Paul Lawrie back in world top 50 after second win in Qatar

PAUL Lawrie may have been a tad embarrassed to hear he’d been likened to Nick Faldo in his prime but the Aberdonian certainly produced a final-day performance the six-time major champion would have been proud of in winning the Qatar Masters for a second time yesterday.

“If you win that many majors, you are a legend – I don’t think I’m a legend,” commented Lawrie as he typically downplayed a display that had the Sky commentators, led by fellow Scot Ewen Murray, almost purring like never before.

One ahead at the start of play – that advantage would have been double but for the penalty Lawrie called on himself when he inadvertently dropped his ball on his marker in Saturday’s second round – the 43-year-old closed with a flawless seven-under-par 65 for a 15-under total and a four-shot success in an event reduced to 54 holes due to strong winds on Friday.

It lifted him back into the world’s top 50 – he leapt from 78th to 45th – for the first time since July 2003 and also secured spots in three of this season’s WGC events, starting with the Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona in just over two weeks’ time.

If Lawrie can stay in the top 50 until the beginning of April, he will be heading back to Augusta National for a first Masters appearance since 2004. And, if he can even come close to maintaining the sort of form that has now seen him record four top-10 finishes on the European Tour for the first time in his career, he will also be in with an excellent chance of bridging another 13-year gap – he also won in Qatar in 1999 before going on to be crowned as Open champion at Carnoustie a few months later – by earning a Ryder Cup return at Medinah in September.

Based on this effort, European captain Jose Maria Olazabal would surely love to have Lawrie on his team as it was a vintage performance from the Scot, who opened with a birdie but had been caught by the resurgent Sergio Garcia by the time he boarded the tee at the par-5 ninth. After two mighty blows, Lawrie chipped in there from just short of the green for an eagle and displayed his short-game prowess once again when he repeated the feat at the 17th, this time for a birdie-2.

In between, he produced a masterclass from tee to green to leave the chasing pack with a forlorn cause. Swinging the club in textbook fashion, he had decent chances at almost every hole on the back nine, converting the ones at the 11th, 14th and 16th to give himself a handy advantage before slamming the door shut with his fifth birdie of the round at the penultimate hole.

That gave him a four-shot cushion playing the last and, though Kyle Stanley had blown a similar lead seven days earlier on the PGA Tour, there was no danger of Lawrie doing likewise. He took the danger out by laying up with his approach at the par-5 and was so relaxed that he was whistling and talking to a cameraman as he walked up the fairway. “I don’t think I can play much better than that,” said Lawrie, whose closest challengers on 11-under were world No 10 Jason Day and Peter Hanson. “I’ve been playing well for a long, long time, but it’s nice to come out one ahead and shoot seven- under.

“I was hugely disappointed in Abu Dhabi as I played phenomenal there and finished eighth, which was a bit of a kick in the teeth. So to come here and keep playing how I was and knock a few putts in was very special.”

After keeping his calm all day, it was no surprise that Lawrie was close to tears when he was asked if he’d been dedicating the win – the seventh of his European Tour career – to Adam Hunter, his long-time coach and friend who died last October following a battle with leukaemia. “Yes” was all he managed in reply.

Source http://www.scotsman.com/sport/golf/golf_paul_lawrie_back_in_world_top_50_after_second_win_in_qatar_1_2099429

How a round of golf cost £400,000

Thousands of people who enjoy a game of golf this weekend may unwittingly be putting their home at risk.

True, the risk is infinitely small, but a £400,000 damages award against a golfer and golf club after another golfer lost an eye in an accident demonstrates the extent of damage awards in an increasingly litigious society.

Where people used to say ‘accidents happen’ many are now more inclined to seek compensation. With the best will in the world, most golfers will admit to having sliced the ball on occasion. Very few, fortunately, result in serious injury.

Sadly, that was not the case when novice golfer Anthony Phee, 44, was struck by a golf ball and lost an eye during a round at Niddry Castle Golf Course in Winchburgh, West Lothian.

He sued James Gordon, the man who struck the bad shot, and the golf club at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, seeking damages for the injury he suffered.

He said it had been a “harrowing experience” to partially lose his sight. The judge who heard the case, Lord Brailsford, ruled that Mr Gordon was 70pc responsible for the accident. The remaining 30pc of liability rested with the golf club for its “failure” to erect proper warning signs on the course.

David Sandison, senior partner of Lawford Kidd Solicitors in Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted that, after a long struggle, Mr Phee has been awarded compensation for his injuries. Damages have been agreed at around £400,000.”

It remains to be seen how the award will be paid for. While many golf clubs have indemnity insurance to cover their liability, most individual golfers would struggle to meet such large unexpected costs without insurance.

Fortunately, because the risk of a claim is so low, so is the cost of cover. John Hayes of CCV Underwriting Sports & Leisure, and a member of the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA), said: “Individual golf players can have up to £5m indemnity cover at an annual cost of just £7.50, including all fees and taxes, from Golfsafe Insurance.

“In addition we offer a more comprehensive policy from Caddysure, with premiums starting at £27.26, which covers the same third party liabilties but also loss or damage to equipment and accidental damage to third party property.”

That raises the important point that golfers are far more likely to suffer financial loss because of the theft of their clubs and other equipment, or to be held liable for breaking windows in nearby homes or cars, than they are to cause the horrific injury suffered by Mr Phee.

So, one way to determine the level of cover golfers need is to look at the value of their equipment. Carrick Neill – the trading name of Giles Insurance Brokers – offers a specialist golfers’ policy where premiums start at £20 a year for equipment worth up to £500, rising to £55 a year to cover gear costing up to £2,500. Additional cover for a husband, wife or child can be obtained for an additional £15 a year at the lower level of equipment value, rising to £35 at the upper level.

Beware, though, that these costs only cover British golf courses; there is an additional annual charge of £5 per person to cover play elsewhere in Europe or £10 for a worldwide extension. In addition to £5m third party cover, this policy also includes £50,000 personal accident and £500 dental treatment cover for the policyholder him or herself.

But some BIBA brokers point out that good household cover can provide all the third party liability cover most golfers need. Dennis Veingard of Premier Insurance Brokers said: “Liability cover is automatically provided under most household contents policies and some insurers include reverse liability for unrecoverable courts awards.

“The injured party claims against the golfer and the golfer then notifies his insurer. If the golfer is uninsured and unable to pay any court award, under reverse liability cover an injured party could claim on his own policy.”

Similarly, Ian Smith of Bennett Gould & Partners said: “Many home contents insurance policies provide worldwide liability cover. They will usually exclude accidents involving motorised vehicles, watercraft and horsedrawn vehicles but will cover liability arising from golf or other sporting accidents.

"The increase in the number of these claims clearly mirrors the increasingly litigious nature of society and inevitably leads to increases in premium as both the number and size of claims increases.”

But serious injuries on the golf course remain very rare. Orthopedic surgeon Dr Larry Foster, author of ‘Dr. Divot’s Guide to Golf Injuries’ says the most common are back pain, elbow and shoulder inflammation, followed by carpal tunnel syndrome – a repetitive stress disorder that affects the nerves of the hands – and DeQuervain’s tendinitis, which causes pain in the wrist near the base of the thumb.

None of these conditions is likely to be covered by specialist golf policies – unless it can be proved that the injury was caused by playing the game and resulted in disability or redundancy, in which case one year’s golf club fees can be reimbursed.

On a brighter note, specialist golf policies can pay out £150 if the policyholder hits a hole in one during an official club, area or national competition.

Source http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/finance/ianmcowie/100013323/how-a-round-of-golf-cost-400000/

Tiger Woods not one of golf's top 50 players for first time in 15 years

Tiger Woods is no longer officially considered one of golf's top 50 players, ending a streak that extended back 15 years.

According to the official World Golf Ranking, the 35-year-old Woods entered the weekend as the sport's 50th best player. But he lost that standing when Louis Oosthuizen finished tied for fifth at this weekend's Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland, earning him a place in the standings and ousting Woods.

The rankings are endorsed by Professional Golf Association tours in the United States, Europe, Australia, Asia and elsewhere, according to the World Golf Ranking website. An updated ranking comes out every Monday.

The last time Woods was not among the top 50 was on October 13, 1996. Since then, he won 14 major championships -- a distinction used for the Masters, U.S. Open, British Open and PGA championship -- and, for much of the next 778 weeks, ranked as the game's best player.

In recent years, Woods has been plagued by the fallout surrounding his infidelity and divorce from his wife as well as numerous injuries. His last tournament win was the Australian Masters in November 2009.

His next competition will be this week at the Frys.com Open in Corde Valley, California. Despite his recent slump, American team captain Fred Couples chose Woods as one of his wild card picks for next month's Presidents Cup in Australia.

Source http://edition.cnn.com/2011/10/02/sport/golf/tiger-woods-ranking/

Tiger Woods splits with caddy Williams

U.S. golfer Tiger Woods said Wednesday he is officially splitting with longtime caddie Steve Williams after 12 years together.

In a statement released on his Web site, the former world No. 1 thanked Williams and indicated a replacement has not yet been chosen.

"I want to express my deepest gratitude to Stevie for all his help, but I think it's time for a change," Woods said. "Stevie is an outstanding caddie and a friend and has been instrumental in many of my accomplishments. I wish him great success in the future."

The 35-year-old is ranked 20th in the world and hasn't won an event since a November 2009 car accident outside his Florida home led to widespread revelations of infidelity to his wife.

He hasn't competed since May at the Players Championship, when he withdrew with a leg injury before completing the first round.

The statement said Woods is continuing to rest and rehabilitate his left leg, which he injured while competing in the Masters, adding, "No decision has been made when he will return to competition on the PGA Tour."

Source http://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2011/07/20/Tiger-Woods-splits-with-caddy-Williams/UPI-36311311191012/

World #1 Uses Canadian Golf Shafts On The Way To Top

It seems an unlikely tale. A pro golfer from England uses the golf shafts from a company in Canada to become top-ranked player in the world. Well, it became true at the end of May when Luke Donald won the BMW PGA Championship on the EuropeanTour and ascended to the top of the world rankings.

It is quite a feat for any golfer to accomplish, and to have a small Canadian golf shaft company along for the ride is a nice touch, especially considering the fact that Canadian players are not exactly making a big dent in the world pro golf stage right about now.

Luke Donald has used wood shafts from ACCRA Golf in Kingston, Ontario for quite some time now, but unfortunately for the company they can't tell you that directly. You see they don't Donald to endorse their products so they can't use his name or likeness in their promotional materials. They can only hint at who the player is and let the reader fill in the blanks. That is why we can tell you that it is Donald who plays the shafts and the fact that he does not get paid to do so is even greater testament to ACCRA and their products.

Donald, who also won the World Golf Championships - Accenture Match Play earlier this year, uses ACCRA shafts in his driver and three wood, and despite other companies trying to sway him, he has remained loyal to the products in his run to the top ranking.

Donald, Northwestern University graduate who, incidentally, is married to a Canadian, has trusted ACCRA golf shafts in his 3 wood for more than five years. Even during several changes in equipment, he remained loyal to ACCRA golf shafts. It was in the fall of 2009 that he switched to a TaylorMade driver custom fit with an ACCRA premium golf shaft, that he truly began his climb up the world golf rankings. He currently uses a TaylorMade R11 driver and as always, with his ACCRA shaft.

"It is always thrilling to see your product help a great golfer achieve success at the highest level, but this is beyond our wildest expectations!" stated Gawain Robertson (ACCRA- Co-Founder). "We are honoured that the #1 golfer in the world has trusted ACCRA golf shafts during his ascent to the top of the world rankings," continued Mr. Robertson.

ACCRA recently introduced their Tour Z line of shafts that is also getting traction on the pro tours. Paul Goydos and Chez Reavie are among the players who have put them into play and had success. Versions of the shafts are now available through ACCRA certified dealers.

"This victory and overall outcome justifies what ACCRA is all about. Finding a shaft that is perfectly matched to your swing characteristics is what club fitting is all about." stated Dave Makarucha (ACCRA - Co-Founder) "When the new #1 golfer in the world chose ACCRA, he knew that these shafts were matched to his swing and that there was no reason to change. Mike Biviano, ACCRA's Tour representative, ensures PGA Tour players are fit properly. ACCRA certified club fitters offer the same fitting experience to all levels of golfers, ensuring that any golfer can benefit from properly fit equipment," continued Mr. Makarucha.

Nobody knows how long Donald can maintain his #1 ranking but even when that day comes a small golf shaft manufacture from Eastern Ontario will know that, at one time, they were part of his rise to the top.

Source http://www.emcwestcarleton.ca/20110630/sports/World+%231+Uses+Canadian+Golf+Shafts+On+The+Way+To+Top

Our next Kiwi world golf pro?

Joshua Munn loves golf and there's no denying he has the talent that will see him reach his ambition of turning professional in the next three to four years.

Winning the Muriwai Open near Auckland last month by one shot with a 12-under-par total, in an event where the amateurs are there to make up the numbers, Munn said he wasn't perturbed about having to let the prize money of $5700 go to the runners-up.

He became only the fourth amateur to win a Charles Tour event. He set a new course record of 63.

Not bad for an amateur on a course he'd not seen before.

Munn is happy to leave his professional dreams on the three to four- year to-do list, while he focuses on winning some national order-of-merit events before making his move to qualify for the US PGA Tour.

In the meantime Munn has shorter term goals in play which, like all good projects, require the help and support of the community.

He has applied for the AMP people's choice scholarship, where the person with the most votes wins. Munn needs the help of scholarships to further his amateur golf experience overseas.

He was 13 when he was invited to join his father and uncles on their traditional Boxing Day golf day out. This was more of a social occasion than serious competition, but Munn developed a taste for the game and hasn't looked back since, although the family Boxing Day game has fizzled out.

"I enjoyed the game. I wasn't very good at it, but I started playing and I got better," he said.

Munn said he got his start playing regularly on Sundays, which led into tournaments.

Seven years on and there are not too many days when he won't be out on the fairway.

Starting work at 4.30pm at Feilding's Pizza Piazza means he can work with a daily practice schedule.

"I love practicing – golf is my addiction I guess," he said.

"I think it's the constant challenge – you're always going to be beaten by golf, but always striving for perfection means you always want to do better," he said.

Voting for Munn to win an AMP Scholarship can be done by visiting the site doyourthing.co.nz and entering Joshua Munn into the search field.

Voting closes on July 17.

Source http://www.stuff.co.nz/manawatu-standard/news/feilding-herald/5152874/Our-next-Kiwi-world-golf-pro

Bradley scores first PGA win

Keegan Bradley needed some cowbell.

As Bradley walked down the 18th fairway during a playoff at the Byron Nelson Championship on Sunday in Dallas, he began to realize he was about to get his first PGA Tour win. That’s when Bradley started getting emotional thinking about the cowbell.

The one that is in the World Golf Hall of Fame in St. Augustine, Fla. The one his grandmother rang after every win by his famous aunt, LPGA Tour great Pat Bradley, whose 31 victories included six majors.

“It was like, ‘Pull it together. Don’t start thinking about the cowbell,’ ” Keegan Bradley told reporters after the tournament. “The cowbell in my family is an iconic thing.”

Bradley settled himself and won the Byron Nelson Championship, parring the first hole of a playoff with Ryan Palmer on Sunday.

Bradley, son of Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club golf pro Mark Bradley, spent three summers living in the valley while he was a student at St. John’s University. In that time, he won the 2006 Wyoming State Amateur title and the 2007 Wyoming Match play title.

While Bradley was orchestrating a dramatic finish in Dallas on Sunday, father Mark was joined by friends at the Golf & Tennis Club watching on TV.

“It was very exciting. Everyone was going crazy,” Mark Bradley said. “Some people had tears in their eyes. It was so exciting. The whirlwind going on around the club, the phone ringing off the hook, text messages and emails. ... This is bigger than I thought.”

It’s big. Really big. Sunday’s win gives Bradley a two-year exemption on the PGA Tour, and an automatic berth to the 2012 Masters.

“For me, it’s just amazing to think he’s going to play at the Masters, which is the ultimate event in the sport,” Mark Bradley said.

Bradley also pocketed $1.1 million with the win, boosting his 2011 earnings on the PGA Tour to $1.7 million. It was an early birthday present for Bradley, who turns 25 on June 7.

“I’m speechless,” he said. “I’m so proud of the way I played, and I’m so proud to win Byron Nelson’s tournament. That’s an amazing thing for me.”

Bradley sealed the win when he sank a 2-foot par putt at the 419-yard 18th hole in the playoff. Palmer, meanwhile, hit his approach into the water before he sank a 13-foot bogey putt.

The win was a breakout victory for Bradley, who never even won an event while on the Nationwide Tour. He looked forward to talking to his aunt.

“She is a lot calmer on the golf course than she is watching me. I’m sure she was by the TV going crazy,” Bradley said. “I talk to her regularly through text messages and phone calls about tournaments and what it’s like to come down near the end. ... This is the closest thing we ever had in common in terms of playing.”

About an hour before the playoff, Bradley finished his closing round of 2-under 68 with a par at No. 18, dropping into a squat and hopping a few times in frustration when his 10-foot birdie chance slid by the hole.

Palmer (72) and Bradley finished at 3-under 277, the highest winning score on the PGA Tour this year — and the highest in relation to par in a non-major since 1999. It was the fifth playoff in six weeks and 10th overall.

Players were buffeted by winds gusting to 40 miles per hour both Saturday and Sunday.

Palmer forced the extra hole with a 6-foot putt at No. 18 for only the second birdie there all day. When that putt dropped, Palmer punched his right fist in the air and then raised both arms over his head.

Bradley and Palmer then played No. 18 again, both going way right with their tee shots to start the playoff.

Tournament volunteers quickly dismantled and moved a temporary lemonade stand to give Bradley a line of sight to the green and to avoid the necessity for a drop.

Bradley’s approach was dangerously close to sliding off the side of the green into the water, but it stayed up. Palmer went in the same direction, but his ball didn’t stay dry.

“I had a clear punch shot, but it’s so easy to hit it left when I’m trying to hit a punch like that, and it squared left a little bit,” he told reporters. “Then my putt — just wanted to tease myself a little more, I guess — but I got into the position to win the golf tournament and that’s all I can ask for.”

On the 172-yard 17th hole, Bradley sank a 12-foot par-saving putt and responded with an emphatic fist pump.

After Bradley tapped in his par putt at No. 18, third-round leader Palmer was in one of the five groups still playing.

Bradley then sat for a few minutes before going to the practice range to prepare for a playoff that almost wasn’t necessary for him to become the PGA Tour’s sixth first-time winner this season.

“It was funny. I was really, really nervous, and then, when [Palmer] made the birdie, I calmed way down,” Bradley said. “I felt my heartbeat slow down. I calmed down.”

Bradley said the feeling of winning as an underdog was rewarding.

“I would be lying if I said it wasn’t,” he said. “It’s great to be the underdog and come out on top, for sure.”

Bradley said he set several goals for himself for his first year on the tour and one of them was winning an event. He knows that, now he has a win on his resume, his golfing career and his life will likely change.

“It only can change for the better now,” he said.

Source http://www.jhnewsandguide.com/article.php?art_id=7360