Jones equal fifth in Puerto Rico

Updated March 12, 2012 10:57:32

Two late bogeys proved costly as Australia's Matt Jones tied for fifth place behind winner George McNeill in the US PGA Tour's Puerto Rico Open.

It was easily Jones's best finish of the year as he posted a 1-under-par 71 in Rio Grande to finish at 12-under.

It could have been a tie for second with Japanese star Ryo Isihikawa but for dropped shots at the 15th and 16th.

American McNeill birdied his last three holes to claim the title and deny Ishikawa a first US PGA Tour title.

Ishikawa had closed with a 68 that gave him a one-shot clubhouse lead.

McNeill, who started the day with a one-stroke lead, matched him with a birdie at 16, regained the lead with a birdie at 17 and added another birdie on the par-five finishing hole to complete a 69 for 16-under and claim his second career win.

Sweden's Henrik Stenson (71) and Boo Weekley (66) tied for third.

AAP

Tags: sport, golf, puerto-rico

First posted March 12, 2012 10:57:32

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Jones falls to fourth in Puerto Rico

Updated March 11, 2012 10:54:20

Australia's Matt Jones slipped to fourth place following the third round of the Puerto Rico Open in Rio Grande.

Jones, the overnight leader, shot a even-par 72 at the US PGA Tour event to be 11-under and two shots behind leader George McNeill.

American McNeill birdied the final two holes to fire a 5-under 67 and seize a one-stroke lead.

Henrik Stenson and American Kevin Stadler share second position.

Jones birdied the front nine par-fives but closed the front nine with back-to-back bogeys and parred his way to the clubhouse from that point.

AFP

Tags: golf, sport, puerto-rico

First posted March 11, 2012 10:54:20

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Aussie Jones surges into Puerto Rico lead

Updated March 10, 2012 11:30:33

Australia's Matt Jones fired a bogey-free 5-under-par 67 to seize a three-stroke lead after the second round of the US PGA Tour Puerto Rico Open in Rio Grande.

Jones, never better than fourth in a US PGA Tour event, followed his first-round 66 strongly to stand at 11-under after 36 holes with American George McNeill, who had shared the lead with Jones after round one, second on 8-under.

Jones, who started at the 10th hole, birdied the par-four 14th and par-five 18th, then birdied both par-fives on the front side, the second and fifth holes, and closed with a birdie at the ninth.

"I've been putting really well and chipping unbelievably well," he said.

Jones has struggled to keep his playing rights but has been able to take advantage of his opportunities to stay on tour.

"I've been improving my putting which is the big difference this week," Jones said.

"My putting was terrible last year and that's why I'm in this situation but I actually fixed it last week and it's coming along nicely."

Japan's Ryo Ishikawa and American Todd Hamilton shared third on 7-under.

AFP

Tags: golf, sport, puerto-rico

First posted March 10, 2012 11:24:39

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