DUKE AND TRINGALE SHARE LEAD ON 65 IN ZURICH CLASSIC OF NEW ORLEANS

FROM THE US PGA TOUR WEBSITE

By Staff and wire reports

AVONDALE, Louisiana-- Ken Duke and Cameron Tringale topped the Zurich Classic of New Orleans leaderboard at 7-under 65 on Thursday, leaving defending champion Bubba Watson six strokes back at TPC Louisiana in his first tournament since winning the Masters.

Tringale birdied the final four holes and finished the round with eight birdies and a bogey. Duke had seven birdies in a bogey-free round. Both players are winless on the US PGA Tour.

"My game felt really nice for quite some time and don't know how to explain it," Tringale said. "Just playing with a little confidence and it goes a long way in this game. ... When I had chances to make birdies I was making them and made a couple 20-footers as well. So, turned into a good day."

Steve Stricker, Ernie Els, Daniel Chopra and Chris Stroud were a stroke back at 66. Ben Curtis, the Valero Texas Open winner Sunday in San Antonio, was another shot behind along with John Rollins and Jason Dufner.

Webb Simpson, a playoff loser last year in the event, had a 68.

Watson had four birdies and three bogeys in his 71.

Watson, playing the back nine first, was 2 over through the first seven holes. He birdied the par-5 18th and followed with three more birdies and a bogey on the front nine.

"I'm very exhausted, tough trying to play golf today," said Watson, who took a two-week break after the Masters. "I can't hit a full swing yet."
Inverness exile Russell Knox is joint 15th after a 69 which included birdies at the long second, the fourth, the long seventh, the eighth, the 10th and the 12th. He had to settle for pars at the last six holes. His only bogeys were back to back at the fifth and sixth.

World No. 2 Luke Donald opened with a 73.
The Englishman, who needs a top seven finish to regain the top spot from Rory McIlroy who is not playing in this week's event, could only manage a one-over-par effort and is eight shots off the pace.
Donald made three visits to the water and four birdies couldn't repair the damage inflicted by three bogeys and a double.

Tringale, coming off eighth-place finishes in the Shell Houston Open and at TPC San Antonio, made the turn at 2 under and had a 5-under 31 on the back nine, highlighted by a 25-foot birdie putt on the par-4 15th and a 20-footer on the difficult par-3 17th.

Duke, attempting to make the most of his opportunity after a two-year exile on the Nationwide Tour, made three consecutive birdies on the front nine to make the turn at 3 under and birdied the par-5 11th and par-4 12th to get it to 5 under. He added birdies on the par-4 16th and par-5 18th.

"The greens were good. Weren't too fast," Duke said. "You can't have them too fast here because of the wind and it will really will smack you. They're hole-able, receptive. The course is in good shape, great shape."

Chopra, a two-time tour winner who has failed to make a cut this season, put himself in position to regain full-time status. The 66 was his first round in the 60s this season.

"The game has been fine, the results have been frustrating," he said. "The harder you press in this game the tougher it gets and when you get momentum going one way or the other, it's hard to break it, and I've been handling it the wrong way."

Stricker, playing alongside Watson and Simpson, birdied four of his final five holes and saved his round with a nifty up and down on his final hole, the par-3 ninth. After his tee shot landed short and right of the green, he chipped to 7 feet and made the putt.

"Getting up and down was a good momentum saver and a good way to finish the round," Stricker said.

He was pleased to have a front-row seat for Watson's return.

"It was interesting to see how he was going to play," Stricker said. "I'm sure the last two weeks have been a whirlwind I'm sure he's tired, I'm sure his focus isn't quite there."

Els, playing in New Orleans for the first time since missing the cut in 2002, made the turn at 5 under, but lost a bit of momentum with a bogey on the par-3 17th. He rebounded with a birdie on his closing hole.

"It was a tough day. You had to be on your game," said Els, who has two top-five finishes in his past four starts. "Good start and just kept at it."

FIRST ROUND LEADERBOARD
Par 72
Players from US unless stated
65 Ken Duke, Cameron Tringale
66 Daniel Chopra (Sweden), Steve Stricker, Ernie Els (S Africa), Chris Stroud
67 Ben Curtis, John Rollins, Jason Duffner.

BRITISH/IRISH SCORES
69 Graeme McDowell (N Ireland), Russell Knox (Scotland) (T15)
70 Greg Owen (England) (T33)
71 Brian Davis (England) (T49)
72 Justin Rose (England) (T69)
73 Luke Donald (England) (T102)
75 Gary Christian (England) (T133)

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EUROPE'S BIG LEAD OVER ASIA-PACIFIC IN SIR MICHAEL BONALLACK TROPHY MATCH ON THE ALGARVE

Europe took the second-day honours 7 1/2-2 1/2  to lead Asia-Pacific 13 1/2-6 1/2 with 12 singles matches to come on the final day of the Sir Michael Bonallack Trophy men's amateur international golf contest at Monte Rei golf course on Portugal's Algarve coastline. Europe started the second day with a 6-4 advantage after a fightback by Asia-Pacific in Thursday afternoon's four-balls. The Europeans, under the captaincy of Andrew Bennet t Morgan,  won the second-day foursomes 4-1 and were on their way to a similar winning margin in the four-balls. until Matthew Perry and Cameron Smith staged a late rally to square their match against Europe's Daan Huizing and Manuel Trappel who had been one after 16 holes in the last of the day's matches to finish. Irishman Alan Dunbar and Welshman Rhys Enoch, a student at East Tennessee State University, extended their 100 per cent record with two more wins. EUROPE lead ASIA-PACIFIC 13 1/2-6 1/2 Day 2 results (European names first) FOURSOMES (4-1) Marcel Sneider and Robin Kind bt Hideki Matsuyama and Seenappa Chikkarangappa 3 and 1. Alan Dunbar and Rhys Enoch bt Soo-Min Lee and Khalin Hitesh Joshi 3 and 1. Daan Huizing and Manuel Trappel bt Chien-Yao Hung and Chang-Woo Lee 5 and 4. Jack Hiluta and Ben Taylor bt Jake Higginbottom and Benjamin Campbell 5 and 3. Robert Karlsson and Thomas Detry lost to Matthew Perry and Cameron Smith 1 hole. FOUR-BALLS (3 1/2-1 1/2) Dunbar and Enoch bt Chikkarangappa and Natipong Srithong 3 and 2. Moritz Lampert and Jon Rahm-Rodriguez bt Matsuyanama and Taihei Sato 1 hole. Hiluta and Taylor lost to Higginbottom and Joshi 7 and 6. Schneider and Kind bt Lee and Hung 4 and 3. Huizing and Trappel halved with  Perry and Smith.

KRIS NICOL ONLY ONE OVER PAR BUT JOINT 74th IN SPAIN

Kris Nicol from Fraserburgh, the only Scot in the field, shot a one-over-par 71 in the first round of the Peugeot Alps de Barcelona tournament at Golf Sant Cugat, Spain today.
He is joint 74th going into the second round.
The late Seve Ballesteros's son Javier, a 21-year-old amateur who is still a university student in Madrid, shot a fine round of five-under-par 65 to be joint fifth behind the leader, Spaniard Ivo Giner who had a bogey-free, eight-under-par round of 62 to lead by one from England Walker Cup player Jack Senior from Heysham, Lancashire.

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BIG-NAME SCOTS SALTMAN AND STEWART MISS FIRST EUROPR0 TOUR CUT

Lloyd Saltman (Archerfield Links) and Walker Cup hero Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck) were among the seven Scots who missed the cut in the weather-hit PGA EuroproTour event, the Motacaddy Masters, reduced from 54 to 36 holes because of rain at Wensum Valley, Norfolk. Saltman shot a 76 to miss out by one but Stewart was on the 78 mark alongside Mark Kerr (Marriott Dalmahoy). Longniddry's Myles Cunningham shot an 81. Seven Scots are among the 57 players with scores of 75 or better who will contest the final round. Only six shots separate Aussie leader Rika Batibasaga on 69 from those on the limit mark, so the £10,000 first prize is up for grabs over the final 18 holes. Chris Kelly (Cawder), Duncan Stewart (Grantown on Spey) and Elliot Saltman (Archerfield Links) all returns 74s while Shaun McAllister (Craigielaw), Wallace Booth (Comrie), John Gallagher (Swanston) and Paul Doherty (Vale Hotel) all made it through with nothing to spare on 75.  . FIRST-ROUND SCORES Par 72 69 Rika Batibasaga (Aus) 70 Dan Seymour (Eng), Wll Roebuck (Eng). Scots' scores 74 Chris Kelly (Cawder), Duncan Stewart (Grantown on Spey), Elliot Saltman (Archerfield Links) (T25). 75 Shaun McAllister (Craigielaw), Wallace Booth (Comrie), John Gallagher (Swanston), Paul Doherty (Vale Hotel) (T37) MISSED THE CUT 76 Lloyd Saltman (Archerfield Links) 77 Ross Cameron (Saltire Energy), Ed Wood (Crow Wood). 78 Mark Kerr (Marriott Dalmahoy), Michael Stewart (Troon Welbeck), John Henry (Clydebank and Dist). 81 Myles Cunningham (Longniddry).

Scottish Hydro Expands Huge Support for Scottish Golf

Stephen Gallacher (fourth left) with the 2012 Team Scottish Hydro members: (l-r) Jamie McLeary, Vikki Laing, Chris Doak, Kylie Walker, Jack Doherty, Andrew McArthur, Callum Macaulay. Click on the image to enlarge it.

NEWS RELEASE
Scottish golf was given a welcome boost today with a double announcement which will help develop the game at both the professional and grassroots level.
Scottish Hydro, one of the UK’s leading energy companies, announced their continued support of an initiative which provides financial support and expert advice to a small group of talented, young professionals playing on the European Challenge Tour.
Team Scottish Hydro was launched in 2011 to wide acclaim and recognition from governing bodies and federations across Europe in addition to many top, international professionals.
This morning, in front of The Hydro - Scotland’s new home of live entertainment, also sponsored by Scottish Hydro - the five Challenge Tour players were unveiled. Three members of last year’s Team Scottish Hydro – Callum Macaulay, Chris Doak and Jamie McLeary - were joined by newcomers Andrew McArthur and Jack Doherty. Callum Macaulay, one of those receiving support for a second year, commented: "I am very pleased to be included again this year and I am very grateful to Scottish Hydro for their continued support. Last season was a good year for me but I know what I need to do to make it onto the European Tour and I am determined to make this happen."
Newcomer, Jack Doherty said: "I am excited to be a part of Team Scottish Hydro as I know how much benefit this support brings. This gives me a fantastic opportunity to achieve my goal of playing at the highest level in the game."
The announcement also included a new development which was well-received by supporters of women’s golf. Two young professionals from the Ladies European Tour – Kylie Walker and Vikki Laing – have joined the Team Scottish Hydro programme and they will benefit from the same financial support and advice as the men.
Jonny Petrie, Sponsorship Manager at Scottish Hydro, said: "We are delighted to announce this year’s Team Scottish Hydro players. 2011 was a very successful first year which culminated in Craig Lee winning his place on the European Tour and we hope that the 2012 team can continue this success.
"In addition to the five European Challenge Tour players, we also welcome two players from the Ladies European Tour. It has always been our intention to include emerging talent from the ladies professional game and we hope that this support can also help them to develop and reach their potential." Catriona Matthew, 2009 Women’s British Open Champion & Scotland’s most successful female golfer, was very pleased that Scottish Hydro had recognised the women’s professional game. She said:
 "I'm really glad that Scottish Hydro has included two girls in their support programme this year. The young female pros will appreciate the help every bit as much as the guys and women’s golf is an area of the game that we need to grow. Congratulations to Scottish Hydro and I hope that all the players they are supporting have a great year."

RYDER CUP COURSE REOPENS AT GLENEAGLES ON SATURDAY

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY GLENEAGLES HOTEL

This weekend (Saturday, April 28, 2012) marks the official reopening of The PGA Centenary Course at The Gleneagles Hotel, host venue of the 2014 Ryder Cup.

The PGA Centenary, which will see the golfing great of the United States and Europe do battle over the three-day tournament, has been under maintenance since October 2011 to allow for extensive course modifications, devised in consultation with course designer Jack Nicklaus. 

It will reopen to the public on Saturday, allowing golf enthusiasts the chance to experience the final Ryder Cup course for themselves in the two-year run-up to the tournament.

Over 50,000 tonnes of earth have been moved at the course over the past six months, with 30,000 square metres of turf laid, and 1,000 tonnes of new sand used in bunkers.

The improvements include the installation of a SubAir system - an aeration and moisture removal system - on all 18 greens in addition to the putting green.  Substantial changes have been made to the layout of several holes – with the most dramatic alterations apparent on the 9^th and 18^th. Drainage in all bunkers has been improved using the “Better Billy Bunker Method” developed at Augusta National Golf Club.

Stuart McEwen, Gleneagles’ Director of Golf, said:

“It’s been a challenging but hugely rewarding six months for all involved in the redesign of the PGA Centenary Course.  We are thrilled with how the golf course is shaping up and the recent changes made will certainly make a big difference, particularly the 18th.  By successfully completing the redesign changes now, thousands of golfers will be able to enjoy playing the golf course prior to the 2014 Ryder Cup.

"I’m excited about getting out there for a game - the golf course looks in terrific condition and will only continue to improve.”   

Scott Fenwick, Golf Courses and Estate Manager, said:

“We’re delighted to finally be unveiling the PGA Centenary Course after extensive alterations, and are confident that players and spectators alike will respond well to these changes.

“The work on the 18^th should make for a much more dramatic and challenging hole for players, creating a real risk/reward for those who decide to go for the hole in two. For tournament golf, the new amphitheatre at the 18^th will improve spectator views and create a bit more of a buzz around the finishing hole.

“Some of the technology we’re using really is at the cutting edge. We’re the first club in the UK to have a fully installed SubAir system on all 19 greens – which should help the greens withstand some of the vagaries of Scotland’s climate. We’re also the first in Europe to use the “Better Billy Bunker” drainage method, developed by former Augusta superintendent Billy Fuller.

“We look forward to seeing plenty of players out on the course this coming summer – it’s a great opportunity to play the Ryder Cup course for themselves ahead of the tournament in 2014.”

Richard Hills, The European Tour’s Ryder Cup Director, said: “Having been very impressed with the proposed changes during the planning stage I look forward to seeing them realised at our next site visit, and we were naturally delighted that Jack Nicklaus was consulted on the renovations.

“Along with the tremendous infrastructure work which is taking place, I am sure the course changes will help deliver a truly memorable occasion when The Ryder Cup comes to Gleneagles in two years’ time.”  

To book a tee time on The PGA Centenary, or any Gleneagles course, contact Gleneagles Resort Sales on 0800 704 705.

http://www.gleneagles.com/

RICHIE RAMSAY SHARING SECOND PLACE IN BALLANTINE'S CH/SHIP

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE ASIAN TOUR
Seoul, April 26: France’s Victor Dubuisson stayed steady under gusty conditions to snatch the opening clubhouse lead with a four-under-par 68 after play was suspended due to darkness at the Ballantine’s Championship on Thursday.
A total of six players will resume their first round at 7.30am on Friday morning.
Korea’s Jung Ji-ho led the Asian charge after he signed for a 70 to take a share of second place alongside Aberdeen's Richie Ramsay (pictured right), England’s Mark Foster and Paul Casey and Wales’ Jamie Donaldson at the Blackstone Golf Club.
India’s Anirban Lahiri, Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee  and world number 12 Adam Scott are among the 11 players bunched in equal seventh on 71.
Strong winds had greeted the elite field all-day at the €2,205,000 Ballantine’s Championship which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and Korea PGA.
But Dubuisson showed that he could still ace it amidst such testing weather conditions.
“I’m very pleased with how I’ve played today. My putting was really, really good today and I think it's the only way to achieve good scoring in these conditions,” said Dubuisson, who is still searching for his maiden Tour win.
The Frenchman opened with a bogey at the par-four 10th, but responded quickly with three birdies on holes 12, 14 and 15. He dropped another shot on the 16th hole but reached the turn strongly with further birdies on holes 17 and 18.
He marked his card with another birdie on the first hole but suffered a double-bogey six on the fourth hole.
“The wind just turned right to left and it went into the water. So I was not really upset after this double bogey because I didn't hit a bad shot,” said the 22-year-old. 76 Scott Jamieson (Sco), Marc Warren (Sco) (T74)

Dubuisson, pictured left, then answered back with two more birdies on the fifth and sixth holes to take a two-shot advantage going into the second round.

“I did my best to get back my concentration, and I made two birdies, good putts on five and six, and that was the good turn today,” said Dubuisson.

Meanwhile Jung gave the crowd plenty to cheer about when he ensured a South Korean presence atop the leaderboard.

“The winds were very strong today and the greens were playing fast. There were no big misses for me. It would have been better had I not three-putted for my lone bogey on the fourth hole,” said Jung.
Lahiri continued his good form and is confident that he can reproduce his winning ways away from home.
Two of Lahiri’s wins on the Asian Tour have come from home and the 24-year-old knows that he can achieve similar success aboard.
“I’ve always played well outside India and I’ve shown that last week, even though I got off to a bad start. I’ve been in contention aboard before and I think it’s only going to be a matter of time before I win outside of home too,” said Lahiri who finished in fifth place in Indonesia last week.
Thongchai also defied the windy conditions with a performance worthy of his reputation as the three-time Asian Tour Order of Merit winner.
“It was tough out there but I showed character by coming back strongly especially after three successive bogeys starting from the ninth hole,” said Thongchai.
“To me, I’m able to play in all-weather conditions. I’ve won before under such conditions and I know that I can do well,” added the 13-time Asian Tour winner.
Richie Ramsay achieved his two-under-par 70 despite running up a double bogey 7 at the long seventh on his way to an outward half of 35 (one under par).
He birdied the long first, the short third and the short seventh.
The Aberdonian bogeyed the 10th but finished with a two-under-par run, birdieing the 11th and 17th for 35 home.

LEADING FIRST ROUND SCORES
Par 72. Yardage 7,281yd Blackstone GC
68 Victor DUBUISSON (FRA).
70 Richie RAMSAY (SCO), Jamie DONALDSON (WAL), Mark FOSTER (ENG), JUNG Ji-ho (SKOR), Paul CASEY (ENG).
71 George COETZEE (RSA), LEE Tae-kyu (KOR), Adam SCOTT (AUS), Paul MCGINLEY (IRL), Anirban LAHIRI (IND), Oliver FISHER (ENG), Ross FISHER (ENG), Thongchai JAIDEE (THA), Marcus FRASER (AUS), Felipe AGUILAR (CHI), Peter WHITEFORD (SCO).
72 Jeev Milkha SINGH (IND), Graeme STORM (ENG), Andrea PAVAN (ITA), Gareth MAYBIN (NIR), KAO Shang-hung (TPE), KIM Do-hoon (SKOR), Miguel Angel JIMENEZ (ESP), Oscar FLOREN (SWE), Prom MEESAWAT (THA), Bernd WIESBERGER (AUT), Romain WATTEL (FRA).
73 K T KIM (KOR), CHOI Ho-sung (SKOR), Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA), Todd HAMILTON (USA), Richard JOHNSON (SWE), Digvijay SINGH (IND), Brett RUMFORD (AUS), Damien MCGRANE (IRL), AN Byeong-hun (SKOR), David HOWELL (ENG), David OH (KOR), Anthony WALL (ENG).

Selected scores

75 Ian POULTER (ENG)

77 David Drysdale (Sco), Ross Bain (Sco) (T95)
80 George Murray (Sco) (T137).

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