Disappointed Scott finishes with flourish

Updated April 29, 2012 20:11:29

Adam Scott fired his best round of the week, a 7-under par 65, but it was not enough to lift the world number 12 into the top 10 at the Ballantine's Championship.

The Australian who was the highest ranked player in the field at Blackstone Golf Club, Icheon, could not hide his disappointment despite his final-day flourish which left him in a tie for 12th on 280, 8-under par.

"Well, it's quite disappointing really," he said.

"After playing quite a good round on Thursday, which was the tough day, I played my way right out of it on Friday," Scott added, referring to his 76.

"It is some consolation to put together a nice weekend," he added.

"You can always take some confidence from playing well. It's better than battling around for nothing special.

"Nice to be able to make some birdies, hitting some good shots and I'll take that stuff with me back to the States and hopefully put four days together at my next outing.

"It's a good time to be starting to play good and make the most of the summer. Three majors left this year and the Players Championship among others. There's lots still to play for."

AFP

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First posted April 29, 2012 20:11:29

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Dufner wins maiden title, Donald back at number one

Updated April 30, 2012 09:36:16

American Jason Dufner clinched his first PGA Tour title with a playoff victory over Ernie Els at the New Orleans Classic, while Luke Donald in third reclaimed the world number one spot.

Dufner, a runner-up three times on the US circuit, sealed the win with a two-putt birdie on the second extra hole at the TPC Louisiana, the par-five 18th.

Both players had good birdie chances at the first extra hole, also the 18th, but Dufner missed his attempt there from seven feet and Els from six feet.

The duo had finished the regulation 72 holes on 19-under-par 269, Els eagling the seventh on his way to a five-under 67 and Dufner narrowly missing a 10-foot birdie putt at the last to close with a 70.

Britain's Donald fired a 67 to finish alone in third at 17-under and will regain the number one spot from Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy when the new official rankings are issued.

Donald needed to finish better than seventh to reclaim the number one spot from McIlroy that he relinquished to the Ulsterman when finishing 37th at the Heritage Classic two weeks ago.

Reuters

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First posted April 30, 2012 08:51:21

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Dufner retains lead in New Orleans

Updated April 29, 2012 08:47:56

American Jason Dufner birdied two of the last four holes to take a two-shot lead in Saturday's third round of the New Orleans Classic in Avondale, Louisiana and close in on a maiden PGA Tour victory.

A stroke in front of the chasing pack overnight, journeyman Dufner broke clear of a three-way logjam late in the day as he birdied the 15th and last holes to card a five-under-par 67.

The laid-back 35-year-old came close to eagling the par-five 18th for the second day in a row after hitting an exquisite second shot to 12 feet but his first putt pulled up an inch short of the cup.

The tap-in birdie gave Dufner a 17-under total of 199 at the TPC Louisiana with Canadian Graham DeLaet alone in second after carding a seven-birdie 66.

South African Ernie Els, a three-times major winner, birdied three of the last six holes for a 68 to lie three strokes off the pace with American John Rollins (69).

Dufner, who twice lost out in playoffs on the PGA Tour last season, mixed four birdies with a lone bogey to reach the turn in three-under 33.

Though he was briefly caught at the top by DeLaet and Rollins, he broke clear with his birdie at the par-four 15th where his approach ended up just two feet from the pin.

Playing with his customary unflappable demeanour, Dufner safely parred the short 17th before tightening his grip on the tournament with another birdie at the last.

British world number two Luke Donald, who had battled to an opening 73, was delighted to finish the round five strokes off the lead having followed Friday's 65 with a seven-birdie 66.

"It was just a solid round," the Englishman said. "I had kind of a slow start on Thursday but 13 under for the last 36 holes is very pleasing and I'm playing a lot better. I'm back here in the mix a little bit."

Reuters

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First posted April 29, 2012 08:47:56

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Dufner seizes New Orleans lead

Updated April 28, 2012 17:53:28

Jason Dufner rolled in a 30-foot eagle putt at the 18th hole to cap a 7-under 65 and take a one-shot lead after two rounds of the US PGA Tour event in New Orleans.

Dufner, seeking to break through for a first US tour title, also had five birdies in his bogey-free effort at TPC Louisiana and took a 12-under total of 132 into the weekend.

"I had just a really good number for my five-wood to get somewhere on that green and had a putt that was down grain and breaking to the left with the grain, so that was a nice way to finish the day," Dufner said of his eagle at the last, which left him one shot in front of Scotland's Russell Knox, John Rollins and Ken Duke.

Knox matched the course record with a 64, Rollins a 66 and overnight co-leader Duke a 68 for 133.

Australian Greg Chalmers holed out from 137 yards for an eagle on the par-four first en route to his 64, which saw him join South African Ernie Els (68) and Steve Stricker (68) on 134.

Defending champion Bubba Watson, making his first start since winning his first major title at the Masters, posted his second straight 71 to make the cut by a stroke.

Watson's round included an eagle at the seventh and hitting a spectator in the head with a hooked drive.

He admitted that he has yet to regain his concentration after taking a fortnight off in the wake of his Masters triumph.

He admitted that he was longing to be home with his wife and their recently adopted son.

"I want to be home with my son and wife. I know it sounds like a cop-out but I'm not playing very good because I'm just really not into it," Watson said.

World number two Luke Donald of England bounced back after a disappointing first-round 73 with a 65 for 138.

Donald also holed out from the fairway at the first hole.

Dufner launched his round with a three-foot birdie at the first. He birdied three in a row from the fifth and added another at the par-five 11th.

"I had a couple of easy birdies," Dufner said.

"I don't think I missed a fairway or a green. Just had some tough reads."

Dufner has led or held a share of the lead after 36 holes at two of his last four tournaments, including the Masters, but he has yet to close the deal.

"I've been trying to think about what I can do better mentally, what I can do better emotionally out there and learn from some things that I maybe struggled with," Dufner said.

"Obviously, there's a lot of different things that go into winning besides hitting the golf ball."

Knox, a graduate of the Nationwide developmental tour who is making his ninth PGA Tour start, had seven birdies and an eagle at 18 with one bogey.

"You never plan on shooting a 64, it kind of happens and I'm happy it did," Knox said.

"I haven't played well this year so far, but it's been the best year of my life."

US veteran Stricker pulled level with Dufner with four straight birdies from the seventh, but missed a two-foot birdie putt at 11 and gave back two strokes with bogeys coming in.

AFP

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First posted April 28, 2012 17:53:28

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Day withdraws from Masters

Updated April 07, 2012 07:55:42

Australia's Jason Day pulled out of the Masters at Augusta, Georgia during the second round due to an ankle injury.

Day, last year's joint runner-up, had completed seven holes and was at 5-over-par for the tournament when he decided to end his participation.

He enjoyed a breakthrough season last year when he tied with fellow Australian Adam Scott at his first-ever Masters behind winner Charl Schwartzel and then took second place two months later behind Rory McIlroy at the US Open.

That propelled him into the world top 10 and he started this year's Masters seen as a good outside bet for the year's first major.

Day is the third player to withdraw from the original field of 97 after Americans Dustin Johnson and Mark O'Meara.

AFP

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First posted April 07, 2012 07:55:42

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Scott and Day lead Aussie charge

Updated April 03, 2012 08:55:18

Both Adam Scott and Jason Day are convinced that after years of heartache, the day will dawn soon when an Australian wins the US Masters.

The two men came agonizingly close last year when they finished tied for second place, two shots behind upset winner Charl Schwartzel of South Africa.

Scott even led by one shot with two holes to go and parred the tough 17th and 18th only to have the green jacket that goes to the winners of the Masters snatched away from him by Schwartzel, who made history by birdieing the final four holes.

The 31-year-old from Adelaide insists that he has no regrets over the way he played the closing stretch 12 months ago despite the outcome.

"I think it was the first time late on a Sunday that I had a chance. I walked to the 17th tee with a one shot lead and parred the last two holes, which I thought was pretty good on those holes. And normally, that is pretty good," he said.

"But what happened last year was extraordinary by Charl. I'm not disappointed with anything I did that day.

"I think under the pressure, I played some really good golf coming in, and that's what I learned about myself and where my game is at and where my head is at as a player."

Still, the way the tournament finished last year was another agonising twist in the long history of Australian near misses at Augusta National.

Prior to Scott and Day, three other Australians had to settle for runner-up finishes.

The others were Bruce Crampton in 1972, Jack Newton in 1980 and Greg Norman three times, in 1986 to Jack Nicklaus' epic win at age 46, to a Larry Mize chip-shot in a 1987 playoff and to a last-day collapse in 1996 that gave Nick Faldo a third Masters crown.

Scott says although he feels no extra burden on his shoulders, he knows what it would mean to all Australian sports fans for either himself or Day to shatter the jinx this week.

"It's one of those sporting hurdles that no Australian has gotten over, and it may be one of the last ones for the sports that we play in our country, after Cadel Evans winning Tour de France last year," he said.

"Now the Masters has really gone beyond just golfers in Australia, too. I think, thanks to Greg Norman and the years he played and the icon he is in Australia, he took golf beyond just the golfers and made it recognized by the whole Australian public.

"It's going to happen, for sure. We have a lot of great players and we always have and it has just not happened. I think it's just coincidence that it has not happened. One year someone is going to get across the line."

Echoing his comments, Day, who enjoyed a breakthrough season last year when he also finished second in the US Open and broke into the world top 10, said that the Masters had become akin to a Holy Grail for many Australians.

"I would love to win this tournament one day. I do believe that an Australian will win it soon," the 24-year-old Queenslander said.

"In Australian sports, we have conquered a lot of different sporting events around the world. This is probably one of the last few that we would like to get to.

"But I would be very, very happy if one of the Australians this week won. Obviously I think that will kind of ease the pressure off our shoulders, and we can just go and play instead of worrying about being the first person to win."

Australians other than Scott and Day competing this week are Aaron Baddeley, Geoff Ogilvy, John Senden and amateur debutante Bryden MacPherson.

AFP

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First posted April 03, 2012 08:07:04

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Woods feeling good after PGA return

Updated March 23, 2012 10:33:31

Tiger Woods put himself among the leaders at the Arnold Palmer Invitational with a 3-under par 69 in the opening round of his first USPGA tournament since an injury scare.

The 14-time major winner, chasing the all-time record of 18 major wins by Jack Nicklaus, pulled out of the World Golf Championships event at Doral two weeks ago in the final round with a tightness in his left Achilles tendon.

After a week of treatment with what was diagnosed as a strain, Woods played the two-day Tavistock Cup exhibition, a practice round on Wednesday and his first tournament round on Thursday at Bay Hill with no injury problems.

That's a good sign for Woods in his final tune-up event before the Masters, the year's first major championship, tees off in two weeks.

"I'm feeling good," Woods said.

"Everything is good. No swelling. If I can just keep it that way, everything will be great."

South Korean Charlie Wi and American Jason Dufner were the clubhouse leaders on 66, two strokes ahead of American Nick Watney with Woods among a host of players three adrift at the $6 million event.

Woods, who began off the 10th tee, birdied the par-5 12th and had back-to-back birdies at the par-4 15th and par-5 16th before taking his lone bogey at the day at 16. He answered with a final birdie at the par-5 sixth.

"I didn't really do anything great. I was just solid all day," Woods said.

"I drove the ball well, hit my irons decent and putted all right.

"I took something off most of my drives. I didn't really feel great with my tee shots but I was getting the ball in play. Ball is flying forever. Normal drives go about 310 (yards). It was kind of nice."

Woods can feel the difference in his tee shots after spending much of last year nursing injuries.

"I'm in a position where I can hit it again. That's something that has been missing for a while," Woods said.

"I feel that I can go ahead and hit that shot if called for and it's a nice little safety shot to have."

AFP

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First posted March 23, 2012 10:33:31

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Tiger Woods bounces back from injury

Updated March 20, 2012 09:29:55

Tiger Woods made a successful return from his Achilles tendon injury at the $2 million Tavistock Cup on Tuesday (AEDT), joining Justin Rose in a nine-under-par 63 four-ball pairing.

Eight days after withdrawing with tendon tightness from the final round of the World Golf Championships event at Doral, Woods teed off in the 36-hole challenge between rival clubs, open only to club members and invited guests.

Showing no apparent limp, Woods and England's Rose combined for 10 birdies for Team Albany against a lone bogey in the better-ball format of the exhibition event, which matches six-man teams of PGA players from Isleworth, Albany, Lake Nona and Queenwood.

Isleworth led after day one at 26-under with host Lake Nona second at 24-under, defending champion Albany third at 23-under and Queenwood fourth at 17-under.

The US duo of Bo Van Pelt and Sean O'Hair fired 11 birdies and an eagle at the par-5 15th for the low round of any pairing at 13-under 59.

The event concludes on Tuesday with a singles stroke-play format.

Health fears abounded over Woods, a 14-time major champion chasing the all-time record 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus, when he walked off at Doral after hitting his tee shot on the 12th hole.

But Woods rested his leg and received medical treatment and said last week he would play in the Tavistock event, the US PGA Arnold Palmer Invitational that begins at Bay Hill on Thursday and at the Masters, which starts April 5.

Four duos were next at nine-under including Woods and Rose, Americans Bubba Watson and Charles Howell for Isleworth and Lake Nona pairs Ben Curtis of the United States and Peter Hanson of Sweden and Ross Fisher of England and Retief Goosen of South Africa.

Albany's South African duo of Ernie Els and Tim Clark were eight-under 64 while Woods's other team-mates, South African Trevor Immelman and England's Ian Poulter, finished at six-under 66 in the final group.

AFP

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First posted March 20, 2012 09:26:05

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Donald loses number one ranking

Updated April 16, 2012 11:51:44

England's Luke Donald has surrendered golf's world number one ranking to Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy after a poor showing at the US PGA Heritage tournament.

Donald fired a level-par 71 on Sunday to finish on two-over par 286 for 72 holes, well off the pace. He needed to share eighth place or better this week to keep his razor-thin margin ahead of McIlroy in the rankings.

Once eight players reached the clubhouse ahead of him, Donald was ensured of giving the top spot back to McIlroy, whom he passed last month for the honour.

"Is it a concern? No," Donald said. "I would have liked to have played a bit more consistently this year. I built it up nicely last year through tournaments and winning a bunch.

"As a result there's a little bit of fluctuation in the world rankings now."

This is the seventh change at world number one since Lee Westwood overtook Tiger Woods in November 2010, ending the American's five-year run on top.

Westwood, Donald and now McIlroy have all had two spells as world number one, with Martin Kaymer also enjoying an 8-week run in 2011.

Donald, still seeking his first major title, first claimed the top ranking after winning last year's BMW PGA Championship on the European Tour.

"It's a lot more the focus the first time around," Donald said. "Now my focus is on winning tournaments."

Reigning US Open champion McIlroy, who turns 23 on May 4, claimed the top spot for the first time in his young career last month when he won the US PGA Honda Classic, ending a 40-week run by Donald.

But Donald moved past McIlroy two weeks later, reclaiming the top spot by winning the US PGA Transitions Championship.McIlroy, who was off this week, is not expected to play again until the US PGA Wells Fargo Championship in May at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Donald will return to PGA play in two weeks at New Orleans starting April 26.

Sweden's Carl Pettersson shot a final round two-under-par 69 to win the tournament at 14-under, five shots clear of his nearest rival, former Masters champion Zach Johnson who hit a one-under-par 70.

It was his first PGA Tour win since the 2010 Canadian Open and allowed him to match Jesper Parnevik's total of five wins for the most won by a Swedish player.

Colt Knost's chances of winning his first PGA Tour title vanished with a 74 that put him third, one stroke behind American Johnson.

AFP/Reuters

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First posted April 16, 2012 07:00:21

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Pettersson finds form in Masters tune-up

Updated March 30, 2012 13:52:29

Carl Pettersson rebounded from missed cuts in his last two PGA Tour starts by charging into an early tie for the lead in the weather-hit opening round of the Houston Open in Humble, Texas.

The 34-year-old Swede, putting superbly on the slick greens at Redstone Golf Club, birdied five of his first eight holes on the way to a 7-under-par 65 in the final tune-up event before next week's Masters.

Pettersson, a four-times champion on the US circuit, briefly got to 8-under but bogeyed the par-four 17th before finishing level with long-hitting Angel Cabrera of Argentina.

Americans Ricky Barnes and Jeff Maggert were a further stroke back after opening with matching 66s before play was suspended due to the threat of lightning in the area.

More than an inch of rain saturated the course during the afternoon and organisers later abandoned play for the day with only 51 players having completed the opening round.

Among those who will resume, or start, round one on Friday morning are defending champion Phil Mickelson, three-times major winner Ernie Els and Masters champion Charl Schwartzel.

British world number three Lee Westwood and fifth-ranked American Steve Stricker each carded 68s while US Ryder Cup player Hunter Mahan opened with a 69.

Pettersson, who reached the turn in 5-under 31, was delighted with his score after missing successive cuts in Florida and at last week's Arnold Palmer Invitational.

"I got off to a great start ... kept it going and got it to eight under," the Swede told reporters after mixing eight birdies with a lone bogey.

"It was a little disappointing bogeying 17, but I gave myself a great chance on 18 and didn't make it. I'm happy with seven under. I played really good ... solid from the tee, hit good irons and putted really well."

Reuters

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First posted March 30, 2012 13:52:29

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Oosthuizen wins Malaysian Open

Updated April 15, 2012 18:55:24

South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen bounced back from last week's US Masters heartbreak by romping to a three-stroke win in the rain-hit Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur.

Oosthuizen, who finished runner-up in the Masters to American Bubba Watson in a play-off, registered a total of 17-under-par 271, three ahead of Scotland's Stephen Gallacher.

The 2010 British Open champion, who made a 30-hour journey from Augusta National to take part in Kuala Lumpur, fired a 4-under 68 in the final round to win his fifth European Tour title.

Reuters

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First posted April 15, 2012 18:55:24

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Harrington, Byrd win Masters Par-3 title

Updated April 05, 2012 09:08:01

Ireland's Padraig Harrington and American Jonathan Byrd shared the title in Thursday's (AEST) rain-shortened Masters Par-3 Contest, both risking the tournament curse with the triumph.

No player has won the Par-3 Contest and captured the Masters in the same year since the short-course event began in 1960, so according to the jinx neither Harrington nor Byrd will not be donning a green jacket on Monday (AEST).

Harrington and Byrd each fired a five-under par 22 in the annual contest on the eve of the year's first major tournament, staged on a special nine-hole layout adjacent to the famed Masters course.

Australian Adam Scott was one stroke adrift with Masters debutante Webb Simpson on four-under as well through eight holes and Jerry Pate, a past Par-3 champion, at four-under after five holes when play was halted.

Harrington became the first three-time Par-3 winner, although he shared the 2003 title with American David Toms in the only other rain-halted Par-3 event and won a play-off for the 2004 title.

"The scoring was on," Harrington said. "Actually pretty average shots. I just played pretty nicely for nine holes."

Harrington's victory pushed him ahead of three other two-time Par-3 winners - Sam Snead, Japan's Isao Aoki and Scotsman Sandy Lyle.

Byrd birdied the last three holes to match Harrington just before the storm arrived to put himself on the jinxed list with the Irishman.

"I like making putts, whatever they are for," Byrd said.

Rain struck to halt the easy-going competition on an Augusta National layout that was lashed by 3.55 centimetres of precipitation during an early morning storm.

In a relaxed atmosphere, current stars and elder legends laughed and joked with each other and spectators, some even having family members serve as caddies and take some shots for them.

The early end came with many players yet to finish, including the group of Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player. The legendary threesome will serve as honorary starters on Friday morning (AEST) when the tournament begins.

World number one Luke Donald of England, who won last year's Par-3 Contest, opted not to defend his crown after making an effort to break the Masters jinx last year and settling for a share of fourth in his bid for a first major title.

"Last year I actually had a very focused goal of trying to win both of them, and it was something that I wanted to do, something that was different, to try and defy convention I suppose," Donald said.

"And I almost did it. I had a good chance at winning both. But this year I'm just going to concentrate on the main one."

AFP

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First posted April 05, 2012 08:59:48

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Tiger poised for push at Bay Hill

Updated March 24, 2012 12:08:11

Tiger Woods set himself up for a real shot at his first US PGA Tour win in over two years by grabbing a share of the lead after the second round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational in Orlando, Florida.

Woods, who shot a bogey-free round of 7-under-65, and South Korean Charlie Wi reached the halfway point level at 10-under for the tournament, a stroke ahead of Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell and in-form American Jason Dufner.

Marc Leishman is the best-placed Australian in an eight-way share of 15th position on 3-under, having shot a 1-under 71 in the second round.

Former world number one Woods has not won on the Tour since September, 2009, but has already racked up six titles on the Bay Hill course.

"Fortunately I've had a few places where I've felt comfortable and played well and this is one of them," Woods said.

"It was a solid round of golf. I actually felt like I hit it better yesterday than today but I've made more putts today for sure. I felt great over the putter.

"My speed was good, I left a couple of putts dead short right in the centre of the hole and it really could have been a really low round today. A lot of positives."

Wi, who shared the overnight lead with Dufner, birdied four of the last six holes to remain tied at the top of the leaderboard.

World number 17 McDowell produced a sparkling 9-under 63 to put himself in contention for what promises to be a fascinating weekend.

McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion, was also bogey-free and notched seven birdies, and an eagle at the par-five 16th.

His 63, one shy of the course record, was in marked contrast to last year when he slumped to an ugly 80 in the opening round.

"My record has not been very good here the last few years but still I had the belief I could come and compete here if I got it all together," he said.

England's Justin Rose carded a second 69 and is four shots behind the leaders after bogeys on the eighth and ninth restricted his progress.

Reuters

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First posted March 24, 2012 12:02:21

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Every breaks course in Texas

Updated April 22, 2012 10:23:21

Matt Every set a new course record with a flawless round of 63 to grab a three-shot lead after the first round of the Texas Open in San Antonio.

Every's 9-under-par round bettered by a stroke the 64 shot at the TPC course by Ryan Palmer and Scott Piercy in 2010.

"No bogies is always good no matter what course," Every said. "I didn't even know what the course record was until I got done.

"I kind of kept going and got a few good breaks in the middle of the round to keep the momentum going and then [it] added up to nine-under."

Every, who was watched by his heavily pregnant wife, had some luck on the first hole when he pulled his approach shot badly wide.

"I knew it was going to be no good and then it hit the rocks and kicked up right next to the green," he said.

"One of the best breaks I've ever gotten and I've been on the other end of those. I'll take it."

Hunter Haas was also bogey-free as he shot a 6-under 66, crowned perfectly with an eagle on the par-five final hole where he blasted his approach shot to just five feet from the pin.

Ben Curtis was another player to get through the opening round without a bogey as he made a 5-under 67.

Australia's Stuart Appleby shot a 1-under 71 to be in a share of 18th place.

Reuters

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First posted April 20, 2012 13:11:48

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McIlroy moves into Masters contention

Updated April 07, 2012 12:34:06

Rory McIlroy moved in for the kill and Tiger Woods was left kicking his club in frustration during a Masters second round that ended with Americans Jason Dufner and Fred Couples sharing the lead.

A log-jammed leaderboard, featuring five players one stroke off the pace, sets up a fascinating weekend for the first major of the year with 52-year-old Couples, winner at Augusta 20 years ago, cast in the role of underdog.

McIlroy, the world number two and US Open champion, shot a composed 2-under-par 69 to move within a stroke of the lead but the man he was presumed to be duelling with at Augusta - four-times Masters winner Woods - came close to imploding.

Woods pushed his tee shot right into the bunker on the 16th and hurled his club to the ground before kicking it away in a flash of anger and frustration.

There was no shortage of grimacing and muttering from a tired and unhappy looking Woods, as he battled through the final holes, struggling but avoiding a total meltdown that would have left him missing the cut.

After opening with birdies on two of his first three holes, Woods had five bogeys the rest of the way and posted a 3-over 75 that left him eight shots back of the leaders and three shots from missing the cut.

Aaron Baddeley is the best-placed Australian in an eight-way share off 11th position on 2-under, having shot a 1-under 71 in the second round.

His countryman Adam Scott, who was tied for second last year with another Australian Jason Day, is three strokes back after carding a 2-under 70.

Day was forced to pull out during the second round due to an ankle injury.

He had completed seven holes and was at 5-over-par for the tournament when he decided to withdraw.

McIlroy started the day four shots off the pace but the Northern Irishman made a solid start with three birdies on his first seven holes, including a 35-foot birdie putt on the par-three fourth.

He briefly had a share of the lead, after a birdie on the 15th, but slipped back after he bogeyed the 17th hole.

Spain's Sergio Garcia looked set to join the American duo atop the leaderboard but bogeyed the par-four 18th to finish at 4-under 68, a shot off the pace along with Lee Westwood (72), Louis Oosthuizen (72), McIlroy and Bubba Watson (71).

Couples mixed seven birdies with two bogeys for a 5-under 67, matching the second-round score he shot at Augusta National in 1992 when he won the Masters.

"I feel like I know every inch of the course. I've played 28 years here and today was really a magical day," Couples said.

"I'm going to be right there with everybody Saturday and Sunday, well, Saturday for sure."

Overnight leader Westwood had parred his first 10 holes and produced two birdies on the back nine but undid a lot of his work on the final hole where he three-putted for a double bogey.

South Africa's Oosthuizen, who began the day tied for second, had a rough start to his round with a double-bogey seven on the second hole before a strong finish that included three birdies on his final five holes.

But the surprise face among the leaders was Couples, who plays mainly on the senior Champions Tour but showed has vast understanding of the course where he won his only major.

The veteran, who started the day in a share of 29th place, had two bogeys and five birdies on the front nine and was flawless the rest of the way, making birdies at the 15th and 16th to move to 5-under.

Dufner has recently made a habit of getting into the lead in the first half of tournaments only to fade at weekends but he will be looking to go one better than at last year's PGA Championship where he lost in a play-off to Keegan Bradley.

South African Charl Schwartzel, who won last year's Masters title by two shots when he became the first champion to birdie the last four holes, was eight shots back after a 3-over 75.

Among those missing the cut were nine former Masters champions and reigning British Open champion Darren Clarke.

Reuters

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First posted April 07, 2012 10:31:24

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Lunn wins in Morocco

Updated March 26, 2012 07:31:15

Australia's Karen Lunn claimed the Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco, her 10th Ladies European Tour title.

Lunn was a stroke off the pace going into the final round but carded a 5-under-par 66 to win by three shots ahead of Norway's Marianne Skarpnord and South African Tandi Cuningham.

The 46-year-old finished the tournament on 12-under.

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First posted March 26, 2012 07:31:15

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Golf Gifts for Every Occasion

Woods ends PGA Tour title drought

Updated March 26, 2012 10:19:42

Tiger Woods ended his two-and-a-half year drought on the PGA Tour when he won the Arnold Palmer Invitational by five strokes, sending a warning signal to his rivals ahead of next month's Masters.

The former world number one shot a final round 70 to finish at 13-under-par at the Bay Hill course in Orlando, Florida where had won six times before.

The American claimed his 72nd PGA Tour title and his first since the BMW Championship in September, 2009.

"It does feel good. It feels really good. It has been a lot of hard work," Woods said.

"I am so thankful for a lot of people helping me along the way, they know who they are."

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion, finished second, five shots behind Woods, after starting the final round a shot in arrears.

The win was the first for Woods since the very public breakdown of his marriage after sordid details of his affairs were revealed.

It was also the first victory for Woods since the rebuilding of his swing by coach Sean Foley and comes just two weeks after he limped out of a PGA event at Doral, raising doubts about his fitness for the Masters.

McDowell was never able to mount a serious challenge to Woods after he made a double bogey on the first hole, going from one greenside bunker to another and closed with a 74.

Woods led by four strokes at the turn and maintained his composure on the back nine to end his title drought and boost his confidence ahead of the Masters.

Fast greens and high winds made for some challenging conditions but Woods limited himself to two bogeys and made some key saves, including a 13-foot putt for par on the 15th that effectively ended McDowell's hopes.

Fans followed Woods down to the 18th green, cheering wildly and after he made par on the final hole, the old chant of "Tiger, Tiger" boomed out from the gallery.

"It was incredible to have that type of support here," Woods said.

"I used to live here for a long time, it was neat to see some of my friends come out and follow and it was just great atmosphere around all week."

Woods has already 14 majors but none since the 2008 US Open and will be among the favourites to challenge at Augusta, along with the world's top two Luke Donald and Rory McIlroy.

"I'm excited there is no doubt. I am looking forward for the momentum that I've built here and the things that I have worked on in my game all coming together at the right time," Woods said.

Reuters

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First posted March 26, 2012 09:35:11

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Oosthuizen hits albatross

Updated April 09, 2012 11:47:17

US Masters runner-up Louis Oosthuizen hit only the fourth albatross in US Masters history early on the final day.

Oosthuizen's double eagle was the first 2 ever recorded on the par-5 second hole.

The albatross moved the South African from 7-under overnight to 10-under and, despite dropping shots at the fourth and tenth, he ended up on this score after birdies at the par-fives 13th and 15th.

This would have been good enough to win the tournament had winner Bubba Watson not hit four consecutive birdies on the back nine to draw level with him before taking the green jacket on the second playoff hole.

"You know, it was tough after that double eagle," Oosthuizen said, referring to his tremendous four-iron from 253 yards at the 575-yard hole.

"I mean, you know, when something like that happens early in your round, you think that this is it. That was my first double eagle ever.

"So it was tough. It was tough the next five holes to just get my head around it and just play the course.

"But I felt like I found my rhythm going down 11, and you know, played well in from there."

For the albatross, "Oosty" hit his approach from the middle of the fairway, watched it bounce onto the green, then roll down a slope and into the cup.

The only prior albatrosses record at Augusta National came from Jeff Maggert on the 13th hole in the 1994 final round, Bruce Devlin at the eighth in 1967's first round and Gene Sarazen in the final round of the second Masters in 1935.

AFP

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First posted April 09, 2012 06:24:04

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Miyazato wins inaugural Lotte title

Updated April 22, 2012 13:41:02

Japan's Ai Miyazato birdied three of her last six holes on Saturday en route to a 2-under 70 and a four-stroke victory in the inaugural LPGA Lotte Championship.

Miyazato claimed the eighth LPGA title of her career with a 12-under total of 276.

She had taken a three-shot lead into the final round and had four birdies and two bogeys on Saturday as windy conditions again made things difficult on the par-72 Ko Olina course.

Miyazato's victory comes after two runner-up finishes to world number one Yani Tseng of Taiwan this season, in Thailand and Phoenix.

South Korea's Meena Lee was tied for the lead after a birdie at the 15th, but she took a double-bogey six at the par-four 18th to complete a 2-under 70 for a share of second place along with Spain's Azahara Munoz.

Munoz carded a 71 to join Lee on 8-under 280.

It was a further stroke back to South Korea's So Yeon Ryu (71) and American Cristie Kerr (72) on 281.

Tseng, winner of three titles this year, carded a 74 that left her tied for 10th on 4-under - her seventh straight top-10 finish this year.

AFP

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First posted April 22, 2012 13:41:02

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Watson wins US Masters

Updated April 09, 2012 14:09:50

Bubba Watson claimed his first major, beating Louis Oosthuizen in a sudden-death play-off to win the US Masters at Augusta.

Watson hit four consecutive birdies on the back nine to move to 10-under alongside Oosthuizen, who earlier hit the fourth-ever albatross at the Masters, and force extra holes to decide a winner.

After both came close to securing a birdie on the first hole, the 18th, Watson looked in danger when he drove errantly on the second playoff hole.

However, the 33-year-old left-hander then hit a miraculous second close to the hole and with Oosthuizen missing the 10th green with his second, the momentum swung in the American's favour.

"I was down there before. Had a good lie," Watson said about his wonder shot. "Had a gap where I had to hook it. I'm pretty good at hooking it and I put it up there 40 yards and it rolled up their close."

The South African just missed a par putt meaning Watson needed two putts to win and he used both shots on offer to secure his par and take the green jacket.

"I should have put one down the middle," said Oosthuizen. "Great stuff to him. He deserves it. It was a great day. We had a lot of fun."

2010 British Open champion Oosthuizen lost despite making only the fourth "double eagle" in Masters history and the first ever fired at the par-5 second hole, with a 4-iron from 253 yards.

The ball bounced onto the green, then rolled down a slope to the left and into the cup as the crowd roared in delight as "Oosty" leaped into the lead and Watson, having watched history, began working to make up a four-shot gap.

"I just kept my head down, knowing there were birdies to be had down the back nine," Watson said. "I just kept grinding it out."

Watson's win is his fourth US Tour win and comes two years after he lost a play-off to Martin Kaymer in the 2010 US PGA Championship.

His victory means that a left-hander has won the tournament five times in the last ten years, after Mike Weir became the first southpaw to wear the jacket in 2003.

Three-time left-handed winner Phil Mickelson finished joint-third along with Matt Kuchar, overnight leader Peter Hanson and Lee Westwood at 8-under.

Mickelson, who was the favourite going into the final round, never quite recovered after hitting a triple bogey on the par-three fourth.

"It was tough," Mickelson said. "It was just a bad break."

Ian Poulter finished three shots back in seventh place.

Australia's Adam Scott hit a round of 66, which included a hole-in-one on the 16th to leave him joint eighth on 4-under along with Justin Rose and Padraig Harrington.

Pre-tournament favorites Tiger Woods, world number two Rory McIlroy and world number one Luke Donald struggled to finish out a disappointing weekend.

Woods, a 14-time major champion chasing the all-time record of 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus, finished on 5-over for the tournament, the worst Masters score of his professional career.

The former world number one was 2-over after 72 holes in 2003 and 2004. As an amateur he was 41st on 293 in 1995 and missed the 1996 cut.

"I didn't play the par-5s at all this week," Woods said. "It was an off week at the wrong time."

McIlroy, the 22-year-old Northern Irish prodigy who won last year's US Open after squandering a last-day Masters lead, reached as high as 7-over before two late birdies brought him level with Woods.

"I was hoping to do a lot better," McIlroy said. "I felt like I had a good chance going into the weekend and it just didn't happen."

England's Donald fired a 68 but finished on 3-over-par.

ABC/AFP

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First posted April 09, 2012 09:35:02

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Mahan wins Houston Open

Updated April 02, 2012 10:49:16

American Hunter Mahan became the first golfer to record multiple wins on the US PGA Tour this year by claiming a one-stroke victory over Sweden's Carl Pettersson at the Houston Open in Humble, Texas.

Mahan, who won the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in February, shot a 1-under-par 71 in the final round at Redstone to finish the tournament on 16-under.

Sweden's Carl Petterssen, who held the lead briefly before a two-shot swing in the middle of the round put Mahan back on top of the leaderboard, also posted a 71.

Former British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa began the day with a two-shot lead but double-bogeyed the fifth and eighth holes to slide back.

Oosthuizen, who romped to a seven-stroke victory at the 2010 British Open, got back on track in the back nine with three birdies to complete a 75 and finish third on 14-under.

John Senden (74) was the best-placed Australian in a share of 18th position on 8-under.

"I feel great. I had the lead for most of the back nine and hit some clutch shots, especially on 18," Mahan said after claiming his fifth career victory on the PGA Tour.

Mahan, 29, says the victory boosted his confidence and that he is looking forward to a chance at capturing his first major championship at the April 5-8 Masters at Augusta National.

"I'm playing good," he said.

"I'm glad I'm going to Augusta, it's really a special place and I'm looking forward to going there."

Tied for fourth place at 14-under were Americans Phil Mickelson (71), Keegan Bradley (71) and Jeff Overton (68) along with Briton Brian Davis (74).

Pettersson used a birdie at the first and another at the fourth hole to move into the lead as Oosthuizen struggled.

But the burly Swede bogeyed the 10th hole as Mahan ended a string of eight successive pars with a birdie at the ninth to take the lead. Mahan added a stroke to his advantage with another birdie at the 10th.

Mahan, who stood second after three rounds, gave back a stroke with a bogey at the par-three 14th, but held his nerve down the stretch.

Holding the one-shot lead, the American hit a perfect drive at the 488-yard par-four 18th hole and striped a seven-iron on a line just past the pin and two-putted for victory.

Reuters

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First posted April 02, 2012 08:39:05

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Players predict 'wide open' Masters

Updated April 05, 2012 15:28:50

Not since 2001, when Tiger Woods was seeking an unprecedented fourth successive major title, has a Masters tournament been so eagerly anticipated as this week's 76th edition.

Virtually all of the game's top players have arrived in good form at Augusta National where heavy rain during the event's build-up has softened the notoriously tricky greens, giving the more inexperienced participants a greater chance of success.

Woods, who ended a two and a half year title drought on the PGA Tour with victory at last month's Arnold Palmer Invitational, will be hunting his fifth green jacket at a venue where he has always felt extremely comfortable.

US Open champion Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland will be seeking redemption 12 months after a final-round meltdown in which he squandered a four-shot overnight lead with a closing 80.

World number one Luke Donald and fellow British player Lee Westwood, who have become regular contenders in the game's biggest events, will each be chasing a first major title - as will Australians Adam Scott and Jason Day, the joint runners-up last year.

Woods has been installed as favourite with McIlroy the next best chance, but any talk of this week's Masters being a two-horse race has been widely rejected by their peers.

"Rory has never won here, Tiger has not won here since 2005," Westwood told reporters while preparing for Thursday's opening round.

"So I think everybody in this room would have to be naive to think it was a two-horse race wouldn't they? Phil might have a little bit of something to say about that; Luke might; I might."

Donald agreed: "It's a little naive to say that they are the only two who have a chance to win around here. Just in the last three or four years of majors, I don't think there's been a multiple winner," said Chicago-based Donald.

"So obviously without one or two people dominating, I think there's a chance for a lot of people to win this week."

Mickelson, who has won three green jackets at a venue where his magical short game gives him an edge, believes the softer conditions will turn the opening major into a lottery.

"When the subtleties don't come out, the experience of playing here in the past is not as important," said the left-hander.

"I think there's a very good chance that a young player, inexperienced, fearless player that attacks this golf course can win if you don't need to show it the proper respect."

There is no question, however, that experienced campaigners generally thrive at Augusta National.

"Playing here for so many years now, this is my 18th year here, so understanding how to play this golf course has really helped me over the years," Woods said.

"I certainly am excited about playing and really looking forward to getting out there. I feel like I'm driving the ball much better than I have. I've got some heat behind it, and it's very straight."

South African Charl Schwartzel will defend the title he won by two strokes when he became the first champion to birdie the last four holes.

"That was very special," he said. "The biggest challenge for me this year is that there are going to be more eyes on me, people wanting to see whether I can live up to the challenge. I have to go out there and treat it as a new tournament."

Reuters

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First posted April 05, 2012 15:27:50

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Olesen grabs first tour win in Sicily

Updated April 04, 2012 14:47:21

Denmark's Thorbjorn Olesen underlined his status as one of the European Tour's hottest young prospects by landing his maiden victory at the Sicilian Open.

The 22-year-old needed a par four at the final hole and after safely finding the green in regulation he took two putts from 30 feet to clinch the title at the Verdura Golf and Spa Resort.

Olesen's closing 3-under-par 69 saw him finish the tournament at 15-under, one stroke ahead of Great Britain's Chris Wood.

Two shots further back in a tie for third place were Dane Soren Kjeldsen and Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts.

Richard Green was the best-placed Australian on 8-under in an eight-way share of 11th position.

Reuters

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First posted April 02, 2012 06:32:40

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Goosen, Furyk share Innisbrook lead

Updated March 18, 2012 12:24:54

South African Retief Goosen defied a painful back ailment to fire a six-under 65 on Sunday (AEDT) and seize a share of the third-round lead with Jim Furyk at the US PGA Tour event in Florida

Goosen's seven birdies on the Copperhead course at Innisbrook included three in a row from the 14th as he positioned himself for a run at a title that could earn him a Masters berth.

Goosen, who said he would take next week off to have his aching back treated, needed just 25 putts on a course where he won titles in 2003 and 2009.

He had an 11-under total of 202.

He was joined there by Furyk, who gave up sole possession of first place with a bogey at 18 to cap his 66.

John Senden, the best placed Australian, remains four shots off the pace after carding another 70.

The leaders were one stroke in front of American Jason Dufner and South Korean Sang-moon Bae.

Bae had the lead until a triple bogey seven at the 16th.

He responded with a birdie en route to a 68, while Dufner carded a 71 for 203.

John Mallinger (66) and Ken Duke (69) were a further stroke back on 204.

AFP

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First posted March 18, 2012 12:24:54

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Curtis rallies to maintain Texas lead

Updated April 22, 2012 10:37:05

Former British Open winner Ben Curtis managed to overcome a pair of double bogeys in the third round of the US PGA Tour's Texas Open to stretch his lead to three shots.

Curtis, who is chasing his fourth US PGA title, fired a 1-over-par 73 to be 9-under at the TPC San Antonio's Oaks Course.

Matt Every was alone in second place, three strokes adrift of Curtis after a 1-over 73.

South Koreans Noh Seung-Yul (68) and Charlie Wi (71) were tied for third with American John Huh.

Huh shot a 5-under 67, which tied for the low round of the day with Matt Kuchar on a day when high winds slowed the pace of play and saw just 19 of the 81 golfers who made the cut break par.

Curtis finished with two double bogeys on the front nine, including one on the par-five eighth, where his ball landed on another fairway.

He battled back with three birdies on the back.

Playing in his first career major, Curtis captured the 2003 British Open, emerging victorious as Denmark's Thomas Bjorn surrendered a late lead to finish tied for second with Vijay Singh.

AFP

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First posted April 22, 2012 10:37:05

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Curtis holds two-shot lead in Texas Open

Updated April 22, 2012 10:21:11

American Ben Curtis held the clubhouse lead at the Texas Open after rain effected the second round in San Antonio, with more than 20 players unable to complete their round.

Curtis carded his second successive bogey free 5-under-par round of 67 at the TPC San Antonio to stand at 10-under for the tournament, two strokes clear of David Mathis, who also shot 67.

"I'm playing obviously really well," Curtis said.

"The key around here is if you can drive it straight, keep it in the fairway, give yourself a chance to get at some of these pins, with the slope of the greens and stuff like that, it makes it a lot easier from the fairway. I did that.

"I hit a lot of good iron shots. Left them, for the most part, on the right level and made a few putts and, you know, it was a pretty easy round two."

The 34-year-old Curtis, winner of the 2003 British Open, is searching for his first PGA Tour win in almost six years.

Matt Every, who set a new course record with his bogey-free 63 on Thursday, had a very different second round.

He failed to make a single birdie and gave up four bogeys through 12 holes, but grabbed back two strokes with birdies on the 14th and 16th before his round was halted due to bad light. He will finish the round early on Saturday (local time).

Cameron Tringale made a strong move with an impressive seven-under 65, avoiding any bogeys as he took advantage of the better early conditions with less wind.

The projected cut is at four over and among those expected to miss out includes Australian Stuart Appleby, who shot 81 on Friday, 10 strokes more than he shot in the first round.

American Boo Weekley withdrew after seven holes of his second round with an illness, joining Kevin Na and Kevin Chappell on the withdrawal list.

Reuters

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First posted April 21, 2012 13:57:26

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Tseng birdies her way to Founders Cup win

Updated March 19, 2012 16:26:28

World number one Yani Tseng birdied five of the first six holes on the back nine to set up a one-stroke victory in the LPGA Founders Cup.

Tseng shot a closing 4-under-par 68 to win at 18-under 270 with Japan's Ai Miyazato (69) and South Korean world number two Na Yeon Choi (68) tied for second.

Australia's defending champion Karrie Webb had a disappointing final round of 73 to slip to equal 16th at 280.

Thunderstorm delays of 74 and 66 minutes stretched the day for the leaders at Wildfire Golf Club in Phoenix, Arizona.

But Tseng responded after the second stoppage with birdies at the par-4 10th and par-5 11th.

She ran off another streak of three in a row ending at the par-5 15th that was interrupted by a 42-minute storm delay, then parred the final three holes in a gathering gloom to take the victory.

It was Tseng's second triumph in four starts this year after a successful title defence last month in Thailand and her 14th career crown.

Tseng won 12 titles last year in a break-out season, seven of them in LPGA events and two at majors.

She will try to add to her major total in two weeks at the Kraft Nabisco, where she was second last year to American Stacy Lewis.

AFP

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First posted March 19, 2012 16:26:28

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Norman call helped McIlroy move on

Updated April 04, 2012 11:07:35

A Greg Norman phone call made just a few days after the 2011 Masters could be the catalyst for Rory McIlroy getting over last year's final-round collapse and winning a green jacket.

McIlroy led by four heading into the final round of the Masters last year before famously imploding with an 80 to crash to a tie for 15th, bringing back memories of Norman's similar collapse in 1996.

Norman started six in front of Nick Faldo but collapsed with a 78 to end five behind.

McIlroy bounced back in last year's US Open to claim his first major by eight strokes but will he be able to bury his Augusta demons?

The Northern Irishman is confident he can and will and he says it was Norman's call that resonated heavily in the days after the meltdown.

He enters the week as second favourite behind only four-time champion Tiger Woods.

"I was in Malaysia in my hotel room and he (Norman) just gave me a call and he talked to me about it," McIlroy recalls.

"I think it was great coming from him, because he had sort of been in the same position in 1996 and I think '86 and 1987 as well.

"He's had experience of that before, and I think it was great because I'm sure he knew how I felt."

McIlroy revealed the two time British Open champion didn't just call to say sorry, but imparted plenty of wisdom on how to move forward.

It helped the youngster bounce back at the US Open and beyond having recently moved to number one in the world for a brief stint.

"He said a couple things to me that I found very useful and sort of put into practice, especially weeks like this where there's so much hype and there's so much build-up," McIlroy said.

"He said just to try and create this little bubble around yourself and just try and get into that and sort of don't let any of the outside interference come into that.

"That was big for me. It was just great to get the phone call from him, because I think he knew more than anyone else how I was feeling at that point."

McIlroy is now hoping he can do what Norman couldn't - win a green jacket.

He revealed he wasn't ready mentally in 2011, but is now.

"I learned a lot (last year)," he said. "I think one of the things I learnt was that as a person and as a golfer, I wasn't ready to win the Masters. I wasn't ready to win a major.

"I really needed to think about what I needed to do to improve mentally and in different aspects of my game to get better.

"I felt like I did that and I feel like I've been playing some good golf leading up to this week.

"I feel like I'm bringing in some pretty good form and I'm just excited to get started.

"Obviously the first time I played the back nine last week there's memories that come back and memories that you probably don't want.

"But it's fine. I got that all out of the way and now looking forward to trying to put myself in contention to try and win this thing."

AAP

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First posted April 04, 2012 07:13:57

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Tseng victorious in California

Updated March 26, 2012 12:51:53

World number one Yani Tseng captured her second straight LPGA Tour title with a commanding six-shot win in Carlsbad, California.

Taiwan's Tseng closed with a 2-under-par 70 to reach a 14-under 274 total and take her third win in five events this year.

Lindsey Wright was the best-placed Australian in a tie for 20th place on 2-over.

"Today the first hole I just kind of felt like every day is the same," Tseng said.

"I didn't feel like today was Sunday. I didn't feel like I had a three-shot lead. I just focused on playing one shot at a time. I think I did a good job to just kind of focus on myself."

The 23-year-old Tseng led wire-to-wire at the La Costa's Legends Course, becoming the second-youngest player to reach 15 LPGA Tour wins.

She led the LPGA last year with seven victories, including the Women's British Open.

South Korea's Yoo Sun-Young finished second after shooting a 71. China's Feng Shanshan fired a 67 to tie for third with Shin Jiyai of South Korea at 7-under.

AFP

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First posted March 26, 2012 10:10:20

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Rejuvenated Tiger ramps up Masters interest

Updated March 30, 2012 18:58:09

The perennial allure of the Masters, which takes place from April 5-8 at Augusta National, has been ratcheted up several notches following Tiger Woods' long awaited victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on Sunday.

The former world number one ended a 30-month title drought on the PGA Tour with his five-shot triumph at Bay Hill, signalling he is back to vintage form at the best possible time.

Always eagerly anticipated as the first of the year's four majors, the 76th Masters has whetted the appetite of fans and players alike perhaps more than ever before because of its rich promise.

Golf's leading exponents strive to peak for each of the sport's blue riband events and, with Woods now back in the winner's circle, all the signs indicate next week's edition could be the most competitive yet.

A rejuvenated Woods will be hunting his fifth green jacket at a venue where he has always felt extremely comfortable, as has fellow American Phil Mickelson who will be bidding for his fourth victory there amid the spectacular Georgian pines.

US Open champion Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland, now a major winner, will be seeking redemption 12 months after a nightmarish final-round meltdown in which he squandered a four-shot overnight lead with a closing 80.

World number one Luke Donald and fellow Briton Lee Westwood, who have become regular contenders in the game's biggest events, will each be chasing a first major title, as will Australians Adam Scott and Jason Day, joint runners-up last year.

The list of potential winners next week does not stop there.

Veterans such as Steve Stricker and Jim Furyk, PGA Tour winners like Hunter Mahan, Brandt Snedeker and Justin Rose, plus a host of younger guns led by Rickie Fowler and Ryo Ishikawa, are all capable of flourishing at Augusta.

Hardly surprisingly, though, Woods has been installed as a 4-1 favourite by British bookmakers Ladbrokes to win his 15th major title next week.

"He's always a force to be reckoned with when he's not playing his best golf, and obviously he's playing a lot of good golf right now," Britain's Ian Poulter told reporters.

"He's got a lot of his game back and once he starts rolling putts in, he's dangerous so he's going to be a force for everybody at Augusta."

Woods could hardly pick a venue where he feels more at home, given the relative lack of rough and its slick, heavily contoured greens which place a premium on a razor-sharp short game.

He is ideally suited to the par-72 layout, which was stretched to a formidable 7,445 yards for the 2006 Masters, making it the second-longest course in major golf at the time.

Woods still ranks among the longest hitters, has a superbly creative short game and tied for fourth in his last two starts at Augusta despite his well publicised problems.

"Hopefully everything comes together for that one week," Woods said after clinching his 72nd PGA Tour victory.

"I understand how to play Augusta, and it's just a matter of executing the game plan."

Left-hander Mickelson, Masters champion in 2004, 2006 and 2010, is rated at 10-1, generous odds for a player who very nearly won consecutive titles on the PGA Tour this season.

He upstaged playing partner Woods as he charged to a two-shot victory at last month's Pebble Beach National Pro-Am, then lost out to compatriot Bill Haas in a three-way playoff for the Northern Trust Open the following week.

Just like Woods, short game magician Mickelson has always loved playing at Augusta where accurate driving ranks relatively low on the "must-do-well" recipe for success.

"I just have this ease going to Augusta, because you don't have to be perfect there," the Californian said.

"You can make mistakes. You can make some loose swings and still have a shot to get close to the green and let my short game make par."

South African Charl Schwartzel will defend the title he won by two strokes last year when he became the first champion to birdie the last four holes.

"That was something very special," he said.

"The biggest challenge for me this year is that there are going to be more eyes on me, people wanting to see whether I can live up to the challenge.

"That's something I have to get in my head not to worry about. I have to go out there and treat it as a new tournament."

Reuters

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First posted March 30, 2012 18:58:09

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Mickelson storms up Augusta leaderboard

Updated April 08, 2012 14:07:23

Three-time champion Phil Mickelson made a third-round surge to leave himself a shot behind leader Peter Hanson after the third day at the US Masters.

Hanson stands on 9-under-par after ending his round with back-to-back birdies to shoot a 65, the round of the tournament so far, on only his second visit to Augusta.

The Swede will go out on the final round with the popular left-hander Mickelson who was the talk of the course.

Mickelson's 6-under-par round of 66, included a 30 on the back nine - one shy of a tournament record - and consisted of numerous superb putts as well as an audacious chip on the 15th.

Afterwards he credited his comeback on the first day to finish at two-over-par, when at one stage he had been four over, with giving him a chance to be in position to grab a fourth green jacket.

Mickelson previously won the Masters in 2004, 2006 and 2010.

A bogey on the last cost Louis Oosthuizen a share of second place going into the final day and he stands alone in third place on 7-under, one clear of Bubba Watson in fourth who shot a 70.

Matt Kuchar is alone in fifth position on 5-under, while three-time major winner Padraig Harrington and first-round leader Lee Westwood are a shot back in sixth, along with Hunter Mahan and Henrik Stenson

Overnight leader Fred Couples stands on 2-under-par after a disappointing third round.

Geoff Ogilvy is the leading Australian on 1-over-par with Adam Scott one shot further back.

Four bogeys and a double bogey on the back nine saw Aaron Baddeley's challenge capitulate. His 77 leaves him on 3-over alongside Tiger Woods.

The four-time champion hit a level-par 72 and admitted he needs a lot of help to challenge on the final day.

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First posted April 08, 2012 09:18:51

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Day to play through pain at Masters

Updated April 04, 2012 12:49:57

Jason Day has sent a scare through the Australian tilt at the Masters, after limping away from the driving range with a foot complaint.

World number 11 Day, a runner-up last year, was practising on Tuesday when he tweaked his left foot, apparently aggravating an injury suffered last week.

There was some concern the highest-ranked of the six Australians could follow American Dustin Johnson (back) as a high profile withdrawal from the year's first major championship.

But 24-year-old Day remained confident he'd be ready to start Thursday's first round.

"It's nothing big and at this stage I still intend to play," Day said.

"There was some discomfort but it would take a lot for me to miss a Masters."

Day's manager Bud Martin confirmed Day had arrived at Augusta National carrying an injury.

"Jason injured his left ankle and foot training last week but he is getting treatments from his trainer today and tomorrow," Martin said.

"We are optimistic Jason will be fine by Thursday."

Day and fellow Australians Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy, John Senden, Aaron Baddeley and amateur Bryden Macpherson will attempt to end the country's 76-year drought at the event.

AAP

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First posted April 04, 2012 12:46:11

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Curtis ends six-year drought at Texas Open

Updated April 23, 2012 12:31:30

Former British Open champion Ben Curtis won his first US PGA Tour title since 2006 on Monday (AEST), holding on for an emotional two-shot victory over Matt Every and John Huh.

Curtis, the surprise winner of the British Open in 2003, birdied the par-five 18th for an even-par 72 on the day and a nine-under total of 279.

"It's been a tough couple of years," a teary Curtis said as he struggled for composure. "Just played through it, that's all you can do."

Curtis's lackluster results had seen him lose his full playing privileges on the US tour.

In 2011, he failed to finish in the top 10 even once for the first time since he joined the tour in 2003.

That is the year Curtis shot to prominence with his victory at the British Open, emerging with the triumph after a late collapse by Thomas Bjorn.

He won two US PGA titles in 2006, but had not won since.

Every carded a 71 for 281, but some missed chances on the greens cost him a chance at a first tour title. Huh, winner of the Mayakoba Classic already this season, seized a share of second with a 69.

Huh almost pulled out on Thursday, when he was nine over through his first eight holes of the tournament.

He bounced back with rounds of 68 and 67 to put himself in the mix on Sunday, but nevertheless said he would see a doctor about a sore wrist.

"I didn't really expect too much, final round," Huh said.

Every, meanwhile, had opened the tournament with a course-record 63 at the TPC San Antonio on Thursday.

On Sunday, however, four missed putts from within 10 feet helped prevent him from catching Curtis.

Curtis led by one stroke when he fired a wedge over the 17th green. He chipped to 23 feet than made the left-to-right uphill putt to save par.

After that, his 12-foot birdie at the last was icing on the cake.

Curtis claimed his fourth US PGA Tour title. The $1.11 million first prize comes with a two-year tour exemption.

"You think you're just staying positive and not worried about it, but I think deep down, you realize all the hard work you put in that, you know, finally paid off," Curtis said.

"When you come out here and win one, well, if I win one every year I have a great career. That would be true," Curtis said. "But, you know, to get to three, four, five wins -- you're a solid player. I just feel like you get yourself into contention and just have that belief, and anything can happen."

Defending champion Brendan Steele carded a 67 without a bogey to head a group tied for fourth on five-under 283. He was joined by South Korea's Charlie Wi (71), Bob Estes (69) and Brian Gay (70).

AFP

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First posted April 23, 2012 12:31:30

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Petterson claims Heritage lead

Updated April 15, 2012 15:01:30

Sweden's Carl Pettersson fired five consecutive birdies in a sparkling 5-under-par 66 that elevated him one stroke ahead of Colt Knost after the third round of the Heritage Classic at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

With one round to play, Pettersson leads on 12-under after overturning an overnight two-stroke deficit on Knost, who slipped back with a 69.

Marc Leishman is the best-placed Australian in a share of 27th position on 1-under.

The fast-starting Pettersson started his birdie streak on the second hole under sunny skies.

Bogeys on the 11th and 15th holes halted his charge but the Swede concluded his round with a birdie on 18, his seventh of the day.

Knost started the third round badly, knocking his opening tee shot into the trees and wound up with a bogey on two of his first three holes.

The American sandwiched an eagle between the misfires, rolling in a 48-footer from just off the green of the par-five second hole.

Knost also bogeyed the third and 10th holes and ended the round with three bogeys, three birdies and his eagle.

Former Masters champion Zach Johnson equalled Pettersson's low round of 66 to move within four strokes of the lead heading into the final round, one ahead of two-time Heritage winner Boo Weekley.

Briton Luke Donald's grip on the number one ranking loosened further after an even-par 72 left him 14 shots off the lead and seven away from a top eight finish that would ensure he remained ahead of Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy in the rankings.

Reuters

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First posted April 15, 2012 15:01:30

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Oosthuizen takes Houston control

Updated April 01, 2012 11:47:53

Former British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen birdied five of the last seven holes to charge two shots clear in the third round of the weather-delayed Houston Open in Humble, Texas.

The smooth-swinging South African recovered from bogeys on the first two holes to card a 6-under-par 66 at the rain-softened Redstone Golf Club in the final PGA Tour event before next week's Masters.

Oosthuizen, who romped to a seven-stroke victory at the 2010 British Open, launched his late surge with four consecutive birdies from the 12th to post a 17-under total of 199.

American Hunter Mahan was alone in second place after carding a 65, with Swede Carl Pettersson (67) and Great Britain's Brian Davis (69) a further stroke back at 14-under.

Defending champion Phil Mickelson was among a group of three players tied for sixth at 11-under after shooting a three-birdie 70.

John Senden was the best-placed Australian in a five-way share of ninth position on 10-under after posting a 3-under 69 in the third round.

For the second round in a row at Redstone, players were permitted to lift, clean and replace their balls on a course that had been saturated by more than an inch of rain on Thursday.

Earlier in the day, American Jeff Maggert birdied three of his last eight holes to grab a one-shot lead when the weather-delayed second round was finally completed at Redstone to get the tournament back on track.

Maggert went on to shoot 76 in the third round to finish a long day tied for 14th at 8-under.

Reuters

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First posted April 01, 2012 11:37:50

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Donald returns to number one with play-off triumph

Updated March 19, 2012 10:52:09

Britain's Luke Donald sank a six-foot birdie putt on the first extra hole on Monday (AEDT) to win a four-man play-off at the US PGA Tour event in Florida and reclaim the world number one ranking.

Donald had surrendered the top spot to Rory McIlroy just two weeks ago but ended the Northern Ireland prodigy's reign by capturing the $934,000 crown in the $5.2 million event, the Englishman's final tune-up for next month's Masters.

Hoping to finally capture his elusive first major title at Augusta National next month, reigning US and European prize money champion Donald took his tension-packed triumph in stride.

"It's another step in the right direction to winning majors," Donald said. "This is prefect preparation - two weeks off now and looking toward Augusta."

Donald, South Korean rookie Bae Sang-Moon and Americans Jim Furyk and Robert Garrigus finished 72 holes deadlocked for the lead at 13-under par 271 at the Innisbrook resort's Copperhead course.

The play-off took place on the par-4 18th hole, with Donald the only player to find the dense rough off the tee. Donald blasted his approach six feet from the hole but Garrigus put his second shot only seven feet from the cup.

After Bae and Furyk missed long birdie putts, Garrigus pushed his birdie bid just left of the cup, setting the stage for a dramatic birdie putt that brought reigning US and European PGA money champion Donald his first US play-off win.

"I certainly was a lot more nervous the first time trying to get to number one," Donald said. "This time I was just focused on winning the tournament and it all worked out."

South African star Ernie Els, needing a victory to secure a berth in next month's Masters, led by a stroke at the 17th tee but a bogey-bogey finish left him level fifth with Americans Jeff Overton, Scott Piercy and Ken Duke on 272.

At one stage in the final holes of regulation play, six players shared the lead. Garrigus birdied four of the last five holes to finish a round of 64 for the clubhouse lead while rivals were just starting on the back nine.

"I just needed the putter to wake up and it finally came through for me," Garrigus said.

AFP

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First posted March 19, 2012 10:52:09

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Amateur Macpherson undaunted at Augusta

Updated April 03, 2012 20:17:09

He is officially ranked equal 1,434th in the world but Australian amateur Bryden Macpherson has lofty goals at the Masters - and local knowledge to help achieve them.

The 21-year-old Victorian finds himself competing with the best players in the world at Augusta National this week thanks to his triumph in the 2011 British Amateur - the first by an Australian in more than 50 years.

As a member of Golf Australia's national squad, Macpherson has long been earmarked for big things.

While he is keenly aware how big a step up this is, the youngster's enthusiasm and confidence are infectious.

"This is the massive stage. It's the big stage of the big stage," Macpherson said after a practice round on Monday.

"Every player here is either in the top 50 in the world, has won an event or is a legend of the game, that's the company you're in, so I'm obviously super-excited."

While most amateurs would be thrilled to just make the cut, Macpherson has loftier ambitions.

Having attended college at the University of Georgia nearby for the past two years he has had the chance to play the ultra-private course before and hopes that knowledge propels him to The Silver Cup, awarded to the low amateur.

It also ensures he will have plenty of local support, something the youngster loves.

The spirited Macpherson spent his practice round holing out chips and sticking approach shots very close, revving the galleries up any chance he had.

"I love to win tournaments. You never show up to come second," he said.

"You put in all the preparation to win and if you turn up and say `I just want to make the cut', that doesn't make sense.

"I firmly believe I can realistically finish in the top 16 and get an invite back here, that's my result goal.

"But if I do something ridiculously good that's great.

"I know that if I play phenomenal golf for four days, I can win. If I make 14 pars and four birdies every round I can win.

"But the likelihood of doing that under the pressure is another story."

Five amateurs

There are five other amateurs in the 97-man field - Americans Patrick Cantlay, Kelly Kraft, Randal Lewis and Corbin Mills, plus Hideki Matsuyama from Japan.

Macpherson defeated Kraft last week in the Georgia Cup, (an exhibition between the British Amateur and US Amateur winners) to come in with added confidence.

Matsuyama is the only one of the amateurs to have played the Masters before, returning as last year's Silver Cup winner after finishing 27th.

The six get to attend the annual amateur dinner together and stay together in the famous Crows Nest, the traditional lodgings for amateurs perched above the clubhouse.

"Arguably we are the best amateurs in the world and that's what it's supposed to be, the best players, the masters so to speak," Macpherson says.

"I have played the course maybe nine or 10 times and that's more than most rookies so that will be an advantage.

"But I try not to think of myself in a different class. It's my first Masters just like anyone else, just like Jason Day last year, and he was second."

Macpherson withdrew from university in February so he could work with his coaches in Australia ahead of the Masters and a future professional career.

He spent five weeks working on swing mechanics and now expects to tee it up on the US PGA Tour in the Memorial Tournament in late May, if not before.

Father Mark, mother Debbie and a handful of friends have made the trek from Melbourne to support his efforts.

"Who wouldn't dream of being the first Australian Masters winner as an amateur," a proud Mark Macpherson said.

"You never know. He has an incredible work ethic, even from a young age and he comes into every tournament to win, it doesn't matter what tournament it is."

Macpherson says if not him, he hopes one of his fellow Australians can breaks the country's 76-year winless drought at Augusta National this year.

"To be the first amateur in a long time and the first Aussie to win, obviously that would be amazing," he says.

"But I just hope all of the Aussies play well this week and I hope that six of us can be there on Sunday proud of one another and have one of us put on the green jacket."

AAP

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First posted April 03, 2012 20:17:09

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Tringale, Duke share New Orleans lead

Updated April 27, 2012 14:05:56

Cameron Tringale and Ken Duke shared the lead at the US PGA event in New Orleans, with defending champion Bubba Watson six adrift in his first start since his Masters triumph.

Duke and Tringale both shot 7-under-par 65 on the par-72 course.

Tringale surged to his share of the lead with birdies at the last four holes, recovering from his early bogey at the par-three third with eight birdies overall.

Duke, who like Tringale is seeking a first career US PGA Tour victory, had seven birdies, including three in a row from the fifth. He had two more at 11 and 12, and capped his round with a birdie at 18.

The leading duo were one stroke in front of South African Ernie Els, Sweden's Daniel Chopra and Americans Steve Stricker and Chris Stroud.

Els made a birdie from a bunker at 18 to cap his 66.

It was another shot back to Ben Curtis, John Rollins and Jason Dufner on 67. Former British Open champion Curtis arrived in Louisiana fresh from victory in the Texas Open, his first tour title since 2006.

Australia's Stuart Appleby is tied for 15th after posting a 3-under 69.

AFP

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First posted April 27, 2012 14:05:56

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Ishikawa joins US PGA Tour for season

Updated March 20, 2012 07:21:19

Japan's 20-year-old golf sensation Ryo Ishikawa has accepted a special temporary membership on the US PGA Tour for the remainder of the 2012 season.

Ishikawa's runner-up showing at the Puerto Rico Open on March 11 gave him $550,000 in only six PGA starts, boosting him beyond the $A389,000 he needed to qualify for an exemption to join the series for the rest of the year.

The move gives Ishikawa unlimited sponsor exemptions for 2012. Previously, as a non-Tour member, he was limited to a maximum of seven sponsor exemptions and 12 PGA events.

While Ishikawa will not earn points toward the season-ending US PGA playoffs as a special member, he will have the chance to earn full membership for 2013 if his prize money total is among the top 125 players for the full 2012 season.

Ishikawa, who missed the cut at last weekend's PGA Tour event at Innisbrook in Florida, will play in this week's Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill after earning eligibility by being among the top 50 in world rankings as of last week.

Ishikawa, who is ranked 50th this week, has accepted a special invitation to compete in next month's Masters tournament, the year's first major championship at famed Augusta National Golf Club.

AFP

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First posted March 20, 2012 07:18:05

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Baddeley leads Aussie charge at Augusta

Updated April 06, 2012 10:34:30

Aaron Baddeley is flying Australia's flag at the Masters in Augusta, while English world number one Luke Donald's survived a major scorecard scare.

Baddeley posted a one-under par 71 to be the leading Australian, while Donald avoided disqualification after a smudge on his scorecard led to what Masters officials called an "administrating error."

Donald shot a 75 but faced a scorecard review after a scorekeeper misread his fifth-hole score of five and recorded it as a three.

The Englishman was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing, while compatriot Lee Westwood raced to the top of the leaderboard with a five-under par 67.

Baddeley was the only Australian to finish under par after compatriot John Senden bogeyed his final hole to finish with a two-over 74.

With seemingly perfect scoring conditions following overnight rains the Augusta National course gurus tried to guard against low scores by putting out tough pin placements.

The tactic worked against the Australian big guns with Geoff Ogilvy (74), Adam Scott (75) and Jason Day (76) all struggling in the opening round while amateur Bryden Macpherson also found the going tough on the way to a 77.

Baddeley fashioned a birdie on the second hole but bogeyed the sixth before a cracking three iron on the par five 13th allowed him to two-putt for birdie.

When he hit a wedge to almost gimme range on the 17th he converted to get to two-under but bogeyed the last to post his 71.

"They put some tough pins out there today," Baddeley confirmed.

"That front side there really wasn't many birdie opportunities at all.

"You want to shoot as low as you can, but 71 is a good start.

"I felt like I played well, I felt like I played better and better as the day went on, which I was pleased about."

Day, in doubt before play with an ankle strain played through the pain despite the injury being too close to a tendon for a painkilling injection.

The 2011 runner-up will potentially need a second round similar to last year, when he posted an eight-under 64 to move into contention.

ABC/AAP

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First posted April 06, 2012 08:27:01

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Scott blames putting for Masters crash

Updated April 08, 2012 12:30:22

Adam Scott has been left ruing his poor performance with his broomstick putter at the Masters one year after it almost carried him to the title.

Last year, runner-up Scott had only one three-putt - on the very first hole - and averaged 1.54 putts per round at Augusta National soon after switching to the long-handled putter.

Three rounds into the 2012 Masters, Scott was tied for 32nd at 2-over par, 11 shots adrift of the lead due mainly to six three-putt greens.

The Queenslander was ranked equal last in the remaining field for three-putts while his average of 1.8 putts a hole was 57th out of 62.

"I hit it beautiful today but was no good on the greens so it's disappointing," Scott said after carding a 73.

"I only missed three greens but shot one over which is just pathetic really.

"Good putts are missing and obviously bad ones miss too so not very encouraging out there.

"It's hard to play like that. You're better off hitting it terrible and making everything for one over as you feel a lot better."

To hammer the point home, Scott was tied sixth in the field in greens in regulation.

"I have had a poor week on the greens because I haven't judged the speed very well and because the speed's a bit off I haven't read them as well as I did last year," he said.

"That seems to be the difference this year. My first four putts today I hit perfect, just how I wanted and every one of them missed.

"When you are just slightly off it's always magnified here no matter what part of the game it is."

With a green jacket out of reach, Sunday is a chance to finally put everything together.

A finish inside the top 16 results and an invitation to the 2013 Masters is a realistic goal as he is just four shots off the mark.

"I've just got to try and have a good day out there tomorrow," Scott said.

"You don't get any better conditions to play Augusta then this.

"There are going to be some gettable pins and I'm hitting it good so I'd like to take advantage of it one day.

"I haven't been able to put it all together yet so it's been frustrating.

"So if I can just put a good score on the board tomorrow I might back door a top 10 or something."

Scott is one shot behind leading Australian Geoff Ogilvy who is on 1-over-par.

Four bogeys and a double bogey on the back nine saw Aaron Baddeley's challenge capitulate. His third-round 77 leaves him on 3-over.

AAP

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First posted April 08, 2012 12:22:47

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