Sunday, October 31, 2010

Lovemark tops Nationwide

Tour qualifiers for US Tour

FROM THE GOLFWEEK WEBSITE
By Ryan Lavner
With a seventh-place finish Sunday at the Nationwide Tour Championship, Jamie Lovemark claimed the top spot on the money list to secure fully-exempt status next season on the US PGA Tour.
After a standout career at USC, Lovemark, 22, had little trouble adjusting during his first full pro season. He became only the 11th Nationwide player to eclipse $400,000 in season earnings, finishing with $452,951 to top Chris Kirk by $41,745. Kirk withdrew from the final two events of the season after breaking a bone in his left thumb.
Hunter Haas finished third on the money list, after a T-5 in the Nationwide Tour Championship. Tommy Gainey, a former participant on the Golf Channel reality series “Big Break,” had a chance to overtake Lovemark with a big week at Daniel Island, but shot rounds of 71-72-71-75 to finish fourth in the year-long race.
Lovemark will now be able to play a full schedule of events in 2011, including an automatic exemption into the Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. Lovemark had seven top-5 finishes this season on the Nationwide circuit, including a win at the Mexico Open.

Last year, in only his fourth event since turning pro, Lovemark lost a three-way playoff at the US PGA Tour’s Frys.com Open.

FOR THE NATIONWIDE TOUR SCOREBOARD, CLICK HERE

FOR NEWS FROM THE CHAMPIONS' TOUR AT and T CHAMPIONSHIP, CLICK HERE

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James Byrne finishes joint fourth in Eisenhower Trophy individual standings

HANDICAPPED SCOTS FINISH

GALLANT FIFTH IN ARGENTINA

By COLIN FARQUHARSON
Defending champions Scotland finished a creditable fifth behind title-winners France in the weather-hit men’s world amateur team golf championship for the Eisenhower Trophy at Buenos Aires, Argentina today Creditable because Scotland’s Ross Kellett, who had not been feeling well and had the team’s non-counting score on Thursday, had to retire halfway through the second round. He had not recovered sufficiently to play in the third and final round today.
The tournament was reduced from its normal four rounds to 54 holes because rainstorms and lightning stretched Friday’s second round into Saturday for many of the 69 teams.
France, represented by Scottish open amateur stroke-play champion Romain Wattel, Alexander Levy and Johann Lopez Lazaro, won with a seven-under-par total of 423, made up of two-man round totals of 137, 142 and 144.
They maintained their overnight lead over Denmark (Morton Oerum Madsen, Joachim Hansen and Lucas Justra Bjerregard) who finished second with 427 (138-141-147).
Pre-tournament favourites the United States, containing the worlds No 1 and 2 ranked amateurs, Peter Uihlein and David Chung, as well as Scott Langley, finished third on 428 (143-142-143).
New Zealand came third on 435 (142-144-149).
Scotland’s final position of fifth on 436, made up of rounds returned entirely by James Byrne (Banchory) and Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) – 150, 140 and 146, represented a great fightback after a dismal start when they were nearer the bottom of the scoreboard than the top at the end of the first day.
But Byrne, Scotland’s top world-ranked player, started the Scotland fightback with a second-round 68 and he broke par again in the final round with a 71, which included four birdies in a row. Starting at the long 10th, which he birdied, James birdied the 17th, 18th, first and second holes. The Arizona State University student finished joint fourth in the individual standings with a total of two-under-par 214.
Scottish match-play champion Stewart had rounds of 75, 72 and 75 for a six-over-par total of 222. The Ayrshire man's last round included a double bogey 5 at the short 14th, having also bogeyed the short 11th after his only birdie, at the long 10th.
Scotland were the highest placed of the four home countries. They finished ahead of England who had a dreadful last day when a total of 152 for 441 saw them drop several places in the final standings. Tom Lewis had a 75, Laurie Canter a 77 and Eddie Pepperell an 80.
Joachim Hansen (Denmark) topped the individual standings with a seven-under-par total of 209, ahead of Frenchmen Alexander Levy (212) and Romain Wattel (213), a shot ahead of James Byrne and America's world No 1 Peter Uihlein.


FROM THE SGU WEBSITE
FINAL TOTALS
Par 430 (4x72, 2x71)
Tournament reduced to three rounds because of bad weather
423 France 137 142 144.
427 Denmark 138 141 147.
428 United States 143 142 143
435 New Zealand 142 144 149
436 Scotland 150 140 146.
439 Ireland 150 146 143.
440 Germany 146 147 147.
441 Belgium 146 151 144, England 141 148 152, Canada 137 151 153.
442 Colombia 143 146 153, Switzerland 149 146 147.
445 Norway 148 147 150, South Korea 145 147 153, Sweden 141 146 158, Portugal 153 141 151.
446 Japan 146 147 153, Italy 146 143 157.
447 Iceland 147 146 154.
448 South Africa 147 152 149.
449 Finland 148 147 154, Spain 145 147 157, Wales 148 148 153, Austria 148 144 157.
450 Argentina 147 152 151
451 Mexico 144 152 144, Australia 143 154 154.
452 Chinese Taipei 147 150 155, China 143 154 155.
455 Singapore 147 154 154.
457 Czech Republic 1623 148 157.
458 Netherlands 145 153 160.
459 Hong Kong 146 150 163
462 Peru 149 149 164
SGU national coach Ian Rae praised the players’ efforts over the final two days: “The first day really set us back and obviously we’ve been handicapped by Ross’s sickness, but the lads showed tremendous spirit to finish in fifth place with the pressure of both players’ scores having to count for the final round.”
“The course was playing really tough today with such strong winds, which highlights what a good score James had out there. To get four birdies in a row was a remarkable achievement and he can be very proud of his performance. Michael also played very well and but was unlucky with the number of putts which just shaved the hole.” he added.
“Overall, we’re pretty pleased with the way we’ve fought back from the disappointment of the opening day and the players have worked hard to get us high up the leaderboard, beating some strong teams in the process. We’d like to congratulate France, who are worthy champions.”

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NORTH OF SCOTLAND JUNIOR MATCH-PLAY

VENUE: Forres Golf Club.
SPONSOR: Sandy Aird.

Results from later stages:

HANDICAP
QUARTER-FINALS
S McKenzie (Hopeman) bt S Geddes (Hopeman) 3 and 2.
C McWilliam (Elgin) bt R T Gordon (Nairn) 3 and 2.
A MacKenzie (Hopeman) bt S Hodgson (Inverness) at 19th.
A Baird (Nairn) bt D Wickenden (Nairn) 4 and 2.
SEMI-FINALS
S McKenzie bt C McWilliam at 19th.
A Baird bt A MacKenzie 5 and 3.
FINAL
SAM McKENZIE bt A Baird 4 and 3.

UNDER-15s
QUARTER-FINALS
L Mutch (Duff House Royal) bt G Bennett (Inverness) 3 and 2.
G Joss (Royal Aberdeen) bt A Kenyon (Invereness) at 19th.
A Burgess (Nairn) bt C Franssen (Loch Ness) 4 and 3.
C MacMillan (Inverness) bt R Asher (Nairn)at 20th.
SEMI-FINALS
G Joss bt L Mutch at 19th.
A Burgess bt C McMillan 4 and 3.
FINAL
GRANT JOSS bt A Burgess 7 and 5.

UNDER-18s
QUARTER-FINALST Dingwall (Nairn Dunbar) bt R Proctor (Forres) 7 and 5.
J Wright (Forres) bt S Burgess (Nairn) 1 hole.
J Milne (Elgin) bt E Robertson (Inchmarlo) 6 and 5.
F Brown (Nairn Dunbar) bt R Clarke (Moray) 1 hole.
SEMI-FINALS
J Wright bt T Dingwall 5 and 4.
F Brown bt J Milne 5 and 4.
FINAL
FREDDIE BROWN bt J Wright 3 and 2.

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NORTH OF SCOTLAND ALLIANCE

FORRES
Leading Scratch scores:
67 Duncan Stewart (Grantown) p.
70 R McKerron (Forres).
71 A Cameron (Inverness), G H Hay (Grantown), J S D Campbell (Grantown);
73 S Johnston (Elgin), D Hector (Elgin)
74 K Williamson (Torvean), J. Simpson (Forres)
76 C Stuart (Moray)
77 N McWilliam (Elgin), W.J. Donnelly (Fortrose and Rosemarkie), R. Mackay (Fortrose and Rosemarkie), R. Young (Moray) p.
78 B Fotheringham (Inverness), S. Chisholm (Nairn), J.A.G. Innes (Elgin), V. Tilman (Muir of Ord), J.K. England (Moray).
79 F Brown (Nairn Dunbar), R.G. Macpherson (Moray), L. Duncan (Elgin), J. Wright (Forres), S. Kinnaird (Fortrose and Rosemarkie).
80 B.A. Watson (Nairn Dunbar), G. Mackenzie (Hopeman), J. Milne (Elgin), S. Duncan (Moray), A. Henry (Inverness), W Hutchison (Inverness), R H Stewart (Torvean).
81 I Findlay (Grantown), W Donnelly (Fortrose and Rosemarkie), R Proctor (Forres), P. Masson (Rothes), R. Younie (Rothes)
82 W Rusk (Torvean), D Johnston (Moray).
 HANDICAP
Class 1 (7 and over)
69 K Williamson (Torvean) (5), S. Johnston (Elgin) (4).
70 D Hector (Elgin) (3).
72 J K England (Moray) (6), L Duncan (Elgin) (7).
Class 2 (8 to 14)
69 W J Donnelly (Fortrose and Rosemarkie) (8).
70 R G Macpherson (Moray) (9).
71 S Duncan (Moray) (9), C Small (Nairn) (12).
72 A Jackson (Rothes) (12), W Rusk (Torvean) (10).

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A fine action picture of Bradley Neil, courtsy of Tom Ward Photography.
BRADLEY AND GABRIELLE TOP OF THE

UNDER-16S CLASS AT THE GLEN
Blairgowrie’s Bradley Neil, Scottish Under-14 boys’ champion for the past two years, showed his class with a three-under-par round of 67 to win the first event today in the Scottish Golf Academy’s Under-16s Winter Series at the Glen Golf Club, North Berwick.
Craigielaw prospect Gabrielle McDonald headed the girls’ field with a one-under-par 72.
In perfect scoring conditions, Neil, using a new set of Taylormade clubs, was out in one-under-par 34 and covered the inward half in two-under 33.
He won the boys’ section by two shots from Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie). They were the only two competitors to break the par of 70 which was also the CSS for the boys’ competition.
Alexander Wilson (Gullane) and Robert Hughan (Newton Stewart) shared third place on 70.
McDonald’s 72 saw her finish two shots ahead of Clara Young (North Berwick) and four better than the third-placed Lindsey Stevenson (Elie and Earlsferry). The girls’ CSS was 73.
The second of the four SGA Under-16s Winter Series events will be held at Strathmore Golf Centre on Sunday, November 21.


LEADING SCORES
BOYS
Par 70. CSS 70.
67 Bradley Neil (Blairgowrie).
69 Euan Walker (Kilmarnock Barassie).
70 Alexander Wilson (Gullane), Robert Hughan (Newton Stewart).
71 Connor Syme (Dumfries and Co), Bob MacIntyre (Glencruitten).
72 Ewan Scott (St Andrews), Alasdair McDougall (St Andrews New).
73 Calum Hill (Tantallon), Ben Kinsley (St Andrews).
74 Rory Stewart (Crieff).
75 Euan Bowden (Glen).
GIRLS
Par 73. CSS 73
72 Gabrielle McDonald (Craigielaw).
74 Clara Young (North Berwick).
76 Lindsey Stevenson (Elie and Earlsferry).
77 Jessica Meek (Carnoustie Ladies), Samantha Munro (Monifieth), Lesley Atkens (Gullane Ladies).
78 Hannah McCook (Abernethy).
79 Ailsa Summers (Carnoustie Ladies), Rachael Walker (Dumfries and Co).
80 Kimberley Beveridge (Aboyne).
Other scores:
81 Tegan Seivwright (Deeside).
82 Lauren Whyte (St Regulus)
83 Rachel Polson (Peterculter).

+The SGU website will display all the scores on Monday/Tuesday. We will update our lists above with the scores we get from the SGU website.


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Now it's official, Westwood topples

Woods as world Number One

FROM THE GOLF.COM WEBSITE
SHANGHAI (AP) — For the first time in more than five years, Tiger Woods is no longer world pro golf's No. 1 player.
Lee Westwood of England took the top ranking Sunday after US PGA champion Martin Kaymer failed to finish among the top two at the Andalucia Masters in Spain.

Westwood is the first European since Nick Faldo in 1994 to be No. 1, and the 13th player to be No. 1 since the ranking system began in 1986.

Woods had been No. 1 since the week before the 2005 U.S. Open, where he was runner-up. He won the British Open a month later and his ranking has rarely been threatened since.

That changed this year, however, when Woods struggled through his worst season on and off the course. He took a five-month break from golf to cope with confessions of extramarital affairs, which ultimately led to divorce, and his game has not been the same.

Phil Mickelson had a mathematical chance to topple Woods in 12 tournaments and has slipped to No. 4. Kaymer could have moved to No. 1 this week at Valderrama, but instead finished out of the top 20.

The torch instead was passed to Westwood, who has been recovering from a calf injury that has allowed him to complete just one tournament since his runner-up finish in the Open at St. Andrews in July.

As much as this represents the end of Woods' reign, it also complete an amazing turnaround for Westwood.

The 37-year-old Englishman struggled through a slump so severe that he fell as low as No. 253 on May 25, 2003. He gradually began to work his way back toward the top, and Westwood has been surging the last couple of years.

He missed out on a playoff at the US Open in 2008 and the (British) Open in 2009 by one shot. He won the Order of Merit on the European Tour last year for the second time in his career, and he had the 54-hole lead at the Masters until finishing second to Mickelson. Westwood also was runner-up at St. Andrews, by seven shots to Louis Oosthuizen.
His only victory this year was the St. Jude Classic in a sudden-death playoff, but he has six finishes in the top five.
This is the 10th time Woods has lost the No. 1 ranking in his career, and the longest he has not been No. 1 was 26 weeks toward the end of the 2004 season and beginning of 2005, when Vijay Singh went on a great run and Woods was in the middle of a swing change.
How long this lasts could depend on this week.
The HSBC Champions in Shanghai has assembled such a strong field that Westwood, Woods, Kaymer or Mickelson could all be No. 1 by the end of the week. The tournament starts Thursday at Sheshan International.
Westwood, meanwhile, becomes only the fourth player to reach No. 1 without winning a major. Ian Woosnam reached No. 1 in 1991 the week before he won the Masters, and Fred Couples was at No. 1 in two separate weeks a month before he won the Masters. David Duval was No. 1 for 15 weeks in 1999, and won the British Open two years later.






Read more: http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/article/0,28136,2028483,00.html#ixzz13xPPU0XJ

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ANDALUCIA VALDERRAMA MASTERS

McDowell wins as Maybin and

McGrane falter close home

FROM THE EUROPEAN TOUR WEBSITE
Graeme McDowell held off the challenge of Gareth Maybin and Damien McGrane to claim a battling victory at the Andalucia Valderrama Masters in Sotogrande.
On a day where strong winds made low scoring extremely difficult, McDowell went round in 74 to finish on three under, two ahead of Maybin, McGrane and Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen.

Both Maybin and McGrane had been in contention for victory up until the closing holes, only to see their hopes dashed over Valderrama’s notoriously tough home stretch. McGrane dropped four shots over the last three holes while Maybin finished bogey-bogey.

McDowell's victory - his seventh on the European Tour - lifts him into the top ten of the Official World Golf Rankings and he also closes the gap on Race to Dubai leader Martin Kaymer, who finished in a tie for 21st on seven over.

Kaymer’s failure to claim a top-two finish ensures fellow European Lee Westwood will displace Tiger Woods as World Number One when the latest rankings are released on Monday.

McDowell and Maybin had begun the day with a four-shot advantage at the top of the leaderboard, but it was McGrane who moved into pole position as the tournament moved towards its conclusion.

The 39 year old picked up birdies at three, seven, 11 and 15 to get to five under through 15 holes, with his solitary bogey coming at the ninth.

And with McDowell and Maybin slipping back to four and three under respectively, McGrane appeared the most likely to walk away with the €500,000 first prize.

Unfortunately, he then faltered, double bogeying 16 before dropping further shots at 17 and 18.

And with Maybin also finishing bogey-bogey, McDowell could afford to play the final hole with caution, coming up short of the green in two before taking three more shots to seal a wonderful win.

Kjeldsen equalled the lowest round of the day with an impressive 69 to move into a tie for second, with Holland’s Joost Luiten also going round in two under to share fifth with Thomas Björn.

José María Olazábal was the only other man to break par on Sunday, the veteran Spaniard carding four birdies in a 70 that lifted him into a tie for tenth on four over.


CLICK HERE FOR THE EUROPEAN TOUR WEBSITE SCOREBOARD



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EUROPEAN TOUR SCOREBOARD

McDowell leads by one in closing stages at Valderrama

ANDALUCIA VALDERRAMA MASTERS
Final Round Latest positions
-5 after 11 Graeme McDowell.
-4 after 12 Damien McGrane.
-4 after 11 Gareth Maybin.
-1 after 13 Seren Kjeldsen.

SCOTS' FINAL TOTALS
292 (+8) David Drysdale 73 72 76 71.
295 (+11) Marc Warren 75 72 75 73.
299 (+15) Stephen Gallacher 75 71 77 76.

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Three Brits in top five of Asia Pacific Classic

MARTIN LAIRD EARNS $403,000 FOR JT THIRD FINISH BEHIND CRANE AND DAVIS

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE ASIAN TOUR
Kuala Lumpur: American Ben Crane holed a pressure-packed 8ft birdie putt at the last hole to lift the inaugural CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia title and the $1million first prize by one stroke on Sunday.
The overnight leader battled to a two-under-par 69 to edge a fast-finishing Brian Davis of England, who fired a sizzling 66 which included an eagle and two birdies in his last three holes at the Mines Resort and Golf Club. The
US-based American Tour regular earned $575,000 for the runner-up spot.
England’s Luke Donald, who shared the lead until a costly triple bogey on nine, tied for third with Glasgow’s Martin Laird, a further stroke back. Both men earned $403,000.
Singapore ’s Mardan Mamat picked up his biggest career cheque by finishing tied fifth on his 43rd birthday.
Three-time Major winner Ernie Els of South Africa stormed home with four closing birdies for a 66 to also finish tied fifth alongside Australia’s Robert Allenby and American trio D.J. Trahan, Rickie Fowler and Ryan Moore.
The 36-year-old Crane turned in 33 to o pen up a comfortable three-shot lead but wobbled from the 12th hole with three straight bogeys. With Davis finishing strongly, Crane regained his composure by hitting the green with a mighty drive on the short par four 15th hole for an eagle from seven feet.
Tied for the lead with one to play, Crane held his nerve to produce a winning birdie at the 72nd hole and pocketed a cool US$1 million in the first ever event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and US PGA Tour.
“This has been a really special week, from the time we arrived till now. I had a great opportunity with that putt (on 18) which I’ll always remember. I was so nervous and I was just praying. I just wanted to hit a good putt and to see it go into the hole, it felt so good,” said Crane, who ended the week on 18-under-par 266.
“I just regrouped (after 12) and didn’t get ahead of myself. I knew I was still in the tournament. I hit an unbelievable shot on 15 with my driver and that kind of turned things around. It was an exciting turnaround. That was an unbelievable finish,” said Crane, who has won three previous PGA Tour title.
Davis had the large galleries by the edge of their seats with a glorious finish. The Englishman, the last man to get into the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia , could only tip his cap to the champion at the end of the day.
“I played good all week and kept myself in the hunt. Finished strong but it just quite wasn’t good enough. I am quite disappointed,” said the Englishman, who is still searching for a first US PGA Tour victory.
“I missed a short putt on the par four 15th (for bogey) which was a big error there. But I managed to dig deep for birdie, eagle, birdie finish and thought it might be good enough to get me into a play-off. But congratulations to Ben. Hopefully I’ll get my turn next time.”
World number eight Donald rued two poor tee shots which cost him a chance of winning the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic, Malaysia . “I gave it my all out there. I pulled my tee shot slightly on nine as I was being aggressive with my three wood and I couldn’t find my ball among the trees. I made seven there which was disappointing and my bogey on 15 wasn’t very good either,” said the Ryder Cup star.
Singapore ’s Mardan made it a birthday to remember by picking up US$237,500, his biggest payday of his career. “It’s is a good birthday gift but I’m a bit disappointed with my putting. I couldn’t hole any putts but I was solid from tee-to-green,” said Mardan, winner of two Asian Tour titles.
“I’m very happy because I worked so hard to get into this tournament and I’m very pleased to finish in the top-10. I stayed patient the whole day and couldn’t hole a putt but I still kept trying and from my results this week, you can see that my patience had paid off.”
Els lived up to his star billing with four closing birdies to finish in a share of fifth place on 270 and gave credit to CIMB for putting on a stellar show in the inaugural year.
“Today, I was really, from tee to green, I was on fire. I don’t think I missed a green all day. I had many opportunities on the front nine and kind of got frustrated around the turn but obviously the finish was good,” said the Big Easy.
“Everybody, the setting, the sponsor, all of them got involved. It was a great success. I think from now, they can take it to the next level and you know, it’s a sign for the bigger names to come from the US Tour. In time, I think everybody will eventually come, I think even Tiger (Woods) and Phil (Mickelson).”
FINAL TOTALS
Par 288 (4x72)
266 Ben Crane ( USA ) 67-64-66-69 ($1,000,000).

267 Brian Davis (ENG) 65-70-66-66 ($575,000).
268 Luke Donald (ENG) 67-67-67-67, Martin Laird (SCO) 66-69-67-66 ($403,00 each).
270 Ryan Moore (USA) 64-68-69-69, Mardan Mamat (SIN) 66-70-65-69, D.J. Trahan (USA) 67-67-68-68, Rickie Fowler (USA) 68-67-68-67, Ernie Els (RSA) 67-68-69-66, Robert Allenby (AUS) 72-66-68-64 ($237,500 each).
271 Ricky Barnes ( USA ) 63-69-69-70, Siddikur (BAN) 69-68-65-69, Adam Scott (AUS) 69-65-69-68, Tom Gillis ( USA ) 69-66-69-67 ($121,250 each).
272 Carl Pettersson (SWE) 65-68-66-73, Kevin Streelman ( USA ) 69-66-67-70 ($92,500 each).
273 J B Holmes (USA) 73-67-66-67 ($85,000).
274 Charlie Wi (S Korea) 65-70-70-69, Tim Clark (RSA) 67-69-69-69, K.J. Choi (S Korea) 70-69-66-69 ($78,000 each).
275 Kiradech Aphibarnrat (THA) 73-67-64-71, Kevin Na (USA) 70-71-67-67, Retief Goosen (RSA) 69-69-71-66 ($67,000 each).
276 Y E Yang (S Korea) 72-69-66-69, Andrew Dodt (AUS) 68-75-66-67
277 Pariya Junhasavasdikul (THA) 66-65-71-75, Arjun Atwal (IND) 68-71-69-69, Bill Haas ( USA ) 72-69-69-67 ($63,000 each).
278 Michael Sim (AUS) 67-69-69-73, Thongchai Jaidee (THA) 66-69-74-69, Marcus Fraser (AUS) 70-72-70-66, John Senden (AUS) 71-71-71-65 ($59,550 each).
279 Ryan Palmer (USA) 72-70-65-72, Thaworn Wiratchant (THA) 71-66-72-70, Marc Leishman (AUS) 70-72-69-68
280 Noh Seung-Yul (S Korea) 71-69-65-75, Heath Slocum (USA) 68-69-71-72, Tetsuji Hiratsuka (JPN) 71-70-69-70
283 Lam Chih-Bing (SIN) 69-72-72-70
285 Shaaban Hussin (MAS) 72-72-70-71


E-mail from Liam Onions:
The current form of Martin Laird (pictured) is superb but I think it is a real shame that Scotland's highest-ranked professional plays the majority of his golf in America. I am not saying this is a bad thing and it is obviously working incredibly well for Martin but is the reason for his excellent position in the world ranking due to the US PGA Tour?
It is a good idea for our young professionals to try to make it over the pond because currently we have very little to offer them in the way of funding or competitive events.
At the same time though it would be a great shame to see all of our top prospects plying their trade outwith Scotland. If we do not start supporting our top golfers they are more than likely to follow in the footsteps of Martin Laird.

Liam Onions

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Larry Nelson leads by one on Champions Tour

FROM THE GOLF.COM WEBSITE
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Larry Nelson made a 10-foot birdie putt on the final hole on Saturday for a 4-under 67 and a one-stroke lead over Jay Don Blake, Steve Lowery and Chien Soon Lu in the AT and T Championship, the Champions Tour's final full-field event of the year.
The 63-year-old Nelson, who won the last of his 19 Champions Tour titles in 2004, rebounded on 18 after lipping out a 4-footer and settling for bogey on No. 17. He had a 10-under 132 total on the Oak Hills Country Club course in the event's final year at the A.J. Tillinghast-designed layout.

"I got through," Nelson said. "I was pleasantly surprised. To have a chance to win and have the lead at my age, it's terrific."

Blake shot a 64, his best round on the 50-and-over tour. Lowery had a 67, and Chien shot a 68.

John Cook, the 2007 and 2008 winner, had a 69 to join Jeff Sluman (66), Rod Spittle (68) and Mark Wiebe (69) at 8 under. Olin Browne (67) was 7 under, and Charles Schwab Cup leader Bernhard Langer (67) was 6 under. Hale Irwin, who matched his age Friday with a 65 for a share of the first-round lead, also was 6 under after a 71.

Blake, third at Carnoustie in the British Senior Open, birdied the first hole and kept control at No. 2 with a scrambling par when he lofted a high chip to 3 feet.
"It was one of those unbelievable, Houdini pars," Blake said. "That right there can help a round continue after birdie on the first hole."

Blake had the lead temporarily at 10 under with four back-nine birdies, but he bogeyed 17 when he caught a fluffy lie from the rough and left his approach short in a bunker.

Lowery, playing in his second Champions Tour event, was 21st last week at The Woodlands in his debut. He made 10 cuts in 24 starts on the PGA Tour this year.

"I was seeing some positive things," Lowery said. "I felt I was on the upswing coming here."

Both of his birdies on the back nine came when he reached par 5s in two.

Kenny Perry, who made his Champions Tour debut along with Lowery last week, was 12 strokes back at 3 over after a 70.

CLICK HERE FOR THE CHAMPIONS TOUR SCOREBOARD

CLICK HERE FOR THE NATIONWIDE TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP SCOREBOARD

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