Tags: nrl, australian-football-league, cycling, golf, state-of-origin, rugby-union, soccer-world-cup, tennis, australia, france, england
Friday, July 15, 2011
Donald sweeps to Scottish Open victory
Posted July 11, 2011 08:40:00 Luke Donald swept to a four-stroke victory in the Scottish Open, tightening his grip on the world number one position going into the British Open.
A closing 9-under-par 63 in the third and final round of the weather-disrupted event at Castle Stuart for a 19-under 197 total earned the Briton a handsome win over Sweden's Fredrik Andersson-Hed.
A share of third place gave rookie Scott Jamieson of Britain the final British Open slot on offer.
Donald gave notice of his intentions to clinch his third title of the year by coasting up to within a shot of the second round lead on Sunday morning when it was finally completed, following a day lost to heavy rain on Saturday.
A run of four consecutive birdies from the third then took Donald in front to stay.
Andersson-Hed, playing the course from the 10th, stormed through the field to capture the runner-up spot with a 62, with four birdies to finish.
That kept the Swede a stroke in front of seven players in third place on 14-under, including Jamieson, who took his place at Royal St George's as highest world ranked player in the top five finishers not already exempt for the major.
Double major champion Angel Cabrera, Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts, South African George Coetzee, Lorenzo Gagli of Italy, Chilean Mark Tullo and Martin Wiegele of Austria tied third with Jamieson.
World number two Lee Westwood was always playing catch-up on his rival for the number one honour after Donald headed him by two strokes when the pair finished their second rounds.
A third round 68 by Westwood left him seven adrift of Donald in a tie for 14th place.
Australian Richard Green finished with an even round and 5-under 211 for the tournament after opening with a 69.
-Reuters
Tags: sport, golf, united-kingdom, england, scotlandDay paired with McDowell, Watson
Updated July 12, 2011 06:27:00 Australia's world No.8 Jason Day has been placed in one of the most intriguing groupings for the opening day of this year's British Open at Royal St George's.
The Queenslander, who has finished second at the past two majors, will link up with last year's US Open winner Graeme McDowell and big-hitting American Bubba Watson on Thursday.
They are due to tee off at 1.43pm (2243 AEST) at Sandwich, Kent.
The biggest drawcard at this year's tournament will be Rory McIlroy following the popular Northern Irishman's runaway US Open triumph at Congressional last month.
He is due to commence at 9:09am (1809 AEST) with three-time major winner Ernie Els and exciting American Rickie Fowler.
Aaron Baddeley is playing in the group ahead of McIlroy and the Australian needs to look no further than playing partner Ben Curtis on how to negotiate his way around the course.
The American won the event the last time it was held at Royal St George's in 2003.
They will be joined by England's Paul Casey.
World No.17 Adam Scott will tee off alongside 2007 US Masters champion Zach Johnson and England's Justin Rose at 1:32pm (2232 AEST).
Australia's Geoff Ogilvy has an early start at 8.09am (1709 AEST) with Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez and promising American Peter Uihlein.
-AAP
Tags: sport, golf, australia, united-kingdom, england First posted July 12, 2011 05:53:00Ryu wins women's US Open
So-Yeon Ryu of Korea is doused by champagne by Jinyoung Pak (r) of Korea after Ryu won the US Open in a play-off against Kee-Kyung Seo of Korea at The Broadmoor on July 11, 2011 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Tags: sport, golf, south-korea, united-statesCalcavecchia makes strong Open start
Updated July 14, 2011 21:54:24
American Mark Calcavecchia, who famously broke Greg Norman's heart at the 1989 British Open, has turned back the clock at this year's edition at Royal St George's.
The 51-year-old, who largely plays on the US senior tour these days, made the most of an early start by scoring a 1-under 69 in the opening round in testing conditions.
The big man from Nebraska recorded three birdies and two bogeys to put himself in a healthy position on a cold, blustery, overcast day on the English south-east coast.
It is 22 years since Calcavecchia defeated Greg Norman and Wayne Grady in a three-way playoff at Royal Troon.
Grady held a one-shot lead heading into the final day ahead of five-time champion Tom Watson.
But Norman scorched the course on the final day, firing a 64 to come from seven shots behind Grady to finish in a tie with his compatriot and Calcavecchia.
In a four hole playoff, Norman and Calcavecchia were tied heading into the final hole with Grady having slipped two strokes behind.
Calcavecchia hit a bad slice off the tee while Norman's drive boomed down the middle only to roll into a deep, fairway bunker.
The Australian went from bunker to bunker and out of bounds in one of the more painful defeats of a career littered with missed opportunities at majors.
Earlier on, the British crowd arrived in their droves to catch a glimpse of boy wonder Rory McIlroy.
With the thermometer hovering around 14 degrees and with dark clouds overhead, the fans gathered in their thousands to watch the diminutive Northern Irishman.
The 22-year-old's runaway victory at last month's US Open has sent expectations into overdrive that he is set to claim Tiger Woods' mantle as golf's best player in the coming years.
Following the announcement of his name on the first tee, he was handed a standing ovation for a minute from the adoring crowd.
Not that all the fans were impressed as he was dwarfed standing next to playing partner Ernie Els, the South African is about half a foot taller than McIlroy.
"He is so small, he is not very big," one young lad in the crowd said.
The British media has whipped itself into a frenzy over the talented youngster, even comparing to him that most revered of Northern Ireland sporting figures in George Best.
But with his black curly hair falling out the back of his cap, the kid from Holywood almost looks a bit like TV character Dickie Knee from behind.
Thousands of fans gathered expectedly for his 9.09am tee time with the long queues for the public car park ensuring some missed his opening drive.
Such was the enthusiasm to catch a peek of him in action that fans were even watching on from the top of the stands on the adjacent 18th hole.
AAP
Tags: golf, sport, england, united-kingdom First posted July 14, 2011 20:46:21Calcavecchia spots his ball at St George's
Blast from the past ... US veteran Mark Calcavecchia follows his ball during the first round of the British Open.
Tags: golf, sport, england, united-kingdomBjorn strolls through first round
On a roll ... Thomas Bjorn walks down the 18th fairway on the first day of the British Open at Royal St George's.
Tags: golf, sport, england, united-kingdomJack Nicklaus Golf My Way
Golf School Drills To Improve Your Swing!Many people take golf lessons and golf instruction for years without ever improving their golf swing. While many others spend 3 days at a Golf Schools by Golf Made Simple program and learn to hit the golf ball better than ever.
For the first time ... some of these GMS exclusive drills are available for you to use at home to improve your golf swing like the over 1,000 Golfers each year that travel to see GMS.
Learning to understand your Strengths and Weaknesses - both in your golf swing and in your body - is the best step you can take in developing a consistent Golf Swing.
Discover why your bad habits keep reappearing regardless of how you try to correct them. Then use our proven drills to eliminate these bad habits forever.
Plus, fine tune your body so that you're better able to permanently eliminate your recurring bad habits. We help you do this by having an exercise included with each Drill to Strengthen your body.
"The day has come for you to make a commitment to your Golf Game. The Player makes a commitment to "play to their Strengths and stay away from their Weaknesses!" The Monkey doesn't even make an attempt to know what their Strengths and Weaknesses are!"
Compensations and Swing Faults you can fix by watching this DVD:
Coming Over The Top - Swinging Outside to In
Falling Backwards During Swing - Bad Weight Shift
Losing Control Of The Club - Bad Shot Direction
Losing Posture - Picking Up Your Head
Eliminate 3 Putts - Increase 1 Putts
To Purchase by Phone Please Call: 1-888-580-3635
This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.
Price:
Ryu wins US Open in play-off
Posted July 12, 2011 06:04:00 Ryu So-yeon captured the US Women's Open by rolling in two birdies in a three-hole aggregate play-off to edge South Korean compatriot Seo Hee-kyung.
It was the first major title for Ryu who forced the play-off with a birdie on the final hole of regulation in the weather-plagued tournament at the Broadmoor course in Colorado Springs.
"Unbelievable," said Ryu, who is the fifth South Korean to capture the US Women's Open. "I can't believe it."
After darkness halted the fourth round play on Sunday (local time), Ryu returned Monday morning needing a birdie over the last three holes to force a play-off with Seo. Seo finished a day earlier at 3-under 281.
Ryu made the birdie on the 18th, then began the play-off 30 minutes later.
Both players parred the first play-off hole and then on 17 Seo hit into a sand trap on the right side of the fairway. She finished the hole with a bogey.
Ryu put her drive on 17 down the middle of fairway and went on to birdie the hole for a two-stroke advantage.
Ryu hit her approach to four feet on 18 for an easy putt and her second birdie.
"I did my best. I did everything I could," said tour rookie Seo. "She (Ryu) did a great job."
Ryu is also the fourth South Korean to win the event in the last seven years as 10 of the top 14 players this year were from Asia.
South Korea icon Se Ri Pak followed the two rising Korean stars on the course during Monday's play-off.
"I'm proud of it," Ryu said. "To see my hero, Se Ri Pak, out there fighting for me. It's pretty powerful, yeah."
Seo said this would give her confidence going forward.
"Finally I can trust myself now," Seo said. "I am looking forward to next season. We have lots of tournaments in Europe and Asia."
Defending champ Paula Creamer closed with a 75 to finish in a tie for 15th.
World number one Tseng Yani of Taiwan, who was seeking to become the youngest golfer in history to complete a career grand slam, finished in a tie for 17th.
Australian Karrie Webb finished in a tie for sixth, five shots off the pace.
-AFP
Tags: sport, golf, united-statesProper Golf Swing Instruction Ebook
Learn the proper golf swing with instruction from world renown instructor Bobby Eldridge. 7 Step Golf Swing is the simple way to repeat a near perfect golf swing.
Check it out!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Stricker lands monster putt to win
Steve Stricker celebrates making a 30-foot birdie put on the 18th green to win the John Deere Classic for the third consecutive time on July 10, 2011 in Silvis, Illinois.
Tags: sport, golf, united-statesSaturday, July 9, 2011
Golfer Levet breaks leg while celebrating win
Posted July 6, 2011 09:34:00 Thomas Levet is a doubt for the British Open after cracking his right fibula when he jumped into a pond to celebrate his French Open win.
After clinching his first ever French Open success, and sixth European Tour victory, last Sunday, the Frenchman launched himself barefoot into a pond protecting the 18th green but hurt himself on the rocks at the bottom.
Seen to be limping heavily on Sunday night, Levet subsequently underwent scans that revealed a fracture to his right fibula.
He is scheduled to meet a specialist on Wednesday, when he will decide whether or not to participate in the British Open at Royal St George's on July 10-17.
-AFP
Tags: sport, golf, franceLee Trevino's Priceless Golf Tips Volume 3: Swing Fundamentals plus Distance and Control [VHS]
![Lee Trevino's Priceless Golf Tips Volume 3: Swing Fundamentals plus Distance and Control [VHS]](/51246RYNNAL.jpg)
Get your golf instruction from a pro! Golf pro Bob Mann shows you his own techniques for playing your best automatically. Bob offers step by step instructions covering the most difficult aspects of this sport. This DVD includes "THE METHOD" & "THE SPECIALTY SHOTS". Upgrade your whole game, AUTOMATICALLY.Price: $19.98
Day continues strong form in Illinois
Posted July 8, 2011 12:10:00 Young Australian star Jason Day tuned up for the British Open with a 4-under-par 67 opening round at the US PGA Tour's John Deere Classic in Illinois.
World number seven Day could have been teeing it up much closer to next week's major championship by playing in the Scottish Open this week like five of the other world top 10 players.
But he opted to show loyalty to the John Deere Classic, which gave him his first professional start with an exemption as a little-known 18-year-old back in 2006.
It means he will get less practice time at Royal St George's early next week ahead of the British Open, but he did not mind.
And he continued the strong form that has seen him finish top 10 in five of his last six starts, including runner up at the last two majors - the Masters and US Open.
On a day of low scoring, American Kris Blanks led the way with a 63 on the 7,268-yard, par-71 TPC Deere Run course.
Cameron Percy was the leading Australian on 66, while Day's 67 was matched by countrymen Steven Bowditch, Greg Chalmers and Michael Sim.
-AAP
Tags: sport, golf, australia, united-statesWebb makes solid US Open start
Updated July 8, 2011 08:47:00 Australia's two-time champion Karrie Webb was two shots off the pace when thunderstorms brought an early end to the first round of the US Women's Open in Colorado.
World number two Cristie Kerr and American amateur Amy Anderson were tied for the lead at 2-under par, with Webb even with the card through 15 holes on the par-71 layout.
Kerr had three holes remaining and Anderson had six to go when the sirens sounded, clearing the East Course at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.
Top-ranked Yani Tseng, trying to become the youngest player to complete a career grand slam at age 22, was among the 72 players who had not begun their rounds when the bad weather hit.
Defending champion Paula Creamer will also start her first round tonight (AEST).
Kerr, who has three runner-up finishes this season but is still looking for her first triumph of the year, found the right rough and a greenside bunker before play was stopped.
"At least I'll get to practice some long bunker shots before we go out, so maybe it's a good thing," Kerr said.
Anderson birdied the fifth and par-3 ninth and had six holes remaining when play was stopped.
"First-day leader - that's way more than I could have imagined," she said.
South Korean Inbee Park, Italy's Silvia Cavalleri and Japan's Ai Miyazato were on 1-under when players were ordered off the course.
Park had one hole to play while Cavalleri had finished only one hole. Miyazato had three holes to complete.
Of the 25 players who had completed their rounds, Kristy McPherson had the best score at 2-over par 73, with US veteran Juli Inkster firing a 74.
"It's tough. It's a grinding golf course," Inkster said.
"What you see is what you get. There are no really tricks to it.
"You've just got to go out there and play some good golf."
Australia's Sarah-Jane Smith teed off just before the horn sounded to stop play.
"I've never hit one, then walked straight back in," she said.
"I'm looking forward to it (resuming the round)."
-ABC/AFP
Tags: sport, golf, australia, united-states First posted July 8, 2011 08:11:00Tiger withdraws from British Open
Posted July 6, 2011 06:14:00 Injured 14-time major champion Tiger Woods has pulled out of next week's British Open, casting further doubt on whether he will ever recover his form of old.
"Unfortunately, I've been advised that I should not play in the British Open," Woods said in a statement.
"I am only going to come back when I'm 100 percent ready. I do not want to risk further injury.
"That's different for me, but I'm being smarter this time. I'm very disappointed and want to express my regrets to the British Open fans."
Woods sprained a ligament in his left knee and strained his Achilles tendon in the third round of the US Masters in April.
He then aggravated the injuries in May when he started the Players Championship but withdrew after nine holes.
Woods, a three-time British Open champion, contacted Royal and Ancient chief executive Peter Dawson to explain personally why he will not compete July 14-17 at Royal St George's.
"I know how disappointed Tiger is not to be able to play in the Open this year," Dawson said.
"Naturally, we are sorry that a player of his calibre isn't able to join us at Royal St George's, but we wish him well in his recovery and hope to see him back soon, competing in front of the fans that love to see him play the game."
Woods, who has undergone four knee operations, has not won since November 2009, just before the eruption of a massive sex scandal that ended his marriage and his iconic image.
After resuming his career in the wake of the scandal, Woods began working on changes to his swing, only to be struck time and again by injuries.
"In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have competed at The Players, but it's a big event, and I wanted to be there to support the tour," Woods said.
"I've got to learn from what I did there and do it right this time and not come back until I'm ready."
That means Woods will miss his second major championship in a row, having also been unable to compete in last month's US Open, which was won by Northern Ireland's 22-year-old sensation Rory McIlroy.
Woods, 35, said last week that he thinks he will be able to break the all-time record of 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus despite nagging left knee injuries, noting, "I'm 35, not 65."
"I think my best years are still ahead of me, and I'm very confident and optimistic about the future," Woods said.
Woods has played with pain before, notably in his most recent major victory, the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines when he limped to a play-off triumph over US compatriot Rocco Mediate.
Since then, Woods has gone without a major title and where he was once well ahead of Nicklaus' pace, he will end the year level with it unless he should recover, play and win next month's PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club.
Woods, who holds the record for the most consecutive weeks atop the world golf rankings, said last week he had not hit balls except with a putter since his failed effort at the Players.
In addition to his body betraying him after years of long drives, Woods was also undone by the revelation of his secret sex life, which led to a divorce from wife Elin Nordegren and the loss of several major sponsor endorsements.
Woods, whose last victory came at the 2009 Australian Masters, has plunged to 17th in the rankings, seventh among Americans, but he remains a top draw for golf fans.
American Jason Dufner will replace Woods in the British Open, an event that Woods won in 2000, 2005 and 2006.
-AFP
Tags: sport, golf, united-kingdom, england, united-statesShell's Wonderful World of Golf (Vol. 11): Boros Vs. Snead [VHS]
![Shell's Wonderful World of Golf (Vol. 11): Boros Vs. Snead [VHS]](/11WvgubKUlL.jpg)
Shell s Wonderful World of Golf was a weekly television series that aired from 1962 through 1970. This video is a golf match between Julius Boros and Sam Snead played at Peachtree Golf Club in Atlanta, Georgia and originally aired on February 25, 1967. Julius Boros was one of golf s most beloved characters during the fifties and sixties. He is the holder of 18 PGA Tour victories and has won two U.S. Open Titles. He is the oldest golfer to win a major championship, capturing the 1968 PGA Championship at the age of 48. Sam Snead finessed his way to 81 PGA Tour titles. His quick wit and down home personality made him one of golf s most beloved champions. In a PGA Tour career that spanned four decades, he walked off with three Masters titles, three PGA Championships and the 1946 British Open.Price: $19.95
21 Days to Better Golf
21 Days to Better Golf is a downloadable ebook which helps golfers with all elements of the game using a defined and targetted practice schedule
Check it out!
Webb starts well in US Open
Published:Friday, July 8, 2011 7:23 AESTExpires:Thursday, October 6, 2011 7:23 AEST
Australian golfer Karrie Webb has made a strong start to the US Open after rain slowed the first round.
Tags: golf, australia, united-statesFriday, July 8, 2011
Golf Fitness Made Easy
Golf Fitness Made Easy Can Improve Anyone's Game... Quickly! Reach your full potential and quickly transform your body so you can play at your best!
Check it out!
The Drum - Friday 8 July
Published:Friday, July 8, 2011 6:05 AESTExpires:Thursday, October 6, 2011 6:05 AEST
Peter Wilkins hosts a discussion with actor and writer Brendan Cowell, Amanda Shalala from the Daily Telegraph, Steve Robilliard from ABC TV Sport and rugby league author Neil Cadigan.
Tags: australian-football-league, cycling, golf, nrl, rugby-union, world-cup, tennis, state-of-origin, australia, france, englandVictory jump cripples Levet
Celebration costs Levet his Open spot
Posted July 7, 2011 07:56:00 France's Thomas Levet has withdrawn from the British Open due to the broken leg he suffered jumping into a lake to celebrate winning his home tournament.
Minutes after winning the French Open in Saint Quentin last weekend, the 42-year-old Frenchman leapt into the water and suffered a small fracture to his shin.
"I am extremely disappointed to miss out on The Open Championship, but my specialist has advised me to have an operation on the fracture tomorrow morning," Levet said on the European Tour website.
"I will have screws and a plate inserted which will ensure that my shin recovers completely.
"I will be off for six weeks which is very bad timing, with so many important tournaments coming up.
"However, the wonderful memory of winning my national Open will definitely keep me going through my recovery."
Last year's European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie strongly criticised Levet and the practice of players jumping into water to celebrate victories.
"I think it is the silliest thing that players have done over the years," he told reporters at the Scottish Open.
"I have always been suspect about people diving into lakes, not knowing how deep they are and what is in there.
"There could be something sharp. He was lucky it was only a leg injury. It is not the way to celebrate - taking the next three months off because you've hurt yourself."
Levet, who lost a five-hole play-off to Ernie Els at the 2002 Open, will be replaced in the field for the July 14-17 major championship by American Robert Garrigus.
Meanwhile South Africa's Tim Clark was also forced to withdraw from the British Open and could be replaced by Anthony Kim of the United States.
Clark has been out of action since withdrawing from the Players Championship in May because of an injury to his left elbow.
-Reuters
Tags: sport, golf, france, united-kingdom, englandWednesday, July 6, 2011
Jacobson wins PGA Travelers crown
Posted June 27, 2011 08:16:00 Sweden's Fredrik Jacobson fired a 4-under-par 66 on Monday morning to capture his first US PGA victory, winning the Travelers Championship by one shot over Americans Ryan Moore and John Rollins.
Jacobson, a three-time European Tour winner, took his first US PGA crown in his 188th attempt, taking the $US1.08 million top prize at the $US6 million event with a 72-hole total of 20-under 260 on the River Highlands course.
"It feels unbelievable," Jacobson said. "It has been a long wait. I've been getting closer and closer so it feels nice to pull this one off."
Moore, who fell out of a share of the lead with a bogey on the 72nd hole, settled for sharing second on 261 with Rollins after both fired last-day 63s.
"I wanted to make some birdies and make him notice I was around," Moore said.
"My goal was to get to 20-under and I was there for a brief moment. It was one of the best rounds I've had all year."
American Michael Thompson was fourth on 262 with American James Driscoll fifth on 264.
Jacobson, who suffered his only bogey of the week to open his back nine on Sunday, became the eighth player this season to win his first US PGA title.
"The last two days I struck the ball as well as I have in the US. I haven't been in any trouble," Jacobson said.
"I caught a mud ball on 10. You have to accept those. I was challenged there and I feel like I accepted it well."
Jacobson had birdied the second and par-5 sixth holes and finished off his front nine with a birdie as well.
The Swede took a bogey at the 10th, his first bogey of the tournament, but answered with birdies at 12 and 14.
Jacobson curled in a tense seven-foot par putt on the 17th to stay level with Moore, who was just ahead on the 18th tee.
Moore, who used a substitute caddie after his main man fell ill Sunday, went from a fairway bunker at the 18th to a greenside bunker, then blasted four feet past only to miss the par putt and leave the Swede alone in the lead.
"I hit that one right where I wanted. It was where I wanted until it was six inches from the cup," Moore said. "That last one is going to sting a little."
Jacobson found the fairway and put his approach 12 feet from the flag, putted to the edge of the cup and tapped in for par to complete the victory.
Moore opened with three birdies in a row and added back-to-back birdies at the sixth and seventh. He birdied the par-5 13th and followed with birdies at 15 and the par-3 16th to match Jacobson atop the leaderboard and set up the final drama.
Rollins opened and closed with birdies and made four birdies in a row starting at the par-3 11th in a round of 63.
Thompson, who followed an opening bogey with nine birdies in a final round of 62, enjoyed his best PGA finish.
"I was hitting the ball really well," Thompson said. "This is definitely a big momentum boost here. This is just one more notch on the road."
- AFP
Tags: sport, golf, united-statesTseng storms to LPGA Championship win
Yani Tseng of Taiwan celebrates her 10-stroke victory on the 18th hole during the final round of the LPGA Championship at Locust Hill Country Club on June 26, 2011 in Pittsford, New York.
Tags: sport, golf, united-statesWatney, Fowler catch fire at National
Posted July 3, 2011 10:42:00 American Nick Watney fired a course record 8-under 62 to grab a share of the third round lead with Rickie Fowler at the PGA National in Pennsylvania.
After stumbling into the turn with bogeys on eight and nine, Watney caught fire and carded six birdies plus an eagle at the par five 16th.
Fowler also had a sizzling afternoon and returned a 6-under 64 to join Watney on 9-under 201 for the tournament.
Lurking one shot back is 36-hole leader K.J. Choi of South Korea, who rolled in a 30-foot birdie putt at the 18th for a one-under 69.
Australian Adam Scott (66), Steve Marino (63) and Webb Simpson (64) were tied for fourth at 7-under 203.
In all, seven players posted rounds of 64 or better.
Fowler, 22, looking for his first career victory in his second season on the PGA Tour, birdied three of his first four holes.
A birdie on 16 put the young American at 10-under but Fowler immediately gave the shot back with a bogey at 17 to drop into a tie for first.
"Before I teed off I saw some low scores and knew that birdies were definitely out there," Fowler told reporters.
"My game has been good all week. Prior to the round, I knew it was possible to take it low today. The conditions were perfect."
Watney caught fire on his back nine on a steamy day in the Philadelphia suburbs on a course far more vulnerable to low scoring than in the previous two rounds because of softer greens and easier pin placements.
After a sloppy bogey at the ninth hole and even par 35 on the front, Watney produced a sizzling back nine highlighted by a two-putt eagle at 16.
"Well, eight under par is the most I've ever gone (for nine holes)," Watney said.
"In the back of my mind, I knew that (30-foot) putt at 18 was for nine-under, which would have been pretty cool. But no complaints.
"The ball was going where I was looking and by the time I looked up, I was eight-under par."
His 62 broke a record set earlier in the day by Marino and Kirk.
The old record of 64 had only been equalled a day earlier by Choi, who had four front nine bogeys but rallied on the back nine to post his third straight round in the 60s.
"I think they had to have watered the greens last night," Marino said, explaining so many low scores. "They were nice with the pins in some accessible spots.
"I'm not the only one to shoot a number out there.
"I don't know what they're going to do tonight, but I don't think they're going to water the greens. I think they might be a little mean tomorrow."
Vijay Singh of Fiji, who was tied for 13th at 2-under 138 after 36 holes, withdrew before the start of the third round because of a sore back.
-Reuters
Tags: sport, golf, australia, united-statesContact Sport - Friday 24th June
Published:Friday, June 24, 2011 7:30 AESTExpires:Thursday, September 22, 2011 7:30 AEST
We take a look at US Open golf, meet an ambitious javelin thrower, marvel at an aspiring boxer, and speak to sprinter Sally Pearson before the European athletics season.
Tags: sport, athletics, boxing, golf, australiaRecord-breaking McIlroy wins US Open
Updated June 20, 2011 10:43:00 Rory McIlroy has captured his first major golf title in historic fashion, turning the final round of the 111th US Open into a virtual victory lap on his way to an eight-stroke romp in Maryland.
The 22-year-old Northern Ireland prodigy fired a 2-under-par 69 to finish on 16-under par 268, becoming the youngest US Open champion in 88 years and sealing a new generation's grip at the forefront of the sport.
Masters runner-up Jason Day of Australia was a distant second on 276 after a final round 3-under 68 in his maiden US Open.
South Korean Yang Yong-Eun, England's Lee Westwood and unheralded Americans Robert Garrigus and Kevin Chappell shared third on 278.
None of them mounted a serious threat to disrupt McIlroy's wire-to-wire victory at Congressional Country Club.
The Ulsterman broke the US Open record for lowest score over 72 holes with 269, beating Tiger Woods's 12-under 272 at Pebble Beach in 2000, as well as 272s by Jack Nicklaus, Lee Janzen and Jim Furyk.
"I couldn't ask for much more and I'm just so happy to be holding this trophy,"McIlroy said.
"I know how good Tiger (Woods) was in 2000 to win by 15 in Pebble.
"I was trying to go out there and emulate him in some way."
The Ulsterman humbled course and rivals this week in a manner mindful of how a 21-year-old Woods ripped apart Augusta National and overwhelmed the field in the 1997 Masters for the first of his 14 career major triumphs.
Woods, mired in a 20-month win drought since his infamous sex scandal, missed the US Open with a left knee injury but issued a statement praising the overwhelming effort by McIlroy, the youngest major winner since Woods in 1997.
"Heck of a performance," Woods said.
"Congrats and well done. Enjoy it. This was an impressive performance."
With earlier scores of 65, 66 and 68, McIlroy became only the third player in US Open history to complete four rounds in the 60s, matching Lee Janzen and Lee Trevino in achieving the feat.
McIlroy, the youngest US Open winner since Bobby Jones in 1923, became the 11th different winner in the past 11 majors and the eighth first-time major champion among the past nine major winners.
His triumph also marked the fifth major in a row without an American winner, the longest US major drought in history.
Final-day procession
McIlroy, who has led seven of the eight major rounds completed this year, began the day with an eight-stroke lead over final-group partner Yang and made the turn with the margin intact.
McIlroy, who shared third at last year's British Open and the past two PGA Championships, had squandered a four-stroke lead after 54 holes at the Masters two months ago, a woeful tee shot at the 10th leading to a triple-bogey on his way to a final-round 80.
But when McIlroy came to Congressional's par-three 10th hole, with water in front of the green and bunkers in the back, he launched the ball safely onto the green and it rolled back inches from the cup to set up a tap-in birdie.
That put McIlroy to 17-under, five-strokes lower to par than any player at any point in any US Open ever played, and all-but ended any notion McIlroy would repeat his nightmare back-nine from Augusta National.
"I think this kid is going to have a great career, no question about that," 18-time major winner Jack Nicklaus said.
"He plays very well. He had a couple disappointments. I didn't think that was going to happen again and it hasn't."
McIlroy's utter domination sparked comparisons with Woods, although the idea that a 14-time major champion might have been only the warm-up act for McIlroy's magnificence threatened to boggle the mind of the golf world.
Even when McIlroy missed a five-foot par putt at 12 for just his fourth dropped shot of the week, his second bogey after a double-bogey on his 36th hole, Yang took a bogey at 15 to stay nine back.
McIlroy's first three-putt green of the week came on the 71st hole and cost him another bogey but the boy wonder parred the 18th with a tap-in and pumped his first with joy before celebrating his Father's Day victory with dad Gerry.
McIlroy opened with an eight-foot birdie putt, sank a tense six-footer for par at the second and dropped his approach at the fourth hole three feet from the cup to set up another birdie, pulling 10 shots in front.
On the fifth, McIlroy found a bunker but blasted onto the green and dropped a 15-foot par putt.
At six he barely cleared a water hazard fronting the green with a wedge shot but made par.
Yang birdied the sixth and ninth to keep what pressure he could upon McIlroy but the only man to beat Woods in a major when Woods led after 54 holes could not crack McIlroy's resolve on the back nine.
Rain and heat-thinned rough softened the usual tough US Open set-up, but McIlroy took advantage in ways no one else could approach, breaking through for a title that moved him from eighth to fourth in the world rankings.
He also backed up fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell's victory in last year's US Open.
- AFP
Tags: sport, golf, united-kingdom, northern-ireland, united-states First posted June 20, 2011 09:29:00gotGolf? Teaching Kids Golf: Short Game
Great for Parents, Coaches and Teachers. Pam Bowers, multiple winner of the U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Kids Teacher Award, delivers a fast and fun tool you can instantly apply when junior golfers the short game. Combining over 25 years of teaching experience with her Tour play, Pam's proven techniques really work with kids. This instructional DVD covers grip techniques, putting, chipping, pitching and specialty shots: the Bump & Run, Sand Shots, Flop Shots and Uphill & Downhill Lies. Practice drills and games are included to help you encourage junior golfers to have fun while they develop proper golf techniques.This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.
Price: $19.95
Watney holds on for National win
Posted July 4, 2011 09:38:00 American Nick Watney captured his second title this year making some key birdies and par saves early, then holding on to post a two-shot win at the PGA National in Pennsylvania.
Watney fired a final round 4-under 66 to beat South Korea's KJ Choi, who mounted a late charge on the back nine at the par-70 Aronimink Golf Club course.
Watney's only other PGA Tour win this year was at the World Golf Championship at Doral four months ago.
He now leads the PGA Tour money list and the Fed Ex Cup standings. Watney also moves to 10th in the world rankings.
"It's a very addictive feeling to be out there and under the gun," said Watney. "To be able to hit good shots and putts is why I play, really."
Australian Adam Scott fired a final-round 68 to finish in a tie for third with Charles Howell and Jeff Overton.
Choi started to catch fire on the back nine rolling in a 35 foot birdie on 14 to pull into a tie with Watney. His co-lead was short lived as Choi stumbled to a double bogey on the next hole.
"When I tied him on the 14th hole, I knew that there was still a lot of holes to go, and I knew the remaining holes were more favourable to Nick Watney.
"I knew the 15th hole would be a turning point. That was a key hole, and I missed it. So I think that was the turning point of the match."
American Rickie Fowler shot 74 and finished nine shots behind. Fowler shared the lead with Watney heading into the final round.
Watney took sole possession of the lead with a birdie on the second hole and then drained a 20-foot birdie on the par-five fifth.
He posted another birdie on the par-five ninth by blasting out of a bunker to two feet of the pin.
He had a number of key par saves on the front nine as well, saving par from the bunkers on No. 4 and No. 7.
Fowler dropped out of contention with a double bogey on the second hole.
"I just couldn't get anything going today," Fowler said.
-AFP
Tags: sport, golf, australia, united-statesMcIlroy wins US Open
Published:Monday, June 20, 2011 7:23 AESTExpires:Sunday, September 18, 2011 7:23 AEST
Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy has taken a convincing victory at the US Open golf tournament in Maryland.
Tags: sport, golf, australia, northern-ireland, united-statesMcllroy wins US Open
Published:Monday, June 20, 2011 10:03 AESTExpires:Sunday, September 18, 2011 10:03 AEST
Northern Irish 22-year-old Rory McIlroy rewrites the record books as he strolls to an 8-stroke win at the US Open.
Tags: golf, northern-ireland, united-statesTiger out, Donald in for Aussie Masters
Posted June 22, 2011 14:19:00 World number one Luke Donald has been confirmed for the Australian Masters, but former champion Tiger Woods has decided to give it a miss.
The tournament will be held from December 15-18 at Victoria Golf Club, later than last year after losing its traditional November time-slot.
Along with Donald, fellow Englishman and world number 14 Ian Poulter has committed to the event, as has Australia's defending champion Stuart Appleby.
"I have never played in Australia but I have heard so many great things about the sandbelt courses, the people there, and the country's culture," Donald said.
"I am really looking forward to the trip and the experience."
However Woods, who won the tournament in 2009 and was again a major drawcard last year, will be absent.
David Rollo, vice-president of promoter IMG, said there were high hopes of attracting more top-class overseas players, as well as a strong Australian contingent.
The Victorian Government has committed to continuing to help fund the tournament this year and in 2012 and 2013, saying it provided a significant economic boost to the state through tourism.
-AFP
Tags: sport, golf, vic, melbourne-3000A kiss for the silverware
Rory McIlroy kisses the trophy after winning the 111th US Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, on June 19, 2011.
Tags: sport, golf, united-states
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2001 MASTERS TOURNA - DVD MovieWatney rides one to the hole
Nick Watney reacts to a missed birdie on the 18th hole during the third round of the PGA National at Aronimink Golf Club on July 2, 2011 in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
Tags: sport, golf, united-statesDay tees off during final round
Jason Day watches his tee shot on the second hole during the final round of the 111th US Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, on June 19, 2011.
Tags: sport, golf, united-statesCantlay shoots record 60 at River Highlands
Updated June 25, 2011 11:07:00 American Patrick Cantlay became the first amateur to shoot a 60 on the PGA Tour after blitzing the TPC River Highlands course in the second round of the Travelers Championship on Friday.
Having to play 36 holes after Thursday was washed out, the 19-year-old opened with a 67 and then exploded with a second round 10-under to move to a 13-under total of 127 under overcast skies.
The spectacular round of eight birdies and an eagle left Cantlay with a four-stroke lead over a clutch of players tied for second after play was halted with about half the field yet to finish their second rounds.
"I hit it really good this afternoon. I hit only a couple of bad drives and they didn't put me in any trouble," Cantlay told reporters.
"On the greens I felt really, really comfortable and I felt like I could roll almost any putt I had in."
Americans Webb Simpson, Vaughn Taylor and DJ Trahan were in the club-house tied for second on nine-under with Brazilian Alexandre Rocha.
Argentine Andres Romero was also nine-under after five holes of his second round.
Cantlay, who took low amateur honours at the US Open, had a 30 on the front nine and another 30 coming in, kicking the round off with a birdie at the first and consecutive birdies at five, six, eight and nine.
His back nine was quiet until an eagle at the par-five 13th, his second of the day there, sparked a run of closing birdies at 14, 17 and 18.
Cantley finished his round with a sublime eight-iron approach from 152 yards that spun back to settle within three feet of the 18th cup.
"I didn't know that no amateur had ever shot a 60, that wasn't really in my brain," Cantlay said. "I knew where I was and I knew I needed to make eagle on 18 for a 59. But you know, it's tough to hole it from 152."
The last birdie also set a new course record, topping the 61 shared by five players, including Phil Mickelson and Kenny Perry, who achieved the feat in 2009.
Cantlay will now focus on becoming the first amateur to win a PGA title since Mickelson in 1991 at the Northern Telecom Open. Scott Verplank (1985), Doug Sanders (1956) and Gene Littler (1954) also won titles as amateurs.
- Reuters
Tags: sport, golf, united-states First posted June 25, 2011 11:01:00McIlroy better than me at 22: Woods
Posted June 29, 2011 10:12:00 Tiger Woods said on Tuesday it was fun watching Rory McIlroy run away with the US Open this year and feels the Northern Irishman is a better player than he was at the tender golfing age of 22.
"That was pretty good, wasn't it? That was some seriously good playing," Woods told reporters at the AT and T National PGA event he is hosting this week at Aronimink.
McIlroy set a number of US Open scoring records en route to an eight-shot win on June 19 that recalled Woods's 12-shot triumph at the 1997 Masters as a 21-year-old and the American's 15-shot win at the 2000 US Open at Pebble Beach.
"In 1997 when I was, what, 21, granted I had some success, but I didn't like my golf swing. That's why I changed it," the 14-time major winner said when asked to compare himself to McIlroy.
"I felt like at the same age, his swing is definitely better than mine was at the same age.
"But in '99 my swing came together and I had a pretty good next two years," Woods said about a period in his career that produced the so-called 'Tiger Slam' in which he held all four major championship titles at the same time.
"He needs to obviously continue working on it and continue getting better. And he's still young ... so it's fun to see someone who's of that age play the way he did and handle himself the way he did after Augusta," Woods added, referring to the Masters in April when McIlroy squandered a four-stroke lead in the final round.
"Hey, we've all fallen, we've all made mistakes and played poorly and lost tournaments ... It's fun to see someone apply what they've learned and succeed while doing it."
Woods said he was impressed by how McIlroy, now world number three, kept playing aggressively at Congressional despite holding a big lead.
"It was cool to see that he had softer conditions and he was able to go low but also was able to continue pushing it, and that's what's fun. When you have a lead to keep building on it and keep pushing," said Woods.
"That was very impressive playing. To do that at a US Open, to be that aggressive the entire time, that was cool to watch."
- Reuters
Tags: sport, golf, united-statesMcIlroy attracts high praise from peers
Posted June 20, 2011 15:25:00 Rory McIlroy was showered in praise by his peers all week at Congressional Country Club, but the accolades flew especially thick and fast after his runaway victory at the US Open.
At the age of 22, the mop-haired Northern Irishman clinched his first major title by an astonishing eight shots, raising comparisons with the record 15-shot margin achieved by Tiger Woods at the 2000 US Open.
"Rory has set himself apart now in potential," triple major champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland said after tying for 46th place, a staggering 21 shots behind McIlroy.
"Rory has been lapping the field.
"Sometimes you see a guy run away with a tournament and they're draining putts from all angles.
"From what I've seen, he's been very comfortable and it's been well within him. It's really been a very easygoing lapping of the field.
"There might be people capable of winning a major, but there are not too many people capable of dominating and running away from the field in a major."
American Phil Mickelson had a front-row seat at Congressional after playing the first two rounds in the company of McIlroy.
"He's playing some terrific golf," the left-hander said.
"It's pretty cool. You can tell that Rory has had this type of talent in him for some time now, and to see him putting it together is pretty neat."
Fellow American Steve Stricker agreed.
"He's got the world in front of him," Stricker said after carding a 1-under-par to share 19th place.
"Fundamentally he's as good as we've seen ever in my era, take Tiger Woods out of it.
"When Tiger was going well, that's as good as I've ever seen. I think Rory is in that same boat. His swing is mechanically sound, he's got a great short game, he putts it well and he's long. He's got all the tools."
McIlroy's good friend Graeme McDowell, who won last year's US Open at Pebble Beach, described his fellow Northern Irishman as the best player he had ever seen.
"Nothing this kid does ever surprises me," McDowell said after signing off with a 69 at Congressional.
"I didn't have a chance to play with Tiger when he was in his real pomp, and this guy is the best I've ever seen, simple as that.
"He's great for golf. He's a breath of fresh air for the game and perhaps we're ready for golf's next superstar. Maybe Rory is it.
"He's the best driver of the golf ball I've ever seen."
British world number one Luke Donald, who played with McIlroy on last year's triumphant European Ryder Cup team, was also lavish with his praise.
"He has probably the most talent I've ever seen from a golfer," Donald said.
"Lovely to watch him play, such a fluid motion, and he hits it far.
"He's not quite dominating the game yet ... but he'll be a tough force to reckon with. He's going to be high on confidence, and he's already got the game to beat anyone."
Perhaps most significantly, McIlroy has already made a huge impact on 18-times major champion Jack Nicklaus, widely regarded as the best player of all time.
"I think this kid's going to have a great career," Nicklaus told NBC television during the final round.
"I don't think there's any question about it. He's got all the components.
"I like his moxie. I like the way he carries himself. You've got to have confidence in what you're doing.
"He's got a lot of people rooting for him.
"He's humble when he needs to be humble and he's confident when he needs to be confident."
-Reuters
Tags: sport, golf, united-kingdom, northern-ireland, united-statesScott left behind by Choi course record
Updated July 2, 2011 10:54:00 Australian Adam Scott surrendered his share of the lead at the PGA National in Pennsylvania and dropped back to be three shots off the pace of second round pacesetter KJ Choi.
Korean Choi birdied five of his last six holes for a 6-under-par 64 that tied the course record and gave him a two-shot lead.
Choi capped his sizzling round with a one-foot tap-in for birdie at the 605-yard, par-five ninth after his approach shot nearly fell into the cup. He stood at 7-under-par 133.
Americans Justin Leonard (67), Chris Riley (66) and Bo Van Pelt (66), and Charlie Wi (66) of South Korea shared second place at 5-under-par 135.
Four players were tied on 136, including American Jeff Overton, who fired a 65 to get back into contention.
Scott followed his opening round 66 with a 1-over 71 and was at 3-under 137, a total he shared with Americans Rickie Fowler and Joe Ogilvie.
Choi, who missed the cut in his last start at the US Open two weeks ago, caught fire on Aronimink's front nine after beginning his morning round at the 10th.
His final birdie matched the 64 shot by 2010 champion Justin Rose of Britain in the second round last year.
Choi said he had not been aware what the course record was.
"But as I kept making birdies, I noticed that the reactions of the gallery, the people were very positive and I started feeling that I'm working toward a special round," he said through a translator.
"I'm not really a records kind of guy. I don't really pay attention. My style is just playing hole by hole, trying my best each hole, each shot. When I heard I tied the record, I felt very happy, very pleased about that."
Choi won the inaugural National when it was played at Congressional in Bethesda, Maryland, in 2007.
The tournament was switched to Aronimink a year ago so that Congressional could prepare the course for this year's Open, and it will return to Congressional for the next three years.
Choi will try to become the first player to win the event hosted by Tiger Woods twice and add to his victory earlier this season at the Players Championship.
-ABC/Reuters
Tags: sport, golf, australia, united-states First posted July 2, 2011 10:29:00The scoreboard says it all
Rory McIlroy walks past a scoreboard after his birdie on the 10th hole during the final round of the 2011 US Open at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, on June 19, 2011.
Tags: sport, golf, united-statesThe Drum - Friday 24 June
Published:Friday, June 24, 2011 6:05 AESTExpires:Thursday, September 22, 2011 6:05 AEST
Peter Wilkins hosts a sports discussion with Jessica Halloran from the Sunday Telegraph, Cameron Green from ABC News Radio and AFL author Tony Wilson.
Tags: grief, unions, australian-football-league, boxing, golf, nrl, socceroos, tennis, state-of-origin, australiaGolf LIke A Pro By Mitch Tarr
Top Golf Tips Organized To Teach You How To Lower Your Score . . . While You Play The Game.
Check it out!
Tseng takes charge at LPGA Championship
Updated June 26, 2011 09:29:00 World No. 1 Yani Tseng of Taiwan fired a 5-under par 67 on Sunday morning to seize a five-stroke lead after the third round of the LPGA Championship as she bids for a fourth major title.
Tseng, looking for a wire-to-wire victory in the second women's golf major championship of 2011, was leading the year's first major, the Kraft Nabisco, after 54 holes last April but fired a 74 and lost to American Stacy Lewis.
"I learned from that. I won't grab the trophy on the first hole," Tseng said.
"I'm excited. I will just go out there with a big smile tomorrow and enjoy it."
Entering the final round, 22-year-old Tseng stood on 13-under 203 with Americans Morgan Pressel and Cindy Lacrosse sharing second on 208 and South Korean Hee Young Park fourth on 210.
"I'll be right in front of her trying to put pressure on her," Pressel said of Tseng.
"I just have to be aggressive, not stupidly aggressive but just be patient and make putts. I've got to make some birdies but I'll give it a shot."
A pack sharing fifth on 211 included South Korean Meena Lee and Americans Lewis, Paula Creamer and Cristie Kerr, who matched Tseng for the day's low round. Creamer fired 18 pars to stay in the hunt.
Tseng could complete a career grand slam at next month's US Women's Open after winning last year's Kraft Nabisco and Women's British Open crowns and the 2008 LPGA Championship.
Tseng birdied the par-4 second and added another at the par-3 ninth, then fired back-to-back birdies at the par-4 12th and 13th holes, stretching her lead to five strokes.
After stumbling with a bogey at the par-4 14th, Tseng responded with birdies at the par-3 15th and par-5 17th and needed another at the 18th to match the 54-hole tournament record of retired Swedish legend Annika Sorenstam.
Tseng was three-feet short on a 25-foot birdie putt but tapped in to finish an impressive round after leading by only a stroke after the first two days.
"I just wanted to stay below the hole, be very patient and make my putts," Tseng said of her round.
"To put it in the fairway, that's the most important thing. I just kept it below the pin. I just wanted to enjoy it and just relax."
Tseng could become the first player since retired Mexican star Lorena Ochoa in 2008 to win a major after capturing the prior regular LPGA event, having won the LPGA State Farm Classic two weeks ago, her seventh career LPGA crown.
Tseng also won her first four events of the year, the first in Taiwan, the next two in Australia and the LPGA season opener in Thailand.
Lacrosse birdied three of the first five holes on her way to a third-round 69.
"I've scrambled around and made some good par saves," Lacrosse said. "My putting and chipping has been pretty good."
Lewis, whose first career victory was at the Kraft Nabisco, will try to finish the first half of a grand slam by overhauling Tseng again on the last day.
"Off the tee she can lose it a litle bit," Lewis said. "I think if she has got a couple shot lead she has got a good chance."
- AFP
Tags: sport, golf, united-states First posted June 26, 2011 09:24:00Tseng takes massive win in US
Published:Monday, June 27, 2011 7:24 AESTExpires:Sunday, September 25, 2011 7:24 AEST
Taiwanese golfer Yani Tseng has won the LPGA Championship by 10 strokes in New York.
Tags: golf, taiwan, united-statesLate birdie gives Jacobson Travelers lead
Posted June 26, 2011 10:00:00 Sweden's Fredrik Jacobson rolled in a birdie putt on 18 to finish with a 7-under-par 63 on Sunday morning and take a one-stroke lead into the final round of the PGA Travelers Championship.
Jacobson sank a 31-foot putt on 18 to post his third straight bogey-free round at the $US6 million tournament on the River Highlands course.
Bryce Molder sank a 38-foot birdie putt on 17 to move into a tie with Jacobson. He shot a third round 6-under 64 to finish at 15-under 195.
Jacobson is seeking his first win on the US PGA Tour after posting three victories in Europe. American Molder is chasing his first PGA victory.
American Amateur Patrick Cantlay had the lead after two rounds but the 19-year-old bogeyed his final two holes on Saturday. He dropped to 11-under 199 and sits tied for 10th place.
An amateur has not won a PGA Tour event since Phil Mickelson in the 1991 Northern Telecom Open in Arizona.
James Driscoll of the United States posted a 64 and is alone in third at 13-under-par 197.
World No.15 Nick Watney (68) headlines a group of half a dozen players tied for fourth, including Argentina's Andreas Romero.
- AFP
Tags: sport, golf, united-statesTseng wins LPGA Championship
Updated June 27, 2011 09:25:00 World No.1 Yani Tseng of Taiwan captured her fourth major title on Monday morning in overwhelming fashion, firing a final-round 6-under-par 66 to win the LPGA Championship at Locust Hill in New York by 10 strokes.
The 22-year-old Asian star became the youngest player to collect a fourth career major title, having previously taken last year's Kraft Nabisco and Women's British Open crowns as well as the 2008 LPGA Championship.
"I don't think about being the youngest," Tseng said. "I just focus on the shots and the tournament."
Tseng finished 72 holes on 19-under par 269 to complete a wire-to-wire victory for her eighth career LPGA crown.
Asked if she has ever played better, Tseng said, "I don't think so, especially because this is a major."
American Morgan Pressel was second on 279, one stroke ahead of compatriots Paula Creamer and Cristie Kerr and Norway's Suzann Pettersen.
South Korean Meena Lee and American Stacy Lewis, the year's first major winner, were on 282.
Tseng also led this year's first major, the Kraft Nabisco, after 54 holes in April but went on to fire a 74 and lost to Lewis.
Tseng will have the chance to complete a career Grand Slam in two weeks at the US Women's Open in Colorado on the same Broadmoor course where Tseng's friend and role model, retired legend Annika Sorenstam, won her first major.
"I'm just going to talk to Annika, get some tips, go to the swimming pool and then head for the mountains," Tseng said.
"I think I have a chance (to win for the career Slam) the way I'm playing now. That sounds really good."
New face of the game
Sorenstam, a 10-time major champion from Sweden, lives only a long chip shot from Tseng in Florida after Tseng bought Sorenstam's former home.
Sorenstam warned current players that Tseng's best might very well be yet to come.
"She's playing some amazing golf. The way she is playing a major is really, really impressive," Sorenstam said. "She is the new face of the LPGA. She's great for the game.
"She still has some things to improve. Once she does, she is going to be hard to stop."
Tseng became the first player since retired Mexican star Lorena Ochoa in 2008 to win a major after winning her prior LPGA event, having won the State Farm Classic two weeks ago.
Taiwan prodigy Tseng is a former teen training partner of Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, who won his first major title last week at the US Open at age 22.
While McIlroy hopes to become a dominant figure on the men's side beyond a single triumph, Tseng has already served notice this is her era in majors as well as this season.
Tseng won her first four events of the year, the first in Taiwan, the next two in Australia and the LPGA season opener in Thailand.
After waking up with a five-stroke lead, Tseng appeared to open the door for her pursuers with a bogey at the first. But Tseng birdied the next three holes and birdied the sixth and par-5 eighth to pull away.
"I just told myself, 'It's only the first hole. It's better than a bogey on 10 or 18,'" Tseng said. "I just told myself to be patient and try to get it back."
Tseng also birdied the next par-5 hole, the 11th, before taking another bogey at the 13th. Tseng responded with a birdie at 14 and another at the par-5 17th to reach 19-under and stretch her lead to double digits.
Tseng marched up to the 18th green to applause to find her ball 15 feet from the cup for a closing birdie. The putt rolled up just short but she dropped in a two-footer to finish off the triumph, then raised her arms to celebrate.
"I had very good emotions," Tseng said. "I felt so many people supporting me. I really feel appreciated."
Pettersen was already playing to prepare for the US Women's Open because Tseng was so far ahead.
"I just tried to grind it out and find something for the Open," Pettersen said.
"I found a little something but it was too late. Yani is playing really well out here. She's going to be a tough competitor all year around."
- AFP
Tags: sport, golf, united-states First posted June 27, 2011 09:18:00Watney on top in Pennsylvania
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)