FITNESS EXPERT HAS RORY DRIVING BALL OBSCENE DISTANCES

 FROM THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEBSITE

By James Corrigan, Ponte Vedra, Florida

Rory McIlroy is an avowed Manchester United fan but he is desperate to take the Manchester City road to flory. He has persuaded City's fitness expert to continue driving him towards world domination in golf.

The Northern Irishman returned to the world No 1 berth on Sunday, courtesy of an outrageous driving display and will turn up at the Players Championship on Thursday confident of reducing the feared Sawgrass lay-out to pitch-and-putt status. Picture of Rory McIlroy by courtesy of Getty Images(c)

He credits his form off the tee to the strength work he has undertaken with Steve McGregor, the fitness guru who he so almost lost at Christmas.

McGregor, who transformed McIlroy’s bodyshape since linking up with him 18 months ago, felt he was too busy overseeing Manchester City's fitness regime as well as that of Lee Westwood and the New York Knicks. He informed McIlroy in December they would have to finish, but promised to find him another fitness coach. McIlroy, however, was desperate not to lose the Englishman.

“We didn’t quite beg, but Rory did feel Steve was a vital part of the team,” said his manager, Conor Ridge. “He’s really happy Steve could keep working with him.”

McGregor’s effect was seen to full and belittling effect at the Wells Fargo Championship, where McIlroy came so close to lifting his second Quail Hollow title in three years. Rickie Fowler, the game’s lesser superstar 23 year-old, eventually prevailed in a play-off but only after watching McIlroy boom a three-wood 20 yards past his driver. The 335-yard monster was just one of many.

McIlroy’s longest was the tournament’s longest of the week; an obscene 380-yarder on the 16th, which featured him take on a 330-yard carry over a bunker.  

FRED COUPLES PULLS OUT OF THE PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP

FROM THE GOLFWEEK WEBSITE
Fred Couples has withdrawn from The Players Championship because of an illness.
Couples is a two-time winner of The Players Championship, his last title coming in 1996. He was eligible this year because he won the Senior Players Championship. Because he was an addition to the 144-man field, he will not be replaced.
The Players Championship begins Thursday at the TPC Sawgrass, with K.J. Choi as the defending champion. Others who previously withdrew from the tournament include Masters champion Bubba Watson, who wants to spend time with his new son. Dustin Johnson and Anthony Kim are not playing because of injuries.

HENDERSON ON A HIGHLAND HIGH WITH A 66 AT TAIN

By COLIN FARQUHARSON Colin@scottishgolfview.com  Horses for courses? What about golfers for parts of the country they like? There must be something about the Highland air north of Inverness that turns on Scott Henderson, one time European Tour Rookie of the Year. Last year the Aberdeen Kings Links tour pro (pictured) finished second in a Tartan Tour 36-hole event at Tain and Brora Golf Clubs. And today Henderson returned to Tain to shoot a four-under-par 66 to lead the field at the halfway stage of the PGA Optical Express 36-hole Order of Merit Tournament. It's the only PGA in Scotland event that's played in two counties - Tain is in Ross-shire while Brora, the venue for Tuesday's final round, is farther north, in Sutherland. Henderson won't be doing any celebrating yet. He's only one shot ahead of Scottish PGA champion Alan Lockhart (Ladybank), just back from his honeymoon, and Ross McConnachie, an assistant at Peterculter Golf Club, near Aberdeen. And only two shots off the pace, ready to make a charge at Brora are players of the proven calibre of David Orr (Mearns Castle Golf Academy, David Patrick (Elie Sports Club), Greig Hutcheon (Banchory), Ian Brown (Newent) and Chris Kelly (Cawder). Henderson dropped a shot as early as the second but the Aberdonian responded to that setback with birdies at the long fourth, sixth and short eight before he had his second and last bogey at the ninth in turning in one-under 34. Henderson, a former Northern Open champion, then improved to four under with birdies at the 10th, long 13th and 18th for three-under 32 home. Lockhart missed the two earlier PGA Optical Express Tour events due to his wedding which leaves him open to all sorts of jokes from his playing partners. But Alan showed no sign of lack of golf with a 67 which included birdies at the second, then four in a row from the 12th to the 15th. Two bogeys ropped him of the lead - a 6 at the long fourth and a 4 at the short 17th in halves of 35 and 32. Ross McConnachie has never been this high up a PGA in Scotland scoreboard but he earned joint second place on 67 with birdies at the sixth, 11th, 12th and long 13th and only one blemish, a bogey at the short eigth, in halves of 35 and 32. Stephen Gray (Hayston), winner of last year's Tain-Brora double-header, is joint 16th on 71 while Welshman Gareth Wright (West Linton), winner of the first PGA Optical Express Tour event at Dundonald Links last month is a good deal farther back on 75.

PGA OPTICAL EXPRESS FIRST-ROUND SCOREBOARD AT TAIN

Par 70

66 Scott Henderson (Kings Links).

67 Alan Lockhart (Ladybank), Ross McConnachie (Peterculter)).

68 David Orr (Mearns Castle GA), David Patrick (Elie SC), Greig Hutcheon (Banchory), Ian Brown (Newent), Chris Kelly (Cawder).

69 James McGhee (Duddingston), Kenny Hutton (Downfield), Robert Arnott (Bishopbriggs GR), Paul McKechnie (Braid Hills GR), Ross Dixon (Renaissance Club).

70 Paul Wardell (Whitekirk), Ian Graham (Crow Wood).

71 Craig Matheson (Falkirk Tryst), Graeme Brown (Montrose Links), Jason McCreadie (Buchanan Castle), Stephen Gray (Hayston), Jonathan 

Lomas (unatt), Mark Kerr (unatt), Scott Herald (Mearns Castle GA), Greg McBain (Gamola Golf), Fraser Clarke (Newmachar), James Byrne (Banchory), Stuart Pardoe (Stuart Pardoe Golf).

72 Craig Ronald (Carluke), Joel Hopwood (Royal Aberdeen), Gordon Law (Uphall), Malcolm Isaacs (Nairn Dunbar), Neil Fenwick (Dunbar), Craig Gordon (Edinburgh GC), Stuart Reekie (Blairgowrie).

73 Iain Hanna (Strathcyde Park GC), Jordan Findlay (Fraserburgh), Martin Lawrence (Newmachar), Terry Mathieson (Murcar Links).

74 Christopher Currie (Caldwell), Iain Colquhoun (Dundonald Links), David Thomson (Carnegie Club).

75 Gary Dingwall (Royal Dornoch), Ryan O'Flaherty (Matthews&Stevenson), Gareth Wright (West Linton), Ian P Redford senior (St Andrews New).

76 Stewart Savage (Dalmuir), Ed Wood (Crow Wood), James McKinnon (Irvine), Patrick Walker (unatt), Lee Vannet (Carnoustie GL), Christopher Russell (Dunbar).

77 Andrew Crerar (Panmure), Stuart Morrison (Tain), Malcolm Murray (Bearsden GR), Peter Smith (Deeside), Eric Walker (Burntisland).

78 Lewis Burnett (Mearns Castle GA), Norman Huguet (Musselburgh), Michael Mackenzie (Edzell), Alastair Thomson (Douglas Park), Jody Rostock (Carnegie Club).

79 Tom Carroll (unatt), Heather MacRae (Gleneagles).

80 Neil Colquhoun (Merchants of Edinburgh), Andrew Rollo (Moray), Craig Knowles (Panmure), Paul Gallacher (Dalmuir).

81 James Dick (Duddingston).

84 Paul Brookes (Pitreavie).

Withdrew: Ian M Redford (St Andrews New).

 

 

INVERGORDON WIN DORNOCH FIRTH LEAGUE FOR FOURTH TIME

Dornoch Firth League winners Invergordon: Team captain Glen McAlpine (left) and club captain David Janieson share the delight with their players (left to right) -  John Mackay, Leigh Simpson, Andrew Gilmour, Craig Cameron, Alan Gilmour, Craig Harris and Derek Baker. Picture by Robin Wilson

By ROBIN WILSON

lan Gilmour, was present in all three of Invergordon's Dornoch Firth League championship wins stretching back to his club's  first success in 1986 and the former seven time club champion was once more an inspiration when his club enjoyed home advantage to win the League Targe for a fourth time.

Gilmour played twice over the two days, winning both his games as Invergordon survived a Sunday afternoon when the holders, Royal Dornoch fought their way back into contention.

Over the four-match series the holders were the only club to have registered a win over Invergordon, 4-3 in the opening  match on Saturday morning, but the home challenge was recharged  on Saturday afternoon when they put up a great show against Ross-shire neighbours, Tain.

Invergordon's pool of eight consisted of Craig Cameron, Derek Baker, Glen McAlpine, Alan Gilmour, Andrew Gilmour, Leigh Simpson, Craig Harris and John MacIver.
When they beat Tain 6½ to a ½, where each point earned goes into the league table, Invergordon overnight had 9½ points,  increasing this to 15½ with a 6-1 result over Golspie on Sunday morning when Alan Gilmour replaced John MacIver in the line up.

Meanwhile Royal Dornoch played their second tie and enjoyed a 5-2 win against Brora. With three of their seven-man team holding unbeaten records, Dornoch's points' tally rose to eight and they were still favourites to retain the title with two games to play in Sunday afternoon's  three-ball match against Golspie and Tain where another 14 points were at stake.

Craig Cameron became the first player to go through the weekend unbeaten when he helped Invergordon to a final 5-2 result over Brora on Sunday afternoon. This took the home side's  weekend total to 20½ and then the anxious wait for the Dornoch results to come in.

The pressure rose when Dornoch picked up 6½ points against Golspie before neighbouring Tain members, Ross Jack and  Alan Everett, one win each , and Munro Ferries and Mike Sangster, two hard-earned half points, came to Invergordon's rescue for a final 4-3 result to Dornoch but leaving the holders one point short of retaining the Targe. 

Dornoch's Lyle McAlpine, Dean O'Brien and Daniel Holden joined Craig Cameron with unblemished records over the weekend, Holden a repeat of his same four wins in last year's matches.

Final League Results and Points

Saturday morning

Dornoch 4, Invergordon 3

Tain 4, Brora 3

Saturday afternoon

Tain ½, Invergordon 6½

Golspie 1½, Brora 5½

Sunday morning

Dornoch 5, Brora 2

Invergordon 6, Golspie 1

Sunday afternoon

Invergordon 5, Brora 2

Golspie ½, Dornoch 6½

Golspie ½, Tain 6½

Dornoch 4, Tain 3.

FINAL POINTS

Invergordon 20½

Dornoch 19½

Tain 14

Brora 12½

Golspie 3½. 

Ross-shire Leagues

The seven Ross-shire clubs commence their own match-play league programme at Muir of Ord on Sunday, May 20 when six clubs will be in action.

Tarbat Golf Club, who will host the semi-finals and final on Sunday, September 2, have received a bye from the first round.

The three games on show are: Muir of Ord v Tain, Strathpeffer Spa (holders of the Highland Fabricators Cup) v Fortrose and Rosemarkie, Alness v Dornoch Firth League winners Invergordon.

Moray and Nairn Golf League Weekend

The Nairn Golf Club, 18 times winners of the G R Thomson Trophy, have home advantage this week when the scratch league matches against Elgin, Forres, Nairn Dunbar, and Moray Golf Clubs are played on their home course.

The series begins on Thursday evening when the hosts will open their defence with a local derby against Nairn Dunbar.
The Nairn are not in action on Friday and will play their three remaining games over Saturday and Sunday.
The weekend fixture list is:
Friday evening
Elgin v Moray
Saturday morning
Forres v Nairn Dunbar, Elgin v Nairn
Saturday afternoon
Moray v Forres, Nairn Dunbar v Elgin.
Sunday morning
Nairn v Forres, Nairn Dunbar v Moray
Sunday afternoon
Forres v Elgin, Moray v Nairn.   

Senior Northern Counties Cup

An inter-club competition for the over 55s gets under way at Brora next week, May 16 to18, when the Moray Golf Club come to defend the B D Fraser Senior Northern Counties Cup.

Nineteen teams have entered the double foursomes format competition with two teams from Fortrose and Rosemarkie and one each from Strathpeffer Spa and Tain representing Ross-shire.

Fortrose's second team are one of six teams involved in Wednesday morning's preliminary round and play the Royal Dornoch second team. Their first team have been drawn against the Holders in the afternoon second round where also Strathpeffer play the Brora second team and Tain take on  Nairn Dunbar's second choice.
The full draw is:
Wednesday
8.30am.
Round 1 - Elgin v Forres, Fortrose and Rosemarkie v Royal Dornoch 2, Nairn Dunbar 1 v Duff House Royal.
Noon
Round 2 - Moray v Fortrose and Rosemarkie 1, Brora 2 v Strathpeffer Spa, Brora 1 v Elgin or Forres, Inverness v Fortrose and Rosemarkie 2 or Royal Dornoch 2, The Nairn v Nairn Dunbar 1 or Duff House Royal, Ellon v Royal Dornoch 1, Tain v Nairn Dunbar 2, Cruden Bay v Deeside. 

RENFREWSHIRE NAME SQUAD FOR BLAIRGOWRIE

RENFREWSHIRE GOLF UNION PRESS RELEASE

By DON BREMNER

turnberry.db@gmail.com

Renfrewshire Golf Union’s team manager Ronnie Clark has announced his squad to compete in the Scottish area team championship at Blairgowrie Golf Club to be held at Blairgowrie Golf Club on May 19-20.

The team is: Sam Binning (Ranfurly Castle), Matt Clark and Andy Farmer (both Kilmacolm), Gordon Stevenson (Whitecraigs), Craig Watson (East Renfrewshire) and Ronnie Clark (Erskine). 

Michael Daily (Erskine) is first reserve.

Sam Binning knows the Lansdowne course well, having been runner-up in the Scottish boys’ stroke-play championship at that venue in 2008. Both Matt Clark and Craig Watson have performed well in the season’s opening events.  Ronnie Clark showed that he had fully recovered from injuries sustained last year with a third place in the recent Edward Trophy and Gordon Stevenson’s play-off for the Irish Amateur Open trophy last year will stand him in good stead as Renfrewshire attempt to add the Scottish trophy to the West of Scotland trophy which already graces the cabinet.

Presentation of the Champions Trophy – RGU President Ian McCosh, Paul Reilly, sponsor Ian Laing, Furhan Iqbal and Jim Murray - captain of Paisley Golf Club.

PAUL REILLY IS CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS

The Greenlaw Garage Champion of Champions is a match play competition involving the junior club champions of all the clubs in the Renfrewshire Golf Union.

This year’s final at Paisley Golf Club was between Paul Reilly, the Kilmacolm champion, and Furhan Iqbal representing Gleddoch Golf Club.

Seventeen year old Paul, the defending Champion of Champions and fresh from his great run at the Paul Lawrie Foundation Scottish boys' match-play championship, had progressed to the final with wins over Greenock’s Robbie Wilkie, Connor Toal of Old Ranfurly and a great semi final victory over Euan Waugh of Whitecraigs by 4 and 3.

Furhan overcame Jordan Black (Port Glasgow), and had a narrow win against much fancied Colin Edgar of Cochrane Castle by 2 and 1 before tackling Alistair McNaughton of Caldwell. 

A comfortable 5 and 4 victory got him to the final.

Paul took early control of the match with a win at the first and a superb birdie at the third hole put him two up. A win at the eighth followed by an easy birdie at the ninth saw Paul four up at the turn.  Although Furhan fought back and narrowed the deficit, the writing was on the wall and he shook Paul’s hand at the 15th after a match of quality and one which reflected the true spirit of the game.

 

PAUL CASEY COMPLETES ALL-STAR FIELD FOR VOLVO WORLD MATCH-PLAY IN SPAIN

NEWS RELEASE

The 2006 Champion and 2011 Volvo Golf Champions winner, Paul Casey, has received the sponsors invite completing the field for the 2012 Volvo World Match Play Championship at Finca Cortesín, Spain, from May 17-20.

For the first time in the Championship’s history half of the field will be US PGA Tour members and the draw will contain three Spanish players.

Paul Casey, winner of the 2006 Volvo China Open and 2011 Volvo Golf Champions said, “I am very grateful to Volvo for giving me this invite as I would have hated to miss out on what is one of my favourite events of the year. Having been injured at the start of the season, I am beginning to get a little more tournament tough and I think the match play format will suit me very well. I can’t wait to see who I will have in my group. Of course, being a Ryder Cup year, this great Championship is even more significant and we will all be out to impress our Captain (José María Olazábal) in every match.” 

 The 24-man elite 2012 field offers a number of intriguing story lines as 15 of the World’s top 60 gather for the only match play event to be held in Europe this season and one of the most prestigious tournaments in Europe.

For more information please visit www.volvoingolf.com

2012 Volvo World Match Play Championship Final Field (in alphabetical order):

Player                                                    How they Qualified

Thomas Björn (DEN)                          Leading player from OWGR following the 2012 US Masters    

Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP)              Leading player from the 2012 R2D Rankings following the 2012US Masters              

Paul Casey (ENG)                               Sponsor invite from the top 50 of the OWGR following the 2012 US Masters

Darren Clarke (N IRE)                        Current Major Champion following the 2012 US Masters                         

Nicolas Colsaerts (BEL)                     Leading player from the 2012 R2D Rankings following the 2012US Masters

Richard Finch (ENG)                           Leading player from the 2012 Volvo China Open       

Sergio García (ESP)                           Top four players  from the final 2011 R2D Rankings

Branden Grace (RSA)                         Leading player from the 2012 Volvo Golf Champions

Retief Goosen (RSA)                          Leading player listed on the OWGR from Africa /Middle East following the 2012 US Masters

Peter Hanson (SWE)                          Leading player from the 2012 R2D Rankings following the 2012US Masters

Tetsuji Hiratsuka (JPN)                      Leading player listed on the OWGR from Asia following the 2012 US Masters

Martin Kaymer (GER)                         Top four players  from the final 2011 R2D Rankings  

Jbe Kruger (RSA)                                Leading player from the 2012 R2D Rankings following the 2012US Masters

Paul Lawrie (SCO)                              Leading player from the 2012 Commercialbank Qatar Masters                              

Tom Lewis (ENG)                                Leading player from the 2011 Portugal Masters                         

Graeme McDowell (N IRE)                Leading player from OWGR following the 2012 US Masters    

Ian Poulter (ENG)                                Defending Champion                                       

Álvaro Quirós (ESP)                            Top four players from the final 2011 R2D Rankings                                   

Robert Rock (ENG)                              Leading player from the 2012 Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship

Justin Rose (ENG)                               Leading player listed on the OWGR from Europe following the 2012 US Masters               

Charl Schwartzel (RSA)                     Top four player  from the final 2011 R2D Rankings

John Senden (AUS)                            Leading player listed on the OWGR from Australasia following the 2012 US Masters

Brandt Snedeker (USA)                     Leading player listed on the OWGR from North America following the 2012 US Masters 

Camilo Villegas (COL)                       Leading player listed on the OWGR from South America following the 2012 US Masters 

*For full Qualification criteria please visit http://www.volvoingolf.com/ 

ALLISS AND LYLE INDUCTED INTO GOLF HALL OF FAME TODAY IN US

FROM THE BBC SPORTS.COM WEBSITE
"Voice of golf" Peter Alliss will be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame  in the United States today.
The ex-pro golfer turned BBC commentator, 81, will join the likes of American legends Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer and fellow Britons Nick Faldo and Tony Jacklin in the Hall of Fame.
Alliss (pictured) will be joined at the event by fellow inductees Phil Mickelson, Sandy Lyle, Dan Jenkins and Hollis Stacy.
"It's all come as a bit of a surprise for me," Alliss told BBC Sport.

"I know people think I am a bit loud-mouthed and arrogant but I don't take praise very well, I feel embarrassed by it all."

Scotland's Lyle earns his place after winning two majors, as well as 22 tour events.
American Mickelson is a three-time US Masters champion, has a PGA Championship to his name and has won 36 PGA tour titles since turning professional in 1992.
Last year saw Alliss celebrate 50 years of broadcasting the Open Championship for the BBC.
"I have had five or six careers really. I was a club professional, a tournament professional, an international player, a golf course designer and constructor, a writer of books and, of course, I have worked in television with the BBC, ABC in America and Australia, CBC in Canada and all round the world.

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

Sandy Lyle in numbers

• 2 major titles
• 4 PGA Tour wins
• 18 European Tour wins
• 1 Walker Cup appearance
• 5 Ryder Cup appearances
• Awarded an OBE in 1987
• European Tour Order of Merit winner three times

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

"I have done a range of TV shows; A Round with Alliss, Pro-Celebrity Golf and Golfer's Travels and it's been amazing really. I haven't set out to do any of those things, it just happened."
As a player he won 23 tournaments worldwide, including three British PGA Championships, two Spanish Opens, one Italian Open, one Portuguese Open and one Brazilian Open.
He made eight appearances in the Ryder Cup, the first of which came in 1953 and saw the Alliss family become the first ever to have father and son play in the event.
His father Percy represented Great Britain and Ireland in the 1933, 1935 and 1937 Ryder Cups.
Alliss junior has also been involved in the construction and building of 80 golf courses around the world.
"David Thomas and I designed and constructed The Belfry, which has grown into a huge facility where we won the Ryder Cup several times, and courses as far away as Japan and West Africa," said Allliss.
"Every episode of my life has been very rewarding."
BBC director of sport Barbara Slater added: "Peter's relationship with BBC Sport has spanned over 50 years, and he has become a key voice with his distinctive golf commentary and something of a national treasure.
"It's great that he has been recognised with this award, which truly reflects his dedication and love for the game."

RORY McILROY WORLD NO 1 AGAIN-BUT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE TO WIN AT QUAIL HOLLOW AGAIN

FROM THE DAILY TELEGRAPH WEBSITE
By JAMES CORRIGAN, in Charlotte, North Carolina
Rory McIlroy could take consolation from returning to the top of the world here yesterday evening. Yet such is the ambition of this young man the solace would have been slight as he came to terms with losing in a play-off to his contemporary Rickie Fowler.

With apologies to DA Points – the 35-year-old who also figured in the extra-hole shoot-out at the Wells Fargo Championship – this was the battle of the 23-year-olds for which America had long been waiting. And for at least one day only, the future was orange; the future was Fowler.

Dressed like the brightest of Wotsits, Fowler finally broke his home duck. And despite his own disappointment of failing to win his second Quail Hollow title in three years, McIlroy was not about to begrudge his contemporary his breakthrough.

“I suppose it is a sort of consolation to return to world No 1,” he said. “But I wanted to win the tournament. I’m pleased for Rickie. He’s so talented and deserves this. I’m sure this will be a springboard for him.”

Indeed, Fowler’s rise would not be bad news for McIlroy; certainly not for his bank balance. The Californian kid, with the swing as entertaining as his apparel, was always billed as “the American Rory”. He has some way to go to live up to that moniker but now all the hype has some substance. He actually beat McIlroy down the stretch in Korea last year; but this was the moment he earned his Stateside spurs.

His birdie for glory was worthy of any hype, floating in a lob-wedge to four feet. McIlroy’s form off the tee at the weekend verged on the obscene – one drive on Saturday travelled 380 yards – but having seen his rival pull off his spectacular approach, his own wedge could get no nearer than 33 feet.

Westwood's spirits rise

McIlroy had a chance to win his third American title in regulation, despite a lame bogey on the par-three 17th. Points came to the 18th tee with a one-stroke lead but could only bogey after pushing his drive into the rough. McIlroy hit another enormous three wood – this one going 330 yards – and, as sickening as it seems, had just a wedge in from 142 yards.
He spun it in to 15 feet and memories of the birdie he made on the same green, on the same day two years before inevitably came to mind. Yet it dribbled past and, in the event, displayed some fortitude to hole the five-footer back.
His 70 for a 14-under total saw him in the trio which went back to the same tee and McIlroy seemed to hold the advantage after hurtling his three-wood 340 yards; a full 15 yards past Fowler’s driver. But his friend – who eclipsed McIlroy in the 2008 Walker Cup – proved the more inspired.
“It was a long wait but it was well worth it,” said Fowler, sporting his Errol Flynn moustache. “I felt the expectation weighing down on me, but I just tried to stay low.”
In truth, Fowler’s dress sense does not signify someone attempting to duck under the spotlight. Believe it, golf has yet another colourful character to boast and in McIlroy-Fowler it could also have a delicious rivalry for the age.
Of course, the talk of the changing of the guard will increase in volume after this, the latest in thrilling golf finishes.
And why not, with Mcilroy back at the summit, having displaced Luke Donald for third time in as many months in this period of flux? This was McIlroy’s sixth top five placing in the seven events he has played this year and the Northern Irishman will enter this week’s Players Championship as the obvious favourite.
Lee Westwood will be another to march on Jacksonville with his confidence bolstered. Having made the cut by one the world No 3 rose from joint 65th to a tie for fifth. His final-round 66 was the best of the day, meaning he played the weekend in 10-under. Not the shabbiest way in which to prepare for the tournament some call “the fifth major”.

REPORTS, SCORES FROM NATIONWIDE AND US CHAMPIONS TOURS

TO READ A REPORT AND VIEW THE SCORES FROM THE WEEKEND US NATIONWIDE TOUR EVENT

CLICK HERE

TO READ HOW FRED FUNK ENDED A LONG VICTORY DROUGHT ON THE US CHAMPIONS TOUR AND VIEW THE SCORES

CLICK HERE

FOWLER'S FIRST - AS HE BEATS McILROY AND POINTS IN THREE-MAN PLAY-OFF AT QUAIL HOLLOW

FROM THE US PGA TOUR WEBSITE

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina: Rickie Fowler beat Rory McIlroy and D A Points with a birdie at the first hole of a sudden-death play-off to win his first US PGA Tour event – the Wells Fargo Championship at Quall Hollow.

Rickie Fowler has never been afraid to put it all on the line.

The thrill-seeking passion for motocross as a teenager. The head-turning clothing he brought to the US PGA Tour as a rookie, such as the bright orange ensemble from head-to-toe on Sundays. With a chance to finally break through for his first US PGA Tour win, the kid showed his true colours.

In a three-way play-off that featured U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy, the 23-year-old Fowler gambled with a 51-degree wedge that had to be perfect on an 18th hole at Quail Hollow that had yielded only four birdies all day.

And it was.

Fowler stuffed his shot into 4 feet for a birdie on the first extra hole to beat McIlroy and D.A. Points and win the Wells Fargo Championship on Sunday. It was his first PGA TOUR win in his 67th start as a pro, bringing him a 500-point FedExCup swing that pushed him to No. 15 in the latest standings.

"I didn't want to play it safe," Fowler said. "I had a good number (133 yards), and I was aiming right of the hole with the wind coming out of the right, and if I hit a perfect shot, it comes down right on the stick. ... I hit a perfect shot at the right time, and I was going for it."

McIlroy, who returned to No. 1 in the world, used Quail Hollow as a launching pad toward stardom when he won here two years ago. Perhaps this is the start of a rivalry for years between a pair of 23-year-olds who bring power, flair and exuberance to the game.

"I'm looking forward to playing with Rory for a long time," said Fowler, who closed with a 3-under 69. "It's awesome. It's a long wait, but well worth it."

McIlroy established himself on the same green two years ago, a 20-year-old who closed out a record 62 by making a 40-foot putt for his first PGA TOUR win, and the biggest of his career until adding a record-breaking U.S. Open title last summer at Congressional.

This time, it was Fowler's turn.

"You wouldn't call the 18th today a birdie hole with that pin," McIlroy said. "For Rickie to go out and play that hole the way he did, he deserved to win."

Along for the ride was Points, a 35-year-old who had the tournament in his grasp until ending 40 straight holes without a bogey by making one at the worst time. He had a one-shot lead going to the 18th in regulation, hit his approach in a bunker and never came close to a par. He shot 71.

McIlroy had a shot at winning in regulation and missed a 15-foot birdie putt, giving him a 70.

In the play-off, all three hit the fairway, with McIlroy hitting a 3-wood that traveled nearly 340 yards. Points and McIlroy were well off the mark and had to work hard to get their two-putt pars. Fowler came up with the best shot of his career.

"The shot he hit was spectacular," Points said.

Even though they're the same age, McIlroy has a two-year head start on Fowler. They were in the Walker Cup together in 2007, and McIlroy turned pro that fall. Fowler didn't turn pro until two years ago. The only other time Fowler won as a pro was last year at the Korea Open, where he also beat McIlroy.

The difference was winning, and McIlroy still has a big edge.

As he entered the press conference, Fowler put his hat on backward, smiled and said, "Told you it was coming."

"It's a good feeling right now," Fowler said. "Definitely some relief, satisfaction. I'm definitely happy. It's not a bad thing, winning. It's kind of fun."

Fowler and McIlroy both recovered from late bogeys to get in the playoff.

Fowler had the outright lead until he went bunker-to-bunker on the 16th hole, the second time drawing a plugged lie, and missed a 10-foot par putt. He had a 20-foot birdie putt on the last hole, though it never had a chance. He was the first one in at 14-under 274.

McIlroy went long of the green on the par-3 17th and missed an 8-foot par putt, but when Points struggled on the 18th, McIlroy had a putt for the win.

 Webb Simpson, the 54-hole leader who lives a mile from Quail Hollow, made a mess of the eighth hole for a bogey and three-putted the 11th to fall back. Back-to-back birdies late in his round kept his hopes alive, and he had a 25-foot birdie putt on the 18th to join the playoff. It missed and he had a 73 to finish alone in fourth.

Ryan Moore, who played in the final group with Simpson, didn't make a birdie until the 15th hole and shot 74. He tied for fifth with Lee Westwood (66) and Ben Curtis (67), who finished before the leaders got to the back nine.

For all his endorsements and marketing prowess, Fowler was starting to hear whispers about when he was going to win. What carried him along was patience and impeccable manners, which have made him a favorite among his peers.

Making this win even sweeter was having his mother, Lynn, and girlfriend Alexandra Brown (daughter of PGA TOUR winner Olin Browne) in the gallery.

"I'm over the top," his mother said, fighting back tears.

"I'm relieved for him because this is an expectation from the people, the fans, the tournament staff directors. And now he can hopefully carry on and do the work that he likes to do."

On the back nine, it was clear this was a three-man race, and all had their shots at winning.

"I think it was just a matter of time before he won," McIlroy said. "It seems like this tournament produces first-time winners -- Anthony Kim, myself, now Rickie. It's great to see. He probably has went through a little bit of scrutiny and a lot of pressure trying to get that first win. But now that win is out of the way. Hopefully, that will ease the pressure a little bit."

Fowler said he never felt the pressure of waiting 2 1/2 years for his first win. The longest wait might have been for his shot in the playoff to descend from the cloudy sky, so he could make sure it had enough to take the stream out of play.

"It was a little bit of a gamble," he said.

Fowler earned $1.17 million and best of all, achieved his primary goal of winning on the US Tour. That should help him reach his other marks this year, getting to the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola for the first time and perhaps getting another spot on the Ryder Cup team.

He was picked in 2010 -- the first US PGA Tour rookie ever selected by a captain -- and showed his promise by winning the last four holes to earn a halve in his singles match. McIlroy is far more accomplished, with a major championship and a return to No. 1 in the world.

But as a generational shift in golf continues, this could be a rivalry worth watching.

TO VIEW ALL THE SCORES, CHECK THE SCORECARDS ON THE US PGA TOUR WEBSITE

CLICK HERE

HUGH HUNTER'S CLACKMANNAN COUNTY NEWS

SHOCKS IN CLACKMANNAN BOYS MATCH-PLAY

The Clackmannan county boys' match-play events have reached their finals, producing surprises as ever.

In  the first round over Alva, County stroke-play champion Rikky Alexander, trying to complete a double, lost to Brian McAdam,the 2011 junior match-play champion, who in turn fell in the semi-final at Tillicoultry to Braehead’s Scott Beattie. 

With Grant Murray winning through his tie against Gregor McEwan, an all-Braehead final will be played this week.

In the junior boys' event, Jonathan Clark (Tillicoultry) won through to the final against Jamie McEwan, while Ryan Blyth luckily reached the final without having to hit a golf shot.

SEMI-FINAL RESULTS

SENIOR BOYS 

Grant Murray (Braehead) bt Gregor McEwan (Alloa) 4 and 3.

Scott Beattie (Braehead) bt Brian McAdam (Alloa) 4 and 3.

JUNIOR BOYS

Jonathan Clark (Tillicoultry) bt Jamie McEwan 7 and 6.

Ryan Blyth (Braehead) wo Ross Bundy (Tillicoultry) scr

NEW SENIOR KID ON THE BLOCK.

In the first top Scottish Seniors event of 2012 held over Powfoot Golf Course in the south of Scotland, Tulliallan’s Bob Stewart finished in 13^th position with rounds of 75 and 73. 

Experienced Braehead player Mike Rust showed much promise in his debut appearance, carding rounds of 78 and 74 to lie a bit further back, and give him considerable confidence for the next event where maybe he will get the better of Bob!. 

This is the Seniors' Spring Meeting, to be held at Montrose on May 24-25.

 WALES TRIP FOR SCOTT AND JAMIE

Following his fine sixth place finish recently at Crail, and showing great initiative, County team captain Jamie Aitken is off to Prestatyn in North Wales for the Welsh stroke play Championship which also includes Dollar’s Scott Borrowman in the 120 strong field.

The Championship links stretches to around 6,800 yards. The green fees are very reasonable at £25 mid week and, even better, the new members' subscription for 2012 is £295!

The Welsh event is held over 72 holes from May 25 to 27.

Meanwhile, Alva’s Lawrence Allan is in the field for the Scottish youths championship to be held at Ladybank this week.

 ALMOST TWENTY-TWENTY VISION FOR CALLUM

In the first PGA Optical Express event held at Dundonald recently, Tulliallan's Callum Macaulay came very close to a win. A best-of-the-day round just missed a win. In the closing stages, a birdie eluded Callum, and he had to settle for a four-man play-off in which unfortunately he missed out.

Callum is back to his happy hunting ground of Madeira this week. A few years ago he had an unbelievable last round of 64, and missed out on a win when a fellow competitor holed a putt on the last green.

Best of luck, Callum!

 LADIES GOLF IN CLACKMANNANSHIRE

  Only two of the local Ladies Golf Clubs took up invitations to the SLGA Foursomes event.  Tillicoultry Ladies (who did well in recent years) lost to Stirling in the first round of the event, and Braehead Ladies are now due to play Stirling in the second round. 

Assuming there is no restriction on entry, the total entry seems to be just 84 clubs out of the few hundred in Scotland. A rather small figure.

       COUNTY GOLF EVENTS COMING UP

This week

County Fours Final, Boys Match Play Finals--- 10^th May

County Summer Meetings 12-13: Braehead and Alloa (late entries 

                      Available)

Next week

Invitation (Sanny Todd) at Braehead 19^th

Mixed Open at Dollar    20^th