WIRATCHANT SETS PACE WITH NINE-UNDER 61 IN SINGAPORE

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE ASIAN TOUR

Singapore, April 5: Thailand’s Thaworn Wiratchant stormed ahead with an opening nine-under-par 61 to take the clubhouse lead after the first round of the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic was suspended due to darkness on Thursday.

Korean-American David Lipsky continued his fine run in his rookie season with a polished 63 to take second place while Sam Cyr of the United States returned with a 66 to take a share of third place with Malaysia’s Shaaban Hussin at Orchid Country Club.
Chinese Taipei’s Lu Wei-chih, who recorded the event’s first hole-in-one on the 13^th hole, is at four-under through 12 holes with American Jonathan Moore who has nine holes to play at the US$400,000 full field Asian Tour event.
Thunderstorms in the afternoon forced two lengthy play suspensions that stretched over three hours. As a result, all 78 players from the afternoon session could not complete their rounds and will have to return at 7.30am (local time) to tee up again.
Thaworn, a 12-time Asian Tour winner, would have set a course record if not for the preferred lies ruling which was in force today.
The Thai veteran, who teed off in the back-nine, got off to a strong start with two birdies in his opening three holes.
He marked his card with another birdie on the par-four 17^th before dropping his lone bogey at the 18^th hole to turn in 32.
The 45-year-old then showed his mettle when he blitzed the front-nine with seven birdies to return home in 61, which is the 2012 season’s lowest 18-hole score so far.

 “There was never any pressure for me out there. When I stepped up to the tee today, I was already feeling very confident and I had a good feeling about my round today,” said Thaworn.

“This course suits my game and I’m looking forward to the rest of the week,” added the Thai.
Meanwhile Lipsky, who won the Asian Tour Qualifying School in January followed by his maiden win at the HANDA FALDO Cambodian Classic last month, is excited with his dream run on Tour.
“I’m taking the momentum I’ve got from Qualifying school and trying to keep it going especially after my win in Cambodia,” said Lipsky.
The 23-year-old, who described his day as a fun one, is hopeful that his good form will inspire him towards another grandstand finish.
“It was a fun day indeed. Thaworn also played very well and we sort of fed off each other. After I made my second birdie on the 16^th from off the green, I was basically cruising from there,” said Lipsky who will play alongside Thaworn in his opening two rounds.

 Although Cyr acknowledged that he had put in a good round today, the 25-year-old American knows that he has to work on his short game so as to stand a chance of lifting his maiden title at this week’s event where over 40 champions, with no fewer than 100 Asian Tour victories accumulated between them will be in action.

“I think I’ve to clean up the putter a little bit and make a couple more putts. My wedge game needs to improve as I didn’t hit my wedges as close to as what I probably should have to give myself birdie chances,” said Cyr.
The ISPS Handa Singapore Classic will be beamed live to a world-wide audience on the Asian Tour’s global television platform as well as on Singapore’s MediaCorp Channel 5 during the weekend rounds.
Leading morning scores after round 1 of the ISPS Handa Singapore Classic being played at the par 70, 6835 Yards Orchid Country Club course (a- denotes amateur):
61 - Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA).
63 - David LIPSKY (USA).
66 - Sam CYR (USA), Shaaban HUSSIN (MAS).
67 - Mithun PERERA (SRI), Rikard KARLBERG (SWE), Jbe KRUGER (RSA), Kieran PRATT (AUS), Scott BARR (AUS), BAEK Seuk-hyun (KOR), Guy WOODMAN (ENG), Matthew ROSENFELD (USA), Quincy QUEK (SIN), Unho PARK (AUS).
68 - Joon LEE (KOR), Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND), Tim STEWART (AUS), LIN Wen-hong (TPE).
69 - Niklaus CHIAM (am, SIN), Thanyakon KHRONGPHA (THA), Peter KARMIS (RSA), Pariya JUNHASAVASDIKUL (THA), Zaw MOE (MYN), Mardan MAMAT (SIN), Adam GROOM (AUS), HSU Mong-nan (TPE), HONG Soon-sang (KOR), Kunal BHASIN (AUS), PARK Hyun-bin (KOR), Rory HIE (INA).
70 - Atiwit JANEWATTANANOND (THA), Kwanchai TANNIN (THA), Prayad MARKSAENG (THA), Stephen LEWTON (ENG), MO Joong-kyung (KOR), Adam BLYTH (AUS), KOH Deng Shan (SIN).
71 - Marc ONG (am, SIN), Jimmy POH (SIN), Angelo QUE (PHI), Rick KULACZ (AUS), Wade ORMSBY (AUS), Mars PUCAY (PHI), Ben LEONG (MAS).
72 - Masanori KOBAYASHI (JPN), Ajeetesh SANDHU (IND), Adilson DA SILVA (BRA), LU Tze-shyan (TPE), Darren BECK (AUS), Sukree OTHMAN (MAS), Gavin FLINT (AUS), Atthaphon PRATHUMMANEE (THA), PARK Il-hwan (KOR), Vincent KHUA (SIN).

PAUL LAWRIE FOUNDATION SCOTTISH BOYS CH/SHIP PREVIEW

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE SCOTTISH GOLF UNION

 While The Masters at Augusta is set to whet the appetites of all golf fans this week, the first ‘Major’ of the domestic amateur scene tees-off at Murcar Links on Monday (9 April 2012) with the Paul Lawrie Foundation Scottish Boys Championship.

First played for in 1935, the match play event is one of Scotland’s most prestigious titles and will be contested in Aberdeen by the country’s leading 256 young golfers (under-18) all seeking to prevail in the 36-hole final on Saturday 14 April.

 Lawrie, Scotland’s leading player on The European Tour in 2011 and competing at Augusta for the first time in eight years after breaking back into the world’s top 50, has strengthened his support for junior golf with his Foundation the new sponsor of the Scottish Boys Championship.

The initial one-year deal with the Scottish Golf Union marks the first time a professional golfer in Scotland has sponsored a SGU national championship event and underlines Lawrie’s massive commitment to junior golf, following the establishment of the Paul Lawrie Foundation 11 years ago.
The 1999 Open champion, who finished 18th in the Race to Dubai rankings last season, is expected to lend his support at Murcar Links immediately after flying home from The Masters. Lawrie has personal interest too, with his eldest son Craig, 16, in the field and Michael, 12, currently second reserve.
Lawrie, a native of the north-east, said: “I’m really looking forward to next week at the Scottish Boys. I’ll be flying straight home from Augusta to Murcar Links and will offer support where I can to all those competing.
“It’s a fantastic event and myself and my Foundation team are delighted to be on board to sponsor the event this year.
“The Scottish Boys Championship is a big competition, it’s run professionally, all the boys are there with their parents and families and it attracts excellent media coverage.
“It has a long and rich history and one which attracts the best young golfers from all over Scotland. I look forward to a great week of competition.”

Lawrie added: “The Paul Lawrie Foundation is committed to supporting junior golf and increasing the opportunities for our young golfers to develop. We are proud to be working towards these goals alongside the Scottish Golf Union and confident our sponsorship can enhance what has already been achieved at the event down the years.”

Previous winners of the Scottish Boys Championship include Andrew Coltart (1987) and Steven O’Hara (1998), while recent champions James White, Michael Stewart and David Law progressed to thrive in the Men’s game. The north-east’s Steven Young (Inverallochy) famously claimed a hat-trick of Boys’ titles from 1993-95.

Last year, Troon Welbeck’s David Wilson emerged as the victor, defeating Liam Johnston at the second extra hole after a remarkable comeback. Wilson is back to defend his title, while other players to look out for could include 2011 Boys’ Order of Merit winner Greig Marchbank, Blairgowrie’s Bradley Neil, St Andrews pair Ewan Scott and Ben Kinsley, as well as Anthony Blaney (Liberton), joint-winner of the opening Scottish Hydro Junior Tour event at Gullane last weekend.

Marchbank, the 17-year-old from Dumfries & County, said: “I reached the quarter-finals last year and I’m playing pretty well just now, so I’m ready to go. I’ve done a lot of work on my game and on my fitness this winter which has been helpful.

“I know Murcar Links is a tight course and will be a great test of golf. I wouldn’t say there is a favourite, anyone can beat anyone in this event on their day, so handicaps mean nothing.”

The event been staged at some of Scotland’s most historic venues, including North Berwick, Royal Aberdeen, West Kilbride and Dunbar, and returns to Murcar Links for the third time. O’Hara was the winner in ’98 over the links, with Scott Henry triumphing in 2005. The par-71 layout also hosted the 2009 Scottish Open Amateur Strokeplay.

Admission at Murcar Links is free for the week, while live scoring and daily reports will be available on the SGU website, www.scottishgolf.org and via the official SGU Facebook page.

>> Click here for the Paul Lawrie Foundation Scottish Boys Championship draw

LIVE SCORING FROM DAY ONE OF THE MASTERS

FROM THE US PGA TOUR WEBSITE
Lee Westwood, the No. 3 player in the Official World Golf Ranking, is regarded by many as the best player never to have one a major. He would love to lose that moniker come Sunday evening and he's off to a great start after a 5-under 67 in the first round of the Masters.

 

 

By Helen Ross, PGATOUR.COM Chief of Correspondents
AUGUSTA, Ga. -- As soon as he looked at his phone, Lee Westwood knew he was in for a challenge on Thursday.

His caddy, Billy Foster, had walked Augusta National well in advance of their 12:58 p.m. tee time to get a feel for what they'd face that afternoon. So he texted his boss to tell him how tough the pins were -- particularly for the first round.
"He used slightly more flowery language than that, but we'll stick to tough," Westwood said with a chuckle. "So I knew it was a day for patience where 20 feet, 25 feet under a lot of holes was going to be good."
Coax a few of those into the hole and Westwood knew he'd be golden. That's exactly what happened, too, as he rode a streak of four straight birdies on the front nine and an 8-footer at the 17th into the lead at the 76th Masters. Westwood called it a "platform" that he could build on and he has three days to see if he's equal to the test.
Westwood's 67 tied his low round at Augusta National and was his seventh sub-par score in his last nine trips on the venerable and vexing layout that has absorbed more than 2 inches of rain this week. He hit all but two fairways and 16 of 18 greens in regulation on a cloudy afternoon when the putting surfaces may have been a tad slower than normal but still demanded respect.

"This is a second shot golf course," said Westwood, a consummate ball-striker who ranks second on the PGA TOUR in greens in regulation and 12th in total driving. "I figured if I drive the ball well, which I generally do, then I'm going to have a chance to get it close to flags and from there, it's just an issue of how many putts I hole."
Westwood's affinity for Augusta National has grown in each of the 13 years he's played here. The first time, he says, came as a "shock," and not just because he shot 77. Westwood was struck by how hilly the course was, the speed of the greens and how many times he found himself playing away from flags. No more. He accepts it and prospers, finishing 11th or better three times in the last five years.
The Englishman's runner-up finish to Phil Mickelson in 2010, where he also opened with a 67, is part of an impressive run that has seen Westwood finish third or better in six of the 14 major championships he's played. But he remains in the select company of "best players never to have won" one of golf's crown jewels, and Westwood would dearly love to change that this week.
"When you're in contention and you don't finish it off, you then go home and you assess what you did wrong and where you can improve," he explained. "So that's what I did. ... It's the only sensible thing to do if you want to improve. You go home and strengthen your weaknesses; hopefully retain your strengths."
And Westwood has. After all, this is a man who resurrected his career several years ago after taking a tumble into the abyss of the Official World Golf Ranking not long after winning the European Tour's Order of Merit. He's lost weight and added lean muscle thanks to grueling two-hour workouts. He's won on just about every continent. He's risen to No. 1 in the world, too, and now clocks in at third.
Westwood just hasn't won a major. And the the soon-to-be 39-year-old knows he has reached the prime of his career.
His foray into the Middle East, then to Tucson, south Florida and Houston, was planned with the Masters in mind. Westwood, who rejoined the PGA TOUR this year, admits he's been focused on Augusta National since he left the Atlanta Athletic Club and that tie for eighth at the PGA Championship behind last August.
Unlike the last two years, though, Westwood didn't join the parade of Masters invitees in getting an advance look at the course. Augusta National changes enough from Monday to the first tee time Thursday, much less weeks in advance. So he shook off the rust of two weeks back home in rainy England in Houston, shooting 7 under to tie for 21st.
The Englishman, who had a date with Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace earlier this year as he became an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, is an affable sort with a quick wit. He is seemingly always ready with a quip -- or to twist the needle -- as he meets with the inquisitive media and this week at Augusta National has been no exception.
But there is a sense of purpose this week, too. Westwood has several celebrity types from England in his entourage, but he hasn't exactly joined in any extra-curricular activity once the group leaves Augusta National each afternoon. The Englishman has been spending most of his off hours at his rented home with his father, who caddied for him in the Par 3 Contest, and his trainer, Steve MacGregor.
"They are keen golfers," Westwood said of the TV types in his gallery. "It's like Disneyland for adults, this place. You can't wipe the smiles off their faces, as it is for the golfers, as well. They are having a good time, but it's serious stuff for me and I sort of try to keep myself away from the golf course."
Besides, if Westwood keeps playing the way he did in the first round, there will be plenty of time for celebrating on Sunday night.

TO VIEW THE FIRST-ROUND SCOREBOARD AND, ON FRIDAY EVENING, THE SECOND-R0UND SCORES
CLICK HERE

CRUDEN BAY FOLLOWS US EXAMPLE BY PLAYING IT SHORTER

NEWS RELEASE
Cruden Bay Golf Club has followed the example set by the USGA ‘Tee it Forward’ initiative and introduced a new set of shorter ‘Green Tees’ as an option for all golfers.
‘The new green course measures 5299 yards’ says PGA Director of Golf Robbie Stewart, ‘compared with the normal white tees at 6287 yards and the red tees at 5722 yards’. ‘We introduced these tees simply as an extra option for golfers of all categories, however the feedback we have already received from our lady golfers, senior golfers and our up and coming junior golfers has been fantastic’.
Ladies in particular are set to benefit from the new set up as some of the carries from the normal Red tee position to the fairway are just too long for some players, making the course unplayable.
Robbie adds ‘we do hope that golfers of all standards will use these shorter tees simply to introduce a bit more fun and variety to their games, which of course leads to more enjoyment and lower scores. In addition our Ladies Open Stableford in May will be played from both the normal Red ladies tees and the new Green tees giving more lady golfers the opportunity to enjoy playing our championship course. Families too will benefit from the addition of these tees as they can play golf together with each family member choosing which set of tees to play from’.
Cruden Bay is a warm and welcoming golf club that caters for both members and visiting golfers from across the globe. The golf course creates unique challenges for all categories of golfer and offers the one thing that all golfers enjoy – FUN. Currently ranked #61 best course in the world by Links Magazine Cruden Bay Golf Club is a thriving golf club experiencing a very welcome and deserved increase in popularity.

For further information please contact Robbie Stewart on 01779 812285 or robbie@crudenbaygolfclub.co.uk

BOSTON BOY WINS FIRST FALDO EVENT OF UK SEASON

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY FALDO SERIES

5 April 2012: Jordan Wrisdale (Boston) claimed the first Faldo Series UK Championship of the 2012 season with a level par round of 71 at Moortown Golf Club. The England squad member finished a stroke ahead of three other players on one over before an overnight snow storm caused the event to be reduced to 18 holes.

“This victory will give me a lot of confidence going in to the early season events,” said Wrisdale. “I can’t wait to meet Sir Nick and play Lough Erne. My fellow England team members always say great things about the Final”.

Joining Wrisdale at the 16^th Faldo Series Grand Final will be fellow age-group winners Thomas Clements from Royal Norwich (Boys’ Under-21), Fulford’s Sam Wilkinson (Boys’ Under-16), Rochelle Morris from Huddersfield (Girls’ Under-21) and Olivia Hamilton of Cleck Heaton and District (Girls’ Under-16). Six-time Major Champion Sir Nick Faldo will host the World Amateur Golf Ranking event at Lough Erne Resort in Northern Ireland in September.

Established in 1996, 37 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 27 countries worldwide with more than 7,000 golfers participating each year. Past winners include Major Champions McIlroy and Yani Tseng.

Leading final scores:

Boys’ Under-21:

72 – Thomas Clements (Royal Norwich), Jamie Harrison (Rotherham)

73 – Daniel Wasteney (Bondhay), Alex Dixon (City of Newcastle).

Boys’ Under-18

71 – Jordan Wrisdale (Boston)

72 – Luke Nixon (Wilton)

73 – James Holt (Wiltshire). 

Boys’ Under-16:

74 – Sam Wilkinson (Fulford)

76 – Jake Storey (Alnmouth), George Owen (Southport and Ainsdale). 

Girls’ Under-21:

74 – Rochelle Morris (Huddersfield)

77 – Olivia Winning (Rotherham), Ellie Goodall (Selby), Nicola Haynes (Gosforth Park).

Girls’ Under-16:

78 – Olivia Hamilton (Cleckheaton and District)

80 – Esther Henseleit (Am Meer Bad Zwischenahn)

81 – Victoria Mallett (Sutton Coldfield), India Clyburn (Woodhall Spa).

For more information on the Faldo Series visit www.nickfaldo.com. You can also follow the Faldo Series on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faldoseries and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/faldoseries.

FINAL TOTALS FROM PGA EUROPRO TOUR Q SCHOOL STAGE ONE

The Stage 1 qualifying rounds for next week's PGA EuroPro Tour Final Qualifying School at Frilford Heath were played yesterday.
To view all the scores and find out who has qualified for the April 10-13 eliminator next week

FOR DE VERE MOTTRAM HALL

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FOR THE PLAYERS CLUB,  BRISTOL

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FOR STOKE BY NAYLAND

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