Thursday, 29 December 2011
Casey - A season of frustration
Donald scoops US writers gong
Rory reaffirms belief in JP
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
LET schedule revealed
Ozaki gets Trophy nod
Olazabal backs Spanish record breaker
Donald wins Writers Trophy
Monday, 19 December 2011
Hedwall lands LET rookie award
Lewis wins Rookie of the Year
Masters relief for Furyk
Uihlein joins European Tour
Fond memories for Donald
Weekend winners
2012 Euro Tour schedule released
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Westwood moves past McIlroy
McIlroy admits to Masters tears
Poulter maintains lead
Poulter claims Melbourne title
Westwood Thais up rivals
Teen Thompson wins in Dubai
Friday, 16 December 2011
Lexi holds on to lead
Westy in complete command
Dixon wins Qualifying School
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Poulter - Fowler to lead US push
Poulter makes flying start
DJ goes back to the future
Lexi goes low in Dubai
European gong for Donald
Wahlin by one in Dubai
Dixon goes top at Q-School
Lyle to enter Hall of Fame
Westwood shoots 60 in Thailand
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Donald: I need to win a major
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Donald lands PGA award
Cool Hutsby stays ahead
Appleby defence in doubt
Monday, 12 December 2011
McIlroy - One week too many
Luke dominates Euro stats
Quiros joy as Donald doubles up
Hutsby by one at Q-school
Donald targets major glory
Hutsby stays out in front
New Race to Dubai deal agreed
Donald - Not all about power
Quiros climbs above Woods
Sunday, 11 December 2011
Hutsby clear after stunning 60
McIlroy concedes defeat
History beckons for Donald
Friday, 9 December 2011
Quiros storms clear in Dubai
Dubai WC R3 tee-times
Rory ready for a rest
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Back-nine charge lifts McIlroy
McIlroy more talented than Tiger
Donald excited by 'special' chance
Rory - No other alternative
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Donald eyes place in history
Duval fails at Q-School
Bjorn a major doubt
Lesson learnt for McIlroy
Virus threatens McIlroy bid
Dubai WC R1 tee-times
Monday, 5 December 2011
Tiger targets comeback title
Woods ends winless streak
No Dubai trip for Rose
Dawson makes his move
Sunday, 4 December 2011
McIlroy takes Hong Kong crown
Johnson leads, Tiger falters
Claxton closes in
Westwood wins by two
Saturday, 3 December 2011
Q School looms for Wilson
Tiger back in the hunt
Quiros edges clear in Fanling
Claxton moves two clear
G-Mac edges in front at Nedbank
Friday, 2 December 2011
Claxton moves clear
Tiger tracking Choi
McIlroy slips into a share
Schwartzel and Westwood lead
Fast start from McIlroy
Thursday, 1 December 2011
Royal appointment for Ollie
Rory to play Irish Open
R&A make exemptions changes
Unheralded duo lead the way
Stellar cast set for Sun City
Campbell - I'm not a quitter
McIlroy eyes improvement
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
Johnson goes under the knife
Cup weather fears played down
US take World Cup glory
Kuchar slips after Cup win
Rory out to end Fanling wait
Hennie scrapes home
Kaymer staying in Europe
Ireland just ahead
Kim takes Aussie lead
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
2014 Ryder Cup dates revealed
Aussies in bust-up over Cup
Chalmers does it again
Woodland targets Ryder debut
Otto feeling right at home
Friday, 25 November 2011
Daly snubs South Africa offer
Bubba starts fast in Aussie PGA
O'Hara makes his move
World Cup R1 tee-times
Irish flying in foursomes
Extra pressure for the Macs
Wood targets Africa comeback
More star names for Thailand
Fraser holds halfway lead
Fowler eyes Aussie win
Els unconvinced by Tiger comeback
Brothers eye Italian job
Scot still scrapping
Rory torn between tournaments
Aussies lead World Cup
Liang wants unlikely win
Tiger tumbles out of top 50
South African Open R1 tee-times
Westy heading Stateside
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Aussies lead World Cup
O'Hara makes his move
Bubba starts fast in Aussie PGA
Wednesday, 23 November 2011
Westy heading Stateside
Extra pressure for the Macs
Els unconvinced by Tiger comeback
Brothers eye Italian job
Fowler eyes Aussie win
Rory torn between tournaments
Wood targets Africa comeback
Daly snubs South Africa offer
South African Open R1 tee-times
More star names for Thailand
World Cup R1 tee-times
Monday, 21 November 2011
Chopra clear in Malaysia
Four-shot win for Muto
USA retain Presidents Cup
Jbe cashes in on Coetzee collapse
Couples - No Tiger concerns
Mulroy holds his nerve
Norman - They kicked our butts
Bubba and Rickie eye Oz success
Gonzalo on track as G-Mac struggles
Johor joy for Luiten
Norman - Golf needs Woods
No play at Miyazaki
Bjorn to miss World Cup
Harrington on the charge
Tiger tumbles out of top 50
Major winners target WC glory
USA on the brink in Melbourne
Mulroy surges two clear
Liang wants unlikely win
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Mickelson - We're underdogs
Brilliant Benson, poor Pablo
Fernandez-Castano wins Singapore crown
Martin looks for three in a row
Pod predicts tough defence
Norman targets important win
Korea to host 2015 Cup
Harrington makes strong start
Kim - The future's bright
Yang slams Melbourne greens
Singapore play-off suspended
US shine in Presidents Cup
Governing bodies agree merger
Stricker up for the Cup
Woods set for Abu Dhabi debut
New partner for Woods?
Tiger ready for Scott clash
Tiger back in world's top 50
Woods to face Scott
Yang slams Melbourne greens
Norman targets important win
US shine in Presidents Cup
Stricker up for the Cup
Woods to face Scott
Tiger ready for Scott clash
Governing bodies agree merger
Woods set for Abu Dhabi debut
Tiger back in world's top 50
Singapore play-off suspended
New partner for Woods?
Pod predicts tough defence
Fernandez-Castano wins Singapore crown
Mickelson - We're underdogs
Korea to host 2015 Cup
Martin looks for three in a row
Kim - The future's bright
Harrington makes strong start
Brilliant Benson, poor Pablo
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Yang slams Melbourne greens
Mickelson - We're underdogs
Governing bodies agree merger
Korea to host 2015 Cup
New partner for Woods?
Pod predicts tough defence
Woods to face Scott
Norman targets important win
Kim - The future's bright
Martin looks for three in a row
Woods set for Abu Dhabi debut
Tiger ready for Scott clash
Monday, 14 November 2011
Morrison moves into Singapore lead
Mickelson eyes Singapore success
Tiger back in world's top 50
Stricker up for the Cup
Fernandez-Castano wins Singapore crown
Strong start for Tiger in Sydney
Molinari sizzles in Singapore
Tiger roars into Aussie Open lead
Singapore play-off suspended
Mahan withdraws in Sydney
Singapore Open R1 tee-times
Chalmers lands Aussie title
Spaniard storms clear
Australian Open R1 tee-times
Senden shines, Woods falls
Tiger no longer a huge drawcard
Daly storms out of Aussie Open
Tiger still believes
Lefty to enter Hall of Fame
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Strong start for Tiger in Sydney
Kaymer: Donald so good
Tiger no longer a huge drawcard
Daly storms out of Aussie Open
McIlroy's career-high ranking
Molinari sizzles in Singapore
Padraig trying to stay patient
Mickelson eyes Singapore success
Lefty to enter Hall of Fame
Mahan withdraws in Sydney
Woods: Williams not a racist
Woods to face the media
Singapore Open R1 tee-times
Scott: Williams matter closed
Tseng turns down Puerto Rico
Tiger & Scott to be kept apart
Williams case closed - Tours
Tiger still believes
Australian Open R1 tee-times
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Tiger - I was lucky to get pick
Tiger Woods: Got the nod from Fred Couples and wants to repay faithTiger Woods is determined to justify his place on the USA's Presidents Cup team after admitting he was "lucky" to have been awarded a wildcard. The 14-time major winner was controversially guaranteed a place by USA captain Fred Couples despite his lack of competitive golf and general poor play this year.
Woods has tumbled to 56th in the world rankings, but he is confident of helping his side retain the trophy against Greg Norman's Internationals at Royal Melbourne in a fortnight.
"I have been playing a ton of golf at home, getting my playing instincts back, something I hadn't done all summer as I have obviously been injured."Tiger Woods on Presidents Cup prep Quotes of the week
"I'm honoured to be picked," said Woods. "Freddie had plenty of different candidates he could have chosen, so I'm lucky to be on the team.
"I know I have got four starts guaranteed and I'm looking forward to seeing who is going to be my partner and then obviously gelling and hopefully winning our matches.
"I have been playing a ton of golf at home, getting my playing instincts back, something I hadn't done all summer as I have obviously been injured.
"Now I'm healthy, playing again, playing more and playing consistently so I'm looking forward to the end of this year."
The decision to pick Woods was brought into sharper focus after the opening round of the WGC-HSBC Champions on Thursday.
By choosing Tiger, Couples left himself just one wildcard pick and by siding with FedEx Cup winner Bill Haas it meant he left out USPGA champion Keegan Bradley.
Since the decision Bradley has gone on to win the Grand Slam of Golf in a four-way showdown with the year's other major winners and he now leads the HSBC Champions after a sparkling first round 65.
Now they have their cards, how will the 20 Challenge Tour graduates perform on the full European Tour in 2012?
Pakistan's cricket cheats are handed prison sentences, City cement top spot and Tigers continue to toil.
A preview and all the key statistics for this week's Barclays Singapore Open in Sentosa.
Stricker still determined to play
Steve Stricker: Still determined to play in the Presidents Cup later this month.Steve Stricker has admitted he is still being troubled by the effects of a herniated disk problem, but insists he has no intention of pulling out of the forthcoming Presidents Cup. The 44-year-old has been managing the problem since last December and yet still managed two wins on the PGA Tour during the 2011 season.
Those victories ensured he qualified by right for Fred Couples' US team who will take on Greg Norman's International side later this month in Melbourne, Australia.
However, since being forced to withdraw from the BMW Championship in September there have been question marks about whether Stricker will be fit enough to compete.
The American was able to play and complete the Tour Championship the week after the BMW Championship, but has since being resting up and undergoing physiotherapy to try and improve his condition.
He has now confirmed that, while still bothered by the problem and its knock-on effects, he has put off surgery and intends to represent his country in Australia.
"My left arm feels a little bit different than my right," he explained to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "Opening a jar at home or whatever, I don't feel like I have the finger strength."
"My arm would have to be falling off for me not to play (in the Presidents Cup)."Steve Stricker Quotes of the week
But he was quick to add: "My arm would have to be falling off for me not to play."
US captain Fred Couples has already stated that he will call up USPGA winner Keegan Bradley should Stricker ultimately have to pull out.
If, as looks likely, Stricker does decide to play, it seems almost certain he will once again be paired with Tiger Woods - the man with whom he shared a perfect team record at the last Presidents Cup match.
Woods, despite his poor fitness and poor form this year, was guaranteed one of only two wildcard selections by Couples well in advance of the announcement deadline.
That prompted some, including Internationals captain Norman, to criticise Couples, with many of the opinion that Bradley was more worthy of a pick given his stellar season.
But Stricker has jumped to the defence of both Woods and his captain and feels the former world number one will prove his worth in Australia.
"I'm for it," he said of the decision to pick Woods. "I think it's a good thing.
"I don't know why Greg said what he did. He did basically the same thing with Adam Scott a couple years ago when Adam wasn't playing well. It kind of turned Adam's game around. So I don't know where that came from.
"I think it's great. I talk to Tiger through texting every now and then. He's really excited. We're looking forward to it. I think he'll be ready, too.
"He'll find a way to get it done. When you play him one on one, he'll find a way. Just like at the Ryder Cup last year. He trounced the guy he was playing (Francesco Molinari of Italy, 4 and 3, in singles). He loves match play."
Tseng to take on the boys?
Yani Tseng: Set to be offered an exemption to play in next year's Puerto Rico Open.Yani Tseng, the world's number one woman golfer, is to be offered an invite to play in next year's Puerto Rico Open on the PGA Tour. Sidney Wolf, who is the general chairman of the Puerto Rico Open, has announced that he plans to offer Tseng an exemption to play in the tournament at the Trump International Golf Club, Rio Grande in 2011.
The 22-year-old from Taipei is enjoying a quite remarkable season on the women's circuit having collected no fewer than 11 titles.
Her latest victory came at the Suzhou Taihu Ladies Open in China last weekend when she shot a final round 66 to win by seven shots.
"If an opportunity presents itself, I would like to play in a PGA tournament to learn more from male golfers."Yani Tseng Quotes of the week
At the halfway point of that tournament she had admitted to reporters that she would welcome the chance to test herself in a men's event.
"If an opportunity presents itself, I would like to play in a PGA tournament to learn more from male golfers," Tseng stated.
She now looks set to be given that chance with Wolf confirming he intends to offer her an exemption to compete.
"Having the number one player here would open our event to a broader audience," Wolf told Golfweek.
"It could open up the possibility of a LPGA event here, and ultimately help us raise funds for our charities.
"It would also create awareness of Puerto Rico globally, which would economically be very positive for the island."
Pakistan's cricket cheats are handed prison sentences, City cement top spot and Tigers continue to toil.
A preview and all the key statistics for this week's Barclays Singapore Open in Sentosa.
How does the future look for Tiger Woods? Denis Pugh, Rob Lee and Skybet's John Rhodes give their views.
Flying Freddie leads in Shanghai
The Swede - making his debut in the event - started with a birdie at his opening hole, his 10th, and added three in a row from the 14th. Further gains at seven and nine lifted him to 11-under and into a one-shot lead over Louis Oosthuizen and Adam Scott.
South African Oosthuizen made the biggest move up the leaderboard after a majestic nine-under 63 took him from one-under to 10-under.
Out in 31, he didn't let up on the back nine and more birdies at 12, 13, 16 and 18 put him right on Jacobson's tail.
Scott, who won golf's last world championship in Akron in August, went to the turn in a superb 31 after reeling off six birdies in seven holes from the third. And two closing birdies gave him a seven-under 65.
"I got a new driver a couple of weeks ago and it just seems to work really well."Jacobson on key to good play Quotes of the week
Jacobson, who had his first PGA Tour victory in America in June and was third in Malaysia last week, said: "It's been a great couple of days. I feel I've been striking the ball well and I've been setting up a lot of chances out there.
"I got a new driver a couple of weeks ago and it just seems to work really well. I feel I've been having pretty good distance off the tees, and if I can hit it straight, which I have so far, I'm going to get some good looks with my irons," added the Swede.
Oosthuizen, meanwhile, surprised even himself after his sparkling 63 rocketed him up the leaderboard.
"I don't think I've ever shot a 63. I think I've shot 62 once in a tournament round, but you know, it was probably at my local course back in South Africa that I last shot a 63," said the South African who was 30th after his opening 71.
"I don't think I missed a green today as I hit the ball really well. It was nice, a good, solid day for me," added Oosthuizen.
Scott said he was happy to keep his momentum going after a fast start.
"It was a good round today to keep pace with the leaders. I got off to a fairly fast start on the front nine. It was nice to make a couple on the back nine to take advantage of the good front nine," said Scott.
"I'm pleased to be in touch but obviously scoring is low, so I'm going to have to play well on the weekend to keep in touch with them," added the Australian.
The leading trio know that plenty of big names will be chasing them on the weekend.
USPGA winner Keegan Bradley, the first round leader, is two behind after a 70 while it's a further stroke back to England's Paul Casey (66) and last week's Malaysia winner Bo Van Pelt (69).
World number two Lee Westwood is handily placed at seven-under after three birdies in his last five holes while Martin Kaymer is also four back. Both carded 68s on Friday and share seventh place with Thongchai Jaidee and Aaron Baddeley.
Rory McIlroy had seven birdies on his card on in round two but mixed them with four bogeys to temper his progress up the leaderboard. It added up to a 69 and leaves the 22-year-old US Open champion six back with two rounds to play.
A shot better off at six-under are a big bunch of elite names - 2010 US Open champion Graeme McDowell, English trio Justin Rose, Ian Poulter and Simon Dyson, Korean KJ Choi and Hunter Mahan.
Bradley having to pinch himself
Keegan Bradley (right): Outscored playing partner Lee Westwood by four shots in round oneHSBC Champions first round leader Keegan Bradley says he can't quite believe what's happened to him this year. The American carded an opening seven-under-par 65 in Shanghai on Thursday to add another chapter to his amazing 2011 success story.
A graduate of the Nationwide Tour, Bradley won the Byron Nelson Championship in May before shocking the golf world by capturing the USPGA Championship in Atlanta on his first ever start in a major. Most recently he beat the season's other major winners to lift the PGA Grand Slam last month.
"I feel like I have to pinch myself out here, because of what's going on and just how much fun I'm having doing it."Bradley on his dream year Quotes of the week
After his commanding start at the Sheshan International Golf Club, Bradley said: "A year ago this week, I had just got my PGA Tour card from Daniel Island. It was probably the happiest, most fun week of my entire life. It was the realisation of a dream."
A year on and Bradley still hasn't woken up.
"I feel like I have to pinch myself out here, because of what's going on and just how much fun I'm having doing it. And to think a year ago, I would be sitting here, taking the lead is pretty remarkable," added Bradley.
Playing alongside England's Lee Westwood and Australian Adam Scott, Bradley marked his flawless card with five birdies and an eagle to upstage his illustrious playing partners.
"I'm amazed at who I'm around. And to be in a group like that in this tournament and to play like that on this course, is very rewarding and it means a lot to me," said Bradley.
"I'm just very proud of the way I played, and it's just a very rewarding round," added the American.
Bradley is in the running for the coveted PGA Tour Player of the Year award along with Luke Donald and Webb Simpson, but he insisted he was focused only on winning this week.
"All I'm trying to do is win this tournament," he said. "I know there's a lot on the line, and there's some awards to be won, but I hope to keep playing well and those fall where they fall."
Now they have their cards, how will the 20 Challenge Tour graduates perform on the full European Tour in 2012?
Pakistan's cricket cheats are handed prison sentences, City cement top spot and Tigers continue to toil.
A preview and all the key statistics for this week's Barclays Singapore Open in Sentosa.
HSBC Champions R4 tee-times
Starting at hole 1
0840 Geoff Ogilvy (Aus), Alexander Noren (Swe), Peter Hanson (Swe)
0850 Francesco Molinari (Ita), Rory Sabbatini (Rsa), Bobby Gates
0900 Robert Rock (Eng), Bill Haas, Ashun Wu (Chn)
0910 Nicolas Colsaerts (Bel), Aaron Baddeley (Aus), K J Choi (Kor)
0920 Anders Hansen (Den), John Senden (Aus), Alvaro Quiros (Spa)
0930 Thongchai Jaidee (Tha), Jonathan Byrd, Harrison Frazar
0940 Pablo Larrazabal (Spa), Simon Dyson (Eng), Yuta Ikeda (Jpn)
0950 Jbe Kruger (Rsa), Charl Schwartzel (Rsa), Justin Rose (Eng)
1000 Hunter Mahan, Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spa), Keegan Bradley
1010 Jhonattan Vegas (Ven), Ian Poulter (Eng), Bo Van Pelt
1020 Paul Casey (Eng), Martin Kaymer (Ger), Xin-jun Zhang (Chn)
1030 Rory McIlroy (NIrl), Graeme McDowell (NIrl), Lee Westwood (Eng)
1040 Adam Scott (Aus), Fredrik Jacobson (Swe), Louis Oosthuizen (Rsa)
Starting at hole 10
0845 Chez Reavie, Jeev Milkha Singh (Ind), Jung-Gon Hwang (Kor)
0855 Chinnarat Phadungsil (Tha), Keith Horne (Rsa), Thomas Bjorn (Den)
0905 Tetsuji Hiratsuka (Jpn), Lee Slattery (Eng), Mohd. Siddikur (Ban)
0915 Lucas Glover, Hiroyuki Fujita (Jpn), David Toms
0925 Paul Lawrie (Sco), Darren Clarke (NIrl), Michio Matsumura (Jpn)
0935 Wen-chong Liang (Chn), Ernie Els (Rsa), Scott Stallings
0945 Jim Herman, Robert Karlsson (Swe), Nick Watney
0955 Stuart Appleby (Aus), David Gleeson (Aus), D.A. Points
1005 Jim Furyk, Thomas Aiken (Rsa), Shiv Shankar Prasad Chowrasia (Ind)
1015 Ben Crane, Kyung-tae Kim (Kor), Michael Hoey (NIrl)
1025 Pablo Martin (Spa), Mark Wilson, Tom Lewis (Eng)
1035 Kiradech Aphibarnrat (Tha), Matteo Manassero (Ita), Alistair Presnell (Aus)
1045 Adam Bland (Aus), Hao Yuan (Chn), Yih-Shin Chan (Tpe)
Tiger's former caddie says sorry
"I apologise for the comments I made last night at the annual Caddie Awards dinner in Shanghai," Williams said in a statement he posted on his website (www.kiwicaddie.co.nz) after he was shocked to find that his remarks had been leaked to the press.
The dinner was attended by 100 caddies, players and guests and all had accepted their invitations on condition that they would not disclose what happened at the ceremony.
"Players and caddies look forward to this evening all year and the spirit is always joking and fun. I now realise how my comments could be construed as racist."Williams on remark Quotes of the week
The dinner was held after the second round of the WGC-HSBC Champions.
"Players and caddies look forward to this evening all year and the spirit is always joking and fun. I now realise how my comments could be construed as racist," said Williams.
"However I assure you that was not my intent. I sincerely apologise to Tiger and anyone else I have offended."
Williams had been a regular caddie for Woods since 1999 and helped the American to win 13 of his 14 majors before being let go in July.
The New Zealander hit out at the manner and timing of the split and a month later was in the news again after his new employer, Adam Scott, won the WGC Bridgestone Invitational at Akron, Ohio.
Williams told reporters at the time: "It's the most satisfying win I've ever had, there's no two ways about it. It's the greatest week of my life caddying and I sincerely mean that."
He later apologised for those comments, saying his emotions got the better of him.
Williams had been called up onto the stage at the private function late on Friday to receive the "Celebration of the Year" award and, while there, he was asked to comment on how he felt at winning again with Scott so soon after leaving Woods.
The tournament organisers in Shanghai decided not to involve themselves in what Williams said.
Press officer Michele Mair said: "This was a private function. There will not be any further comment on this matter."
There was no reaction either from European Tour officials, although it is their policy not to discuss any disciplinary action taken.
Scott, lying third in the WGC-HSBC Champions with a round to go, said he disagreed with those who think he should dismiss Williams as his caddie.
"Steve issued a statement and apologised and he did the right thing. That's all there is to say about that from my side of things," he said.
"It's not an issue for me. I think everything in that room last night was all in good spirits and a bit of fun and I think it probably got taken out of that room in the wrong context.
"Anything with Tiger involved is a story. I value Steve's contribution to my game and while he's caddying I hope he can caddie for me.
"There was a lot of language used last night and it's just this was reported.
"I don't really think that stuff has ever left the room before and it's probably good reasons why. I think it's probably all very unnecessary."
Asked if he thought Williams was a racist, he replied: "I don't think so. I think we all know that's not the case."
Scott also said he had not felt the need to confront Williams about the issue.
"It was already dealt with. It's been dealt with as far as I'm concerned. I thought it was all in jest. That's how the whole evening was - everything was quite amusing.
"Those things are not meant to go past that room, but obviously somebody took it out and that's the way it goes.
"There's really no safe haven for what you say and so you've got to be careful."
The world number eight does not believe it will make life more awkward for him over the coming two weeks when he and Woods are both competing at the Australian Open in Sydney and then the Presidents Cup in Melbourne.
"I don't think it makes it harder for me - I don't think I'm the guy that's having a finger pointed at or on the receiving end," Scott added.
"I don't think I've done anything wrong.
"I'm the guy stuck in the middle, but I don't really have a gripe with either guy. It's for them to sort out between themselves."
Northern Irish star Graeme McDowell was present when Williams spoke at the caddie dinner and said: "The comments were surprising, yes.
"I'm aware that he's released a statement this morning apologising. I would doubt severely if he meant it racially like it came over and hopefully his apology will in some shape or form settle the matter.
"We don't want something made out of nothing. It was a fun night and we really hope that it doesn't become too big of an issue.
"There were a lot of things said last night - jokes made, fun was taken - and things got a little bit out of hand.
"These are racially sensitive times, especially in sport. It's unfortunate because it was a very sticky situation.
"I kind of feel bad for him in many ways because, like I say, it was a very humorous evening and it's unfortunate that it's come out as negatively as it did.
"Should he be sacked (by Scott)? I don't know. I hope he can resolve it - he's a character within the game of golf and whatever bitterness that exists between him and Tiger should be in the past by now.
"It's unfortunate that it's going to rear its head again.
"I don't think Stevie Williams was trying to be racial. I don't think it was a racial comment. I think he was trying to be funny and make a joke of it.
"It was an embarrassing situation that he was put in. He was up in front of his peers and colleagues and it came out wrong."
Rory McIlroy commented: "It's just unfortunate that there's been such an argument between a player and a caddie.
"I've heard that since then Stevie has apologised for his comments, and I think now that he's done that everyone can just move on and sort of put it behind them."
Williams will have a chance to apologise to Woods in person next week at the Australian Open in Sydney.
Woods is already in Australia and was told about the remark.
His agent Mark Steinberg was reported as saying: "If multiple reports, which all seem to be accurate, are true, then it's sad it's come down to this.
"It's a regrettable comment and there's really nothing that Tiger can do or say. He's just going to move on."
Three years ago at a dinner in his home country, Williams made a disparaging remark about Phil Mickelson and Woods got him to apologise.
He has never been the most popular of caddies and his standing has now taken another knock.
Freddie eyes Ryder Cup bid
Fredrik Jacobson: 2012 Ryder Cup now a real ambitionFredrik Jacobson could turn his focus to making Europe's Ryder Cup team if he wins the WGC-HSBC Champions. The Swede, who holds the halfway lead in Shanghai, has appeared on European soil just three times in the past five seasons having set up base in America since 2004.
But now the 37-year-old is poised for a return to the world's top 50 and making a debut under Jose Maria Olazabal in Chicago next September is on his radar.
"The kids are slightly older, so I do feel that Ryder Cup would be one of my main goals for next year."Jacobson on his Chicago bid Quotes of the week
"I just went through a few years where I didn't really focus on the Ryder Cup as much," Jacobson said after shooting a 66 in round two to take a one-shot lead over Adam Scott and Louis Oosthuizen.
"The kids were so small and I felt America was a big enough challenge, which I still think it is.
"But the kids are slightly older, so I do feel that Ryder Cup would be one of my main goals for next year.
"I'm starting to get into a lot of the tournaments where I can create points both on the European list and when it comes to world ranking points.
"But first things first. To keep getting better and keep playing well is my goal and if it comes to it where I'm close on the points I'll probably sneak over and play a few when it comes to that time.
"I might get my European Tour card back from the few tournaments that I play this year. That gives me more options."
Now they have their cards, how will the 20 Challenge Tour graduates perform on the full European Tour in 2012?
Pakistan's cricket cheats are handed prison sentences, City cement top spot and Tigers continue to toil.
A preview and all the key statistics for this week's Barclays Singapore Open in Sentosa.
Freddie leads as big guns loom
Jacobson, riding a hot putter, carded a five-under 67 on Saturday and, at 16-under, leads by two from 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen and by three from world number eight Adam Scott.
That trio will form the final group on Sunday while the penultimate three-ball will consist of world number two Lee Westwood, world number three Rory McIlroy and 2010 US Open champion Graeme McDowell.
McIlroy surged up the leaderboard with a bogey-free 65 while Westwood is also now four shots back on 12-under after a 67. McDowell is a further shot back alongside Martin Kaymer.
Jacobson, one in front of Oosthuizen at start of play, had a hat-trick of birdies from the second hole, but drove into the rough on the ninth and had his first bogey since the seventh hole of day one.
The world number 54 came straight back with a 15-foot birdie putt on the next and added birdies at 13 and 14. He had further chances to extend his lead but couldn't convert at 16 and 18.
Jacobson said: "I've still got to shoot a good score, but they will have to catch me. I sometimes feel a little bit stressed if I start off a few shots behind, so I prefer any time I can get a lead.
"I do feel good about my game and it's nice to make some long putts. "Freddie Jacobson Quotes of the week
"I do feel good about my game and it's nice to make some long putts.
"It's a little bit of a bonus when you make the long ones, but that's sometimes what happens in a round.
"I try not really to worry about the result too much and focus on the procedure and the shots and the routine, and where to hit the ball. That normally takes care of a lot of potential tension."
Westwood, runner-up to Francesco Molinari last year, had four birdies in the first 10 holes but then got stuck on the par train before finding one more after a two-putt from just off the green at the par five 18th.
The Englishman said: "I really didn't hit it very well. I struggled with my swing and wasn't very consistent.
"But I putted well and I'm going to have a chance to win the tournament. That's all you ever ask at any tournament."
McIlroy found his best form of the week and drove the ball beautifully in his seven-under round which included four birdies to the turn and further gains at 14, 16 and 18.
The Northern Irishman said of his 65: "It's definitely what I needed to give myself some sort of chance.
"I was five behind going into the last day at the Dunhill (at St Andrews last month) and made a good charge and hopefully I can do the same again.
"I just didn't make silly mistakes. I feel as if there's a lot of good scores in me and I was able to produce one of those today."
The 22-year-old US Open champion would have been in the final group on Sunday but was usurped by an incredible finish from Scott.
The Aussie was one over for the day with three to play after mixing four birdies with three bogeys and a double bogey seven on the eighth.
But he birdied 16 and 17 to get under par for the day and jumped to 13-under par when his approach to the 18th span back into the hole for an eagle three.
Paul Casey, meanwhile, had moved up to second place after a 15-foot eagle putt on the eighth, but was disturbed by a noise on the 10th tee, pushed his iron into thick rough and double-bogeyed.
He came back with a birdie at 12 but then took a costly six at 18 after finding water with his second and slipped back to 10-under.
Awesome Kaymer takes HSBC victory
The German, who seemed out of contention early in round three, birdied nine of his final 12 holes to finish three in front of long-time leader Fredrik Jacobson.
There was little sign of what Kaymer was about to produce when he could only par his first six holes on Sunday but a birdie at seven sparked an incredible run that saw him race to a winning total of 20-under.
Jacobson tried bravely to stay with him but his fate was sealed with a bogey at the 17th.
The Swede, who led by one at start of play, eventually finished second at 17-under, one clear of Graeme McDowell.
Rory McIlroy finished tied fourth with Paul Casey and Charl Schwartzel.
Kaymer had started the day five shots behind and rated a 20/1 outsider to come through the pack and land his 10th European Tour title.
Birdies at seven and eight kept his hopes alive but he then missed a short one at nine to remain at 13-under.
However, that proved only a minor blip as he reeled of four birdies in a row from the 10th.
That took him into a tie for the lead for the first time before Jacobson hit back with a 15 foot birdie putt at 12 to join him on 17-under.
Kaymer could only par the long 14th but he made it six birdies in seven holes with another at 15 after a brilliant approach shot to five feet.
Once more Jacobson responded though, his birdie at the par five 14th moving him level again at 18-under and turning the tournament into a two-horse race.
But it was the 26-year-old Kaymer who proved unstoppable.
He kept his foot to the accelerator with a birdie two at 17 and then rolled in a 15 footer for birdie at the last after being forced to lay up with his second.
That put him two clear and with Jacobson bogeying the 17th moments later it was game over.
The bogey five, after a poor wedge, left the Swede three back and a pulled drive at 18 meant there was to be no miracle albatross to tie.
"The way I played golf today was outstanding, especially my back nine," Kaymer told Sky Sports. "The way I putted on the back nine was brilliant, so I'm very happy.
"I was fortunate on a lot of holes I was not in between clubs, always hit good numbers.
"I played aggressive which was nice. I pretty much won the tournament on 18, before that I didn't know if I had won it already or not - because Freddie was still on the golf course.
"It was an OK year before, but now it's a good year."Martin Kaymer Quotes of the week
"I had a good start (to 2011) in Abu Dhabi at the HSBC tournament and now, almost done for the year, (winning) another HSBC tournament.
"It was an OK year before, but now it's a good year."
Earlier, Casey, rather than Kaymer, looked as if he would be the one to charge through for victory.
The Englishman made five birdies in six holes to turn in 31 and was just one behind teeing off at 13 before losing his rhythm.
McDowell overtook him for third place with birdies at 13, 15 and 16.
"If Martin Kaymer had not skipped the last couple of holes, we might all have had a chance," said McDowell. "He's an unbelievable frontrunner; when he gets a sniff of a win.
"He's pretty prolific and very clinical when it comes to finishing. Hats off to him as he's a classy player and was impossible to catch out there today."
Masters champion Schwartzel produced the best finish of the day, ending with five straight birdies - one more than he did at Augusta - to leap into a tie for fourth.
McIlroy, who had started with two birdies, joined him there after three birdies in his final four holes. The pre-tournament favourite's chances had ended with bogeys at 11 and 14.
Lee Westwood was the biggest disappointment of the day. The world number two was just four back at start of play but went to the turn in 40 and finished down in 13th after a closing 74.
Casey delight at 66
Paul Casey: Playing well again at an event in which he boasts a fine recordPaul Casey celebrated one of his best rounds of the year after he surged into contention at the WGC-HSBC Champions with a second-round 66. The Englishman lost his PGA Tour card after being hampered by a foot injury over the second half of the season, but he hit form in Shanghai as he returned an encouraging seven-birdie card.
The 34-year-old, who is just three shots behind leader Fredrik Jacobson heading into the weekend, says that he has had to alter his swing to take the pressure off his troublesome right foot.
But everything appeared to click in round two as he made a significant move up the leaderboard.
"That was one of the best rounds of golf I've had in a long time," said Casey, who has shown little form since lifting the Volvo Golf Champions in Bahrain in January.
"The golf I played is the golf I remember playing. I've been trying to keep my right foot down as long as possible - it doesn't hurt as much and it makes a massive difference.
"I can suddenly control where the golf ball is going."
Casey stormed to the turn in 32 and came home in 34 although will still feel that he left some shots out there. He ran up a bogey six at the 14th and missed a short birdie at the par five last.
China has been a happy hunting ground for the world number 22.
Two of his 11 European Tour wins have come there while, in this event, he's racked up five top 11 finishes in his six appearances
Casey is spearheading a strong English challenge so far this week.
He shares fifth place with American Bo Van Pelt, while it's just a shot back to world number two Lee Westwood in tied seventh.
A further shot in arrears - and just five off the pace in tied 11th - are the trio of Justin Rose, Ian Poulter and Simon Dyson.
It's been a bit of a different story for 20-year-old Tom Lewis, who slumped to a 78 in his first round in a WGC event on Thursday. However, he made a decent recovery on Friday, shooting a one-under 71 to finish at five-over.
Pakistan's cricket cheats are handed prison sentences, City cement top spot and Tigers continue to toil.
With yet more controversy surrounding Tiger Woods, Sky Bet have a host of Australian Open specials.
Now they have their cards, how will the 20 Challenge Tour graduates perform on the full European Tour in 2012?
Tseng turns down Puerto Rico
Yani Tseng: Will not be competing against the men at the PGA Tour's Puerto Rico Open next year.Women's world number one Yani Tseng is to turn down the opportunity to play at next year's Puerto Rico Open. The 22-year-old from Taiwan had been offered an invite to compete in the PGA Tour event which will take place at the Trump International Golf Club, Rio Grande in 2011.
Tseng herself had acknowledged she would like the chance to test herself against male players in a tournament at some stage in her career, but her camp insist it is still too early for such a step.
"We thank Sidney (Wolf, the tournament's general chairman), Chi Chi Rodriguez (the tournament's ambassador) and Puerto Rico for their interest, but it is too early in her career," stated Tseng's adviser Ernie Huang.
"Yani is still interested in men's tournaments, but not in the immediate future. "Yani Tseng's adviser Ernie Huang Quotes of the week
"Yani is still interested in men's tournaments, but not in the immediate future.
"She has other goals to accomplish, and she would like to remain focused on women's tournaments."
Responding to the news, Wolf said: "We made the offer for the right reasons. I was very happy that I was able to contact her team to give her the reasons for our invitation.
"We fully understand the decision. We want to thank everyone who was supportive of this opportunity."
Tseng is enjoying a quite remarkable season on the women's circuit having collected no fewer than 11 titles.
Pakistan's cricket cheats are handed prison sentences, City cement top spot and Tigers continue to toil.
With yet more controversy surrounding Tiger Woods, Sky Bet have a host of Australian Open specials.
Now they have their cards, how will the 20 Challenge Tour graduates perform on the full European Tour in 2012?