in Thursday's first round was Swede Forsström, who made five birdies and a single bogey to join Kieffer at the summit.

Dutchman Joost Luiten was among the group another shot back after finishing his round with a hat-trick of birdies at the seventh, eighth and ninth.

Norway's Kristian Krogh Johannessen later closed his first-round 70 with four successive birdies on the other side of the course to join Luiten, Dane Marcus Helligkilde and Englishman Jordan Smith in a tie for third.

Germany's Freddy Schott briefly took over at the top following a run of five birdies in six holes on his back nine but had to settle for a 71 after carding a late triple bogey, leaving him alongside countryman Jannik de Bruyn on two under after his hole-in-one at the short second.

After starting with back-to-back pars, Kieffer's round burst into life at the third when he converted his 53-foot birdie putt to send the crowd wild.

He then repeated the trick from 49 feet with his eagle try on the fourth hole to reach three under par.

Kieffer recovered from a dropped shot on the fifth with a sensational chip-in birdie at the sixth before taking advantage of the long ninth to lead on his own.

- DP World Tour

2023-05-28 20:10:03

Late Larrazabal birdie blitz seals Dutch Open win, SA's Germishuys 3rd

Spain's Pablo Larrazabal produced a late birdie blitz to win his second title in four weeks at the Dutch Open on Sunday.

Larrazabal, 40, pulled off a big finish for a two-shot victory and a ninth European Tour title at Bernardus Golf, after also winning the Korea Championship in April.

Overnight leader Larrazabal recovered from a poor start to the final round with a series of birdies to sit in a five-way tie at the top after 12 holes.

And he finished with birdies on the 15th, 17th and 18th for a closing round of 69 and a 13 under par finish.

Fellow Spaniard Adrian Otaegui was second on 11 under after sealing his final-round 70 with a birdie.

Dane Rasmus Hojgaard and South African Deon Germishuys were in a tie for third, one stroke further back.

"It doesn't matter how fast you run at the beginning, you have to run fast at the end to win the race," said Larrazabal.

"And that's what I did. What a putt on the last. I tried to make two putts from 20 feet and suddenly I made it.

"I'm so proud of myself and so proud of my team. We struggled big time through Covid but here we are - four wins in the last 15 months. It means too much to me."

Larrazabal hopes to follow fellow Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez who won 13 European Tour titles in his 40s.

"Hopefully I do 20 per cent of what Miguel did in his forties. This is the first win of 40." - AFP

2023-05-26 20:13:32

Campillo retains control on tough day at KLM Open

Jorge Campillo displayed abattling performance to post a one under par round of 71 and take a two-strokelead into the weekend at the KLM Open.

The Spaniard moved to ten under par but saw his lead cut from three to two asscoring conditions became tougher with the wind swirling and the sun beatingdown on Bernardus Golf.

However, he kept moving in the right direction and withstood the pressureapplied by Italy's Renato Paratore, who carded a second successive 68.

Campillo's sublime opening 63 laid the groundwork for day two and after makingthe turn at level par, added a single birdie on the back nine to claim the36-hole lead for the fifth time in his DP World Tour career.

Italian Paratore is the 36-year-old's nearest challenger on eight under parafter he reeled off a trio of birdies to finish his second round.

The two-time DP World Tour winner lost his full playing privileges last yearand is without a win since his triumph at the 2020 British Masters, butis well-positioned heading into the weekend at the Netherlands' national open.

Kiwi Daniel Hillier's five under par 67 was the joint low round of the day andwas enough to move him into third place on seven under par, while Spanish duoAlejandro del Rey and Adrian Otaegui, England's Marcus Armitage and SwedeMarcus Kinhult share fourth place on six under.

Joost Luiten continues to fly the Dutch flag for the home contingent, posting alevel par 72 to join the group of nine players on five under.

- DP World Tour

2023-05-14 20:03:48Simon Forsstrom. Image: Getty

2023-05-14 20:00:51

Forsstrom wins maiden title by one shot

Sweden's Simon Forsstrom overcame late nerves to capture a maiden DP World Tour title with a one-shot victory over compatriot Jens Dantorp at the Soudal Open on Sunday.

The 34-year-old built up a three-shot lead by the turn before a double bogey at the 10th was followed by another dropped shot on the 12th.

However, he recovered with birdie putts at the 14th, 16th and 17th to take a one-shot lead down the last.He then parred the 18th to sign for a closing 69 and 17 under par for the tournament.

Dantorp finished alone in second on 16 under following his closing 67 with Denmark's Thorbjorn Olesen two shots further back in third.

"I think the course suits me very well, it's pretty tight and short," said Forsstrom.

"I won on the Challenge Tour in Belgium. It's pretty similar to Sweden, the trees and the grass, so I think I feel very at home here.

"I hope to keep proving myself, this wasn't one time."

- AFP

Leading final scores in the DP World Tour (European Tour) Soudal Open at Rinkven International GC in Antwerp, Belgium, on Sunday (GBR/IRL unless stated, Par 71):

267 - Simon Forsstrom (SWE) 64-67-67-69

268 - Jens Dantorp (SWE) 65-69-67-67

270 - Thorbjoern Olesen (DEN) 68-67-69-66

271 - Matthew Southgate 69-70-64-68, Alexander Bjoerk (SWE) 66-69-69-67, Michael Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 68-70-64-69

272 - Richie Ramsay 68-68-66-70, Thomas Detry (BEL) 67-66-66-73, James Morrison 65-69-70-68

273 - Daniel Bradbury 69-70-66-68, Aaron Cockerill (CAN) 70-70-66-67, Kim Yeong-Su (KOR) 72-64-67-70, Ryo Hisatsune (JPN) 66-71-67-69, Andrew Wilson 65-71-66-71

2023-05-13 21:26:03

Simon Forsström leads in Belgium

Simon Forsström remained in charge of the 2023 Soudal Open after holding off the challenge of home favourite Thomas Detry in round three.

Swede Forsström fired a flawless, four-under-par 67 to reach 15 under and sit one ahead of Belgian Detry, who shot a 66.

It was tight at the top throughout the day with Jens Dantorp sharing the lead for much of it. He is in a tie for third with Julien Brun while Mike Lorenzo-Vera, Richie Ramsay and Andrew Wilson are one shot further back.

Detry had been two behind at the start of the day and a poor tee-shot to the second threatened to derail him but he saved par from 20 feet after dipping a sockless foot into the hazard to play his second.

That settled any nerves and he got going after taking advantage of the par-five fifth for his first birdie of the day before making it two in a row when he rolled in a tricky downhill putt from 11 feet at the sixth.

He gave himself a good look for another gain at the seventh but the putt slipped by and Detry remained in a five-strong group at 11 under par.

Up ahead, Dantorp, who had birdied the first and the fifth, was the first to hit 12 under, smashing his tee-shot at the short par-four eighth in close and sinking the putt for eagle.

Detry soon joined him when he played the eighth, taking two putts from the back of the green for birdie.

Forsström, the overnight leader, joined the party when he reached the eighth and walked off with his first birdie of the day.

Detry missed birdie putts at the 10th and 11th and his patience was tested even more when the hooter sounded due to a threat of lightning when he was on the 12th, where an even shorter birdie attempt stayed out.

The players were off the course for more than 90 minutes and it was Forsström who got his nose back in front after the restart, rolling in a birdie at the 13th.

But Detry replied straight away, spinning his approach to the 14th to four feet and making no mistake with the putter.

Dantorp made it a three-way tie again when he reached 13 under with a birdie at the 16th but Detry's drive to the same hole landed just short of the green and he took two with the putter to hit 14 under.

Forsström refused to go away though and walked off 16 with a birdie of his own and they were two ahead when Dantorp scrapped his way to a bogey at the 17th after a poor drive.

Detry's tee shot at the penultimate hole, off to the left, put him in trouble too but he kept his card clean with a classy up-and-down.He was playing catch-up once more though when Forsström holed a birdie putt from just off the front of the 17th.

2023-05-08 10:01:16

Meronk wins in Rome after thrilling finale

Adrian Meronk held hisnerve in a breathless back-nine battle to win the ItalianOpen.

The Pole kept his composure to hold off French duo Romain Langasque and JulienGuerrier at Marco Simone Golf & Country club to win by one shot and movesto fourth in the Race to Dubai Rankings.

Meronk, who holed the winning putt at the Hero Cup in January, lifted his thirdDP World Tour title and boosted the 29-year-old's hopes of qualifying for theRyder Cup, which will take place at this course later this year in September.

Meronk and Langasque duelled on the back nine, while overnight leader Guerrierkept in touch with them in a thrilling finale.

The Pole edged ahead on the 16thhole with his fifth birdie of the day and holed a par putt from the edge of thegreen on the 17th.

Langasque's challenge had appeared to have faltered with a bogey on the 16th,but he stunningly chipped in for a birdie on the penultimate hole to keep thepressure on.

But the Pole would not falter as he birdied the 18th to sign for a 69 andfinish one shot clear of Langasque, with Guerrier a further two back.

- DP World Tour

2023-05-06 06:58:00

Pavon maintains lead as SA's Lawrence hits ace

Matthieu Pavon remains theman to catch at the halfway stage of the Italian Open afterfinishing his second round with a monster birdie putt to take a two-shot leadinto the weekend.

The Frenchman began the day two shots clear at the top of the leaderboard afterposting his lowest-ever DP World Tour round on Thursday, but found scoringsomewhat trickier on Friday despite making a lightning-quick start.

Beginning at the tenth tee, Pavon made a hat-trick of birdies on the 11th, 12thand 13th but carded three bogeys - on the 14th, 17th and eighth - beforegetting his next birdie at the ninth.

His closing gain was worth the wait, though, as the 30-year-old curled in his57-foot effort to reach nine under par.

None of the afternoon starters wereable to match Pavon's midway total, with his countryman Julien Guerrier andAdrian Otaegui his nearest challengers on seven under.

Guerrier made five birdies and three bogeys in his 69, while Otaegui notched aneagle, five birdies and three bogeys as he signed for a 67.

The crowds at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club were treated to two aces onFriday, with Thriston Lawrence winning a brand new DS 4 car at the seventh, andShubhankar Sharma making a hole-in-one on the par-three 17th.

- DP World Tour

2023-05-04 20:36:52

Pavon achieves personal milestone to lead in Rome

Matthieu Pavon fired the lowest round of his DP World Tour career on Thursday as a stunning 63 saw him open up a two-shot lead at the Italian Open.

The Frenchman opened with a sensational round, carding nine birdies and a single bogey to reach eight under par.

Pavon turned in 29 after reeling off six birdies on the front nine before adding three more gains and one bogey down the stretch.

"Nothing bad to say about today. I was really, really solid off the tee, probably only missed two fairways today - and every time it was by a few inches," said Pavon.

"The putting was amazing also. I dropped a lot of putts. I think I probably made nine putts on my front nine, which is quite funny. Everything was just excellent today.

"I was not really sure about a low, low score like this. I knew I could do great, but that great (63), I'm a bit surprised."

Maximilian Kieffer was alone in second on six under after making an eagle, five birdies and one bogey in his 65.

- DP World Tour

2023-04-30 12:36:56

Pablo Larrazábal emerges victorious after thrilling final round in South Korea

Pablo Larrazábal won the 2023 Korea Championship by two shots after producing a back-nine birdie blitz to see off a high-quality chasing pack.

A tight battle unfolded at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea on Sunday afternoon, with Larrazábal finding himself in a five-way share of the lead on nine under when he reached the turn following two front-nine birdies.

The Spaniard slipped from the summit after dropping his first shot of the round at the tenth but roared back, making four birdies in the next five holes to open up a three-shot lead.

He then safely parred his way home to complete a closing 67, finish the tournament on 12 under par and claim an eighth DP World Tour title just a couple of weeks before his 40th birthday.

Dane Marcus Helligkilde signed for a fourth-round 68 to finish in solo second on ten under, one clear of home favourite Park Sanghyun, Spain's Jorge Campillo, Dutchman Joost Luiten and Scotland's Scott Jamieson.

Larrazábal went into the final round one shot off the lead having bogeyed the 17th when he returned to complete his third round on Sunday morning.

But he took advantage of both of the front nine's par fives - the third and seventh - in round four to share the lead at the turn.

After starting the back nine with a disappointing bogey, Larrazábal bounced back with two consecutive birdies from around five feet at the 11th and 12th to grab the outright lead on ten under.

He created another good chance at the par-three 13th but was unable to convert his 15-foot putt.

A successful 20-foot birdie effort on the 14th green stretched Larrazábal's lead to two strokes before he got a lucky break at the 15th.

His tee-shot appeared to be going out of bounds but a fortuitous bounce sent the ball back down the slope and onto the cart path.

He made the most of his break, using his second shot to get the ball back in play before lifting his approach to two feet to set up a bonus birdie.

Holding a three-shot lead with three holes remaining, Larrazábal safely parred the 16th and 17th before finishing his round with another par on the last to clinch the trophy.

Larrazábal felt his performance in windy conditions on Saturday contributed greatly to his victory.

He said: "Yesterday was a battle. I actually didn't look at the leaderboard too much yesterday because I knew that it was a long road and it was all about keeping the ball in the best spots that I could putt or chip from."

"To shoot one under par yesterday was amazing. Obviously I was a little bit disappointed this morning to finish bogey-par in yesterday's round.

"But I love to compete, I love to fly out here, to see all these young guys hitting it miles and try to beat them.

"And that's what makes me the happiest guy in the world."

- DP World Tour website

Final leading scores Sunday after the fourth round of the DP World Tour's Korea Championship at Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, Incheon, South Korea (KOR unless stated, par 72):

276 - Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) 68-70-71-67

278 - Marcus Helligkilde (DEN) 70-72-68-68

279 - Scott Jamieson (SCO) 73-65-71-70, Park Sang-hyun 67-69-73-70, Jorge Campillo (ESP) 69-72-73-65, Joost Luiten (NED) 73-66-75-65

280 - Robert Macintyre (SCO) 69-70-69-72, Clement Sordet (FRA) 73-69-70-68, Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 72-65-75-68

281 - Kang Kyung-nam 71-68-72-70, Andy Sullivan (ENG) 67-75-71-68, Lee Jung-hwan 71-70-72-68, Ko Jeong-weon (FRA) 72-70-72-67

282 - Guido Migliozzi (ITA) 74-70-75-63, Bae Sang-moon 69-73-70-70, Kim Jae-ho 71-73-70-68, Alexander Bjork (SWE) 68-73-75-66, Gavin Green (USA) 72-71-72-67, Wang Jeung-hun 70-73-72-67, Daniel Gavins (ENG) 74-70-71-67

2023-04-29 23:06:41

2023-04-29 23:06:12

MacIntyre, Larrazábal lead after weather-affected Korea Championship

RobertMacIntyre overcame tricky conditions to grab a share of the lead beforeplay was suspended due to fading light on the weather-affected third day of theKorea Championship.

After morning fog and rain caused the afternoon tee times to be pushed backby two hours and 15 minutes, MacIntyre and co. played their third rounds instrong winds, with no-one able to keep their cards clean as Jack Nicklaus GolfClub Korea really showed its teeth.

But that did not faze the Scot, who seemed to be holding his ownshot-of-the-day competition as a series of tremendous wedge shots helped himsign for a 69 just before the daylight ran out.

MacIntyre heads into day four on eight under par, tied at the top of theleaderboard alongside Spaniard Pablo Larrazábal, who has two holes to completewhen play resumes at 08:00 local time on Sunday morning.

Halfway co-leader Park Sanghyun was in a tie for third, one shot behind theleaders, after making three birdies and four bogeys in his first 14 holes.

Scotland's Scott Jamieson was also on seven under, having made two birdiesand one bogey in his third-round 71.

- DP World Tour

2023-04-23 11:29:27

2023-04-23 11:25:53

Herbert edges Cockerill for DP Tour win in Japan

Australia's Lucas Herbert beat Canada's Aaron Cockerill in a playoff to win the ISPS Handa Championship on Sunday in the Europe-based DP World Tour's first event in Japan.

Herbert claimed his third victory on the tour after sinking a birdie on the second extra hole to finally shake off Cockerill at Ishioka Golf Club in Omitama, near Tokyo.

The Australian arrived in Japan late and trailed Cockerill by one shot heading into the final day, but made his intentions clear with an eagle on the fifth hole.

Cockerill hauled himself back into contention with a superb bunker shot on the 18th hole to finish level with Herbert on 15-under.

But the Australian had the last laugh in the playoff, recovering from a wayward tee shot on the second extra hole to hole out from 12 feet.

Scotland's Calum Hill finished alone in third on 14-under, one shot ahead of compatriot Grant Forrest and Japan's Hiroshi Iwata.

- AFP

2023-04-21 12:16:32

Trio tied for the lead in Omitama, Japan

Grant Forrest shot the low round of the week to join Lucas Herbert and Jazz Janewattananond at the top of the ISPS HANDA-Championship leaderboard after round two.

The Scot drained a monster birdie putt at the eighth - his penultimate hole - before making a closing gain from around ten feet to sign for a 62 and join early starters Janewattananond and Herbert at 10 under par.

Thailand's Janewattananond also finished in style at PGM Ishioka Golf Club, making five birdies over the last seven holes, including three in a row from the 16th, in his round of 63.

Australian Herbert, whose arrival into Japan was delayed by travel issues, also recorded a round of 63, which contained nine birdies and two bogeys.

Germany's Maximilian Kieffer was in solo fourth, one shot behind the leaders on nine under after his 65.

Takumi Kanaya was the leading Japanese player on eight under, alongside England's Jordan Smith and South African Deon Germishuys.

Four-time Major Champion Ernie Els put on a show over the closing stretch, following a birdie on the 15th by holing his bunker shot for an eagle on the 16th to reach four under and safely make the cut.

The South African legend's magic on 16 helped the ISPS HANDA Eagle Pledge tally, with $1 000 being donated to the G4D Tour for every eagle made this week.

- DP World Tour

2023-04-20 12:54:29

Kim and Sullivan share the lead in Japan

Andy Sullivan and KimYeongsu posted opening 63s to lead the way after the first round of the 2023ISPS Handa - Championship.

Four-time DP World Tour champion Sullivan fired eight birdies at PGM IshiokaGolf Club on Thursday, with his only blemish a bogey on the seventh.

South Korean Kim, the KPGA's 2022 Genesis Point Award winner, produced aflawless first round containing seven birdies to join Sullivan on seven underpar, as the DP World Tour hosted its first regular season event in Japan,alongside the Japan Golf Tour Organisation.

Englishman Sullivan started from the tenth tee and made birdies at the 12th,15th, 16th and 18th to reach the turn in 31.

He then reeled off a hat-trick of birdies from the third before recovering froma bogey on the seventh with a closing gain from around eight feet.

Kim picked up his first birdie of the day at the fourth before catching firearound the turn, as he reeled off six birdies in eight holes from the ninth fora share of the lead.

Swede Alexander Björk, Canada's Aaron Cockerill and South African DeonGermishuys were one shot behind the leaders in a three-way tie for third.

Home favourites Keita Nakajima, Yosuke Asaji and Ryutaro Nagano were then onfive under alongside South African Jacques Kruyswijk, Swede SebastianSöderberg, Brad Kennedy of Australia, New Zealand's Daniel Hillier and MarcelSchneider of Germany.

- DP World Tour

2023-03-19 17:57:33

Breakthrough for Baldwin in SDC Championship

England’s Matthew Baldwin claimed his first victory in his 200th start on the DP World Tour when he won the SDC Championship, which is co-sanctioned with the Sunshine Tour, by seven strokes at St Francis Links on Sunday.

Baldwin closed with a 68 to win on 18 under par and dedicated his victory to his late stepfather.

“It’s been a tough 12 months. My stepdad died last May, and this is for him,” he said.

Spain’s Adri Arnaus took second place on 11 under par with a final round of 67, while Jaco Ahlers finished as the leading South African in tied third place on 10 under par with a final-round 68.“It’s unbelievable,” a relieved Baldwin said of his win.

“It’s my 200th start so I’ve had plenty of opportunities. It’s just an unbelievable feeling right now.”

It was a long weekend of golf for the field, and which Baldwin managed superbly.

The wind that forced the suspension of the earlier rounds meant the third round had to be carried over into Sunday morning, with Baldwin finishing this with a solid 65, which lifted him to 14 under par overall.

The Englishman had a four-stroke lead over Norway’s Kristian Krogh Johannessen going into the final round and was never challenged.

"I played well all week. I was so steady out there, and I think that maybe put the pressure on those around me to try and play more attacking golf, and I was fortunate to come out on the right side of it."

It also comes at a good time for him both professionally and personally.

"It certainly makes the rest of the year more relaxing. I can plan a schedule. I'm also due to get married this year or the next, so I'll be able to have a couple of weeks off to help plan that, which is exciting."

But the ultimate reward is the confidence this win has brought him.

"It proves a lot to me. It proves that I'm good enough to be out here. I've had plenty of doubt, and this proves everything to me." –

Final Scores:

270 - Matthew Baldwin 70 67 65 68

277 - Adri Arnaus 72 68 70 67

278 - Ewen Ferguson 72 70 68 68, Jaco Ahlers 78 64 68 68, Antoine Rozner 72 68 70 68, Jens Dantorp 74 63 71 70, Kristian Krogh Johannessen 67 66 73 72

279 - Matthieu Pavon 75 69 68 67

280 - Thomas Aiken 72 70 69 69, Keenan Davidse 72 69 71 68, Joost Luiten 69 71 67 73, Daniel Brown 70 70 67 73, Albert Venter 70 67 72 71

281 - Thriston Lawrence 72 68 68 73, Connor Syme 68 72 72 69, Jaco Prinsloo 72 72 69 68, John Catlin 71 67 74 69

282 - Matthew Southgate 74 69 70 69, Jbe' Kruger 73 69 71 69, Nick Bachem 69 72 70 71, Tom McKibbin 76 65 72 69, David Ravetto 67 72 71 72

283 - Niklas Norgaard 76 66 70 71, Nacho Elvira 74 68 71 70, Jordan Smith 73 69 74 67, Casey Jarvis 73 69 70 71, Ross Fisher 71 67 70 75, Anton Karlsson 73 71 71 68, Julien Brun 69 67 75 72

284 - Louis de Jager 71 72 70 71, Jean Hugo 72 67 75 70285 - Trevor Fisher Jnr 73 69 68 75, Jeong Weon Ko 76 66 67 76, Oliver Bekker 72 71 70 72, Daniel van Tonder 75 68 76 66, James Kamte 71 70 71 73, Dale Whitnell 73 71 67 74, Shaun Norris 74 70 66 75, Brandon Stone 72 72 66 75, Hennie Otto 73 71 70 71

286 - Gavin Green 72 70 70 74, Jaco Van Zyl 74 69 72 71, Zander Lombard 71 72 71 72, Yeongsu Kim 74 70 71 71, Richie Ramsay 73 67 75 71, Bryce Easton 73 71 72 70287 - Dylan Naidoo 75 68 70 74, Dylan Mostert 73 70 69 75, Louis Albertse 70 73 70 74, Luca Filippi 73 71 74 69, Luke Jerling 78 66 69 74, Ruan Korb 71 73 67 76

288 - Aaron Cockerill 77 66 73 72, Neil Schietekat 73 71 70 74289 - Alexander Levy 70 72 75 72

290 - Robin Sciot-Siegrist 71 72 81 66, Justin Harding 71 70 74 75291 - Rafa Cabrera Bello 73 67 70 81, Todd Clements 71 73 73 74

292 - Sean Cronje 69 73 77 73, Andy Sullivan 72 72 73 75294 - George Coetzee 72 71 74 77, Keagan Thomas 79 64 77 74, Sami Valimaki 70 70 74 80

295 - CJ du Plessis 74 69 79 73, Merrick Bremner 71 72 78 74298 - Luke Brown 75 69 78 76

RTD - Hurly Long 74 68 74 RTD

- –Michael Vlismas

2023-03-18 22:21:33

Luiten, Brown share clubhouse lead at St Francis

Joost Luiten and Daniel Brown both made it into the clubhouse shortly before dark at the end of a long day in the SDC Championship and secured themselves a share of the clubhouse lead at St Francis Links.

The suspended second round was completed on Saturday morning, with Norway’s Kristian Johannessen finishing as the leader on 11 under par.

The field then went straight into the third round, which was unable to be completed because of fading light.

But Luiten and Brown both managed to finish their rounds with respective 67s for the clubhouse lead on nine under par, while Johannessen and Matthew Baldwin share the on-course lead on 11 under par.

Johannessen is level par for his round through 13 holes, and Baldwin is four under for his round through 13 holes.

Luiten felt he could’ve done better than his 67 on a day when his putter held him back.

“It was a good 11 holes and then the putter just went cold on the last seven holes. I gave myself a lot of chances and nothing went in so I’m a bit annoyed with that. I hit the ball lovely but it’s hard to hole putts on these greens. You’ve got to stay patient.”

But a bogey-free round helped to soothe some of those frustrations.

“No bogeys on the scorecard is good. It was a good day overall. You know, five under on the Saturday is always a good score. But I think it could’ve been a couple better. I just need to see if I can drop some putts in the final round and put some pressure on the leaders.”

Brown was very pleased with his 67.

“It was really solid. I didn’t do a lot wrong and it was just really steady. I still had 11 holes to go this morning and then I just kept feeling confident. It’s been pretty tough this week with the stop-start rounds. But it’s going to be nice to have the buzz of having a chance in the final round.”

- Michael Vlismas

2023-03-11 19:42:24

Spain's Campillo leads Kenya Open by one, SA's Schaper slips to third

Jorge Campillo will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the 2023 Magical Kenya Open Presented by Absa after finishing with four successive birdies on Saturday.

The Spaniard began the day five shots off the lead but charged through the field with a flawless 63 which contained eight birdies, setting the early clubhouse target at 13 under par.

The two-time DP World Tour winner was nearly overtaken at the top of the leaderboard in dramatic fashion as Scotland's Robert MacIntyre almost holed his approach at the 18th for an albatross.

MacIntyre's wedge shot hit the hole before running around ten feet past, and although he was unable to convert his eagle putt, the 2022 DS Automobiles Italian Open winner made a closing birdie to sit alone in second, one stroke behind Campillo.

SA's Jayden Schaper and Masahiro Kawamura were then in a tie for third on 11 under. Campillo made a bright start on day three, notching birdies at the third, fifth and ninth to turn in 33 blows.

After taking advantage of the short 11th, 36-year-old Campillo earned a share of the lead with a hat-trick of birdies at the 15th, 16th and 17th.

And he produced a great up-and-down from a bunker at the last to make it four birdies in a row. Campillo's 63 was the joint-lowest round of the week and gives him a slender advantage heading into Sunday.

He said: "It was a great round. I played really solid and was able to make a few long putts as well, that helps.

"I finished great. Four birdies in a row to finish and I didn’t have a chance to make any bogeys. It was a comfortable round. I hit it very solid and I putted great, so everything worked out really good.

"I’m glad that I’ve won twice, otherwise I’d be quite nervous. Since I know how hard it is to win I just need to have a good day tomorrow and hope nobody else plays great like I did today.

"It’s not going to be easy, I’m going to try and keep playing the way I have been and see if I can make the putts."

MacIntyre made five birdies on the front nine at Muthaiga Golf Club, with his only blemish before the turn a bogey at the third. After curling in his tricky eagle putt at the long tenth, MacIntyre bogeyed the 16th before tapping in for a birdie on the last.

Speaking about his near miss on the 18th, MacIntyre said: "Mike (caddie Mike Thomson) was adamant I should stay in the middle of the green but I had a wedge in my hand - I'm not really backing away from a pin with a wedge.

"That's the way I play golf and it was just good to see it be up there close."

- DP World Tour.

2023-03-10 19:28:22

2023-03-10 19:27:49

Spain's Elviro leads KenyaOpen, SA's Schaper shares second spot

Nacho Elvira will take aone-stroke lead into the weekend at the Kenya Open after shooting an eagle onthe final hole to cap a six-under par round of 65.

The Spaniard started the day three strokes off the lead and fell further behindafter a bogey on the fourth hole.

But the 36-year-old, whose sole DP World Tourvictory came at the 2021 Cazoo Open, recovered with two birdies before the turnon the seventh and eighth holes.

He carded his third birdie of the day on the 10th and then recorded fivesuccess pars before finishing birdie-birdie-eagle to card a 10-under par total,sitting one stroke ahead of a trio of golfers on nine under.Sharing second place are Germany’s South Africa's Jayden Schaper, Germany'sNick Bachem and Ryo Hisatsune of Japan.

Hisatsune carded the lowest round ofthe day at Muthaiga Golf Club as he signed for an eight under par 63.

Three-time DP World Tour winner John Catlin shares fifth place with MasahiroKawamura of Japan and Spain’s Borja Virto.

Leading the home charge is Mutahi Kibugu, the only Kenyan golfer to make thecut in this year’s event.

The 21-year-old follows in the footsteps of hisyounger brother Njoroge, who made the cut last year.

Kibugu delighted the home crowds with a birdie on the 18th as he signed for alevel par round of 71, sitting in a share of 36th place on three under.

"Every time you’releading it's the best position to be in. I feel like I've been playing good,even at the beginning of the year when I was missing cuts but I felt like thegame was still there. Maybe a couple more putts dropped the last few days andthat makes it a good score," Elvira said.

"I didn't look at the leaderboard (before starting). We had a game plan, wetried to stick to it. We tried to enjoy the moment, I’ve been struggling. It'smy caddie's first week with me, I've been struggling trying to enjoy myself onthe golf course and I’m trying to do that at the moment."

SA's Schaper added: "Last minuteinvite on the Sunday, sitting at home not knowing if I was going to play. I'vebeen playing some good golf, I'm very happy to be here and it’s nice to putsome good rounds together and get off to a good start.

"I've got my dad on the bag, I’m feeling good. I know the golf course,everything to gain, nothing to lose. I just have to get out there, have somefun and hit some good golf shots."

- DP World Tour

2023-03-09 21:54:31

2023-03-09 21:49:33

SA's Mostert shares lead at Kenya Open

South Africa's Dylan Mostert and America's John Catlin share the first round lead at the Kenya Open pafter carding seven under par rounds of 64.

Mostert, who won the Nelson Mandela Bay Championship on the European ChallengeTour just a fortnight ago, set the early pace at Muthaiga Golf Club as theSouth African carded eight birdies and one bogey.

Three-time DP World Tour winner Catlin raced out the blocks, making the turn atsix under par, needing just 29 strokes, with four birdies and an eagle at thepar five 18th, his ninth hole.

The American finished his round witheight pars and a fifth birdie of the day at the par four sixth to join Mostertat the top of the leaderboard.One stroke behind on six under par are Wil Besseling, of the Netherlands, andFrenchman Pierre Pineau on six under par.

Besseling carded eight birdies in hisround of 65, with Pineau carding four birdies and an eagle.

Sharing fifth on five under are Germany’s Nick Bachem, Gavin Green of Malaysia,South African Casey Jarvis, Englishman Tom Murray and Spaniard Borja Virto.

"I'm very pleased," Mostert said. "I played very solid today, kept the momentum goingthroughout the round. Made some good putts, hit a lot of greens. The greens aresmall, so if you’re hitting greens you’re going to have a lot of chances. Imanage to make a few putts, I'll just keep doing the same thing. I’m excitedfor tomorrow.

"The greens are quite soft in the morning, they definitely firm up throughoutthe day. As soon as the wind picks up and the heat gets up they firm up and getfaster, much tougher. It’s definitely an advantage to play early in themorning."

Catlin added: "I'm very pleased. I feel like I left some outthere on my back nine. I got off to a really hot start and just made some badswings, I didn't take advantage of the par fives and hit a really bad lay-up onseven. It was a god round of golf, I left a few out there for sure.

"A nice way to build some momentum. I feel like I've been close, just a poorswing here, misjudgement here, that’s all it takes out here. It's very finemargins. I was able to take two weeks off, put some work in on my game and itfeels like it’s starting to pay off, so I’m really excited about that."

- DP World Tour

2023-02-26 14:48:10

Indian summer for veteran German Siem

Veteran German Marcel Siem held his nerve at the Hero Indian Open to win his first World Tour event in more than eight years by a single shot on Sunday.

The 42-year-old was a stroke ahead of countryman Yannik Paul going into the final hole, but missed the fairway with his second shot to set up a nerve-racking finish.

He made his par to win the tournament at the DLF Golf and Country Club near New Delhi, dropped his putter and threw his cap to the ground in celebration.

"My goal was to be as calm as possible but that lie was horrible on the last so it got the heart rate going up for sure," he said.

It was his first World Tour win in eight years and 116 days.

He had taken four titles between 2004 and 2014 but had to go back to qualifying school in November to secure his tour card.

He is now enjoying an Indian summer to his career, with five top-20 finishes in his previous six events.

"This means a lot because two years ago I wasn't even sure if I could still compete on the DP World Tour and now I'm a winner again," he said.

"I was gone - lost my card, Challenge Tour, Q School - thank you so much to my whole family and my team, my sponsors."I've worked really hard. It's crazy. A second kick-start for my career."

He started the day one behind Paul. A birdie at the fourth brought him level and two more immediately after the turn took him ahead, before a two-shot turnaround on the 13th brought the Germans back to level pegging.

But a 15-foot birdie at the 15th gave Siem a lead he never relinquished.

It was a second consecutive runner-up spot for Paul, 28, who was five shots ahead of his closest pursuer after the second round but lost momentum with a 71 on Saturday.

Dutchman Joost Luiten, 37, carded a four-under 68 on Sunday to come third -- also repeating his finishing position at last week's Thailand Classic.

- AFP

Leading final-round scores on Sunday in the DP World Tour Hero Indian Open at the DLF Golf and Country Club near New Delhi (par 72):

274 - Marcel Siem (GER) 69-70-67-68

275 - Yannik Paul (GER) 65-69-71-70

276 - Joost Luiten (NED) 70-70-68-68

280 - Jorge Campillo (ESP) 73-71-67-69, Kazuki Higa (JPN) 75-66-71-68

281 - Thorbjorn Olesen (DEN) 73-72-66-70, Alexander Knappe (GER) 73-71-71-66

282 - Simon Forsstrom (SWE) 71-72-72-67, Gavin Green (MAS) 72-70-73-67

283 - Angel Hidalgo (ESP) 72-73-67-71, Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) 72-73-69-69, Ryo Hisatsune (JPN) 75-71-69-68

284 - Veer Ahlawat (IND) 73-70-68-73, Euan Walker (SCO) 76-70-68-70, Jayden Schaper (RSA) 72-71-71-70, Shubhankar Sharma (IND) 68-74-74-68, Santiago Tarrio (ESP) 70-71-75-68

285 - Masahiro Kawamura 71-71-73-70, Ko Jeong-weon (FRA) 75-71-74-65

2023-02-25 19:02:22

Paul clings to Hero Indian Open lead

Yannik Paul will have to fend off two men with a combined ten DP WorldTour wins after seeing his lead cut to just one stroke after the third round ofthe Hero Indian Open.

The German entered moving day with a five-shot advantage but he left the doorajar with a one under 71 on day three, allowing countryman Marcel Siem to applythe pressure with a five under par 67 to move just one stroke back of Paul’s 11under par lead.

Paul, who won his maiden DP World Tour title at last year’s Mallorca Golf Open,was two over through his first three holes on day three but bounced back withthree birdies on the spin between the sixth and the eighth to make the turn atone under.

The 28-year-old then responded to his only dropped shot of the backnine with a birdie on the 17th to ensure he remained the man to catch with 18holes to play.

Germany’s Siem, who won the most recent of his four DP World Tour titles at the2014 BMW Masters, manoeuvred into position to contend for what would be amemorable return to the winner’s circle with just a single dropped shot duringhis third round.

The 42-year-old finished with back-to-back birdies, the secondof which was met with huge fist-pump in front of the onlooking crowds at DLFGolf and Country Club.

Six-time DP World Tour winner Joost Luiten, of the Netherlands, added his nameto the Sunday showdown after posting a third round 68 to move into third oneight under par and complete the final group.

Three shots back in a tie for fourth is leading Indian Veer Ahlawat, Spain’sJorge Campillo and last week’s Thailand Classic winner Thorbjørn Olesen, whosesix under par 66 was the low round of the day.

Leading third-round scores on Saturday in the DP World Tour Indian Open at the DLF Golf and Country Club in New Delhi (par 72):

205 - Yannik Paul (GER) 65-69-71

206 - Marcel Siem (GER) 69-70-67

208 - Joost Luiten (NED) 70-70-68

211 - Veer Ahlawat (IND) 73-70-68, Jorge Campillo (ESP) 73-71-67, Thorbjorn Olesen (DEN) 73-72-66

212 - Angad Cheema (IND) 68-71-73, Angel Hidalgo (ESP) 72-73-67, Kazuki Higa (JPN) 75-66-71

213 - Honey Baisoya (IND) 66-74-73, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 72-70-71

214 - Chase Hanna (USA) 73-74-67, Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) 72-73-69, Euan Walker (SCO) 76-70-68, Jayden Schaper (RSA) 72-71-71

215 - Ryo Hisatsune (JPN) 75-71-69, Frederic Lacroix (FRA) 74-70-71, John Axelsen (DEN) 74-72-69, Alexander Knappe (GER) 73-71-71, Alex Fitzpatrick (ENG) 75-69-71, Alejandro Canizares (ESP) 71-73-71, Simon Forsstrom (SWE) 71-72-72, Gavin Green (MAS) 72-70-73, Masahiro Kawamura (JPN) 71-71-73, Mikko Korhonen (FIN) 67-72-76, Adrien Saddier (FRA) 73-68-74, Yashas Chandra (IND) 71-71-73

- DP World Tour

2023-02-24 17:56:16

Paul pulls clear at Hero Indian Open

Yannik Paul extended hislead at the Hero Indian Open to five strokes after posting a three under parround of 69 on day two at DLF Golf and Country Club.

The German led by one after 18 holes but pulled away from the pack on day twoas he reached ten under par to continue his quest for a second DP World Tourtitle.

The 28-year-old finished second at last week's Thailand Classic and has shownno signs of slowing down, with just a single bogey the only blemish on anotherwise clean second round scorecard as he set the target early in the day,which proved unassailable after 36 holes.

Scoring proved to be more difficult on day two in New Delhi as Finland's MikkoKorhonen moved into a share of second place after posting a level par 72.

He isjoined on five under par by Iceland's Gudmundur Kristjansson, four-time DPWorld Tour winner Marcel Siem and local favourite Angad Cheema, who is theleading Indian player.

The low round of the day went to Japan's Kazuki Higa as he carded the first andonly bogey-free round of the week so far, with six birdies contributing to afine 66 on the picturesque but tricky Gary Player designed layout.

There were 66 players who made the cut on four over par.

- DP World Tour

2023-02-24 17:54:25

Leading second-round scores on Friday in the DP World Tour Indian Open at the DLF Golf and Country Club in New Delhi (par 72):

134 - Yannik Paul (GER) 65-69

139 - Mikko Korhonen (FIN) 67-72, Gudmundur Kristjansson (ISL) 68-71, Marcel Siem (GER) 69-70, Angad Cheema (IND) 68-71

140 - Honey Baisoya (IND) 66-74, Joost Luiten (NED) 70-70

141 - Yuvraj Sandhu (IND) 70-71, Santiago Tarrio (ESP) 70-71, Adrien Saddier (FRA) 73-68, Kazuki Higa (JPN) 75-66, Andrew Wilson (ENG) 71-70

142 - Jens Fahrbring (SWE) 71-71, Shubhankar Sharma (IND) 68-74, Yashas Chandra (IND) 71-71, Gavin Green (MAS) 72-70, Masahiro Kawamura (JPN) 71-71, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 72-70

143 - Manu Gandas (IND) 70-73, Veer Ahlawat (IND) 73-70

2023-02-23 16:59:04

Paul surges ahead in Delhi

Yannik Paul produced ared-hot finish to storm into a one-stroke lead after the first day of the HeroIndian Open at DLF Golf and Country Club.

The German finished with four straight birdies to post a seven under par roundof 65 and usurp India’s Honey Baisoya, who had earlier set the target at sixunder with a sweet 66 in New Delhi.

Paul, who won his first DP World Tour title at last year’s Mallorca Golf Open,opened with a bogey on the par four first hole but he bounced straight back atthe second before another birdie at the ninth sparked him into life.

Further gains arrived at the tenth and 13th before that closing quartet ofbirdies placed him as the man to catch with darkness, bringing an end to theopening day.

The 28-year-old arrived in India after securing a second placed finish at lastweek's Thailand Classic, and his opening effort showed serious signs of acontinuation of that form as he enters his sixth week on the road.

Finland’s Mikko Korhonen currently sits third on five under par while Iceland’sGudmundur Kristjansson shares fourth place with Indian duo Angad Cheema andShubhankar Sharma, a two-time DP World Tour winner, with Germany’s Marcel Siema shot further back in seventh.

Baisoya, Cheema and Sharma are three of six Indian players inside the top tenas the local fan favourites made a strong start to their national open.

The first round will resume at 7:50am local time at DLF Golf and Country Club,with no change to round two tee times.

- DP World Tour

Leading first-round scores on Thursday in the PGA European Tour Indian Open at the DLF Golf and Country Club in New Delhi (darkness halted play, par 72):

65 - Paul Yannik (GER)

66 - Honey Baisoya (IND)

67 - Mikko Korhonen (FIN)68 - Shubhankar Sharma (IND), Angad Cheema (IND), Gudmundur Kristjansson (ISL)

69 - Marcel Siem (GER)

70 - Anthony Quayle (AUS), Joost Luiten (NED), Santiago Tarrio (ESP), M Dharma (IND), Manu Gandas (IND), MJ Viljoen (RSA), Yuvraj Sandhu (IND)

71 - Simon Forsstrom (SWE), Thomas Aiken (RSA), Nick Bachem (GER), Alejandro Canizares (ESP), Masahiro Kawamura (JPN), Andrew Wilson (ENG), Jens Fahrbring (SWE), Lukas Nemecz (AUT), Bryce Easton (RSA)

2023-02-19 13:41:48

Denmark's Olesen cruises to Thailand Classic victory

Denmark's Thorbjorn Olesen fired six birdies on an unblemished scorecard to thunder to victory by four shots in the Thailand Classic on Sunday.Olesen ended Sunday with a bogey-free 66 and finished the tournament at 24 under par.

The 33-year-old Dane went into the final round with a two-stroke lead after an impeccable 64 on Saturday. The win at Chon Buri was his seventh DP World Tour title and first victory since claiming the British Masters in May last year.

He was all smiles after his final putt and was doused in champagne as he celebrated his first win in Asia.

"It felt really good today, felt steady, I felt like I was in control, and I just enjoyed playing golf today, which was very nice," Olesen said.

He described the Thailand Classic title as special, and the result of much hard work, while also acknowledging the sacrifices of his wife as they raise their young family.

Olesen dug deep with fellow Dane Nicolai Hojgaard, 21, and Germany's Yannik Paul, 28, hot on his heels throughout the final round.

Birdies at the first, second and sixth holes helped him gain the upper hand early.

Then a hat-trick of birdies from the 13th hole saw him move five shots clear with three holes to play. Paul claimed second place on 20 under par after hitting a 68.

Hojgaard had been in joint second with Paul until a double bogey on the 16th cost him dearly. He slipped down to fifth spot as Joost Luiten, 37, from the Netherlands and Germany's Alexander Knappe, 33, hit late birdies to tie in third place. Another Dane, Oliver Hundeboll, 23, hit an ace on the 13th hole to win a BMW.The tournament at Amata Spring Country Club offered $2 million in prize money.

- AFP

Leading final-round scores on Sunday in the Thailand Classic at the Amata Spring Country Club in Chon Buri (par 72):

264 - Thorbjorn Olesen (DEN) 67-67-64-66

268 - Yannik Paul (GER) 65-69-66-68

270 - Alexander Knappe (GER) 65-69-69-67, Joost Luiten (NED) 69-67-65-69

271 - Nicolai Hojgaard (DEN) 70-66-64-71, Rafael Cabrera (ESP) 66-65-72-68, Antoine Rozner (FRA) 67-69-69-66

272 - Wang Jeunghun (KOR) 68-67-67-70

273 - Fabrizio Zanotti (PAR) 66-67-70-70, Dale Whitnell (ENG) 69-66-67-71

274 - Matthew Southgate (ENG) 71-65-71-67, Kazuki Higa (JPN) 70-64-68-72

275 - Adrien Saddier (FRA) 68-70-68-69, Christoffer Bring (DEN) 67-67-73-68, Niklas Norgaard (DEN) 69-70-68-68, Grant Forrest (SCO) 68-71-67-69

276 - Martin Simonsen (DEN) 64-72-72-68, Edoardo Molinari (ITA) 70-70-65-71, Marcel Siem (GER) 69-68-71-68, Zander Lombard (RSA) 67-70-67-72, Jayden Schaper (RSA) 69-72-66-69

2023-02-17 13:57:40

Cabrera Bello takes control in Thailand

Rafa Cabrera Bello will take a two stroke lead into the weekend at the Thailand Classic after carding a second round seven under par 65.

The Spaniard, whose last victory came in 2021 at the acciona Open de España, carded seven birdies on his final ten holes to move two strokes clear of Paraguayan Fabrizio Zanotti at Amata Spring Country Club.

The 2016 Ryder Cup player started his day with birdies on the 11th and 12th holes, but undid his work after finding the water at the island green par three 17th hole, carding a double bogey.

He recovered immediately with three consecutive birdies and then made four in a row from the fifth hole as he signed for a 13 under par total.

Zanotti, who won his last DP World Tour title in South East Asia at the 2017 Maybank Championship, carded a five under par round of 65 to move to 11 under, one stroke clear of six golfers.

Among those sharing third on ten under are Japan's Kazuki Higa, who carded the low round of the day, an eight under par 64, and 2018 Ryder Cup player Thorbjørn Olesen.

Leading the home charge is Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who shares ninth place after reaching nine under par after two days in Thailand.

- DP World Tour

2023-02-16 14:12:53

Simonsen and Välimäki share early lead in Thailand

Martin Simonsen and Sami Välimäki carded eight-under par rounds of 64 to share the lead after the first round of the Thailand Classic.

On a low-scoring day at Amata Spring Country Club, the pair made the most of calmer afternoon conditions after the morning groups were buffeted by wind as they moved one stroke clear at the top of the leaderboard.

Välimäki, seeking a second DP World Tour victory three years after his breakthrough win at the 2020 Oman Open, made a fast start with birdies on his opening three holes, going on to make the turn five under par.

He closed his round with three further gains on the 11th, 12th and 15th holes, finishing the day bogey-free.

"A really good round. I started nicely and kept it going the whole day," said Välimäki.

"(My win) was a long time ago. I changed coach last year in the middle of the year. After that, I've played better and better. I had some issues with my body last year but now I'm healthy and playing good."

Denmark's Simonsen was four under par through nine holes but started the back nine with a birdie and an eagle, also birdieing the 15th and 16th holes to draw level with the Finn.

"It's a great day. I thought it was going to be difficult out there with the wind, and it was. But thankfully, I played the par fives really well, which helped. It was great," said the Dane.

"With the wind today, most of them were downwind, so that helped a lot, but you still have to hit the shots. I made it fairly easy for myself on the par fives, that's the key this week."

They are one stroke ahead of the German pair of Alexander Knappe and Yannik Paul, who carded seven-under par rounds of 65.

One stroke further back on six under par is 2016 Ryder Cup player Rafa Cabrera Bello, South African Thriston Lawrence, Frenchman Robin Sciot-Siegrist and Fabrizio Zanotti of Paraguay.

- DP World Tour

2023-02-12 20:59:50South Africa's Ockie Strydom fired a flawless nine-under-par 63 in his final round to burst through the field and win the Singapore Classic on the DP World Tour.Read report2023-02-11 14:25:33

South Korea's Wang Jeung-hun fired six birdies in seven holes in his back-nine to share the third-round lead with Spain's Alejandro Del Rey at the Singapore Classic Saturday.

Wang completed his country's mandatory military obligations in July last year and credited his mental toughness for putting together a commanding round, posting a six-under-par 66 at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club.

"I missed golf a lot when I had to be away from the game for 18 months. I was just shooting guns every day," said the 27-year-old. "I had to work on my short game as it got rusty. But mentally, I improved a lot. I'm playing a lot better than before now."

Wang marked his card with only one birdie on the par-five three in his opening front-nine. But his game came to life after the turn when he went on a stunning five-hole birdie blitz, starting from the par-four 12.

His charge was briefly halted after he dropped a shot on 17 but he recovered quickly with a closing birdie on 18 to sign for a three-day total of 14-under-par 202.

Del Rey got off to a blistering start with three opening birdies. He made five straight pars before dropping a shot on nine to turn in 33.

The Spaniard then mixed his card with four birdies, two bogeys and an eagle in his inward-nine for a round of 66.

"To get it going that early was a great feeling. I thought I didn't play as well as yesterday but still managed to get a low round," he said. "It was still a good round to go out and shoot six-under without my best stuff."

Chinese amateur Ding Wenyi, who took the second-round lead after returning early to complete his four remaining holes, had a round to forget as he signed for a 76 to slip to a share of 21st place at the Singapore Classic, with the DP World Tour returning to Singapore for the first time since 2014.

2023-02-11 13:16:36

Leading completed scores on Saturday after the third round of the Singapore Classic on the par-72 Laguna National Golf Resort:

202 - Wang Jeunghun (KOR) 67-69-66, Alejandro Del Rey (ESP) 71-65-66

203 - Richard Mansell (ENG) 68-70-65

204 - Tom Mckibbin (NIR) 64-69-71, Nathan Kimsey (ENG) 66-69-69, Sami Valimaki (FIN) 65-70-69, Marcel Schneider (GER) 67-67-70

205 - Andy Sullivan (ENG) 69-65-71, Paul Waring (ENG) 66-69-70, Matthieu Pavon (FRA) 65-70-70

206 - Scott Jamieson (SCO) 68-67-71, Julien Brun (FRA) 68-66-72, Grant Forrest (SCO) 68-68-70, Julien Guerrier (FRA) 70-70-66, Ockie Strydom (RSA) 71-68-67

2023-02-10 15:34:53

Ding joins Mckibbin atop leaderboard at Singapore Classic

China's Ding Wenyi had a birdie on the par-five 13 to thank as he moved atop the leaderboard to join Northern Ireland's Tom Mckibbin before play was suspended due to fading light at the Singapore Classic Friday.

Ding marked his card with a pair of birdies and eagles, as well as a bogey on two, and was at 11-under after 14 holes before he had to leave the course due to darkness.

An hour of play was lost due to heavy rain that flooded the course at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club in the late afternoon.

Mckibbin, who held the first-round lead, was pleased he was able to complete his round with a three-under-par 69 as he was already standing on the fairway on 18 when the sirens went off.

"I just hoped we would finish it off. I didn't fancy coming back early in the morning to hit three shots, so I'm very happy I managed to finish it," said the 20-year-old.

"The conditions were also very challenging today and I'm happy I can now go back, get some rest and go out to see how I can play over the weekend now."

Mckibbin enjoyed a fast start with four birdies on holes three, five, six and eight to reach the turn in 31.

But he lost that momentum with two dropped shots on 11 and 13 before recovering with another birdie on 14.

He then parred the next four holes to reach the clubhouse with a two-day total of 11-under-par 133.

Ding meanwhile stumbled early with a bogey on the second hole.

But the 18-year-old reigning US Junior Amateur champion was quick to bounce back with an eagle on five followed by a birdie on six.

He then carded another eagle on 11, a birdie on 13 and par on 14 before darkness fell.

Thirty-nine players will have to return at 8:15 am (0115 GMT) to resume their second round at the Singapore Classic, with the DP World Tour returning to Singapore for the first time since 2014.

- AFP

2023-02-09 14:32:59

McKibbin leads Singapore Classic

Northern Ireland's Tom McKibbin set the early pace at the Singapore Classic by posting a bogey-free eight-under-par 64 at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club on Thursday.

Chinese amateur Ding Wenyi continued to underline his growing credentials as he signed for a 66 to trail McKibbin by two shots in sixth place at the event, DP World Tour's first in Singapore since 2014.

The 18-year-old became the first male golfer from China and just the fifth international player to win the US Junior Amateur Championship last year.

McKibbin, who is chasing his first win on the DP World Tour, fired two birdies in his opening four holes in his back-nine 10.He birdied 18 before storming ahead after the turn with three successive birdies starting from the par-four second before closing with another two birdies on seven and nine.

"I navigated the course well and it's a nice way to start with eight birdies and no bogeys," McKibbin said.

"Life's pretty nice if you're playing well, it's different if you're not.

"I went out there after the practice rounds and the course is pretty tricky if you find the wrong spots on the greens," he added.

Meanwhile Ding, who picked up golf at the age of six under his father's influence, overcame his early jitters after mixing a bogey and a birdie in his first three holes, by marking his card with six more birdies for a 66.

"I was feeling very nervous when I stepped up to the tee this morning. But I managed to calm myself down after that only bogey and played a steady round of golf after that," said the towering teen, who stands 1.9 metres (6 ft 2 in) tall.

"Singapore is like a second home for me, so I really enjoy being here. Tomorrow, I hope to play even better than today."

Leading completed scores on Thursday after the first round of the Singapore Classic:

64 - Tom McKibbin (NIR)

65 - Matthieu Pavon (FRA), Sami Valimaki (FIN), Joakim Lagergren (SWE), Simon Forsstrom (SWE)

66 - Nathan Kimsey (ENG), Paul Waring (ENG), Ding Wenyi (CHN) (AM)

67 - Wang Jeunghun (KOR), Zander Lombard (RSA), Marcel Schneider (GER), John Axelsen (DEN), Antoine Rozner (FRA), Marcus Armitage (ENG), Jordan Smith (ENG), David Ravetto (FRA)

- AFP

2023-02-06 09:44:57

Gavins secures dramatic Ras Al Khaimah Championship victory, SA's Lombard runner-up

Daniel Gavins holed an enormous putt at the 18th to win his second DP World Tour title in memorable fashion as the Ras Al Khaimah Championship reached a dramatic conclusion.

The 31-year-old held a two-shot lead as he headed to the 18th tee but found the water twice at the last to seriously dent his chances of winning the title.

But with nearest challenger Alexander Björk finishing his round with a bogey up ahead, Gavins had a double-bogey putt from around 30 feet to set the new target at 17 under par.

And he duly holed it to limit the damage to two dropped shots, but there were still twists and turns to come as third-round leader Zander Lombard gave himself an eagle chance on the last to potentially force a playoff.

But South African Lombard narrowly missed his putt from 24 feet to hand Gavins a second title to add to the World Invitational crown he won in 2021.

Gavins closed with a roller-coaster 69 that contained eight birdies - including five in a row from the second hole - as well as three bogeys and his closing double bogey.

Björk and Lombard were in a tie for second on 16 under, with Adrian Meronk and Thorbjørn Olesen another shot further back.

- DP World Tour

2023-02-04 16:00:29

Lombard seeks maiden DP World Tour title in Ras Al Khaimah

Zander Lombard will take a narrow one-shot lead into the final round of the 2023 Ras Al Khaimah Championship as he bids to claim his maiden DP World Tour victory.

The South African began day three trailing the halfway co-leaders by four shots but carded nine birdies in a sparkling 63 on Saturday to hit the front on 16-under par.

"It feels good, did a lot of things really well. Kept it steady, kept it solid, managed to hole a few putts and get some good momentum going for nine under par," said Lombard.

"You don't shoot that every day. Felt solid straight out the blocks, started birdie-par-birdie. Just kept the mistakes off the card, that's the key to a good round.

The 28-year-old made a fast start at Al Hamra Golf Club, picking up six shots on the front nine, with the highlight coming at the par-five eighth as he chipped in for a birdie at the second time of asking.

And he kept his foot on the gas on the trickier back nine, with birdies at the 12th, 17th and 18th to go to the top of the leaderboard.

"I've knocked on a lot of doors so it would be good to get over the line (for a win), but we'll see what happens tomorrow," ended Lombard.

Rasmus Højgaard was Lombard's nearest challenger on 15 under after managing to save par at the last despite finding the water with his second shot.

The 21-year-old Dane, who made five birdies and one bogey in his third-round 68, is aiming to emulate his twin Nicolai, who won this event last year, and in doing so make the Højgaards the first brothers to win the same tournament on the DP World Tour.

England's Daniel Gavins posted a spotless third-round 68 to sit in solo third on 14-under, one ahead of Frenchman Matthieu Pavon in fourth. Defending champion Nicolai Højgaard was in a tie for fifth on 12-under alongside Alexander Björk.

2023-02-03 16:46:13

Law leaps into share of Ras Al Khaimah lead

David Law fired an eagle and three birdies over the final five holes on Friday to share the lead alongside Adrian Meronk and Rasmus Højgaard at the halfway stage of the 2023 Ras Al Khaimah Championship.

The Scot made three birdies on the front nine before catching fire towards the end of his round, as an eagle on the 14th and a hat-trick of birdies from the 15th rounded off a bogey-free 64 and took him into the weekend on 11-under par.

"I'm excited, it's like a different golf course than we played the last twice we have been here. The fairways are so tight and firm, everyone is missing fairways," said Law.

"It plays into the hands of the bigger hitters a bit I would say, but at the same time, there is still a bit of skill and control of the ball."

Poland's Meronk had made seven birdies and no bogeys in the morning to set the early target before being joined at the summit at Al Hamra Golf Club.

Højgaard, meanwhile, briefly got to 12 under after making six birdies in his first 14 holes before a bogey on the 16th meant he had to settle for a share of the lead.

The 21-year-old Dane is aiming to emulate his twin Nicolai, who won this event last year, and in doing so make the Højgaards the first brothers to win the same tournament on the DP World Tour.

First-round leader Ryo Hisatsune produced a second-round 70 to sit in a four-way tie for fourth, one shot behind the trio at the top. Also on ten under were Wil Besseling and Englishmen Daniel Gavins and Dale Whitnell.

2023-01-30 13:43:23

McIlroy comes out on top of bitter rival Reed in Dubai

Rory McIlroy prevailed in a nail-biting finish over Patrick Reed, the man he "prefers not to acknowledge" after a spat between the two, in the rain-delayed $9 million Dubai Desert Classic on Monday.

It was the first time McIlroy has won the first start of his new season and is his 15th DP World Tour victory in 231 starts.

It was also his third Dubai Desert Classic victory in 13 appearances.

He will remain world number one, after Spaniard Jon Rahm failed to win the Farmers Insurance Open on the PGA Tour on Saturday.

McIlroy and Reed went into the tournament after a row when Reed reportedly threw a tee towards McIlroy on the practice range in Dubai.

The two have been at odds since McIlroy criticised players, including Reed, who joined the rival Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit.

McIlroy, who lost this tournament last year on the final hole when his second shot found the water and he ended up making a bogey, had fallen behind Reed after a bogey on the 15th hole.

However, the Northern Irishman made amends with birdies on the 17th and 18th in a round of four-under par 68.

McIlroy finished on 19-under par, while Reed, starting the day four shots behind the Northern Irishman, made a crucial bogey on the 16th and a par on the drivable par-4 17th hole in his round of 65.

Australian Lucas Herbert, champion in 2019, closed with a six-under par 66 to take solo third place at 16-under par 272.

England's Callum Shinkwin, who started with three bogies in his first six holes playing in the lead group with McIlroy, made six birdies after that to shoot a 69 and take solo fourth place at 273.

The DP World Tour stays in the UAE for a fourth consecutive week and will head to the northern emirate of Ras Al Khaimah this week for the $2 million RAK Championship.

- AFP

2023-01-30 13:40:03

2023-01-29 16:54:31

McIlroy leads in Dubai ahead of Monday's finish

Rory McIlroy leads the Dubai Desert Classic into the weather-delayed final round by three shots despite dumping his second shot into the water guarding the 18th green on Sunday.

Despite the bogey on his last hole, the world No1 signed for a third round seven-under-par 65.

That helped McIlroy move to 15-under ahead of Monday's conclusion -- three clear of English duo Callum Shinkwin (67) and Dan Bradbury (68) tied for second at 12 under.

For McIlroy it was a sense of deja vu as last year he found the same water on the 18th to lose the Desert Classic title to Viktor Hovland.

Last week's Abu Dhabi champion Victor Perez (66) was among a large group tied for fourth place at 11-under par.

That included five LIV Golf players -- Patrick Reed (69), Ian Poulter (69), Shaun Norris (67), Adri Arnaus (70) and Richard Bland (71).McIlroy started the day at 8-under par after an indifferent second round of 70, but four birdies in the first four holes lifted him to a share of the lead.

He then made eight straight pars, before another stretch of four birdies in five holes. The finale was a disappointing bogey.

McIlroy is guaranteed to retain his No1 position after Spain's Jon Rahm came up short in the final round of the Farmers Insurance Open on the PGA Tour.

The world No3 needed a third place or better to have a chance of dislodging the Northern Irishman.

Organisers were forced into staging the fourth round on Monday after a deluge caused havoc at the start of the tournament.

-AFP

2023-01-28 18:03:49

Bland shares Dubai lead as McIlroy heads for driving range

England's Richard Bland moved into a share of the lead at the Dubai Desert Classic on Saturday as Rory McIlroy headed to the driving range.

With heavy rain forcing a Monday finish Bland, who lost in a play-off last year, added a second straight five-under-par 67 to top the midway leaderboard with Belgium's Thomas Pieters (67) and American amateur Michael Thorbjornsen (64).

Sweden's Marcus Kinhult (65), Scotland's Connor Syme (67) and Spain's Adri Arnaus (68) were tied for fourth at nine-under par on a day when the sun was finally shining.

But the 60-odd millimeters of rain dumped over the past few days had made the conditions soft and the preferred lies rules were still in play, abetting the low scores.

World number one McIlroy was not best pleased with his round of two-under-par 70.

He moved to eight-under par to be tied for seventh, but headed straight to the driving range to sort out an erring driver.

The round was helped by an eagle on the 13th hole, where he drained a putt from 34 feet. Otherwise, he just had one birdie and a bogey on an easy scoring day.

Bland, who lost out 12 months ago to Viktor Hovland, made just one bogey in the 36 holes and was delighted with his own form.

"The conditions were a lot easier. The ball wasn't going too far this morning. So that was kind of one of the things you just had to be wary of," he said.

"It's just nice to play with the sun on your back which we're used to in Dubai," added the winner of the British Masters in 2021.

On his allegiance with LIV Golf, and the acrimony it has generated with players and officials resorting to verbal attacks, Bland said he just wanted to keep his focus on playing golf.

"I think everybody understands my position at the age that I'm at and the opportunity put in front of me," commented Bland, who turns 50 next week.

For Pieters, it was a round of two halves. He was two-over after making three bogeys on the more difficult front nine, but putted beautifully on the back nine to make his seven birdies.

"The front nine, I was a bit scruffy. I made two bogeys with a wedge. Coming off the ninth, I was not in a good head space," said world number 39 Pieters, who missed the cut as the defending champion in Abu Dhabi last week.

"And then I shoot 31 on the back. I don't know how, but my putting seemed to work. I've still got some tough work to do on the range because my driving was pretty poor."

Stanford junior Thorbjornsen, ranked second in the world amateur golf ranking, made an eagle on the 18th and five birdies in his front nine after starting from the 10th tee.

"I enjoy playing professional golf a lot and I'm still an amateur," he said.

"Just the golf courses that we play, the crowd out there, it's what I'm dreaming of ever since I was five or six years old. It just feels good to be out there."

- AFP

2023-01-27 18:11:57

McIlroy, Reed impress as Dubai Desert Classic hit by further rain

Rory McIlroy enjoyed a spectacular finish to his opening round as further weather delays at the Dubai Desert Classic on Friday forced organisers to schedule a Monday finish.

Sweden's world amateur number one Ludvig Aberg and Ian Poulter shared the 18-hole lead after seven-under-par 65s.

Most of the field did not even have time to start their second rounds before darkness fell, although Poulter was joined at the top of the leaderboard on eight-under by Richard Bland after a few holes of round two.

World number one McIlroy fired a six-under first round of 66, returning after a solid start on Thursday to finish in stunning fashion.

He made a birdie, eagle and another birdie in his closing three holes.

That included a holed-out second shot on the par-four eighth, his penultimate hole, and a near eagle on the par-four ninth.

"I should not have warmed up for an hour," quipped McIlroy.

"I was hopeful that I would hole that birdie putt on seventh (he hit his tee shot to four feet when play was suspended on Thursday) and get to three-under and then maybe birdie one of the last two and get to four-under.

"I would have been ecstatic with that. To do what I did, it glosses over the golf I played. There's no way I should have shot six-under par out there for the last couple days.

"I feel lucky to be in this position. I could have been at least four or five shots worse. Usually, I would be the master at turning 66s into 70s, and that was a 70 turned into a 66."

Reed makes fast start

LIV Golf star Patrick Reed, who was involved in a controversial incident before the tournament when he was accused of throwing a tee at four-time major champion McIlroy, eagled his 18th hole to also finish on 66.

The second round did get under way and England's Bland moved to the top of the leaderboard alongside fellow LIV Golf player Poulter.

Bland, who lost in a play-off to Viktor Hovland at the event last year, made three birdies in his first four holes, while Poulter birdied his third hole of the second round.

With more than nine hours lost because of rain - close to 60 millimetres were dumped on the golf course over the two days - the organisers decided to schedule the third round for Sunday and the final round on Monday in an effort to make it a 72-hole tournament.

"This is one of the biggest events on the DP World Tour and we clearly want to make every effort possible to get to 72 holes at one of our biggest championships," European Tour tournament director Mike Stewart said.

The 23-year-old Aberg earned his place in the tournament as the top-ranked player from the PGA Tour's university rankings, and he wasted no time in showcasing his potential.

Aberg started with a bogey, but made eight birdies after that. Two bogeys saw him slip to three shots off the lead after seven holes of his second round.

The Dubai Desert Classic is the second straight week of Rolex Series events on the European Tour. The winner walks away with $1.53 million and important Ryder Cup points.

- AFP

2023-01-26 18:09:50

Dubai Desert Classic battles deluge

The Dubai Desert Classic was hit by a deluge of biblical proportions with Thursday's opening round behind closed doors hit by a lengthy delay.

A weather front on the eve of play dumped nearly 40 millimetres of rain and caused a delay of over six hours as maintenance staff battled to make the course playable.

Only 18 players managed to complete their rounds, leaving well over one hundred facing an early start Friday.

Only two groups on either sides of the soaked golf course were able to finish their round, and the remaining players from the morning wave will have to return early and finish theirs.

None of the afternoon group could go out on the golf course and they face the prospect of a long day of 36 holes.

Among those who finished their rounds were the English trio of Matthew Jordan, Oliver Wilson and Daniel Gavins, who were tied for the lead in the clubhouse at four-under par 68.

Rory McIlroy was left facing a four-feet birdie putt on the seventh hole, his 16th after starting from the 10th tee, to move to three-under par when first-round play resumes on Friday morning.

The world number one did well to bounce back from two early bogeys, in a round in which his putter seemed hot despite the wet conditions at Emirates Golf Club.

Preferred lies were in operation and the water-logged thick rough provided a real test to the field.

Thursday's round was held behind closed doors.

"We had a lot of rain yesterday afternoon so the first decision that was made with the tournament promoters, Falcon Golf, was to minimise the number of people on site today by playing behind closed doors, including closing hospitality," tournament director Mike Stewart said.

"This decision was taken last night for the safety of everybody, in part because it was going to be very hard for large numbers of people to reach the venue.

"The biggest issues from the golf club's perspective were the bunkers and some of the waste areas which had flooded really badly, so they had to get those bunkers pumped out."

-AFP

2023-01-22 16:40:57

France's Perez holds on to claim Abu Dhabi title

Victor Perez endured nail-biting drama over the closing stretch of the Abu Dhabi Championship before edging a one-shot win on Sunday.

The 30-year-old Frenchman holed out his bunker shot on the par-3 17th hole in remarkable fashion to get to 19-under before visiting the fairway bunker and making a bogey on the par-5 18th hole at Yas Links Abu Dhabi.

Perez finally closed with a six-under-par 66 for an overall total of 18-under-par 270.

Australia's Min Woo Lee paid the price of a bogey on the 17th hole when he missed a par putt from less than five feet. He almost holed out his third shot for an eagle on the 18th, which could have forced a play-off.

However, his ball rolled back towards the pin and stopped agonisingly close. The birdie saw him finish on 68 and in tied-second place alongside Sweden's Sebastian Soderberg (67).

Ireland's 51-year-old Padraig Harrington, who was trying to become the oldest winner on the European Tour, was in solo fourth place at 16-under par. He started his round with a bogey, but made seven birdies in his round after that.

The win was Perez's third on the tour in 91 starts and moves him to the top of the European Tour rankings with 1,335 points. He is likely to climb to 60th place in the world, up from 117th.

"It feels fantastic," said an emotional Perez.

"I thought you always need a bit of fortune and there's always the deciding shots coming down the stretch that can make or break. To hole that bunker shot on 17 is probably going to be a highlight.

"I was just trying to fly the ball all the way to the hole and if it came up a bit heavy, it was probably going to release down to the hole and probably have an 8-footer for par. I was expecting Sebastian to hole his putt for birdie.

"In my head, I was going best case scenario, probably one ahead or tied going into the last hole, but I come up with a two-shot lead, which is always massive.

"The other person is going to have to do something great and you're going to have to do something poor to lose a two-shot lead. I almost did, but thankfully, a six was enough."

Italy's Francesco Molinari (71) and Sweden's Alex Noren (68) were tied for the fifth place at 14-under.

The European Tour next moves down the road to Dubai for the Dubai Desert Classic, a second Rolex Series event in successive weeks. World number one Rory McIlroy is scheduled to play the tournament at Emirates Golf Club.

- AFP

2023-01-22 08:58:32

Shane Lowry, Francesco Molinari and Min Woo Lee tied at the top

Shane Lowry's bid to become a two-time Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship winner remains firmly on track after he shot a third-round 66 to head into the final round tied alongside Francesco Molinari and Min Woo Lee at the top of the leaderboard.

The Irishman carded a spectacular eagle, five birdies and a solitary bogey on Saturday to move to 13 under par.

The 2019 champion spent most of the back nine at the summit before his only bogey of the day at the 17th and a closing birdie from Lee up at the 18th saw the Australian take over at the top.

But the Major Champion bounced back brilliantly, nervelessly holing his birdie putt from around nine feet at the last.

And midway co-leader Molinari made it a three-way tie at the top after finishing his third-round 69 with a birdie from five feet in the final group.Lee carded seven birdies and one bogey in his 66, with the highlight of his round coming at the short fourth as he almost holed his tee-shot for an ace.

The leading trio have a high-class chasing pack just behind them, with France's Victor Perez, Scot Grant Forrest and Swede Sebastian Söderberg at 12 under.

Three-time Major Champion Pádraig Harrington is in the four-strong group another shot back after reeling off six successive birdies in his flawless 64.

Lowry began the day three shots off the lead but soon set about cutting the gap, birdieing the second from close range before holing his approach from the fairway at the difficult sixth for a stunning eagle there.

He came agonisingly close to securing a second straight eagle on the seventh but had to make do with a tap-in birdie before saving par at the eighth. An 18-foot birdie on the ninth handed Lowry the outright lead but he had to wait until the 15th for his next birdie after missing a good chance at the previous hole.

He holed from just off the green at the 15th to reach 13 under but got into bunker trouble at the short 17th and just missed his par putt there to surrender a bogey.

The 35-year-old fought back, though, making his birdie at the 18th to grab a share of the lead.

He said: "It's nice to go out on a Saturday, in tricky conditions coming in on the back nine, and put myself in there for tomorrow [Sunday].

"First tournament of the year, you don't know what's going to happen. My thing would be I try and give myself as many chances to win as I can and at some stage hopefully it happens.

"I've got a chance to go out there and do something special, so hopefully I can bring the game that I brought the last few days and roll a few putts in as well and you never know."

Lee made a hot start, birdieing the second before coming within 15 inches of making a hole-in-one at the fourth.

- DP World Tour

2023-01-20 23:09:06

Guido Migliozzi and Francesco Molinari lead in Abu Dhabi

Guido Migliozzi produced a big finish on day two of the 2023 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship to head into the weekend tied alongside countryman Francesco Molinari at the top of the leaderboard.

The Italian duo came into this event fresh from their outstanding displays at last week's inaugural Hero Cup, where they both delivered 3.5 points and finished unbeaten as Continental Europe defeated Great Britain & Ireland 14.5-10.5 over three days of competition.

And they were on top form again on day two at Yas Links Abu Dhabi, finishing strongly to reach ten under par at the halfway stage of the first Rolex Series event of the season.

After Molinari had shot a second successive 67 in the morning courtesy of six birdies on his back nine, Migliozzi closed his second-round 69 with a hat-trick of birdies to join him at the summit.

Having started at the tenth tee, Molinari saw two early birdies wiped out as a double bogey-bogey run at the 16th and 17th threatened to stall his progress.

But he recovered with five birdies in seven holes from the first before sending his wedge shot at the ninth to within two feet to set up a guaranteed closing birdie.

Migliozzi, meanwhile, mixed one birdie with one bogey on the front nine before kick-starting his round at the 16th with a strong shot-of-the-day contender.

He pitched his approach towards the front of the green and let it run all the way to the pin at the back to give himself a tap-in birdie.

The 25-year-old then took advantage of the par-three 17th before birdieing the last from 17 feet to grab a share of the lead.

As the wind strengthened in the afternoon, no-one was able to catch the Italian pair at the top, with Jason Scrivener their nearest challenger on nine under after mixing four birdies with two bogeys in his 70.

- DP World Tour

2022-12-11 16:47:50

South African Ockie Strydom put 19 second-place finishes in his career behind him on Sunday as he triumphed on the DP World Tour for the first time.

The 37-year-old carded a final round three-under 69 at Leopard Creek Country Club to win the Alfred Dunhill Championship with a total of 270.

Spaniard Adrian Otaegui birdied the final hole to come second after a closing 68 -- for a four round total of 272 -- on a course that borders the world renowned Kruger National Park game reserve.

Laurie Canter from England fired an eight-under 64, including an eagle and seven birdies, to come third, one stroke behind Otaegui.In a break with the tradition of wearing long pants in European Tour events, competitors were permitted to don shorts to be more comfortable in the 33 degree Celsius (91 Fahrenheit) heat.

Strydom was one of many golfers who took advantage of the relaxation of the dress code, with shorts first permitted at the same tournament three years ago.

Strydom was overcome by his first major title, simply calling his success "nice. I am sure my wife and parents are at home crying. Special thanks to my caddie.

"I love Leopard Creek because I feel so calm in the bush. Congratulations to those who prepared this course, which was in magnificent condition all week."

Level with Scott Jamieson from Scotland beginning the final round, Strydom had a difficult front nine that ended with a double-bogey six that left him one over for the round.

But the South African then reeled off four birdies in five holes to take a three-stroke advantage before parring the remaining four holes.

Sensing he was about to end a run of second places, Strydom took no chances on the final hole and its island green.

He took an iron off the tee, laid his second shot short of the water, found the green in three and two putted for a victory, and a drenching as champagne was sprayed at him.

Leading final round scores in the DP World Tour (European Tour) Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek CC in Malelane, South Africa, on Sunday (RSA unless stated, Par 72):

270 - Ockie Strydom 68-70-63-69

272 - Adrian Otaegui (ESP) 70-69-65-68

273 - Laurie Canter (ENG) 68-69-72-64

274 - Oliver Bekker 69-66-68-71, Aaron Cockerill (CAN) 70-65-70-69, Branden Grace 67-70-67-70

275 - Dean Burmester 65-70-68-72, Louis Oosthuizen 70-66-71-68

276 - M. J. Daffue 69-66-72-69, David Ravetto (FRA) 67-67-73-69

277 - Scott Jamieson (SCO) 68-63-70-76, Nathan Kimsey (ENG) 70-64-74-69

278 - Dylan Frittelli 70-66-68-74, Tom McKibbin (ENG) 68-73-71-66, George Coetzee 73-68-67-70, Joost Luiten (NED) 69-70-69-70

279 - Ross Fisher (ENG) 71-65-71-72, Joshua Lee 71-69-69-70, Christian Maas 71-70-70-68, Eddie Pepperell (ENG) 69-65-73-72, J. C. Ritchie 72-66-72-69

2022-12-10 19:10:04

Strydom shares Leopard Creek lead

Ockie Strydom and Scott Jamieson both share a deep passion for Leopard Creek and their desire to win the Alfred Dunhill Championship as they share the lead going into Sunday's final round.

Strydom equalled the course record with a third round of 63 to climb to 15 under par, and Jamieson - the man who a day earlier had set that course record - signed for a 70 on Saturday to join him at the top of the leaderboard.

They are two strokes clear of the trio of Dean Burmester, Oliver Bekker and Dale Whitnell.

Former champion Branden Grace is three shots off the lead.

Strydom, who has 19 runner-up finishes to his name, credits his caddie with changing his mental approach and leading to the kind of form that last week saw him set the course record at Blair Atholl during the South African Open.

"Jaris (Kruger) my brother-in-law, has made a huge difference on the bag. We understand each other and he keeps me positive. He doesn't just go for it out there, like I would always do. I've always played aggressively. If I could hit driver on a par three I would. Now I'm playing more strategically.

"This is a trophy you want, and to win here at Leopard Creek would be so special. The course is more beautiful than I've ever seen it. I'm staying in a house on the golf course. It's so calm, and that always makes me play my best golf."

Jamieson is equally determined to complete his love for Leopard Creek with a title on its fairways.

"It's my favourite week of the year," he said. "When I saw the green speeds on the first tee box and it was something like 13.7 I thought, 'Ok. Here we go'," said Strydom.

"Luckily, on the first green, I hit a downhill putt about four feet past to get the hang of it. Overall my wedges were close and I didn't go for dangerous shots. The course was set up quite tough, but I hit it in the right places on these greens. Leopard Creek can't be attacked. It's either going to come to you and then if it does, well done. If it doesn't, you're in big trouble."

Jamieson struggled to find his form on the front nine and turned one over. But his patience was rewarded on the back nine.

"As expected, the course was a little tougher. The greens speeds were up a bit. I knew there would be chances on the back nine and then I had three birdies in a row. I was really disciplined out there. I stuck to my game plan and got my reward with those three birdies. But we all know the tournament begins on the back nine on Sunday."

- Michael Vlismas

Leading third-round scores in the DP World Tour (European Tour) Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek CC, Malelane, South Africa on Saturday (RSA unless stated, Par 72):

201 - Ockie Strydom 68-70-63, Scott Jamieson (SCO) 68-63-70

203 - Dean Burmester 65-70-68, Oliver Bekker 69-66-68, Dale Whitnell (ENG) 69-68-66

204 - Adrian Otaegui (ESP) 70-69-65, Branden Grace 67-70-67, Dylan Frittelli 70-66-68

205 - Aaron Cockerill (CAN) 70-65-70

207 - MJ Daffue 69-66-72, Louis Oosthuizen 70-66-71, Eddie Pepperell (ENG) 69-65-73, Ross Fisher (ENG) 71-65-71, David Ravetto (FRA) 67-67-73

208 - Alexander Knappe (GER) 68-68-72, Wilco Nienaber 68-73-67, George Coetzee 73-68-67, Jaco Prinsloo 70-68-70, Joost Luiten (NED) 69-70-69, Nathan Kimsey (ENG) 70-64-74, Bryce Easton 69-69-70

2022-12-09 19:37:57

Course record has Jamieson hunting Alfred Dunhill Championship glory

Scott Jamieson signed for a bogey-free course record nine-under-par 63 to earn himself a three-stroke lead heading into the weekend of the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek.

Finishing in the rain on the 18th on Friday, Jamieson played some of the best golf of his career in a tournament which he says is his favourite week of the year as he set the 36-hole lead at 13 under par.

"It was one of those days where almost everything clicked," said the Scottish professional.

"It's a special place to hold the course record. It's also always nice to do so bogey-free. I love playing golf here."

Jamieson was on form with his putter and had two stretches on both nines where he went on a run of birdies.

"I got on a run in the middle of the front nine where I just kept holing every single putt and that was a nice feeling. To be five under on the front nine, I knew I was in really good shape. But you can't rest on your laurels here. You've got to keep the pedal down and thankfully, I was able to make more birdies on the back nine. I also holed some crucial par putts, which kept the momentum on my side. And I drove it a lot better today. I made some good swings and hit my targets. We had some rain so the greens were a bit softer as well. It was a good day for me."

Frenchman David Ravetto and the English duo of Nathan Kimsey and Eddie Pepperell are Jamieson's nearest challengers on 10-under par. Kimsey actually equalled the course record of 64 shortly before Jamieson broke it.

Ravetto posted his second consecutive 67 of the week to remain in contention, and Pepperell signed for a 65.

The South Africans who are lined up on nine under par include MJ Daffue, Dean Burmester, Oliver Bekker and Dylan Mostert.

Burmester is certainly hoping for a collective push from his countrymen on the weekend.

"I'm definitely in a position to strike and I think a lot of the South Africans have done that, so hopefully, we can all rally and keep this leopard trophy at home."

And Jamieson is ready for that challenge.

"It's been a good first two rounds and it's only halfway in this tournament, but it's my favourite week of the year so I'm up for the challenge."

- Michael Vlismas

Leading second round scores in the DP World Tour (European Tour) Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek CC, Malelane, South Africa on Friday (RSA unless stated, Par 72):

131 - Scott Jamieson (SCO) 68-63

134 - Eddie Pepperell (ENG) 69-65, Nathan Kimsey (ENG) 70-64, David Ravetto (FRA) 67-67

135 - Dean Burmester 65-70, M. J. Daffue 69-66, Dylan Mostert 70-65, Oliver Bekker 69-66, Aaron Cockerill (CAN) 70-65

136 - Louis Oosthuizen 70-66, Alexander Knappe (GER) 68-68, Ross Fisher (ENG) 71-65, Lukas Nemecz (AUT) 66-70, Dylan Frittelli 70-66

137 - Laurie Canter (ENG) 68-69, Branden Grace 67-70, Darren Fichardt 67-70, Wynand Dingle 70-67, Jayden Schaper 69-68, Dale Whitnell (ENG) 69-68

2022-12-08 22:51:11

Dean Burmester was so inspired by witnessing his first rhino dehorning project that he produced a round of seven-under-par 65 with as many birdies as he could muster to contribute to anti-poaching efforts and lead the first day of the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek on Thursday.

Burmester and a number of other professionals support a campaign called Birdies4Rhinos whereby they donate money for every birdie they make in the season to rhino conversation. And it was his experience of the dehorning earlier this week that inspired him to produce one of his best back nines ever at Leopard Creek on Thursday.

“What a back nine. Some of the best golf I’ve played in a while. A back nine to remember that’s for sure,” he said as he came home with six birdies to take the lead.“

Former champion Branden Grace is one of five golfers just two shots off the lead.

Burmester is certainly relishing being back in South Africa after a year of travel on both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour. And he’s particular enjoying being back in the bush this week.

“We had a lovely game drive with the family this morning and saw lion and leopard on the way out. That put me in a great mood. We rushed back, I had a quick change and was delighted to hear that we could play in shorts because of the heat, had a bite to eat and then got myself ready and that mood carried into the day. It was probably one of the most fun rounds of golf I’ve had in a while. I hope I can keep enjoying myself. We know this golf course can bite you but America has paid dividends. I’ve played a lot on Bermuda grass this year and that has helped me a lot this week.”

Scores:

65 - Dean Burmester66 - Lukas Nemecz

67 - Branden Grace, Jaco Ahlers, David Ravetto, Deon Germishuys, Darren Fichardt

68 - Ockie Strydom, Laurie Canter, Alexander Knappe, Scott Jamieson, Tobias Eden, Kristian Krogh Johannessen, Louis Albertse, Tom McKibbin, Wilco Nienaber

69 - Jayden Schaper, Dale Whitnell, Todd Clements, Eddie Pepperell, Oliver Bekker, Joost Luiten, Jorge Campillo, Santiago Tarrio, MJ Daffue, Erik van Rooyen, Thriston Lawrence, Bryce Easton, Ashun Wu, Alejandro Canizares

70 - JJ Senekal, Wynand Dingle, Nathan Kimsey, Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Ernie Els, Dylan Mostert, Jovan Rebula, Jens Fahrbring, Niklas Norgaard Moller, Jaco Prinsloo, Neil Schietekat, Luke Jerling, Dylan Frittelli, James Hart du Preez, Adrian Otaegui, Louis Oosthuizen, Aaron Cockerill, Scott Vincent, Jean Hugo, Keagan Thomas

71 - Gudmundur Kristjansson, Jbe' Kruger, Darius van Driel, Christiaan Maas, Antoine Rozner, Ryo Hisatsune, Ross Fisher, Richard Sterne, Daniel Brown, Joshua Lee, Angel Hidalgo, Shaun Norris, Marcel Siem, Matthew Southgate, Wil Besseling, Adam Breen

72 - Gunner Wiebe, Anthony Michael, Hennie du Plessis, Mateusz Gradecki, Justin Walters, Combrinck Smit, Lyle Rowe, Nick Bachem, Grant Forrest, Kyle De Beer, Rourke van der Spuy, Clement Sordet, Daniel van Tonder, Jeong Weon Ko, CJ du Plessis, JC Ritchie, Jens Dantorp, Matthew Baldwin, Martin Simonsen

73 - Rupert Kaminski, Herman Loubser, George Coetzee, Jacques Blaauw, Edoardo Molinari, Aldrich Potgieter, Philip Eriksson, Gary Hurley, Robin Sciot-Siegrist, Matthew Spacey, Nikhil Rama, Sam Hutsby, Joachim B. Hansen, Tristen Strydom, James Morrison, Jacquin Hess, Makhetha Mazibuko

74 - Keenan Davidse, Dan Bradbury, Stephen Ferreira, Chase Hanna, Estiaan Conradie, Jake Redman, Toto Thimba Jnr, Charl Schwartzel, Sean Crocker, Pedro Figueiredo, Sami Valimaki, Alejandro Del Rey

75 - Jeremy Freiburghaus, Dylan Naidoo, Martin Rohwer, John Murphy, Yurav Premlall, Michael Palmer, MJ Viljoen, Christoffer Bring, John Axelsen, Louis de Jager, Divan van den Heever

76 - Gerard du Plooy, Keith Horne, Zander Lombard, Matthieu Pavon, Pieter Moolman, Jean-Paul Strydom, Gary Stal, Mikael Lindberg

77 - Brandon Stone, Simon Forsstrom, Joel Stalter

78 - Thabang Simon, Marc Warren, Merrick Bremner, Albert Venter

79 - Anton Karlsson, Casey Jarvis, Marcus Armitage, Jaco Van Zyl, Ruan Korb, Brooklin Bailey, Ruan Conradie

80 - Thomas Aiken

- Michael Vlismas

2022-12-08 09:28:54

2022-12-04 08:44:42

Adrian Meronk stormed to a second DP World Tour title as he eagled the last in a stunning five-shot victory at the Australian Open in Melbourne.

The Pole entered the day at Victoria Golf Club a shot behind former World Number One Adam Scott but after a two-shot swing on the first he never looked back, signing for a 66 to finish at 14 under.

Scott carded a 72 in front of adoring home crowds to finish a shot ahead of another Australian in Min Woo Lee, who recorded a closing 69.

Spaniard Alejandro Cañizares signed for a 64 to finish at seven under alongside Australia's Haydn Barron, one clear of Kiwi Josh Geary.

In the women's event, South Africa's Ashleigh Buhai finished a shot ahead of South Korean Jiyai Shin, while Kipp Popert cruised to victory in the G4D Tour season opener, winning the Australian All Abilities Championship at the Australian Open by seven shots.

Meronk made the trip Down Under after a 2022 season that saw him become the first Polish player to win a DP World Tour event thanks to his triumph at the Horizon Irish Open and finish eighth in the Rankings.

He was four over after his first 16 holes in Melbourne and looked like he could be in a battle to make the cut after a 73 but followed that up with rounds of 66-63-66 to storm to the top of the leaderboard and take the trophy.

“I’m super excited and to finish like that on the 18th hole is just unreal," he said.

“I’m so grateful, thank you for all the support and I enjoyed this week so much.

“I felt really good again today. I kept doing what I’ve done the last two days and it worked pretty well. I’m super proud of myself, proud of my team and super happy right now."

There was a two-shot swing on the first as Scott dropped a shot and Meronk made a birdie and the lead was two when the 29-year-old put an approach to four feet on the next.

Scott came roaring back as he holed a 15-footer on the fourth and put an approach to two feet on the next but he bogeyed the seventh to once again drop out of the lead.

He failed to get up and down from the sand on the eighth and with Meronk making a two-putt birdie on the par-five ninth, the Pole led by three at the turn.

Scott hit a smart approach into the 12th to trim the lead and made a good par save at the next, with Meronk unable to do the same from the greenside bunker.

A wonderful bunker shot on the driveable 15th helped set up a birdie and while Meronk gave that shot back on the 17th, Scott went out of bounds off the tee to surrender a double-bogey.

That gave Meronk a three-shot cushion heading up the last and he completed an emphatic victory by holing a long putt from just off the 18th green to spark wild celebrations.

Lee started his day with an eagle from 20 feet at the first but never gained enough momentum to seriously challenge as he birdied the ninth and 15th but dropped shots on the eighth, tenth and 16th.

His third-place finish is his third in his last six events, with a worst result of 12th, as he rediscovers the form that made him a Rolex Series winner.

Barron got one of the biggest cheers of the day as he eagled the last in a 70, a score matched by Geary.

Australians Andrew Martin, Matthew Millar and Conor Purcell finished at five under, a shot clear of a group of seven players including Lucas Herbert, Nicolai Højgaard and Tom Lewis.

- DP World Tour

2022-12-04 08:39:55

Australian Open golf scores - final round

Final round scores Sunday at the Australian Open at the Victoria Golf Club in Melbourne. The men's and women's events took place at the same time and at the same venue.

Men

268 - Adrian Meronk (POL) 73-66-63-66

273 - Adam Scott 71-63-67-72274 - Min Woo Lee 70-70-65-69

275 - Alejandro Canizares (ESP) 70-73-68-64, Haydn Barron 69-68-68-70

276 - Josh Geary (NZL) 68-69-69-70

277 - Matthew Millar 72-72-66-67, Andrew Martin 73-69-68-67, Conor Purcell (IRL) 68-72-66-71

278 - Tom Lewis (ENG) 68-71-72-67, Jason Norris 71-68-71-68, Hayden Hopewell 73-68-68-69, Lucas Herbert 70-72-67-69, David Micheluzzi 63-71-73-71, Nicolai Hojgaard (DEN) 67-71-69-71, Pierre Pineau (FRA) 67-71-69-71

279 - Gunner Wiebe (USA) 69-68-70-72

Women

277 - Ashleigh Buhai (RSA) 69-69-66-73

278 - Jiyai Shin (KOR) 68-68-67-75

279 - Hannah Green 68-66-71-74

280 - Grace Kim 66-72-70-72

281 - Minjee Lee 70-70-70-71

282 - Jenny Shin (KOR) 70-73-71-68

283 - So-Yeon Ryu (KOR) 69-69-70-75

284 - Marina Alex (USA) 73-70-69-72, Stephanie Kyriacou 71-70-71-72

286 - Fiona Xu (NZL) 68-77-72-69

288 - Cassie Porter 75-73-67-73, Justice Bosio 71-71-72-74, Jennifer Kupcho (USA) 72-70-72-74, Yuri Yoshida (JPN) 72-69-71-76

289 - Stephanie Bunque 69-78-70-72290 - Sarah Jane Smith 73-73-72-72, Xiyu Lin (CHN) 73-70-72-75, Chonlada Chayanun (THA) 70-78-70-72292 - Sarah Kemp 71-72-72-77, Gabriela Ruffels 72-77-71-72

2022-12-02 11:13:25

Former Masters champion Adam Scott zoomed into a two-way share of the lead in the Australian Open while Cameron Smith narrowly avoided the halfway cut in Melbourne on Friday.

Scott, 42, rolled back the years with five birdies and an eagle three at the 18th for an unblemished seven-under 63 to join overnight leader David Micheluzzi on eight-under 134.

In the adjoining women's tournament held on the same sandbelt courses at Kingston Heath and Victoria Golf Club, Australia's Hannah Green swept into the lead after a six-under 66.

In contrast to 2014 Masters champion Scott's brilliant round, world number three and British Open champion Smith stuttered to a one-over 73 to just scrape into the weekend rounds in a tie for 60th on two-over 144.

"I'm here to win the tournament this week and I can turn things around quick, I have that experience as well and it did today," world number 36 Scott said.

"I hit some much better shots today. I mean, I'd be lying if I said I'm 100 percent confident with exactly where it's going, but I had a better idea today.

"You have to let go of some of the inhibitions or the fear of going offline and just swing the club."

Smith said his mind was "foggy" and his second round was "pretty rubbish" as the major tournament drawcard looked for much of the day that he would sit out the weekend.

Smith's opening two rounds included just six birdies, nine bogeys and 21 pars.

"I was just really uncomfortable all day, kind of similar to yesterday, just couldn't quite hit the ball out the middle of the club face for some reason or another," Smith said.

"My mind was a little bit foggy, obviously a little bit tired as well. Last week had been such a big week (winning the Australian PGA title), so yeah, just pretty disappointing. That was pretty rubbish out there today."

Green, the 2019 Women's PGA champion, reeled off an eagle and five birdies to lead the women's event by two shots from South Korea's Jiyai Shin.

"I kind of expected all of the good players to come out on top, especially playing here at Victoria," world number 20 Green said.

"Even though I shot a lower score than in the first round at Kingston Heath, I thought this was a difficult golf course... we'll just see how the conditions pan out come the weekend."

Reigning Women's British Open champion Ashleigh Buhai of South Africa carved out a bogey-free round at Kingston Heath to get to seven-under, four strokes off the lead.

Australia's world number four Minjee Lee moved up to sixth after a three-under 70."I played pretty solid so hopefully I can play better at Victoria come the weekend," she said.

Leading scores Friday on day two of the Australian Open, being played at both the Victoria Golf Club and Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne.The men's and women's events are taking place at the same time and at the same venues. (AUS unless stated):

Men

134 - Adam Scott 71-63, David Micheluzzi 63-71

137 - Josh Geary 68-69, Haydn Barron 69-68, Gunner Wiebe (USA) 69-68

138 - Pierre Pineau (FRA) 67-71, Nicolai Hojgaard (DEN) 67-71, Velten Meyer (GER) 68-70, Cameron Percy 70-68, Shae Wools-Cobb 72-66

139 - Adrian Meronk (POL) 73-66, Matt Jones 70-69, Jason Norris 71-68, Tom Lewis (ENG) 68-71, Deyen Lawson 69-70

140 - Min Woo Lee 70-70, Ryo Hisatsune (JPN) 70-70, Jarryd Felton 73-67, Dimitrios Papadatos 73-67, Peter Lonard 70-70, Conor Purcell 68-72 (IRL)

Selected: 144 - Cameron Smith 71

Women

134 - Hannah Green 68-66

136 - Jiyai Shin (KOR) 68-68

138 - So-Yeon Ryu (KOR) 69-69, Ashleigh Buhai (RSA) 69-69, Grace Kim 66-72

140 - Minjee Lee 70-70

141 - Stephanie Kyriacou 71-70, Yuri Yoshida (JPN) 72-69

142 - Jennifer Kupcho (USA) 72-70, Justice Bosio 71-71

143 - Sarah Kemp 71-72, Jenny Shin (USA) 70-73, Xiyu Lin (CHN) 73-70, Marina Alex (USA) 73-70

145 - Julienne Soo 73-72, Fiona Xu (NZL) 68-77

- AFP

2022-12-01 12:11:33

World number three Cameron Smith struggled on Thursday in the opening round of the Australian Open, falling behind course record-setting leader David Micheluzzi, while Grace Kim led the women's tournament in Melbourne.

Open champion Smith was left frustrated after a difficult day in which he finished one-over par with four bogeys, leaving him tied for 64th.

Smith, who won the Australian PGA Championship last weekend, is playing in his first Australian Open in three years, and will need to improve at Kingston Heath on Friday to make the halfway cut.

"I thought it was all pretty rubbish to be honest," Smith said.

"That's as bad as I've played in a long time."The course was pretty difficult, the conditions were pretty difficult, but still I need to be better than that."

Local professional Micheluzzi set the benchmark, firing seven-under and course record 63 to lead by three shots from fellow Australian Matthew Griffin.

Micheluzzi opened his round with a bogey on the 10th, but then reeled off eight birdies to march four shots clear at one stage.

"I know this course like the back of my hand, and I got the putter going too," Micheluzzi said.

"I've just got to do the same thing. Just hit it good tomorrow, shoot a decent score and then obviously come into the weekend, hopefully flopping with all the big boys."

World number 36 Adam Scott was all over the place with seven birdies mixed with four bogeys and even a double-bogey in his one-under 71.

Grace Kim equalled the women's course record at Kingston Heath with a seven-under 66.

Kim blazed five birdies in her opening five holes on her way to lead the women's tournament, while Australia's world number four Minjee Lee opened with a two-under 70 to be joint ninth.

Little more than 12 months after turning professional, Kim is headed for the LPGA Tour in 2023 after earning a maiden win on the Epson Tour and finishing fifth on the money list.

"I wasn't expecting it but I'd take it any day. I think I took my chances pretty well. I had lots of good numbers, comfortable numbers for my wedge play," Kim said.

Minjee Lee had an eagle and two birdies in her round.

"I missed a few on the back nine that I probably could have made," said Lee, whose eagle came at the par-5 eighth.

"That being said, it was pretty tough out there. I had two-under and hopefully I can have a good score tomorrow."

The men's and women's Australian Open are taking place at the same time and place as part of an effort to widen the appeal of golf.

The Victoria Golf Club is the main venue across all four days with Kingston Heath hosting play on the opening two days.

Leading scores Thursday on day one of the Australian Open, being played at both the Victoria Golf Club and Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne.The men's and women's events are taking place at the same time and at the same venues. (AUS unless stated):

Men

63 - David Micheluzzi

66 - Matthew Griffin

67 - Connor McKinney, Zinyo Garcia, Pierre Pineau (FRA), Nicolai Hojgaard (DEN)

68 - Nick Voke (NZL), Velten Meyer (GER), Denzel Ieremia, Conor Purcell (IRL), Peter Cooke, Josh Geary, Harrison Endycott, Tom Lewis (ENG)

69 - Gunner Wiebe (USA), Deyen Lawson, Christopher Wood, Elvis Smylie, Todd Sinnott, Devon Bling (USA), Liam Johnston (SCO), Haydn Barron, Takumi Kanaya (JPN)

70 - Lucas Herbert, Ryo Hisatsune (JPN), Peter Lonard, Cameron Percy, Aaron Wilkin, Marcus Fraser, Pavan Sagoo (ENG), Jordan Zunic, Scott Arnold, Alejandro Canizares (ESP), Marc Leishman, Min Woo Lee, Tom Power Horan, Terry Pilkadaris, Jack Murdoch, Kohei Okada (JPN)

Selected:

71 - Adam Scott, Cameron Smith, Peter O'Malley

Women

66 - Grace Kim

68 - Hannah Green, Jiyai Shin (KOR), Fiona Xu (NZL)

69 - Stephanie Bunque, Munchin Keh, So-Yeon Ryu (KOR), Ashleigh Buhai (RSA)

70 - Ya-Chun Chang (TPE), Minjee Lee, Chonlada Chayanun (THA)

71 - Justice Bosio, Momoka Kobori, Rachel Lee, Stephanie Kyriacou, Sarah Kemp

72 - Gabriela Ruffels, Yuri Yoshida (JPN), Kate McFarlane, Jennifer Kupcho (USA)

- AFP

2022-11-28 07:09:25

Cameron Smith won the Australian PGA Championship for a third time with a three-shot victory after a weather-affected final round at Royal Queensland Golf Club.

The 150th Open Champion held an overnight three-shot lead but was caught early on the back nine, shortly after the second of two separate suspensions because of lightning which saw more than two hours of play lost.

Three birdies in a five-hole stretch from the 12th saw the world No 3 reassert his command as a closing three-under-par 68 saw him claim victory in the season-opening tournament, which is co-sanctioned with the PGA Tour of Australasia.

Australian Jason Scrivener and Japan's Ryo Hisatsune finished in a share of second at 11 under after posting rounds of 67 and 65, respectively.

Another home favourite Min Woo Lee was two shots further back in fourth alongside England's Challenge Tour Graduate John Parry, who along with Hisatsune made a closing 65 to match the best score of the week.

Smith, who won this event back-to-back in 2017 and 2018, is now a four-time winner on the DP World Tour having made his major championship breakthrough at St Andrews in July.

"I really didn't think I had it in me at the start of the week," he said in his post-round interview.

"I was a bit scratchy and the game has got better and better as the week went on, other than the front nine today."

Reflecting on the weather-enforced delays in play, he added: "You are in the mojo a little and for it to be stopped not once but twice was a little frustrating but I just held on and played really solid those last eight holes."

- DP World Tour

2022-11-25 11:23:22

Jason Scrivener leads the Australian PGA Championship by one shot at the halfway stage afterfiring a flawless 67 on day two.

First-round co-leader Scrivener started from the 10th tee early on Fridaymorning and made one birdie on his front nine before picking up three furthershots after the turn to head into the clubhouse on ten under par.

None of the later starters were able to catch the 33-year-old Australian, withcountryman Cameron Smith his nearest challenger on nine under after his 65.

Scrivener, who is searching for his maiden DP World Tour triumph, came into thesecond round tied alongside John Lyras and Min Woo Lee at the summit afterkicking off his 2023 campaign with a 65 on Thursday.

He made slow but steady progress early on Friday, birdieing the 12th beforeparring the next six holes.

Scrivener broke that run of pars with a birdie atthe first before picking up another shot on the par-three fourth.

He then tookadvantage of the long seventh to sign for a superb 67.

Japan's Masahiro Kawamura and Australia's Cameron John were in a tie for thirdone shot further back.

Adrian Meronk, Alejandro Cañizares, Denzel Ieremia,Anthony Quayle and Yan Wei Liu shared fifth place on seven under.

- DP World Tour

2022-11-25 08:14:40

Local hope Jason Scrivener (-10) shot a four-under 67 to lead the Australian PGA Championship after the completion of the second round.

Another Aussie, Cameron Smith, is second on nine-under.

Leaderboard2022-11-25 08:12:04

2022-11-24 12:02:03

Min Woo Lee opens 2023 season to share lead in Brisbane

Min Woo Lee fired an opening 65 to share the first-round lead at the Australian PGA Championship as the 2023 DP World Tour campaign got under way in Brisbane on Thursday.

Lee and fellow home favourites Jason Scrivener and John Lyras each made seven birdies and a single bogey on day one of the season-opening tournament, which is co-sanctioned with the PGA Tour of Australasia.

The leading trio sit on six under par, one shot ahead of Major Champion Adam Scott, Brad Kennedy, Anthony Quayle, Peter Cooke and Jeunghun Wang.

Two-time DP World Tour winner Lee made a bright start to the new season, reeling off birdies at the second, fourth, fifth and ninth to reach the turn in 32.

He gave a shot back at the tenth but made amends with a 15-foot birdie putt on the par-three 11th.

An impressive pitch at the long 15th set up a tap-in birdie there before more short-game magic saw Lee get up and down from the sand at the 17th for a sensational par save. He followed that up with a closing birdie from 12 feet to head into the clubhouse on six under.

New Zealand's Ryan Fox, fresh from finishing runner-up to Rory McIlroy in the 2022 season-long rankings, hit the opening tee shot of the 2023 DP World Tour season at 6:00am local time at Royal Queensland.

- DP World Tour

2022-11-20 17:52:34

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy cemented his place as the European number one by winning the Race to Dubai for the fourth time in his career on Sunday with Spain's Jon Rahm sealing a third DP World Tour Championship.

World number one McIlroy, 33, closed with a four-under-par 68, which was good for a solo fourth place and clinch the Race to Dubai crown after a gap of seven years.

McIlroy emulated Henrik Stenson, the only other golfer to win the FedEx Cup and Race to Dubai in the same season in 2013.

With England's Matt Fitzpatrick and New Zealand's Ryan Fox unable to win the tournament, the path became easier for McIlroy when he finished ahead of both players.

"This means a lot. Obviously, this is my fourth one, but it's been a while. I've won three FedEx Cups since the last time I won The Race to Dubai," said McIlroy.

"I was a model of consistency the whole way through the year. A lot of top finishes. I think my worst finish of the European Tour events I played this year was 12th at the start of the year in Abu Dhabi.

"Would have been nice to get one win in there at the end of the year here. But Jon obviously played an incredible tournament and fully deserved it.

"I am excited for 2023."

Rahm, who turned 28 this month, started with three straight birdies and even though he followed up with a bogey on the fourth hole, there was never any question about his dominance as a five-under par 67 round gave him a two-shot win with a 20-under par total.

England's Tyrrell Hatton (66) and Sweden's Alex Noren (67) were tied for second at 18-under par 270.

For Rahm it was also a record fifth Rolex Series title for the world number five, who will not move from his current world ranking. The win came with a cheque of $3 million.

The Spaniard, making his fourth appearance at the Earth course of Jumeirah Golf Estates, dropped just four shots over the whole week, he certainly wasn't happy with the way he drove the ball, especially in the last two rounds.

On Sunday, he had to hit at least three magical recovery shots - including one on the first and another on the 18th.

"This feels very special. I said that I feel like I'm defending the title from three years ago because I couldn't come and defend. Very proud of myself for that and how well I've done, especially on the weekend," said the 2021 US Open champion.

"It's pretty unusual for me to win a tournament driving it as bad as I did. To have the other parts of my game carry me to my win, it's something special.

"I managed it really well, and I felt really comfortable on the greens and made a couple of clutch putts. For a year where I've been hearing how 'bad' my putting has been, it feels amazing to get it done like that.

"The 2022-2023 season of the DP World Tour starts next week with a doubleheader - the Joburg Open in South Africa and the Australian PGA Championship in Brisbane.

2022-11-19 18:08:55

Former world number one Jon Rahm produced a battling, bogey-free round of seven-under par 65 to hit the front of the $10 million DP World Tour Championship in Dubai on Saturday.

The 2021 US Open victor holds a one-stroke lead over Matthew Fitzpatrick, the 2022 US Open champion, with Rory McIlroy also breathing down his neck a further two strokes back.

All three are also looking to become the first three-time champion of the tournament.

Fitzpatrick and McIlroy, meanwhile, are two of the seven players in the field vying to win the Race to Dubai.

With two others, Adrian Meronk and Tommy Fleetwood, both two strokes behind McIlroy at 10-under, there is every prospect of a thrilling final round on Sunday.

McIlroy needs to finish ahead of Ryan Fox and Fitzpatrick to become only the second player after Sweden's Henrik Stenson in 2013 to win the FedEx Cup and the Race to Dubai in the same season.

The Northern Irishman, who had closed his round on Friday with a birdie-birdie-eagle finish, overcame a stuttering start when he sandwiched an eagle on the second with bogeys on the first and third.

But he was brilliant otherwise in a round of 65 to finish on tied fourth place at 12-under par.

Leaderboard:

201 - Jon Rahm (ESP) 70-66-65

202 - Matthew Fitzpatrick 65-67-70

203 - Alexander Noren (SWE) 66-69-68

204 - Rory McIlroy 71-68-65, Tyrrell Hatton 65-67-72

206 - Tommy Fleetwood 68-70-68, Adrian Meronk (POL) 70-71-65

207 - Jorge Campillo (ESP) 71-65-71

2022-11-18 18:04:44

US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick inched closer to the Race to Dubai title as he reached the halfway mark of the $10 million DP World Tour Championship tied in the lead with Tyrrell Hatton after both fired second round five-under par 67 scores on Friday.

At the Earth course of Jumeirah Golf Estates, the two overnight leaders, both from England, reached 12-under par 132, three shots ahead of Sweden's Alex Noren (69) and Spain's Adri Arnaus (68).

World number one Rory McIlroy (68), trying to become only the second player after Sweden's Henrik Stenson to win the FedEx Cup and the Race to Dubai in the same season, picked up four shots in the last three holes to stay within a reasonable distance of the leaders.

Fitzpatrick and McIlroy, who went into the final event with a 128-point lead over second-ranked Ryan Fox, are just two of the seven players still vying to win the Race to Dubai.

Tommy Fleetwood, who needs to win this event and for McIlroy to finish outside the top three, is one stroke ahead of the Northern Irishman after firing a 70 while the Pole Adrian Meronk is two shots behind McIlroy after his 71.

Shane Lowry and Viktor Hovland both went round in 70 but appear to be out of the hunt, as is Fox who followed his first round 73 with a 72 to sit 13 off the lead.

Fitzpatrick's only bogey of the tournament came on the 12th hole, while Hatton dropped three shots in his 67.

Both players had the chance to increase their lead even further on the par-5 18th hole, which was reachable in two from the forward tees, but had to settle for pars.

"The Race to Dubai was in the back of my mind, but to be honest, it wasn't something I was really thinking about. My focus was just trying to win the event this week," said Fitzpatrick, the world number nine.

"I feel like I've put two good rounds to start with and put myself in position and do more of the same and see where it gets me on Sunday."

McIlroy turned around a very ordinary round with a birdie-birdie-eagle finish.Even-par for the round following a bogey on the 15th hole, he shot a four-under par 68 and closed the gap against the leaders going into the weekend.

"I was calling myself all sorts of names after the 15th hole, but you feel better about yourself when you have that kind of a finish," said the Northern Irishman.

"The first 33 holes have been quite average, to say the least.

"It was nice to finish with a flourish and at least have some positivity going into the weekend. I obviously got myself a little closer to the leaders.

"World number 29 Hatton, who is winless since his Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship title in January 2021, started well with five birdies in the first seven holes, but could not carry the momentum.

"I'm pretty happy with the score. I feel like I've generally played some pretty good golf," said Hatton, who cannot become the DP World Tour number one even if he wins the tournament.

The winner this week gets a cheque of $3 million, while the top-eight players on the Race to Dubai share a bonus pool of $3 million, with the winner getting $1 million. - AFP

2022-11-17 17:33:53

Tyrrell Hatton bogeyed the final hole Thursday to end the first round of the $10 million DP World Tour Championship tied with Matthew Fitzpatrick on seven-under par 65.

Fitzpatrick made a sensational start, with birdies in his first five holes on the Earth course of Jumeirah Golf Estates.

He picked up only two more shots in the remaining 13 holes as he finished with a bogey-free round of 65.

Fellow Englishman Hatton was furious after his tee shot on the par-5 18th hole found the fairway bunker before closing with a bogey.

"My mind is just raging at the last there," he said.

"But it is what it is. It's such a good hole from the forward tees and I can't understand why they should use the back tees."

The tournament features the top-50 players in the Race to Dubai. Rory McIlroy is leading on 4,154.1 points with Ryan Fox 128.1 points away in second. Fitzpatrick is third and Tommy Fleetwood fourth.

World number one McIlroy, bidding to become only the second player after Sweden's Henrik Stenson to win the FedEx Cup and the Race to Dubai in the same season, faltered after a bright start of two birdies in the first three holes and closed at one-under par 71.

New Zealander Fox finished on one-over par 73.Swede Alex Noren (66) and Dubai-based Spaniard Adri Arnaus (67) also shot bogey-free rounds and were in third and fourth position respectively.

Fitzpatrick has started a round in Dubai with four straight birdies before on his way to victory in 2020, and said he was laughing on course with caddie Billy Foster.

"When we did four in a row, we laughed about that, and I managed to make a fifth. It was a nice start to the day," said Fitzpatrick.

"I wasn't really frustrated that I made only two more birdies after that start. I just wanted to make sure that I picked a few coming in after that, and I did that."

Hatton's previous best start in the tournament was a 69, which he bettered it by four shots.

"I'm surprised to hear it's my lowest round to start with. Obviously, it was a good day. Hit a lot of good shots," said Hatton, who has not won since 2021 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship 22 months ago.

The winner this week gets a cheque of $3 million, while the top-eight players on the Race to Dubai share a bonus pool of $3 million, with the winner getting $1 million.

Leading first-round scores from the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai, UAE, on Thursday (par 72; GBR & IRL unless stated):

65 - Tyrrell Hatton, Matthew Fitzpatrick

66 - Alexander Noren (SWE)

67 - Adria Arnaus (ESP)

68 - Tommy Fleetwood, Rasmus Hoejgaard (DEN), Yannik Paul (GER), Kurt Kitayama (USA), Callum Shinkwin

69 - Richie Ramsay, Victor Perez (FRA), Pablo Larrazabal (ESP), Maximilian Kieffer (GER)

70 - Adrian Meronk (POL), Robert MacIntyre, Jon Rahm (ESP), Oliver Wilson, Gavin Green (MAS), Sebastian Soederberg (SWE), David Law, Paul Waring

71 - Adrian Otaegui (ESP), Rory McIlroy, Min Woo Lee (AUS), Guido Migliozzi (ITA), Jorge Campillo (ESP), Sam Horsfield, Romain Langasque (FRA)

2022-11-14 13:53:53

Emotional Fleetwood makes it a double in "Africa’s Major"

In the 40 editions of the Nedbank Golf Challenge, there are a select few golfers who have crept into the hearts of Sun City golf fans.

Similarly, this tournament has found a special place in their hearts as well. Tommy Fleetwood is one of those.

The Englishman grew up watching "Africa's Major" on TV with his dad.

In 2019 he realised a dream when he won it. On Sunday, he joined a rare club of the world's greatest golfers to have successfully defended his title.

In a tense final round played against the backdrop of a gathering storm and a weather-delay, and with the leaderboard packed tighter than a waterhole at dusk in the neighbouring Pilanesberg National Park, Fleetwood's chip-in for eagle on the par-five 14th proved decisive as he went on to win by a single shot on 11 under par with a final round of 67.

What it meant was written all over Fleetwood's face as he burst into tears on the 18th.

What it means in the history of this tournament is a place alongside Seve Ballesteros, Ernie Els, Nick Price, David Frost, Jim Furyk and Lee Westwood as the players to have defended their title at the Gary Player Country Club.

"I already have so many amazing memories from this place and feel like I have a great connection so this has just added to that," said Fleetwood, who on Wednesday battled through the pro-am because he was so ill and almost didn't tee it up on Thursday.

"It was touch-and-go Thursday morning, and then again on Saturday, where we woke up early to finish the second round. I didn't sleep well and felt like I had nothing in me at all. The doctor at Sun City was amazing. I gave his son my winning golf ball because without him, there was not a chance for me. I was just thinking if I can keep going one hole at a time, you never know what the weather is going to do and if we'll get four rounds in. And I'm glad I made that decision."

New Zealander Ryan Fox was tied for the lead with Fleetwood playing the 18th but bogeyed the last to finish second on 10 under with a closing 68.

Christiaan Bezuidenhout finished as the leading South African on seven under par with a final round of 72. But this week was all about the 40th celebration of a very special golf tournament, and it delivered a winner with a very special connection to it.

"You know, it meant so much to have my name on the ninth walkway where they put down the bronze plaques with all the previous winners and some of the greatest players of all time. This week I sent a video of that walkway to my dad who is back home because we had always said how great would it be to put my name down there. I showed him it, and he immediately texted back saying, 'Let's put down a second one'," said Fleetwood.

- Michael Vlismas

2022-11-13 17:38:48

2022-11-13 07:39:29

2022-11-12 18:41:59

Belgian Detry, Dane Hojgaard top Nedbank Challenge leaderboard

Belgian Thomas Detry and Dane Rasmus Hojgaard share the lead on 207 after the third round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge at the South African resort of Sun City on Saturday.

Detry, seeking a first European Tour win after losing in the Scottish Open play-off last year, carded a 67 at the Gary Player Country Club 175 kilometres (110 miles) northwest of Johannesburg.

"I have been playing the best golf of my career," said the 29-year-old after a round that included seven birdies and two bogeys.

Hojgaard, hoping to continue winning a tournament each year since turning professional in 2019, fired a third straight 69, with an eagle, three birdies and two bogeys on his card.

"My driving has been good and I can win tomorrow provided I stay calm, focused, and avoid playing complicated shots," he said.

The stage is set for a thrilling final round on Sunday with six shots separating the leading 20 contenders for the $1 million (965,000 euros) first prize.

Detry and Hojgaard are a shot ahead of two South Africans, former Nedbank winner Branden Grace, who carded a 71, and debutant Thurston Lawrence, whose 65 was the lowest third round score.

A further stroke back are South African Christiaan Bezuidenhout (68) and joint second round leader Luke Donald (73), the 2023 European Ryder Cup captain from England.

Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood from England, who posted a third straight 70 for a 210 total, promised to get "stuck in" on Sunday and believed he had a "good chance of winning".

Leading third-round scores from the DP World Tour's Nedbank Golf Challenge in Sun City, South Africa, on Saturday (par 72; GBR & IRL unless stated):

207 - Thomas Detry (BEL) 73-67-67, Rasmus Hojgaard (DEN) 69-69-69

208 - Branden Grace (RSA) 70-67-71, Thriston Lawrence (RSA) 74-69-65

209 - Christiaan Bezuidenhout (RSA) 73-68-68, Luke Donald 65-71-73

210 - Tommy Fleetwood 70-70-70, Ryan Fox (NZL) 64-74-72, Shubhankar Sharma (IND) 72-69-69

211 - Richard Bland 68-68-75, Maximilian Kieffer (GER) 70-72-69, Adrian Otaegui (ESP) 69-70-72, Richie Ramsay 69-71-71, Richard Sterne (RSA) 71-69-71, Paul Waring 70-70-71, Fabrizio Zanotti (PAR) 68-73-70

212 - Ross Fisher 71-69-72, Gavin Green (USA) 72-65-75, Scott Jamieson 71-71-70, Edoardo Molinari (ITA) 69-71-72

2022-11-12 13:51:37

English pair Richard Bland and Luke Donald shared the lead on Saturday after the weather-affected second round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge in the South African resort of Sun City.

They lie on 136, six under par at the Gary Player Country club 175 kilometres (110 miles) northwest of Johannesburg.

Bland shot a second successive 68 while Donald carded a 71 after an opening round 65 in the penultimate event of the DP World Tour season.

American Gavin Green, whose 65 was the lowest second-round score, and South African Branden Grace, who fired a 67, share second place one shot behind.

A one-time winner on the European circuit, Bland birdied four holes and did not drop a shot in a delayed second round after rain and lightning halted play on Friday.

Donald, the 2023 European Ryder Cup captain, needed a par four at the final hole to take the outright lead, but three-putted.

The former world No. 1 birdied four holes and bogeyed three while seeking a first win in Europe since topping the 2012 BMW PGA Championship leaderboard.

Wayward tee shots cost first-round leader Ryan Fox from New Zealand dearly as he slumped to a 74 after starting with a 64.

The son of All Blacks legend Grant Fox had to play too many approach shots from the rough in a round that included four birdies, four bogeys and a double bogey.

Fox and Dane Rasmus Hojgaard, who produced a second straight 69, trail Bland and Donald by two strokes.

- AFP

The third round will also be played on Saturday.

2022-11-12 07:57:08

2022-11-11 16:17:16

Weather halts play in Nedbank Golf Challenge

Torrential rain and lightning forced an early end to play on Friday in the second round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge in Sun City.

Overnight leader Ryan Fox of New Zealand and 2023 Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald from England shared the clubhouse lead at eight under par.

Both played only three holes in the second round before the weather halted play at the Gary Player Country Club 175 kilometres (110 miles) northwest of Johannesburg.

The second round will resume at 07:45 local time on Saturday followed immediately by the third round.

- AFP

2022-11-10 17:00:33

Back-nine blitz lifts New Zealander Fox into Nedbank lead

A back-nine eagle and birdie blitz propelled New Zealander Ryan Fox to an eight-under 64 and a one-shot lead on Thursday after the first round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge.

Fox, a son of former New Zealand rugby star Grant Fox, completed the front nine in one under after two birdies and a bogey in Sun City, 175 kilometres (110 miles) northwest of Johannesburg.

But the 35-year-old, seeking a third European circuit victory this year, went on the offensive after the turn and fired an eagle and five birdies."Club selection can be a challenge here given the altitude, but I fared okay," said the pacesetter at Gary Player Country Club.

Fox is one stroke ahead of 2023 Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald from England and three in front of Italian Guido Migliozzi.

Chasing a first victory in either the PGA or European tours since 2012, Donald picked up seven birdies, including five in the second nine, and did not drop a shot.

Migliozzi was the epitome of steadiness, collecting five birdies and parring the other 13 holes in a competition known as the "African major".Defending champion Tommy Fleetwood from England is five shots off the pace after a 70 that included four birdies, but also a double bogey six at the par-four eighth.

Leading first-round scores from the DP World Tour's Nedbank Golf Challenge in Sun City, South Africa, on Thursday (par 72; GBR & IRL unless stated):

64 - Ryan Fox (NZL)

65 - Luke Donald

67 - Guido Migliozzi (ITA)

68 - Richard Bland, Min Woo Lee (AUS), Fabrizio Zanotti (PAR)

69 - Lucas Herbert (AUS), Rasmus Hojgaard (DEN), Edoardo Molinari (ITA), Adrian Otaegui (ESP), Richie Ramsay

70 - Tommy Fleetwood, Branden Grace (RSA), Matthew Jordan, Maximilian Kieffer (GER), Romain Langasque (FRA), David Law, Justin Walters (RSA), Paul Waring, Dale Whitnell

-AFP

2022-11-10 16:35:21

2022-11-10 16:09:13

New Zealander Ryan Fox shot an opening round of 64 to sit on 8-under and hold a one-stroke lead following the opening round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge in Sun City.

Branden Grace and debutant Justin Walters are the best-placed South African on the leaderboard as they sit tied for 12th on 2-under par.

2022-11-10 14:29:45

2022-11-10 13:53:07

2022-11-10 08:46:19The Nedbank Golf Challenge is back on the DP World Tour's schedule after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Here are some statistics to bear in mind.Read more2022-11-10 08:45:59

2022-11-09 11:58:18After a three-year wait, the Nedbank Golf Challenge returns on the DP World Tour schedule as South African fans descend upon Sun City to see some of the world's best.Read more2022-11-09 11:57:30

Welcome to our coverage of the Nedbank Golf Challenge set to take place from 10-13 November at Gary Player Country Club in Sun City.

2022-10-30 19:29:23

England's Jordan Smith wins second European Tour title in Portugal

Englishman Jordan Smith ended his five-year wait for a second European Tour title on Sunday with a three-shot victory at the Portugal Masters.

The world number 104 carded an eight-under-par 63 in the final round to finish on 30-under for the tournament.

Smith carded rolled in six birdies and an eagle to hold off the valiant challenge of Malaysia's Gavin Green, who signed for a 64.It was the 29-year-old's first success on the European Tour since winning the 2017 European Open.

Finland's Tapio Pulkkanen was a distant third place, finishing eight strokes behind Smith.

Leaderboard:

254 - Jordan Smith 62-67-62-63257 - Gavin Green (MAS) 64-65-64-64

262 - Tapio Pulkkanen (FIN) 66-64-68-64263 - Eddie Pepperell 67-64-67-65

265 - Hurly Long (GER) 65-67-66-67, Sebastian Heisele (GER) 67-64-65-69

266 - Joost Luiten (NED) 63-69-68-66

267 - Mikko Korhonen (FIN) 66-70-67-64, Antoine Rozner (FRA) 67-66-68-66, Marcel Schneider (GER) 68-67-65-67, David Drysdale 66-68-65-68

2022-10-30 08:40:50

2022-10-30 08:39:31

2022-10-29 20:09:32

Jordan Smith leads by two in Portugal

Jordan Smith remains on course for a wire-to-wire victory at the 2022 Portugal Masters after producing a brilliant 62 on Saturday to head into the final round with a two-shot lead.

The Englishman played beautifully on day three, chipping in for an eagle from the rough at the 15th as well as carding eight birdies and just the one bogey to reach 22 under par.

Fellow halfway co-leader Gavin Green did his best to stick with Smith on another day of low scoring, carding an eagle, six birdies and one bogey in a stunning 64, but could not stop his playing partner from building up a decent cushion ahead of the last round.

Smith has enjoyed a wonderful 2022 campaign so far, recording two runner-up finishes, but has yet to win a title this year - with his only DP World Tour crown coming at the 2017 Porsche European Open.

The 29-year-old also has a top-ten spot on the DP World Tour Rankings in Partnership with Rolex in his sights, having started the week 14th in the standings.

Green was Smith's closest challenger on 20 under, three clear of third-placed Sebastian Heisele, who is preparing to play his last DP World Tour round ahead of his retirement from playing.

The German, who will move into coaching after Sunday's final round, made an eagle and four birdies in his third-round 65 to give himself a great chance of finishing on a high.

Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who began the week 160th on the Rankings, some way shy of the magic mark of 117th, is among those in a tie for fourth on 15 under as he battles to retain his card.

Smith began the day alongside Green at the summit and opened his birdie account at the second, draining a slow 11-foot putt, before making it two in a row from 45 feet on the third green.

He completed his hat-trick at the fourth before sending his tee-shot at the par-three eighth to six feet and converting the birdie putt to head to the turn with a two-shot lead.

A marvellous display of distance control set up another birdie on the 11th before he picked up his sixth shot of the day from close range at the 12th.

Smith converted his 12-foot birdie putt at the 14th to move to double figures under par before holing his chip shot from a tricky spot in the rough on the 15th for a miraculous eagle.

The fans in Vilamoura must have been wondering just how low Smith could go, as he sat on 22 under with three holes of his third round still to complete.

A five-foot birdie at the 17th briefly moved him to 23 under before a closing bogey meant he had to settle for a two-stroke advantage.

Leading third-round scores from the European Tour's Portugal Masters in Vilamoura on Saturday (par 71; GBR & IRL unless stated):

191 - Jordan Smith 62-67-62

193 - Gavin Green (MAL) 64-65-64

196 - Sebastian Heisele (GER) 67-64-65

198 - Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 65-70-63, Hurly Long (GER) 65-67-66, Eddie Pepperell 67-64-67, Tapio Pulkkanen (FIN) 66-64-68

199 - David Drysdale 66-68-65, Jason Scrivener (AUS) 66-67-66, Benjamin Hebert (FRA) 66-64-69

200 - Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 67-69-64, Marcel Schneider (GER) 68-67-65, Ross Fisher 66-67-67, Joost Luiten (NED) 63-69-68, Joel Stalter (FRA) 65-67-68

2022-10-27 22:25:04

Jordan Smith produced a putting masterclass on the first day of the 2022 Portugal Masters as he carded an opening 62 to lead by one shot.

The highlight of Smith's bogey-free round came at the par-five fifth, where the Englishman holed his eagle putt from 30 feet.

He also made seven birdies in an impressive opening round on Thursday afternoon to finish the day on nine under par.

Smith has enjoyed a stellar 2022 campaign so far, recording two runner-up finishes, but has yet to win a title this year.

He will be hoping to change that this week as he bids to move into the top ten on the DP World Tour Rankings in Partnership with Rolex from his current position of 14th.

Joost Luiten and Jeff Winther were Smith's nearest challengers on eight under after they both made eight birdies in their flawless 63s on a low-scoring day at Dom Pedro Victoria Golf Course.

Robin Roussel, Gavin Green and Joakim Lagergren were a shot further back in a tie for fourth.

With this week's event providing the last chance for players to earn points to keep their cards for 2023, home favourite Ricardo Gouveia was among those who gave themselves a platform for a much-needed good result.

Smith started from the tenth tee and picked up back-to-back birdies at the 12th and 13th before further gains on the 15th and 17th took him to the turn in 32.

He made another birdie at the fourth before rolling in his monster eagle putt on the fifth to jump to seven under.

His impressive work on the greens continued at the sixth as he holed from ten feet.

And after sending his tee-shot to 26 feet on the short eighth, he knocked in the birdie putt to take the outright lead.

Smith gave himself yet another chance on the ninth but had to settle for a closing par.

- DP World Tour

2022-10-23 18:53:03

Germany's Paul wins maiden European Tour title in Mallorca

German Yannik Paul rolled in a birdie putt on the final green to grab a one-shot victory at the Mallorca Open and take his first European Tour title on Sunday.

The world number 190 went into the last day tied for the lead with in-form New Zealander Ryan Fox but both players struggled to pull away from the chasing pack.

However, a 15-foot putt from the fringe on the 18th gave Paul a one-over-par 72 for a 15-under total which was enough to avoid a playoff.

"It was really hard today," said the 28-year-old. "Luckily, not a lot of the other guys made a lot of putts."

England's Paul Waring and Paul's compatriot Nicolai von Dellingshausen were preparing for extra holes but had to settle for a share of second place on 14-under.

World number 25 Fox, who was bidding for his third win of the season, laboured to a 74 and finished a further stroke back alongside Dale Whitnell.

- AFP

Leaderboard:

269 - Yannik Paul (GER) 71-64-62-72

270 - Paul Waring 70-66-68-66, Nicolai von Dellingshausen (GER) 71-66-64-69

271 - Dale Whitnell 68-63-68-72, Ryan Fox (NZL) 68-64-65-74

272 - Jeff Winther (DEN) 67-69-68-68, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 66-69-66-71, Marcus Armitage 63-73-63-73

273 - Ewen Ferguson 69-70-65-69, Hurly Long (GER) 67-69-66-71

2022-10-22 20:33:55

Flying Fox chasing 2022 triple crown in Mallorca

Ryan Fox is aiming to become the first three-time winner of the 2022 DP World Tour season after the Kiwi moved into a share of the lead heading into the final round of the Mallorca Golf Open.

The World number 25 has been on superlative form this year, with wins at the Ras Al Khaimah Classic in February and at this month's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, while he boasts two further runner-up finishes at the Irish Open and Dutch Open along with a third-place finish at the BMW International Open.

"I always look at the leaderboard, I know every shot my playing partners have hit, and I just notice all of that stuff," said Fox.

"I'll be doing that tomorrow and it hasn't affected me too much throughout my career or this year so I won't be doing anything different in that regard."

A fourth career win at Son Muntaner Golf Club this week would see him overtake Matt Fitzpatrick in second place in the DP World Tour Rankings and move him closer to leader Rory McIlroy, as Fox attempts to become the first New Zealander to win the Rankings in the Tour's 50-year history.

A six under 65 comprised six birdies and meant he has gone bogey-free for 53 holes, having opened the tournament with a bogey at the first hole.

He joined Yannick Paul at the summit, the German having carded three eagles in the opening 11 holes to threaten a potential 59, but he signed for a stunning 62 to join Fox on 16 under par.

English duo Marcus Armitage and Dale Whitnell were two shots off the pace in a share of third after rounds of 63 and 68, respectively, while their compatriot Richard Mansell set a new course record courtesy of a ten under 61 to move to 13 under par in outright fifth.

- DP World Tour

Leading third round scores from the European Tour's Mallorca Open in Spain on Saturday (par 71; GBR & IRL unless stated):

197 - Ryan Fox (NZL), Yannik Paul (GER)

199 Marcus Armitage, Dale Whitnell

200 Richard Mansell

201 Nicolai Hoejgaard (DEN), Jazz Janewattananond (THA), Nicolai von Dellingshausen (GER)

202 Rasmus Hoejgaard (DEN), Darius van Driel (NED), Connor Syme, Lukas Nemecz (AUT), Hurly Long (GER), Renato Paratore (ITA)

203 Andy Sullivan

204 Richie Ramsay, Ewen Ferguson, Jeff Winther (DEN), Marc Warren, Hugo Leon (CHI), Daan Huizing (NED), Paul Waring

205 Alejandro Canizares (ESP), Gavin Green (MAL)

2022-10-21 21:31:24

Dale Whitnell's sparkling 63 earned him a one-shot lead at the halfway point of the 2022 Mallorca Golf Open and a share of the course record at Son Muntaner Golf Club.

The Englishman produced a brilliant burst of scoring on the back nine on Friday, adding an eagle and three birdies to the three shots he had picked up on the front side.

He equalled the course record set by countryman Marcus Armitage in the first round and heads into the weekend on 11 under par.

In-form Ryan Fox was in second place on ten under after making a marvellous hole-out eagle and five birdies in his bogey-free 64.Rasmus Højgaard, Maximilian Kieffer and Hugo Leon were two shots further back in a tie for third.

Whitnell opened his birdie account for the day at the second, rolling in from 16 feet to get to four under.

He then made back-to-back birdies on the seventh and eighth before converting his 18-foot eagle putt on the 11th green.

After sending his tee-shot to 11 feet at the short 14th, Whitnell holed the birdie putt there before saving par from seven feet on the next hole.

Whitnell's putting masterclass continued as he made further birdies at the 16th and 17th to reach the top of the leaderboard.

He said: "I played solid today, pretty stress-free, I think I effectively missed one green, and I also missed only one green yesterday too. I didn’t make as many putts yesterday as I did today, so it was nice.

"It’s a bit softer today, the wind wasn’t as strong this morning as it was yesterday afternoon so you could be a bit more aggressive, and I think I just got a few more putts to the hole and a few dropped.

"I was in a position where I could lose my card a month ago, then I had a 12th in Italy, a 25th in France and a tenth in the Dunhill which secured my place for next year and now I’ve got bigger goals and aspirations for the last two events so hopefully this is just the start."

Fox began his second round with back-to-back birdies at the tenth and 11th before picking up another shot at the 17th to turn in 33.

After starting his back nine with two successive birdies, Fox holed his approach into the par-four third from 108 yards for a stunning eagle before closing out with six straight pars.

- DP World Tour

2022-10-21 21:28:04

2022-10-20 20:01:37

Marcus Armitage carded a scorching 63 in the opening round of the Mallorca Golf Open to take a one-stroke lead at Son Muntaner Golf Course.

The Englishman is targeting a big finish on the Balaeric Island to force his way into contention for a spot in the season-ending DP World Tour Championship next month, and he currently sits in 68th position on the Rankings.

He got off to a hot start under the Spanish sun after teeing off on the tenth hole, registering back-to-back birdies on the 11th and 12th before picking up two more shots before the turn. He also enjoyed a four under par back nine thanks in part to a pair of closing birdies at the eighth and ninth holes, creating a new course record at Son Muntaner - which hosts the Tour for the first time this week.

That eight under total moved him one clear of Daan Huizing of the Netherlands, who signed for a seven under 64, while Dane Rasmus Højgaard, Lucas Nemecz of Austria and Spaniard Alejandro Cañizares were all a shot further back on six under.

Leading first-round scores from the European Tour's Mallorca Open in Spain on Thursday (par 71; GBR & IRL unless stated):

63 - Marcus Armitage

64 - Daan Huizing (NED)

65 - Alejandro Canizares (ESP), Rasmus Hojgaard (DEN), Lukas Nemecz (AUT)

66 - Gavin Green (MAS), Darren Fichardt (RSA), Jazz Janewattananond (THA)

67 - Connor Syme, Ricardo Gouveia (POR), Jeff Winther (DEN), Joost Luiten (NED), Hurly Long (GER), Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA), Marc Warren

- DP World Tour

2022-10-17 10:05:03

Otaegui secures commanding Valderrama victory

Adrian Otaegui claimed his fourth DP World Tour title with a six-shot victory at the 2022 Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters.

The Spaniard went into the final round with a six-stroke cushion and never gave the chasing pack an opportunity to catch him, firing four birdies and a single bogey in a closing 68 at Real Club Valderrama to finish on 19 under par, setting a new tournament record.

Joakim Lagergren finished alone in second after posting a final-round 68 to climb up the DP World Tour Rankings.

The Swede began the week 127th in the standings but moves into the top 50 following an impressive performance in Sotogrande.

Australia's Min Woo Lee was three shots further back in solo third, two ahead of local Angel Hidalgo, whose fourth-placed finish moved him to 88th on the DP World Tour Rankings.

- DP World Tour

2022-10-16 11:00:39

Spain's Adrian Otaegui leads the 2022 Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters by six shots after posting a third-round 64.

Otaegui carded eight birdies and one bogey on Saturday to head into the final round on 16 under par, with countryman Angel Hidalgo and Swede Joakim Lagergren his nearest challengers on ten under.

Home hope Hidalgo delighted the bumper crowds at Real Club Valderrama with a tremendous closing birdie to sign for a 70 which contained four birdies and three bogeys.

Lagergren, meanwhile, made an eagle, five birdies - including four in a row from the 11th - and three bogeys in his 67. Australia's Min Woo Lee was another shot back in fourth, two ahead of fifth-placed Robert MacIntyre.

Otaegui held a share of the lead at the halfway stage but hit the front on his own thanks to birdies at the second, fourth, fifth and sixth.

He dropped a shot at the seventh but got it straight back from 13 feet at the eighth to lead the way at the turn.

Otaegui had to wait until the 16th for his next birdie but after holing from more than 12 feet there, he closed his round with further gains on the 17th and 18th to sign for a 64.

He said: "I’m very happy, everything went perfectly today. I putted well, I felt very comfortable. The crowds were pushing amazingly, so that was unbelievable. "I had a very good start with a nice birdie on the second and then three birdies in a row at four, five, six and that gave me a bit of momentum. "I felt good on the course, tried to enjoy it, tried to stay focused. I missed a couple of birdie putts at the beginning of the front nine but finished with three good birdies."

Fellow second-round co-leader Hidalgo got off to a strong start, slotting in his 16-foot putt for a birdie at the second before making a couple of confident par putts.

After bogeying the seventh, the 24-year-old got the shot straight back at the eighth before somehow escaping with a par on the ninth after getting into significant tree trouble there.

He then sandwiched a birdie at the 13th between bogeys on the 12th and 14th before converting his 11-foot birdie putt on the last to get to ten under.

Hidalgo came into the week 130th on the DP World Tour Rankings in Partnership with Rolex but has put himself in a brilliant position to climb up the charts.

Lagergren reached the turn in 36 after carding two bogeys and one birdie on the front side but caught fire down the stretch, reeling off four birdies on the spin at the 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th thanks to some lengthy putts. He then recovered from a dropped shot at the 16th with a 21-foot eagle from just off the 17th green.

- DP World Tour

Leading third-round scores from the European Tour's Andalucia Masters at Valderrama on Saturday (par 71/GBR & IRL unless stated):

197 - Adrian Otaegui (ESP) 67-66-64

203 - Joakim Lagergren (SWE) 69-67-67, Angel Hidalgo (ESP) 70-63-70

204 - Min-Woo Lee (AUS) 66-67-71

206 - Robert MacIntyre 67-70-69

207 - Jordan Smith 69-69-69

208 - Rasmus Hoejgaard (DEN) 69-71-68, Ross Fisher 73-66-69

209 - John Catlin (USA) 70-68-71

210 - Thriston Lawrence (RSA) 69-69-72, Joost Luiten (NED) 68-74-68, Antoine Rozner (FRA) 72-69-69, Wu Ashun (CHN) 72-69-69211 - Darius van Driel (NED) 69-71-71, Marcus Kinhult (SWE) 76-67-68, Jamie Donaldson 74-70-67

212 - Pep Angles (ESP) 66-75-71, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 66-72-74, Lukas Nemecz (AUT) 70-69-73, Nicolas Colsaerts (BEL) 70-73-69, Andrew Wilson 75-70-67

2022-10-14 21:23:37

Hidalgo goes low to share Valderrama lead

Angel Hidalgo shares the lead at the halfway stage of the 2022 Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters after posting a sparkling second-round 63.

The 24-year-old home favourite produced a putting masterclass at Real Club Valderrama, holing a series of lengthy birdie efforts and pulling off some impressive par saves as he made eight gains and no bogeys to sit alongside Australian Min Woo Lee and fellow Spaniard Adrian Otaegui on nine under par.

Starting from the tenth tee on Friday morning, Hidalgo opened his birdie account from long range at the 11th before closing his front nine with a hat-trick of gains on the 16th, 17th and 18th.

Roared on by the crowd, the Spaniard then reeled off four straight birdies from the third hole before getting up and down for valuable pars at the seventh and ninth to keep his card clean.

First-round co-leader Lee joined Hidalgo at the summit in the afternoon thanks to a 67, which featured a magnificent eagle, three birdies and a single bogey.

Two-time DP World Tour winner Lee battled hard on the back nine, parring the final seven holes courtesy of some excellent recovery shots.

Spain's Otaegui made it a three-way tie late in the day, notching six birdies and one bogey in his 66.

The leading trio were three shots clear of Swede Joakim Lagergren, with Scot Robert MacIntyre and Spain's Sebastian Garcia Rodriguez another shot back on five under.

South Africa's Thriston Lawrence is among a group of four players at four-under par.

- DP World Tour

Leading second-round scores from the European Tour's Andalucia Masters at Valderrama on Friday (par 71/GBR & IRL unless stated):

133 - Min-Woo Lee (AUS) 66 67, Angel Hidalgo (ESP) 70 63, Adrian Otaegui (ESP) 67 66

136 - Joakim Lagergren (SWE) 69 67137 - Robert MacIntyre 67 70, Sebastian Garcia (ESP) 68 69

138 - Thriston Lawrence (RSA) 69 69, John Catlin (USA) 70 68, Jordan Smith 69 69, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 66 72

139 - Marcus Armitage 72 67, Ross Fisher 73 66, Yannik Paul (GER) 71 68, Lukas Nemecz (AUT) 70 69

140 - Richard Mansell 73 67, Rasmus Hoejgaard (DEN) 69 71, Darius van Driel (NED) 69 71, Soeren Kjeldsen (DEN) 66 74

141 - Wu Ashun (CHN) 72 69, Antoine Rozner (FRA) 72 69, Pep Angles (ESP) 66 75, Andy Sullivan 72 69, David Horsey 66 75, Maverick Antcliff (AUS) 73 68, Marc Warren 68 73

2022-10-13 21:16:18

Lee amongst five-way tie for the lead in Valderrama

Min Woo Lee continued both his fine recent form and his love affair with Real Club Valderrama as he fired an opening 66 to sit in a five-way tie at the top of the Estrella Damm N.A. Andalucía Masters leaderboard.

The Australian, who finished third at last week's acciona Open de España presented by Madrid, carded an eagle, five birdies and two bogeys in favourable conditions on Thursday morning to get to five under par alongside home favourite Pep Angles, Dane Søren Kjeldsen, Englishman David Horsey and Thailand’s Jazz Janewattananond.

Lee is no stranger to this week's tricky host course, having finished in a tie for second behind champion Matt Fitzpatrick in Sotogrande last year.

Kjeldsen closed his bogey-free 66 with a birdie at the 18th, while Janewattananond made six birdies and a single bogey, with England's Horsey carding seven birdies and a double bogey.

Afternoon starter Angles then made it a five-way tie at the summit after recovering from an early bogey with six birdies.

Recent DS Automobiles Italian Open winner Robert MacIntyre and Spain’s Adrian Otaegui were the leading quintet's nearest challengers on four under.

Leading first-round scores from the European Tour's Andalucia Masters at Valderrama on Thursday (par 71/GBR & IRL unless stated):

66 - Pep Angles (ESP), David Horsey, Min Woo Lee (AUS), Jazz Janewattananond (THA), Soren Kjeldsen (DEN)

67 - Robert MacIntyre, Adrian Otaegui (ESP)

68 - Pablo Larrazabal (ESP), Marc Warren, Joost Luiten (NED), Louis de Jager (RSA), Sebastian Garcia Rodriguez (ESP)

69 - Rasmus Hojgaard (DEN), Thriston Lawrence (RSA), Jorge Campillo (ESP), Ricardo Gouveia (POR), Benjamin Hebert (FRA), Jordan Smith, Joakim Lagergren (SWE), Darius van Driel (NED)

2022-10-10 12:06:09

2022-10-10 12:04:23

Jon Rahm became the first three-time winner of theSpanish Open since Seve Ballesteros 27 years ago by cruising to a dominantsix-shot victory in Madrid on Sunday.

The former world number one poured in eight birdies and aneagle in a brilliant nine-under-par 62 to finish well clear of second-placedFrenchman Matthieu Pavon.

The 27-year-old, who also won the tournament in 2018 and2019, is only the second three-time champion of the tournament since it becamea European Tour event, after Spanish great Ballesteros.

"Seve is a great hero of mine and to do something hetook his whole career to do in just a few years is quite humbling, I'm notgoing to lie," said Rahm.

"It might not be the strongest field I'll play all yearbut sometimes those can be the hardest."I'm at home, I'm supposed to win. Everybody's bettingon me to win. To come out and play a Sunday like I just did is hard todescribe."

He finished 25-under for the week, having only led by onestroke from Australia's Min Woo Lee overnight.Lee had to settle for third on 18-under after a 68.

Rahm, roared onby thousands of his adoring fans, rolled in a testing par putt on the firstgreen and started to stretch clear with a birdie on the second.

His only bogey of the weekend came at the 12th hole, but anythoughts of a possible stutter were ended by a birdie on the next hole.

Rahm came withinmillimetres of an albatross on the par-five 14th, with his approach shothitting the flag but staying above ground.

He completed a memorable triumph in style with back-to-backbirdies.

"Going up the 18th hole, I knew what was about tohappen and what happened all week, to get it done like that... It's a lot toprocess," added Rahm.

Leading final-round scores from the European Tour's Spanish Open in Madrid on Sunday (par 71, GBR & IRL unless stated):

259 - Jon Rahm (ESP) 64-68-65-62

265 - Matthieu Pavon (FRA) 64-68-68-65

266 - Min Woo Lee (AUS) 67-65-66-68

268 - Zander Lombard (RSA) 69-66-66-67, Edoardo Molinari (ITA) 68-70-63-67269 - Alfredo Garcia-Heredia (ESP) 69-65-71-64, Louis de Jager (RSA) 71-64-65-69

270 - Darius van Driel (RSA) 63-69-72-66, Hennie du Plessis (RSA) 65-66-72-67, Yannik Paul (GER) 70-66-68-66, Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 63-69-68-70, Marc Warren 70-65-65-70271 - Dan Bradbury 69-64-73-65, Wu Ashun (CHN) 63-72-68-68, Renato Paratore (ITA) 67-69-66-69, Eddie Pepperell 67-66-67-71

- AFP

2022-10-08 18:58:36

Rahm grabs one-shot lead in bid for third Spanish Open

Jon Rahm fired a brilliant six-under-par 65 on Saturday to take a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Spanish Open, as he closes in on a third title in his home tournament.

The former world number one carded six birdies in a bogey-free day, edging one stroke clear of playing partner Min Woo Lee of Australia.

The duo both birdied the par-four 18th hole, with Rahm driving the green.

Rahm is hoping to become the first three-time winner of the Spanish Open since Seve Ballesteros 27 years ago.

He is 16-under for the tournament this week."I wish most of my rounds could as organised as this one," said Rahm.

"Hopefully I can play another round like that tomorrow."

Rahm will play alongside Lee for the fourth straight round as they go head-to-head for the title.

"It's easy to feed off each other," added Rahm.

"You know every time one of us is in the fairway there's going to be a birdie look. You know birdies are coming."

A group of six players are three shots off the pace in a tie for third, including Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat and overnight co-leader Stephen Gallacher.

Leading third-round scores from the European Tour's Spanish Open in Madrid on Saturday (par 71, GBR & IRL unless stated):

197 - Jon Rahm (ESP) 64-68-65

198 - Min Woo Lee (AUS) 67-65-66

200 - Louis de Jager (RSA) 71-64-65, Marc Warren 70-65-65, Eddie Pepperell 67-66-67, Matthieu Pavon (FRA) 64-68-68, Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 63-69-68, Stephen Gallacher 65-65-70

201 - Edoardo Molinari (ITA) 68-70-63, Zander Lombard (RSA) 69-66-66

202 - Renato Paratore (ITA) 67-69-66, Joakim Lagergren (SWE) 64-69-69

203 - Alvaro Quiros (ESP) 66-71-66, Wu Ashun (CHN) 63-72-68, Sebastian Garcia Rodriguez (ESP) 70-64-69, Hennie Du Plessis (RSA) 65-66-72, David Drysdale 65-66-72

- AFP

2022-10-07 21:17:29

Rahm chases as SA's Hennie du Plessis a shot off the lead at Spanish Open

England's Paul Waring and Scotsman Stephen Gallacher share the halfway lead at the Open de España with South Africa's Hennie du Plessis a shot behind.

Du Plessis is one shot behind alongside Scot David Drysdale after they both went round in 66 on Friday.

Former world number one Jon Rahm remained in contention for a third Spanish Open title when he fired a second-round 68, which left him two strokes off the lead at the halfway point.

The 27-year-old, who won the tournament in 2018 and 2019, is hoping to become the first three-time champion at the event since Seve Ballesteros 27 years ago.

After shooting 64 in the opening round, Rahm made a slow start to the second round, sinking three bogeys before finding his touch on the back nine.

He narrowly missed an eagle at 14 and fluffed a shortish putt at the last that would have taken him to within a shot of joint-leaders Paul Waring and Stephen Gallacher.

Englishman Waring produced the round of the day, sinking 10 birdies and two bogeys in a sizzling eight-under-par 63.

"I really enjoy this golf course, it suits me," said Waring.

"I have had three weeks out sat on the couch. I didn't do an awful lot in those three weeks, but the golf game feels in good shape, and it is nice to be out in the sunshine (with) great people, great food, great wine and a nice golf course."

Gallacher opened with a bogey but came back strongly to nail a 65 and take a share of the top spot going into the weekend.

Rahm is one shot further back alongside two of the three overnight co-leaders, Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Darius van Driel, as well as Lee Min-Woo and Matthieu Pavon.

Leading second-round scores from the European Tour's Spanish Open in Madrid on Friday (par 71, GBR & IRL unless stated):

130 - Stephen Gallacher 65-65, Paul Waring 67-63

131 - David Drysdale 65-66, Hennie Du Plessis (RSA) 65-66

132 - Jon Rahm (ESP) 64-68, Lee Min-woo (AUS) 67-65, Matthieu Pavon (FRA) 64-68, Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 63-69, Darius van Driel (NED) 63-69

133 - Joakim Lagergren (SWE) 64-69, Eddie Pepperell 67-66, Daniel Bradbury 69-64

134 - Luis Masaveu (ESP) 66-68, Sebastian Garcia (ESP) 70-64, Alfredo Garcia-Heredia (ESP) 69-65

2022-10-06 20:52:34

Rahm makes strong start at Spanish Open, SA's Du Plessis 3 shots off the pace

Jon Rahm made a flying start to his bid for a third Spanish Open title on Thursday as a seven-under-par 64 in the opening round left the home favourite just one stroke behind the leaders.

The former world number one, who won the tournament in 2018 and 2019, is hoping to become the first three-time champion at the event since Seve Ballesteros 27 years ago.

"It would be incredible. He is obviously the reference in Spain. He made golf where it is in this country," said Rahm, currently ranked sixth in the world.

"He changed golf worldwide but here especially. So any time you get your chance to put your name on a list that only Seve is on (in the European Tour era), it's really incredible...

"I don't want to think about it too much but it would be a dream come true, it would be a true honour."

Rahm flew out of the blocks as he made the turn in five-under after starting on the 10th tee.

Some late fireworks saw him finish the first day just behind Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Dutchman Darius van Driel and China's Wu Ashun.

The 27-year-old Rahm's highlights included holing a 33-foot eagle putt on the par-five 14th hole and a pitch from a tricky downhill lie on the eighth, his penultimate hole, which crashed into the flag and dropped in for birdie.

Aphibarnrat, a former top-30 player now ranked 324th, rolled in five straight birdies from the 13th to climb to the top of the leaderboard.

"I am really pleased with the start, it's been a while since I played great golf," said the 33-year-old.

Leading first-round scores from the European Tour's Spanish Open in Madrid on Thursday (par 71, GBR & IRL unless stated; 'a' denotes amateur):

63 - Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA), Darius van Driel (NED), Wu Ashun (CHN)

64 - Joakim Lagergren (SWE), Jon Rahm (ESP), Matthieu Pavon (FRA)

65 - David Drysdale, Stephen Gallacher, Hennie du Plessis (RSA)

66 - Niklas Norgaard Moeller (DEN), Alvaro Quiros (ESP), Alejandro Canizares (ESP), Luis Masaveu (ESP/a)

67 - Victor Dubuisson (FRA), Renato Paratore (ITA), Eddie Pepperell, Paul Waring, Brandon Stone (RSA), Min Woo Lee (AUS), Raphael Jacquelin (FRA)

2022-10-03 07:14:25

New Zealand's Ryan Fox paid tribute to late cricket great Shane Warne as he won golf's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship by one stroke on the Old Course at St Andrews on Sunday.

The tournament, played over three Scottish venues, with Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, the other courses, features a pro-am team element and last year Fox finished second with former Australia leg-spinner Warne, who died in March aged 52.

"To be honest the only person I can really think of at the moment is Warne," said Fox.

"He meant a lot to me and this event. He was a great mate. It's a terrible shame he's not here," added the 35-year-old son of former New Zealand rugby star Grant Fox.

One consolation for Fox was that both his mother and father, the flyhalf in the All Blacks team that won the inaugural 1987 World Cup, were at St Andrews to witness his success.

Fox's third European Tour victory saw him finish one stroke ahead of England's Callum Shinkwin and Sweden's Alex Noren.

The eventual champion started the fourth and final round four shots behind overnight leader Richard Mansell.

But the Englishman, bidding for a maiden European Tour victory, could only manage 76, four over par, to tie for seventh place.

Fox, by contrast, carded a round of 68, including seven birdies, to win on 15 under par.

There were three bogeys as well, including one at the infamous 17th, the 'Road Hole', but significantly limited the damage to just one dropped shot.

Fox then made par on the last to win his second title of the season following a win at Ras al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates in February.

Rory McIlroy, the world number two, finished joint fourth in his first appearance on the Old Course since being pipped to the Open Championship title by Australia's Cameron Smith in July.

McIlroy, a four-time major winner, started this week with a four-under 68 at Carnoustie only to make a three-over 75 in atrocious conditions in the second round at Kingsbarns.

His 66 on Saturday left him eight shots adrift of Mansell. Although the 33-year-old closed with a fine 66, featuring seven birdies and a lone bogey, to take the clubhouse, lead his total of 13 under was not quite good enough.

"Played well again today," said McIlroy, who reckoned he needed to shoot eight under par to put those ahead of him under real pressure.

"It was a bit of a struggle on the way in, came up two or three short of my target in the end."

Shinkwin and American art dealer Alex Acquavella won the team event by three shots on 37 under par.

- AFP

2022-10-01 19:07:482022-10-01 19:05:44

Richard Mansell shines again to take four-shot lead into final round

Richard Mansell continued his brilliant form to shoot a five-under-par 67 at Carnoustie and take a four-shot lead into the final round of the 2022 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

Mansell produced heroics in terrible weather on Friday round the Old Course, St Andrews, and shone again on a bright but breezy day half an hour up the road, posting six birdies and one bogey to reach 15 under.

Alex Noren, playing at the Old Course, spent much of the round alongside Mansell at the summit but sits four back after his three-under 69, and he shares second spot with Daniel Gavins and Ryan Fox, who both produced strong finishes to their rounds at Kingsbarns Golf Links.

Mansell had led Noren by a couple of shots overnight and was three clear after birdies at the second and third cancelled out a gain at the third from his rival.

Noren closed in again by taking advantage of the par-five fifth on the Old Course, tapping in for birdie after missing a 22-feet eagle attempt.

Mansell's lead was wiped out when Noren birdied the seventh and ninth, holing putts of 21 feet and eight feet, and the Swede then turned for home 12 under and one ahead after the overnight leader failed to get up and down from a greenside bunker at the ninth.

But Noren didn't stay out on his own for long, dropping back into a share after taking three to get down from just short of the green at the par-four tenth and Mansell took full advantage, bouncing back from his dropped shot with a birdie at Carnoustie's tenth.

While they slugged it out at the top, Gavins crept up the leaderboard with four birdies on the front nine at Kingsbarns, reaching 10 under.

Mansell misread his eagle putt on 12 but a birdie took him to 13 under and, for the first time in a while, the lead was two again.

He stretched it by another shot with a birdie at 14, doing well to take two putts into a stiff wind at the par-five, and when Noren took three to get down from just short of the 16th, the advantage was four.

Noren parred the road hole and signed off with a birdie, only for Mansell to make light work of the hard finish at Carnoustie, rolling in a 12-feet birdie putt at the last to earn that cushion heading into Sunday at St Andrews.

Mansell's fellow Englishman Gavins dropped his only shot of the day at the tenth but birdied 16 and 18 for a 67 while Fox finished eagle-birdie-par for a 65.

Mansell, who has three top-five finishes this year as he chases a first DP World Tour win, said: "I played really, really good. We had one bogey on nine. I hit a good shot in, and again, was just really in control of my golf ball. I've putted good.

"I did a lot of good work. Me and my coach, Mike Kanski, he's helped massively. He was here at the start of the week. And I feel really in control of my golf game right now.

"I've been in contention a lot this year and had chances on Sundays. Every time, they say in golf, that you don't lose, you learn. That's what I feel like I've done really well this year.

"Tomorrow there's a lot of golf. It's links golf, anything can happen. It's St Andrews. People can shoot 60. I'm just really focused on myself right now. I'm going to try and shoot a good score and see where it puts me. And just not worry about anyone else."

Antoine Rozner, who shot 63 at the Old Course on Thursday, and Niklas Nørgaard Møller are on ten under.

- DP World Tour

2022-10-01 18:59:15

Leading third-round scores (GBR and IRL unless stated, par 72):

201 - Richard Mansell 66-68-67

205 - Alexander Noren (SWE) 67-69-69, Ryan Fox (NZL) 66-74-65, Daniel Gavins 65-73-67

206 - Niklas Noergaard Moeller (DEN) 63-74-69, Antoine Rozner (FRA) 63-74-69

207 - Callum Shinkwin 68-71-68

208 - Tapio Pulkkanen (FIN) 66-73-69, Christiaan Burke (RSA) 66-77-65, Rasmus Hoejgaard (DEN) 67-74-67

209 - Matthew Southgate 67-73-69, Connor Syme 68-76-65, Sebastian Garcia (ESP) 68-73-68, Robert MacIntyre 68-70-71, Oliver Bekker (RSA) 66-74-69, Billy Horschel (USA) 71-71-67, Padraig Harrington 69-71-69, Rory McIlroy 68-75-66

210 - Peter Uihlein (USA) 65-77-68, Hurly Long (GER) 70-71-69, Dale Whitnell 66-77-67, Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 72-73-65, Tyrrell Hatton 68-76-66, Maximilian Kieffer (GER) 66-74-70

211 - Alex Fitzpatrick 73-69-69, Alejandro Canizares (ESP) 67-74-70, Daniel van Tonder (RSA) 70-73-68, Matthew Fitzpatrick 71-71-69, Grant Forrest 70-74-67

2022-09-30 22:31:35

England's Mansell leads at rainswept Dunhill Links

Richard Mansell overcame abysmal weather conditions to shoot a superb 68 as he established a two-shot halfway lead at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship on Friday.

The Old Course at St Andrews is a tough enough test at the best of times, but strong winds and driving rain made low scoring at the 'Home of Golf', as well as Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, the other two Scottish venues that stage this event, even more difficult.

Nevertheless, the 27-year-old Mansell carded five birdies and just a single bogey to post the lowest round of the day as the Englishman climbed to 10 under par for the tournament.

Sweden's Alex Noren had sole possession of second place on eight under following a second round of 69 at Kingsbarns, with Denmark's Niklas Norgaard Moller and France's Antoine Rozner in joint-third after their 74s at St Andrews and Carnoustie, respectively.

Scotland's Robert MacIntyre was another shot back on six under following a round of 70 at Kingsbarns.

But four-time major winner Rory McIlroy, fresh from an opening 68 on Thursday, was left well down the field after a three-over par second round of 75.

Romain Langasque of France followed his record-equalling 61 at St Andrews on Thursday with a round of 80.

With officials concerned by the possibility of worsening weather, Friday's play on all three courses featured a shotgun start, with competitors teeing off from various holes rather than the first at the venue they were playing that day.

Mansell, who started his round on the sixth hole at St Andrews, surged to the top of the leaderboard with birdies at the seventh, ninth, 10th and 12th.

But the rapidly deteriorating conditions meant protecting, rather than improving, a score became the priority.

Mansell bogeyed the 16th but made several par saves before carding a birdie on the fifth hole, his last, to head into the weekend two strokes clear of the field.

Eddie Pepperell enhanced a good day for English golf in Scotland with a hole-in-one on the eighth at Kingsbarns.

"It was just a good shot," he said. "It was a six-iron, just trying to hold it up against a little bit of a right-to-left wind and it pitched online and just rolled down there, fed in."

- AFP

Leading second-round scores from the European Tour's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at the Old Course St. Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns (GBR and IRL unless stated, par 72):

134 - Richard Mansell 66-68

136 - Alexander Noren (SWE) 67-69

137 - Niklas Noergaard Moeller (DEN) 63-74, Antoine Rozner (FRA) 63-74

138 - Robert MacIntyre 68-70

139 - Tapio Pulkkanen (FIN) 66-73, Julien Brun (FRA) 66-73, Daniel Gavins 65-74, Callum Shinkwin 68-71

140 - Matthew Southgate 67-73, Laird Shepherd 67-73, Frederic Lacroix (FRA) 62-78, Marcel Siem (GER) 66-74, Oliver Bekker (RSA) 66-74, Ryan Fox (NZL) 66-74, Maximilian Kieffer (GER) 66-74, Ignacio Elvira (ESP) 64-76, Padraig Harrington 69-71

141 - James Morrison 66-75, Alejandro Canizares (ESP) 67-74, Romain Langasque (FRA) 61-80, Richard Sterne (RSA) 69-72, Sebastian Garcia (ESP) 68-73, Francesco Molinari (ITA) 68-73, Adrian Meronk (POL) 71-70, Rasmus Hoejgaard (DEN) 67-74

2022-09-29 20:57:31

Langasque equals St Andrews record as McIlroy starts well in Dunhill

Romain Langasque posted a record-equalling round of 61 on the Old Course at St Andrews to lead by one shot after Thursday's opening day of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

The Frenchman recovered from an early bogey with two eagles and eight birdies to reach 11 under par and tie Ross Fisher's record at the 'Home of Golf' in Scotland.

"I'm so happy, the last three holes were really fun and I made long putts," Langasque, 27, told the BBC.

"It's amazing. I didn't realise that I have the course record here now and I think it's something I will remember for the rest of my life.

"The Dunhill Links features rounds at the nearby venues of Kingsbarns and Carnoustie as well as two at St Andrews.

A good day for French golf was enhanced by Frederic Lacroix, leading the chasing pack with a round of 62 at Kingsbarns, with yet another Frenchman - Antoine Rozner - tied for third alongside Denmark's Niklas Norgaard Moller on nine under.

World number two Rory McIlroy started the week with a 68 at Carnoustie, as did Italy's Francesco Molinari on his return to the venue where he won the 2018 Open Championship.

This week will see McIlroy's first appearance on the Old Course since July, when he narrowly missed out on winning the Open.

The Northern Irishman shared the lead with Viktor Hovland heading into the final round.

But, despite shooting 70, the 2014 champion was unable to lift the Claret Jug again, with Australia's Cameron Smith coming from four strokes behind to triumph.

Leading first-round scores from the European Tour's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at the Old Course St. Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns (GBR and IRL unless stated, par 72):

61 - Romain Langasque (FRA)

62 - Frederic Lacroix (FRA)

63 - Niklas Noergaard Moeller (DEN), Antoine Rozner (FRA)

64 - Kristoffer Broberg (SWE), Ignacio Elvira (ESP)

65 - Peter Uihlein (USA), Aaron Cockerill (CAN), Thomas Pieters (BEL), Daniel Gavins

66 - James Morrison, Tapio Pulkkanen (FIN), Jordan Smith, David Horsey, Christiaan Burke (RSA), Julien Brun (FRA), Marcel Siem (GER), Dale Whitnell, Guido Migliozzi (ITA), Richard Mansell, Oliver Bekker (RSA), Ryan Fox (NZL), Maximilian Kieffer (GER), Geoff Ogilvy (AUS)

67 - Matthew Southgate, Matthew Jordan, Laird Shepherd, Casey Jarvis (RSA), Alejandro Canizares (ESP), Andrew Wilson, George Coetzee (RSA), Nicolai von Dellingshausen (GER), Jaco Ahlers (RSA), Thriston Lawrence (RSA), Paul Peterson (USA), Alexander Noren (SWE), Adria Arnaus (ESP), Ewen Ferguson, Rasmus Hoejgaard (DEN)

68 - Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA), Rikard Karlberg (SWE), Maverick Antcliff (AUS), Louis de Jager (RSA), Yannik Paul (GER), Lukas Nemecz (AUT), Santiago Tarrio (ESP), Daan Huizing (NED), Chase Hanna (USA), Connor Syme, David Law, Sebastian Garcia (ESP), Eddie Pepperell, Robert MacIntyre, Francesco Molinari (ITA), Tyrrell Hatton, Jonathan Caldwell, Callum Shinkwin, Sean Crocker (USA), Rory McIlroy, Benjamin Hebert (FRA)

- AFP

2022-09-25 19:31:12

Migliozzi birdie seals French Open golf win

Guido Migliozzi hit a stunning birdie on the final hole as he stormed to a one-shot victory in the French Open at Le Golf National on Sunday.

The Italian started the day five shots off the lead but made nine birdies in a round of 62 to edge Denmark's Rasmus Hojgaard who led for three rounds.

Migliozzi sealed his 16-under-par win on the last hole, clearing the lake on front of the green, almost going in before finishing six feet past the hole.

The 25-year-old stroked the putt in for a 62 and a share of the course record to claim his third DP World Tour win and first in three years.

Hojgaard, who had seen a six-shot second-round lead reduced to just one heading into Sunday, had only two birdies after his eagle at the third.

"An explosion of feeling. It has been an incredible day," said Migliozzi, who made the cut 13 shots off the lead before his round of 66 on Saturday rekindled his hopes.

"I love to battle on the golf course and today I received something back. It was a beautiful day of golf."

South African George Coetzee and Belgian Thomas Pieters' hopes ended at the 14th as trips to the water resulted in a triple-bogey seven and double-bogey six respectively and the pair finished in a tie for third with Frenchman Paul Barjon on 11 under.

- AFP

Leaderboard:

268 - Guido Migliozzi (ITA) 69 71 66 62269 - Rasmus Hoejgaard (DEN) 62 65 74 68

273 - Thomas Pieters (BEL) 67 70 66 70, Paul Barjon (FRA) 65 68 70 70, George Coetzee (RSA) 68 66 68 71

274 - Jamie Donaldson (WAL) 66 72 67 69

275 - Jordan Smith (ENG) 68 70 67 70276 - Robert MacIntyre (SCO) 67 70 71 68, Jeff Winther (DEN) 72 67 70 67, Yannik Paul (GER) 68 69 67 72

2022-09-24 22:52:16

Højgaard leads going into final round in France

Rasmus Højgaard battled back from a disastrous start to his third round to sign for a hard-fought 74 and head into the final day of the 2022 Cazoo Open de France with a slender one-shot lead.

Højgaard's six-shot overnight advantage evaporated completely within the first three holes on Saturday as a damaging quintuple-bogey eight at the short second and a bogey on the par-five third saw him slip from the summit, having found the water four times in two holes.

He quickly regained his composure, picking up birdies at the sixth and eighth to recover the outright lead, as well as producing a series of par saves to keep his nose in front.

He then mixed three birdies with two bogeys on the back nine to go into the final round on 12 under par and in a good position to secure a wire-to-wire victory at Le Golf National.

South Africa's George Coetzee finished his third-round 68 with a brilliant birdie to close within one shot of leader Højgaard.

- DP World Tour

Leading third round scores from the European Tour's French Open at Le Golf National on Saturday (par 71, GBR & IRL unless stated):

201 - Rasmus Hoejgaard (DEN) 62 65 74

202 - George Coetzee (RSA) 68 66 68

203 - Thomas Pieters (BEL) 67 70 66, Paul Barjon (FRA) 65 68 70

204 - Antoine Rozner (FRA) 69 66 69, Yannik Paul (GER) 68 69 67

205 - Jamie Donaldson 66 72 67, Jordan Smith 68 70 67

206 - Victor Perez (FRA) 69 69 68, Guido Migliozzi (ITA) 69 71 66, Andrew Wilson 69 71 66

207 - Tom Vaillant (FRA) 68 71 68, Adrian Otaegui (ESP) 70 70 67, Scott Jamieson 69 70 68, Tom Lewis 71 69 67

2022-09-23 20:21:18

Dominant Højgaard extends commanding halfway lead in France

Rasmus Højgaard opened up a six-shot lead at the halfway point of the Cazoo Open de France after the gifted Dane added a six under par 65 to his stunning opening 62 at Le Golf National to reach a record 15 under total.

The 21-year-old is aiming to become the first Danish winner in the 116-year history of Continental Europe's oldest national open.

Højgaard took another large step towards a fourth DP World Tour title with a domineering performance at the famously challenging 2018 Ryder Cup venue.

Playing alongside his compatriot and 2023 Ryder Cup vice-captain Thomas Bjørn, Højgaard's round caught fire at the 15th with the first of three successive birdies before picking up four shots on the back nine with just a single bogey on the fifth.

His 36-hole halfway total of 127 strokes is the tournament's lowest since becoming a Tour event in 1972 and moved him six clear of Frenchman Paul Barjon, whose three under 68 delighted the crowds late in the day as he moved into outright second spot on his debut at his national open.

South Africa's George Coetzee was a shot further back on eight under after a five-under 66, while Rasmus Højgaard's playing partner Antoine Rozner boosted his own hopes of a home victory with a 66, which moved him alongside Alexander Björk on seven under.

Leading second round scores from the European Tour's French Open at Le Golf National on Friday (par 71, GBR & IRL unless stated, am denotes amateur):

127 - Rasmus Hoejgaard (DEN) 62 65

133 - Paul Barjon (FRA) 65 68

134 - George Coetzee (RSA) 68 66

135 - Antoine Rozner (FRA) 69 66, Alexander Bjoerk (SWE) 64 71

136 - Mathieu Decottignies-Lafon (FRA) 68 68

137 - Thomas Pieters (BEL) 67 70, Robert MacIntyre 67 70, Thriston Lawrence (RSA) 70 67, Grant Forrest 71 66, Yannik Paul (GER) 68 69

138 - Victor Perez (FRA) 69 69, Alex Fitzpatrick 68 70, Nicolai Hoejgaard (DEN) 69 69, Oihan Guillamoundeguy (FRA) 69 69, Jamie Donaldson 66 72, Matthieu Pavon (FRA) 68 70, Jordan Smith 68 70, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 68 70, Dale Whitnell 73 65, Nicolai von Dellingshausen (GER) 69 69

2022-09-22 21:46:14

Højgaard ties course record to lead at Le Golf National

Rasmus Højgaard equalled the course record at Le Golf National after firing ten birdies in his first-round 62 to lead the 2022 Cazoo Open de France by two shots.

The three-time DP World Tour winner carded six birdies and a solitary bogey on the front side before picking up four more shots on the homeward nine to get to nine under par.

Højgaard's stunning opening round at the 2018 Ryder Cup venue featured several highlights, including a monster birdie putt from more than 70 feet and a tee-shot that was six inches away from a hole-in-one.

Swede Alexander Björk was alone in second on seven under after notching seven birdies in his bogey-free 64.

Paul Barjon was another shot back in third after the morning starter signed for a 65 to finish the day as the leading Frenchman as continental Europe's oldest national open returned for the first time since 2019 after the Covid-19 pandemic meant it was not played in 2020 and 2021.

Leading first-round scores from the European Tour's French Open at Le Golf National on Thursday (par 71, GBR & IRL unless stated, am denotes amateur):

62 - Rasmus Hojgaard (DEN)

64 - Alexander Bjork (SWE)

65 - Paul Barjon (FRA)66 - Jamie Donaldson, James Morrison, Julien Brun (FRA), Martin Couvra (FRA am), Tapio Pulkkanen (FIN)

67 - Thomas Pieters (BEL), Robert MacIntyre

68 - Jordan Smith, Alvaro Quiros (ESP), Matthieu Pavon (FRA), George Coetzee (RSA), Mathieu Decottignies-Lafon (FRA), Craig Howie, Tom Vaillant (FRA am), Yannik Paul (GER), Alex Fitzpatrick, Jazz Janewattananond (THA)

- DP World Tour

2022-09-18 20:25:55

Leading Italian Open scores after Sunday's final round (Gbr & Irl unless stated, Par 71):

270 - Robert MacIntyre 70 69 67 64, Matthew Fitzpatrick 65 69 69 67

MacIntyre wins play-off on first extra hole

271 - Victor Perez (FRA) 70 66 69 66

272 - Rory McIlroy (NIR) 67 66 71 68

273 - Aaron Rai 69 70 65 69, Lucas Herbert (AUS) 70 67 68 68

274 - Kurt Kitayama (USA) 71 67 67 69

275 - Tyrrell Hatton 72 65 70 68

276 - Jorge Campillo (ESP) 70 71 68 67, Oliver Bekker (RSA) 68 70 68 70

277 - Mikko Korhonen (FIN) 73 67 68 69

278 - Jordan Smith 69 68 71 70, Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 70 73 68 67, Dale Whitnell 69 73 69 67, Eddie Pepperell 67 73 70 68

2022-09-18 19:09:29

MacIntyre wins Italian Open in play-off with Fitzpatrick

Robert MacIntyre won the Italian Open on Sunday after seeing off Matthew Fitzpatrick in a play-off at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome.

Scotland's MacIntyre claimed his second win on the European PGA tour with a birdie on the first play-off hole.

US Open champion Fitzpatrick, who had a one-shot lead heading into the final round, had joined MacIntyre in the playoff after birdieing the 18th but missed a similar putt on the same hole to allow MacIntyre to win the title.

"This means everything... I've hit two of the perfect golf shots into the last there. So much hard work went into this," said MacIntyre to Sky.

"I've got a dogged attitude, never give up, I get punched but I punch back."

At the start of the week I didn't think this was going to be the one, the style of the golf course the way it was playing... but I felt so in control of my golf ball this week."

Rory McIlroy was Fitzpatrick's closest challenger after the third round but the Northern Irishman finished two shots off the pace after shooting three-under.

MacIntyre is hoping to be in next year's Ryder Cup which will be played at the same course and a superb seven-under round on the final day helped him to victory.

He made six birdies and no bogies while shooting a remarkable 29 on the front nine which gave him a two-shot lead.

However from there his form dipped and that allowed Fitzpatrick to take the lead on the 16th.

England's Fitzpatrick then allowed MacIntyre to lead going into the clubhouse and once the pair went into the playoff the Scot replayed the 18th to perfection to claim the win.

- AFP

2022-09-17 19:11:52

Fitzpatrick edges ahead of McIlroy, Rai in Italy

Matthew Fitzpatrick closed with a birdie in a third-round 69 on Saturday to open up a one-shot lead on Rory McIlroy and Aaron Rai at the Italian Open in Rome.

US Open champion Fitzpatrick bounced back from a front-nine bogey with birdies at the 10th, 12th and 18th in blustery conditions at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club.

World number two McIlroy and Englishman Rai are tied one shot behind Fitzpatrick in second at the venue, which will host next year's Ryder Cup.

Halfway leader McIlroy had a mixed round with three birdies and three bogeys for 71, while Rai took a leap up the leaderboard with two eagles and two birdies in a six-under-par 65.

McIlroy, who, like Fitzpatrick, will be hoping to represent Team Europe in the 2023 Ryder Cup, faces a tough task on Sunday.

"I know it will be a tough day. Fitz is very solid. These are the sort of conditions that he relishes. He's going to be tough to beat," said the player from Northern Ireland.

"Thankfully, I'm still in it. Still only one shot back. I'll be in the final group tomorrow. So that was a big putt on the 18th to hole so I can keep an eye on Fitz and what he's doing."

France's Victor Perez, American Kurt Kitayama and Australian Lucas Herbert were in a three-way tie for fourth on eight under.

- AFP

Leading third round scores in the DP World Tour DS Automobiles Italian Open at the Marco Simone Golf Club, Rome on Saturday (GBR and IRL unless stated, par 71):

203 - Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG) 65 69 69

204 - Rory McIlroy (NIR) 67 66 71, Aaron Rai (ENG) 69 70 65205 - Victor Perez (FRA) 70 66 69, Lucas Herbert (AUS) 70 67 68, Kurt Kitayama (USA) 71 67 67

206 - Robert MacIntyre (SCO) 70 69 67, Oliver Bekker (RSA) 68 70 68

207 - Tyrrell Hatton 72 65 70208 - Mikko Korhonen (FIN) 73 67 68, Jordan Smith (ENG) 69 68 71, Tom Lewis (ENG) 70 65 73

209 - Francesco Molinari (ITA) 73 68 68, Jorge Campillo (ESP) 70 71 68, Antoine Rozner (FRA) 67 71 71

210 - Thorbjoern Olesen (DEN) 72 70 68, Thomas Bjorn (DEN) 66 76 68, Tapio Pulkkanen (FIN) 69 69 72, Eddie Pepperell (ENG) 67 73 70, Jesper Kennegaard (SWE) 74 68 68

211 - Ashun Wu (CHN) 70 68 73, Alex Fitzpatrick (ENG) 70 69 72, Alexander Bjoerk (SWE) 74 69 68, Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 70 73 68, Rikard Karlberg (SWE) 71 70 70, Dale Whitnell (ENG) 69 73 69, Scott Jamieson (SCO) 67 71 73, Santiago Tarrio (ESP) 72 70 69, Marcel Schneider (GER) 70 68 73, Andrew Wilson (ENG) 74 69 68, Michael Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 71 70 70

212 - Darren Fichardt (RSA) 69 71 72

214- Edoardo Molinari (ITA) 70 72 72, Joost Luiten (NED) 66 71 77

217 - Brandon Stone (RSA) 71 72 74, Marcus Armitage (ENG) 72 70 78

2022-09-16 21:25:35

McIlroy takes narrow lead in Italy

As the sun went down at the Italian Open on Friday, Rory McIlroy jumped to the top of the leaderboard, finishing his second round with a last-hole birdie after play had been called off.

Northern Irishman McIlroy was on the 18th green in fading light as the hooter sounded to signal play had been suspended.

He decided to complete the hole and sank his birdie putt. He had also picked up a shot on the 16th in a five-under-par round of 66.

US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick started the day by completing a six-under-par first round to take the lead.

The Englishman opened his second round on the back nine and made five straight birdies starting at the 11th but made bogeys at the seventh and eighth to slip a shot back.

With a handful of players due to complete their rounds on Saturday morning, Englishman Tom Lewis was one shot back in third, with Frenchman Victor Perez a further stroke behind in fourth.

There were half a dozen players on five under, including European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald.

McIlroy improved by one shot on his first round.

"I played a little bit better today, especially on the back nine. I took advantage of some of the more birdieable holes," he said.

"Fitz has had an unbelievable year, first Major Championship and he's obviously matured into one of the best players in the world. Looking forward to going up against him over the weekend."

Overall, Fitzpatrick had seven birdies and five bogeys.

"Pretty inconsistent really. I've played some really good stuff," he said."Sloppy mistakes, which was obviously disappointing, but plenty of birdies which was always a positive."

Frenchman Julien Quesne made a hole-in-one at the short fourth from 187 yards with a nine iron.

- AFP

Leading completed second-round scores in the DP World Tour's Italian Open at the Marco Simone Golf Club, Rome on Friday (GBR and IRL unless stated, par 71):

133 - Rory McIlroy 67, 66

134 - Matt Fitzpatrick 65, 69

135 - Tom Lewis 70, 65136 - Victor Perez (FRA) 70 66

137- Tyrrel Hatton 72, 65; Jordan Smith 69, 68; Sebastian Garcia (ESP) 71, 66; Luke Donald 69, 68; Joost Luiten (NED) 66, 71; Lucas Herbert (AUS) 70, 67

138 - Scott Jamieson 67, 71; Wu Ashun (CHN) 70, 68; Oliver Bekker (RSA) 68, 70; Marcel Schneider (GER) 70, 68; Antoine Rozner (FRA) 67, 71; Alvaro Quiros (ESP) 67, 71; Kurt Kitayama (USA) 71, 67; Tapio Pulkannen (FIN) 69, 69; Nicolai Hojgaard (DEN) 68, 70

2022-09-16 21:04:02

2022-09-15 21:01:55

Fitzpatrick takes early lead at Italian Open

Matthew Fitzpatrick claimed a one-shot lead after the opening day of the Italian Open on Thursday, but darkness fell before he could complete his first round.

The US Open champion is five-under after 15 holes and a single stroke clear of eight players, including world number two Rory McIlroy.

The 28-year-old Fitzpatrick, bidding for a ninth European Tour title this week, is expected to be one of Europe's key players for next year's Ryder Cup in Rome.

The Englishman impressed at Marco Simone Golf Club, where Europe will bid to regain the trophy from the United States in 12 months' time, with five birdies to make the first significant move.

"I played well in patches," Fitzpatrick told europeantour.com. "I've been lucky off the tee probably three times today...

"To be honest I'm taking my chances when I've had them, which is great. But just need to sharpen the driver."

McIlroy struggled on his opening nine holes after starting at the 10th, making the turn at one-over par. But the four-time major champion sparked his round into life in spectacular style, holing out from 115 yards on the par-four third hole for an eagle.

Three more birdies followed to leave McIlroy, who finished just one shot behind winner Shane Lowry at last week's BMW PGA Championship, bang in contention again.

"I felt like I was still half-asleep playing that front nine," he said.

"I think that eagle obviously ignited something and sort of kick-started my round a little bit. I played some really good golf on the way in.

"I can't complain, I played the more difficult nine well and the easier nine not so well, so probably evened out."

World number 10 Viktor Hovland made a solid start and is one-under through 15 holes. England's Tyrrell Hatton battled to one-over with two holes remaining in his first round. Europe's Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald rolled back the years with an eagle on the par-five 12th and sits on two-under after 14.

2022-09-11 20:35:45

Lowry hails Wentworth win as 'one for the good guys'

Ireland's Shane Lowry labelled his BMW PGA Championship triumph on Sunday as "one for the good guys" in a swipe at the controversial LIV Golf Series.

Lowry pipped Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy to the title at Wentworth on Sunday in a tournament trimmed to 54 holes after Friday's play was postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Former US Open champion Rahm had set a testing clubhouse target of 16 under par following a brilliant final round of 62, featuring a back nine of just 29.But Lowry responded with an eagle and five birdies of his own in a closing 65 to finish 17 under.

Rewarded for his consistency, the former British Open winner did not record a single bogey throughout the event.

McIlroy found himself needing to eagle the 18th to force a play-off with Lowry but saw his putt from 23 feet finish millimetres from the hole.

It was a dramatic end to an acrimonious week for a tournament featuring 18 players from the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series.

Lowry had said at the start of the week that he "can't stand" the LIV stars being in the field after the breakaway tour plunged golf into civil war.

Meanwhile, LIV player Ian Poulter was seen in a heated exchange with American star Billy Horschel on the putting green before the tournament started.

American Talor Gooch was the top finisher from the LIV players at Wentworth in fourth place, and Lowry took the opportunity to hit back at the rival tour after his victory.

"I made no secret how I feel about the whole thing. I wanted to win for myself first and foremost, but for everyone that has stayed loyal to this Tour I really feel this is one for the good guys," Lowry said.

"It's been a good year, but felt like I've been close a few times and only a few tournaments left this season and I really wanted to win one and this was top of the list.

"I'm so happy. I can't put into words how happy I am, how much I love this tour, this tournament. I'm the happiest man in the world right now."

McIlroy, who carded a closing 67, has also been an outspoken critic of the LIV players and he admitted it was a relief to see his good friend Lowry pick up the trophy.

"I'm okay. I think Shane winning softens the blow. If it had been someone else, I might not have felt as comfortable with it as I am. Seeing a friend win is always great and I am really happy for him," he said.

"I struggled today. I didn't hit my irons very well. I was sort of scrambling a lot but I got the most out of my round."

- AFP

Leaderboard:

199 - Shane Lowry 66, 68, 65

200 - Rory McIlroy 68, 65, 67; Jon Rahm (ESP) 70, 68, 62

201 - Talor Gooch (USA) 70, 64, 67

202 - Viktor Hovland (NOR) 64, 68, 70; Patrick Reed (USA) 70, 69, 63; Thomas Detry (BEL) 68, 65, 69; Soeren Kjeldsen (DEN) 68, 64, 70

203 - Billy Horschel (USA) 68, 68, 67; Francesco Molinari (ITA) 69, 65, 69; Rafael Cabrera Bello (ESP) 68, 65, 70; Matthieu Pavon (FRA) 68, 70, 65

204 - Lee Westwood 68, 71, 65; Guido Migliozzi (ITA) 68, 68, 68; Adrian Otaegui (ESP) 69, 65, 70; Fabrizio Zanotti (PRY) 66, 69, 69; Matthew Southgate 70, 67, 67

205 - Abraham Ancer (MEX) 68, 70, 67; Sam Horsfield 70, 68, 67; Rasmus Hoejgaard (DEN) 67, 69, 69; Masahiro Kawamura (JPN) 68, 67, 70; David Horsey 72, 66, 67

206 - Thomas Pieters (BEL) 69, 71, 66; Bernd Wiesberger (AUT) 68, 72, 66; Oliver Wilson 70, 67, 69; Richard Bland 74, 65, 67; Justin Harding (RSA) 69, 67, 70; Johannes Veerman (USA) 68, 70, 68; Grant Forrest 69, 67, 70; Matthew Jordan 65, 69, 72; Joost Luiten (NED) 70, 68, 68

2022-09-11 07:22:39

2022-09-11 07:19:04

Kjeldsen, Hovland lead at Wentworth with McIlroy poised for Sunday charge

Søren Kjeldsen and Viktor Hovland are tied at the top of the leaderboard heading into the final round of the 2022 BMW PGA Championship, with Rory McIlroy in a chasing pack just one shot back.

The Scandinavian pair, both out in the morning, reached 12 under par and it was a mark that proved just out of reach for McIlroy, Thomas Detry and Rafa Cabrera Bello.

McIlroy, the DP World Tour rankings leader, is hunting a double, hoping to add the Harry Vardon Trophy to the FedEx Cup he claimed in the United States. He carded a bogey-free 65 after an eagle and five birdies.

Francesco Molinari, Shane Lowry, Matthew Jordan, Adrian Otaegui and Talor Gooch are two behind on 10-under.

It is a stacked leaderboard for the year's fourth Rolex Series event - shortened to 54 holes after Friday's play was cancelled following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday.

Everyone involved in the championship observed a two-minute silence on Saturday morning and players wore black ribbons.

- DP World Tour

2022-09-09 15:57:07

DP World Tour's PGA Championship at Wentworth to resume, reduced to 54 holes

The DP World Tour on Friday confirms the BMW PGA Championship will restart on Saturday morning.

This follows the immediate suspension of play on Thursday evening and the complete cancellation of all day's play on Friday, both actions taken in memory of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and out of respect for the Royal Family.

The decision to restart on Saturday has been taken in accordance with Official National Mourning guidance and in consultation with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

The Wentworth event will give players, caddies, staff, volunteers and spectators the opportunity to come together across the weekend, not only to express their condolences but also to celebrate the extraordinary life of Her Majesty.

We join other sports in doing this, including the Men’s Test Match between England and South Africa at The Oval and the Women’s IT20 match between England and India in County Durham, Premiership Rugby Union, Rugby League and the Great North Run in the north east of England.

The second round of the BMW PGA Championship will resume at 06:40 (7:40 SA time)on Saturday morning and all original second-round tee times will remain the same.

Those players who are yet to complete their first round will do so from 07:30 onwards from the place on the golf course where they stopped on Thursday afternoon.

The Rolex Series event will now be contested over 54 holes with the intention to finish on Sunday as scheduled.

It is not possible to play the full 72 holes and finish on Monday as we cannot guarantee the staff, facilities or security of the venue on Monday due to the on-going plans for the state funeral.

Across the weekend at Wentworth, black ribbons will be made available for people to wear and flags will continue to fly at half-mast.

In addition, there will be a two-minute silence at 09:50am on Saturday morning across the venue to commemorate the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with the proclamation of King Charles III being shown on the television screens in the Championship Village from 10:00.

On behalf of our players and everyone connected with the European Tour group, our thoughts and deepest condolences continue to be with the Royal Family at this time.

- DP World Tour

2022-09-08 21:23:41

DP Tour's PGA Championship sees play suspended following Queen's death

Statement:

On behalf of our membersand everyone connected with the European Tour group and the BMW PGAChampionship, it is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing ofHer Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

She truly was aninspiration to people the world over.

Out of respect for HerMajesty and the Royal Family, play has been suspended at the BMW PGAChampionship at Wentworth Club for the remainder of Thursday and flags atWentworth Club will be lowered to half-mast.

Furthermore, no play willtake place at the BMW PGA Championship on Friday and the golf course andpractice facilities will be closed.

Further updates on theresumption of play will be provided in due course.

Our deepest sympathies andcondolences are with the Royal Family at this time.

- DP World Tour

2022-09-04 19:07:09

England's Wilson wins first European Tour title for almost eight years

Oliver Wilson ended a near eight-year wait for a second European Tour title on Sunday with a one-shot victory at the Made in Himmerland event in Denmark.

The world number 748, who played in the 2008 Ryder Cup, fired a four-under-par 67 in the final round to finish on 21-under for the tournament.

He parred the closing hole to hold off Scotsman Ewen Ferguson, who carded a 66 to finish just one stroke back.

Wilson won his only previous Tour title at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in October 2014, having previously lost in four play-offs.

"I was so in control, I feel like everything I've done since then, probably the last 10 years, to get back to here... I said I wasn't going to cry," said an emotional Wilson.

"I knew I could do it... I was so calm there, I almost enjoyed the last hole.

- AFP

2022-09-04 07:42:35

HimmerLand set for thrilling finale as SA's Walters two adrift of lead

It is all to play for heading into the final day of Made in HimmerLand as four players share the third-round lead, with English trio Ross McGowan, Oliver Wilson and Matthew Southgate joined by Italy's Francesco Laporta at the summit on 17 under par.

Packed crowds enjoyed an enthralling moving day at HimmerLand, where Englishman Matthew Jordan equalled the course record with a nine-under 62 to move to within one shot of the lead on 16 under, while American John Catlin delighted the fans with a hole-in-one at the famous 16th - known as HimmerLand Hill.

The spectators witnessed another remarkable hole-out for Southgate, whose second shot on the par four first hole dropped into the cup for a spectacular eagle two.

His six-under 65 was matched by former Ryder Cup player Wilson, who could have led outright only for back-to-back bogeys on the final two holes.

McGowan, the outright leader after both of the opening two rounds, signed for a two under 69 while Laporta carded a three under 68.

Jordan held fifth place on his own, while Scotland's Ewen Ferguson, Tom Lewis of England and South African Justin Walters were a shot further back on 15 under par.

2022-09-03 09:29:56

2022-09-02 20:35:29

McGowan holds firm at the top in Denmark

Ross McGowan will take a one-stroke lead into the weekend at Made in HimmerLand, after the Englishman holed a 12-foot birdie putt at the final hole to edge ahead of the pack in Denmark.

The two-time DP World Tour winner had also birdied his final hole on day one to hold the first-round lead, and he opened with a birdie at the first in round two - the first of six in a five-under front nine - before a one-under back nine of 34 earned him a six-under round of 65.

"It's good, I'm looking forward to the weekend and hopefully, I can put together a few rounds similar to the first two," said McGowan.

That moved him to a 15 under total, one clear of his compatriot Richard Mansell and Italy's Francesco Laporta, both of whom have carded back-to-back 64s for 14 under totals.

Marcus Helligkilde and Søren Kjeldsen lead the home charge as the Danes share fourth place with England's Tom Lewis and in-form Scot Ewen Ferguson on 12 under, three shots off the pace.

2022-09-01 21:38:32

England's Ross McGowanswooped late in the day to take a one-shot lead after the opening round of the2022 Made in HimmerLand event in Denmark.

McGowan started his round at the 10th, got off to a flyerwith an opening birdie and five more followed before he leapt into poleposition by chipping in for eagle at the par-five eighth and tapping in forbirdie on his final hole.

That blistering finish allowed him to sign for anine-under-par 62.

Fiveplayers had been tied for the lead before McGowan's move after a day ofincredible scoring in Denmark.

Earlystarters Justin Walters from South Africa, Ewen Ferguson, and Matthew Southgateset the mark before a string of home players mounted late charges, with RasmusHøjgaard and Marcus Helligkilde joining the party at eight under.

Leading first-round scores from the European Tour's Made in Himmerland event in Denmark (par 71/ GBR & IRL unless stated):

62 - Ross McGowan

63 - Marcus Kellighilde (DEN), Rasmus Hojgaard (DEN), Ewen Ferguson, Matthew Southgate, Justin Walters (RSA)

64 - Richard Mansell, Soren Kjeldsen (DEN), Craig Howie, Nicolai von Dellingshausen (GER), Francesco Laporta (ITA), Rikard Karlberg (SWE)

65 - Lucas Bjerregaard (DEN), Niklas Norgaard Moller (DEN), Jonathan Caldwell, Robert MacIntyre, Zander Lombard (RSA), Garrick Porteous

- DP World Tour

2022-08-29 09:30:11

2022-08-29 09:29:37

PLAYOFF SUCCESS FOR LAWRENCE

South Africa's Thriston Lawrence won the European Masters on the first hole of a playoff with Matt Wallace at Crans-Montana on Sunday.

Lawrence began an eventful final round three shots clear and was two up with five holes to go after three birdies offset a double bogey on the fifth.

Wallace made four birdies and moved into a share of the lead when Lawrence bogeyed the 16th.

The pair finished tied on 18-under par.

Lawrence bagged his second title of the season on the European circuit's DP World Tour when England's Wallace three-putted the first extra hole.

"There's so much history going around this event, all the past champions, so can't wait to get my hands on that trophy," said Lawrence, winner of the Joburg Open last November.

Englishman Richard Mansell led the rest of the field two shots outside the play-off, with Scotland's Scott Jamieson, Frenchman Antoine Rozner and Spaniard Jorge Campillo sharing fourth place on 15 under.

Leading scores after the final round of the European Tour/DP World Tour European Masters at Crans-Montana, Switzerland on Sunday (par 70, GBR & IRL unless stated):

262 - Thriston Lawrence (RSA) 62 64 67 69, Matt Wallace 64 64 68 66(Lawrence won play-off at 1st extra hole)

264 - Richard Mansell 67 64 66 67

265 - Jorge Campillo (ESP) 66 65 68 66, Antoine Rozner (FRA) 70 65 64 66, Scott Jamieson 64 67 66 68

266 - Alejandro Canizares (ESP) 62 63 73 68, Marcel Schneider (GER) 67 66 67 66

267 - Danny Willett 70 67 64 66, Adria Arnaus (ESP) 69 63 66 69, Ignacio Elvira (ESP) 65 65 69 68, Masahiro Kawamura (JPN) 68 65 65 69, Louis de Jager (RSA) 64 64 72 67

268 - Sebastian Soederberg (SWE) 67 67 70 64, Joachim B. Hansen (DEn) 71 65 68 64

- AFP

2022-08-27 20:10:18

Thriston Lawrence three shots clear ahead of final day at European Masters

Thriston Lawrence will take a three-shot lead into the final round of the European Masters as he bids to claim his second DP World Tour title of the season.

After putting the finishing touches to his second round on Saturday morning following Friday's weather delay, Lawrence went into the third round one shot off the lead held by Alejandro Canizares.

He then made two birdies and a single bogey on the front side before adding three more gains and dropping one further shot on the back nine to reach 17 under par.

Lawrence, playing this event for the first time, goes into Sunday's fourth round with a three-shot cushion over Matt Wallace after the Englishman closed his 68 with back-to-back birdies.

Scotland's Scott Jamieson and England's Richard Mansell were then in a tie for third on 13 under, with Canizares among those another shot further back.

South African Lawrence was the first winner of the DP World Tour era at the Joburg Open in November after that event was reduced to 36 holes.

He said: "I'm happy with the way I played, played very solid, made a few clutch putts here and there."I'm confident going into tomorrow, but [there is] a lot of golf to be played, just stick to the process, stick to the game plan and enjoy it."

- TEAMtalk media

2022-08-26 21:15:05

SA's Lawrence stays ahead to share lead in Switzerland

Alejandro Cañizares and Thriston Lawrence still share the European Masters lead after round two was disrupted due to thunderstorms.

The first-round leaders teed off shortly after a three-hour weather delay at Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre, and they both managed to move to 13 under par before darkness brought proceedings to a halt.

South African Lawrence made six birdies and a single bogey in his first 14 holes, while Spain's Cañizares carded an eagle, five birdies and two bogeys after 13 holes.

Morning starters Nacho Elvira and Marcel Siem were the leaders in the clubhouse, three shots back further back.

Spaniard Elvira was in buoyant mood after recently welcoming a baby daughter, and he set the target at ten under par after posting six birdies and an eagle.

He was joined at the summit by Siem, with the German birdieing the last to match Elvira's back-to-back rounds of 65.

Scott Jamieson of Scotland and Englishman Richard Mansell finished at nine under par, with South Africa's Louis de Jager joining them with six holes of his second round remaining.

George Coetzee became the second player this week to make a hole-in-one on Friday after Aaron Cockerill achieved the feat a day earlier.

The South African holed his tee-shot at the short 13th using a six iron to win a new OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M, worth CHF 18,400.

The second round will resume at 07:40 SA time.

2022-08-25 20:32:20

SA's Lawrence climb to the summit in Switzerland

Alejandro Cañizares and Thriston Lawrence fired opening rounds of 62 to share the lead after the first round of the 2022 Omega European Masters.

Cañizares picked up the last of his two DP World Tour wins at the 2014 Trophee Hassan II, but the 39 year old Spaniard was back to his best in Crans Montana as he fired nine birdies and a solitary bogey to join Lawrence at the top of the leaderboard on eight under par.

The South African, who opened the 2022 DP World Tour season with victory at the Joburg Open, went bogey free around the picturesque Golf Club Crans-sur-Sierre, making six birdies before closing his round with a pitch-in eagle.

His countryman Louis de Jager is two shots further back alongside England’s Matt Wallace, Scott Jamieson of Scotland and Spain’s Eduardo de la Riva.

Rasmus Højgaard opened his title defence with a round of 65 to sit amongst a group of eight players at five under par, while Canadian Aaron Cockerill made a hole-in-one from 170 yards at the third hole in his even par round of 70.

Player quotes

Thriston Lawrence: Bogey free, so that’s always a tick in the box. Started off nicely, a lot of fairways, a lot of greens, gave myself a lot of 15 footers and managed to make a few.

A nice little pitch in on the ninth to finish off, so very pleased about that.

It’s been awesome, the whole season has gone well. It was nice to have a top ten last week and to open here with a 62 is always a pleasure.

It’s lovely, how can you not enjoy this scenery? Even if you’re playing badly, you still have something to look at. Amazing golf course, amazing views, I’m having lots of fun.

The greens are tricky, I’m struggling to read them. I missed a few short ones today. Trying to find the speed and reading the greens. You can get good rewards if you hit it straight and get close. Just copy and paste tomorrow hopefully.

- DP World Tour

2022-08-22 09:20:40

Kieffer claims maiden DP World Tour title, SA's De Jager third in Prague

Max Kieffer ended a nine-year wait for his maiden DP World Tour title as he triumphed at the Czech Masters.

The German, making his 249th appearance on the DP World Tour, carded a six under par final round 66 to finish one stroke ahead of Gavin Green at Albatross Golf Resort.

Kieffer started the day four strokes behind Green, who led after 36 holes as the tournament was reduced to three rounds due to heavy rain on Saturday.

He made a fast start with six birdies in his first 11 holes and recovered from a bogey on 15 with his seventh gain of the day on the 17th hole as he took the lead for the first time on 16 under.

The 32-year-old had previously finished runner-up on four occasions, losing out in two play-offs, one of which was decided after a marathon nine holes in his rookie season in 2013.

Extra holes were on the horizon as Green, who was one under par for the day, was just one stroke back as he played the 18th hole.

The Malaysian stuck his approach shot to ten feet, but his birdie putt agonisingly lipped out, handing Kieffer his first victory and his nation's first DP World Tour title since Marcel Siem won the BMW Masters in 2014.

Green recorded his best finish on the DP World Tour since 2017 as he finished second on 15 under par, while South Africa's Louis De Jager and Finland's Tapio Pulkkanen, who was runner-up at this event last year, shared third on 14 under.

2022-08-20 18:11:50

Green leads Czech Masters but weather sees third round postponed and tournament reduced to 54 holes

The third round of the Czech Masters has been postponed until Sunday after heavy rain in the Prague area left large parts of the Albatross Golf Resort waterlogged.

The tournament has been reduced to 54 holes and the third round, which began briefly on Saturday, will be concluded on Sunday with Malaysia's Gavin Green leading on 14 under, three strokes ahead of Belgium’s two-time winner Thomas Pieters, Germany's Marcel Schneider and England’s Richard Mansell.

A statement from the DP World Tour read: "Due to inclement weather in the Prague area, the D+D REAL Czech Masters has been reduced to a 54-hole tournament."Heavy rainfall, which began on Friday evening and continued throughout Saturday, rendered areas of Albatross Golf Resort unplayable due to standing water.

"The third round, which began on Saturday morning, will now be completed on Sunday August 21 and the winner of the tournament decided after 54 holes."

David Williams, tournament director of the D+D REAL Czech Masters, said: "The continued rainfall we have experienced means that, despite the strenuous efforts of the greens staff and volunteers, there is no way the course is going to be playable for the rest of the day."

- TEAMtalk media

2022-08-18 21:34:38

Late birdie gives SA's Louis de Jager top spot

South African Louis de Jager leads the D+D Real Czech Masters after a birdie on the final hole gave him a course record-equalling 64 and a one-shot advantage over two-time winner Thomas Pieters on day one.

The Belgian had looked set to lead after fighting off the challenge of defending champion Johannes Veerman until the Amecian dropped back into a four-way tie for third towards the end of his round.

Early starters Marcel Schneider, Jordan Gumberg and Tapio Pulkkanen set the clubhouse target at six under par after each shot 66.

German Schneider birdied the first four holes and added an eagle at 12, while Gumberg and Pulkkanen had six birdies apiece.

Pieters started well with birdies at the first three holes before picking up further shots at six and eight.

But a bogey six on 10 saw him drop back into a large group on four under. A birdie on 12 and 13, the latter following a fine tee shot, saw him join the leading group on six under.

An eighth birdie of the day and third in a row on 14 meant Pieters had gone ahead for the first time on seven under.

Pieters made it four birdies in a row on 15 but finding water off the tee on the final hole left him needing to hole a 25-foot putt to save par, but a bogey meant he dropped back to seven under and a lead of one.

De Jager had his first of seven birdies at the opening hole, then three in a row from six to eight as he made the turn in 32.

Further successes at 10 and 11 were followed by one at 15, which drew him level with Pieters at the top of the leaderboard.

A birdie on the final hole was enough to give De Jager the lead by one shot after a round of 64 as he chases his first DP World Tour title.

Defending champion Veerman birdied his opening two holes and then had further birdies on six and nine to turn in 32.

Another birdie on 10 took the American to a tie for fourth on five under, and a three at the next saw him turn the leading group into a four-way battle.

He then had the chance to claim the outright lead on 12, but his birdie putt lipped out to keep him on six under.

But Veerman's birdie on 15 saw him draw level with Pieters once more before a bogey on the next put him back in the chasing group.

Pars on the final two holes for a round of 66 meant he finished the day on six under par.

De Jager admitted he had not found it easy. He said: "It was quite tricky out there today, the wind was from all different directions but me and my caddie made some good calls out there.

"I've been hitting the ball well, but I've gone back to old things, old tendencies that I keep falling back to. I worked a bit on those at the start of the week and I hit the ball really well today."

-DP World Tour

2022-08-14 19:40:26

Scotland's Ferguson completes wire to wire win at World Invitational

Scotland's Ewen Ferguson won his second DP World Tour title of the season on Sunday after leading from start to finish in the World Invitational in Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Ferguson, who started with a course-record 61 at Galgorm Castle, posted a closing 69 on Sunday to finish 12 under par, three shots clear of close friend Connor Syme and Spain's Borja Virto.

"It feels unbelievable, just can't believe how calm I was out there," the 26-year-old Ferguson, who won the Qatar Masters in March, told Sky Sports.

"It couldn't have worked out any better playing with Connor.

"I played with him the first two days and he was playing so, so good and I felt he was my main rival so managing to play with him and kind of holding each other off and trying to keep up with each other was so good and I can't believe I'm a winner again."

Ferguson added: "My mum and dad were supposed to be here this week but the last tournament they watched didn't go so well so I banned them because I said I need to focus. My dad's probably at the club buying the full club drinks."

Leaderboard:

268 - Ewen Ferguson 61-70-68-69

271 - Connor Syme 66-68-69-68, Borja Virto (ESP) 65-67-71-68

272 - Marcus Helligkilde (DEN) 67-72-64-69, Renato Paratore (ITA) 67-68-73-64, Richard Mansell 71-65-68-68

273 - Filippo Celli (ITA) 66-67-72-68, Jordan Smith 68-67-74-64, Matthew Baldwin 68-69-68-68

274 - Tom McKibbin 69-72-66-67, Robin Petersson (SWE) 66-70-70-68, Jamie Rutherford 70-68-67-69

275 - John Catlin (USA) 67-69-66-73, Jack Senior 69-69-65-72, Craig Howie 69-68-70-68, Angel Hidalgo (ESP) 67-71-72-65, Calum Fyfe 66-71-72-66

276 - Guido Migliozzi (ITA) 70-68-67-71, Oliver Farr 70-68-68-70

2022-08-13 20:42:20

Ferguson closes in on second DP World Tour success

Ewen Ferguson will take a three-stroke lead into the final round of the ISPS HANDA World Invitational as he seeks a second DP World Tour title.

The Scotsman, who secured his maiden success at the Qatar Masters in March, started the day one stroke ahead of Spain's Borja Virto at Galgorm Castle Golf Club but quickly moved clear after birdies on the second and fourth holes.

His third birdie of the day came on the tenth and he recovered from back-to-back bogeys on the 14th and 15th with his fourth gain of the day on the 18th as he moved to 11 under par after signing for a two under 68.

The 26-year-old sits three strokes ahead of American John Catlin, who won the Irish Open at this venue in 2020. Catlin started his day with a bogey on the first but recovered to sign for a four under par 66 and an eight under par total.

Last year's Challenge Tour Number One Marcus Helligkilde, of Denmark, carded the lowest round of the day, a six-under 64, which included two eagles and four birdies, to move into a share of third place on seven under.

Joining him in third place are England's Jack Senior, Scotsman Connor Syme and Virto.

A further cut has been made after the third round of the innovative event, which sees a DP World Tour and a co-sanctioned LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour tournament taking place on the same golf course.

The top 35 players and ties from each tournament after 54-holes will contest the final day, with 38 men and 39 women set to tee it up in alternating groups.

In the women's competition, Amanda Doherty will go in search of her first LPGA Tour title as she takes a one-stroke lead into the final day.

The American, who has led since the first round, is one shot clear from 2018 Women's Open champion Georgia Hall and Peiyun Chien from Chinese Taipei.

Leading third round scores in the European Tour World Invitational tournament at Galgorm Castle and Massereene golf clubs, County Antrim on Saturday (GBR/IRL unless stated, Par 70):

199 - Ewen Ferguson 61-70-68

202 - John Catlin (USA) 67-69-66

203 - Jack Senior 69-69-65, Connor Syme 66-68-69, Marcus Helligkilde (DEN) 67-72-64, Borja Virto (ESP) 65-67-71

204 - Richard Mansell 71-65-68

205 - Filippo Celli (ITA) 66-67-72, Guido Migliozzi (ITA) 70-68-67, Matthew Baldwin 68-69-68, Jamie Rutherford 70-68-67

206 - Oliver Farr 70-68-68, Jens Fahrbring (SWE) 68-70-68, Robin Petersson (SWE) 66-70-70

207 - Tom McKibbin 69-72-66, Craig Howie 69-68-70, David Dixon 70-67-70

208 - Renato Paratore (ITA) 67-68-73, Felix Paalson (SWE) 65-68-75, David Carey 67-73-68

209 - Steven Brown 72-69-68, Jordan Smith 68-67-74, Sebastian Garcia (ESP) 66-73-70, Zach Murray (AUS) 70-70-69, Jake McLeod (AUS) 72-68-69, Wilco Nienaber (RSA) 66-72-71, Jens Dantorp (SWE) 68-71-70, Thomas Aiken (RSA) 66-74-69, Jordan Wrisdale 71-69-69, Haraldur Magnus (ISL) 71-69-69, Calum Fyfe 66-71-72, David Borda (ESP) 70-67-72

2022-08-12 09:15:43

Ewen Ferguson set the course record at Galgorm Castle Golf Club with a spotless 61 to lead by four shots after the first round of the 2022 ISPS Handa World Invitational.

The talented Scot carded two eagles on the back nine on Thursday afternoon, as well as firing five birdies to lead the way on nine under par and break the previous course record by a single shot.

The first of Ferguson's eagles came at the 10th, where he holed his fiddly bunker shot, while the second was from the end of the 18th fairway.

This week's event in Northern Ireland is tri-sanctioned by the DP World Tour, Ladies European Tour and LPGA Tour, with separate male and female tournaments being played on the same two courses at the same time and for two equal prize funds of US$1.5 million each.

American Amanda Doherty, also playing at Galgorm Castle on day one, led the women's tournament on six under after making seven birdies and a single bogey in her 67. She was one clear of Ireland's Leona Maguire, England's Georgia Hall, American Lauren Coughlin and Dane Emily Kristine Pedersen - with the latter two playing their first rounds at Massereene Golf Club.

Leading first round scores in the European Tour World Invitational tournament at Galgorm Castle and Massereene golf clubs, County Antrim on Thursday (GBR/IRL unless stated, Par 70):

61 - Ewen Ferguson

65 - Richard Bland, Borja Virto (ESP), Felix Palson (SWE)

66 - Filippo Celli (ITA), Connor Syme, Dale Whitnell, Sebastian Garcia (ESP), Santiago Tarrio (ESP), Adrien Saddier (FRA), Wilco Nienaber (RSA), Thomas Aiken (RSA), Robin Petersson (SWE), Ryan Evans, Calum Fyfe

67 - John Catlin (USA), John Murphy, Marcus Helligkilde (DEN), Renato Paratore (ITA), Angel Hidalgo (ESP), Bryce Easton (RSA), David Carey

68 - Jordan Smith, Andrew Wilson, Haydn Porteous (RSA), Carlos Pigem (ESP), Jens Dantorp (SWE), Jonathan Thomson, Paul Dunne, Jens Fahrbring (SWE), Matthew Baldwin, Dimitrios Papadatos (AUS), Todd Clements, Ryan Lumsden, Tom Murray

- DP World Tour

2022-08-07 18:50:59

Shinkwin wins second DP World Tour title

England's Callum Shinkwin won his second DP World Tour title with a four-shot victory in the Cazoo Open on Sunday.

Shinkwin, 29, finished with a closing round of 70 to finish on a total of 272, 12-under par, at the Celtic Manor course.

Scotland's Connor Syme made a late charge to finish four shots back in second following a final round of 68 that left him on eight-under par.

Julien Guerrier, Andy Sullivan, David Dixon, Renato Paratore and Lucas Bjerregaard shared third place as they finished three strokes back.

"I'm just over the moon that I played great and finished it off," said an emotional Shinkwin, whose previous win came in the Cyprus Open in 2020.

"There were no crowds in Cyprus and I was behind going into the final round then shot a great score and won in the play-off.

"Here I was in the lead heading into the final round and obviously it went very tight, then a big gap, then tight-ish again. It's much different this time."

Leading final round scores in the DP World Tour Cazoo Open at The Celtic Manor, Newport, Wales, on Sunday (GBR/IRL unless stated, Par 71):

272 - Callum Shinkwin 69-68-65-70

276 - Connor Syme 67-73-68-68

279 - Andy Sullivan 74-67-71-67, Lucas Bjerregaard (DEN) 71-72-68-68, Julien Guerrier (FRA) 67-68-68-76, Renato Paratore (ITA) 70-71-72-66, David Dixon 70-73-69-67

280 - Paul Waring 74-70-65-71

281 - Marcus Armitage 68-70-76-67, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 70-70-72-69, Matthias Schmid (GER) 75-71-66-69

282 - Ewen Ferguson 68-71-72-71, Ignacio Elvira (ESP) 70-70-71-71, Thomas Detry (BEL) 72-66-76-68

283 - Mikko Korhonen (FIN) 68-71-70-74, Daan Huizing (NED) 70-73-72-68, Matthew Baldwin 72-70-71-70

284 - Dale Whitnell 67-72-76-69, Alfredo Garcia-Heredia (ESP) 69-74-70-71

285 - Johannes Veerman (USA) 69-68-72-76, Robert Rock 70-74-71-70, Eddie Pepperell 68-74-70-73, Richard Mansell 70-74-73-68, Paul Dunne 70-71-71-73

2022-08-07 07:56:43

Callum Shinkwin hunts down Julien Guerrier to claim one-shot lead at Cazoo Open

Callum Shinkwin will take a slender one-shot lead into the final round of the Cazoo Open after hunting down halfway leader Julien Guerrier on Saturday.

The Englishman carded seven birdies and a single bogey in a stunning 65 – the joint-lowest round of the week so far – to get to 11 under par and overtake Guerrier at the summit.

Frenchman Guerrier began the day with a two-stroke advantage and had pulled three clear by the turn courtesy of three birdies on the front side.

But as he stood still, mixing one birdie with one bogey on the back nine to sign for a third-round 68, Shinkwin birdied the 11th, 13th, 15th and 18th to hit the front.

The duo had clear daylight between them and their nearest challenger – Scotland's Connor Syme, who was on five under after his 68.Shinkwin has become used to playing well at Celtic Manor, having finished fourth and joint-eighth in his last two appearances there.

And he was a happy man after impressing again at the 2010 Ryder Cup venue.

After producing one of the shots of the tournament to set up a close-range birdie at the 18th, Shinkwin told the DP World Tour website: "I'm delighted, 65 was a really good score today.

"I'm playing really well and didn't make any mistakes and I've come out of it with the lead."

2022-08-05 22:40:19

Guerrier surges into lead at the Cazoo Open

Julien Guerrier moved into a two-shot lead heading into the weekend at the Cazoo Open after the Frenchman added a three under 68 to his opening 67 at The Celtic Manor Resort, moving to a seven under par total.

The 37-year-old was leading heading into the final round of the Cazoo Classic just two weeks ago, before finishing tied third behind eventual winner Richie Ramsay, and he will be hoping to have learned from that invaluable experience as he chases a maiden DP World Tour title.

He will enter the third round with a two-stroke advantage over Johannes Veerman, who holed out from the fairway on the last to storm back into contention after dropping three shots in as many holes from the 13th, and Callum Shinkwin.

Englishman Shinkwin has a strong record on the Twenty Ten Course having finished tied fourth last year, while his lowest finish in his last three starts at the 2010 Ryder Cup venue is a share of 13th.

Leading second-round scores in the DP World Tour Cazoo Open at The Celtic Manor, Newport, Wales, on Friday (GBR/IRL unless stated, Par 71):

135 - Julien Guerrier (FRA) 67-68

137 - Johannes Veerman (USA) 69-68, Callum Shinkwin 69-68

138 - Marcus Armitage 68-70, Thomas Detry (BEL) 72-66, Jack Senior 71-67, Espen Kofstad (NOR) 70-68

139 - Ewen Ferguson 68-71, Mikko Korhonen (FIN) 68-71, Dale Whitnell 67-72

140 - Ignacio Elvira (ESP) 70-70, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 70-70, Connor Syme 67-73, Frederic Lacroix (FRA) 70-70, Ross McGowan 71-69, Haydn Porteous (RSA) 70-70, Gregory Havret (FRA) 71-69

2022-08-04 22:39:18

There was a three-way tie for the lead after Day One of the Cazoo Open supported by Gareth Bale at The Celtic Manor Resort, where Frenchman Julien Guerrier, Connor Syme of Scotland and England’s Dale Whitnell all carded four under par rounds of 67 to move clear of the pack.

The breezy conditions, with gusts blowing and changing direction throughout, made for a tough opening day on the Twenty Ten Course – which hosted the Ryder Cup 12 years ago – so low scores were at a premium.

Whitnell carded arguably the most impressive round of the day as he was the only player in the field not to drop a shot, the 33-year-old carding four birdies as he chases a maiden DP World Tour title.

Syme dropped his only shot of the day on the tenth – his last hole, having teed off at the 11th – to just miss out on holding the solo overnight lead, while Guerrier racked up seven birdies in the tricky conditions but had to battle for his place at the top, having been two over par after four holes.

Eddie Pepperell, who finished runner-up at last week’s Hero Open, was one of six players tied for second place on three under par – the Englishman having signed for a 68 which included six birdies, a bogey and a double bogey.

Leading first round scores in the DP World Tour Cazoo Open at The Celtic Manor, Newport, Wales, on Thursday (GBR/IRL unless stated, Par 71):

67 - Julien Guerrier (FRA), Connor Syme, Dale Whitnell

68 - Ewen Ferguson, Mikko Korhonen (FIN), Marcus Armitage, Maximilian Kieffer (GER), Eddie Pepperell, Ivan Cantero (ESP)

69 - Johannes Veerman (USA), Callum Shinkwin, Darren Fichardt (RSA), Alfredo Garcia-Heredia (ESP), Garrick Porteous

70 - Jorge Campillo (ESP), Ignacio Elvira (ESP), John Catlin (USA), Francesco Laporta (ITA), Jazz Janewattananond (THA), Frederic Lacroix (FRA), Marcel Schneider (GER), Espen Kofstad (NOR), Daan Huizing (NED), Renato Paratore (ITA), Robert Rock, Haydn Porteous (RSA), Pep Angles (ESP), Richard Mansell, Louis de Jager (RSA), Lee Slattery, Paul Dunne, Anton Karlsson (SWE), Dimitrios Papadatos (AUS), David Dixon

2022-07-31 17:14:01

Crocker battles to maiden victory at 2022 Hero Open

Sean Crocker secured his maiden DP World Tour title after holding off Eddie Pepperell to claim a wire-to-wire victory at the 2022 Hero Open.

Crocker began the day with a two-shot lead but was joined at the summit early on as the chasing pack closed in on him at Fairmont St Andrews.

He took a one-shot lead to the turn before starting the back nine with three birdies in four holes to reach 22 under par and stretch his advantage to two.

But with Englishman Pepperell in the clubhouse on 21 under, Crocker endured a nervy finish as he parred his way home to sign for a closing 68 and win by a single shot.

Crocker, who started the 2022 season with eight missed cuts and a retirement in his first nine events, was visibly relieved as he holed his four-foot par putt at the last to secure the trophy.

Pepperell finished alone in second one shot behind Crocker after firing a brilliant Sunday 65, while home favourite David Law and Adrian Otaegui shared third place on 19 under.

Crocker showed great fighting spirit in the early stages of his fourth round, saving par from ten feet at the second to stay at 18 under.

He got his first birdie of the day from close range at the fourth after hitting the flag with his chip shot and holing the two-foot putt that followed.

The American gave the shot back at the short fifth but made amends at the very next hole with a two-putt birdie from 32 feet.

Crocker closed the front nine with three straight pars to lead by one at the turn.

Two fantastic shots into the tenth set up an eight-foot birdie chance which Crocker duly converted to reach 20 under.

He saved par from five feet at the 11th before taking advantage of the par-five 12th for a fourth birdie of the day.

That briefly stretched his lead to two shots but the charging Pepperell got his third birdie in four holes at the 15th to close the gap to one.

But Crocker re-established his two-stroke advantage at the summit as he trickled in his 15-foot birdie try on the 13th green for back-to-back gains.

He gave himself another good birdie chance at the 14th but his 12-foot effort slid just by.

Crocker drove the 15th green but had to settle for a three-putt par there after his birdie attempt lipped out.

Pepperell birdied the 18th a few holes ahead to set the clubhouse target on 21 under and close the gap to Crocker to one shot.

The leader stayed aggressive and created yet another chance for himself at the 16th but was not able to find the cup from 17 feet.

He produced a nerveless par save from seven feet at the tricky 17th to head to the 18th with a one-shot lead.

After sending his tee-shot into the left rough, Crocker faced a difficult two-putt for par from the bottom tier of the green.

- DP World Tour

But he gave himself a four-foot putt which he managed to hole to enter the winner's circle.

2022-07-30 22:57:21

Crocker holds two-shot lead at Hero Open

Sean Crocker's sensational chip-in eagle at the 18th handed him a two-shot lead heading into the final round as he bids to secure his maiden DP World Tour title at the 2022 Hero Open.

The American showed impressive patience and a calm head on a testing third day at Fairmont St Andrews to remain on course for a wire-to-wire victory.

After making four birdies and a single bogey in his opening 12 holes on Saturday, Crocker ran into trouble at the 13th as he could not find a way out of the thick rough after two shots and also had a wall to worry about as he prepared to take his third.

He took time to think about his next step and, instead of taking any risks, he opted for a drop and walked away with a double bogey.

Crocker soon put that to the back of his mind, though, pulling off some battling par saves in breezy conditions before chipping in at the last to sign for a 69 and move to 18 under par.

Swede Jens Dantorp was alone in second two shots further back after posting a bogey-free 69, one ahead of home favourite David Law and Spain's Adrian Otaegui.

Crocker began the day with a one-shot lead but was caught at the summit in the early stages of his third round after opening with four straight pars.

He broke that run with a birdie from 22 feet on the short fifth before following up with another gain from close range at the par-five sixth.

The American made it a hat-trick of birdies when he converted an eight-foot putt at the seventh but a bogey on the eighth brought him back down to earth.

Crocker did well to save par at the ninth after clearing the green in two, heading to the turn with the one-shot lead he started the day with.

A good up-and-down at the tricky tenth meant he walked away from there with a par before he missed his lengthy birdie attempt on the par-three 11th and had to settle for another par.

After recovering from an errant tee-shot at the 12th, Crocker sent his third to three feet before rolling in the birdie putt to return to 18 under.

But he found trouble at the 13th, with his ball in the thick rough after both his first and second shots.

After thinking long and hard about what to do next, he opted to take a drop and went on to make a double bogey, but at 16 under he remained one clear of the chasing pack.

Crocker made a great two-putt par from 63 feet on the 14th before saving par again at the next.

- DP World Tour

Leading third round scores in the DP World Tour Hero Open at Fairmont St Andrews on Saturday (GBR/IRL unless stated; Par 72):

198 - Sean Crocker (USA) 63-66-69

200 - Jens Dantorp (SWE) 64-67-69

201 - Adrian Otaegui (ESP) 64-67-70, David Law 65-66-70

202 - Victor Dubuisson (FRA) 65-70-67, Eddie Pepperell 67-66-69, Oliver Farr 65-67-70, Louis de Jager (RSA) 68-66-68

203 - Ross Fisher 65-66-72, Wilco Nienaber (RSA) 71-61-71, Oliver Hundeboell (DEN) 67-67-69

204 - Jacques Kruyswijk (RSA) 68-68-68, Paul Waring 72-65-67, Daniel Hillier (NZL) 66-70-68, Daniel Young 68-69-67, Adam Keogh 67-67-70

205 - Callum Shinkwin 69-65-71, Justin Walters (RSA) 70-66-69, Scott Jamieson 66-64-75, Soeren Kjeldsen (DEN) 66-68-71, Robert Rock 70-66-69, Alvaro Quiros (ESP) 66-71-68, JC Ritchie (RSA) 66-69-70

2022-07-29 21:04:20

Crocker maintains Hero Open lead, SA's Nienaber blasts course record

Sean Crocker maintained his narrow one-shot lead after following up Thursday's round of 63 with a bogey-free 66 in round two of the 2022 Hero Open.

On another low scoring day at Fairmont St Andrews, the American made the most of favourable morning conditions to fire six birdies - three on each side of the course - to get to 15-under par.

His first-round course record was broken by both home favourite Ewen Ferguson and South African big hitter Wilco Nienaber - who each produced bogey-free rounds of 61 - Crocker remains in pole position as he vies for his first DP World Tour victory.

Scotland's Scott Jamieson is alone in second on 14-under after 36 bogey-free holes, one stroke ahead of his compatriot David Law, English pair Jonathan Thomson and Ross Fisher, Swede Jens Dantorp and Adrian Otaegui of Spain.

Five players, including new joint-course record holder Nienaber, are one shot further back on 12-under par.

"It's green, a little soft, so approach play is easier - but it's not easy, definitely not. The winds were pretty tricky at some stages. It felt like it was quite strong and all of a sudden, it wasn't," said Nienaber.

"I played for that strong wind and that was not ideal, you could see it in the approach shots I hit.

"I played my game really nicely today, looking forward to the rest. Today it looks like everything went my way. A lot did, but it feels like I left a couple out there. Still, a nice feeling to shoot 11 under," concluded the South African.

Leading second-round scores in the DP World Tour Hero Open at Fairmont, St Andrews, on Friday (GBR/IRL unless stated; Par 72):

129 - Sean Crocker (USA) 63-66

130 - Scott Jamieson 66-64

131 - Adrian Otaegui (ESP) 64-67, David Law 65-66, Ross Fisher 65-66, Jens Dantorp (SWE) 64-67, Jonathan Thomson 66-65

132 - Jorge Campillo (ESP) 67-65, Aman Gupta (IND) 69-63, Romain Langasque (FRA) 64-68, Oliver Farr 65-67, Wilco Nienaber (RSA) 71-61

133 - Eddie Pepperell 67-66, Ben Stow 64-69

134 - Ewen Ferguson 73-61, Andy Sullivan 67-67, Callum Shinkwin 69-65, Soeren Kjeldsen (DEN) 66-68, Niall Kearney 68-66, Louis de Jager (RSA) 68-66, Oliver Hundeboell (DEN) 67-67, Adam Keogh 67-67, Tom Gandy 65-69

2022-07-28 21:59:48

Sean Crocker produced a brilliant course-record round of 63 to lead by a single shot after round one of the 2022 Hero Open at Fairmont St Andrews.

The 25-year-old American picked up six shots in five holes on the front nine after going birdie-birdie-birdie-eagle-birdie from the third.

And after dropping his only shot of the day at the tenth, he made four birdies in his next five holes to get to nine under par and stand alone at the top of the leaderboard.

Crocker's lowest-ever round on the DP World Tour comes in the same season as a long run of missed cuts at the beginning of the year which he described as one of the toughest things he has been through. After a day of low scoring, Frenchman Romain Langasque, English duo Ben Stow and Ashley Chesters, Swede Jens Dantorp and Spaniard Adrian Otaegui were in a tie for second on eight under, with a group of six players, including home favourites David Law and Connor Syme, one shot further back.

Leading first round scores in the DP World Tour Hero Open at Fairmont St Andrews on Thursday (GBR/IRL unless stated; Par 72):

63 - Sean Crocker (USA)

64 - Adrian Otaegui (ESP), Romain Langasque (FRA), Ashley Chesters, Ben Stow, Jens Dantorp (SWE)

65 - David Law, Connor Syme, Victor Dubuisson (FRA), Ross Fisher, Oliver Farr, Tom Gandy

66 - Scott Jamieson, Soeren Kjeldsen (DEN), Alvaro Quiros (ESP), Oliver Fisher, JC Ritchie (RSA), Pep Angles (ESP), Daniel Hillier (NZL), Jonathan Thomson, Adilson Da Silva (BRA), Dimitrios Papadatos (AUS)

2022-07-24 21:56:14

FINAL LEADERBOARD:

274 - Richie Ramsay 69-69-67-69

275 - Paul Waring 63-70-72-70

276 - Marcus Kinhult (SWE) 72-68-69-67, Grant Forrest 66-69-71-70, Julien Guerrier (FRA) 66-69-69-72, Daan Huizing (NED) 68-68-71-69, Robin Petersson (SWE) 68-70-70-68

278 - Andy Sullivan 73-71-65-69, Angel Hidalgo (ESP) 69-70-69-70, Jens Dantorp (SWE) 66-69-70-73

279 - Thorbjoern Olesen (DEN) 71-71-66-71, Victor Dubuisson (FRA) 70-70-70-69, Santiago Tarrio (ESP) 68-71-73-67, Eddie Pepperell 68-74-68-69, Lee Slattery 71-70-69-69

280 - Sami Valimaki (FIN) 71-66-69-74, Marcus Armitage 69-69-70-72, Callum Shinkwin 69-68-75-68, Garrick Porteous 65-72-73-70

281 - Robert MacIntyre 73-69-66-73, Alexander Bjoerk (SWE) 72-70-64-75, Darren Fichardt (RSA) 68-71-72-70, Richard Sterne (RSA) 70-68-69-74, Matthew Baldwin 71-72-71-67, Jordan Wrisdale 69-72-69-71

2022-07-22 22:02:26

Waring maintains lead at Cazoo Classic

Paul Waring maintained his two-shot lead at the 2022 Cazoo Classic after a second-round 70 to head into the weekend on 11 under par.

Overnight leader Waring, who is looking for a second DP World Tour title having won his first at the 2018 Nordea Masters, carded a mixed bag of five birdies and three bogies in cooler conditions at Hillside Golf Club, having signed for a tied course record 63 on Thursday.

"I didn't really think about it too much, didn't dwell on it. I know it's so cliché but just trying to take it one shot at a time and seeing where the ball ends up, and the try go and play again," said Waring.

"I have been trying to work at that so hard over the last few months, it's amazing how quickly you can get too far ahead of yourself, so it is something that is definitely at the forefront of my mind."

Waring retained his two shot lead over his closest challengers in Swede Jens Dantorp, Frenchman Julien Guerrier, and Scot Grant Forrest, who finished on nine under par with Dutchman Daan Huizing a further shot back on eight under.

Leading second-round scores in the DP World Tour Cazoo Classic at the Hillside Golf Club, Southport (GBR/IRL unless stated; Par 72):

133 - Paul Waring 63-70

135 - Grant Forrest 66-69, Julien Guerrier (FRA) 66-69, Jens Dantorp (SWE) 66-69

136 - Daan Huizing (NED) 68-68

137 - Sami Valimaki (FIN) 71-66, Callum Shinkwin 69-68, Garrick Porteous 65-72

138 - Ignacio Elvira (ESP) 73-65, Marcus Armitage 69-69, Richie Ramsay 69-69, David Horsey 69-69, Matthew Southgate 67-71, Richard Sterne (RSA) 70-68, Robin Petersson (SWE) 68-70

139 - Jack Senior 67-72, Darren Fichardt (RSA) 68-71, Santiago Tarrio (ESP) 68-71, Angel Hidalgo (ESP) 69-70

2022-07-21 22:48:37

Local favourite Paul Waring produced an eagle-birdie finish on day one of the 2022 Cazoo Classic to tie the course record at Hillside Golf Club and open up a two-shot lead.

Oliver Bekker is the best placed South Africa as he is tied for 10th after shooting four below par.

After carding seven birdies and a single bogey in his first 16 holes to join the large group on six under at the top of the leaderboard, Waring holed his bunker shot at the par-five 17th for a tremendous eagle to hit the front on his own.

The 37-year-old followed that up with a closing birdie putt from 13 feet to sign for a 63, matching the course record set by Matthew Jordan in 2019.

Waring's nine-under-par total saw him lead by two from nearest challenger Garrick Porteous, with Jens Dantorp, Julien Guerrier, Grant Forrest and Richard Mansell another shot back on six under.

2022-07-10 21:58:01

Schauffele holds his nerve to win Scottish Open

Xander Schauffele held his nerve in a tense final round to win the Scottish Open on Sunday as the Olympic champion made it three successive tournament triumphs.

Schauffele's victory in Scotland maintained his momentum after taking the Travelers Championship and JP McManus Pro-Am title.

The 28-year-old American held a two-shot lead after three rounds and birdied the first two holes on Sunday to immediately double his advantage.

But the world number 11 dropped three shots in the space of four holes from the sixth to fall one behind fellow American Kurt Kitayama heading into the back nine.

Kitayama's bogey on the 17th dropped him back into a share of the lead and a closing par completed a superb 66 to set what looked a testing clubhouse target of six under par at the Renaissance Club.

Schauffele regained his composure sufficiently to hole from 15 feet for birdie on the 14th and two-putt the par-five 16th for another to open up a two-shot cushion.

A crucial par save on the 17th allowed the 28-year-old the luxury of a bogey on the last hole as his level-par 70 secured a one-shot victory over Kitayama in the first event co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour.

"It's an incredible feeling. It was a big sense of relief when that par putt went in on 17 and I could hit a couple of long irons on 18 and lag it up there," Schauffele said.

"It was a very stressful day. Not going to put make-up on the pig here, it was a very average day. Probably my worst this week. Austin (his caddie) kept me calm.

"As boring as it is, you really can't get ahead of yourself in links golf. I was ahead, I was behind, I was ahead, I was behind.

"Just kept my head down and this is very rewarding. This is the first of many co-sanctioned events and it's an honour to win the first one."

South Korea's Kim Joo-hyung had birdied the 16th and 17th to join Kitayama on six under, but he three-putted the 18th.

Three-time major winner Jordan Spieth was within a shot of the lead when he birdied the 13th, but followed that with a double bogey on the next and eventually signed for a 72 to finish in a tie for 10th.

Kitayama, Brandon Wu and Jamie Donaldson secured the three places on offer in next week's British Open at St Andrews for non-exempt players in the top 10.

Leading final round scores in the DP World (European) Tour Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club, North Berwick on Sunday (GBR and IRL unless stated, par 70):

273 - Xander Schauffele (USA) 72-65-66-70

274 - Kurt Kitayama (USA) 66-71-71-66

275 - Kim Joo-hyung (KOR) 68-71-69-67

276 - Patrick Cantlay (USA) 70-70-69-67, Tommy Fleetwood 73-69-67-67

277 - Brandon Wu (USA) 67-72-71-67, Jamie Donaldson 70-71-69-67, Cameron Tringale (USA) 61-72-74-70, Matthew Fitzpatrick 71-66-70-70

278 - Cameron Smith (AUS) 68-75-68-67, Dean Burmester (RSA) 68-72-70-68, Thomas Detry (BEL) 73-67-69-69, Rasmus Hoejgaard (DEN) 66-72-70-70, Alex Smalley (USA) 67-73-67-71, Jordan Spieth (USA) 68-72-66-72

2022-07-09 21:51:04

Xander Schauffele will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the 2022 Genesis Scottish Open after carding a brilliant 66 on day three at The Renaissance Club.

The American started the day four shots off the lead but three birdies put him in share and when he picked up another three gains in four holes from the 13th, he led by four.

A bogey-bogey finish took some of the gloss off his round but Schauffele will head into day four at seven under as he looks for a first Rolex Series win.

Rafa Cabrera Bello is already a Rolex Series champion having won this event in 2017 and he was the closest challenger at five under, a shot clear of England's Jordan Smith and American duo Ryan Palmer and Jordan Spieth.

Schauffele arrived in Scotland as a man in form having won his last start on the PGA Tour at the Travelers Championship after a run of four consecutive top-20 finishes.

Leading third-round scores in the DP World (European) Tour Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club, North Berwick on Saturday (GBR and IRL unless stated, par 70):

203 - Xander Schauffele (USA) 72-65-66

205 - Rafael Cabrera Bello (ESP) 69-69-67

206 - Jordan Smith 68-69-69, Ryan Palmer (USA) 67-72-67, Jordan Spieth (USA) 68-72-66

207 - Matthew Fitzpatrick 71-66-70, Cameron Tringale (USA) 61-72-74, Alex Smalley (USA) 67-73-67

208 - Gary Woodland (USA) 64-72-72, Kurt Kitayama (USA) 66-71-71, Rasmus Hoejgaard (DEN) 66-72-70, Joaquin Niemann (CHI) 69-69-70, Branden Grace (RSA) 69-72-67, Kim Joo-hyung (KOR)68-71-69, Max Homa (USA) 71-71-66, Alexander Bjork (SWE) 68-73-67

209 - Rickie Fowler (USA) 69-69-71, Thomas Detry (BEL) 73-67-69, Tommy Fleetwood 73-69-67, Patrick Cantlay (USA) 70-70-69

2022-07-08 22:18:19

Tringale holds onto three-shot lead, Harding SA's best-placed in Scotland

Cameron Tringale is the halfway leader at the Scottish Open after battling his way to a second-round 72 to head into the weekend on seven under par.

The American fought against strong afternoon winds and maintained his three-shot lead over his closest challengers in Major winner Gary Woodland and countryman Doug Ghim.

"It was definitely more difficult for me today... I just want to keep going out and trying to play the best I can and hopefully get a good low one in tomorrow," said Tringale.

"I mean, the course I think is still gettable, honestly, even in the wind, I just need to play the par fives a little better, and you know, work on those into the wind shots and I should be all right."

Newly-crowned Major Champion Matt Fitzpatrick showed what he is capable of, firing six birdies and storming into contention despite two late bogeys. He signed for a 66 to sit at three under alongside Xander Schauffele, who went one better, carding the low round of the day.

Joining Fitzpatrick and Schauffele on three-under are Jordan Smith and Kurt Kitayama.

The Englishman Smith hit an incredible hole-in-one on the par-three 17th hole, earning him and his caddie a Genesis vehicle each.

South African golfer Justin Harding, who also controversially plays on the LIV Series, struggled at the Renaissance Club as he posted a four-over 74 to sit at 1-under heading into the weekend.

A stellar field in North Berwick ahead of the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews next week, included 14 of the world's top 15.

Half of them can now head to the Old Course early as world number one Scott Scheffler, reigning Open champion Collin Morikawa as well as Justin Thomas, Viktor Hovland, Will Zalatoris, Hideki Matsuyama and Billy Horschel failed to make the cut at three-over par.

Leading second-round scores in the DP World (European) Tour Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club, North Berwick on Thursday (GBR and IRL unless stated, par 71):

133 - Cameron Tringale (USA) 61-72

136 - Gary Woodland (USA) 64-72, Doug Ghim (USA) 67-69

137 - Xander Schauffele (USA) 72-65, Kurt Kitayama (USA) 66-71, Matthew Fitzpatrick (ENG) 71-66, Jordan Smith (ENG) 68-69

138 - Tyrrell Hatton (ENG) 68-70, Rickie Fowler (USA) 69-69, Joaquin Niemann (CHI) 69-69, Rasmus Hoejgaard (DEN) 66-72, Rafael Cabrera (ESP) 69-69

139 - Wu Ashun (CHN) 71-68, Maximilian Kieffer (GER) 71-68, Joohyung Kim (KOR) 68-71, Justin Harding (RSA) 65-74, Ryan Palmer (USA) 67-72, Brandon Wu (USA) 67-72, Connor Syme (SCO) 70-69

140 - Justin Rose (ENG) 68-72, Jhonattan Vegas (VEN) 72-68, Jordan Spieth (USA) 68-72, Patrick Cantlay (USA) 70-70, Alex Smalley (USA) 67-73, Dean Burmester (RSA) 68-72, Thriston Lawrence (RSA) 69-71, Jon Rahm (ESP) 68-72, Thomas Detry (BEL) 73-67

2022-07-07 21:04:43

Cameron Tringale shot a spectacular 61 in the first round of the Scottish Open on Thursday.

Australia's Jason Scrivener had set the early pace thanks to a 69 at North Berwick before three-time major champion Jordan Spieth continued his preparations for next week's Open Championship at St Andrews with a round of 68, only for South Africa's Justin Harding to shoot 65.

But these scores were eclipsed, however, by Tringale's surge to the top of the leaderboard.

The American, yet to win a professional event in his own right, started the back nine with six successive birdies to reach nine under par.

That meant he needed to play the last three holes in two under to shoot just the second 59 in the history of the DP World Tour, as the European Tour is now known.

However, the world number 55 missed from 12 feet for birdie on the par-five 16th and parred the last two holes to return a 61, equalling the course record set by Bernd Wiesberger in 2019.

"I've had some flashes of brilliance in the last couple months but this was a special day for sure," Tringale said. "It would mean a whole lot [to win].

"I haven't had a professional win on my own, and obviously Scotland is where golf started, so this place is special. Everyone here has appreciation for the game," added the 34-year-old, now two shots ahead of compatriot Gary Woodland.

Harding might not even been playing at North Berwick this week had a ban on DP World Tour members who played in the first breakaway LIV Golf event last month been upheld.

But the suspensions imposed on Harding, Ian Poulter - who slumped to an eight-over par 78 on the east coast of Scotland on Thursday - and Adrian Otaegui were temporarily stayed, pending determination of their substantive appeals, following a hearing before Sport Resolutions (UK) this week.

'Awkward situation'

Billy Horschel accused some of the rebels of being "hypocrites and liars" in his pre-tournament press conference, with Harding saying after his first round: "I am by no means a fighter. I'm not confrontational so it's an awkward situation to be in.

"I always thought it would be a bit tricky but didn't realise it was going to be blown up as much as this."

The 36-year-old added: "I was a little upset I was told I could not play. I have supported the European Tour for a long period and I'm happy to continue to do so. I've not had too many issues (with other players). There's times when it's a little uncomfortable but we have to look after ourselves."

Harding has earned more than $1 million from the individual element of the two LIV Golf events to date, finishing in a tie for 10th in the inaugural tournament at the Centurion Club, north of London.

"It was an invitational, it was worth a bucket-load of money and I felt I could play in it," he said.

Leading first-round scores in the DP World (European) Tour Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club, North Berwick on Thursday (GBR and IRL unless stated, par 71):

61 - Cameron Tringale (USA)

64 - Gary Woodland (USA)

65 - Justin Harding (RSA)

66 - Kurt Kitayama (USA), Rasmus Hoejgaard (DEN), Guillermo Pereira (CHI)

67 - Alex Smalley (USA), Brandon Wu (USA), Ryan Palmer (USA), Ewen Ferguson, Sam Burns (USA), Nicolai Hoejgaard (DEN), Dylan Frittelli (RSA), Doug Ghim (USA)

68 - Jordan Smith, Sean Crocker (USA), Kim Joo-hyung (KOR), Russell Knox, Jon Rahm (ESP), Cameron Smith (AUS), Tyrrell Hatton, Jordan Spieth (USA) Justin Rose, Daniel van Tonder (RSA), Dean Burmester (RSA), Alexander Bjork (SWE), Matthew Jordan

2022-07-04 06:41:38

Adrian Meronk became the first ever Polish winner on the DP World Tour, producing a brilliant closing stretch of holes to seal a three-shot victory at the Irish Open on Sunday.

The 29-year-old took a one-shot lead into the final round and carded a six-under-par 66 to reach 20-under for the tournament and beat New Zealand's Ryan Fox, who had piled the pressure on with a 64.

The title continued a fantastic year for Meronk, after six previous top-10 finishes including three third-placed efforts.

"It's such a relief, to be honest," the world number 110 told Sky Sports.

"I've been coming quite close a couple of times this year and to finally open the door is just a dream come true. That's why we practise every day and I'm super happy...

"I'm not stopping, I'm going to keep going forward and it's just another step for me. I'm super excited (to win) here in Ireland, such a great history. I can't describe it."

Meronk found himself one shot behind with four holes to play after Fox's sparkling round, which would have been even better if not for a bogey on the 18th hole.

But the Pole rose to the occasion, making birdies on the 15th and 16th holes, before effectively wrapping up the win by draining a long eagle putt from off the green on the par-five 17th.

South African Thriston Lawrence finished alone in third place, four strokes off the pace.

Former champion and home favourite Shane Lowry, who only narrowly avoided missing the cut, finished in a tie for ninth on 12-under after a closing 67.

- AFP

2022-07-03 07:12:07

Pole Adrian Meronk produced a late flurry of birdies to take a narrow one-shot lead into Sunday's final round of the Irish Open as he seeks a maiden DP World Tour title.

The 29-year-old carded a third round 68 at Mount Juliet in County Kilkenny to edge in front on a crowded leaderboard with just four shots separating the top 14 players.

Meronk is one clear of England's Jack Senior, Spain's Jorge Campillo and Paraguay's Fabrizio Zanotti, with 2020 winner John Catlin and Espen Kofstad another stroke back, just ahead of champion Lucas Herbert of Australia.

"I'm quite excited," said Meronk after a round with seven birdies, including a hat-trick from the 15th.

"I'll just stay patient, try not to get ahead of myself, play my strategy and focus on my targets and I hope that will be enough."

Meronk has been on form this season with six top-ten finishes, including three in the month of May, and is already assured of a place in this month's 150th Open Championship.

Meanwhile, Senior is in a strong position to claim one of the three places on offer at St Andrews for players, not already exempt, who finish in the top 10.

Senior, 33, is also looking for a first DP World Tour title following two wins on the second-tier Challenge Tour.

"It would be a massive thing for me but I'm not looking ahead," said Senior after a second consecutive 67.

"I'm feeling pretty confident I felt like I hit the ball really well today and just really capitalised on the chances that I gave myself."

Former Open champion Shane Lowry, who birdied the final four holes on Friday to make the cut with a shot to spare, carded a third round of 68 to reach seven under.

2022-07-01 20:44:10

Campillo leads at Irish Open with Lawrence SA's best at Mount Juliet

Jorgo Campillo moved into the halfway lead at the Irish Open after the Spaniard carded a four-under second-round 68 at Mount Juliet Estate, where home favourites Séamus Power and Shane Lowry put on a thrilling late show for the jubilant Irish fans.

The County Kilkenny venue saw four seasons in a day as heavy rain and cold weather moved in for the afternoon starters, but not before Campillo had set the clubhouse target at 11 under in more favourable morning conditions.

Power and Lowry, playing together in front of huge crowds, set off on different paths early on in the tricky conditions.

A stunning finish, however, delighted the local support as Lowry birdied all of the last four holes – finishing in style by holing a 20-footer at the last amid wild celebrations - to make the cut by a shot, while Power also picked up a birdie at the challenging final hole to move to eight under par.

The 35-year-old Power, who grew up less than an hour away in County Waterford, will enter the weekend just three shots off the pace.

Meanwhile, Triston Lawrence is the best-placed South African as he signed an even-par 72 to sit tied for 15th on six-under par.

Leading second-round scores and totals in the Irish Open at Co Kilkenny (GBR and IRL unless stated, Par 72):

133 - Jorge Campillo (ESP) 65, 68

134 - Adrian Meronk (POL) 67, 67; Fabrizio Zanotti (PRY) 65, 69

136 - Sebastian Soederberg (SWE) 70, 66; Seamus Power 68, 68; Jack Senior 69 67; Nino Bertasio (ITA) 68, 68; David Law 67, 69; Frederic Lacroix (FRA) 65, 71; Aaron Rai 66, 70

137 - Ryan Fox (NZL) 64, 73; Lucas Herbert (AUS) 69, 68; Mikko Korhonen (FIN) 67, 70; James Morrison 69, 68

138 - Thriston Lawrence (RSA) 66, 72; Jamie Donaldson 69, 69; Rikard Karlberg (SWE) 69, 69; Romain Langasque (FRA) 68, 70; Matthias Schmid (GER) 70, 68; Marcel Schneider (GER) 65, 73; Marcel Siem (GER) 68, 70

139 - Thorbjoern Olesen (DEN) 70, 69; Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) 66, 73; John Catlin (USA) 67 72; Kazuki Higa (JPN) 69, 70; Alexander Bjoerk (SWE) 67, 72; Andy Sullivan 67, 72; Jordan Smith 66, 73; Matthew Southgate 71, 68; Marc Warren 69, 70; Marcus Helligkilde (DEN) 68, 71; Santiago Tarrio (ESP) 71, 68; Oliver Bekker (RSA) 68, 71; Espen Kofstad (NOR) 67, 72; Alvaro Quiros (ESP) 69, 70

2022-06-30 21:29:45

Ryan Fox carded eight birdies in a stunning opening round 64 to storm into the first round lead at the Horizon Irish Open, an event at which the Kiwi came within a whisker of winning four years ago.

Thriston Lawrence is the best placed South Africa, as he is tied for 6th, two shots off the pace

Thousands of fans descended on the County Kilkenny venue as full-capacity crowds returned to the historic national open for the first time since 2019 and, while home heroes Pádraig Harrington, Shane Lowry and Séamus Power were the star attractions as the event teed off, Fox soon took centre stage.

The 35-year-old had come agonisingly close to winning this event in 2018, missing out in a play-off to Russell Knox who holed a monster putt to win, and he put himself in the driving seat after the opening round at Mount Juliet with a bogey-free eight under round.

That left him a shot clear of Frenchman Frederic Lacroix, Jorge Campillo of Spain, Paraguayan Fabrizio Zanotti and Marcel Schneider of Germany.

World Number 36 Séamus Power and Niall Kearney were the leading Irishmen after round one, both carding four under rounds while Pádraig Harrington and Shane Lowry will enter day two on two under and one under respectively.

Leading first round scores in the Irish Open in County Kilkenny on Thursday (GBR and IRL unless stated, Par 72):

64 - Ryan Fox (NZL)

65 - Jorge Campillo (ESP), Fabrizio Zanotti (PAR), Frederic Lacroix (FRA), Marcel Schneider (GER)

66 - Pablo Larrazabal (ESP), Thriston Lawrence (RSA), Antoine Rozner (FRA), Jordan Smith, Dale Whitnell, Aaron Rai

67 - Ewen Ferguson, Mikko Korhonen (FIN), John Catlin (USA), Alexander Bjoerk (Swe), Adrian Meronk (POL), Maximilian Kieffer (GER), Andy Sullivan, David Law, Espen Kofstad (NOR), Oliver Farr, Zander Lombard (RSA)

68 - Sami Valimaki (FIN), Seamus Power, Niall Kearney, Robert MacIntyre, Nino Bertasio (ITA), Callum Shinkwin, Romain Langasque (FRA), Darren Fichardt (RSA), Nicolai von Dellingshausen (GER), Marcus Helligkilde (DEN), Oliver Bekker (RSA), Marcel Siem (GER), Oliver Wilson, Raphael Jacquelin (FRA)

2022-06-26 20:18:48

2022-06-26 20:18:13

Li Haotong drained a 50-foot putt for birdie on the first play-off hole to complete a wire-to-wire victory at the BMW International Open on Sunday for his first win in over four years.

The Chinese had led after each of the first three rounds in Munich and quickly extended his overnight three-shot advantage to five with an early flurry of birdies.

But four bogeys in 10 holes left the 26-year-old needing birdies at the 16th and 17th to reclaim a one-shot lead from Belgium's Thomas Pieters heading to the last tee.

While Li, chasing a first title since January 2018, missed a clinching putt, Pieters made a birdie to force a play-off with the pair level on 22 under par.

After narrowly avoiding the water with his approach at the first extra hole, Li recovered by sinking a monster birdie putt before Pieters rolled his just wide.

"I don't have the words to describe right now," said Li.

"Ten months ago I just literally decided to quit golf, and somehow where I am now, it's just hard to describe

"I had no idea I could win this play-off. Luckily things happened for me again."

Leading final round scores on Sunday from the European Tour's International Open at Golfclub Munchen Eichenried, Munich, Germany (GBR & IRL unless stated, par 72):

266 - Thomas Pieters (BEL) 69 64 66 67, Li Haotong (CHN) 62 67 67 70 - Li wins on first play-off hole

268 - Ryan Fox (NZL) 66 64 71 67

270 - Sami Valimaki (FIN) 69 66 68 67

271 - Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) 70 67 67 67, Romain Langasque (FRA) 68 68 66 69, Nicolai von Dellingshausen (GER) 64 73 66 68

272 - Jordan Smith 67 66 67 72, Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 70 69 65 68

273 - Kazuki Higa (JPN) 67 72 64 70, Darius van Driel (NED) 70 67 64 72, Frederic Lacroix (FRA) 70 67 70 66

274 - Richie Ramsay 68 68 70 68, Lukas Nemecz (AUT) 70 67 67 70

275 - Brandon Stone (RSA) 72 66 68 69, Jorge Campillo (ESP) 69 70 68 68, Antoine Rozner (FRA) 68 67 71 69, Thomas Detry (BEL) 71 66 69 69, Marcel Schneider (GER) 71 69 69 66, Niall Kearney 72 68 66 69

2022-06-25 20:40:09

Li Haotong will go in search of his first DP World Tour title in more than four years as he takes a three-stroke lead into the final round of the BMW International Open.

The 26-year-old, whose last victory came at the 2018 Dubai Desert Classic, started the day with a one-stroke lead which he quickly extended with his third eagle of the week on the par-five sixth hole and three further gains before the turn.

He came home level par after recording three birdies and three bogeys on the back nine to sign for a five-under par 67 and a 20 under par total, tightening his grip on the lead he's held after each round at Golfclub München Eichenried.

Li, who equalled the course record of 62 on Thursday, will be joined in the final group by 2016 Ryder Cup player Thomas Pieters, who won his first Rolex Series title at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in January - his sixth win on the DP World Tour.

Pieters was one under par through ten holes but came home in 31 strokes to sign for a six-under 66, moving to within three strokes of Li on 17 under.

One stroke further back is Englishman Jordan Smith, who won his maiden DP World Tour title on German soil at the European Open in 2017.

The best-placed South African is the country's top-ranked golfer Louis Oosthuizen, who is tied for 10th on 12-under par heading into the final round.

Leading third-round scores on Saturday from the European Tour's International Open at Golfclub Munchen Eichenried, Munich, Germany (GBR & IRL unless stated, par 72):

196 - Li Haotong (CHN) 62-67-67

199 - Thomas Pieters (BEL) 69-64-66

200 - Jordan Smith 67-66-67

201 - Darius van Driel (NED) 70-67-64, Ryan Fox (NZL) 66-64-71

202 - Romain Langasque (FRA) 68-68-66

203 - Kazuki Higa (JPN) 67-72-64, Nicolai von Dellingshausen (GER) 64-73-66, Sami Valimaki (FIN) 69-66-68

204 - Billy Horschel (USA) 70-69-65, Louis Oosthuizen (RSA) 70-69-65, Lukas Nemecz (AUT) 70-67-67, Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) 70-67-67

2022-06-25 20:36:59

Li inches closer to wire-to-wire win in Munich

2022-06-24 21:47:44

Li maintains lead with Van Tonder in contention in Munich

Li Haotong will take a one-stroke lead into the weekend at the BMW International Open after carding a second-round 67 at Golfclub München Eichenried.

Seeking his first DP World Tour win since the 2018 Dubai Desert Classic, Li, from China, followed up Thursday's course-record equalling ten under par round with a five-under 67 for a 15 under par total.

New Zealand's Ryan Fox, already a winner this season at the Ras Al Khaimah Classic, is bogey-free through 36 holes in the Bavarian state capital as he carded an eagle and six birdies, with his last gain of the day coming on the 18th hole to move to within a stroke of Li.

Daan Huizing is two strokes further back on 12 under par after a three-under round of 69, following on from Thursday's nine-under 63.

In a share of fourth are 2016 Ryder Cup star Thomas Pieters and Englishman Jordan Smith, who is seeking a second DP World Tour win on German soil, on 11 under par, while Maximilian Kieffer leads the home charge in solo sixth on ten under par.

- DP World Tour

Leading second-round scores on Friday in the European Tour's International Open at Golfclub Munchen Eichenried, Munich, Germany (GBR & IRL unless stated, par 72):

129 - Li Haotong (CHN) 62-67

130 - Ryan Fox (NZL) 66-64

132 - Daan Huizing (NED) 63-69

133 - Thomas Pieters (BEL) 69-64, Jordan Smith 67-66

134 - Maximilian Kieffer (GER) 68-66

135 - Rasmus Hojgaard (DEN) 66-69, Antoine Rozner (FRA) 68-67, Sami Valimaki (FIN) 69-66, Daniel van Tonder (RSA) 66-69

136 - Richie Ramsay 68-68, Francesco Laporta (ITA) 68-68, Wilco Nienaber (RSA) 66-70, Dale Whitnell 67-69, Romain Langasque (FRA) 68-68

137 - Nicolai von Dellingshausen (GER) 64-73, Dean Burmester (RSA) 69-68, Pablo Larrazabal (ESP) 70-67, Laurie Canter 71-66, Thomas Detry (BEL) 71-66, Lukas Nemecz (AUT) 70-67, Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 66-71, Hurly Long (GER) 68-69, Darius van Driel (NED) 70-67, Frederic Lacroix (FRA) 70-67

2022-06-23 20:27:58

Li goes low at BMW International Open as Van Tonder best-placed South African

Li Haotong carded a course-record equalling 62 to take a one-stroke lead after the first round of the BMW International Open.

Starting his day on the back nine, the 26-year-old from China signed for a flawless ten under par round at Golfclub München Eichenried, with six birdies from the 11th to fifth holes, finishing his round in spectacular style with eagles on the sixth and ninth holes.

His eagle on the last moved him one stroke clear of Daan Huizing of the Netherlands, who signed for a nine-under 63, while Nicolai von Dellingshausen is the low German player after carding an eight-under-par 64 to sit solo third.

Two strokes back in a share of fourth place are six golfers, including 2022 DP World Tour season winners Ryan Fox and Daniel van Tonder.

Other South Africans in the mix include Wilco Nienaber, Thirston Lawrence, Louis de Jager and George Coetzee.

Maximilian Kieffer provided one of the highlights of the day as he delighted the home crowds with an albatross on the par-five 11th hole – the first of his career.

Leading first-round scores on Thursday in the DP World Tour International Open at Golfclub Munchen Eichenried, Munich, Germany (GBR & IRL unless stated, Par 72):

62 - Li Haotong (CHN)63 - Daan Huizing (NED)

64 - Nicolai von Dellingshausen (GER)

66 - Martin Kaymer (GER), Ryan Fox (NZL), Rasmus Hoejgaard (DEN), Daniel van Tonder (RSA), Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA), Wilco Nienaber (RSA)

67 - Thriston Lawrence (RSA), Kristoffer Broberg (SWE), Kazuki Higa (JPN), Robert MacIntyre, Jamie Donaldson, Jordan Smith, Dale Whitnell, Louis de Jager (RSA)

68 - Ewen Ferguson, Antoine Rozner (FRA), Francesco Laporta (ITA), Maximilian Kieffer (GER), Richie Ramsay, Wade Ormsby (AUS), George Coetzee (RSA), Romain Langasque (FRA), Oliver Bekker (RSA), Hurly Long (GER), Rafa Echenique (ARG)

- DP World Tour website

2022-06-21 13:30:59

European Tour returns to Singapore in 2023, first time in nine years

The DP World Tour will return to Singapore in 2023 for the first time in nine years, as the golf organisation beefs up its Asian footprint.

Players will tee off for the Singapore Classic at the Laguna National Golf Resort Club on 9 February next year.

The tour last stopped in the city-state in 2014 at the same course.

Previous winners of the tour's Singapore events include Scottish legend Colin Montgomerie, China's Zhang Lianwei and Liang Wenchong, and local star Mardan Mamat.

"Asia continues to be an important region for the DP World Tour and we look forward to announcing further exciting events there in due course," European Tour group chief executive Keith Pelley said in a statement.

Peter Kwee, Laguna National's chairperson, said: "We have a long history of hosting DP World Tour championship golf... We're excited to once more welcome many of the world's best players to our Club."

With prize money of $2 million, the tournament will be one of the region's top sporting events, organisers said.

The DP World Tour was first held in Singapore for two editions of the Johnnie Walker classic, won by Nick Faldo in 1993 at the Singapore Island Golf Club and Ian Woosnam in 1996 at the Tanah Merah Country Club.

Another Major champion, Vijay Singh, won the Singapore Masters in 2001 at the Singapore Island Golf Club before the tournament moved to the Laguna National course for the next six years, where winners included Montgomerie in 2004 and local boy Mamat two years later.

- AFP

2022-06-12 20:54:34

Linn Grant makes history as first female winner on European men's tour

Sweden's Linn Grant made history on Sunday when she became the first female winner of a European men's tour event with a nine-shot triumph at the Scandinavian Mixed.

READ FULL STORY!2022-06-11 22:25:30

Leading third-round scores in the DP World Tour (EuropeanTour), Scandinavian Mixed at Halmstad GC, Sweden on Saturday (GBR/IRL unlessstated, Par 72):

200 - Linn Grant (SWE) 66-68-66

202 - Jason Scrivener (AUS) 68-64-70

203 - Henrik Stenson (SWE) 70-66-67

204 - Sebastian Garcia (ESP) 68-69-67

206 - Kristoffer Broberg (SWE) 66-70-70, Matthieu Pavon(FRA) 65-73-68, Darius van Driel (NED) 71-69-66, Niklas Noergaard Moeller (DEN)67-70-69, Michael Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 68-66-72

207 - Daniel Gavins 68-67-72, Maximilian Kieffer (GER)71-66-70, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 66-70-71, Romain Langasque (FRA) 68-70-69,Jacques Kruyswijk (RSA) 69-70-68, Santiago Tarrio (ESP) 65-71-71, Craig Howie65-70-72

2022-06-10 21:59:58

Scrivener leads by two in Sweden

Jason Scrivener produced the lowest round of the week so far to sit two shots clear at the top of the Scandinavian Mixed leaderboard at the halfway stage.

The Australian reeled off eight birdies at Halmstad Golf Club - including four in a row from the 11th - in a spotless 64 on Friday, keeping his card clean with a par save from nine feet at the last.

The 33-year-old began the day three shots off the lead but soon set about closing the gap, pouring in a 32-foot birdie putt at the long second before making back-to-back birdies at the fifth and sixth.

Scrivener caught fire on the back nine, carding four consecutive birdies at the 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th and then curled in his 20-foot effort at the 17th for another birdie to set the clubhouse target on 12-under par.

Italian amateur Carolina Melgrati was one of three players in a tie for second after following up Thursday's 65 with a second-round 69, with home favourite Linn Grant and Mike Lorenzo-Vera also on ten under par.

Grant, a winner two weeks ago at the Belgian Ladies Open, mixed six birdies with two bogeys in an impressive 68 which she capped with a fine birdie at the last.

Afternoon starter Lorenzo-Vera had closed the gap to Scrivener to just one shot after notching seven birdies in his opening 13 holes but his first bogey of the day at the 17th saw him sign for a 66.

Craig Howie and Daniel Gavins were in a share of fifth place on nine-under, one stroke ahead of tournament co-host Henrik Stenson following his 66.

Home hero Peter Hanson, making his final appearance on the DP World Tour this week before retiring from competitive golf, was treated to a wonderful send-off on the 18th green on Friday.

Leading second-round scores in the DP World Tour (European Tour) Scandinavian Mixed at Halmstad GC, Sweden on Friday (GBR/IRL unless stated, Par 72):

132 - Jason Scrivener (AUS) 68-64

134 - Linn Grant (SWE) 66-68, Carolina Melgrati (ITA) 65-69, Michael Lorenzo-Vera (FRA) 68-66

135 - Daniel Gavins 68-67, Craig Howie 65-70

136 - Henrik Stenson (SWE) 70-66, Kristoffer Broberg (SWE) 66-70, Ignacio Elvira (ESP) 68-68, Jazz Janewattananond (THA) 66-70, Santiago Tarrio (ESP) 65-71

137 - Lydia Hall 71-66, Virginia Elena Carta (ITA) 68-69, Maximilian Kieffer (GER) 71-66, Marc Warren 69-68, Sebastian Garcia (ESP) 68-69, Niklas Noergaard Moeller (DEN) 67-70

- DP World Tour

2022-06-10 21:56:24

2022-06-09 21:38:41

Amateur Carolina Melgrati said her dream was coming true after she fired an opening 65 to sit in a four-way tie for the lead alongside three male professionals on day one of the 2022 Volvo Car Scandinavian Mixed.

The Italian opened her round with back-to-back birdies before dropping her first shot of the day at the eighth at Halmstad Golf Club but a back nine of 30, which contained an eagle and four birdies, saw Melgrati join Craig Howie, Matthieu Pavon and Santiago Tarrio at the summit on seven under par.

Scotland's Howie and Frenchman Pavon each made seven birdies and no bogeys in their first rounds, while Spaniard Tarrio carded eight birdies - including four in a row from the 14th - and a solitary bogey.

Swedish pair Linn Grant and Kristoffer Broberg were another shot further back in a tie for fifth alongside England's Liz Young and Thailand's Jazz Janewattananond.

Tournament host Henrik Stenson carded an opening round 70 and enjoyed being in the company of two fellow Swedes at opposite ends of their golf careers with big crowds following his morning feature group.

Playing alongside him were 44-year-old Peter Hanson, who will call time on his DP World Tour career after this week's event, and 22-year-old Maja Stark - a rising star on the Ladies European Tour.

Stark has claimed three LET titles inside the past 12 months and matched Stenson's first-round 70, to sit five shots behind the clubhouse leaders. Co-host Annika Sörenstam finished the day two over.

Leading first round scores in the DP World Tour (European Tour) Scandinavian Mixed at Halmstad GC, Sweden on Thursday (GBR/IRL unless stated, Par 72):

65 - Carolina Melgrati (ITA), Matthieu Pavon (FRA), Santiago Tarrio (ESP), Craig Howie

66 - Kristoffer Broberg (SWE), Linn Grant (SWE), Elizabeth Young, Jazz Janewattananond (THA)

67 - Manon de Roey (BEL), Niklas Noergaard Moeller (DEN)

68 - Daniel Gavins, Ignacio Elvira (ESP), Julia Engstroem (SWE), Leonie Harm (GER), Karolin Lampert (GER), Virginia Elena Carta (ITA), Rosie Davies, Anne-Lise Caudal (FRA), Jason Scrivener (AUS), David Horsey, Jack Senior, Romain Langasque (FRA), Sebastian Garcia (ESP), Michael Lorenzo-Vera (FRA), Oliver Wilson, Julian Suri (USA)

- DP World Tour

2022-06-05 17:52:08

Samooja wins European Open, SA's Stone tied for 5th

Kalle Samooja secured his maiden DP World Tour title instyle, producing a course-record 64 at Green Eagle Golf Courses on Sunday towin the 2022 Porsche European Open by two shots.

BrandonStone was the best-placed South African as he finished in 5th placeon -2.

Starting the day seven shots off the lead, Samoojaproduced eight birdies in a spotless final round, saving the best until last ashe made back-to-back birdies at the 17th and 18th.

Things could have been even better for the Finn, whoseeagle chip from over by the hospitality area around the 18th green hit the flagand landed just in front of the hole.

But he was able to tap in for a closing birdie to set theclubhouse target on six under par, with his nearest challengers only juststarting their back nines.

Overnight leader Victor Perez quickly made consecutivebirdies at the tenth and 11th to join Samooja at the summit but bogeys at hisnext two holes stalled his progress.

And with the chasing pack continuing to struggle, Samoojawas able to celebrate his first DP World Tour win after a two-hour wait.

Wil Besseling finished alone in second on four underafter mixing four birdies with a double bogey and a bogey in his closing 71.

Last week's winner Perez was another shot back alongsideRichard Mansell in a tie for third.Samooja went into his final round having not broken parall week but he turned in 31 thanks to birdies at the sixth, seventh and ninth.

The 34-year-old began his back nine with further gains atthe tenth and 11th to make it three in a row before his next birdie - from fivefeet at the 15th - handed him a share of the lead on four under.

A missed birdie chance from no more than six feet at the16th looked as though it may prove costly, with Samooja looking to post thelowest score possible, knowing the likes of Perez still had so many holes stillto complete.

But he recovered brilliantly at the short 17th, sendinghis tee-shot to 15 feet before rolling in the birdie putt to take the outrightlead on five under.

And although it was not all plain sailing at the 18th, hefinished his round with a close-range birdie, having clattered the flag withhis third shot to narrowly miss out on an eagle.

A long wait followed, but with no one able to match hissix-under-par total, Samooja got his name on the trophy and claimed a spot atthe U.S. Open Championship.

- DP World Tour website

2022-06-04 20:22:49

Victor Perez will take a one stroke lead into the final round of the Porsche European Open as he bids for back-to-back victories on the DP World Tour.

The Frenchman, who won his second DP World Tour title at last week’s Dutch Open in a thrilling play-off with Ryan Fox, made a perfect start to his third round at Green Eagle Golf Courses in Hamburg, Germany, as he birdied the first and then recorded a hole-in-one on the 217-yard par three second hole.

He made the turn three under par after a birdie on the ninth, and then signed for a one under par 71 for a five under par total after bogeys on the 13 and 15 holes on the testing Porsche Nord Course. Should he win tomorrow, he would be the first player since Christiaan Bezuidenhout in 2020 to win in consecutive weeks on the DP World Tour.

Perez is one stroke clear of compatriot Julien Brun, bidding for a maiden DP World Tour title in his rookie season after graduating from the European Challenge Tour, and Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren, who is seeking his second victory.

Sharing fourth on three under par are Dutchman Wil Besseling and Li Haotong of China, while Justin Walters carded the joint-low round of the day, a three under par 69 to take solo sixth place on two under.

2022-06-04 19:48:44

Leading third-round scores on Saturday in the DP World Tour European Open at Green Eagle Golf Courses in Hamburg, Germany (Par 72):

211 - Victor Perez (FRA) 69 71 71

212 - Joakim Lagergren (SWE) 67 74 71, Julien Brun (FRA) 69 72 71

213 - Wil Besseling (NED) 68 75 70, Li Haotong (CHN) 67 75 71

214 - Justin Walters (RSA) 70 75 69

215 - Niklas Noergaard Moeller (DEN) 74 67 74, Daan Huizing (NED) 69 75 71, Richard Mansell (ENG) 72 71 72, Jordan Smith (ENG) 70 68 77

216 - Tommy Fleetwood (ENG) 75 72 69, John Catlin (USA) 71 73 72, Alexander Knappe (GER) 73 70 73, Jason Scrivener (AUS) 70 73 73, Edoardo Molinari (ITA) 74 72 70, Lukas Nemecz (AUT) 73 73 70

217 - Brandon Stone (RSA) 76 68 73, Johannes Veerman (USA) 72 71 74, Masahiro Kawamura (JPN) 74 69 74, Matti Schmid (GER) 70 75 72, Richard Sterne (RSA) 70 74 73

218 - Wu Ashun (CHN) 74 70 74, Adrian Otaegui (ESP) 72 71 75, Kalle Samooja (FIN) 72 72 74, Matt Wallace (ENG) 74 74 70, Matthew Southgate (ENG) 73 72 73, Julien Guerrier (FRA) 69 73 76, Yannik Paul (GER) 74 71 73, Espen Kofstad (NOR) 75 71 72, Marcel Siem (GER) 71 72 75

2022-06-03 20:29:01

Smith bidding for European Open double

Past champion Jordan Smith will take a two-stroke lead into the weekend of the European Open.

The Englishman carded a four-under-par round of 68 on the notoriously difficult Porsche Nord Course on Friday, carding five birdies and dropping just one stroke on the par-four third hole.

Smith captured his maiden DP World Tour title at this event during his rookie season in 2017 when he defeated Alex Levy in a playoff at Green Eagle Golf Courses.

Currently ranked 13th on the DP World Tour Rankings, the 29-year-old Smith has six top 20 finishes in ten starts in 2022, including runner-up results at the Ras Al Khaimah Championship and MyGolfLife Open at Pecanwood in South Africa.

Chasing Smith is Frenchman Victor Perez, who is bidding to become the first back-to-back winner on the DP World Tour since Justin Rose in 2018.

Perez, who won his second title at the Dutch Open last week, carded a one-under 71 on Friday to sit in solo second place.

Sharing third after two rounds on three under par are Julien Brun of France, Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren and Niklas Nørgaard Møller.

The best-placed South African on the European Open leaderboard is Richard Sterne and Brandon Stone, who are tied for 20th on even-par.

2022-06-03 20:23:34

2022-06-02 20:34:49

Lagergren, Haotong lead European Open on five under, SA's Sterne three shots back

Joakim Lagergren and Li Haotong share the first-round lead at the Porsche European Open after carding five-under-par opening rounds of 67 at Green Eagle Golf Courses.

South Africa's Richard Sterne fired a 70 to be three shots off the pace.

Two-time DP World Tour winner Li set the early clubhouse target after starting his round with three birdies in a row, making the turn four under par. He then made two further gains on the back nine, cancelling out a bogey on the 16th with his sixth birdie of the day on the par-five 18th.

Lagergren, who won the 2018 Rocco Forte Sicilian Open, carded his first birdie of the day on the ninth hole after eight consecutive pars. He played the back nine on the formidable Porsche Nord Course in four-under as he carded four birdies and an eagle to join Li at the top of the leaderboard.

Holland’s Wil Besseling carded a four-under-par 68 to sit in solo third and he sits one stroke ahead of seven golfers in a share of seventh place, including last week’s Dutch Open winner Victor Perez of France and Spaniard Adri Arnaus, who won the Catalunya Championship in May.

2022-05-29 20:30:52

Victor Perez put on an incredible display of clutchputting to defeat Ryan Fox in a play-off and win his second DP WorldTour title at the 2022 Dutch Open.

The Frenchmanentered the day in a share of the lead but was three shots back stood on the17th tee as the in-form Fox put on an impressive display.

Adouble-bogey on the last from the Kiwi saw him sign for a 68 and leave the doorajar, however, and Perez birdied the penultimate hole to head down the par-five18th back in a share.

The29-year-old had six feet to take the title on the final green but missed hisputt to stay at 13 under after a 69 and we headed to extra holes for the thirdtime in five events.

A 20-footer kepthim in it as both men made a birdie on the first trip back up the 18th andafter a pair of pars at the second attempt, Perez made another lengthy putt fora gain.

Buthe was not done there, holing from over 40 feet at the 17th on the fourthplay-off hole to seal victory with a birdie.

Perezalso earns himself a spot at The 150th Open Championship this summer alongsideFox and Pole Adrian Meronk, with the top three players inthe top ten not exempt heading to St Andrews.

Meronk finished ashot out of the play-off after a 68, a score matched by German Marcel Schneider who finished at 11 under.

Swede Sebastian Soderberg and England's Matt Wallace were at ten under, two shotsahead of another Swede in Alexander Björk and Portugal's Ricardo Gouveia.

Sincewinning his maiden DP World Tour title at the 2019 Alfred Dunhill LinksChampionship, Perez has finished second in three Rolex Series eventsand in the top-five at two World Golf Championships.

Thissecond victory moves him to 24th on the DP World Tour Rankings in Partnership with Rolex andcould move him back into the top 100 on the Official World Golf Ranking.

2022-05-28 19:07:58

Matt Wallace tied for lead at Dutch Open despite windy conditions

England's Matt Wallace is tied for the lead of the Dutch Open with Frenchman Victor Perez after three rounds at Bernardus Golf.

The pair both sit on 10 under par after Wallace signed for a 70 and Perez a 69 in testing windy conditions.

Wallace saw two early birdies cancelled out by bogeys on the fifth and seventh holes but he picked up another shot at the 12th and then birdied the last to join Perez at the head of the field.

Perez birdied three of his first four holes and then repaired the damage from two bogeys with more birdies at the 10th, 12th and 13th before dropping another shot at the 14th.

Wallace and Perez sit one shot clear of a quartet of players – New Zealander Ryan Fox, Australian Scott Hend, Italy's Guido Migliozzi and Swede Sebastian Soderberg.

Overnight leader Ricardo Gouveia began brilliantly with an eagle at the par-five fourth but things went downhill from there as he slipped to a share of seventh, two shots back, after a 74.

2022-05-28 15:45:03

2022-05-27 20:07:51

Gouveia edges ahead as SA golfers fade at Dutch Open

Ricardo Gouveia birdied two of his last three holes to leapfrog long-time leader Li Haotong and take a one-shot lead into the weekend at the 2022 Dutch Open.

Li had played nine holes in just 29 blows for the second time this season as he carded a brilliant 63 to set the target at nine under at Bernardus Golf.

It seemed for a long time that the Chinese would lead the way after 36 holes but Gouveia made a move with an eagle on the 12th and then produced his big finish to get to double figures after a 66.

"I made a lot of birdies so far and I think that shows my putting has been good the last couple days and I hope I can continue into the weekend," said Gouveia.

Gouveia is looking to re-establish himself on the DP World Tour after regaining his card as he finished second on the European Challenge Tour last season.

A five-time winner on the Challenge Tour, Gouveia is no stranger to being in contention, and is looking for more of the same in Cromvoirt after an impressive opening two days.

Englishman Matt Wallace was at eight under after a 67 alongside Pole Adrian Meronk, who carded a 68.

Meanwhile, South Africa's Darren Fichardt is the best-placed South African as he shot a one-over 73 to sit T28 at 3-under par.

Daniel van Tonder and JC Ritchie are tied for 39th at two-under par.

2022-05-27 20:03:08

2022-05-26 20:34:18

Home favourite Luiten leads at Dutch Open, Fichardt best-placed South African

Local hero Joost Luiten delighted the home fans by opening up a one-shot lead on the first day of the 2022 Dutch Open as he bids for a third victory at his home tournament.

The 36-year-old Dutchman, who won the KLM Open in 2013 and 2016, shot an opening 65 at Bernardus Golf to get to seven under par, one stroke clear of Englishman Eddie Pepperell and Denmark's Rasmus Højgaard.

Marcel Schneider, Mikko Korhonen, Victor Perez and Andrea Pavan were in a tie for fourth on five under after their opening 67s.

Darren Fichardt was the best-placed South African as he shot a 68 to be 4-under and tied for 8th.

- DP World Tour website

2022-05-26 20:29:46

DP World Tour | 1st Round Leaderboard2022-05-26 18:14:33

2022-05-26 13:55:43This week, the DP World Tour is at the Bernardus Golf in Cromvoirt for the Dutch Open.2022-05-26 13:55:05Welcome to Sport24's coverage of the DP World Tour.