Shark Shoot-out Scoreboard
SECOND-ROUND LEADERS
Naples, Florida
Par 144 (2x72)
131 JerryKelly & Steve Stricker 66 65.
132 Steve Flesch & Dustin Johnson 67 65, J B Holmes & Kenny Perry 70 62, Justin Leonard & Scott Verplank 66 66.
134 Ross Fisher & Ian Poulter 68 66, Chad Campbell & Tim Clark 67 67, Chris DiMarco & Rickie Fowler 69 65.
135 Brad Faxon & Matt Kuchar 73 62.
136 Zach Johnson & Nick Price 71 65, Graeme McDowell & Boo Weekley 71 65.
138 Mark Calcavecchia & Brian Gay 69 69.
139 George McNeill & Jeff Sluman 69 70.

Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa

Pablo Martin leads by two after lucky break at last

FROM THE EUROPEAN TOUR WEBSITE
An amazing stroke of fortune enables Spaniard Pablo Martin to take a two-stroke lead into the final day of the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa.
Five shots clear at one point, the 23-year-old double bogeyed the 14th and was in danger of dropping more strokes when his approach to the 541yd last flew over the green.
But it ran over a narrow bridge towards the clubhouse, rebounded off rocks bordering the water, stayed dry and, despite a weak chip back, he saved his par.
The drama gave Martin, whose career took a downward turn after he became the European Tour's first amateur winner two years ago, a three under par 69 and 14 under total of 202.
Pre-tournament favourite Ernie Els was in danger of falling out of contention after mixing four birdies with four bogeys and then a double bogey over an eventful first 11 holes.
But Els - champion in 2005, but also remembered for finishing with an 8 when two in front two years ago, birdied five of the last six holes.
He has so far birdied the 18th all three days, but the final round is the big test for the "Big Easy" - and for Martin, of course.
Els lies joint second with fellow South African Charl Schwartzel, who won on the Leopard Creek course himself in 2004.
Tied for fourth three behind are Irish pair Damien McGrane and Gareth Maybin and another home player, Jacques Blaauw.
Italian Edoardo Molinari, chasing an amazing fifth win in his last seven starts and a place in next April's Masters Tournament alongside his brother Francesco, dropped from joint second to 12th with a 72.
Molinari, top of last season's Challenge Tour before combining with Francesco to give Italy their first Omega Mission Hills World Cup victory, is 59th in the Official Golf World Rankings and hopes to make it into the top 50 by the end of next week to secure an Augusta invitation.
Els' motivation is that this is his last chance to extend a run of at least one win every year that stretches all the way back to 1991.
“That was a little wild,” he conceded afterwards. “At least there was not a shortage of birdies.”
He said after the second round that the course could produce big swings, and so it proved: “What was I, eight behind him, and I’ve seen big swings in the past on the back nine and that’s why this tournament is so exciting,” said Els.
“I was missing very short putts,” he said. “I felt my stance was a little closed, and when I missed a two-footer for birdie on 14, I said to my caddie Simon that I was going to open out a bit and I got a little run of good putts going.”
Martin, winner of the British boys' open championship in 2001, was four clear after his second round 63 and was impressive again as he added birdies on the second, sixth and 13th.
But, bunkered off the tee on the 413yd next, he failed to make it over the hazard short of the green and ran up a 6.
It was all pars from there whereas Els, whose last success was in America in March last year, suddenly found form again.
“It was tense for me at the beginning,” said Martin. “It was the first time I have played with Ernie, and there was the issue of the crowds too, but after a while, I started to hit some good shots and I enjoyed the day.”
Schwartzel returned a 68, as did McGrane, while Maybin had a 67 to re-ignite his bid for a first European Tour title 12 months after he lost a play-off for the South African Open to Richard Sterne.
Schwartzel also had a scorecard dotted with bogeys, but was still happy with his position: “It’s about what you want to do in the third round,” he said.
“There was a lot of guys up there bunched up, and I thought if I could shoot something around the four-under or five-under mark, I was going to be close,” he added.

South African Sunshine Tour Scoreboard
ALFRED DUNHILL CHAMPIONSHIP
Leopard Creek CC, Malelane
THIRD ROUND TOTALS
Par 216 (3x72)
202 Pablo Martin (Spa) 68 63 71
204 Charl Schwartzel (Rsa) 67 69 68, Ernie Els (Rsa) 68 67 69
205 Jacques Blaauw (Rsa) 71 68 66, Damien McGrane 67 70 68, Gareth Maybin 68 70 67
206 Michael Lorenzo-Vera (Fra) 71 69 66, Anders Hansen (Den) 68 70 68, Sion Bebb 67 70 69, Ariel Canete (Arg) 68 68 70, Darren Fichardt (Rsa) 67 72 67
207 Ulrich Van Den Berg (Rsa) 64 72 71, Robert Rock 69 68 70, Shiv Kapur (Ind) 68 71 68, Dawie Van der Walt (Rsa) 68 70 69, Edoardo Molinari (Ita) 66 69 72
208 Pelle Edberg (Swe) 65 71 72, Ignacio Garrido (Spa) 72 71 65, James Kamte (Rsa) 69 71 68
209 Michiel Bothma (Rsa) 72 70 67, Gregory Bourdy (Fra) 67 70 72, Andrew Curlewis (Rsa) 71 68 70
210 James Kingston (Rsa) 68 70 72, Dale Whitnell 70 68 72, Richard Sterne (Rsa) 72 66 72, Vaughn Groenewald (Rsa) 71 68 71
211 Steve Basson (Rsa) 70 70 71, Markus Brier (Aut) 72 68 71, Doug McGuigan 70 73 68, Rafael Cabrera Bello (Spa) 69 68 74, Charl Coetzee (Rsa) 74 69 68
212 Carl Suneson (Spa) 71 68 73, Mikko Ilonen (Fin) 70 71 71, Shane Lowry 67 71 74, Andrew Coltart 70 72 70
213 Adilson Da Silva (Bra) 71 67 75, Garth Mulroy (Rsa) 68 73 72, Joost Luiten (Ned) 70 70 73, Alan McLean 67 74 72, Jamie Elson 71 70 72, Dion Fourie (Rsa) 71 70 72, Tjaart Van der Walt (Rsa) 67 75 71, Grant Muller (Rsa) 71 71 71, Michael Hoey 73 69 71
214 Richard McEvoy 68 70 76, Julien Guerrier (Fra) 70 70 74, Vaughan Bradford (Rsa) 69 74 71, Kenneth Ferrie 72 68 74
215 Titch Moore (Rsa) 66 73 76, Oliver Bekker (Rsa) 69 74 72, Eirik Tage Johansen (Nor) 67 73 75, Mark F Haastrup (Den) 72 70 73, Warren Abery (Rsa) 72 71 72, Keith Horne (Rsa) 75 68 72, Deane Pappas (Rsa) 74 69 72
216 Peter Whiteford 69 74 73, Hendrik Buhrmann (Rsa) 72 71 73
217 David Dixon 70 68 79, Fabrizio Zanotti (Par) 72 71 74, Nic Henning (Rsa) 69 71 77, Rhys Davies 71 72 74
218 Benn Barham 68 73 77, Jarmo Sandelin (Swe) 69 74 75, Steven Jeppesen (Swe) 71 70 77, Josh Cunliffe (Rsa) 73 70 75
219 Peter Baker 74 69 76, Louis De Jager (Rsa) 69 73 77, James Ruth 72 71 76
220 Richard Finch 69 74 77

Surging Spurgeon hits the top in Mauritius

By STEVE TODD, European Seniors Tour Press Officer
England’s Kevin Spurgeon fired a five-under-par 67 to take a two-stroke lead on 138 into Sunday's final round of the Mauritius Commercial Bank Open as David Frost also moved into contention for a debut European Senior Tour victory.
South African Frost, a two-time winner on the European Tour, eagled the last hole to sign for a round of 70 and a share of second place on 140 with Englishman Nick Job, who posted a 69, but it was Spurgeon who holds the advantage as he searches for his maiden Senior Tour title
Spurgeon, whose late father Keith managed football giants Ajax in the 1960s, reached the turn in 32 after carding four birdies. The 54-year-old picked up another shot on the 13th before his only bogey of the day, on the 16th, where he three-putted from 15ft.
Despite missing the 18th green to the left, Spurgeon finished his round on a high when he birdied the last, chipping to two feet from the greenside rough and holing a morale-boosting putt to finish on six under par for the tournament at Constance Belle Mare Plage.
“I played really solid and just had that one glitch on the 16th,” he said. “I putted really well today and holed some nice long putts – one nice 15 foot putt on the fifth hole to save par.
“I miss-hit my second shot on the last hole – I was in two minds what to do and should have probably chipped over the water but I went for it and came up short. The lie wasn’t great but I got away with it and stiffed it for a birdie. Apart from that, and the 16th, I didn’t do much wrong really.”
Spurgeon, who finished 31st on the 2009 Senior Tour Order of Merit after three top 10 finishes, is trying to go one better than his previous best finish of tied second in the 2007 Irish Seniors Open.
The scorching Mauritian heat, which reached 32˚C, could play a factor in the final round, although Spurgeon feels confident he can cope with both the temperature and the pressure of leading.
“I’ve spent a week in Johannesburg and I’m going there for two months so I’m quite used to the heat,” he said. “My wife’s daughter lives there and we are going back for two months so the heat’s not a problem for me.
“The only problem could be concentration – if you have a bad hole especially. I’m playing well at the moment though and I felt confident coming into the week. It’s a new season and I’ve gone back to basics and I feel comfortable. Another round like that tomorrow and I should be OK.
“I had a great start to last season but then hurt my back in Scotland and I lost confidence. That’s back now. At least I’m in contention again. I’m just going to play how I did today. It would be great to get that first win – it’s going to happen soon and this is a good chance for it. I’ll deal with the pressure as I’ll go along.”
Frost, who is playing in his first Senior Tour event after turning 50 in September, will try to become the second consecutive debutant to win the opening event of the Senior Tour season after Mike Cunning’s victory in Brunei which kicked off the 2009 campaign.
The South African produced a steady round, with one bogey on the fourth hole and a birdie on the ninth, before igniting his challenge with an eagle 3 on the 501yd par-5 final hole, stopping his five-iron approach shot just ten foot from the pin.
“It was a good way to end the round after playing solid all day,” he said. “There were no major bursts like yesterday, I just kept the ball in play and holed some good putts.
“A 70 was the worst I could have done so I’m happy. I made a lot of pars and had a lot of putts for birdie.
“My game feels good. I thought as long as I wasn’t too far behind this week I’d have a good chance. Hopefully I’ll still be there with nine holes to go tomorrow. It would be nice to win on my debut but you have to just play one shot at a time – there’s no point trying to chase somebody.”
Overnight leader Glenn Ralph is three shots off the pace on three under par after a 74 following a double bogey 6 on the 15th hole. The Englishman is in a share of fourth place with compatriot Peter Mitchell and Swede Peter Dahlberg, who signed for rounds of 73 and 70 respectively.
Former Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance, the 2009 Senior Tour No 1, moved up to a share of 17th place on one over par following a 71.
SECOND-ROUND TOTALS
Par 144 (2x72)
138 K Spurgeon (Eng) 71 67
140 D Frost (RSA) 70 70, N Job (Eng) 71 69
141 G Ralph (Eng) 67 74, P Mitchell (Eng) 68 73, P Dahlberg (Swe) 71 70
142 B Boyd (USA) 73 69, A Franco (Par) 70 72, G Brand (Eng) 72 70, J Bland (RSA) 72 70
143 R Drummond (Sco) 71 72, R Chapman (Eng) 70 73, D Merriman (Aus) 74 69, B Longmuir (Sco) 72 71
144 J Bruner (USA) 75 69, R Willison (Eng) 72 72
145 S Bennett (Eng) 71 74, B Cameron (Eng) 74 71, C Williams (RSA) 74 71, S Torrance (Sco) 74 71, D Johnson (USA) 68 77, B Smit (RSA) 72 73, B Lincoln (RSA) 70 75
146 S Van Vuuren (RSA) 72 74, D O'Sullivan (Irl) 77 69, M Cunning (USA) 74 72, G Watine (Fra) 71 75, P Oakley (USA) 72 74
147 C Rocca (Ita) 76 71, G Gunn (Can) 72 75, M Kierstenson (Eng) 72 75, D Russell (Eng) 73 74, G Banister (Aus) 76 71
148 J Hall (Eng) 74 74, J Hoskison (Eng) 75 73, D Cambridge (Jam) 74 74, J Rivero (Esp) 71 77,
149 J Quiros (Esp) 71 78, G Ryall (Eng) 75 74, H Baiocchi (RSA) 77 72, N Clarke (RSA) 73 76,
150 M Lord (Eng) 70 80, J Chillas (Sco) 77 73, M Farry (Fra) 78 72, G Towne (USA) 77 73, M Bembridge (Eng) 76 74
151 P Brostedt (Swe) 71 80, P Allan (Eng) 81 70, J Benda (USA) 79 72, M Miller (Sco) 77 74, G Cali (Ita) 78 73, P Dugeny (Fra) 75 76, E Darcy (Irl) 78 73
152 I Mosey (Eng) 72 80, D Young (Eng) 76 76, J Stuart (USA) 76 76
153 B McColl (Sco) 74 79, B Hardwick (Can) 79 74, J Rhodes (Eng) 76 77, A Garrido (Esp) 75 78
154 J Heggarty (Nir) 75 79, M Briggs (Eng) 73 81, B Stevens (Eng) 75 79
155 M Williams (Zim) 79 76, T Jones (USA) 81 74, G Davies (Wal) 80 75
156 S Martin (Sco) 78 78
158 J Sallat (Fra) 81 77
162 T Price (Wal) 84 78
163 V Garcia (Esp) 79 84
170 G Palanyandi (Mus) 86 84
176 C Linstead (Eng) 90 86

Michael Sim (65) shoots lowest third round in Aussie

PGA championship as Robert Allenby takes lead

Robert Allenby sank a 10ft birdie putt on the 18th hole to complete a 5-under-par 66 today and take a one-stroke lead after three rounds of the Australian PGA championship at Coolum, Queensland.
The Australian, who won last week's Nedbank Challenge in South Africa, had a 54-hole total of 9-under 204 on the par-71 Hyatt Regency resort course.
Australians Scott Strange (68) and Greg Chalmers (67) were a stroke back.
Aberdeen-born Michael Sim, who had six birdies on the back nine for a 65, the best round of the day, was tied for fourth with last week's Australian Open winner Adam Scott (68) and defending champion Geoff Ogilvy (70), two strokes off the lead.
"I played pretty solid all day," said Allenby. "It could have been better, but it should be quite a finish tomorrow with that leaderboard."
Ogilvy, a former U.S. Open winner, agreed.
"There are five or six guys who could go five or six under tomorrow, and someone probably will," said Ogilvy. "I've never successfully defended a tournament, so it would be nice to do it Sunday."
Most of the buzz on and off the course came from news that Tiger Woods would take an indefinite break from the game because of his ongoing martial problems and admission of infidelity.
John Daly, who shot 72 Saturday and was nine strokes off the lead, said he hopes the tour gets him back soon.
"He is trying to save his marriage," said Daly, who has had his share of marital problems and issues off the course. "My advice to him last week was that he should have come out a lot earlier ... told the truth, got it all out on the table."
Paul Gow of Australia shot a third-round 73, not bad for a guy who didn't think he had made the cut. He flew back to Sydney -- a 90-minute trip -- from Coolum on Saturday afternoon after finishing with at 4-over and seeing the projected cut was 1-over.
But the cut remarkably blew out to 4-over, so Gow had to catch a later flight from Sydney for the 600-mile trip north.
"What an idiot," said Gow. "We even got back in the same [hotel] room. Got back here just before 10 p.m., so it wasn't bad as I was actually in bed and asleep in time."

THIRD-ROUND LEADERBOARD
Par 213 (3x71)
204 Robert Allenby 70 68 66.
205 Greg Chalmers 68 70 67, Scott Strange 67 70 68.
206 Geoff Ogilvy 70 66 70, Adam Scott 68 70 68, Michael Sim 71 70 65.
207 Marc Leishman 70 71 66, John Senden 73 67 67.
208 Cameron Percy 72 69 67, Matthew Griffin 67 68 73
209 Steve Marino (US) 70 73 66, Shin-Ching Chan (Tpe) 68 70 71, Michael Curtain 73 65 71, Nick O'Hern 70 70 69, Stuart Appleby 67 69 73, Josh Geary (Nzl) 70 73 66.
210 Chris Campbell 72 67 71, Scott Laycock 76 66 68, Aron Price 74 69 67, Stephen Leaney 71 70 69, Michael Wright 71 69 70, Brett Rumford 70 70 70, Min-kyu Han (Kor) 62 75 73, Mathew Goggin 70 72 68, Stephen Dartnell 68 73 69, Anthony Brown 71 71 68, Paul Sheehan 73 68 69
211 Marcus Both 70 72 69, Andrew Dodt 67 73 71, Brad Kennedy 76 66 69
212 Rodney Pampling 73 69 70, Mahal Pearce (Nzl) 73 70 69, Kyle Stanley (US) 71 71 70, Tim Wilkinson (Nzl) 68 71 73, Adam Crawford 71 71 70, Jason Norris 69 67 76, Jarrod Lyle 70 73 69, Richard Green 71 70 71, Bryce Molder (US) 73 69 70, Gavin Flint 71 71 70
213 John Daly (US) 71 70 72, Henry Epstein 67 74 72
214 Paul Marantz 69 72 73, Scott Barr 74 70 70, Matthew Millar 71 73 70, Heath Reed 70 75 69
215 Leigh Mckechnie 72 70 73, Ji-Man Kang (Kor) 74 72 69
216 Nathan Green 71 72 73, Brad Andrews 72 74 70, Craig Parry 71 73 72, Kurt Barnes 76 70 70, Nick Flanagan 76 67 73, Chao Li (Chn) 71 71 74, Peter O'Malley 73 71 72
217 Tae hee Lee (Kor) 75 70 72, Darren Beck 74 72 71, Bronson LaCassie 68 69 80, Steven Conran 70 75 72
218 Rick Kulacz 71 74 73, Ryan Haller 66 77 75, Peter Wilson 72 74 72, Terry Pilkadaris 71 75 72
219 Paul Gow 75 71 73
220 Anthony Summers 76 70 74
222 David Smail (Nzl) 71 75 76
223 Ben Burge 79 67 77
224 Graeme Stockley 75 71 78
225 Aaron Townsend 69 77 79, Andrew Tschudin 73 69 83

Tiger Woods giving up golf "indefinitely"

FROM THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEBSITE
By Nick Allen in Los Angeles.
Tiger Woods has announced that he is giving up golf "indefinitely" in an attempt to patch things up with his wife.
The world's number one player admitted, for the first time, cheating on wife Elin Nordegren and said he was giving up the game so that he could be a "better husband and person".
He said: "After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person.
"I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children.
"I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try."
Woods, 33, also asked for "understanding" from fans, fellow golfers and his sponsors and said he needed a "safe haven" to find "personal healing".
In a statement on his website he said: "Again, I ask for privacy for my family and I am especially grateful for all those who have offered compassion and concern during this difficult period."
Since Woods mysteriously crashed his car into a fire hydrant and a tree outside his home in Orlando, Florida two weeks ago his life has imploded around him.
The crash is said to have followed an argument with his wife after rumours of his cheating surfaced.
He has now been linked to more than a dozen women including several waitresses.
On Friday, Jamie Jungers, 26, a Las Vegas cocktail waitress, claimed that she had a "boyfriend-girlfriend relationship" with Woods lasting 18 months.
She said Woods publicly flaunted their affair and did not appear worried about getting caught.


Break from golf is smart move by Tiger

By Michael Bamberger, Senior Writer, Sports Illustrated
Never underestimate this Tiger Woods. He will make you look like a fool. Yes, what we've learned about him since Thanksgiving has been sordid. He's not the first famous person to be a serial philanderer. But he is the most famous person to call himself out.
His announcement that he's going to take an indefinite leave from professional golf, was the smartest thing he could possibly have done. He said in a statement, "It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done, but I want do my best to try." The hyper-realist.
For 15 or more years now, the guy always looked so smart in public, on the course and in a hundred press tents. Look at the way he's picked his way around the Old Course, golf's great mystery chest, in his two British Open wins there. He picked his spots, picked his spots, picked his spots, taking the full four days to bury 149 other guys.
It's OK to stand in awe of it: it was majestic. In front of the mikes, he was never inspiring, but he didn't want to be. His goal was to keep us out, and he did it well.
For reasons best known to him, he didn't want to be known as a black golfer. Maybe because his ancestry was so mixed. Maybe because he knew that conversation wouldn't help him win more majors. He got the conversation to change.
Yes, he was terse and stingy, but he wasn't an automaton. When he was asked to summarize what his late father had given him, he said it all in a single word: "Love."
And then came Thanksgiving and everything after it, and suddenly he looked so dumb. So sloppy. So inelegant. All these women coming forward, with their tapes and their texts. If you were going to be a serial philanderer, Tiger, wouldn't you be a little smarter about it?
I really didn't want to know anything about his sex life — a person's sex life is private, right? — but there it was, all over the Internet, every damn day. We had always thought his heroes were Nicklaus and Mandela and Earl, right? And suddenly it looked like he was taking his cues from Babe Ruth and Wilt Chamberlain and John Holmes and who knows who else.
And the saddest part was that it was pretty obvious that his wife, Elin, was finding out about it right along with us. I don't think she attacked him with a golf club. No act of violence was going to ease her pain.
Maybe — maybe — this move will. When the news of his infidelity first broke, the cynics said he must protect the brand. Protect the brand, protect the brand, protect the brand. Screw the brand. Tiger's made his money. If he never wins again he's won enough.
I'm not even sure how much he likes golf. I'm not going to venture a guess about the nature of his relationship with his wife. What business is that of ours? I can almost assure you that there's nothing more important in the world to him than the welfare and happiness of his two young children.
I say that for the same reason you would, if you're a parent yourself. And I say that because you could see the intensity of the bond between Earl and Tiger — so obvious and so real. If you've had that, you'd want your kids to have it, too.
How long will he stay away? Your guess is as good as mine. He could never come back. Right now, the idea of him going to the driving range is completely unrealistic. There would be helicopters hovering over his head, and in his head, too.
His appetites, it seems, are like his athletic skill: outsized. Could he ever be happy, just he and Elin and the kids, off on a boat somewhere, or in a condo in Sweden, or in the gilded prison called Isleworth?
From what we've heard, you're tempted to say "No." And that question is not even half of it. Not close. Will Elin ever trust him again? Are her wounds so deep they cannot be repaired? Is the worst news already out? (Probably not).
Their children, Sam and Charlie, had no chance at a normal life, whatever that means, in the best of circumstances, and these circumstances are horrid. It's not just their father's infidelity. It's that the whole world knows.
Ambition is a strange animal. We push it in this country, we push it and push it and push it. Earl pushed it. I don't care how Zen-masterish he sounds in his books and his quotes, he pushed it hard. Be the best, be the best, be the best. And Tiger became the best, way earlier than he expected. He amassed more and more and more, more trophies, more fame, more money.
Oh, Tiger, Tiger, sign my book for me! Tiger, take me to your room! Tiger, take my $100 million endorsement, Tiger! And what did it all get him? A golf bag filled with tsuris and a babe who would give up his texts for a check and some passing fame.
You and I, we have it better than we could ever know.
Tiger says he wants to be a better father and husband and person. Raise your glass to the man. So do I.

Kelly-Stricker share lead on 66 with

Leonard-Verplank in Shark Shoot-out

Jerry Kelly and Steve Stricker were tied with Justin Leonard and Scott Verplank for the lead of the Shark Shoot-out at 6-under 66 after the first round at Naples, Floriday today.
Kelly and Stricker birdied the fifth, eagled the sixth, birdied Nos. 7-9, then added another birdie on No. 12 at Tiburon Golf Club at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort. They "struggled" after that, playing the final six holes in 1-over.
Leonard and Verplank did the opposite, with birdies on four of their last six holes in the tournament hosted by Greg Norman.
Tim Clark and Chad Campbell were in third place, one back at 5 under, along with Steve Flesch and Dustin Johnson.
Clark made a 40-footer for birdie on No. 2 and closed the round with a 9-footer on No. 18. Flesch and Johnson birdied four of their last six holes.
Ross Fisher and Ian Poulter survived a triple-bogey to finish at 4 under.
Norman isn’t playing in the event for the first time after having right shoulder surgery in late September. The tournament ends on Sunday.
• Click here for scores

Australian Tour Scoreboard
AUSTRALIAN PGA CHAMPIONSHIP
Hyatt Regency Coolum Resort GC, Queensland
SECOND ROUND TOTALS
Par 142 (2x71)
135 Matthew Griffin 67 68
136 Jason Norris 69 67, Geoff Ogilvy 70 66, Stuart Appleby 67 69
137 Min-kyu Han (Kor) 62 75, Scott Strange 67 70, Bronson LaCassie 68 69
138 Adam Scott 68 70, Robert Allenby 70 68, Shin-Ching Chan (Tpe) 68 70, Greg Chalmers 68 70, Michael Curtain 73 65
139 Chris Campbell 72 67, Tim Wilkinson (Nzl) 68 71
140 Brett Rumford 70 70, John Senden 73 67, Andrew Dodt 67 73, Nick O'Hern 70 70, Michael Wright 71 69
141 Michael Sim 71 70, Stephen Leaney 71 70, Cameron Percy 72 69, Paul Marantz 69 72, John Daly (USA) 71 70, Henry Epstein 67 74, Stephen Dartnell 68 73, Marc Leishman 70 71, Paul Sheehan 73 68
142 Scott Laycock 76 66, Rodney Pampling 73 69, Kyle Stanley (USA) 71 71, Andrew Tschudin 73 69, Adam Crawford 71 71, Mathew Goggin 70 72, Marcus Both 70 72, Anthony Brown 71 71, Leigh Mckechnie 72 70, Bryce Molder (USA) 73 69, Gavin Flint 71 71, Brad Kennedy 76 66, Chao Li (Chn) 71 71
143 Mahal Pearce (Nzl) 73 70, Aron Price 74 69, Ryan Haller 66 77, Nick Flanagan 76 67, Josh Geary (Nzl) 70 73, Steve Marino (USA) 70 73, Nathan Green 71 72, Jarrod Lyle 70 73, Richard Green 71 72
144 Scott Barr 74 70, Matthew Millar 71 73, Craig Parry 71 73, Peter O'Malley 73 71
145 Tae hee Lee (Kor) 75 70, Rick Kulacz 71 74, Steven Conran 70 75, Heath Reed 70 75
146 Aaron Townsend 69 77, Paul Gow 75 71, Darren Beck 74 72, David Smail (Nzl) 71 75, Ben Burge 79 67, Anthony Summers 76 70, Terry Pilkadaris 71 75, Ji-Man Kang (Kor) 74 72, Brad Andrews 72 74, Kurt Barnes 76 70, Peter Wilson 72 74, Graeme Stockley 75 71
MISSED THE CUT
147 Gareth Paddison (Nzl) 71 76, Michael Long (Nzl) 73 74, Jae-woong Eom (Kor) 73 74, Andre Stolz 71 76, Craig Spence 71 76, Rodger Davis 72 75, Stuart Bouvier 71 76, Marcus Fraser 72 75
148 Kevin Chun (Nzl) 74 74, Ho-sung Choi (Kor) 73 75, Jae-hae Choe (USA) 70 78, Tim Wood 73 75, Chang-kyu Hong (USA) 70 78, Peter Senior 71 77, James Nitties 71 77, David Diaz 74 74, Richard Moir 78 70, Jarrod Moseley 71 77, Tony Carolan 73 75, Seong Ho Lee (Kor) 73 75, Shintaro Iizuka (Jpn) 72 76
149 Ki joon Song 72 77, Chris Gaunt 73 76, Michael Campbell (Nzl) 71 78, Andrew Bonhomme 77 72, Chang wan Woo (Can) 72 77, Steven Bowditch 75 74, Steven Jeffress 76 73, Brad Lamb 74 75, Tristan Lambert 74 75, David McKenzie 74 75, Min-chang Lee (Kor) 70 79, Craig Scott 74 75, Alistair Presnell 75 74
150 Scott Hend 76 74, Adam Bland 75 75, Meng Zhang (Chn) 74 76, Michael McGrath 73 77, Jae Hoon Jung (Kor) 74 76, Jamie Lovemark (USA) 73 77, Ashley Hall 71 79, Kyong-jun Moon (Kor) 75 75
151 Soon-sang Hong (Kor) 76 75, Ed Stedman 77 74, Steve Jones (USA) 75 76
152 Rowan Beste 76 76, Michael Brennan 76 76, Ewan Porter 74 78, Lucas Bates (Can) 76 76, C j Gatto (USA) 73 79, Wayne Perske 76 76
153 Kevin Stadler (USA) 77 76, Josh Lane 79 74, Michael Moore 73 80, Stephen Allan 76 77
154 Andrew McKenzie 79 75, Gui Ming Liao (Chn) 77 77, Terry Price 75 79
156 David Gleeson 83 73, Ryan Hammond 79 77, Qin Xu (Chn) 73 83
157 Sung-kug Park (Kor) 78 79, Wade Ormsby 82 75, Max Kellner (Ger) 78 79, Tony Mills 84 73
159 Ye Tian (Chn) 81 78, Damon Welsford 82 77
160 Zhi Xie (Chn) 83 77, Steven Han (Nzl) 80 80, Kim Felton 87 73
161 Kenichi Sawada (Jpn) 76 85
162 Nathan Uebergang 87 75, Tae-hyun Jun (Kor) 78 84, Gregg McIntosh 83 79
163 Kevin Chen (Chn) 86 77, Kelvin Jones (Nzl) 86 77
164 Darren Kapusi 83 81, Jian Chen (Chn) 83 81
165 Zhi jun Ou (Chn) 86 79
166 Jian Hou (Chn) 84 82
177 Ning Bo (Chn) 87 90
Withdrew: 75 Won-Kyung Heo, David Oh, 78 Jason King, 83 Scott Hill, In-Woo Lee

Three Scots make halfway cut in Alfred Dunhill Championship

Pablo Martin leads by four at halfway in South Africa

FROM THE AOL GOLF NEWS SERVICE
Less than a month after fearing for his European Tour future, Spaniard Pablo Martin has charged into a four-stroke halfway lead at the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek, Malelane in South Africa.
Martin, whose game nose-dived after he became the circuit's first amateur winner two years ago, followed eight birdies with a closing eagle for a dazzling 63.
The 23-year-old is on 13 under par, but title favourite Ernie Els and in-form Italian Edoardo Molinari look set to test him over the weekend.
They are joint second after Els also had eight birdies in a 67 and Molinari kept alive his hopes for a remarkable fifth win in his last seven events with a 69.
=================================
More Golf News
Lifetime achievement award for Seve
Norman has sympathy for Woods
Griffin takes lead as Han stumbles
Kim leads the way
==================================
Martin missed the halfway cut in his first seven tournaments this year and it was not until the last day of his season that he avoided a trip to last week's qualifying school.
He has still had only one top-10 finish as a professional, but his 63 matched the lowest round of his career after he played the last eight holes in six under.
Els needs to repeat his 2005 victory at Leopard Creek to extend a remarkable record of at least one win every year since 1990.
He would have been only one behind but for three bogeys and said on the Sunshine Tour website: "They were very soft bogeys, two three-putts and a pretty basic up and down that I didn't do.
"But I feel like I'm playing well enough to shoot some really good numbers."
Molinari's best win came two weeks ago when he teamed up with his brother Francesco to give Italy their first World Cup success.
Players had to shoot at least one-under-par 143) to survive the halfway cut. Three Scots - Alan McLean (141), Andrew Coltart (142) and Peter Whiteford (143) - did. Four Scots did not - Richie Ramsay (145), David Drysdale (147), Callum Macaulay (149) and Andrew McArthur (152).
SECOND ROUND TOTALS
Par 144 (2x72)
131 Pablo Martin (Spa) 68 63
135 Ernie Els (Rsa) 68 67, Edoardo Molinari (Ita) 66 69
136 Ulrich Van Den Berg (Rsa) 64 72, Charl Schwartzel (Rsa) 67 69, Pelle Edberg (Swe) 65 71, Ariel Canete (Arg) 68 68
137 Robert Rock 69 68, Damien McGrane 67 70, Sion Bebb 67 70, Gregory Bourdy (Fra) 67 70, Rafael Cabrera Bello (Spa) 69 68
138 Adilson Da Silva (Bra) 71 67, Anders Hansen (Den) 68 70, James Kingston (Rsa) 68 70, Gareth Maybin 68 70, Richard McEvoy 68 70, Dawie Van der Walt (Rsa) 68 70, Shane Lowry 67 71, David Dixon 70 68, Dale Whitnell 70 68, Richard Sterne (Rsa) 72 66
139 Titch Moore (Rsa) 66 73, Jacques Blaauw (Rsa) 71 68, Carl Suneson (Spa) 71 68, Shiv Kapur (Ind) 68 71, Andrew Curlewis (Rsa) 71 68, Darren Fichardt (Rsa) 67 72, Vaughn Groenewald (Rsa) 71 68
140 Michael Lorenzo-Vera (Fra) 71 69, Steve Basson (Rsa) 70 70, Joost Luiten (Ned) 70 70, Nic Henning (Rsa) 69 71, Julien Guerrier (Fra) 70 70, Kenneth Ferrie 72 68, Eirik Tage Johansen (Nor) 67 73, Markus Brier (Aut) 72 68, James Kamte (Rsa) 69 71
141 Jamie Elson 71 70, Dion Fourie (Rsa) 71 70, Garth Mulroy (Rsa) 68 73, Mikko Ilonen (Fin) 70 71, Alan McLean 67 74, Benn Barham 68 73, Steven Jeppesen (Swe) 71 70
142 Michiel Bothma (Rsa) 72 70, Tjaart Van der Walt (Rsa) 67 75, Grant Muller (Rsa) 71 71, Mark f Haastrup (Den) 72 70, Andrew Coltart 70 72, Louis De jager (Rsa) 69 73, Michael Hoey 73 69
143 Josh Cunliffe (Rsa) 73 70, Doug McGuigan 70 73, Hendrik Buhrmann (Rsa) 72 71, Warren Abery (Rsa) 72 71, Deane Pappas (Rsa) 74 69, Charl Coetzee (Rsa) 74 69, Peter Whiteford 69 74, Peter Baker 74 69, Jarmo Sandelin (Swe) 69 74, Vaughan Bradford (Rsa) 69 74, Rhys Davies 71 72, Oliver Bekker (Rsa) 69 74, Richard Finch 69 74, Fabrizio Zanotti (Par) 72 71, Keith Horne (Rsa) 75 68, James Ruth 72 71, Ignacio Garrido (Spa) 72 71
MISSED THE CUT
144 Clinton Whitelaw (Rsa) 75 69, Andrew Tampion (Aus) 71 73, Hennie Otto (Rsa) 74 70, Divan Van Den Heever (Rsa) 71 73, Jean Hugo (Rsa) 77 67, Branden Grace (Rsa) 70 74, Jaco Van Zyl (Rsa) 74 70, Clodomiro Carranza (Arg) 75 69, Marco Ruiz (Par) 72 72, Gary Boyd 70 74, Christiaan Basson (Rsa) 71 73, Alejandro Canizares (Spa) 75 69, Trevor Fisher Jnr (Rsa) 71 73
145 Richie Ramsay 73 72, Robert Coles 75 70, TC Charamba (Zim) 71 74, Jbe Kruger (Rsa) 71 74, Phillip Price 74 71, Tyrone Van Aswegen (Rsa) 74 71, David Hewan (Rsa) 71 74, Neil Schietekat (Rsa) 75 70
146 Richard Bland 74 72, John Parry 71 75, Anton Haig (Rsa) 71 75, Jake Roos (Rsa) 77 69, Andre Cruse (Rsa) 73 73, Julien Quesne (Fra) 74 72, Gary Clark 76 70, Louis Moolman (Rsa) 72 74, Ryan Tipping (Rsa) 77 69
147 Mikael Lundberg (Swe) 71 76, Shaun Norris (Rsa) 75 72, Louis Oosthuizen (Rsa) 77 70, Gary Lockerbie 74 73, David Drysdale 77 70, Toto Thimba (Rsa) 70 77, Michael Jonzon (Swe) 76 71, Justin Walters (Rsa) 73 74, Desmond Terblanche (Rsa) 73 74, Lindani Ndwandwe (Rsa) 72 75
148 Jean-Baptiste Gonnet (Fra) 72 76, Thomas Aiken (Rsa) 71 77, Jaco Ahlers (Rsa) 77 71, Peter Karmis (Rsa) 73 75, Omar Sandys (Rsa) 75 73, James Morrison 71 77
149 Merrick Bremner (Rsa) 70 79, Brandon Pieters (Rsa) 76 73, Tyrone Mordt (Rsa) 76 73, Andrew Georgiou (Rsa) 72 77, Gary Murphy 72 77, Callum Macaulay 73 76, Thomas Bjorn (Den) 79 70, Francois Calmels (Fra) 77 72
150 Prinavin Nelson (Rsa) 73 77, Keenan Davidse (Rsa) 73 77, Nicolas Colsaerts (Bel) 71 79, Grant Veenstra (Rsa) 75 75, John Bickerton 81 69, Lee Slattery 75 75
151 Chris Swanepoel (Rsa) 76 75, Lorenzo Gagli (Ita) 76 75, George Coetzee (Rsa) 73 78, Marc Cayeux (Zim) 75 76
152 Desvonde Botes (Rsa) 77 75, Fredrik Ohlsson (Swe) 75 77, Andrew McArthur 78 74, Tyrone Ferreira (Rsa) 78 74, Albert Pistorius (Rsa) 77 75, Barry Lane 76 76, Fredrik Andersson Hed (Swe) 78 74
153 Ross Wellington (Rsa) 74 79, Gian Scarola (Rsa) 79 74, Thabang Simon (Rsa) 72 81, Oskar Henningsson (Swe) 77 76, Mark Murless (Rsa) 77 76
154 Jeff Inglis (Rsa) 76 78, Stephan Gross (Ger) 76 78
155 Brett Liddle (Rsa) 78 77, Martin Erlandsson (Swe) 82 73, Carlos Rodiles (Spa) 75 80
156 Andrew Butterfield 75 81, Heinrich Bruiners (Rsa) 77 79
160 Clifford Howes (Rsa) 78 82, Oliver Fisher 80 80

Mauritius hosts European Senioers Tour event

Perfect return to ‘paradise’ for Ralph

By STEVE TODD, European Seniors Tour Press Officer
Glenn Ralph made the perfect return to Mauritius, where he sustained a career threatening injury, to take a one stroke first round lead in the inaugural Mauritius Commercial Bank Open with a fine five under par 67.
Ralph broke his ankle while on holiday on the sunshine Indian Ocean island three years ago, an injury which kept him out of the game for 14 months until the start of the 2009 campaign.
As a consequence the Englishman had to modify his swing to transfer more of his weight on to his front foot and the change led to his most successful season as a professional last year, when he won his maiden title in the Cleveland Golf/Srixon Scottish Senior Open en route to finishing fourth in the European Senior Tour Order of Merit.
He has carried forward that form into the opening event of the 2010 season, using his knowledge of Constance Belle Mare Plage’s Legend Course to move one stroke clear of compatriot Peter Mitchell and American Doug Johnson, with debutant David Frost two shots further back after a 70.
“Sam Torrance, who I was playing with, said 67 was the worst I could have scored today and that’s some compliment coming from him,” said Ralph. “I hit everything straight today and knocked nearly everything on the green. If I didn’t do that I chipped and putted well.
“I chipped in twice – on the 12th and 17th holes – which is the first time I’ve done that in my life. I’ve been on holiday quite a few times here so I know the course but I’ve also been playing well for some time now so long may it continue.
“I finished the 2009 like a steam train and I’m carrying it on.”
Ralph is targeting a sweet victory in Mauritius to banish the memories of the swimming pool accident which left him fearing for his golfing future.
“Breaking my leg here changed my golf for the better,” he said. “I’ve been coming here on holiday over the years because I love it and it just happened that I broke my ankle here. I walked away being told by the surgeon I might not play again and because of the way it has healed that seems to have changed everything which is bizarre but long may it continue! It’s been extraordinary.”
Mitchell had been the long time leader after producing a stunning front nine, reaching the turn in 30 shots after carding six birdies but he dropped three shots on the way in before a birdie on the last hole saw him sign for a four under par 68.
“I played really solid and the mistakes I made were just not being used to the greens,” said Mitchell, who is chasing his fifth Senior Tour victory. “I had two three putts coming in from 30ft which are easy mistakes to make when you are not used to the grain. My only ‘real’ bogey was on the 16th when I had a bad lie in the rough and I didn’t come out the way I wanted and finished in the bunker and I didn’t play a great shot.
“I was on fire on the front nine, I played really well. All my birdies were from four or five foot. My iron play was so good. I stuck to my game plan today even when things didn’t go too well so it’s been a great start to the season.
“I’ve spent a week practising at Qunita de Ria and Quinta de Cima in Portugal where the facilities are great and I came into this week confident. I wanted to get a good start. If I can get within three shots of the lead going into the final round I think I’m quite capable of forcing some errors on people.
“If I get a sniff of victory I’ll not let go – that’s the way I am. I’m really happy with my start and I’ll look forward to the weekend.”
Johnson recovered from a double bogey six on the 16th to eagle the last hole, stiffing his 230yard three wood approach shot to six feet, for a share of the second place with Mitchell.
Ironically Mitchell, who has coached a number of European Tour players including John Bickerton, has been giving Johnson some swing tips to help him rectify problems incurred following the injuries he sustained when his car engine exploded leaving him with severe burns to the left arm.
“I gave Peter a few putting tips before he won in the Czech Republic a couple of months ago so we’ve been trading favours,” he said. “I’ve not been swinging through fully but with Pete’s help my swing is back to what it was in the 1980s. If you get in the right set up you can hit it harder and better. Hopefully I can stick it out for the week.”
Johnson also revealed that a change in his putt helped him to a superb performance on the greens.
“I had 20 putts in my round and I one putted ten holes in a row which is unheard of for me. I’m using a T.R.U. Ball Golf putter for the first time this week and it is back weighted which seemed to make a big difference.”
South African Frost made a stunning start to his Senior Tour career with three birdies and an eagle in the first six holes to surge to the top of the leaderboard but struggled on the way in, finishing with a hat-trick of bogeys to sign for a two under par 70 and a share of fourth place with four other players including fellow European Tour winner Roger Chapman.
“I got off to a great start and then withered a bit in the heat of the battle on the back nine,” said the 50 year old two-time European Tour champion. “I shot myself in the foot on the back nine a bit, possibly due to a bit of inexperience on this course but overall it was a good start. It’s nice to know you can put a good nine together and I’ll hope to do it over 18 holes tomorrow.”
Sam Torrance, the 2009 Senior Tour Number One, began his defence of the John Jacobs Trophy with a two over par 74 to lie in a share of 30th place.
SCOREBOARD
Par 72
67 G Ralph (Eng)
68 D Johnson (USA) , P Mitchell (Eng)
70 M Lord (Eng) , R Chapman (Eng) , B Lincoln (RSA) , A Franco (Par) , D Frost (RSA) ,
71 R Drummond (Sco) , G Watine (Fra) , N Job (Eng) , P Dahlberg (Swe) , J Rivero (Esp) , J Quiros (Esp) , P Brostedt (Swe) , S Bennett (Eng) , K Spurgeon (Eng)
72 P Oakley (USA) , B Longmuir (Sco) , B Smit (RSA) , R Willison (Eng) , G Brand (Eng) , J Bland (RSA) , I Mosey (Eng) , S Van Vuuren (RSA) , M Kierstenson (Eng) , G Gunn (Can) ,
73 N Clarke (RSA) , B Boyd (USA) , M Briggs (Eng) , D Russell (Eng)
74 B Cameron (Eng) , D Cambridge (Jam) , D Merriman (Aus) , J Hall (Eng) , B McColl (Sco) , C Williams (RSA) , S Torrance (Sco) , M Cunning (USA)
75 A Garrido (Esp) , P Dugeny (Fra) , B Stevens (Eng) , J Hoskison (Eng) , J Heggarty (Nir) , G Ryall (Eng) , J Bruner (USA)
76 C Rocca (Ita) , J Rhodes (Eng) , D Young (Eng) , M Bembridge (Eng) , J Stuart (USA) , G Banister (Aus)
77 G Towne (USA) , H Baiocchi (RSA) , M Miller (Sco) , D O'Sullivan (Irl) , J Chillas (Sco) ,
78 M Farry (Fra) , G Cali (Ita) , S Martin (Sco) , E Darcy (Irl)
79 M Williams (Zim) , J Benda (USA) , V Garcia (Esp) , B Hardwick (Can)
80 G Davies (Wal)
81 J Sallat (Fra) , T Jones (USA) , P Allan (Eng)
84 T Price (Wal)
86 G Palanyandi (Mus)
90 C Linstead (Eng)

Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek

Ernie Els leads during second in South Africa

FROM THE EUROPEAN TOUR WEBSITE
Ernie Els was top of the leaderboard after 14 holes of today's second round at the Alfred Dunhill Championship in South Africa.
And the South African once again got the better of the hole which cost him the title two years ago.
Playing the Leopard Creek course for the first time since his closing triple bogey eight - he was two ahead at the time and lost by one to England's John Bickerton - Els has so far made two birdies on the 541 yard 18th.
It was his fourth birdie of the back nine this morning, but there were also bogeys on the 13th and 17th as he improved from four under par to six under, two behind fellow South African Ulrich Van den Berg.
But three birdies in five holes after the turn propelled him to nine under, a one stroke lead.
After an opening 64 Van den Berg, with memories himself of handing the 2005 championship to Els from four ahead on the final day, was among the later starters on day two, as was second placed Swede Pelle Edberg.
In form Italian Edoardo Molinari had joined Van den Berg on eight under with four holes to play.
Not since 1990, the season after he turned professional, has Els gone through a calendar year without at least one victory and this is his last chance to keep that run going.
UPDATED REPORT AND SCORES AT THE END OF PLAY

A FEW DOLLARS MORE FOR KNOX Russell Knox from Inverness won $3,587 for finishing fifth in this week's NGA Hooters Tour Winter Series' event at Sugarloaf Mountain Golf Club, Minniola in Florida. Florida-based Knox had rounds of 69, 71 and 70 for a six-under-par total of 210 over the 7,107yd par-72 course. He finished eight shots behind the winner Travis Hampshire from Florida, winner of the $12,482 first prize by three strokes with rounds of 68, 61 and 73 for a 14-under 202 total. LEADING TOTALS 202 Travis Hampshire (Florida) 68 61 73 ($12,482) 205 Patrick Nagle (California) 71 65 69 ($6,183). 209 David Suggs (Florida) 73 68 68, Jonathan Moore (Oklahoma) 69 68 72 ($4,626 each) 210 Russell Knox (Scotland) 69 71 70 ($3,587)

Scott Jamieson finishes fourth in Morocco

Englishman Daniel Brooks, 22, starting the final round with a 10 stroke lead, won the Samanah Masters tournamend in Morocco by 11 shots in the end with a 19-under-par total.
Londoner Brooks signed off with a 70.
Frenchman Julien Foret finished second and Sweden's Jens Dantorp third.
Glasgow's Scott Jamieson finished joint fourth on six-under-par 210 and earned 2,766 Euros.
Brooks would have won the 10,000 Euros first prize even more easily but for a triple bogey 6 at the last par 3 hole on the course.
Brooks is looking forward to returning to Morocco to play in a European Tour event, the Hassan II Golf Trophy next spring.
The tournament was tagged the "Grand Final of the Satellite Tours." EuroPro Tour competitors were the most successful with four players in the top 10, including winner Brooks. The Alps Tour had five players in the leading 10 and the Nordic League three.
LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 216 (3x72)
197 Daniel Brooks (Eng) 64 63 70 (10,000 Euros)
208 Julien Foret (Fra) 69 71 68 (7,000 Euros).
209 Jens Dantorp (Swe) 70 68 71 (4,500 Euros).
210 Scott Jamieson (Sco) 70 69 71, Edouard Dubois (Fra) 70 67 73, James Ruebotham (Eng) 69 68 73 (2,766 Euros each).
211 Steve Lewton (Eng) 72 72 67, Nicky Harris (Eng) 71 70 70, Lee Corfield (Eng) 69 70 72 (2,083 Euros each).
212 Niklas Bruzeliur (Nor) 70 75 67, Maqtteo Delpodio (Ita) 75 68 69, Alan Bihan (Fra) 72 70 70, Christian Aronsen (Nor) 69 70 73 (1,455 Euros each).
213 George Woolgar (Eng) 72 69 72 (1,140 Euros).
214 Marcel Haremza (Ger0 76 68 70, Matt Dearden (Wal) 73 71 70, Thomas Sundstrom (Fin) 75 67 72, Andrew Thorpe (Eng) 69 72 73, Matthew Baldwin (Eng) 71 69 74 (1,000 Euros each).
215 Younes El Hassani (Mor) 72 69 74, Jack Doherty (Sco) 70 70 75 (930 Euros each).
Selected scores:
216 Steve Surry (Eng) 77 71 68, Elliot Saltman (Sco) 73 68 75 (850 Euros each).

Saltman outclassed by Danish amateur but

wins top cash prize of 1,650 Euros in Spain

Lloyd Saltman finished nine shots behind a Danish amateur Lasse Sonne Nielsen but won the top cash prize of 1650 Euros in this week's 54-hole Hi5 Spanish Tour event at the newly-opened Condado de Alhama golf course in south-east Spain.
Nielsen spreadeagled the field with a brilliant first round of 11-under-par 61 and followed that up with 71 and 70 for a 14-under-par total of 202. His prize was a Thomas Sabo watch.
Saltman scored 71, 68 and 72 for 211 finished three shots ahead of two players in joint third place, Englishman Ben Welch and Dutchman Tim Sluiter.
Zack Saltman, the youngest of the three Lothians golfing brothers, was well down the field on 224 with scores of 70, 78 and 76. On 226 was Shaun McAllister with 74, 77 and 75 for 226.
A Scotland international from yesteryear, David James, reappeared out of the blue to win the seniors' section and a first prize of 1,000 Euros and a Thomas Sabo watch by seven shots with a total of 207. James, like Nielsen, started with a brilliant first round - in his case a 63 - and a couple of par 72s after that were good enough to consolidate his victory from Englishman Kevin Dickens.
In the ladies division Sweden´s Elin Emanualsson eased her way to a 10 shot victory with another solid performance on the Nicklaus signature course ahead of Josefin Leijon also of Sweden. The ladies were using the Hi5 Pro Tour to prepare for the upcoming European Ladies Qualifying School at La Manga next week and also the week after.

HOW THEY FINISHED

LADIES (5 players)
Par 216 (3x72)
221 Elin Emanuelsson (Sweden) 69 76 76 (500 Euros + Thomas Sabo watch).
231 Josefin Leijon (Sweden) 78 78 75 (250 Euros).
237 Eva Bjarvall (Sweden) 80 79 78.
239 Tilly Magill (England) (amateur) 78 80 81.
242 Maria Ringdahl (Sweden) 81 83 78.

SENIORS
Par 216 (3x72)
207 David James (Scotland) 63 72 72 (1000 Euros + Thomas Sabo watch).
214 Kevin Dickens (England) 78 76 70 (750 Euros).
218 Stephen Shields (England) 71 74 72 (600 Euros).
219 Mus Deboub (Algeria) 73 73 73 (400 Euros)
229 John Green (England) 74 80 75, Paddy O'Boyle (Ireland) 75 77 77 (125 Euros each).
234 Willie Hickson (US) 82 76 786.
235 Dr Volker Bernhardt (Germany) 82 77 76.
237 Gilbert Durand (Switzerland) (amateur) 76 82 78.
238 Daniel Imhof (Switzerland) 80 76 82.
240 Peter Hickey (Ireland) 81 79 80.
243 Jean Christopher Godeau (France) 79 82 82.
247 Peter Schmidtner (Switzerland) 82 81 81, Fredric Hoffman (France) 81 84 82.
251 Rolf Grefe (Germany) (amateur) 88 76 87.
252 Roy Van Der Loopo (Netherlands) 86 83 83.
258 Mike Best (England) 83 87 88.
266 Capaul Marcel (Switzerland) 91 87 88.

MEN
Par 216 (3x72)
202 Lasse Sonne-Nielsen (Denmark) (amateur) 61 71 70 (Thomas Sabo watch).
211 Lloyd Saltman (Scotland) 71 68 72 (1,650 Euros).
214 Ben Welsh (England) 71 72 71, Tim Sluiter (Netherlands) 74 68 72 (857.50 Euros each).
215 Stephen Grant (Ireland) 68 73 74 (525 Euros).
217 Fredrik Widmark (Sweden) 72 71 74 (375 Euros).
219 Robert Svenson (Sweden) 77 71 71 (310 Euros).
221 Jason Levermore (England) 71 72 78 (300 Euros).
222 Thomas De Kesel (Germany) 69 76 77 (275 Euros).
223 Steven Kattenhorn (England) 69 79 75 (250 Euros).
224 Harrison Proos (England) 75 76 73, Gary King (England) 74 77 73, Zack Saltman (Scotland) 70 78 76.
226 Shaun McAllister (Scotland) 74 77 75, Adam Scallon (England) 78 71 77, Ben Mason (England) 70 77 79.
229 James Housby (England) 70 80 79.
231 Lewis Atkinson (England) 76 78 77, Ruaidri McGee (Ireland) 76 77 78.
232 Richard Carter (England) (amateur) 73 82 77.
236 Cahit Kaya (Turkey) 72 84 80.
243 Stephen Redford (Spain) 78 82 83.
244 Scott Clarkson (England) (amateur) 83 83 78.
247 Liam Murray (England) 77 85 85.
249 Denis Strnad (Austria) 83 84 82.
Withdrawn: Bradley Kerr (Scotland) 83 83 -.

Disability Open championship at Scotscraig in September

NEWS RELEASE
The Scottish Disability Golf Partnership, which has just been awarded its full registered Scottish charity status, has announced that it will host a second Pan-Disability Open Golf Championship next year.
The SDGP, which was the first group in the United Kingdom to organise a Pan-Disability Open GolfChampionship, has announced that in 2010 it will once again be hosted in Scotland.
It will be played over three days at the prestigious Scotscraig Golf Club, Tayport in Fife, an Open qualifying standard golf course and the 13th oldest golf club in the world.
The event will be played in early September and will consist of a practice round and two days of golf for the championship players.
Jim Gales, chairman of the SDGP, said: "We are delighted to be able to host our Open at such a high profile golf course and look forward to welcoming golfers from around the world. In 2008 we had over 30 golfers from more than seven countries and in 2010, with our profile being even higher, we are anticipating more entries, which will be great for the event and promotion of disabled golf inScotland."
In addition to the three-day Open in September, the group will host an inaugural Scottish championship, along with two to three training days and over 20 single-day competitions.
Further information about the SDGP can be found at www.sdgp.co.uk

Van Den Berg (64) leads Alfred Dunhill Championship

FROM THE EUROPEAN TOUR WEBSITE
South African Ulrich Van den Berg banished the memories of a last-round meltdown four years ago to take the lead with an eight-under-par 64 on the opening day of the new European Tour season.
The 34-year-old, ranked 657th in the world, led the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek by four with 12 holes to play in 2005, but then crashed to an inward 44.
He has missed the halfway cut in the event every year since, but a flawless eight under par 64 this time has put him one in front of Swede Pelle Edberg.
Ernie Els, the player who took advantage of Van den Berg's collapse but had his own nightmare on the course two years ago with a closing triple bogey 8 when two ahead, birdied the hole on his return and signed for a 68.
Van den Berg, who did not manage a single top 20 finish in 12 European Tour starts last season, came home in a five under 30.
"I’ve been struggling with my game for at least a year now, and haven’t been anywhere near my best," he said on the tournament website.
"I’ve felt my game has been coming around, but mentally I’ve just been all over the show.
"I felt very peaceful and relaxed out there. For me it always depends on my putting - if it's good then I feel I can relax."
SCOREBOARD
FIRST ROUND
Par 72
64 Ulrich Van Den Berg (Rsa)
65 Pelle Edberg (Swe)
66 Titch Moore (Rsa), Edoardo Molinari (Ita)
67 Damien McGrane, Charl Schwartzel (Rsa), Alan McLean, Sion Bebb, Darren Fichardt (Rsa), Tjaart Van der Walt (Rsa), Eirik Tage Johansen (Nor), Shane Lowry, Gregory Bourdy (Fra)
68 James Kingston (Rsa), Anders Hansen (Den), Garth Mulroy (Rsa), Shiv Kapur (Ind), Benn Barham, Gareth Maybin, Richard McEvoy, Dawie Van der Walt (Rsa), Ernie Els (Rsa), Ariel Canete (Arg), Pablo Martin (Spa)
69 Peter Whiteford, Jarmo Sandelin (Swe), Nic Henning (Rsa), Vaughan Bradford (Rsa), Oliver Bekker (Rsa), Robert Rock, Richard Finch, Louis De jager (Rsa), James Kamte (Rsa), Rafael Cabrera Bello (Spa)
70 Merrick Bremner (Rsa), Steve Basson (Rsa), Mikko Ilonen (Fin), Joost Luiten (Ned), Nicolas Colsaerts (Bel), Branden Grace (Rsa), Andrew Coltart, Doug McGuigan, Julien Guerrier (Fra), Gary Boyd, David Dixon, Dale Whitnell, Toto Thimba (Rsa)
71 Mikael Lundberg (Swe), John Parry, Thomas Aiken (Rsa), Andrew Tampion (Aus), Divan Van Den Heever (Rsa), Adilson Da Silva (Bra), Steven Jeppesen (Swe), Jamie Elson, Trevor Fisher Jnr (Rsa), David Hewan (Rsa), Vaughn Groenewald (Rsa), Jacques Blaauw (Rsa), Michael Lorenzo-Vera (Fra), Anton Haig (Rsa), Andrew Curlewis (Rsa), Rhys Davies, James Morrison, Dion Fourie (Rsa), Carl Suneson (Spa), Christiaan Basson (Rsa), Grant Muller (Rsa), Jbe Kruger (Rsa)
72 TC Charamba (Zim), Kenneth Ferrie, Andrew Georgiou (Rsa), Hendrik Buhrmann (Rsa), Thabang Simon (Rsa), Warren Abery (Rsa), Markus Brier (Aut), Jean-Baptiste Gonnet (Fra), Michiel Bothma (Rsa), Marco Ruiz (Par), Gary Murphy, Louis Moolman (Rsa), Mark F Haastrup (Den), Fabrizio Zanotti (Par), Ignacio Garrido (Spa), James Ruth, Richard Sterne (Rsa), Lindani Ndwandwe (Rsa)
73 Prinavin Nelson (Rsa), Richie Ramsay, Keenan Davidse (Rsa), Josh Cunliffe (Rsa), Andre Cruse (Rsa), George Coetzee (Rsa), Callum Macaulay, Peter Karmis (Rsa), Justin Walters (Rsa), Desmond Terblanche (Rsa), Michael Hoey
74 Richard Bland, Clinton Whitelaw (Rsa), Hennie Otto (Rsa), Peter Baker, Phillip Price, Jaco Van Zyl (Rsa), Julien Quesne (Fra), Gary Lockerbie, Ross Wellington (Rsa), Tyrone Van Aswegen (Rsa), Deane Pappas (Rsa), Charl Coetzee (Rsa)
75 Andrew Butterfield, Shaun Norris (Rsa), Robert Coles, Clodomiro Carranza (Arg), Carlos Rodiles (Spa), Omar Sandys (Rsa), Grant Veenstra (Rsa), Marc Cayeux (Zim), Lee Slattery, Alejandro Canizares (Spa), Keith Horne (Rsa), Neil Schietekat (Rsa)
76 Fredrik Ohlsson (Swe), Brandon Pieters (Rsa), Tyrone Mordt (Rsa), Chris Swanepoel (Rsa), Gary Clark, Jeff Inglis (Rsa), Stephan Gross (Ger), Michael Jonzon (Swe), Lorenzo Gagli (Ita), Sam Little, Barry Lane
77 Desvonde Botes (Rsa), Jean Hugo (Rsa), Jaco Ahlers (Rsa), Heinrich Bruiners (Rsa), Jake Roos (Rsa), Louis Oosthuizen (Rsa), Albert Pistorius (Rsa), David Drysdale, Ryan Tipping (Rsa), Oskar Henningsson (Swe), Francois Calmels (Fra), Mark Murless (Rsa)
78 Clifford Howes (Rsa), Brett Liddle (Rsa), Andrew McArthur, Tyrone Ferreira (Rsa), Fredrik Andersson Hed (Swe)
79 Gian Scarola (Rsa), Thomas Bjorn (Den)
80 Oliver Fisher
81 John Bickerton
82 Martin Erlandsson (Swe

Give the man a big Han - South Korean (62) leads

Australian PGA Championship by four shots

FROM THE AOL GOLF NEWS SERVICE

South Korean Min-Kyu Han upstaged a host of home favourites with a nine-under-par 62 in the opening round of the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum today.
So dominant was Han's performance in the morning that Australian Ryan Haller was the best of the rest, four shots back on 66 while his countrymen Stuart Appleby, Matt Griffin, Scott Strange, Andrew Dodt and Henry Epstein share third place on 67.
Adam Scott threatened to shoot a low score but a mixed run home left him alongside fellow Australians Greg Chalmers, Stephen Dartnall and Bronson La'Cassie, Kiwi Tim Wilkinson and Shih-ching Chan of Chinese Taipei on three under.
===============================

More News
New charity role for Westwood

===============================

Paul Marantz, Aaron Townsend and Jason orris are at two under, while defending champion Geoff Ogilvy, 2006 winner Nick O'Hern, three-time champion Robert Allenby and Jarrod Lyle are among those tied for 17th on one under.

Aberdeen-born Michael Sim trails the leader by nine shots with a par 71.

FIRST ROUND SCORES
Par 71
62 Min-kyu Han (SKor)
66 Ryan Haller
67 Henry Epstein, Scott Strange, Andrew Dodt, Stuart Appleby, Matthew Griffin
68 Shin-Ching Chan (Tpe), Adam Scott, Stephen Dartnell, Greg Chalmers, Bronson LaCassie, Tim Wilkinson (Nzl)
69 Jason Norris, Aaron Townsend, Paul Marantz
70 Jae-hae Choe (USA), Geoff Ogilvy, Nick O'Hern, Chang-kyu Hong (USA), Josh Geary (Nzl), Brett Rumford, Steve Marino (USA), Jarrod Lyle, Marcus Both, Robert Allenby, Mathew Goggin, Min-chang Lee (Kor), Marc Leishman, Steven Conran, Heath Reed
71 David Smail (Nzl), Stephen Leaney, James Nitties, Michael Wright, Stuart Bouvier, John Daly (USA), Nathan Green, Jarrod Moseley, Matthew Millar, Craig Parry, Craig Spence, Ashley Hall, Michael Sim, Michael Campbell (Nzl), Kyle Stanley (USA), Terry Pilkadaris, Peter Senior, Adam Crawford, Gareth Paddison (Nzl), Rick Kulacz, Anthony Brown, Andre Stolz, Richard Green, Gavin Flint, Chao Li (Chn)
72 Chris Campbell, Ki joon Song, Chang wan Woo (Can), Rodger Davis, Cameron Percy, Brad Andrews, Leigh McKechnie, Shintaro Iizuka (Jpn), Peter Wilson, Marcus Fraser
73 Mahal Pearce (Nzl), Chris Gaunt, Jae-woong Eom (Kor), Ho-sung Choi (Kor), Andrew Tschudin, Michael Moore, Jamie Lovemark (USA), Michael Long (Nzl), Michael Curtain, C j Gatto (USA), Bryce Molder (USA), Seung Ho Lee (Kor), Qin Xu (Chn), Rodney Pampling, John Senden, Michael McGrath, Tim Wood, Tony Carolan, Paul Sheehan, Peter O'Malley
74 Kevin Chun (Nzl), Meng Zhang (Chn), Aron Price, Darren Beck, David Diaz, Ji-Man Kang (Kor), Brad Lamb, David McKenzie, Tristan Lambert, Scott Barr, Craig Scott, Ewan Porter, Jae Hoon Jung (Kor)
75 Won-Kyung Heo (Kor), Paul Gow, David Oh (USA), Steven Bowditch, Steve Jones (USA), Kyong-jun Moon (Kor), Adam Bland, Tae hee Lee (Kor), Alistair Presnell, Terry Price, Graeme Stockley
76 Scott Laycock, Michael Brennan, Rowan Beste, Anthony Summers, Steven Jeffress, Wayne Perske, Nick Flanagan, Stephen Allan, Scott Hend, Soon-sang Hong (Kor), Kenichi Sawada (Jpn), Lucas Bates (Can), Kurt Barnes, Brad Kennedy
77 Kevin Stadler (USA), Gui Ming Liao (Chn), Ed Stedman, Andrew Bonhomme
78 Sung-kug Park (Kor), Richard Moir, Jason King, Max Kellner (Ger), Tae-hyun Jun (Kor)
79 Andrew McKenzie, Ben Burge, Ryan Hammond, Josh Lane
80 Steven Han (Nzl)
81 Ye Tian (Chn)
82 Damon Welsford, Wade Ormsby
83 Darren Kapusi, Zhi Xie (Chn), David Gleeson, Jian Chen (Chn), In-woo Lee (Kor), Gregg McIntosh, Scott Hill
84 Jian Hou (Chn), Tony Mills
86 Kevin Chen (Chn), Kelvin Jones (Nzl), Zhi jun Ou (Chn)
87 Nathan Uebergang, Ning Bo (Chn), Kim Felton

Free agent Andrew Shinie ready to listen to offers

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Any North-east golf club/centre looking for a ready-made, highly experienced club manager/secretary will be interested to know that Andrew Shinie is a free agent, ready to listen to offers.
Andrew made a name for himself as an administrator at Inchmarlo Golf Centre, Banchory over the past six years.
"I'd be delighted to hear from any golf clubs who may feel they could use my experience," says Andrew.
At Inchmarlo (July 2003 to November 2009) Shinie took care of all club administration and event management. Among the large events he managed were the Scottish Ladies County finals, the Scottish schoolboys championship, the Paul Lawrie Foundation regional Jug qualifier, the Royal Deeside Golf Classic, Magners Scottish championship regional qualifiers, various Deeside League tournaments (Scott Trophy, Barclay Harvey Cup, Kincardine and Deeside Pennant) plus numerous charity fund-raisers - the Emmerdale Days, Meningitis Research Foundation and Tenovus days being the largest.
"In addition I managed around 50 to 60 corporate days per season. I would be happy to be considered for any administrative positions at any golf club within reasonable distance of Aberdeen," says Andrew who can be contacted at andrewshinie@yahoo.co.uk

+PGA professional Andrew Locke, one of the best golf coaches in the North-east and a member of the Inchmarlo Golf Centre staff for several years, has become head of golf operations.

Fairways Target Leagues Play-offs

By Neil D. Hampton
Golf & Marketing Director
Loch Ness Golf Course
Web: www.golflochness.com
The Playoffs didn’t quite match the nerve-tingling finish of the leagues but it was the form horse that took top honours. Both Luckless Leadbetters and Loch Ness Juniors had seen a dip in form in recent weeks and normally solid and high scoring play has been missing.
This proved to be the case as they finished a distant third and fourth with the Juniors putting together their lowest score for many years.
BM Trucks took runners-up spot with a creditable 46 but it was King Kenyon’s Klan who got their name on the Fairways Leisure Shield with a fine 66, comfortably taking their first, of probably several, titles.
Scores:
King Kenyon's Klan 66
BM Trucks 46
Luckless Leadbetters 43
Loch Ness Juniors 19

The Captains Cup was a high-scoring affair with the unusual highlight of all captains scoring! Three players broke the 30 barrier, something that normally guarantees a win but it was Greg Forsyth (King Kenyon’s Klan) and Jamie Treasurer (Loch Ness Juniors) who had to lick their wounds as the good form of the BM Trucks team continued with Neil Hampton taking top spot with a magnificent total of 39.
Scores:
Neil Hampton (BM Trucks) 39
Jamie Treasurer (Loch Ness Juniors) 33
Greg Forsyth (King Kenyon’s Klan) 30
Andy Leil (Trilight) 19
David Mitchell (Sainties) 19
Gordie Ross (Neverwillbees) 16
Chris MacRae (Coastguards) 14
Billy MacMillan (Luckless Leadbetters) 11
Gavin Benson (3 Men and a Caddy) 8
James Balloch (Senior Moments) 2

The Spring season gets underway week beginning Monday 11th January and there is always room for more teams so if you are interested contact Neil or Charlie at Fairways on 01463 713335 or info@golflochness.com

Scottish Senior Open returns to Fairmont St Andrews

NEWS RELEASE
The Cleveland Golf/Srixon Scottish Senior Open will return to the ‘Home of Golf’ for the second consecutive year when Fairmont St Andrews hosts the 18th edition of the event from August 20-22, 2010.
Srixon Sports Europe, the leading golf manufacturer which operates both the Cleveland and Srixon brands in Europe, will continue as title sponsor until 2011 as part of a three-year deal which began last year, while a new two-year agreement will see the tournament return to the Sam Torrance-designed course at Fairmont St Andrews, which reopened in the summer following a £17million revamp.
Torrance himself will be among those trying to succeed Glenn Ralph as champion, having beaten fellow former Ryder Cup Captain Ian Woosnam to the 2009 Senior Tour Order of Merit crown by just €3,380.
The 56 year old, who begins the defence of the John Jacobs Trophy in this week’s Mauritius Commercial Bank Open, won the Scottish Senior Open in 2006 at Marriott Dalmahoy Hotel and Country Club, becoming the third Scottish champion following David Huish in 1998 and Bill Longmuir in 2004, and he will be keen to add the title to his 11 Senior Tour victories on a course he knows so well.
It was an Englishman who captured the title in 2009 when Ralph finished one stroke clear of compatriot Bob Cameron and Argentine Luis Carbonetti to cap a remarkable comeback from a broken ankle.
The Cleveland Golf/Srixon Scottish Senior Open is one of the longest running events on the Senior Tour and will form an integral part of the 2010 schedule, a month after The Senior Open Championship presented by MasterCard returns to Scotland when it is played at Carnoustie from July 22-25.
Ben Davis, UK/North Europe Marketing Manager for Cleveland Golf, said: “Cleveland Golf/ Srixon are delighted to return to the Fairmont St Andrews in 2010 and 2011 and reaffirm the Scottish Senior Open as a significant part of the schedule. We hope that it will be an even bigger success than 2009.”
Charles Head, General Manager of Fairmont St Andrews, said: “It is a great pleasure to have many of golf's icons, including our own Sam Torrance, returning to Fairmont St Andrews in 2010 and 2011.
“The return of the Cleveland/Srixon Scottish Open will be a wonderful climax to a very exciting season. We are delighted to have the Senior Tour back with us on The Torrance Course for the next two years, which will also play host to Local Final Qualifying for The Open Championship, and I am sure many of the players are looking forward to a return to the Home of Golf.”
Paul Bush OBE, Chief Operating Officer at EventScotland, the national events agency, said: “Fairmont St Andrews is one of Scotland’s most iconic golf courses and provides an incredible backdrop for the game. The 2009 tournament was visually stunning and Glenn Ralph’s victory made for exciting viewing. We expect next year’s tournament will be just as compelling as we see Sam Torrance return to the course he designed to contend for the title.
“EventScotland has supported the Scottish Senior Open for eight consecutive years now and that support forms part of our commitment to the sport in the years leading up to the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.”
Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Senior Tour, said: “It is great news that our partnership with Cleveland Golf/Srixon, Fairmont St Andrews and EventScotland will continue to develop the Scottish Senior Open’s standing on the Senior Tour schedule.
“We are delighted to be returning to Fairmont St Andrews for 2010 and 2011 following the success of our maiden visit earlier this year and we are hopeful that other partners will join our family of sponsors in the near future. We look forward to a festival of golf in Scotland in 2010.”

No Spain, no gain for Lloyd Saltman

FROM THE EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS WEBSITE

By MARTIN DEMPSTER
Lloyd Saltman is hoping some time in the Spanish sunshine will help him to get off to a flying start on next season's Challenge Tour.
To escape the poor weather at home, Saltman, pictured right by Cal Carson Golf Agency, has headed to the Iberian Peninsula along with his younger brother, Zack, as well as their former Craigielaw clubmate, Shaun McAllister, to play on the Hi 5 Tour, a circuit which consists of 11 events between now and the end of March.

The former Walker Cup player closed with rounds of 67 and 66, a course record, to finish second behind Spain's Dani Alonso Janssen in last week's event at Hacienda Riquelme in Murcia and is currently playing in the Condado de Alhama Challenge in the same south-east region of Spain.

On a Jack Nicklaus signature course, Saltman shot opening rounds of 71 and 68 to lie in second place behind Lasse Sonne-Nielsen, a Danish amateur, who opened with a ten-under-par 61 and was seven shots clear of the field, going into the final 18 holes today.

"I played in one of these events last year before the Challenge Tour got underway," said the Aegon player."It's a good opportunity to keep playing competitively at this time of the year and I decided to head out for the two events before Christmas with Zack and Shaun.

"I probably won't play in all of the events on the schedule but I'm glad I came out here as I feel I'm making progress with the things I've been working on with Colin Brooks (his coach). I'm hitting the ball pretty solidly and, for the first time in my career, I hit 18 greens in regulation in the 66 I shot last week. I'd hit 17 in regulation before but to do all 18 in the one round was nice."

After falling at the first hurdle in the European Tour Qualifying School process, Saltman will be concentrating on the Challenge Tour again in 2010.

"I have the same ranking as last season, when I played in 18 events," he added. "My first target will be to get off to a good start as that was my downfall last season."After a poor start, I found it difficult to find my feet and it was only towards the back end of the year that I felt I was playing my best golf.

"It was so disappointing that my season ended when I finished second in the EuroPro Tour event at Fairmont St Andrews. It would have been nice to have come away from there knowing I still had a few more tournaments to play."

While the Challenge Tour will be his No 1 priority next year, Saltman is also determined to qualify for The Open at St Andrews, where he enjoyed the best week of his career to date in 2005 when he won the Silver Medal as leading amateur.

He was back on that stage with his older brother, Elliot, at Turnberry earlier this year, which means they'll both be exempt into the final qualifying in 2010.

"I've got great memories of the last Open at St Andrews and it would be amazing if I could get back there next July – it's a week that can change your whole career," added Saltman.

Elliot is also playing in sunnier climes at the moment and moved up the leaderboard in the Samanah Masters, an event involving the top players from the EuroPro Tour, the Nordic League, the EPD Tour and the Alps Tour, in Morocco after a second-round 68.

That moved him to a tie for 11th on three under for the tournament, though Englishman Daniel Brooks already looked as though he had that title wrapped up after storming ten shots clear of the field going into the final round today following scores of 64 and 63.

Asia starts a Development Tour in 2010

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE ASIAN TOUR
An Asian Development Tour will be launched in 2010 with a minimum of six tournaments aimed at creating a new playing platform for emerging stars.
The US$75,000 Air Bagan Myanmar Masters 2010 presented by IBTC will kick off the inaugural season at the Pun Hlaing Golf Course in Yangon from January 28 to 31, 2010, with other legs being finalised in the Philippines, Chinese Taipei, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and India.
Initiated by the Asian Tour, which is the official sanctioning body for professional tournament golf in the region, the Asian Development Tour will allow players who do not have full playing status on the Asian Tour via Qualifying School to hone their games and talent through a secondary circuit in Asia.
Players who compete in the 2010 Qualifying School will be eligible for membership on the Asian Development Tour.
It will be structured along the lines of the Nationwide Tour in the United States and European Challenge Tour and a minimum of three players at the end of the Asian Development Tour season will gain playing status on the Asian Tour in the proceeding year.
“We are delighted to announce the launch of the Asian Development Tour, which will greatly enhance and accelerate the playing standards amongst players who compete in the region,” said Kyi Hla Han, Asian Tour Executive Chairman.
“Through this initiative, we are working closely with regional golf bodies to assemble new and existing tournaments with prize money ranging from between US$60,000 to US$150,000.
“These events will give the current second-tier players on the Asian Tour the opportunity to cut their professional teeth and become better players. At present, there are many young players across the region who do not have direct entry onto the elite Asian Tour and the Development Tour will create the platform for them to gain the necessary playing experience through a competitive environment.
“Ultimately, the aim is for the Asian Development Tour to become the breeding ground for new stars to emerge and compete against the top players from across Asia,” said Han.
2010 Asian Development Tour Schedule
Jan 28-31: Air Bagan Myanmar Masters 2010 presented by IBTC
Jul 21-24: Kariza Classic, Indonesia
Nov 3-6 Indonesia Event tba
To be announced
Thailand Event
Malaysian Event
Chinese Taipei Event
Philippines Event

Byrne still one place ahead of Kellett in R&A World Rankings

Arizona State University student James Byrne (Banchory) continues to be the top Scot in the latest R&A World Amateur Golf Rankings - but only one place ahead of Colville Park's Ross Kellett.
Both men are in the same positions as last week - Byrne at No 38, Kellett at No 39.
Former Scottish amateur match-play champion Glenn Campbell (Blairgowrie) has gone up two places and is the third highest Scot in the WAGR at No 172.
Scots in the top 500 are:
38 (no change) James Byrne (Banchory & Arizona State University).
39 (no change) Ross Kellett (Colville Park).
172 (+2) Glenn Campbell (Blairgowrie).
180 (no change) Mark Hillson (Craigielaw).
208 (+1) Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck & East Tennessee State University).
233 (+2) James White (Lundin & Stirling University).
279 (+2) David Law (Hazlehead).
390 (+1) Steven McEwan (Caprington).
429 (-49) Philip McLean (Peterhead).

Watchmaker removes Tiger Woods placards from stores

Swiss watchmaker Tag Heuer is removing placards of Tiger Woods from jewellery stores across Australia, but says the timing is unrelated to the champion golfer's recent transgressions.
Tag Heuer is one of Woods's major sponsors, and its move this week follows Woods' spectacular fall from grace after revelations of alleged extramarital affairs.
Woods endorses the company's "Link" range of watches, and was involved in the design of the high-end titanium "Professional Golf" watch.
Smales Swiss Watch Centre manager Pino Martello said the controversy over Woods's personal life might actually increase sales.
"[The watches] are still good sellers and I believe they will continue to be good sellers," he said.
"I believe that, when things like this happen, circumstances like this can actually boost sales.
"I have seen it before."
Mr Martello said Woods's private life was irrelevant to his golfing reputation, but acknowledged the golfer's transgressions had affected people's attitudes to Tag Heuer's advertising.
"We're getting people walking past and they're looking at the range in the wrong way," he said.
"They're looking, smirking and grinning."
Meanwhile, a Californian lawmaker has shelved plans to award Tiger Woods a Congressional Medal.
"In the light of the recent developments surrounding Tiger Woods and his family, I will not pursue legislation awarding him the Congressional Gold Medal this session," Joe Baca said in a statement.
The Democratic representative introduced legislation in March 2009 seeking to award Woods the prestigious honour for "service to the nation in promoting excellence and good sportsmanship and in breaking barriers with grace and dignity by showing that golf is a sport for all people".
The Congressional Gold Medal and the Presidential Medal of Freedom are the highest civilian honours available in the United States.

Torrey Pines' 'famous' tree blown down in storm

A storm has blown down a cypress tree on the North Course at Torrey Pines, San Diego, that was one of the city's most photographed trees.
The cypress was located behind the downhill, par-3 sixth hole that offers a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean. Its trunk was snapped near its base Tuesday morning, one of 18 trees lost on the North and South courses at Torrey Pines.
City golf manager Jon Maddern says the wind reached 58 mph during the storm.
Maddern says arborists will determine how to treat the tree, estimated to be 40 feet. The damage begins about 12 feet from the base.
Both courses at Torrey Pines will host the San Diego Open, which starts on January 28.

Duddingston's Robert Denholm wins Professional's

Trophy with a net 69 in East Alliance at Eyemouth

By KEITH LIDDLE
Secretary, Edinburgh & East of Scotland Alliance.
Eighty-seven competitors played in today's East Alliance outing to Eyemouth Golf Club in fine sunny conditions.
Overall winner of the Professional's Trophy was Robert Denholm (Duddingston) with a net 69 off five of a handicap.
The scratch section was won by Bathgate professional Stuart Callan with a two-under-par 70. Stuart got off to a great start with birdies at the second, third and ninth to be out in three under par 32.
Things were a bit tougher on the back nine, however. Stuart dropped shots at the 10th, 14th and 15th, but birdied the 13th and 18th for a one over par 38.
Sharing second place on 71 were Scott Grieve (Turnhouse) and Ross Neill (Drumpellier). Scott had four birdies (fifth, 10th, 16th and 18th) and three dropped shots (fourth, seventh and 15th). Ross had five birdies (first, second, fourth, 13th and 18th), two bogeys (fifth and sixth) and a double (15th).
Joint fourth were Alan Reid (West Lothian) and Terry Mathieson (King's Acre) on level par.
Robert Denholm won the handicap section and the overall competition with a gross 74, less 5, for a net 69. Robert played the front nine in one under par 34 with a birdie at the eighth.
On the tough back nine he dropped shots at 11th, 15th and 16th holes to be back in 40.
Five players shared second spot on net 73: Andrew Rothney (Deer Park) off one, Kenny Reid (West Lothian) off 2, Steven Doyle (Gifford) off 4, Roy Murray (West Lothian) off 8, and Peter Jeffrey (Duddingston) off 13.
Next week's outing is the men's greensomes over the Braids Hills No.1 course in Edinburgh. Edinburgh Thistle Golf Club are our hosts, their clubhouse overlooks the first tee.

LEADING SCRATCH
Par 72
70 Stuart Callan (Bathgate) p £100.
71 Scott Grieve (Turnhouse) p, Neill Ross (Drumpellier) p £70 each.
72 Alan Reid (West Lothian) p, Terry Mathieson (King's Acre) p £30 each.
LEADING HANDICAP
69 Robert Denholm (Duddingston) (5) £100 voucher.
73 Andrew Rothney (Deer Park) (1), Kenneth Reid (West Lothian) (2), Steven Doyle (Gifford) (4), Roy Murray (West Lothian) (8), Peter Jeffrey (Duddingston) (13) £40 voucher each.
TRAINEE PROFESSIONAL
74 Alan Mackay (Pumpherston) £20.
SENIOR
74 David McKean (Cardrona) £20 voucher.

VIRGIN ATLANTIC PGA NATIONAL PRO-AM CHAMPIONSHIP
Grand Final at Antalya Golf Club, Turkey
FINAL TOTALS
Par 142 (2x71
130 Darren Leng & Phillip Killey (Far Grange Park) 64 66, Peter Laugher & Harry Millburn-Fryer (Thurlestone) 68 62 (Far Grange Park bt Thurlestone in play-off)
133 Graeme Bell & Denis Wing (Eaglescliffe) 66 67.
134 Darren Charlton & David Wyllie (Dunstable Downs) 67 67, Matthew Paget & Michael Cardinal (Royal Mid Surrey) 67 67.
135 Graham Farr & Don Hooper (Worcester) 71 64, Gavin Cook & David Kidd (Prestonfield) 69 66.
137 John Dwyer & Fran Meehan (Ashbourne) 71 66.
138 Martin O'Connor & Jonathan Wood (Whiston Hall) 71 67, Gary Carter & Ian Cottee (Five Lakes) 70 68.
139 Matthew Ulyett & Michael Brown (Park Hill) 73 66, Scott Catlin & Nicky Ferguson (Greenburn) 72 67.
140 Mark Rowe & Lee Goodman (Carlyon Bay) 73 67.
141 Ian Benson & Simon Marvell (Hindhead) 73 68, Richard Fox & Mark Stokes (Deangate Ridge) 70 71.
148 Nicholas Rodgers & Simeon Stewart (Came Down) 74 74.

Garcia wants to be next Spanish winner of Qatar Masters

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY ALAN EWENS
Superstar Sergio Garcia will be looking to keep the Spanish flag at the top of the leader board when he joins the defending champion and fellow Spaniard Alvaro Quiros at the 2010 Commercialbank Qatar Masters, presented by Dolphin Energy, next month.
Twenty-nine year-old Garcia was one of several Spanish players waiting to congratulate Quiros at the end of his championship-winning round at Doha Golf Club earlier this year.
And nothing would give the world number ten more pleasure so early in the season as lifting the prestigious Mother of Pearl trophy – although the ritual champion’s soaking in the lake fringing the 18th green may not be so appealing.
The 2010 season is also important to Garcia – one of the most popular players in the world game – for the not so small matter of the Ryder Cup Matches which get underway later in the year at the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales.
“Sergio is such a passionate and charismatic player in events like the Ryder Cup, which is why he is also one of the most popular players we see competing each year in Qatar,” said Qatar Golf Association (QGA) President Hassan Al Nuami.
Along with the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) and title sponsors Commercialbank, the QGA will help stage the tournament at Doha Golf Club from January 28-31.
“This will be the fourth year in a row he has played in Qatar, which maintains our track record of being able to entice the very best players in the world to Doha Golf Club.”
Now in its thirteenth year, the Commercialbank Qatar Masters, Presented by Dolphin Energy, will see a 120-strong field fight it out over the tough 7,388-yard Doha Golf Club with its unpredictable desert winds.
“The tournament has rightly become Qatar’s premier sporting occasion,” said Commercialbank Group CEO Andrew Stevens.
“Every year we try to introduce new players to the region as well as provide a field as strong as any on the European Tour. Sergio Garcia is one of the most successful and admired players in the world and we look forward to welcoming him and the other big players and rising stars back to Doha Golf Club.”

Castle Stuart 'best new international golf course'

Castle Stuart, the Mark Parsinen-designed new links course near Inverness Airport - between Inverness and Nairn, has been awarded the title of ‘Best New International Golf Course for 2009’ anywhere in the world by the Golf.com website.
Click on this link to read the article:
http://www.golf.com/golf/courses_travel/article/0,28136,1945796,00.html
and scroll down to read the review of the course by Press and Journal staff writer Dave Edwards.

Billy is the Main man in North-east Alliance

over 16-hole course at Portlethen

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
The last North-east Golfers’ Alliance fixture of the year produced an amateur 1-2-3 finish over a 16-hole par 63 course at Portlethen Golf Club today (Wednesday).
With the second and third holes not in use, Billy Main (Murcar Links) topped the field of 83 with a round of 60, but only by one shot from Kevin Duncan (McDonald Ellon) with Steven Sharp (Newburgh) third on 62.
Main birdied the first, fourth, fifth and 18th and dropped only one shot, at the par-3 10th in halves of 24 (three under par) and 36 (level par).
Duncan, one of a handful of former US college circuit players who are making their mark on their return, made a moderate start with bogeys at the fourth and sixth but but he went on to birdie the seventh, ninth, 11th, 13th and 18th in halves of 27 and 34 for a two-under 61.
Later bogeys at the 10th, 14th and 16th cost the Ellon man victory.
Sharp achieved his 62 with halves of 26-36, birdieing the fourth, eighth and 18th but bogeying the ninth and 16th.
Professionals Ian Bratton (Newburgh) and Hamish Love (Oldmeldrum) went out last at 12.30 and got round in almost 3hr precisely. Bratton, whose late start enabled to watch an offspring’s school nativity play in the morning, finished joint fourth with Kris Nicol (Fraserburgh) on level par 63, despite double bogeys at the 10th, 12th and 13th He compensated with an eagle at the fourth and birdies at the first, fifth, ninth, 14th, 15th and 18th in halves of 23 and 40.
The next meeting is at Craibstone Golf Centre on Wednesday, January 6.
LEADING SCORES
16-hole course, par 63.
SCRATCH
60 W Main (Murcar Links).
61 K Duncan (McDonald Ellon).
62 S Sharp (Newburgh).
63 K Nicol (Fraserburgh), I Bratton (Newburgh).
64 C Stephen (Meldrum House), P McIntosh (Bon Accord).
65 D Corkey (Murcar Links), A K Pirie (Hazlehead), J Forbes (Aboyne), J Nicolson (Auchmill), C Stewart (Kippie Lodge), D Leighton (Northern), R Lamb (Newmachar), H Love (Oldmeldrum)..
66 A Campbell (Deeside), C Duffus (Kemnay), P McLean (Peterhead), S Chalmers (Banchory).
67 A J Smith (Turriff), I Taylor (Stonehaven) G Mitchell junior (Braemar), I Taylor (Stonehaven), G Leslie (Hazlehead), M Merchant (Newmachar), R Pirie (Caledonian).
68 G Mitchell (Braemar), K Beveridge (Aboyne), D Clark (Duff House Royal), L Fowler (Royal Aberdeen), C Robb (Inchmarlo), A Dunton (McDonald Ellon).
69 B Harper (Newburgh), C Cassie (Nigg Bay), J Dalgarno (Hazlehead), M Jenkins (Duff House Royal).
70 S Cooper (Banchory), D Naylor (Banchory), J Borthwick (Craibstone), P Lovie (P1 Incorporate), J Duncan (Newburgh), R Bruce (Aboyne), D McKay (Caledonian).
HANDICAP
Class 1 – S Sharp (Newburgh) (4) 57; W Main (Murcar Links) (1) 59; P McIntosh (Bon Accord) (4) 60; C Duffus (Kemnay) (5), J Forbes (Aboyne) (4), J Nicolson (Auchmill) (4), D Leighton (Northern) (4), R Lamb (Newmachar) (4), K Duncan (McDonald Ellon) (scr) 61; D Corkey (Murcar Links) (2), A J Smith (Turriff) (4), J Borthwick (Craibstone) (67), J Dalgarno (Hazlehead) (6), I Taylor (Stonehaven) (4), L Fowler (Royal Aberdeen) (5), A K Pirie (Hazlehead) (2), G Leslie (Hazlehead) (4), M Merchant (Newmachar) (4) 63.
Class 2 – J Scott (Peterculter) (9) 63; M Booth (Kemnay) (11) 64; D Townsley (Peterculter) (13) 65; R Alison (Deeside) (13), R Brown (Craibstone) (11), A Petrie (Oldmeldrum) (9), D Randall (Banchory) (12) 67; J Penny (Huntly) (12), B Lumsden (Northern) (12) 68; C Sinclair (Aboyne) (12), N Stewart (Northern) (11) 69; M Brown (Craibstone) (16), I Grant (Huntly) (16) 72; S Davidson (Northern) (12), G Allan (Newmachar) (9) 72.

PORTLETHEN WINTER COURSE (Holes Nos 2 & 3rd not in play). Par 63
OUT: 4-X-X-5-3-4-4-3-4 -- 27. IN: 3-4-3-5-4-4-4-4-5 -- 36

LEADING SCORECARDS TODAY
BILLY MAIN 60
OUT: 3-X-X-4-2-4-4-3-4--24. IN: 4-4-3-5-4-4-4-4-4--36.
KEVIN DUNCAN 61
OUT: 4-X-X-6-3--5-3-3-3--27. IN: 4-3-3-4-3-4-5-4-4--34.
STEVEN SHARP 62
OUT: 4-X-X-4-3-4-4-2-5--26. IN: 3-4-3-5-4-4-5-4-4--36.
KRIS NICOL 63
OUT: 4-X-X-4-3-4-4-3-4--26. IN: 2-5-3-5-4-5-4-3-6--37
IAN BRATTON 63
OUT: 3-X-X-3-2-5-4-3-3--23. IN: 5-4-5-7-3-3-5-4-4--40

Designer of Kingsbarns has done

it again with creation of Castle

Stuart links course near Nairn

FROM THE PRESS AND JOURNAL
By DAVE EDWARDS
Donald Trump's controversial plans for a multi-million £ golf resort on the Menie Estate, near Balmedie north of Aberdeen, made international headlines and divided councils and communities.
Just 100 miles west along the north-east coast, another American's golfing dream slipped quietly under the radar.
After six years of planning, Mark Parsinen's Castle Stuart development, a 425-acre slice of farmland on the shores of the Moray Firth and in the shadow of a 17th century castle and with views of Kessock Bridge and the Chanonry lighthouse is now a reality.
The critically-acclaimed championship course is in its infancy, having only opened on July 13.
Almost 150 lodges are due to be finished next year and the 57-room luxury hotel and spa is expected to be completed by the spring of 2012.
A second 18-hole links course is also planned.
Like tycoon Trump, Parsinen, pictured above, does not do things by half.
His first venture into course design on this side of the pond was Kingsbarns, now firmly entrenched as one of the world's leading 100 courses after only a decade of life.
Even before the now famous Fife links had been played in earnest, its creator was scouring the Scottish coastline to find an even better site.
In 2003, he found Castle Stuart (between Inverness and The Nairn golf course).
Parsinen and his team have created a course there whch, like Kingsbarns, looks as if it has always been there and the art-decor style clubhouse also melts into the surrounding dunes.
The man from Minnesota said as soon as he set eyes on this stretch of Moray Firth coastline he knew instantly his search was at an end.
He has also tramped the dunes which years later Trump would identify as home to his own development.
Parsinen said: "I looked north of Embo and around Inverness but it was purely by accident that I stumbled across this side.
"On a trip to Cawdor Estates, a friend, who was a consultant for the project they were hoping to develop, said I really should have a look down the road, by the (Inverness) airport, at Castle Stuart.
"After only 15 minutes on site I saw the things which are important to me. When you look for a site for four years and you find it, it doesn't take long (to realise it) and after 15 minutes I knew this was it.
"In that short time I could visualise the kind of holes I could do, imagine holes, tees and greens down on the water and against the top of the sea cliff, where it appears you are on the water. It gives the course Pebble Beach-like charactersistics.
He added: "My wife and I walked the coast all the way from Aberdeen along to Cruden Bay and through the Menie Estate without knowing it. We liked everything but, for me, the perfect site may be very different from Donald Trump's perfect site.
"I was looking for elevation differential, access to views of the sea and landmarks in your pesspective.
"The Menie Estate has these amazing dunes, not unlike Cruden Bay, but to me there is a sameness about the site which makes it difficult to do the kind of things I like to do. Menie was't for me and was quickly discarded."
Parsinen said his affinity with Scotland and the Scots was a factor in Castle Stuart becoming a reality (as a golf course).
He said: " I was a student at the London School of Economics in the late 60s and had worked professionally on and off in the UK for years, so by the time I did Kingsbarns, my wife, who is from Calfornia, and I were very comfortable in this country.
"I had been playing golf in the Higlands since 1969, I've been a lifelong lover of links golf and I've been living on and off in the UK for a very long time. I've had children born here and our best friends are Britons.
"We are very comfortable here and this gives us a different perspective on what local councils are looking for.
"When we first came, our first goal was to fit into the local community. We spent a lot of time talking with planners and councill0rs about what would be good, what we were planning to do, so when the first application went in we already know what the issues were. We modified our thinking and our plans so it had a higher probability of receiving a warm reception.
"In October 2004 my wife and I moved into the farmhouse on site and we've lived here for the better part ever since, spending time with neighbours and making friends. By understanding the fabric of a local commuity, you can do something people will embrace.
"I love to build golf courses, I love links and this is the bst site I've ever seen. This is my life's work. When that is the case, you go the extra mile."
Parsinen believes his hands-on approach works and added: "I know Donald Trump. I have an apartment in Manhattan and his office is only three blocks away.
"Donald may have as many as 25 projects on the go at the same time, Menie Estate being one. He is a golfer who has numerous courses in some form of development. He has armies of people working for him and, although they are very professional, I am on site."
To protect the links and following the precedent set at Kingsbarns, the Castle Stuart course closed on November 30 and will not open again until April 1.

Inverness Fairways Target Golf Leagues

By Neil D. Hampton
Golf & Marketing Director
Loch Ness Golf Course
Web: www.golflochness.com
It was tense and exciting finish to the Monday night league with the destination of the league title not being decided until the final ball!
The Loch Ness Juniors and BM Trucks were tied at the top on points but the Juniors had the superior shots scored record so as long as they had the same result on the night as the Trucks the title would be theirs.
The Trucks came out with all guns blazing but so did their opposition, the Parahandies, and the Trucks had to produce one of their best scores of the season to secure the points and put the pressure on the Juniors.
It was Orion that the Trucks were looking to in their game against the Juniors but their hopes took a dive as Orion could only muster three players who fought hard in the face of adversity and compiled a great total of 58.
The Juniors have only failed to score less than this just three times this season but with one of their top players in plaster they just couldn’t find their “A” game and could only muster a total of 56, two shots shy of the Orion total.
Just one more ball would have been enough to surpass Orion and take the win and their third consecutive league title. However, it is the Trucks who find themselves at the top of the table and have their first ever Target Golf League honour.
At the other end the Neverwillbees couldn’t quite claim fifth spot from the Sainties even though they won their game against them. Both finished on 10 points but the Sainties' shots scored total for the season was just seven more than the Neverwillbees (less than one shot per game!) and gave them the fifth place and title of best of the rest.
Results:
BM Trucks 61 – 43 Parahandies.
The Neverwillbees 17 – 12 The Sainties.
Orion 58 – 56 Loch Ness Juniors.
Three Men and a Caddy (Bye) 38.

TUESDAY NIGHT LEAGUE SUMMARY
With the Tuesday league title decided last week it was the final play-off spot that was up for grabs. King Kenyon’s Klan just needed a win to secure the spot and they did this in style with the night’s top score of 78.
This takes nothing away from their opposition, the Muirton Marvels, who put up a spirited fight and have matured into a very solid target golf team – look for them to mount a serious challenge in the Spring league.
Fairways might have snatched the final play-off place had King Kenyon slipped up but Fairways own dismal form continued and they could only score 14 which made the Luckless Leadbetters' job easier as they failed to make an impression with a poor total of 31.
At the other end of the table the Coastguards and Fairhurst faced up for the wooden spoon battle in a winner-avoids-the-spoon clash and it was Fairhurst who consigned the Coastguards to the bottom with a fine 37, nearly twice the Coastguards' total.
The Senior Moments and the Mad Drivers were also just playing for final league position and it was the Senior Moments who rose to the occasion with their personal best for the season to take the two points and leapfrog the Mad Drivers into fifth spot.
Results:
Fairways 14 – 31 Luckless Leadbetters.
Mad Drivers 22 – 67 Senior Moments.
King Kenyon’s Klan 78 – 42 Muirton Marvels.
Fairhurst Fore 37 – 19 Coastguards.

The Top Team Play-off takes place TONIGHT (Wednesday) and will be contested by BM Trucks, Loch Ness Juniors, Luckless Leadbetters and King Kenyon’s Klan. Following that it will be the Captain’s Cup where the team captains will play by themselves to find the best individual.

HOW THEY FINISHED

MONDAY NIGHT LEAGUE
1 BM Trucks 16
2 Loch Ness Juniors 14
3 Orion 12
4 Parahandies 11
5 The Sainties 10
6 Neverwillbees 10
7 Three Men and a Caddy 7

TUESDAY NIGHT LEAGUE
1 Luckless Leadbetters 17
2 King Kenyon's Klan 14
3 Fairways 11
4 Muirton Marvels 10
5 Senior Moments 10
6 Mad Drivers 9
7 Fairhurst Fore 6
8 Coastguards 3

Michael Sim, now in world top 50, has key of


the door to World Championships, Majors

FROM THE PGA OF AUSTRALIA WEBSITE
Young gun Michael Sim says he'll be working hard mentally to put aside several distractions at this week's Australian PGA Championship as he strives to top the Australasian PGA Tour order of merit and earn a start in the four majors next year.
The Aberdeen-born 25-year-old had a stellar 2009 season, winning three times on the Nationwide Tour to gain automatic promotion to the PGA Tour and also recently taking out player of the year honours on America's secondary tour.
With a spot on the US PGA Tour locked up for 2010 Sim could also force his way into the four majors if he retains the spot in the top 50 that he grabbed as of last weekend while as the pacesetter in the race for the money list title he can also earn starts in the World Golf Championships events if he remains there.
But while his sixth placing at last week's Australian Open at La Perouse in Sydney would seem to indicate that he's in the form to achieve those goals, the Western Australian admitted on Wednesday that he hasn't been entirely focused and his game has suffered.
"It would be nice to win the order of merit but I've just got to put that in the back of my mind and just think about my golf game," Sim said after playing in the pro-am at Coolum on Wednesday.
"It's been good all year and I was thinking about it today, the order of merit and top 50 and I didn't really play great golf today in the pro-am."
"To be honest I struggled a little bit last week (at the Australian Open), I got away with a few drives."
"I'm just thinking too much about my technique right now and then add the order of merit and the top-50 stuff on top of that (and) it's hard to hit good golf shots."
"I've just got to get back to my routines and just playing the golf course (and) just leave all that other stuff that you can't control in the back of my mind."
Planning to spend some time at the beach and also take it easy in the afternoon to complete his preparation for the PGA, Sim also admitted how keen he is for a US Masters debut at Augusta National next April even if he won't go there with massive expectations at least the first time.
"I've just watched it as a kid since I was 10 years old with Dad and it's definitely a dream of mine to get to the Masters and obviously a dream to win," he added.
"A lot of people say I've got a good game for the Masters, I shape the ball and my short game's good."
"(But) you watch the Masters on TV and it's one of those courses that looks like you've got to know the course, there's not too many first-time winners that go there."
"I think mentally I've come a long way the past 12 months, I'm starting to believe in myself a lot more."
"Everything's just coming around ... I feel like I've got a great team around me now and hopefully one day I can win a major whether it's next year or two years down the track."
Living close to Geoff Ogilvy in Scottsdale, Arizona, Sim has spent a fair bit of time with the defending Australian PGA champion who rates his younger compatriot very highly and tips big things from him in the future.
"He's a pretty driven bloke with a lot of talent and that's a pretty good combination," Ogilvy said of Sim.
"He's a pretty wise golfer already for 25."
"And he's got that second half of '08 on the US Tour so he's played enough US Tour events to not be overawed by the situation and he's been playing well so I can't imagine he's going to do anything but well next year."

Gatorade becomes first company to drop Tiger Woods

FROM THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEBSITE
By ALEX SPILLUS and ANITA SINGH
Gatorade has become the first company to drop its endorsement of Tiger Woods since his wholesome image began to unravel amid reports of multiple affairs.
The company, however, said that the decision to discontinue its Tiger Woods sports drink product was "made months ago.
In a statement, the PepsiCo-owned company said: "We decided several months ago to discontinue Gatorade Tiger Focus along with some other products to make room for our planned series of innovative products in 2010."

Last Midland Alliance fixture of the year

Paul Jamieson wins at Charleton with three-under-par 68

By LEE SUTHERLAND
The Midland Golfers Alliance held their last meeting of the year before the mid-winter break at Charleton course on the south coast of Fife this week.
Perfect overhead conditions led to some great scoring. Leading the way in the scratch section was Dunblane New professional Paul Jamieson with a three under par score of 68.
There was a tie for first in the handicap section with Hugh Cowbourgh (Muckhart), playing off six, and Derek Thomson (Downfield), also a six-handicapper, returning net scores of 67.
LEADING SCRATCH
68 P Jamies (Dunblane New) p.
69 R Stewart (Tulliallan).
70 C Mathieson (Falkirk Tryst) ap, M Brown (Monifieth).
71 A Lockhart (Ladybank) ap, S O'Donnell (Balbirnie Park) ap).
72 S Graham (Letham Grange).
73 C Donnelly (Balbirnie Park) p, R Redpath (Scotscraig), H Cowborough (Muckhart), D Thomson (Downfield), M Fraser (The Duke's).
LEADING HANDICAP
67 H Cowborough (Muckhart) (6), D Thomson (Downfield) (6).
68 R Stewart (Tulliallan) (1).]
69 R Redpath (Scotscraig) (4), S Mitchell (St Andrews New) (12), J Crawford (Dunblane New) (6), D Black (Dunfermline) (12), C Westland (Alloa) (11), M Fraser (The Duke's) (4).
70 A Mason (Thornton) (7), I Wilson (Craigie Hill) (6), J Irwin (Muckhart) (8), J Meddicks (Murrayshall) (8), L Terras (Elie) (12).

Qualifiers for the JTC Interiors Express Championship in April at Montrose Links
S Graham (Letham Grange)
H Cowborough (Muckhart)
D. Thomson (Downfield)
M. Fraser (The Duke's)

Next Meeting is on Tuesday, January 19
at Drumoig.
Tee reserved: 8.30am - 12.15
+Members please note that the Lundin meeting is now full and a reserve list is in operation. Please phone Eddie to be added.

Eyemouth and Portlethen playable for Alliance fixtures

Eyemouth golf course is playable for tomorrow's Edinburgh & East of Scotland Alliance.
So too is Portlethen for the additional North-east Alliance fixture tomorrow.
We'll have results from both venues on this website on Wednesday evening.

Lee Westwood named The 2009 Race to

Dubai European Tour Golfer of the Year

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY EUROPEAN TOUR
Lee Westwood has been named The Race to Dubai European Tour Golfer of the Year following a momentous season which culminated in him being crowned Europe’s Number One golfer for the second time in his career.
The award comes at the end of a year in which he won twice – in the Portugal Masters and Dubai World Championship presented by: DP World – and became the inaugural winner of The Race to Dubai with record earnings of €4,237,762. In the process, he climbed to Number Four on the Official World Golf Ranking.
The 36 year old Englishman has been named The European Tour Golfer of the Year on two previous occasions, in 1998 and 2000, and joins Severiano Ballesteros, Ernie Els and Sir Nick Faldo as a three-time winner. European Ryder Cup Captain Colin Montgomerie is the only player to have won the award four times.
Westwood’s performance in the Dubai World Championship in particular was breathtaking in its brilliance. Westwood was trailing Rory McIlroy in The Race to Dubai heading into the final week of the season but knew that victory in the Dubai World Championship would make him unbeatable in the quest to be crowned European Tour Number One and once again hold the Harry Vardon Trophy.
For four days he put on a master-class and his final round of eight under par 64 over the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates will stand alongside some of the greatest performances ever witnessed on The European Tour as he hit every fairway, every green and holed every putt of consequence for a six-stroke victory, thus securing his 20th European Tour title.
His level of consistency, particularly over the second half of the season, was also something to behold as he recorded 11 top ten finishes from his 13 events after the US Open. His victory in the Portugal Masters, his first win in more than two years, was his 30th title worldwide and took him past Mark James and second only to Sir Nick Faldo in the list of England’s most prolific champions.
In addition to his two victories, Westwood also finished joint third in The Open Championship at Turnberry, where he was within a putt of making the play-off with Stewart Cink and Tom Watson, and finished in the same position in the US PGA Championship at Hazeltine National GC.
Westwood said: “It is a fantastic honour to win The European Tour Golfer of the Year and cap a wonderful season for me and all those who have helped me get to this position.
“I have won this award twice before but this probably means more to me in recognising how I have fought my way back to the top. When I last finished Number One in 2000 it was special as I won six events and the World Match Play that year. But to then drop completely into obscurity and come back from that, get back into the World’s top five and crown it all by winning the Dubai World Championship and the first Race to Dubai means a lot.
“It says a lot about my mental strength and about the team around me, and all the hard work and dedication they have put in, and the belief they have shown in me. It certainly helps having Billy Foster on the bag, a man I consider the best caddie in Europe, if not the world, while Steve McGregor, who I have worked with on my fitness for the past three years, and my coach, Pete Cowen, have all played a huge part on the course.
"And I’d also like to thank my manager Chubby Chandler, who I have been with for 16 years, and my family at home, who have been supportive through the good times and the bad times, and back through the good times. This award is as much for them as it is for me.”
European Tour Chief Executive George O’Grady said: “We congratulate Lee on a marvellous season and deservedly winning The Race to Dubai European Tour Golfer of the Year award. He has demonstrated a tremendous level of consistency this season, coupled with brilliant performances in the Portugal Masters and the Dubai World Championship. He is also an outstanding ambassador for The European Tour on the global stage.”
Westwood was voted The Race to Dubai European Tour Golfer of the Year by a panel comprising members of the Association of Golf Writers in addition to commentators from television and radio following a lively discussion during which a number of candidates were considered.

'Forgotten man' Stephen Gallacher

can rejuvenate Scottish golf

FROM THE SCOTSMAN WEBSITE
By MARTIN DEMPSTER
Away from the Tiger Woods shenanigans – it's a miracle the man has been able to retain his status as the world No 1 if all these "personal sins" are to be believed – a significant development may have occurred in terms of Scottish golf having more to shout about on the European Tour in 2010 than we had in the season that's just finished.
David Drysdale certainly earned pass marks and so, too, did Richie Ramsay given that he managed to retain his Tour card in what was his first full season on the circuit. I also reckon Callum Macaulay can hold his head up, having come close to doing likewise even though he's still wet behind the ears when it comes to playing in the professional ranks.
As for the others, they won't need me to tell them that their tick went in the 'could do better' column, the likes of Paul Lawrie, Alastair Forsyth, Marc Warren and, in particular, Colin Montgomerie all having campaigns that offered little to get excited about as Scotland drew a blank on the European Tour for only the second time since 1986.
They'll hopefully come out with all guns blazing next season, but it's unlikely that any of the Scots will be looking forward to the 2010 campaign quite as much as Stephen Gallacher, pictured above, who could be described as our 'forgotten man' given that he hadn't been seen on the course in a competitive sense since the Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond in the middle of July.
Spending time with Gallacher recently, it was refreshing to hear him talk about having developed a fresh attitude during the four months he was sidelined due to a debilitating viral illness.
Gallacher is one of the most talented golfers this country has ever spawned and, after winning the Dunhill Links in 2004, we were all expecting to see him kick on and, by now, have a Ryder Cup appearance under his belt. The fact his career has actually got into reverse since then is a major disappointment to Gallacher himself and the many people who are close to this likeable man.
Having had time to reflect recently, Gallacher has given himself a shake, the result of which is a player who has a new outlook and is ready to move on, leaving the things that have perhaps been holding him back in recent years firmly in the past.

Gallacher is too much of a gentleman to say what they were but I'm prepared to hazard a guess. I reckon some of the Scottish players have become a bit too cosy in their own company, the result being that, instead of being a spur to one another, they've all levelled out.
I think the time had come for them to break out on their own a bit more and it is interesting to note that Gallacher, after being attached to Stirling-based 110 Sport for a number of years, is now managed by an English-based company, GMI.
When I spoke with Gallacher, he was preparing for his competitive comeback in the European Tour Qualifying School, having heeded some excellent advice given to him by the European Tour to head there in the hope of securing one of the prized cards up for grabs even though he was guaranteed ten starts next season under a medical exemption.
In truth, I feared the six-round marathon would be a tall order for a player who hardly had the energy to play a practice round earlier in the year, yet the former Walker Cup player went to Girona and produced what, in my book at least, was one of the most remarkable performances of the season.
Breaking 70 in all but one of the rounds, he finished third, just behind English duo Simon Khan and Sam Hutsby, and, in doing so, brightened up a year that had proved extremely frustrating, perhaps even worrying, in one fell swoop.
From the moment he followed his uncle Bernard on to the golfing stage, Gallacher has been renowned among his peers as being one of the best ball strikers around. Heck, some of those mechanical Swedes wouldn't be able to tie his laces in terms of natural golfing ability.

Gallacher's main problem in recent seasons has been poor putting, something that is all the more frustrating given that he had a magical touch on and around the greens when he earned a place in the record books by becoming the first Scottish player to land national titles at boys, youths and men's level, the latter coming in 1992, when he beat David Kirkpatrick from North Berwick in the final at Glasgow Gailes.
Steven O'Hara, Andrew Coltart and Scott Drummond also passed the Qualifying School exam this time around, the three of them deserving credit, too, for the way they handled such a pressure-packed experience after finishing outside the top 115 on this year's money-list.
For my money, though, Gallacher is the man who can spark Scottish fortunes and, based on what I was hearing from him over a coffee, I was thinking that before he even went out to Spain. At 35, he can still have the best years of his career ahead of him.
With a number of things in the pipeline, these are exciting times for the Bathgate boy who now lives in Linlithgow and, with a bit of luck, he'll be back where he belongs before too long.

+Any comments? Is Martin Dempster correct in his forecast and his comments about Scottish pro golf? E-mail Colin@scottishgolfview.com

Troy Merritt leads US Tour qualifiers ... but

they don't include David Duval

FROM THE PGA.COM WEBSITE
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida-- Troy Merritt shot a 3-under 69 on Monday to win the US PGA Tour Q-School finals despite making a double bogey on the final hole.
The men who won their playing rights for the "Big League" in 2010 were:
1. Troy Merritt 410 -22
2. Jeff Maggert 411 -21
3. Matt Jones 413 -19
4. Martin Flores 414 -18
5. Neal Lancaster 415 -17
5. Brendon de Jonge 415 -17
7. Billy Horschel 416 -16
8. David Lutterus 417 -15
8. J.P. Hayes 417 -15
8. Graham Delaet 417 -15
11. Jay Williamson 418 -14
12. Chris Wilson 420 -12
12. Brenden Pappas 420 -12
12. Kris Blanks 420 -12
15. Omar Uresti 421 -11
15. Rickie Fowler 421 -11
15. Shane Bertsch 421 -11
15. Joe Ogilvie 421 -11
19. Brian Stuard 422 -10
19. Cameron Tringale 422 -10
19. Michael Connell 422 -10
19. Chris Riley 422 -10
23. Spencer Levin 423 -9
23. Brent Delahoussaye 423 -9
23. Andrew McLardy 423 -9
Selected scores:
424 Gary Christian (England) 75 6969 69 69 73 (jt 26th).
433 David Duval 71 73 69 79 72 69 (jt 90th).

See all the final totals by clicking on:
http://www.pgatour.com/qschool/leaderboard/

Merritt, who has never played in a US PGA Tour event, finished the six-round event at 22 under and one shot ahead of tour veteran Jeff Maggert.
"Probably the most satisfying double bogey I've ever made," Merritt said.
Matt Jones (66) was third at 19 under, one shot ahead of Martin Flores (65) in the event where the top 25 finishers plus ties (a total of 26 players this year) earned cards on the PGA Tour for 2010.
Walker Cup star Rickie Fowler made it comfortably, his final-round 70 leaving him tied for 15th.
Among the notables who did not qualify out of Q-School were major champions David Duval, Todd Hamilton and Shaun Micheel.
Merritt earned $50,000 for medalist honors. There was no formal ceremony, just a long line of relatives and well-wishers getting autographs and photos taken.
"The trophy is to get to play with the big boys next year," Merritt said.
Five players began the final round outside the magical top-25 barrier and rallied to earn cards. David Lutterus shot the round of the day, an 8-under 64, to jump from tied for 28th to tied for eighth. Shane Bertsch made a bigger leap, a 65 getting him from 50th to 15th.
"It's not a real comfortable week," Bertsch said. "But I just kept plugging."
Cameron Tringale moved 23 spots up to 19th, and Spencer Levin and Brent Delahoussaye also made final-round jumps to be among the Q-School graduates. Chris Riley, a 2004 Ryder Cup player for the U.S., also advanced.
Lutterus was 9 under through his first 14 holes of the final round, enjoying a strangely relaxing day on his way to going from having no status anywhere next season to having a PGA Tour card.
"My game just wasn't quite there the first five rounds," Lutterus said. "Just clicked today. I was actually enjoying it."
Not everyone did.
The only score that mattered Monday was 9 under, the line between joining the PGA Tour or Nationwide Tour for 2010. Ken Duke missed a long birdie try on his final hole, missing by a shot. Two-time PGA Tour winner Tom Pernice Jr. drove into the water on the 18th, made double bogey and fell one shot shy.
Pernice won on the Champions Tour this year, meaning he already had a place to play in 2010.
"True, but I didn't come here to not make it," Pernice said. "Anybody that came here, they come here with the intent and feeling that you're going to make it."
Julien Trudeau didn't know what to feel when he didn't make it, one of eight players to finish at 8 under.
===================================
PGATOUR.COM:
Complete coverage of PGA Tour Q-School
===================================
Trudeau's friends raised $4,000 to send him to the final round of Q-School and cover the price tag of hotels, dinners and the rental car. He rewarded them by winning a Nationwide Tour card, but he waited for hours after his round ended to see if 8 under would be good enough, first sipping coffee in the locker room and then beer in the parking lot.
"One way or the other, I'm so happy to be here," Trudeau said. "And so lucky."
It's not uncommon to see a final-hole meltdown at Q-School, and James Hahn won't forget his 18th hole for some time.
Hahn was tied for 50th starting the final round Monday. A year ago, he was selling shoes at Nordstrom, scratching out a living as a "paycheck-to-paycheck player" and considered quitting golf for good.
His first 17 holes Monday were flawless, five birdies, no bogeys, putting him in position for the PGA Tour.
"I was talking a lot to myself on the last hole walking up, saying 'If it's my time, it's my time,'" Hahn said.
It wasn't his time. He drove into the bunker on the last hole, got a perfect lie and hit his approach from 163 yards to about 65 feet.
A two-putt, he's on tour. His day ended four putts later.
The first putt was 10 feet short, his second missed by 2 feet, and Hahn lipped that one out for good measure.
"I'm not going to beat myself over the head about it," Hahn said. "That's golf."
Hahn was fine. Delahoussaye could barely keep his composure, and he was one of the lucky ones.
Delahoussaye was planning a January honeymoon. Teary-eyed, he called his fiancee a few moments after finishing his 108th hole of the week, telling her that plans were changing. He's on tour now, and plans have to change since he's got events to play in January.
"I've been trying for so long," Delahoussaye said. "I'm pretty sure she'll be all right with going to Hawaii instead."

US PGA Tour Final Qualifying School Scoreboard
Bear Lakes Country Club, Florida.
FIFTH ROUND LEADING TOTALS (one round to go)
341 Troy Merritt 67 69 68 67 70.
344 Jeff Maggert 71 67 68 68 70, Graham Delaet 70 71 64 69 70.
346 Brenden Pappas 72 68 65 73 68, J P Hayes 74 67 63 73 69, Chris Riley 71 71 65 71 68, Chris Blanks 72 74 67 67 71
347 Matt Jones 71 73 66 67 70, Billy Horschell 69 70 67 69 72.
348 Neal Lancaster 71 68 72 68 69.
349 Martin Flores 72 68 68 68 72, Jay Williamson 68 69 68 69 75, Michael Connell 71 67 69 71 71.
Selected totals:
351 Rickie Fowler 74 68 66 73 70, Gary Christian (England) 75 69 69 69 69.
364 David Duval 71 73 69 79 72.

Guess how many miles Poulter has travelled over last seven weeks

Did you know Ian Poulter has travelled 28,784 miles in the last seven weeks?
According to NBC, the Englishman tweeted about how he was considering FedExing his baggage around the globe since the extra weight of his seven-week wardrobe was getting expensive...
Here was Poulter's travel itinerary as detailed by NBC on Saturday:

Orlando - Singapore (11,090 miles).
Singapore - Shanghai (2,350).
Shanghai - Hong Kong (754).
Hong Kong - Dubai (3,690).
Dubai - Shenzen, China (3,670).
Shenzen - Los Angeles (7,230).

Editor's note: But think of the Air Miles he must be accumulating.

Recession? What Recession?

Six new events named on 2010 European Tour

International schedule's Race to Dubai

NEWS RELEASED ISSUED BY THE EUROPEAN TOUR
The Race to Dubai on The 2010 European Tour International Schedule will feature a minimum of 47 tournaments, including six new events, culminating in the Dubai World Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The 2010 European Tour International Schedule will be launched with four events in South Africa – two either side of Christmas - starting with the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek Country Club, Malelane, this week, and will then travel through four continents before building to a thrilling climax in Dubai from November 25-28, 2010.
The curtain came down on The 2009 Race to Dubai with England’s Lee Westwood finishing the year in style by winning the Dubai World Championship presented by: DP World and securing The Harry Vardon Trophy by finishing European Number One.
The second edition of the Dubai World Championship will again carry a prize fund of $7,500,000 while The Race to Dubai Bonus Pool remains at $7,500,000 to be divided between the leading 15 players at the conclusion of the season.
The European Tour’s flagship event – the BMW PGA Championship - will take place over the new-look West Course at Wentworth Club from May 20-23 when the world’s best golfers will encounter the extensive renovations for the first time.
Six new tournaments will feature on the schedule: the Africa Open, at East London Golf Club, Eastern Cape, South Africa, from January 7-10; the Avantha Masters at the DLF G&CC, New Delhi, India, from February 11-14; the Hassan II Golf Trophy at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, Rabat, Morocco, from March 18-21; the Open Cala Millor Mallorca at Pula GC, Son Servera, Mallorca, Spain from May 13-16; The Vivendi from September 23-26 and the Andalucia Masters, at Club de Golf Valderrama, Sotogrande, Spain, from October 28-31.
Meanwhile Omega are the new title sponsors of the Dubai Desert Classic, Nordea will title sponsor the Scandinavian Masters and Avantha are the title sponsors of the Masters event in New Delhi with which The European Tour International Schedule returns to India.
The highly acclaimed Bro Hof Slott GC, in Stockholm, will be included on The European Tour International Schedule for the first time with the playing of the Nordea Scandinavian Masters from July 22-25, while the Tanjong course at Sentosa GC, Singapore, will be another new course for the Barclays Singapore Open alongside the Serapong course from November 11-14.
A number of venues also make a welcome return to the fold, such as Killarney Golf and Fishing Club, Co. Kerry, Ireland, which will host the 3 Irish Open for the first time since 1992. It has also been more than ten years since Penha Longa GC featured on the schedule, but the course will host the Estoril Open de Portugal on April 1-4.
The 2010 Ryder Cup, at The Celtic Manor Resort, City of Newport, Wales, from October 1-3, will be a key feature of the 2010 season, with players vying for a place in Colin Montgomerie’s European Team to face the United States until the qualification campaign ends at the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles from August 26-29.

EUROPEAN TOUR DATES, VENUES
2009
DECEMBER
10-13 Alfred Dunhill Championship - Leopard Creek CC, Malelane, South Africa
17-20 South African Open Championship - Pearl Valley Golf Estates, Paarl, Western Cape
2010
JANUARY
7-10 Africa Open - East London GC, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
14-17 Joburg Open - Royal Johannesburg & Kensington GC, Johannesburg, South Africa
21-24 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship - Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
28- 31 Commercialbank Qatar Masters - Doha GC, Doha, Qatar
FEBRUARY
4-7 Omega Dubai Desert Classic - Emirates GC, Dubai, UAE
11-14 Avantha Masters - DLF G&CC, New Delhi, India
17-21 WGC - Accenture Match Play Championship - Ritz-Carlton GC, Dove Mountain, Arizona.
MARCH
4-7 Maybank Malaysian Open - Kuala Lumpur G&CC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
11-14 WGC – CA Championship - Doral Golf Resort & Spa, Doral, Florida
18-21 Hassan II Golf Trophy - Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, Rabat, Morocco
25-28 Open de Andalucia de Golf - Parador de Málaga Golf, Málaga, Spain
APRIL
1-4 Estoril Open de Portugal - Penha Longa GC, Linho Sintra, Estoril, Portugal
8-11 MASTERS TOURNAMENT - Augusta National, Georgia, USA
8-11 Madeira Islands Open - Porto Santo Golfe, Madeira, Portugal
15-18 Tournament to be arranged.
22-25 Ballantine's Championship - Pinx GC, Jeju Island, South Korea
29 – 2 May Open de España - Real Club de Golf de Sevilla, Seville, Spain.
MAY
6-9 BMW Italian Open - Royal Park I Roveri, Turin, Italy
13-16 Open Cala Millor Mallorca - Pula GC, Son Servera, Mallorca, Spain
20-23 BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP - Wentworth Club, Surrey.
27-30 Madrid Masters - Venue to be confirmed.
JUNE
3-6 The Celtic Manor Wales Open - The Celtic Manor Resort, City of Newport, Wales
10-13 Austrian Golf Open - Fontana GC, Vienna, Austria
17-20 UNITED STATES OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP - Pebble Beach Golf Links, California.
17-20 Saint-Omer Open - Aa Saint Omer GC, Lumbres, France
24-27 BMW International Open - Golfclub München Eichenried, Munich, Germany
JULY
1-4 Alstom Open de France - Le Golf National, Paris, France
8-11 The Barclays Scottish Open - Loch Lomond GC
15-18 THE 139th OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP - Old Course, St Andrews.
22-25 Nordea Scandinavian Masters - Bro Hof Slott GC, Stockholm, Sweden
29-1 August 3 Irish Open - Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, Killarney, Co Kerry, Ireland
AUGUST
5-8 WGC – Bridgestone Invitational - Firestone CC, Akron, Ohio, US
12-15 US PGA CHAMPIONSHIP - Whistling Straits, Kohler, Wisconsin, US
19-22 Czech Open - Prosper Golf Resort, Čeladná, Czech Republic
26-29 Johnnie Walker Championship - The Gleneagles Hotel, Perthshire, Scotland
SEPTEMBER
2-5 Omega European Masters Crans-sur-Sierre, Crans Montana, Switzerland
9-12 KLM Open Hilversumsche GC, Hilversum, The Netherlands
16-19 Tournament to be arranged.
23-26 The Vivendi Venue - to be confirmed
OCTOBER
1-3 THE RYDER CUP - The Celtic Manor Resort, City of Newport, Wales
7-10 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship - Old Course, St Andrews, Carnoustie & Kingsbarns.
14-17 Portugal Masters - Oceanico Victoria Golf Course, Vilamoura, Portugal
21-24 Castello Master- Costa Azahar Club de Campo del Mediterráneo, Castellón, Valencia, Spain
28-31 Andalucia Masters - Club de Golf Valderrama, Sotogrande, Spain
NOVEMBER
4-7 WGC-HSBC Champions - Sheshan International GC, Shanghai, China
11-14 Barclays Singapore Open - The Tanjong & The Serapong, Sentosa GC, Singapore
18-21 Hong Kong Open - Hong Kong GC, Fanling, Hong Kong
25-28 DUBAI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai, UAE

DATES TO BE CONFIRMED
Volvo China Open - Jinji Lake International GC, Sozhou, China
Volvo World Match Play Championship - Finca Cortesin GC, Casares, Spain
JBWere Masters - Kingston Heath GC, Australia

Scots golf tourism industry is

upbeat about 2010 propects

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY GOLF TOURISM SCOTLAND
Scotland’s golf tourism industry has sent the clearest signal yet that confidence is returning to Scotland ’s beleaguered economy. In a straw poll taken at Golf Tourism Scotland ’s Gold Standard Awards, industry representatives from the travel, hospitality and golf service sectors were united in their positive outlook for 2010.
In a short survey conducted during a glitzy evening in November, golf professionals were asked if they felt more or less positive about the year ahead. The vast majority indicated they had an optimistic view of 2010 with 90% responding positively. Only 8% felt less confident and 2% were undecided.
“We’ve been through a tough year,” said Nick Hunter, pictured above, chairman of GTS, “but it’s encouraging to see the positivity being taken forward into the New Year. There’s a lot to look forward to especially with the Open Championship being held at St Andrews and celebrating its 150th anniversary. It should be a year to savour.”
One of the reasons for this shift in business opinion is the upbeat predictions for next year’s visitor numbers, especially those from the US which GTS board member Fraser Cromarty said already look positive.
“Going on our 2010 bookings compared to 2009, we see American travellers are coming back,” said Cromarty, whose day job is looking after sales and marketing at Castle Stuart Golf Links. “We’re also seeing a lot more Europeans especially since the Euro is so strong. Indeed, come the New Year, I think we’ll see even more bookings because people are still holding off making their plans for 2010.”
Although Castle Stuart only enjoyed half a season due to its summer launch, next year’s tour operator bookings have already outstripped 2009’s total at the Inverness course. “The tour operator business is a lot more positive than in 2009,” commented Cromarty. It’s going to be an upbeat year and more buoyant than last season.”

England send Jonathan Bell to Junior

Orange Bowl in Florida late December

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY ENGLISH GOLF UNION
Boy international Jonathan Bell will look to make it a happy New Year by becoming only the second English player to lift the title when he represents the English Golf Union in the annual Junior Orange Bowl in Florida at the end of the month.
Ben Parker, now a professional, won the event in 2005 while Stiggy Hodgson was runner-up a year ago. But no other English player has managed to win the prestigious American tournament which will be played at its regular venue of the Biltmore Golf Club in Florida from December 27 to 30.
Bell, 18, is a former Under-16 cap who has represented England on a regular basis for the past two years and also played for GB&I in the Jacques Leglise Trophy at Ganton a few months ago. The Kent-based teenager from the Royal Blackheath club has also been successful in individual events for the past six years. He was the English Under-14 champion in 2004 at the age of 12 and finished runner-up and third in the Douglas Johns Trophy in the following two years.
He enjoyed a highly successful 2008 winning the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters and the South East Junior Championship, was third in the Fairhaven Trophy as well as being a member of the four-strong winning England team in the Honda Junior Championship in Japan.
In 2009, Bell has finished runner-up in the Lee Westwood Trophy, fourth when defending the Sir Henry Cooper Junior Masters title, and fourth in the Lagonda Trophy while he was also a member of England's victorious boys' home Internationals team.
Recently, he won the Under-18 title in the Faldo Series Grand Final in Brazil. The Orange Bowl, one of the most prestigious Under-18 events in the world, has separate boys and girls tournaments played over 72 holes of stroke play.

Dates for 2010 curtain-raising Champion of champions' event

The Scottish champion of champions' 72-hole tournament, hosted and organised by Leven Golfing Society, will ring up the curtain on the men's 2010 domestic amateur competitive season on Saturday and Sunday, April 3-4.
The Craigmillar Park Open, over 72 holes at the Edinburgh venue, will be played the following venue, Saturday and Sunday, April 10-11.
The Leven Golfing Society's other big 72-hole amateur event - the Standard Life Leven Golf Medal - will be played on Saturday and Sunday, August 7-8.

US PGA Tour gets a toehold in Malaysia

The US PGA Tour is following the lead of the European Tour and gaining a foothold in Asia.
The Americans have reached a multi-year deal with the Asian Tour to stage the Malaysia Asia Pacific Golf Classic.
The event will be played late next year at The Mines Resort and Golf Club, with the winner receiving $1 million from the $6 million purse.
The top 25 players from the US PGA Tour's final FedEx Cup standings and the top 10 available players from the Asian Tour money list will get spots in the 40-man field.
The event also will include five sponsor exemptions and at least one Malaysian professional will be guaranteed a spot at The Mines.
Dates of the tournament were not announced.

Quiros bidding to be a big hit again in

Commercialbank Qatar Masters

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY ALAN EWENS
Doha (QATAR): After a hard-earned winter break, big-hitting Spaniard Alvaro Quiros will be out to defend his title when the 2010 Commercialbank Qatar Masters, Presented by Dolphin Energy is staged at Doha Golf Club from January 28-31.
Following a gruelling season that saw him compete in 26 European Tour events and end the year in 20th place in the rankings, the man with the biggest drive on the Tour has confirmed he will be back in the Qatari capital aiming to become the first golfer to successfully defend the Mother of Pearl trophy.
“I have to come back for two reasons,” said the 26 year-old Quiros (pictured). “One is I am the defending champion and the other is I truly believe the Gulf tournaments we play in Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are the best three tournaments in a row that we play on the Tour.
“Qatar is a great place. The golf course, the food, the hotel – everything is good and I’m very comfortable there. Winning last year opened doors for me. It took me to 24th in the world and thanks to Qatar I was able to play my first full years of Majors. My other wins helped me but it’s fair to say Qatar was the last tier, the final push to get to the highest level in the world.”
Hassan Al Nuami, Chairman of the Qatar Golf Association (QGA), which stages the event in association with the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), said having the champion confirm his appearance so early underlines the status of the tournament.
“I am delighted to hear Alvaro enjoyed his time with us last year,” he said. “Obviously he will remember his victory forever but to hear his positive comments about the city of Doha and the quality of Doha Golf Club gives us a great boost as we prepare for the thirteenth staging of the event in January.”
With an average drive of 314 yards, Quiros is the biggest hitter on the European Tour, a fact he believes helps any golfer with hopes of winning in Doha. “You look at some of the recent winners like Adam Scott, Henrik Stenson and myself – the course obviously suits big hitters. But to win in Doha you still need to have a good all-round game.
“It will be tough to win it a second time – a lot of players on the Tour don’t even win one tournament – but I’m looking forward to it and to trying to play my way into the European Ryder Cup team.”

Andrew Stevens, CEO of title sponsors Commercialbank Group, was among the party of dignitaries who presented Quiros with the stunning trophy less than twelve months ago.
“Alvaro is wonderful golfer and a charming person,” said Stevens. “We should never forget that last year’s event rating, based on the Official World Golf Ranking of the entire field, was the highest of any regular Tour event excluding the Majors, World Golf Championship events and the flagship BMW PGA Championship.
“To win in that company says a lot for his qualities and emphasises the strength in depth of the young players competing today on the European Tour. I’m sure the galleries in Qatar will give him the kind of reception deserving of our reigning champion.”

Open Champions' Challenge over four holes of

Old Course on Wednesday, July 14

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE R&A
On Wednesday, July 14, the eve of the 2010 Open Championship at St Andrews, The Open’s past Champions will play four holes of the Old Course – the first, second, 17th and 18th – in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of golf’s oldest Major.
An invitation to compete has been extended to all 32 living Open Champions.
The first group will tee-off around 4pm and the event will conclude by 6pm. The winners of the Challenge, which will be screened live by the BBC, will receive prize money to donate to a charity of their choice.
This is the second time that The Open Champions' Challenge has been staged. In 2000, 22 former Open Champions celebrated the Millennium Open in the same format. On that occasion large galleries, who were entertained by a tap-dance on the Swilken Bridge by an 88-year-old Sam Snead, watched Team One of Tom Weiskopf, Tom Lehman and Paul Lawrie claim victory with a score of two under par. The event raised over £40,000 for charity.
“The Open Champions' Challenge in 2000 was a great success and we expect it to be so again a decade on in 2010,” said David Hill, The R&A’s Director of Championships. “We hope that the majority of our former Champions will accept the invitation and join us in St Andrews to help commemorate this very special occasion.”
Ticket enquiries should be directed through Opengolf.com or +44 (0) 1334 460010.
The invited Champions and the years of their victories are as follows:
Peter Thomson 1954, 1955, 1956, 1958, 1965
Gary Player 1959, 1968, 1974
Kel Nagle 1960
Arnold Palmer 1961, 1962
Sir Bob Charles 1963
Jack Nicklaus 1966, 1970, 1978
Roberto de Vicenzo 1967
Tony Jacklin 1969
Lee Trevino 1971, 1972
Tom Weiskopf 1973
Tom Watson 1975, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1983
Johnny Miller 1976
Severiano Ballesteros 1979, 1984, 1988
Bill Rogers 1981
Sandy Lyle 1985
Greg Norman 1986, 1993
Sir Nick Faldo 1987, 1990, 1992
Mark Calcavecchia 1989
Ian Baker-Finch 1991
Nick Price 1994
John Daly 1995
Tom Lehman 1996
Justin Leonard 1997
Mark O’Meara 1998
Paul Lawrie 1999
Tiger Woods 2000, 2005, 2006
David Duval 2001
Ernie Els 2002
Ben Curtis 2003
Todd Hamilton 2004
Padraig Harrington 2007, 2008
Stewart Cink 2009

Donald Trump appoints Carnoustie

man as links superintendent

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY TRUMP INTERNATIONAL - SCOTLAND
After more than 18 years of service at Carnoustie Golf Links, former assistant superintendent, Paul O’Connor, has been appointed links superintendent for Trump International Golf Links, Scotland.
Donald J. Trump states “Paul is highly respected and is known to be one of the best in his field. His years of training and experience at Carnoustie made him an obvious choice for this appointment. He is a very important addition to my team.”
O’Connor forms part of the golf course construction team at Menie Estate and will be responsible for the maintenance and management of the course when it is built.
O’Connor, pictured, said: “I enjoyed 18 years at Carnoustie and understand the high standards required of a leading championship course. I am extremely proud to be involved in the construction and development of what will be the finest links course ever built - it is a privilege to work for Mr Trump on this spectacular terrain.”
Studying greenkeeping at Elmwood College in Cupar, Fife, in the early nineties, whilst working as an apprentice green keeper at Carnoustie, O’Connor quickly rose to the position of head green keeper and by 1996 was running all aspects of the championship course.
Regarded as an expert on agronomy and turf grass management, O’Connor contributed to significant course design changes at Carnoustie and introduced many innovative practices and new working methods during his years of service.
Scotland and Ireland area manager for the Sports Turf Research Institute, Dr Ian McClements, commented:
“Paul was instrumental in restoring the authenticity and quality of Carnoustie Golf Links over the last 15-20 years. During The 2007 Open Championship he expertly led the greenkeeping team to prepare what was widely regarded as the best conditioned Open Venue of all time. His attention to detail, passion for the job and knowledge of links golf sets him apart; he will be a significant asset to the management team at Balmedie.”
Having worked directly with the Royal & Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews (R&A) during the 2007 Open Championship, O’Connor played a vital role in the success of the course conditions and playing surfaces that earned that year’s championship event plaudits from players and officials.
O’Connor, 42, has also advised on other international championship courses overseas, and has a golf handicap of 3. He and his family (wife and daughter) currently live in Broughty Ferry.

R&A launch 'Railway Club at

17th Tee' package for Open

championship


NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE R&A
Tickets for the 150th Anniversary Open Championship at St Andrews should be purchased before Monday, December 14 to ensure that they are delivered to UK addresses in time for Christmas.
With Greenside Club tickets sold out, buyers can now take advantage of the newly-released ‘Railway Club at the 17th Tee’ ticket. It gives a full week’s access to a reserved stand by the new 17th tee, which also overlooks the 16th and second green. Railway Club Ticket holders will also receive access to the Railway Club Marquee, in which they can enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and newspapers, and a range of other catering to purchase.
An Official Programme and daily draw-sheet, plus a week’s car-park pass and entry to both The R&A Club Marquee and Links Restaurant will also be included.
“Railway Club tickets and the Railway Stand are a new initiative for 2010 and would make a great present,” explained The R&A’s Director of Championships, David Hill. “The stand will give spectators fantastic views as players drive from the new 17th tee over the famous railway sheds, while the dedicated marquee, situated less than 150 yards away, will allow ticket holders to relax in comfort and style.”
Those who don’t want to miss a shot on the Old Course can also purchase Season tickets for all eight days of the Championship at the heavily discounted price of £200, if purchased before January 31, 2010.
A number of special events have been planned to commemorate the 150th anniversary of The Open Championship, including The Open Champions’ Challenge on the Wednesday evening before the Championship gets underway.
A daily ticket on the four Championship days (July 15-28, 2010) costs £60. Under-16’s will continue to be admitted free of charge and concessions are available.
Ticket enquiries should be directed through Opengolf.com or +44 (0) 1334 460010.

+The Open championship will be played over the Old Course, St Andrews from July 15 to 18, 2010.

Troy Merritt leads US Tour School by three

FROM THE PGATOUR.COM WEBSITE
WEST PALM BEACH , Fla. -- Troy Merritt had a three-stroke lead over former Boise State teammate Graham Delaet on Sunday when fifth-round play in the rain-delayed PGA Tour qualifying tournament was suspended for the day because of darkness.
==========================

PGATOUR.COM:
Complete coverage of PGA Tour Q-School
==========================
Merritt, the Mexico Open winner this year on the Nationwide Tour, was 1 over through 12 holes on the Links Course at Bear Lakes Country Club and 18 under overall.
Delaet also had six holes left on the Links Course. Brenden Pappas and Jeff Maggert were 14 under. Pappas had four holes left in the round, and Maggert has six left.
The top 25 finishers and ties after the six-round tournament will earn PGA Tour cards for 2010, with roughly 50 more earning fully exempt status for the Nationwide Tour.
Darkness suspended fifth-round play at 5:11 p.m. A total of 52 players in the field completed play, and the fifth round will resume at 7:45 a.m. on Monday.
Sixth-round starting times will take place from approximately 8:20 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. After the fifth round, players will switch courses, stay in the same groups, start on the same tee and the groups will be in the same order as in the fifth round. The leaders are finishing up play on the Links Course and will play the Lakes Course for the final round.
Boise State's football program has been in the national spotlight for several years, but perhaps it's time to give credit to the men's golf team as Merritt and DeLaet both played for the Broncos. Merritt won nine times during his final two years at BSU, including seven during his senior season, and was named the Western Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2007 and 2008. DeLaet finished up his college career in 2006. He won 10 times and was WAC Player of the Year in 2006.
Merritt is trying to become only the third player since 1992 to hold/share the lead after each of the six rounds at Q-School. Merritt held the lead after the first, second and fourth rounds and shared the lead after three rounds with J.P Hayes.
The only others to go through six days at the top were Frank Lickliter (2007) and Scott Verplank (1997). Verplank has the distinction of being the only player to hold the outright lead after each round (ie. wire-to-wire).
Maggert, making his first appearance at Q-School, is in good position to regain his Tour card after finishing No. 128 on the money list last year. The Texan is currently 14 under par and tied for third, four strokes back of leader Troy Merritt.
Pappas looks to be a good bet to return to the PGA Tour. The South African-born Texas resident is tied for third, four back of Merritt. Pappas played on the Nationwide Tour in 2009, with 14 cuts in 27 starts. He had three top-25 finishes and wound up No. 95 on the money list.
If Merritt holds on to the lead heading into the sixth and final round, he will try to become the sixth consecutive player to maintain his place at the top. In the past eight years, only one player who held the lead after five rounds failed to take medalist honors.
David Duval (72) stands at 4-over 364 after 90 holes. He is making his first Final Stage appearance since 1993, and is tied for 105th.

Hugh Hunter's Clackmannan County news

CALLUM JUST MISSES OUT

Tulliallan’s Callum Macaulay just failed in his bid to retain his European Tour category 11 status for 2010. At the final qualifying in Spain, held over six rounds, Callum made a brave effort from behind and only failed by one shot.

The final qualifying event has a cut after four rounds and Callum just made it right on the mark with a fourth round of 67. He knew he had to pull out something special to make the top 30 and he gave it his best shot--- a fifth round of 70 lifted him up the field and then a final four under par, bogey-free round of 68 gave him a six-round total of 419 (70-73-71-67-70-68) putting him in equal 32nd position, just behind the 31 qualifiers.

It was a top-class performance--- in club golf terms the course measured over 7,000 yards and probably had a scratch score of 74, meaning Callum was playing to plus 6 and plus 7 in two of his rounds---this shows the very high standard of professional golf on the European Tour.
All is not lost, however, because of finishing 134 in the 2009 Race to Dubai, he has a Category 12 status--- a bit lower than last year, so he will find that obtaining entries to events is more difficult and hopefully he will be occasionally considered for a sponsors' invite.

Hopefully this will give him some motivation in the events—he certainly has the game to compete at a very high level.
Callum really has done remarkably well in his first season as a professional—he has made many cuts and won over €200,000. The experience he has built up should serve him well in 2010 and no doubt he will be planning his schedule for the new season. We all wish him well.

LAWRENCE IN GOOD FORM
Alva junior Lawrence Allan is continuing his good form in National Junior events. After a good performance in the Under 16’s match against England, Lawrence was selected for the under 16’s winter tour, played over four courses.
In the first event at Nairn Dunbar, Lawrence scored a par 72 finishing first equal, and in the second event at Whitekirk he finished with a three over par 75, giving him fifth equal position. Two further events are being held at the start of 2010 and the four all count to an Order of Merit.

At present Lawrence is in third position with 342 points , 32 points behind the leader.

MIDLAND ALLIANCE
Wee County golfers continue to make their presence felt in the weekly events. In the latest one, held at Muckhart in very wet conditions, Alloa’s Rae Barton tied with two others for the first handicap prize with a net 70, and in the team event he teamed up with Tulliallan’s Bob Stewart and assistant professional Alan Lockhart to gain a runner-up spot with a 63.

In addition Rae qualifies for the championship finals at Montrose in April, a good day’s work and a consolation for a soaking.

Exciting finish to Tiger-less Chevron World Challenge

Jim Furyk wins, late sub Graeme McDowell comes

second and wins a place in Masters field

Jim Furyk ended more than two years without a victory by holing key putts on the final two holes for a five-under 67 and a one-shot victory in the Chevron World Challenge at Sherwood Country Club, Thousand Oaks in California on Sunday.
Tiger Woods, the tournament host, wasn’t around to present the trophy to one of his favourite players on the US PGA Tour. He withdrew because of injuries from his November 27 car crash, although he was part of every conversation because of the worldwide publicity over allegations of extramarital affairs.
“Tough times,” Furyk said. “So they need the support of their friends right now, and I know that people are thinking about them.”
Over the final few hours, attention shifted to a golf tournament in which six players had a share of the lead at some point.
Furyk finished at 13-under 275 for a one-shot victory over Ulsterman Graeme McDowell, who replaced Woods in the 18-man field late in the build-up. McDowell needed to hole out from the fairway to force a play-off, and it looked for a moment as if it had a chance.
McDowell settled for a birdie and a 70, and his second-place finish moved him up to No. 38 in the world ranking and virtually assured him a spot in the Masters next year.
Lee Westwood had a birdie chip to force a play-off, then missed a 4-foot par putt and had to settle for a 70 and a two-way tie for third with Padraig Harrington, who had two eagles in his round of 70.
“After I missed the putt to tie on the last, I lost a bit of concentration,” Westwood said.
Furyk took the lead with a birdie on the 10th and never trailed again, although he was in trouble on the par-3 17th when his tee shot tumbled down the slope into a bunker. He blasted out 35 feet beyond the hole, then made the par putt to keep his one-shot lead.
Realising he was being chased, Furyk went right at the flag on the 18th and watched it settle 5 feet below the cup. When he reached the green, he saw that Westwood had birdied the 17th to tie him.
Furyk holed the putt, then watched to see if anyone could catch him.
It was his first victory since the 2007 Canadian Open, and along with $1.35 million, the victory moved Furyk to No. 6 in the world.
“It’s bothered me,” Furyk said of his victory drought. “I’d be lying if I said otherwise. That’s your goal every year to go out and win, and I haven’t been able to do it. Hopefully, this will be a stepping stone.”
Harrington twice chipped in for eagles, while Steve Stricker also made two eagles on a final day packed with action at Sherwood Country Club. Camilo Villegas had the best shot of the day, a 3-wood from 262 yards on the 13th for an albatross 2, the rarest shot in golf.
“One good thing that happened to me this week,” Villegas said.
SCROLL DOWN TO READ THE FINAL TOTALS

North of Scotland Golfers Alliance Scoreboard

SPEY BAY
Leading Scratch Scores: (Entries 90).
68 K Thomson (Moray), B. Cruickshank (Garmouth & Kingston)
69 S. Johnston (Elgin)
70 A K. Pirie (Hazlehead), A. Cameron (Inverness), N. McWilliam (Garmouth & Kingston)
72 J A Grant (Grantown), G. Murray (Spey Bay)
73 J.S.D. Campbell (Grantown), J.R. Mackay (Muir of Ord)
74 M. Macdonald (Fortrose & Rosemarkie), S. Chisholm (Nairn), C Campbell (Nairn Dunbar) p, A.W. Mair (Moray), B. Moir (Spey Bay), D. Macleod (Loch Ness)
75 I. Hamilton (Elgin), G. Hay (Grantown), M.L. Macleman (Moray)
76 R. Stewart (Nairn Dunbar), G. Donaldson (Elgin), A. Tait (Fortrose & Rosemarkie), C. Small (Fortrose & Rosemarkie).
77 A. Henry (Inverness).
78 R.G. Macpherson (Moray), S. Wilson (Inverness), W.R. Duncan (Moray)
79 L. Fowler (Royal Aberdeen), R.R. Adams (Moray)
80 S. Mitchell (Moray), I. Macaulay (Elgin), R. Harrower (Boat of Garten) p, W. Hutchison (Inverness).
HANDICAP
Class 1 (8 and under)
65 S. Johnston (Elgin) (4)
68 I. Hamilton (Elgin) (7)
70 J.A. Grant (Grantown) (2), G. Donaldson (Elgin) (6), A Tait (Fortrose & Rosemarkie) (6), B Moir (Spey Bay) (4)
Class 2 (9 to 14)
62 D Macleod (Loch Ness) (12)
64 C Small (Fortrose & Rosemarkie) (12)
69 R G MacPherson (Moray) (9)
70 P L Taylor (Fortrose & Rosemarkie) (11)
71 A Grigor (Boat of Garten) (14), P MacMillan (Kinloss) (14)

Scroll down for Chevron World Challenge final totals

Message from Tiger Woods

Tiger Woods released the following statement on his website during the final round of the Chevron World Challenge -- a tournament he hosts, but was unable to attend this year after injuries he sustained in a car accident.

"As the final round of the Chevron World Challenge begins, I would like to extend my heartfelt thank you to everyone affiliated with the event, especially our amazing title sponsor, Chevron. They've been title sponsor for the last two years and have a vision and passion for creating real opportunities for my Foundation. I thank them for their ongoing commitment.
"I'd also like to thank all of our supporting sponsors and my tireless, dedicated staff, board and volunteers who collectively produce this first-class golf tournament. I am so grateful to them for their efforts, and I am sincerely sorry I was unable to fulfil my duties as host and player in this important event.
"There are also 18 outstanding pros in the field, and I thank them for providing us all with some excellent competition this week.
"Lastly, I'd like to thank our fans for continuing to support us. Like them, I am extremely dedicated to this tournament, to my Foundation and the millions of young lives we serve. Thank you all for your support."
Tiger Woods

CHEVRON CHALLENGE SCOREBOARD
Sherwood Country Club, Thousand Oaks, California
Par for 72 holes: 288 (4x72)
FINAL TOTALS
275 (-13) Jim Furyk 70 71 67 67.
276 (-12) Graeme McDowell 71 69 66 70.
277 (-11) Lee Westwood 71 67 69 70, Padraig Harrington 69 68 70 70.
279 (-9) Ian Poulter 68 69 71 71, Zach Johnson 68 70 74 67, Stewart Cink 70 73 68 68, Sean O'Hair 71 67 71 70.
280 (-8) Y E Yang 70 65 71 74.
281 (-7) Steve Stricker 71 74 71 65
282 (-6) Paul Casey 75 69 74 64, Kenny Perry 74 67 70 75.
286 (-2) Lucas Glover 74 67 70 75.
288 (level) Anthony Kim 71 74 73 70, Martin Kaymer 73 72 72 71, Camilo Villegas 73 69 74 72, Mike Weir 73 70 73 72.
291 (+3) Justin Leonard 72 74 72 73.

E-mail from Len Plaxton

I would just like to congratulate you on a wonderfully informative website. Not only do you cover Scottish golf but also what happens elsewhere in the UK and abroad and it is your site I frequently return to for the latest news.

Len Plaxton
Father of Jonathan (former England team captain).

Editor's note: Thanks, Len. Your note cheered me up no end on a day when even more rain fell on our already waterlogged golf courses in Scotland! When is it going to stop? To be fair, it seems to be raining quite a lot in Florida too ... the LPGA Tour and the US PGA Tour Qualifying Schools have been badly hit by the weather, but I bet their rain is a lot warmer than ours.

US PGA Tour Final Qualifying School Scoreboard
FOURTH ROUND LEADING TOTALS
Par 288 (4x72)
271 Troy Merritt 67 69 68 67.
274 Jay Williamson 68 69 68 69, Graham Delaet 70 71 64 69, Jeff Maggert 71 67 68 68.
275 Andrew McLardy 71 67 68 69, Billy Horschelll 69 70 67 69.
277 J P Hayes 74 67 63 73, Martin Flores 72 68 69 68, Matt Jones 71 73 66 67.
278 Brenden Pappas 72 68 65 73, Michael Connell 71 67 69 71, Chris Riley 71 71 65 71, Joe Ogilvie 73 69 64 72, Kris Blanks 77 65 67 69.
Selected scores:
281 Rickie Fowler 74 68 66 73 (jt 26th)
282 Gary Christian 75 69 69 69 (jt 32nd).

NEDBANK CHALLENGE DRAMA

Allenby beats Stenson in

play-off in South Africa

Robert Allenby became the first Australian to win the South African Sunshine Tour's Nedbank Challenge today. He beating Ryder Cup Swede Henrik Stenson at the third hole of a sudden-death play-off at the Gary Player Country Club, Sun City, Johannesburg.
Allenby, pictured, finished the regulation 72 holes with a one-under-par 71 for a total of 11-under 277. Stenson made up two shots with a 69 for the saem total.
on the third playoff hole after a 1-under 71 in the final round.
The play-off was held on the par-4 18th, which both players bogeyed in regulation.
They scrambled to halve the hole in the first two play-off rounds before Allenby reached the green with his second shot for the first time in seven attempts in the third round. Stenson, meanwhile, went through the green and then chipped 25 feet past the pin. Allenby two-putted from about 5 feet for the win.
“I thought we were going to be there all night,” Allenby said. “But I’m proud to be the first Australian to win this title, and I knew once Henrik pushed his approach out right (in the third round), I had a chance if I could hit the green in regulation.”
Overnight leader Retief Goosen surprisingly faded out of the picture with a closing 75 to finish fifth in the 12-man field.
Tim Clark had a 69 and Ross Fisher shot a 70 to share third, while Masters champion Angel Cabrera was sixth after a 75.

REPORT FROM THE PGA OF AUSTRALIA WEBSITE:
Australian Robert Allenby ended four years without a win in South Africa - and nobody would have been surprised it came in sudden death.
Allenby beat defending champion Henrik Stenson at the third extra hole of the Nedbank Challenge at Sun City, his 11th play-off victory in 12 attempts.
The pair had both picked up bogeys at the closing hole to finish on the 11-under-par mark of 277 and then parred the 502-yard 18th twice before Swede Stenson bogeyed it again.
Allenby had struck a glorious second to seven feet and two-putted for a first prize of more than $A1.3 million. It was his first success since his 2005 hat-trick of Australian Open, PGA and Masters titles.
Stenson was a runner-up for the second Sunday running. Last week it was with Robert Karlsson at the World Cup in China.
England's Ross Fisher and South African Tim Clark tied for third on 10-under, Fisher just missing a 20-footer to make the play-off, while Retief Goosen, two in front overnight, dropped to fifth with a 75.
Stenson, winner by nine on 21-under last year, came from four behind to one in front, thanks to an eagle on the 10th and birdies at the 13th, 15th and 17th, but there were also two bogey 6s on his card and he three-putted the last for a 69.
Allenby then moved in front with a 14-footer on the 17th before pushing his approach and failing to get up and down.
He had to make a five-footer to stay alive on the first extra hole and at the next saved his par after driving into sand.
Things started going wrong for Goosen when he left a bunker shot in the sand at the fifth and, like Stenson, he found the lake at the ninth and took another 6 after a wild second to the 14th.
"I'm glad that's over," said Allenby on the tournament's official website, www.nedbankgolfchallenge.co.za.
"After bogeying the 72nd I knew I had a second chance and my record in play-offs is pretty good."
"I did think we were going to be here all night at one stage, but once I saw Henrik hit it out right I knew he had a difficult shot."
"The only thing in my mind then was hitting my six-iron straight at the pin and I hit it absolutely perfectly."

FINAL TOTALS
Par 288 (4x72) 7590yd
Prizemoney in South African Rand
277 R Allenby 68 70 68 71, H Stenson 70 68 70 69 (Allenby, 122,200, bt Stenson, 88,650, at third play-off hole.
278 T Clark 69 72 68 69, R Fisher 73 69 66 70 (55,100 each).
279 R Goosen 69 68 67 75 (36,250).
281 A Cabrera 71 67 68 75 (29,300).
282 N Watney 73 73 63 73 (24,300).
283 L Donald 72 71 68 72 (21,200).
284 R Karlsson 70 72 71 71 (18,900).
286 H Mahan 70 71 72 73 (13,350).
292 R Sterne 72 75 70 75 (16,200).
Retired: R McIlroy 73 76 - - (15,450).

Asian Tour finale for 2009

Scot Simon Yates beaten in three-way

play-off for King's Cup in Thailand

Scot Simon Yates lost a three-way play-off for the Asian Tour's King's Cup tournament at Singha Park Kohn Kaen Golf Club, Khon Kaen, Thailand.

Victory - his first on the Asian Tour - went to Chinese Taipei's Chan Yih-shin who holed a birdie putt from 5ft at the second hole of the sudden death play-off in which England's Nick Redfern was the third participant.

Yates, pictured, who had hit his approach shot closest of the three to the flagstick, missed his birdie putt from 3ft which would have taken the play-off to the third hole.

Chan Yih-shin ended the regulation 72 holes with a final round of two-under-par 70 for a 14-under-par 274 total which was matched by Redfern, who shot a blistering 66 which included an unfortunate double bogey on 17. Yates returned a 68 in the season’s final event.
The trio posted matching pars on the first extra hole but Chan rose to the occasion with an exquisite approach for his winning birdie putt to win the US$47,550 top prize in the King’s Cup presented by Singha and Sports Authority of Thailand.
“I’m feeling ecstatic. I played well throughout the week and I’m really happy. When I was trailing by a few shots with a few holes to play, I thought I didn’t have a chance to win and I just wanted to finish as high as possible,” said Chan, who ended his season in 28th place on the Order of Merit.
Chan, who led for the first three rounds, made a crucial 8ft birdie putt on the 17th hole to draw level with Yates and Redfern. “After Nick double bogeyed the 17th hole, I was back in the tournament. I made a crucial birdie putt on 17 from eight feet to draw level. That was an important moment,” he said.
Redfern was in red-hot form, reeling in eight birdies to o pen up a two-stroke lead with two holes to play before being plugged in a greenside bunker with his tee shot at the short 17th. He needed two attempts to escape the sand to stumble to a double bogey back into a tie for the lead.
“The incident on 17 didn’t affect me at all because I made a good putt for 5 and just kept myself going down the last,” said Redfern, who was playing in only his fourth Asian Tour tournament this year.
“Getting tied second is a pretty good result for me. I had 17 good holes but got a little bit unlucky on the 17th hole. Overall it is good, I will be taking back a lot of confidence from this tournament.”
Yates, who recently returned from an injury spell, brilliantly charged into the title hunt but was disappointed to miss his short putt to take the play-off to a third hole.
“It’s disappointing. The last putt broke so hard from right to left and I couldn’t believe it. I thought it was left edge as I saw Chan’s putt earlier and he missed it right and I got confused. So I aimed it in the middle and missed it,” said Yates, who was hoping to win a third Asian Tour title.
“It was still a good week. There were some nerves and it was nice to get that feeling again, especially yesterday when I got on a roll. I can take the positives away from this week.”

Asian Tour No 1 Thongchai Jaidee hailed his 2009 season as the “best year of my life” and then set his sights on next year’s Majors.

The Thai star ended a memorable campaign with an equal 11th place finish at the King’s Cup as he was officially crowned as Asia’s No 1 player for a record third time.
The former paratrooper won twice this season, finished top-10 in three other events and did not miss a single cut on the Asian Tour to earn a little over US$980,000, his career highest earnings in a single season.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS

Par 288 (4x72)
274 Chan Yih-shin (TPE) 64-73-67-70, Simon Yates (SCO) 71-69-66-68, Nick Redfern (ENG) 74-66-68-66 (Chan won play-off with birdie on second extra hole)
276 Harmeet Kahlon ( IND ) 71-67-72-66, Prayad Marksaeng (THA) 70-70-71-65
277 Kim Dae-hyun (KOR) 70-68-73-66, Anirban Lahiri (IND) 66-72-71-68, Rahil Gangjee (IND) 74-64-68-71, 279 - Mark Purser (NZL) 68-75-65-71
280 Matthew Griffin (AUS) 72-69-69-70
281 Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 70-73-71-67, Neven Basic (AUS) 73-68-70-70
282 Vasin Sripattranusorn [A] (THA) 71-70-71-70, Ross Bain (SCO) 69-69-71-73
283 Pavit Tangkamolprasert (THA) 70-71-75-67, Digvijay Singh ( IND ) 70-73-69-71
284 Artemio Murakami (PHI) 70-75-70-69, Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 71-70-73-70, Thammanoon Srirot (THA) 73-68-71-72, Corey Harris (USA) 69-70-73-72

Adam Scott wins Aussie Open by five strokes

Australian Adam Scott has won the Australian Open for his first pro victory in his home country, shooting an even-par final round of 72 to win by five strokes from runner-up and compatriot Stuart Appleby.
Scott won 14 times worldwide since turning pro in 2000 before breaking through in his native land. He finished at 15-under 273 at New South Wales Golf Club near Sydney.
The win followed Scott's worst season on the US PGA Tour, where he made only nine cuts in 19 tournaments and had just one top-10 finish.
"I always thought I'd get my chance," Scott said. "It's so bizarre, this game, that off the back of such a bad year I finally played good enough to win down here.
"I've worked really hard even though I've played terrible all year. But it pays off. You've got to stick with it."
Five-time Australian Open winner Greg Norman presented Scott with the Stonehaven Cup. Norman missed the tournament because of shoulder surgery.
"This is very, very special to me to win here," Scott said. "This is going to be very sweet and something I will treasure for the rest of my career."
Appleby closed with a 75.
New Zealand's Michael Long (70), American Bryce Molder (68) and Australia's Nick O'Hern (74) tied for third, nine strokes behind Scott.
John Daly closed with a 71 to finish at 2 over. He will play next week in the Australian PGA at Coolum in Queensland.
FINAL TOTALS TO COME

Merritt, Williamson share lead as US Tour Q

School is disrupted by Florida weather

FROM THE PGA.COM WEBSITE
Troy Merritt and Jay Williamson share the lead after an abbreviated day of play on Saturday at the US PGA Tour Q-School finals at Bear Lakes Country Club, West Palm Beach in Florida.
Inclement weather forced a suspension of play during the fourth round at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday. Play resumed at 3pm, and then was later suspended for the day due to darkness.
=================================
PGATOUR.COM:
Complete coverage of PGA Tour Q-School
=================================
At the time of the suspension, Merritt had played nine holes and Williamson had played eight, both on the Lakes Course, and they shared the top spot at 15 under. Brenden Pappas (through 10 holes) and Andrew McLardy (through nine holes) were one shot back.
Only a few players completed their fourth round on Saturday: Matt Jones (67/tied for ninth), Hunter Haas (68/tied for 64th), Bobby MacWhinnie (70/ttied for 102nd), Kevin Fortin-Simard (73/166th) and Chris Mundorf (76/tied for 141st).
The fourth round will resume at 7:45 am local time on Sunday. Fifth-round starting times will take place from approximately 11:00 a.m. until 1:10 p.m.
After the fourth round is completed, players will be regrouped according to their 72-hole scores. The field will be split into approximate equal portions. Competitors with the lowest scores will play the Links Course, players with the highest scores will play the Lakes Course.
After the fifth round, players will switch courses, stay in the same groups, start on the same tee and the groups will be in the same order as in the fifth round.
David Duval stood at 7 over through 17 holes at the time of the suspension and 4 over for the tournament. Making his first final-stage appearance since 1993, Duval is currently tied for 11th.
The top 25 players and ties at the conclusion of the tournament will receive 2010 PGA Tour cards, while the next number of players nearest 50 will receive full status on the Nationwide Tour. All remaining players will have conditional status on the Nationwide Tour in 2010.
FOURTH ROUND LEADERS
Par 288 (4x72)
-15 after nine holes Troy Merrett
-15 after eight holes Jay Williamson.
-14 after 10 holes Brenden Pappas
-14 after nine holes Andrew McLardy
-13 after 11 holes Graham Delat.
-13 after nine holes Billy Horschel.
-13 after nine holes Jeff Maggert.
-11 after 18 holes: 277 Matt Jones.
-11 after 10 holes Martin Flores.

Sub McDowell shares lead

with Yang at Tiger Woods'

tournament in California

FROM THE PGA.COM WEBSITE

Ulsterman Graeme McDowell was surprised as anyone to hear the news last week about Tiger Woods in a car accident, having no idea where it would lead -- for either of them.
McDowell, pictured, was summoned to replace him in the Chevron World Challenge, which could turn into quite the bounty.
===============================

PGATOUR.COM:

Complete coverage of the Chevron World Challenge
================================

McDowell played a six-hole stretch at Thousand Oaks, Sherwood in California in six under par on Saturday on his way to a 6-under 66, giving him a share of the lead with Y E Yang (71) going into the final round of the $5.75 million tournament.
They are at 10-under 206, two shots ahead of Padraig Harrington and European Tour money champion Lee Westwood, with Ian Poulter and Jim Furyk another shot behind.
"Obviously, a huge blow for the tournament not to have Tiger here," McDowell said. "I feel very fortunate to receive the invite. It was a great opportunity for me."
Timing is everything for McDowell, a 30-year-old from Northern Ireland who is No. 55 in the world. Because this is the first year Woods' tournament offers world ranking points, a victory or even top finish likely makes him eligible for the Masters.
McDowell was at the World Cup, partnering Rory McIlroy, in China last week, presumably his last tournament of the year. He planned to go home to Florida instead of chasing world ranking points in Australia, believing he could crack the top 50 next year to get an Augusta National invite.
That's when he got the call that tournament host Woods might not even play.
He was to fly through Los Angeles on his way home, and when he arrived Sunday night, he was asked to stick around for one day until Woods knew for sure what he was doing.
McDowell ran off three straight birdies on his back nine, then ripped a 3-wood into 15 feet on the par-5 13th for an eagle, finishing his stretch with a long birdie on the 15th. His only flaw came from a soft lie in the bunker on the par-5 16th, where a fat shot went into the hazard and he took double bogey.
Yang also was in China for the World Cup and knew he was playing Sherwood all along. He wasn't planning on a fever that has dogged him throughout the week, although it's hard to tell from the score.
The US PGA Championship winner opened with a birdie with hopes of a big day, then stalled until making two birdies on the back nine.
"As the day went by and my body wore down a bit more, I bogeyed a few holes," he said.
Oddly enough, few players felt worse than Harrington, who had a 70 and is very much in contention to win for the first time this year. Why the sad face? Harrington isn't quite sure.
The Irishman felt no co-ordination over any of his shots, one of those days when he walked off the first green and couldn't wait to get back to the clubhouse.
"I must have got out of bed on the wrong side or something," Harrington said. "Something wasn't right today. I played great yesterday, played well the first day, played horrible today. Who know what will happen tomorrow?"
He was expecting just about anything -- from him and everyone else.
Eight players were separated by three shots on a course that features five par 5s, where birdies and bogeys await at every turn. Also in the hunt were Sean O'Hair and Kenny Perry, both at 7-under 209.
Harrington has been under great scrutiny, a three-time major champion to spent six months searching for a swing key and didn't get very good results -- much less a victory. What would it mean to finally get a win in the last tournament of his season?
"I just can't get too much into that," he said. "That's not going to help me win tomorrow. I'll wait for the results and we can decide how important it is for my year."

SCOREBOARD TO COME