HARRINGTON SURVIVES CLAIM BY BUSYBODY IN THE GALLERY

FROM THE GOLF.COM WEBSITE
CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (AP) — Padraig Harrington avoided his second disqualification of the year on Sunday after a spectator questioned whether he teed off too far forward on the 13th hole in the Wells Fargo Championship.
Harrington thought his once-promising final round was over after consecutive bogeys gave him a 4-under 68 and ended his faint chances at Quail Hollow. But when he got back to the scorer's area, a US PGA Tour official informed him a spectator near the 13th tee told a marshal he thought Harrington hit his ball from in front of the markers.
"If somebody asked me, I would have sworn I was 6 inches behind the marker," said Harrington, who had re-teed once to move the ball back before hitting on the par 3.

But if it was determined the Irish star had hit illegally, his tie for ninth place would be wiped out because the error would need to be corrected immediately. So he and playing partner Phil Mickelson loaded into a golf cart to go back to the 13th tee.

They couldn't find the correct divot and TV replays were no help.

"There's no doubt it was tight, but it was inconclusive," Harrington said. "You could jump in there and say it's tight, but it's really not a situation to take a penalty. Especially - maybe I get lost in the moment - but caddies and Phil, there's no way we're all going to get lost in the moment enough."

Mickelson agreed.

"It's things like this as a player you never want to get called into question," Mickelson said. "You value your integrity more than anything - and Padraig has more integrity than anybody out here."

Harrington said US PGA Tour officials told him it was his call, and he was comfortable in keeping his score.

"I'm standing up for myself," he said. "It's not conclusive so we can't go down that road."

Harrington was disqualified after opening with a 65 in the Abu Dhabi Championship this year when a slow-motion replay on high-definition television revealed that his ball moved ever so slightly after he replaced his marker.

Harrington knew the rule, but did not realise his ball had moved. It should have been a two-shot penalty, but because it was discovered after the round, he was disqualified for signing an incorrect card.

The Royal and Ancient and USGA decided a month ago to revise this rules decision so that players who learn of a violation after they sign their cards can be penalised without disqualification.

The latest rules question ended without penalty and a little ribbing.

As Harrington told reporters this wouldn't effect his game going forward, Mickelson interrupted him.

"What do you mean?" Mickelson said. "You just said you were going to tee off way back."

Harrington replied that he'd be "falling off the back of the tee." next time.

"That's why I was hitting outside Phil all day," Harrington added, smiling.

EDITOR'S VIEW. Why do the tournament organisers pay so much attention to what "outsiders" have to say about what players do and don't do during an event. In no other sport that I can think of are members of the public listened to when they attempt to point a finger at a player.

Any comments? Send them to Colin@scottishgolfview.com
 



Read more: http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/article/0,28136,2070357,00.html#ixzz1LsQAP2zr

WALKER CUP SQUAD IN ACTION AT ROYAL ABERDEEN THIS WEEK

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE R and A
Members of the Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup Squad will play a training match from Wednesday to Friday this week at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, in advance of September’s match against the USA.
The squad will be split into two teams of eight players, who will play four foursomes matches on Wednesday, four foursomes and eight singles on Thursday, and eight singles on Friday.
“It’s the first time we’ve had a training match in advance of the Walker Cup,” said GB and I captain Nigel Edwards, pictured on right by Cal Carson Golf Agency.
“We’re hopefully going to give the squad a taste of the standard to which, if selected, they will be expected to perform, and an idea of the pressure they will come under against the USA in September.
“Although many of them have played a great deal of competitive team golf, nothing matches the Walker Cup in terms of occasion and atmosphere, so it is important that we prepare ourselves for that.”
Ten players will form GB and I’s team to face the USA in the 43rd Walker Cup Match, at Royal Aberdeen in September. The selected team will be announced in August.
Stiggy Hodgson, 21, who secured two points for GB and I in the 2009 encounter at Merion Golf Club, Pennsylvania, is the only player in the squad with previous Walker Cup experience. Many of those picked, however, represented GB and I in the St Andrews Trophy Match against the Continent of Europe at Castelconturbia Golf Club, Italy, while others, including 2010 Jacques Leglise Trophy captain Rhys Pugh, have played for GB and I at boys' level.
Tyrrell Hatton, who made his major championship debut at St Andrews last year, will be in attendance, along with 2009 Boys' Amateur Champion Tom Lewis and Northern Ireland’s 2010 Lytham Trophy Champion, Paul Cutler. Alastair Jones, Andy Sullivan, Michael Stewart and Amateur Championship runner-up James Byrne are unable to attend.
David Law, the 2009 Scottish Amateur Champion, who is from north east Scotland, has been invited to join the squad for the session, along with Ireland’s Dermot McElroy and Steven Brown of England.
GB and I selectors will be at all major amateur events throughout the season, and anyone whose performances merit selection will be invited to attend squad training sessions.
Access to the Royal Aberdeen course is free for this week's three-day (May 11 to 13) training match. Free parking is available, and spectators are welcome to bring cameras.
Players:
Steven Brown, Paul Cutler, Alan Dunbar, Rhys Enoch, Oliver Farr, Tyrrell Hatton, Stiggy Hodgson, Ross Kellett, David Law, Tom Lewis, Dermot McElroy, Kris Nicol, Kevin Phelan, Rhys Pugh, Jack Senior, Darren Wright.

ORDER OF PLAY AT BALGOWNIE THIS WEEK
Wednesday
Foursomes: 2pm, 2.08pm, 2.16pm and 2.24pm
Thursday
Foursomes: 8.32am, 8.40am, 8.48am and 8.56am
Singles : 1.12pm, 1.20pm, 1.28pm and 1.36pm
Friday
Foursomes: 8.32am, 8.40am, 8.48am and 8.56am


*Tickets for the Walker Cup Match on Saturday-Sunday, September 10-11 are available at WalkerCupTickets.randa.org, or by calling The R and A Ticket Office on +44 (0) 1334 460000.

TROON'S ALAN GIBSON IS PGA ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE PGA
Troon’s Alan Gibson was toasting his success as the leading Scottish-based PGA professional in the Titleist PGA Assistant of the Year awards.
The 30-year-old, based at Troon Municipal, finished joint sixth out of more than 250 of his peers who have completed the three-year PGA Foundation Degree.
In recognition of his achievement Gibson received a cheque for £850 from Titleist director of sales Ken Graham and PGA captain Eddie Bullock at the PGA Graduation ceremony at the University of Birmingham on Friday May 6.
+Alan Gibson and Eddie Bullock are pictured on right.
Graham said: “We are pleased to continue our support of the Titleist PGA Assistant of the Year award, recognising this as a starting point of the PGA's commitment to provide its members with a framework for lifelong learning.
“PGA professionals play a key role in the development and growth of the game across all levels, and we are delighted to support the next generation of qualified professionals.”
The PGA training programme, which was founded 50 years ago, concentrates on all aspects of golf including business, equipment technology and repairs, rules and tournament organisation, sports science, sports psychology and playing.
Chief executive Sandy Jones said: “This is a significant year in the history of our education programme as it is the 50th anniversary of the commencement of training PGA professionals.
“During those 50 years we have produced many young men and women who have gone on to outstanding success in the world of golf.
“This year we will see around 250 new graduates who will take their skills and expertise around the globe, where will go to territories where golf is in its infancy, providing leadership with this great game.
“We congratulate each and every one of our graduates on their achievement and wish them well in their golf careers wherever it may take them.”
The PGA training programme concentrates on all aspects of golf including business, equipment technology and repairs, rules and tournament organisation, sports science, sports psychology and playing.

TIGER WOODS NOW DOWN TO EIGHTH PLACE IN WORLD RANKINGS

FROM THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEBSITE
Tiger Woods continues to slip down the world rankings after the former world No 1 dropped down to eighth place behind England’s Paul Casey, who moved up one in the latest revision.
The American lost his top golfer status to another Englishman, Lee Westwood on October 31 and, with his long winless streak extending, he has gradually slipped further down the table.
Out of action since picking up a knee injury while playing in the Masters in early April, Woods is set to return to action this week at the Players Championship in Florida and then will concentrate on the US Open in June.
Europe now has six of the top seven players in the world, with only Phil Mickelson in fourth spot breaking their stranglehold.
Latest positions in the world golf rankings:
1 Lee Westwood, Eng 8.08
2 Martin Kaymer, Deu 7.42
3 Luke Donald, Eng 7.33
4 Phil Mickelson, USA 6.60
5 Graeme McDowell, Nir 5.66
6 Rory McIlroy, Nir 5.44
7 Paul Casey, Eng 5.39
8 Tiger Woods, USA 5.37
9 Steve Stricker, USA 5.34
10 Matt Kuchar, USA 5.26
11 Bubba Watson, USA 5.21
12 Charl Schwartzel, SAf 5.02
13 Dustin Johnson, USA 5.00
14 Jim Furyk, USA 4.75
15 Nick Watney, USA 4.56
16 Ernie Els, SAf 4.25
17 Adam Scott, Aus 4.24
18 Ian Poulter, Eng 4.11
19 Francesco Molinari, Ita 4.08
20 Hunter Mahan, USA 4.07
21 Martin Laird, Sco 3.95
22 Robert Karlsson, Swe 3.92
23 Miguel A Jimenez, Spain 3.85
24 Jason Day, Aus 3.83
25 Retief Goosen, SAf 3.72
26 Justin Rose, Eng 3.69
27 Alvaro Quiros, Spain 3.58
28 Geoff Ogilvy, Aus 3.48
29 Tim Clark, SAf 3.40 
30 Edoardo Molinari, Ita 3.39
31 Louis Oosthuizen, SAf 3.32
32 Robert Allenby, Aus 3.22
33 Matteo Manassero, Ita 3.22
34 K.J. Choi, SKor 3.20
35 Kim Kyung-Tae, S Kor 3.03
36 Ben Crane, USA 2.99
37 Zach Johnson, USA 2.96
38 Y.E. Yang, SKor 2.90
39 Rickie Fowler, USA 2.89
40 Ryan Moore, USA 2.86
41 Padraig Harrington, Irl 2.82
42 Jonathan Byrd, USA 2.81
43 Brandt Snedeker, USA 2.81
44 Anders Hansen, Dnk 2.79
45 Bill Haas, USA 2.78
46 Rory Sabbatini, SAf 2.64
47 Ross Fisher, Eng 2.60
48 Gary Woodland, USA 2.60
49 Lucas Glover, USA 2.58
50 Ryo Ishikawa, Jpn 2.58


Selected Scots' rankings:
77 Stephen Gallacher 1.80
139 Richie Ramsay 1.15.
141 Paul Lawrie 1.14.
223 Scott Jamieson 0.75.
267 George Murray 0.62.
303 Peter Whiteford 0.54

ENGLAND COME BACK FROM THE DEAD TO BEAT SPAIN

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE ENGLISH GOLF UNION
England staged a remarkable second day recovery to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat when they turned the match on its head to beat Spain 13½ – 10½ in the biannual international at The Berkshire.
What a difference a day makes. After Saturday’s play, England were not only staring defeat in the eye but were facing their first ever loss against Spain on home soil.
Three points behind and shell-shocked at their poor play, England captain Colin Edwards demanded a quick revival of form starting with a decisive victory in the morning foursomes.
He got that as his side reversed the previous day’s scoreline by winning the foursomes 3½ – ½ to make up the deficit and leave the overall score 8-8. And they carried on the good work by securing five of the eight singles.
“What an amazing day,” said England captain Colin Edwards. “It proves what a funny game golf can be. We were down and out after 11 holes on Saturday but to stage this comeback is a credit to the players who all stepped up to the mark.”
Although Spain were on the back foot going into the singles, they claimed the first point when Antonio Hortal beat Stiggy Hodgson 4 and 3, the contest containing 12 birdies, the Spaniard claiming seven. But that was soon reversed when Steven Brown and Jack Senior came out on top against Alberto Fernandez and Carlos Pigem respectively.
Brown, England’s most successful player, dropping just half a point from his four games, ran up an eagle and six birdies in his 5 and 3 win over Fernandez and was five under par when the game finished.
Senior, who enjoyed a massive 8 and 6 win with Brown in the foursomes, looked like producing another when he was cruising 4-up through ten holes against Pigem. But he lost three of the next four holes, missing comfortable putts on the 11th, 12th and 14th, running up bogey fives on each occasion. But from 1-up after 15, the Lancastrian completed a 3 and 1 win when Pigem lost a ball on 16 and conceded 17 when he ran into further trouble.
It was Darren Wright who ensured England couldn’t lose when he beat Adrian Otaegui 2 and 1.
Spain claimed their tenth point when Oliver Mena beat James Burnett 3 and 2, the Lincolnshire lad being a victim of the Spaniard’s short game.
But England wrapped a fine day’s work with a further win by Neil Raymond over Gerard Piris while Alex Christie halved with Marcos Pastor.
England’s win means they are now 13-1 ahead in the series.

FAIRMONT ST ANDREWS STAGES SCOTTISH SENIOR OPEN AGAIN

NEWS RELEASE
The Cleveland Golf/Srixon Scottish Senior Open will return to Fairmont St Andrews for a third consecutive year from August 19-21, when former Ryder Cup player Barry Lane will defend his title.
Lane captured his maiden European Senior Tour title over the Torrance Course last year, completing a Scottish double 22 years after also winning his first of five European Tour titles in the land where golf was born in the 1988 Scottish Open. The 50 year old Englishman finished four strokes clear of compatriots Jim Rhodes and Glenn Ralph, the 2009 champion, to win on just his fourth appearance as a senior golfer. With both The Open Championship and The Senior Open Championship being played in the south of England this summer, the Cleveland Golf / Srixon Scottish Senior Open will be one of the premiere fixtures on the Scottish golfing calendar.

BALGOWNIE-BOUND HENLEY WINS ON US NATIONWIDE TOUR

FROM THE GOLF.COM WEBSITE
ATHENS, Georgia (AP) — University of Georgia senior Russell Henley became the second amateur winner in US Nationwide Tour history on Sunday, shooting a three-under 68 for a two-stroke victory in the Stadion Classic on the Bulldogs' home course.
"I can't even feel my arms," Henley said. "I was nervous all day. I don't know how long it will take to sink in. Eight months? Nine months? A couple days? I don't know. I've never done this before."

The three-time All-America selection finished at 12-under 272 on the University of Georgia golf course.

Daniel Summerhays is the only other amateur winner since the tour began in 1990, taking the 2007 Nationwide Children's Hospital Invitational in between his junior and senior seasons at Brigham Young University

"Everyone was asking me about making the cut this week, but I've been telling people I was playing to win," said Henley, the low amateur in the US Open last year at Pebble Beach with a 16th-place tie. "You play a lot of golf tournaments that you don't win, but just because I'm an amateur doesn't mean I can't win."

Henley will remain an amateur through the Walker Cup at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club in September.

"They talk about how much money you can make playing pro golf, but I've never played golf to win money," said Henley, set to graduate Friday with a degree in Housing and Consumer Economics. "I love to play golf and I love to compete and there are a lot of amateur tournaments I want to play in."

Troy Kelly shot a 70 to finish second - and take the $99,000 top prize.

Monday qualifier Will Wilcox (67) and Matt Hendrix (70) tied for third at 9 under.
Florida-based Inverness exile Russell Knox finished joint 18th with scores of 73, 67, 71 and 69 for 280 over the par-71 course. He earned $7,443, less than his usual average take-home pay when he was playing exclusively on the Hooters Tour.

LEADING FINAL TOTALS
Par 284 (4x71)
Players from US unless stated
272 Russell Henley (amateur 72 66 66 68.
274 Troy Kelly 71 67 66 70.
275 Matt Hendrix 70 67 68 70.
276 Bubba Dickerson 65 71 72 68, Brad Elder 70 71 68 67, Danny Lee (NZ) 72 70 66 68.
Selected scores:
280 Russell Knox (Scotland) 73 67 71 69 (T18).
282 Gary Christian (England) 72 70 67 73.

TO VIEW ALL THE FINAL TOTALS AND PRIZEMONEY

CLICK HERE

HUGH HUNTER'S CLACKMANNAN COUNTY NEWS

COUNTY FOURSOMES CHAMPIONSHIP
The 2011 Clackmannan county fours got underway at Dollar last week when Alloa took on Tillicoultry in a first-round tie. All matches are played to the 18th hole.
In the top match, the Alloa couple of Ian Ross and Jim Allan finished four up in their match after an earlier lead of one hole at the seventh. In the second match, Tillicoultry had a hard-fought, one-hole win, helped by a strong finish from Kevin Ross who hit the hole at 16 with his pitch and drove the 17th into the wind.
Talking point of the match was Ian Guthrie’s tee shot from the elevated sixth tee which veered left and finishing in the 14th hole. The rules, of course, allow a free drop off the wrong green.
In the final match, Alloa were never troubled and raced to an emphatic win, and the overall score was a win for Alloa.


MATCH RESULTS
Alloa beat Tillicoultry by 11 holes
(Alloa names first)
Ian Ross and Jim Allan bt Scott Baird and Scott Hunter 4 holes
John McLaren and Ian Guthrie lost to Kevin Ross and Mark Walker 1 hole
Jamie Aitken and David Milloy bt Bill Hatley and Steven Watson 8 holes


The semi-finals and final take place this week. Full reports next week


BOYS' MATCH-PLAY CHAMPIONSHIPS
In the Clackmannan senior boys' event, Lawrence Allan had to work hard for his wins to take him to the final where he will play Rikki Alexander and try to do the double for 2011, i.e. winning both the county stroke-play and match- play championships.
Also looking for the double in the junior event is Braehead’s Brian McAdam who takes on Alloa’s Angus Boyd after two good wins.
Results:
SENIOR BOYS
Round 1
Lawrence Allan (Alva) bt Reyner Kennedy (Alva) 3 and 1.
Scott Beattie (Braehead) bt Steven Watson (Tillicoultry) 3 and 2.
Jordan Struthers (Braehead) bt Calum Graham (Tillicoultry) 1 hole.
Rikki Alexander (Braehead) bt Calum Boyd (Alloa) 1 hole
Semi-finals
Allan bt Beattie 2 holes.
Alexander bt Struthers 4 and 3.


JUNIOR BOYS
Round 1
Brian McAdam bt Jamie McEwan 8 and 7.
Joshua Hatcher bt Calum Reid 2 and 1.
Gregor McEwan bt Ross Bundy 6 and 4.
Angus Boyd bt Jonathan Clark 3 and 2.
Semi-finals
McAdam bt Hatcher 7 and 6.
Boyd bt McEwan 2 and 1.


CLACKMANNAN COUNTY MATCH-PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP
Alva’s Michael Robertson, leading qualifier at Alloa, is on course to retain his title. The seven other qualifiers are: Ross Benvie, Peter Macleod (both Braehead), Jamie Aitken, Ian Ross, Ian Guthrie (all Alloa); John Maxwell (Tulliallan) and K Christie (Dollar).
A further eight qualifiers will come from the Summer Meeting, with the match- play championship starting on May 30.


SCOTTISH AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Clackmannanshire will have a strong team for this event, to be held over the Prestwick courses this weekend. There is stroke-play qualifying on Saturday, with each team's five best individual scores to count for its aggregate.
The top four area teams will then qualify for match-play on the Sunday.
Clackmannanshire team is:
Jamie Aitken (Alloa), capt., Lawrence Allan (Alva), Scott Moffat (Braehead), Ian Ross (Alloa) Scott Borrowman (Dollar), Daren Hulston (Dollar).


SCOTTISH YOUTHS CHAMPIONSHIP
Alva’s Lawrence Allan made a great start to the event at Paisley where he led the field by two shots after the first round with a 67, which later turned out to be the top best equal score of the championship.
Two bad holes in the second round saw him fall down the field with a 79 and a final round of 77 gave him an aggregate of 223, 10 over par and a good bit behind the under par winner, Lyle McAlpine (Royal Dornoch).


IRISH STROKE-PLAY CHAMPIONSHIP

Dollar’s Scott Borrowman was one of 10 Scots competing at Royal Dublin. Only five made the cut and Scott was one of the non-qualifiers with rounds of 77 and 79. Sadly Scott has still to arrest his fall in the world amateur rankings. He stands at 1737, well down from his ranking just after he won the Scottish youths championship in 2007.
On the other hand Lawrence Allan‘s world ranking has moved up 533 places to 2292, thanks to his fine performance at a top junior event at Fairhaven.


UPCOMING EVENTS

Entries for the Summer Meetings are still available on the sheets at local clubs but will be closing soon. Division 1 is at Tulliallan and Division 2 at Alloa.

SEVE'S FAMILY DRESS HIS BODY IN FAVOURITE NAVY OUTFIT

FROM THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEBSITE
By KEVIN GARSIDE
The family of Seve Ballesteros have revealed they dressed him after death in the favourite navy outfit he liked to wear on the final day of major tournaments.
As the tiny coastal village of Padrena in the bay of Santander on the north coast of Spain today begins three days of official mourning before his funeral on Wednesday, Ballesteros’ brother Baldomero said the family had clothed his body in the navy trousers and sweater combination he favoured on his ‘Sundays of glory’.
“I thought it was best, and everybody nodded in agreement” said Baldomero, who offered moving details of Ballesteros’s final moments in the early hours of Saturday, surrounded by his family.
“He said goodbye to everyone individually. We grabbed hands, whispered to us. I told him closely, ‘I love you.’ And Seve replied, ‘I love you, too’.”
Ballesteros’ family have stressed they want his funeral to be a small, intimate affair but it is already acquiring the feel of a state occasion as the world’s media focuses on the final journey of Spain’s most famous sporting icon.
The European Tour will be represented by chief executive George O’Grady and other leading personalities from the world of golf are expected to attend.
In accordance with his wishes, Ballesteros will be cremated at a private location in Padrena with only the family and close friends in attendance. This will follow a service at the local San Pedro parish church.
“The funeral rites will be as simple as those for any neighbour from the village. He was born here and here he will remain,” Baldomero said. “It goes with your personality. Seve is a country boy. We thought it was best.”
Touching though the family’s attempts are to contain proceedings within the narrow confines of the Ballesteros locale, his fame and standing in the game ensured a global response to his death.
The Spanish royal family was among the first to send wreaths and messages of condolence. King Juan Carlos and Ballesteros first met when Seve became an international sporting figure in the 1970s
The Spanish prime minister offered state recognition with a tribute of his own. Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said: “Severiano represented a beginning and an end in the history of Spanish sport. His example paved the way for the extraordinary success our sport is currently enjoying.
“He was the mirror which Spanish athletes who have reached the pinnacle of world sport looked into. Severiano was loved and respected for his great charisma and strength, which he showed until the very end of his life.”
Tributes continued to flow from across the world. Speaking from his home in Florida, his great European contemporary, Bernhard Langer, hailed the spirit in which Ballesteros played golf and with which he fought the cancer that took him.
“We were shocked and scared when he was first diagnosed with the brain tumour but not by the way Seve responded. He fought bravely, just as he lived his whole life bravely. It puts everything into perspective. We don’t know how much time we have,” Langer said.
“We take our health and our time for granted. We really don’t know. This could be our last day. We miss him greatly. He meant so much for European golf, jumped right in there, had his battles and showed the rest of the world that there are some great players in Europe.”
Langer’s sentiments were echoed by Tony Jacklin, who built Europe’s early success in the Ryder Cup around Ballesteros. “It couldn’t have happened without him. He had an aura about him, a charisma. You knew it as soon as you came into contact with him. I only met two people in my life like that. Arnold Palmer was one. Seve was the other.
“The first question I asked of Ken Schofield when I was approached to be Ryder Cup captain was about Seve. I wanted him back in the team. He had been dropped in 1981 over his stance in a wider dispute about appearance money in tour events. He felt very strongly about that. I knew with him in the team we could resurrect the Ryder Cup. And that is what happened. He was incredible.”