Tuesday 27 November 2012
SPANISH ROOKIE CHASES A GRAND DOUBLE AT OMEGA DUBAI LADIES MASTERS
By Viren Varma
26 November 2012
26 November 2012
DUBAI, Nov 26 -- Carlota Ciganda will be aiming for a crack at the long-standing record of Laura Davies when she competes in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters to be held under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, from December 5 to 8.
The 22-year-old Spanish prodigy needs a strong finish, if not victory, to follow in footsteps of Davies, the only player to have won the Ladies European Tour's Order of Merit and Rookie of the Year titles in the same year back in 1985.
With just two events remaining to be played, Ciganda currently leads the Tour's ISPS Handa Order of Merit with euro 232,656 (Dh 1.08 million) in earnings, but has Germany's Caroline Masson (euro 210, 831) hot on her heels as the battle for the 'Player of the Year' enters final stretch at the Emirates Golf Club.
Masson will not be competing in the Hero Women's Indian Open, the penultimate event on the tour, because her Q-School engagements, and her absence could well work in favour of Ciganda, but still it will not guarantee her the Order of Merit title since the Omega Dubai Ladies offers a huge purse of euro 75,000 to the winner.
"For me it's good that Caroline is not playing in India, but there is still Dubai and a lot of money, so if I don't play well and she plays well, she can beat me easily," said Ciganda, who is enjoying an outstanding rookie season with wins in the Netherlands and China.
"It would be nice to wrap up the season with a Grand Double, but still there is everything to play for. I am really looking forward to playing in Dubai. Though it will be my first visit to the city, I do know from friends the tournament is very well run and it's fun playing there," said Ciganda, who also leads the Ladies European Tour stats for lowest stroke average with 70.5 as well as greens in regulation (79.7%) and total birdies (181), assuring her the Rookie of the Year title.
The highly-rated Ciganda will have her work cut out with the likes of defending champion Alexis Thompson, Michelle Wie, Shanshan Feng and Christina Kim from the LPGA Tour joining the star-studded field in the season-ending event.
"With so much at stake coming down the line for frontrunners, we can expect a great finish to the tournament," said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, the promoters and organizers of the euro 500,000 event.
"Women's professional golf has become quite competitive with many young players enjoying early success on the tour. This surprise element has further spiked interest in the game.
"It will be interesting to see what new storylines emerge from the tournament which, like in previous years, is bolstered by the presence of LPGA stars. If we have again managed to assemble a top class field, it's all down to the enthusiastic support of the players," he added.
golf in DUBAi' is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the sponsor. The co-sponsors are: CNN, Drydocks World & Maritime World, Emirates NBD, Gulf News, Mercedes-Benz and wasl while Dubai Duty Free, Carpetland and Motivate are the Patrons in golf in DUBAi's drive to showcase the emirate's vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.
The 22-year-old Spanish prodigy needs a strong finish, if not victory, to follow in footsteps of Davies, the only player to have won the Ladies European Tour's Order of Merit and Rookie of the Year titles in the same year back in 1985.
With just two events remaining to be played, Ciganda currently leads the Tour's ISPS Handa Order of Merit with euro 232,656 (Dh 1.08 million) in earnings, but has Germany's Caroline Masson (euro 210, 831) hot on her heels as the battle for the 'Player of the Year' enters final stretch at the Emirates Golf Club.
Masson will not be competing in the Hero Women's Indian Open, the penultimate event on the tour, because her Q-School engagements, and her absence could well work in favour of Ciganda, but still it will not guarantee her the Order of Merit title since the Omega Dubai Ladies offers a huge purse of euro 75,000 to the winner.
"For me it's good that Caroline is not playing in India, but there is still Dubai and a lot of money, so if I don't play well and she plays well, she can beat me easily," said Ciganda, who is enjoying an outstanding rookie season with wins in the Netherlands and China.
"It would be nice to wrap up the season with a Grand Double, but still there is everything to play for. I am really looking forward to playing in Dubai. Though it will be my first visit to the city, I do know from friends the tournament is very well run and it's fun playing there," said Ciganda, who also leads the Ladies European Tour stats for lowest stroke average with 70.5 as well as greens in regulation (79.7%) and total birdies (181), assuring her the Rookie of the Year title.
The highly-rated Ciganda will have her work cut out with the likes of defending champion Alexis Thompson, Michelle Wie, Shanshan Feng and Christina Kim from the LPGA Tour joining the star-studded field in the season-ending event.
"With so much at stake coming down the line for frontrunners, we can expect a great finish to the tournament," said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, the promoters and organizers of the euro 500,000 event.
"Women's professional golf has become quite competitive with many young players enjoying early success on the tour. This surprise element has further spiked interest in the game.
"It will be interesting to see what new storylines emerge from the tournament which, like in previous years, is bolstered by the presence of LPGA stars. If we have again managed to assemble a top class field, it's all down to the enthusiastic support of the players," he added.
golf in DUBAi' is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the sponsor. The co-sponsors are: CNN, Drydocks World & Maritime World, Emirates NBD, Gulf News, Mercedes-Benz and wasl while Dubai Duty Free, Carpetland and Motivate are the Patrons in golf in DUBAi's drive to showcase the emirate's vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.
EUROPEAN TOUR UNVIELS 2013 TOUR SCHEDULE
Starting in Africa in early December, the 12-month golf odyssey will see the Tour travel though Asia, America, Australasia and its home continent of Europe before ending back in Dubai with the 2013 DP World Tour Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates.
For the first time, there will be six tournaments in South Africa, as well as new venues including Bulgaria, Russia and Turkey. But there will be six fewer tournaments in Spain than two years ago and the schedule will not feature the Czech Open. The Tour also has dropped the Singapore Open and the Hong Kong Open.
2013 European Tour schedule:
Dec. 6-9
Nelson Mandela Championship
Royal Durban GC, Durban, South Africa
Dec. 13-16
Alfred Dunhill Championship
Leopard Creek CC, Malelane, South Africa
Jan. 10-13
Volvo Golf Champions
Durban Country Club, Durban, South Africa
Jan. 17-20
Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship
Abu Dhabi GC, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Jan. 23-26
Commercialbank Qatar Masters
Doha GC, Doha, Qatar
Jan. 31-Feb. 3
Omega Dubai Desert Classic
Emirates GC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Feb. 7-10
Joburg Open
Royal Johannesburg & Kensington GC, Johannesburg, South Africa
Feb. 14-17
Africa Open
East London GC, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Feb. 21-24
WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship
Ritz-Carlton GC, Dove Mountain, Marana, Ariz., USA
Feb. 28-Mar. 3
Tshwane Open
Copperleaf Golf & Country Estate, Centurion, South Africa
Mar. 7-10
WGC-Cadillac Championship
Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Doral, Fla., USA
Mar. 14-17
Avantha Masters
Jaypee Greens GC, Delhi, India
Mar. 21-24
Maybank Malaysian Open
Kuala Lumpur G&CC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Mar. 28-31
Trophée Hassan II
Golf du Palais Royal, Agadir, Morocco
Apr. 11-14
Masters Tournament
Augusta National GC, Augusta, Ga., USA
Apr. 18-21
Reale Seguros Open de España
TBA, Spain
Apr. 25-28
Ballantine's Championship
Blackstone GC, Icheon, Seoul, South Korea
May 2-5
Volvo China Open
Binhai Lake GC, Tianjin, China
May 16-19
Volvo World Match Play Championship
Thracian Cliffs Golf & Beach Resort, Kavarna, Bulgaria
May 23-26
BMW PGA Championship
Wentworth Club, Surrey, England
May 30-June 2
Nordea Masters
Bro Hof Slott GC, Stockholm, Sweden
June 6-9
Lyoness Open
Diamond CC, Atzenbrugg, Austria
June 13-16
U.S. Open
Merion GC, Ardmore, Pa., USA
June 13-16
Najeti Hotels and Golf open
Aa Saint Omer GC, Lumbres, France
June 20-23
BMW International Open
Golfclub München Eichenried, Munich, Germany
June 27-30
Irish Open
Carton House, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
July 4-7
Alstom Open de France
Le Golf National, Paris, France
July 11-14
Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open
Castle Stuart Golf Links, Inverness, Scotland
July 18-21
British open
Muirfield, East Lothian, Scotland
July 25-28
Russian Masters
TBA, Russia
Aug. 1-4
WGC–Bridgestone Invitational
Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio, USA
Aug. 8-11
PGA Championship
Oak Hill Country Club, Rochester, N.Y., USA
Aug. 22-25
Johnnie Walker Championship
Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland
Aug. 29-Sept. 1
ISPS Handa Wales Open
Celtic Manor Resort, City of Newport, Wales
Sept. 5-8
Omega European Masters
Crans-sur-Sierre, Crans Montana, Switzerland
Sept. 12-15
KLM Open
Kennemer G&CC, Zandvoort, The Netherlands
Sept. 19-22
Italian Open
TBA, Italy
Sept. 26-29
Alfred Dunhill Links Championship
St. Andrews, Scotland
Oct. 3-6
Vivendi Seve Trophy
TBA
Oct. 10-13
Portugal Masters
TBA, Portugal
Oct. 17-20
Perth International
Lake Karrinyup CC, Perth, Australia
Oct. 24-27
BMW Masters
Lake Malaren GC, Shanghai, China
Oct. 31-Nov. 3
WGC-HSBC Champions
Sheshan International GC, Shanghai, China
Nov. 7-10
Turkish Open
Montgomerie Maxx Royal, Antalya, Turkey
Nov. 14-17
DP World Tour Championship
Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Monday 26 November 2012
Ladies European Tour (LET) - Druh Belts – Official 2013 European Solheim Cup Team Supplier
Suzann Pettersen, wearing the Druh European Team Belt at The 2011 Solheim Cup
Druh Belts & Buckles will supply belts to the European Team to wear on-course during The 2013 Solheim Cup.Simon Hurd, founder of Druh Belts & Buckles, commented on the announcement, “Druh is delighted to be supplying the belts to the European Team for The 2013 Solheim Cup. The 2011 edition of this highly-competitive team competition proved to be one of the most exciting golfing tournaments that I have ever witnessed and Druh will once again be proud to accessorize the top female European golfers for the 2013 matches in the USA.”
Ladies European Tour (LET) - Druh Belts – Official 2013 European Solheim Cup Team Supplier
Ladies European Tour (LET) - A quick 18 with Sharmila Nicollet
What’s the best thing about being a professional golfer? Globe-trotting
Who is the golfer you most admire? Tiger Woods
What’s your one biggest strength? Determination
What’s the shot you love to practise? Driving
When are you going to reach your peak? Soon, hopefully
Define yourself in 3 words: Determined, blunt, eccentric
What do you do for entertainment when travelling? Shopping
Which player is the biggest joker? Bubba Watson
Which player is the quietest? Tiger Woods
What’s the strangest superstition you’ve ever seen? Rafael Nadal’s habits (Underwear habit)
Language you’d like to learn: German
Musical instrument you’d like to play: Guitar
What’s your lowest round ever and where did you have it? 5 under in clover greens and Q-school 2011
Age you first broke par: 13
How many holes in one and where? One: in the KGA tournament
Chosen career if not a golfer? Swimmer, athlete,
Hidden talent? Pianist, Car modification, perfumer
How would you spend a perfect day? Brunch, spa, movie, romantic dinner
Ladies European Tour (LET) - A quick 18 with Sharmila Nicollet
Ladies European Tour (LET) - All set for Hero Women´s Indian Open
2011 winner Caroline Hedwall accepts the trophy at DLF Golf and Country Club
The Ladies European Tour returns to DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurgaon, near New Delhi, for the third successive year to contest the highly sought after Hero Women’s Indian Open, from Friday.
The LET’s members will particularly look forward to playing this magnificent golf course after recent course upgrades, which will provide an even better test of golf.
Defending champion Caroline Hedwall of Sweden will be looking to notch a sixth LET victory after collecting her fourth title as a rookie professional at the venue 12 months ago.
The Swede fired rounds of 67, 68 and 69 over the course to post a winning three-round total of 204, 12 under par and end two clear of Thailand’s Pornanong Phatlum, with Welshwoman Becky Morgan a stroke further behind in third.
England’s Laura Davies will be returning to the site of her last LET victory two years ago, in 2010 and will look to continue her love affair with the reachable par-five 18th hole.
Davies eagled the hole to make a four-way play-off with South African Tandi Cuningham, Thailand’s Nontaya Srisawang and Swede Louise Friberg in 2010. She then birdied the hole to win the tournament. “I love the 18th at DLF,” she said.
There are six of this year’s tournament champions in the field with Cassandra Kirkland, Carlota Ciganda, Stacey Keating, Caroline Hedwall, Carly Booth and Karen Lunn.
Recent Sanya Ladies Open champion Kirkland will be looking to continue her solid play and especially as her previous career best finish was fifth at this golf course in India two years ago.
“Already I had quite a bit of confidence going back because I like the course and I always play well there. Coming from a win I think I’ll have a lot of confidence and hopefully I can do something good in India,” said the 28-year-old from Paris.
Spanish LET rookie Ciganda, who is leading the ISPS Handa Order of Merit after two victories this season in the Netherlands and China, will be playing in India for the first time. She said: “I like to travel and see new countries, new things.”
With Caroline Masson missing India due to her LPGA Q-School playing commitments, Ciganda has a clear opportunity to move further ahead and commented: “For me it’s good that she’s not playing because she’s going to Q-School but there is still Dubai and a lot of money so if I don’t play well and she plays well, she can beat me easily, so I’m going to think about this week and see how it goes.”
Australian double-champion Stacey Keating, who won back-to-back events in Spain and France recently, is looking forward to returning to the DLF club having tied for 12th place last year. She said: “Obviously I’m very excited. I enjoyed the golf course. I didn’t see much last year to be honest, apart from the hotel and the golf course, but that was very nice. I’m looking forward to it.”
The 300,000USD tournament features 108 competitors and is tri-sanctioned by the LET, Ladies Asian Golf Tour (LAGT) and Women’s Golf Association of India (WGAi).
Hazy sunshine is forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday with light WNW winds and temperatures in the mid to upper 20s. Dry weather continues for the remainder of the week and into the weekend with highs of 25-27C.
Ladies European Tour (LET) - All set for Hero Women´s Indian Open
Ladies European Tour (LET) - Ciganda chases grand double at Omega Dubai Ladies Masters
Carlota Ciganda
Carlota Ciganda will be aiming for a crack at the long-standing record of Laura Davies when she competes in the Omega Dubai Ladies Masters to be held under the patronage of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, from December 5 to 8.
The 22-year-old Spanish prodigy needs a strong finish, if not victory, to follow in footsteps of Davies, the only player to have won the Ladies European Tour’s Order of Merit and Rookie of the Year titles in the same year back in 1985.
With just two events remaining to be played, Ciganda currently leads the Tour’s ISPS Handa Order of Merit with euro 232,656 (Dh 1.08 million) in earnings, but has Germany’s Caroline Masson (euro 210, 831) hot on her heels as the battle for the ‘Player of the Year’ enters final stretch at the Emirates Golf Club.
Masson will not be competing in the Hero Women’s Indian Open, the penultimate event on the tour, because of her LPGA Q-School engagements, and her absence could well work in favour of Ciganda, but still it will not guarantee her the Order of Merit title since the Omega Dubai Ladies offers a huge purse of euro 75,000 to the winner.
“For me it’s good that Caroline is not playing in India, but there is still Dubai and a lot of money, so if I don’t play well and she plays well, she can beat me easily,” said Ciganda, who is enjoying an outstanding rookie season with wins in the Netherlands and China.
“It would be nice to wrap up the season with a grand double, but still there is everything to play for. I am really looking forward to playing in Dubai,” said Ciganda, who also leads the Ladies European Tour stats for lowest stroke average with 70.5 as well as greens in regulation (79.7%) and total birdies (181), assuring her the Rookie of the Year title.
The highly-rated Ciganda will have her work cut out with the likes of defending champion Lexi Thompson, Michelle Wie, Shanshan Feng and Christina Kim from the LPGA Tour joining the star-studded field in the season-ending event.
“With so much at stake coming down the line for frontrunners, we can expect a great finish to the tournament,” said Mohamed Juma Buamaim, vice chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAi, the promoters and organizers of the euro 500,000 event.
“Women’s professional golf has become quite competitive with many young players enjoying early success on the tour. This surprise element has further spiked interest in the game.
“It will be interesting to see what new storylines emerge from the tournament which, like in previous years, is bolstered by the presence of LPGA stars. If we have again managed to assemble a top class field, it’s all down to the enthusiastic support of the players," he added.
golf in DUBAi' is backed by Omega as the title sponsor and Dubal (Dubai Aluminium) as the sponsor. The co-sponsors are: CNN, Drydocks World & Maritime World, Emirates NBD, Gulf News, Mercedes-Benz and wasl while Dubai Duty Free, Carpetland and Motivate are the Patrons in golf in DUBAi's drive to showcase the emirate's vibrant golfing scene to a worldwide audience.
Ladies European Tour (LET) - Ciganda chases grand double at Omega Dubai Ladies Masters
Sunday 25 November 2012
CONGRATULATIONS RORY - WORLD NUMBER 1
"I couldnt of wished for the season to end any better"
" The t shot on 17 was probably the best shot going into the wind"
" I needed a few birdies coming in to give myself that cushion"
New clubs next year Rory and new challenges but an amazing year and many many congratulations for SOLGOLF VACATIONS.
Luke Donald unconcerned, but are too many European players playing on the PGA Tour?
Luke Donald insists having so many of the top Europeans playing jointly on the PGA Tour will not harm the European Tour, as chief George O'Grady states that they will be looking to stage more events in England and mainland Europe in the near future.
READ MORE:
http://www1.skysports.com/golf/news
Ladies European Tour (LET) - Gwladys Nocera answers our 'Unconventional Chic' Questionnaire
The former European No.1 talks about Lacoste, French food and her dream, among other things!
When you think of Lacoste, you think of.....
Legendary athlete, family company, chic,
Your favourite Lacoste accessory
All the belts and bags
Your favourite Lacoste garment (vêtement)
White polo golf shirt
The Lacoste cocodrille reminds me of....
Respect
When you think of Biarritz, this place reminds you of......
My second home
Is this your first time in St Jean de Luz, “Pays Basque”?
Yes (I used to live in Biarritz!)
Your clothing style:
Sport/chic
Your make up
Very light
Your colour
White
Your fantasy
Go to places I’ve never been
Your day cream
Guerlain, Abeille Royale
Your favourite French expression
Oulala!!!
Your favourite French tradition....
No idea!
Your favourite French food....
Quiche Lorraine, Rabbit, Ratatouille, everything indeed!
Your favourite place in France
Biarritz
Your petit-déjeuner
Coffee (strong) with French bread with butter, that I dip in my coffee
Your favourite French dessert
White wine cake
Your rêve (dream)
Be as happy as I am for the rest of my life
Ladies European Tour (LET) - Gwladys Nocera answers our 'Unconventional Chic' Questionnaire
Ladies European Tour (LET) - Elin Emanuelsson: my favourite things
Favourite restaurant: Operakällaren, Stockholm
Favourite food: Risotto
Favourite drink: Fanta Lemon and red wine (not mixed=)
Favourite car: Anyone- as long as it´s powerful and fun driving
Favourite make up/cosmetic: Make Up Store and Lóréals BB Cream
Favourite gadget: My Mac Book Air
Favourite possession: My apartment in Stockholm
Favourite dessert: Chocolate, chocolate and chocolate
Favourite city: New York
Favourite shop: H&M
Favourite book: Right now it's Kepler
Favourite movie/actor/actress/director: Quentin Tarantino
Favourite fashion designer: Karl Lagerfeldt
Favourite music artist or band: Beyoncé, Avicii, David Guetta
Ladies European Tour (LET) - Elin Emanuelsson: my favourite things
Saturday 24 November 2012
DONALD & MCILROY GO HEAD-TO-HEAD ON SUNDAY
The DP World Tour Championship looks set for a fitting finale with World
Number One Rory McIlroy and World Number Two Luke Donald going
head-to-head on Sunday.
England’s Donald extended his bogey free run at Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Earth Course to 100 holes with his 66 – the last time he dropped a shot at this venue coming at the eighth hole in the second round a year ago – as he reached 17 under par.
While that was enough to shake off the remainder of the field, McIlroy was able to keep pace with 66 that started with a bogey at the first but was followed by five birdies and an eagle at the long 14th.
The chasing pack is headed by South African Major Champions Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen on 14 under, with four-time European Tour winner Branden Grace and Dutchman Joost Luiten two shots further back.
But it is the final group on the final day of The European Tour season that will provide the talking point as the two best players on the planet fight for the €1,041,429 winner's cheque with their contrasting styles.
England’s Donald extended his bogey free run at Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Earth Course to 100 holes with his 66 – the last time he dropped a shot at this venue coming at the eighth hole in the second round a year ago – as he reached 17 under par.
While that was enough to shake off the remainder of the field, McIlroy was able to keep pace with 66 that started with a bogey at the first but was followed by five birdies and an eagle at the long 14th.
The chasing pack is headed by South African Major Champions Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen on 14 under, with four-time European Tour winner Branden Grace and Dutchman Joost Luiten two shots further back.
But it is the final group on the final day of The European Tour season that will provide the talking point as the two best players on the planet fight for the €1,041,429 winner's cheque with their contrasting styles.
READ MORE:
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Golf to be chosen between 6 Nicklaus designed courses
Two eagles, nine birdies, two bogeys and a triple bogey seven.
Sergio Garcia shot one of golf's most remarkable course records in Dubai
- two eagles, nine birdies, two bogeys and a triple bogey seven.
It all added up to a second round 64, eight under par, at the DP World Tour Championship and from 49th place overnight he was back in contention.
The scoring was astonishing enough, but this is the 32 year old Spaniard's first event since the Ryder Cup in September. He underwent laser surgery afterwards to correct an astigmatic eye.
"It was unbelievable, wasn't it? he said after moving from one over par to seven under.
An 18 foot eagle putt from just off the back of the final green made Garcia the sixth player to hand in a 64 on the Greg Norman-designed Earth Course, venue for The European Tour's season-ending showpiece for the past four years.
"I'm still kind of getting used to it," he said of his improved eyesight.
"My sight's not changed immensely, but the main reason was that with contact lenses I was feeling very uncomfortable."
He had five birdies in an outward 31, started for home with two more, bogeyed the next two, then sank a 30 foot eagle putt on the long 14th.
The tee at the 371 yard 15th had been moved up and after driving the green he sank an eight foot second putt for birdie, but then pushed an eight iron into the water on the next.
With three putts a triple bogey went on his card, but he hit back with a six iron to four feet and then had his closing eagle - after his drive had headed for the stream running down the fairway, but then hit the rocks and bounced out.
Moments earlier German Marcel Siem had hit his second shot into the water by the green and by taking a bogey six had to settle for a 65.
It all added up to a second round 64, eight under par, at the DP World Tour Championship and from 49th place overnight he was back in contention.
The scoring was astonishing enough, but this is the 32 year old Spaniard's first event since the Ryder Cup in September. He underwent laser surgery afterwards to correct an astigmatic eye.
"It was unbelievable, wasn't it? he said after moving from one over par to seven under.
An 18 foot eagle putt from just off the back of the final green made Garcia the sixth player to hand in a 64 on the Greg Norman-designed Earth Course, venue for The European Tour's season-ending showpiece for the past four years.
"I'm still kind of getting used to it," he said of his improved eyesight.
"My sight's not changed immensely, but the main reason was that with contact lenses I was feeling very uncomfortable."
He had five birdies in an outward 31, started for home with two more, bogeyed the next two, then sank a 30 foot eagle putt on the long 14th.
The tee at the 371 yard 15th had been moved up and after driving the green he sank an eight foot second putt for birdie, but then pushed an eight iron into the water on the next.
With three putts a triple bogey went on his card, but he hit back with a six iron to four feet and then had his closing eagle - after his drive had headed for the stream running down the fairway, but then hit the rocks and bounced out.
Moments earlier German Marcel Siem had hit his second shot into the water by the green and by taking a bogey six had to settle for a 65.
READ MORE BELOW:
Ladies European Tour (LET) - Quick 18 Questionnaire with Cassandra Kirkland
What’s the best thing about being a professional golfer? Travelling all over the world and doing something you love
Who is the golfer you most admire? Tiger
What’s the shot you love to practise? Hitting my driver
When are you going to reach your peak? If I knew!
Define yourself in 3 words : Honest, bubbly, generous
What do you do for entertainment when travelling? Watch movies, read, visit the city, some fitness, hang out with the girls, any sport activity that I can find
Which player is the quietest? Celine Palomar
What’s the strangest superstition you’ve ever seen? A player that used only white tees and nothing else, not even another color in her bag or pocket
Language you’d like to learn? I am starting to learn Italian
Musical instrument you’d like to play? Guitar
What’s your lowest round ever and where did you have it? -8 last year at the French open, Paris International Country Club
Age you first broke par? 13
How many holes in one and where? Total of 5: 1 as an amateur at Golf de Saint Cloud, 4 as a pro during tournaments, which were 1 in Holland, 2 at the scottish open, 1 at the Irish open. 2 of them where this year :)
Chosen career if not a golfer? Dancer or Vetenarian or something into fashion
Hidden talent? Hmmm not sure
How would you spend a perfect day? Somewhere nice and hot, with my family and some friends, play 9 holes, have a good french meal for lunch, some shopping.
Ladies European Tour (LET) - Quick 18 Questionnaire with Cassandra Kirkland
Ladies European Tour (LET) - LET supporting ISPS Handa and Disabled golf: Meeting Nathan Hill.
LET is supporting ISPS Handa & Disabled golf. ISPS, one of our main sponsors, has fostered partnerships with Ladies European Tour among others golf governing bodies worldwide to help develop the game at every level and promote blind and disabled golf.
Over the coming months, we will be following the progression of some pupils from The Golf Academy that we met during ISPS Handa Ladies British Masters. This one is the first story and it will be about 15-year-old Nathan Hill, from Lichfield.
We met Nathan and his grandfather John Sanders at the ISPS Handa British Masters this year. Nathan started to play golf in January and he is now a new pupil of Craig Thomas, director of The Golf Academy: "He attended 2 hour group lessons for disabled children/siblings which are funded by our council following a successful grant application by The Golf Academy. He has been practicing since the beginning and had received more than 60 hours lessons. Nathan now continues to attend this group lesson and since being accepted as a member of the England and Wales blind golf association in September, they have offered to fund some Private 1:1 sessions which the Golf Academy have been using to introduce Nathan to the course"
READ MORE ABOUT THIS REMARKABLE YOUNG MAN BELOW
Ladies European Tour (LET) - LET supporting ISPS Handa and Disabled golf: Meeting Nathan Hill.
Over the coming months, we will be following the progression of some pupils from The Golf Academy that we met during ISPS Handa Ladies British Masters. This one is the first story and it will be about 15-year-old Nathan Hill, from Lichfield.
We met Nathan and his grandfather John Sanders at the ISPS Handa British Masters this year. Nathan started to play golf in January and he is now a new pupil of Craig Thomas, director of The Golf Academy: "He attended 2 hour group lessons for disabled children/siblings which are funded by our council following a successful grant application by The Golf Academy. He has been practicing since the beginning and had received more than 60 hours lessons. Nathan now continues to attend this group lesson and since being accepted as a member of the England and Wales blind golf association in September, they have offered to fund some Private 1:1 sessions which the Golf Academy have been using to introduce Nathan to the course"
READ MORE ABOUT THIS REMARKABLE YOUNG MAN BELOW
Ladies European Tour (LET) - LET supporting ISPS Handa and Disabled golf: Meeting Nathan Hill.
Ladies European Tour (LET) - New LET tournament announced in Sweden
The Ladies’ European Tour will feature a new tournament in Sweden next summer. The Helsingborg Open will be played at Vasatorp Golf Course for the next three years.
”It’s strategically important for Swedish golf that we once again can present a LET tournament in Sweden. Historically the tournament has been an inspiration for younger players and that we now are able to see our Swedish stars at home will inspire young talents even more,” said SGF General Secretary, Gunnar Håkansson.
Thanks to the cooperation between the Swedish Golf Federation (SGF) and IEC in sports, the tournament has been secured for the next three years, starting in September 2013.
”This is an important step in IEC’s investment in the Ladies European Tour, where we are responsible for the international media distribution,” said Max Kållberg, CEO of IEC in Sports. “IEC's hope is to put the LET on the map as one of the leading tours in the world. Given all of the world class players that Sweden has produced and still has, this is a natural step.”
The date, September 5-8, is ideally placed in the calendar to attract a strong field of competitors, played the week before The Evian Championship, which is the final major of the year.
The Helsingborg Open will be played in the stroke play format over 72 holes with a prize fund of €250,000.
Despite a long golfing tradition, there has not been a Ladies European Tour event in Sweden since the Scandinavian TPC in 2008, the same year that the Goteborg Masters was played. The first European Tour event in Sweden was played in 1985 and the year after, Lotta Neumann was the first home winner. The country also hosted The Solheim Cup twice, in 2003 and 2007.
Alexandra Armas, executive director of the LET, hailed the tournament as a great step forward. “The Ladies European Tour is extremely pleased to announce its return in 2013 to Sweden. This nation is steeped in women’s golfing history and it is entirely fitting that the spotlight will be returning next year. Vasatorp Golf Club in Helsingborg has previously hosted the Ladies European Tour in 2002 when Sweden’s own Annika Sörenstam emerged victorious and we are delighted to be returning once again with strong support from the region. We look forward to working with the Swedish Golf Federation, Partners and all concerned to ensure that this tournament is a great success.”
For more information contact Beth Engblom, project director for the Helsingborg Open: +46 8 622 15 00 Mobile +46 708 196403; beth.engblom@golf.se
Ladies European Tour (LET) - New LET tournament announced in Sweden
Friday 23 November 2012
MCILROY KEEPS PACE DESPITE BEING UNDER THE WEATHER
Rory McIlroy overcame what he thinks was a touch of sunstroke to move into a share of the halfway lead at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai.
The World Number One shot a second round 67 and goes into the weekend 11 under par alongside World Number Two Luke Donald and Scot Marc Warren.
South Africans Louis Oosthuizen and Branden Grace are only a stroke behind.
"I got off the course yesterday and had a really sore head and a fever," said McIlroy. "I think it was a bit of sunstroke.
"I took a few things and felt better, but I'm not feeling great again. The sun's taking it out of me a bit."
He birdied two of the first three, but came up short of the green at the 245 yard fourth and bogeyed.
It was his only dropped stroke, however, and further birdies came at the seventh, tenth, 14th - he lipped out for eagle there - and 15th.
Overnight leader Donald had a 68, while playing partner Warren - 189th in the Official World Golf Ranking - matched McIlroy's round.
READ MORE:
http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season
Thursday 22 November 2012
HOLLYWOOD'S A-LIST EXCHANGE THE RED CARPET FOR THE FAIRWAY!
Adrien Brody, Andy Garcia, Ryan Reynolds and Minka Kelly exchange Red Carpet
for Green Fairway at Mission Hills China
Haikou, November 2012 - A select few from Hollywood’s A-List added their names to the roll of distinguished actors to have played in the Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am, one of China’s top lifestyle and entertainment events.
Stars including Adrien Brody, Andy Garcia, Ryan Reynolds and Minka Kelly saw their hand-prints added to the Avenue of Stars at Mission Hills which also played host to Catherine Zeta Jones, Hugh Grant, Matthew McConaughey and Christian Slater, for the first edition of this biennial tournament which is held at the Mission Hills Resort on Hainan Island.
Exchanging red-carpet for green fairway, Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody said, “I'm here to grow and this is a kind of baptism of fire for me. Here we are on one of the most beautiful golf courses with some of the best golfers in the world and this is my second time on a golf course. But it’s exciting and I'm very grateful to be involved in this charitable event.”
Minka Kelly added, “I've never played so much golf in my life but it was a lot of fun out there today. I've played a couple of times before but never a full eighteen holes and I think I need to work on my stamina!”
Canadian actor and Hollywood heart-throb Ryan Reynolds said: “This place is an incredible feat of engineering and imagination. I've never been to any kind of mega resort like this before. I've been to Las Vegas but this is a far more elegant version of that. It’s one of those places where anything you could wish for is right there.
“The golfing experience has been incredible, to be out there with these professionals who are so talented and to learn from them and seeing the landscape architecture which is as impressive as the interior architecture of Mission Hills – it’s been a real pleasure,” he added.
The stars were joined by a host of sporting and acting talent that included action heroine Michelle Yeoh, former NBA star Yao Ming, 22-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps, footballing great Ronaldo, Wimbledon Champion Pat Cash as well as a pro golfers Matt Kuchar, Darren Clarke, Ian Woosnam, Michael Campbell and Tony Jacklin.
The event lived up to its billing as China’s top entertainment event of the year as the sports stars and celebrities descended on Mission Hills’ vacation destination in Sothern China which boasts no less than ten signature golf courses and was recently accredited “World's Largest Spa Resort” by Guinness World Records.
For more information about Mission Hills, please visit www.missionhillswcpa.com or email info@missionhillschina.com.
Haikou, November 2012 - A select few from Hollywood’s A-List added their names to the roll of distinguished actors to have played in the Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am, one of China’s top lifestyle and entertainment events.
Stars including Adrien Brody, Andy Garcia, Ryan Reynolds and Minka Kelly saw their hand-prints added to the Avenue of Stars at Mission Hills which also played host to Catherine Zeta Jones, Hugh Grant, Matthew McConaughey and Christian Slater, for the first edition of this biennial tournament which is held at the Mission Hills Resort on Hainan Island.
Exchanging red-carpet for green fairway, Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody said, “I'm here to grow and this is a kind of baptism of fire for me. Here we are on one of the most beautiful golf courses with some of the best golfers in the world and this is my second time on a golf course. But it’s exciting and I'm very grateful to be involved in this charitable event.”
Minka Kelly added, “I've never played so much golf in my life but it was a lot of fun out there today. I've played a couple of times before but never a full eighteen holes and I think I need to work on my stamina!”
Canadian actor and Hollywood heart-throb Ryan Reynolds said: “This place is an incredible feat of engineering and imagination. I've never been to any kind of mega resort like this before. I've been to Las Vegas but this is a far more elegant version of that. It’s one of those places where anything you could wish for is right there.
“The golfing experience has been incredible, to be out there with these professionals who are so talented and to learn from them and seeing the landscape architecture which is as impressive as the interior architecture of Mission Hills – it’s been a real pleasure,” he added.
The stars were joined by a host of sporting and acting talent that included action heroine Michelle Yeoh, former NBA star Yao Ming, 22-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps, footballing great Ronaldo, Wimbledon Champion Pat Cash as well as a pro golfers Matt Kuchar, Darren Clarke, Ian Woosnam, Michael Campbell and Tony Jacklin.
The event lived up to its billing as China’s top entertainment event of the year as the sports stars and celebrities descended on Mission Hills’ vacation destination in Sothern China which boasts no less than ten signature golf courses and was recently accredited “World's Largest Spa Resort” by Guinness World Records.
For more information about Mission Hills, please visit www.missionhillswcpa.com or email info@missionhillschina.com.
D P WORLD TOUR -CHAMPIONSHIP DUBAI
GOLF - A DUBAI INIZIO IN SORDINA PER F. MOLINARI E
MANASSERO
IN VETTA L’INGLESE LUKE DONALD, A UN COLPO RORY
McILROY
Inizio
in sordina per Francesco Molinari, 42° con 72 (par), e per Matteo Manassero,
49° con 73 (+1), nel DP World Tour Championship, ultimo torneo stagionale
dell’European Tour che si sta svolgendo sul percorso Hearth (par 72) nel
complesso del Jumeirah Golf Estates, a Dubai.
E’
al comando con 65 (-7) l’inglese Luke Donald, reduce dal successo nel Dunlop
Phoenix in Giappone che lo ha riportato al secondo posto nella graduatoria
mondiale sopravanzando Tiger Woods. Lo seguono a un colpo il nordirlandese Rory
McIlroy, leader del world ranking, lo spagnolo Gonzalo Fernandez Castaño e lo
scozzese Marc Warren (66, -6). In quinta posizione con 67 (-5) l’inglese Lee
Westwood, il sudafricano Louis Oosthuizen, il tedesco Martin Kaymer,
l’irlandese Padraig Harrington, lo svedese Fredrik Andersson Hed e lo scozzese
Richie Ramsay e in 11ª con 68 (-4) altri candidati al titolo, oltre ai
giocatori già citati, quali il sudafricano Charl Schwartzel, il belga Nicolas
Colsaerts, il thailandese Thongchai Jaidee, l’inglese Justin Rose e lo svedese
Henrik Stenson, tornato al successo domenica scorsa nel SA Open dopo quattro
anni di astinenza. Sono oltre metà graduatoria l’iberico Miguel Angel Jimenez,
il terzo dei tre concorrenti giunti a Dubai freschi di un successo (Hong Kong Open),
e l’indiano Jeev Milkha Singh, 34.i con 71 (-1), il nordirlandese Graeme
McDowell e l’inglese Ian Poulter, stesso score di Molinari, e lo spagnolo
Sergio Garcia, che è alla pari con Manassero.
Donald,
che è andato a un colpo dal record del campo stabilito da Lee Westwood
nel 2009 ed eguagliato dal connazionale Ross Fisher (2010) e dall’iberico
Alvaro Quiros (2011), ha dato una svolta al punteggio con sette birdie tra le
buche 5 e 14. Warren ha realizzato sette birdie e un bogey, Fernandez Castaño
sei birdie tutti nelle buche di ritorno dove ha cambiato passo anche McIlroy
con cinque birdie dopo il primo ottenuto in uscita. Sull’ultima buca il
nordirlandese, che ha già vinto con anticipo l’ordine di merito, ha
spedito la palla in acqua con il driver, ma è riuscito a salvare il par con uno
stupendo quarto colpo in bandiera.
I
birdie non sono stati di casa per Francesco Molinari, che ne ha messo a segno
solo uno nel finale dopo un bogey in avvio, e per Manassero, che ha infilato 17
par con un bogey alla nona buca.
Si
gioca, come detto, al Jumeirah Golf Estate un mega complesso residenziale, nato
dove un tempo c’era un villaggio di pescatori, strutturato su quattro
quartieri, Fire, Earth, Water e Wind, ognuno con in progetto un campo da golf
dallo stesso nome. Per il torneo è stato scelto anche quest’anno l’Hearth,
disegnato da Greg Norman. Il campione australiano si è ispirato ai parkland
d’Europa e Nord America, creando la sua opera su un terreno ondulato, con tanta
acqua, dove è stata data anche grande importanza alla flora. Il campo richiede
molta attenzione e strategie di gioco diverse. Le ultime quattro buche sono le
più impegnative e probabilmente emetteranno il verdetto finale.
Il
torneo su Sky - Il DP World Tour
Championship va in onda in diretta e in esclusiva sulla piattaforma satellitare
Sky con collegamenti, da venerdì 23 novembre a domenica 25, dalle ore 9 alle
ore 14 sui canali Sky Sport 2 e Sky Sport 2 HD. Repliche: venerdì 23, dalle ore
16,30 (Sky Sport 2 e 2 HD); sabato 24, dalle ore 15 e dalle ore 21 (Sky Sport
Extra e Extra HD); domenica 25, dalle ore 21 (Sky Sport 2 e 2 HD). Commento di
Silvio Grappasonni, Nicola Pomponi e di Roberto Zappa
22
novembre 2012
Wednesday 21 November 2012
La Finca Golf & Spa Resort - Algorfa Alicante
We have golf packages to suit all! Stay and play, stay and learn with a course to get your handicap or improve your game at the Victor Andreu Golf school based at La Finca.
Are you a golf professional? Would you like to arrange a golf clinic in Spain with some of your club members? We can offer you some great deals contact me on info@solgolfvacations.com
BUBBA WATSON - LONGEST DRIVING AVERAGE
 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|
Official Rolex Website: Rolex Rankings
TOP 10
| 1 | Yani Tseng | |
| 2 | Na Yeon Choi | +2 |
| 3 | Stacy Lewis | -1 |
| 4 | Inbee Park | -1 |
| 5 | Shanshan Feng | +1 |
| 6 | Suzann Pettersen | -1 |
| 7 | Jiyai Shin | |
| 8 | So Yeon Ryu | +1 |
| 9 | Ai Miyazato | -1 |
| 10 | Cristie Kerr | +1 |
WEEKS AT THE TOP
- Yani Tseng
- 93
- Official Rolex Website: Rolex Rankings
Tuesday 20 November 2012
Ladies European Tour (LET) - Lydia Hall: My Favourite Things
Since joining the tour in 2007, Lydia waited almost 5 years for her Maiden victory, claiming the 2012 ISPS Handa Ladies British Masters at The Buckinghamshire Golf Club, home of the Ladies European Tour. The Welsh lady is currently 15th on the Order of Merit – her best season to date
Ladies European Tour (LET) - Lydia Hall: My Favourite Things
Ladies European Tour (LET) - Lydia Hall: My Favourite Things
Ladies European Tour (LET) - Carolina Masson - Quick 18 Questionnaire
What’s the best thing about being a professional golfer? Travelling the world, meeting many interesting people and playing golf for a living.
Who is the golfer you most admire? Annika
What’s your one biggest strength? Consistency
What’s the shot you love to practise? Iron shots
When are you going to reach your peak? We will see..
Define yourself in 3 words Loyal, relaxed, impatient
What do you do for entertainment when travelling? Reading books, watching TV Series
Which player is the biggest joker? Laura Davies
Which player is the quietest? Rachel Jennings;)
What’s the strangest superstition you’ve ever seen? No idea
Language you’d like to learn Spanish
Musical instrument you’d like to play Guitar
What’s your lowest round ever and where did you have it? 62(-10) as an Amateur in Cologne, 64(-8) in Wales
Age you first broke par Can't remember
How many holes in one and where? Just one in a practice round
Chosen career if not a golfer? Tennis player
Hidden talent? Not sure..
How would you spend a perfect day? Sleep in, long breakfast, spend the day with friends and have a nice dinner with my family.
Ladies European Tour (LET) - Carolina Masson - Quick 18 Questionnaire
Sporting Legends Pay Tribute to Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am 2012
Yao Ming,
Michael Phelps, Ronaldo Participated in Hainan’s Most Celebrated Golf
Tournament
Haikou, 19th November 2012 - The 2012 Mission Hills World Celebrity Pro-Am, held on the Blackstone Course at Mission Hills Haikou, has proved to be Asia’s biggest entertainment and sports event of the year with participating celebrities ranging from the world of film, music, entertainment and sport.
Among them was the legendary American swimmer Michael Phelps: “Being able to play some of the coolest, most challenging golf courses that I've ever played is what I love to do now. There are a lot of great people here and I've always had a great experience at Mission Hills,” said the 22-time Olympic medal winner.
Football great, Ronaldo added: “It is an honour and pleasure to be here and I'm very excited to play golf at Mission Hills. In fact, after my retiring from football, I start to play golf to do the exercise. I like to play golf like I used to play football and also I hope to lose some weight through this game.”
Dr. Ken Chu, Chairman and CEO of Mission Hills Group said, “The objective of the World Celebrity Pro-Am has always been to take golf to a new level, not just in China but across the region. We’re delighted to have so many international sport legends on board.”
“We’ve always emphasize that Mission Hills is about more than just golf. What we’re doing is creating general entertainment for people, so whether you’re into film, celebrities, golf or just sport in general, there’s going to be something for you,” added Chu.
Lining up alongside Phelps, Yao and Ronaldo from the world of sport were seven time world snooker champion Stephen Hendry, former Wimbledon tennis champion Pat Cash, and four golf major winners in Darren Clarke, Michael Campbell, Ian Woosnam and Tony Jacklin, as well as four-time PGA Tour winner and current PLAYERS Champion Matt Kuchar.
Already internationally acclaimed for staging championship golf events, the World Celebrity Pro-Am put Mission Hills on the world map for overall entertainment. The tournament was first staged in 2010 and has already become one of the region’s leading lifestyle and entertainment events.
For more information about Mission Hills, please visit www.missionhillswcpa.com or email info@missionhillschina.com.
RACE TO DUBAI
The 18th hole Earth Course Jumeirah Estates
This weeks end of season DP Tour Championship in Dubai is being held for the fourth time. The leading 60 players in the Race to Dubai
standings qualify for the event staged over the Greg Norman-designed
Earth Course at Jumeirah Estates.
The Race to Dubai is a season-long competition spanning a minimum of 46
tournaments in 25 countries and all five continents on The 2012 European
Tour International Schedule.
• The Race to Dubai winner receives The Harry Vardon Trophy (first awarded in 1937), US$1,000,000 from the US$3,750,000 Bonus Pool and a seven year European Tour Card exemption. The winner of The Race to Dubai will secure Category 1 Membership of The European Tour similar to the winners of The Open Championship, the US Open, the US PGA Championship and the Masters Tournament. The Bonus Pool will count as Official Money on the final Race to Dubai standings.
• The Race to Dubai winner receives The Harry Vardon Trophy (first awarded in 1937), US$1,000,000 from the US$3,750,000 Bonus Pool and a seven year European Tour Card exemption. The winner of The Race to Dubai will secure Category 1 Membership of The European Tour similar to the winners of The Open Championship, the US Open, the US PGA Championship and the Masters Tournament. The Bonus Pool will count as Official Money on the final Race to Dubai standings.
Sunday 18 November 2012
5 Days Spa and Relax Package
SPA & RELAX PACKAGE – 5 DAYS
MONDAY
·
Half hour body massage choose
between:
o
Relaxing head massage
o
Back and leg massage
o
Cellulite therapy
·
Lunch
·
Spa experience: Water circuits
with 4 rooms, sensory showers, indoor lagoon, outdoor Jacuzzi and relaxing
zone.
·
Afternoon free
TUESDAY
·
Facial massage to choose from:
o
Chocolate
o
Pearl
o
Caviar
o
Silk and gold
o
Aromotherapy
o
Red fruit pack
·
Spa Experience: Relax with a
drink or herbal tea in our Relaxing Zone
·
1 class of Zumba or Pilates
·
Lunch
·
Free afternoon to visit Denia
WEDNESDAY
·
1 Class of Zumba or Pilates
·
Lunch
·
Free afternoon : We suggest a
visit to the old town and Arenal de Javea
THURSDAY
·
Spa Experience enjoy our
aromatic garden, a space surrounded with plants and beds to relax and enjoy the
ambience.
·
Body treatment : Exfoliating
with massage
·
Lunch
·
Gala Dinner and farewell party
FRIDAY
·
Body or face treatment of half
an hour.
·
Spa Experience: Enjoy the views
of La Sella Golf and the Natural Park of Montgo from our outdoor Jacuzzi.
·
Lunch
PRICES
BASED ON 2 PEOPLE with breakfast buffet IN A DOUBLE ROOM WITH HALF BOARD (IVA INCL)
Includes
a herbal infusion in the relaxing zone after each massage or treatment.
First
programme available 7th January 2013 please consult for other dates.
SINGLE
SUPPLEMENT 39€ PER NIGHT.
PRICE 633€
CONTACT :
Susan -
info@solgolfvacations.com
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