Wednesday, 30 November 2011

Johnson goes under the knife

American Dustin Johnson is expected to be sidelined until at least January after undergoing knee surgery on Tuesday.

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Cup weather fears played down

Organisers have played down fears of another weather-disrupted Ryder Cup match in Britain in 2014.

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US take World Cup glory

The USA's Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland held off a thrilling late burst from England to win the World Cup.

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Kuchar slips after Cup win

Matt Kuchar has slipped out of the world's top 10 despite lifting the World Cup with Gary Woodland on Sunday.

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Rory out to end Fanling wait

Rory McIlroy is aiming to put a series of near-misses behind him by finally landing the UBS Hong Kong Open this week.

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Hennie scrapes home

South African Hennie Otto bounced back from a back-nine meltdown to win the South African Open by a shot from Bernd Wiesberger.

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Kaymer staying in Europe

Martin Kaymer insists he will not follow the leads of Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood by committing himself to the PGA Tour.

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Ireland just ahead

Ireland missed a few chances and hold just a two-shot lead from Germany and South Africa at the Mission Hills World Cup.

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Kim takes Aussie lead

A third round of 67 took South Korean KT Kim into a one-shot lead at the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum.

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Tuesday, 29 November 2011

2014 Ryder Cup dates revealed

The 2014 Ryder Cup will take place from September 26 to September 28, organisers have announced.

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Aussies in bust-up over Cup

Robert Allenby and Geoff Ogilvy were involved in a heated row after the Australian PGA Championship on Sunday.

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Chalmers does it again

Greg Chalmers followed up his Aussie Open win by landing the Australian PGA Championship after a three-way playoff.

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Woodland targets Ryder debut

Gary Woodland has got his sights firmly set on a Ryder Cup debut in 2012 after his World Cup win alongside Matt Kuchar.

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Otto feeling right at home

Hennie Otto fired a round of 65 to take a three-shot lead heading into the final day of the South African Open in Ekurhuleni.

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Friday, 25 November 2011

Daly snubs South Africa offer

Two weeks after he walked out of the Australian Open, John Daly has turned down a chance to play in this week's South African Open.

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Bubba starts fast in Aussie PGA

Bubba Watson lies just one shot off the lead after carding a five-under 67 in the opening round of the Australian PGA.

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O'Hara makes his move

Scotland's Steven O'Hara took the first step towards retaining his Tour card with a seven-under-par 65 at the South African Open.

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World Cup R1 tee-times

Tee-off times in the first round of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup at Mission Hills GC in China.

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Irish flying in foursomes

Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell fired a 68 in the foursomes to join Australia in the lead at the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.

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Extra pressure for the Macs

Graeme McDowell admits he and Rory McIlroy will have to deal with the added pressure of favouritism at the World Cup of Golf.

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Wood targets Africa comeback

Chris Wood has revealed he is hopeful of making his competitive comeback from injury at the African Open in January.

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More star names for Thailand

Charl Schwartzel and Sergio Garcia have both signed up for the inaugural Thailand Golf Championship next month.

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Fraser holds halfway lead

Marcus Fraser holds a two-stroke lead from a clutch of big names at the Australian PGA Championship after round two.

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Fowler eyes Aussie win

Rickie Fowler is looking to build on his first pro win when he competes in this week's Australian PGA Championship.

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Els unconvinced by Tiger comeback

Ernie Els isn't getting carried away by Tiger Woods' impressive display in the Presidents Cup singles.

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Brothers eye Italian job

The Molinaris are hoping their brotherly chemistry can help secure a second consecutive World Cup title in China.

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Scot still scrapping

Steven O'Hara is still fighting for his Tour status after a second round 68 gave him sole lead of the South African Open.

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Rory torn between tournaments

Rory McIlroy has a dilemma to overcome after the Irish Open was moved to the same week as the US Tour event at Congressional.

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Aussies lead World Cup

Australia carded an 11-under 61 to take a two-shot lead after the first round of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.

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Liang wants unlikely win

Liang Wenchong insists that host nation China are capable of upsetting the odds and winning the World Cup this weekend.

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Tiger tumbles out of top 50

Tiger Woods has slipped back out of the world's top 50 after Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano finished second in Japan.

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South African Open R1 tee-times

Tee-off times in the first round of the South African Open at Serengeti Golf Club.

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Westy heading Stateside

Lee Westwood will divide his time between Europe and America next year after deciding to rejoin the PGA Tour in 2012.

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Thursday, 24 November 2011

Aussies lead World Cup

Australia carded an 11-under 61 to take a two-shot lead after the first round of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.

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O'Hara makes his move

Scotland's Steven O'Hara took the first step towards retaining his Tour card with a seven-under-par 65 at the South African Open.

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Bubba starts fast in Aussie PGA

Bubba Watson lies just one shot off the lead after carding a five-under 67 in the opening round of the Australian PGA.

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Wednesday, 23 November 2011

Westy heading Stateside

Lee Westwood will divide his time between Europe and America next year after deciding to rejoin the PGA Tour in 2012.

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Extra pressure for the Macs

Graeme McDowell admits he and Rory McIlroy will have to deal with the added pressure of favouritism at the World Cup of Golf.

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Els unconvinced by Tiger comeback

Ernie Els isn't getting carried away by Tiger Woods' impressive display in the Presidents Cup singles.

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Brothers eye Italian job

The Molinaris are hoping their brotherly chemistry can help secure a second consecutive World Cup title in China.

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Fowler eyes Aussie win

Rickie Fowler is looking to build on his first pro win when he competes in this week's Australian PGA Championship.

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Rory torn between tournaments

Rory McIlroy has a dilemma to overcome after the Irish Open was moved to the same week as the US Tour event at Congressional.

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Wood targets Africa comeback

Chris Wood has revealed he is hopeful of making his competitive comeback from injury at the African Open in January.

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Daly snubs South Africa offer

Two weeks after he walked out of the Australian Open, John Daly has turned down a chance to play in this week's South African Open.

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South African Open R1 tee-times

Tee-off times in the first round of the South African Open at Serengeti Golf Club.

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More star names for Thailand

Charl Schwartzel and Sergio Garcia have both signed up for the inaugural Thailand Golf Championship next month.

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World Cup R1 tee-times

Tee-off times in the first round of the Omega Mission Hills World Cup at Mission Hills GC in China.

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Monday, 21 November 2011

Chopra clear in Malaysia

Daniel Chopra of Sweden holds the aces at the weather-hit Iskandar Johor Open in Malaysia after taking a four-shot lead.

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Four-shot win for Muto

Toshinori Muto produced a stunning final round of 63 to win the Dunlop Phoenix 2011 by four strokes.

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USA retain Presidents Cup

Tiger Woods secured the decisive point as the United States retained the Presidents Cup.

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Jbe cashes in on Coetzee collapse

Jbe Kruger is four shots clear after the second round of the Alfred Dunhill Championship following a late collapse from George Coetzee.

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Couples - No Tiger concerns

Fred Couples has laughed off concerns about the form of Tiger Woods after seeing his wildcard lose for the second day running.

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Mulroy holds his nerve

South African Garth Mulroy won his first European Tour title with a two-shot victory over Scot George Murray at Leopard Creek.

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Norman - They kicked our butts

Internationals team captain Greg Norman did not mince his words after the United States retained the Presidents Cup.

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Bubba and Rickie eye Oz success

Bubba Watson and and Rickie Fowler will be looking to score another American victory in Australia this week.

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Gonzalo on track as G-Mac struggles

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano holds a one-stroke lead at the midway point of the Dunlop Phoenix.

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Johor joy for Luiten

Joost Luiten claimed his maiden European Tour title with a one-shot win at the Iskandar Johor Open.

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Norman - Golf needs Woods

Greg Norman is hoping that Tiger Woods is on his way back to his best following his impressive finish in Melbourne.

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No play at Miyazaki

The Dunlop Phoenix has been reduced to 54 holes after Saturday's play was cancelled due to rain.

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Bjorn to miss World Cup

Thomas Bjorn will miss this week's Omega Mission Hills World Cup in China due to a neck injury.

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Harrington on the charge

Padraig Harrington carded a second round 67 to move within two shots of leader Daniel Chopra at the Iskandar Johor Open.

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Tiger tumbles out of top 50

Tiger Woods has slipped back out of the world's top 50 after Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano finished second in Japan.

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Major winners target WC glory

Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel will team up for the first time in the professional ranks in this week's World Cup.

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USA on the brink in Melbourne

Tiger Woods picked up his first point of the Presidents Cup as the United States opened up a 13-9 lead on Saturday at Royal Melbourne.

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Mulroy surges two clear

Garth Mulroy fired an eight-under-par 64 to ensure he will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the Alfred Dunhill Championship.

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Liang wants unlikely win

Liang Wenchong insists that host nation China are capable of upsetting the odds and winning the World Cup this weekend.

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Thursday, 17 November 2011

Mickelson - We're underdogs

Phil Mickelson insists America will head into this week's Presidents Cup as underdogs despite having dominated the event.

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Brilliant Benson, poor Pablo

Seve Benson claimed a share of the lead at the Alfred Dunhill Championship, but Pablo Martin opened his title defence with an 81.

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Fernandez-Castano wins Singapore crown

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano birdied the second play-off hole to edge out Juvic Pagunsan and win the weather-delayed Singapore Open.

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Martin looks for three in a row

Pablo Martin will be trying to join an exclusive group this week by claiming a hat-trick of wins at the Alfred Dunhill Championship.

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Pod predicts tough defence

Padraig Harrington claims he will have to produce some of his very best golf to defend his Iskandar Johor Open title this week.

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Norman targets important win

Greg Norman feels his International team need to emerge triumphant at the Presidents Cup for the credibility of the contest.

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Korea to host 2015 Cup

South Korea will become the first Asian country to host the Presidents Cup when the event is staged in 2015.

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Harrington makes strong start

Defending champion Padraig Harrington is one shot behind leader Joost Luiten after the first round of the Iskandar Johor Open.

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Kim - The future's bright

Anthony Kim has endured plenty of lows over the past 12 months, but feels he's now on course to hit new highs.

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Yang slams Melbourne greens

YE Yang has lebelled the greens at the Royal Melbourne as 'monstrous' ahead of the Presidents Cup.

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Singapore play-off suspended

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and Juvic Pagunsan will finish their Singapore Open play-off on Monday.

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US shine in Presidents Cup

Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker were thrashed but the US lead 4-2 after day one of the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne.

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Governing bodies agree merger

The merger of the English Golf Union and the English Women's Golf Association was approved on Wednesday.

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Stricker up for the Cup

Steve Stricker has declared himself fit to play for the United States in this week's Presidents Cup in Melbourne.

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Woods set for Abu Dhabi debut

Tiger Woods has signed up to make his debut in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship next January.

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New partner for Woods?

Despite a perfect record last time out, Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker are not certain to play every match together in Melbourne.

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Tiger ready for Scott clash

Tiger Woods insists he would have no problem in being paired against Adam Scott and Steve Williams during the Presidents Cup.

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Tiger back in world's top 50

Tiger Woods has returned to the top 50 in the world rankings after finishing third at the Australian Open in Sydney.

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Woods to face Scott

Tiger Woods has been drawn against Adam Scott and his former caddie Steve Williams in the opening foursomes in the Presidents Cup.

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Yang slams Melbourne greens

YE Yang has lebelled the greens at the Royal Melbourne as 'monstrous' ahead of the Presidents Cup.

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Norman targets important win

Greg Norman feels his International team need to emerge triumphant at the Presidents Cup for the credibility of the contest.

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US shine in Presidents Cup

Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker were thrashed but the US lead 4-2 after day one of the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne.

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Stricker up for the Cup

Steve Stricker has declared himself fit to play for the United States in this week's Presidents Cup in Melbourne.

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Woods to face Scott

Tiger Woods has been drawn against Adam Scott and his former caddie Steve Williams in the opening foursomes in the Presidents Cup.

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Tiger ready for Scott clash

Tiger Woods insists he would have no problem in being paired against Adam Scott and Steve Williams during the Presidents Cup.

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Governing bodies agree merger

The merger of the English Golf Union and the English Women's Golf Association was approved on Wednesday.

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Woods set for Abu Dhabi debut

Tiger Woods has signed up to make his debut in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship next January.

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Tiger back in world's top 50

Tiger Woods has returned to the top 50 in the world rankings after finishing third at the Australian Open in Sydney.

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Singapore play-off suspended

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and Juvic Pagunsan will finish their Singapore Open play-off on Monday.

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New partner for Woods?

Despite a perfect record last time out, Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker are not certain to play every match together in Melbourne.

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Pod predicts tough defence

Padraig Harrington claims he will have to produce some of his very best golf to defend his Iskandar Johor Open title this week.

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Fernandez-Castano wins Singapore crown

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano birdied the second play-off hole to edge out Juvic Pagunsan and win the weather-delayed Singapore Open.

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Mickelson - We're underdogs

Phil Mickelson insists America will head into this week's Presidents Cup as underdogs despite having dominated the event.

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Korea to host 2015 Cup

South Korea will become the first Asian country to host the Presidents Cup when the event is staged in 2015.

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Martin looks for three in a row

Pablo Martin will be trying to join an exclusive group this week by claiming a hat-trick of wins at the Alfred Dunhill Championship.

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Kim - The future's bright

Anthony Kim has endured plenty of lows over the past 12 months, but feels he's now on course to hit new highs.

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Harrington makes strong start

Defending champion Padraig Harrington is one shot behind leader Joost Luiten after the first round of the Iskandar Johor Open.

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Brilliant Benson, poor Pablo

Seve Benson claimed a share of the lead at the Alfred Dunhill Championship, but Pablo Martin opened his title defence with an 81.

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Wednesday, 16 November 2011

Yang slams Melbourne greens

YE Yang has lebelled the greens at the Royal Melbourne as 'monstrous' ahead of the Presidents Cup.

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Mickelson - We're underdogs

Phil Mickelson insists America will head into this week's Presidents Cup as underdogs despite having dominated the event.

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Governing bodies agree merger

The merger of the English Golf Union and the English Women's Golf Association was approved on Wednesday.

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Korea to host 2015 Cup

South Korea will become the first Asian country to host the Presidents Cup when the event is staged in 2015.

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New partner for Woods?

Despite a perfect record last time out, Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker are not certain to play every match together in Melbourne.

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Pod predicts tough defence

Padraig Harrington claims he will have to produce some of his very best golf to defend his Iskandar Johor Open title this week.

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Woods to face Scott

Tiger Woods has been drawn against Adam Scott and his former caddie Steve Williams in the opening foursomes in the Presidents Cup.

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Norman targets important win

Greg Norman feels his International team need to emerge triumphant at the Presidents Cup for the credibility of the contest.

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Kim - The future's bright

Anthony Kim has endured plenty of lows over the past 12 months, but feels he's now on course to hit new highs.

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Martin looks for three in a row

Pablo Martin will be trying to join an exclusive group this week by claiming a hat-trick of wins at the Alfred Dunhill Championship.

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Woods set for Abu Dhabi debut

Tiger Woods has signed up to make his debut in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship next January.

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Tiger ready for Scott clash

Tiger Woods insists he would have no problem in being paired against Adam Scott and Steve Williams during the Presidents Cup.

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Monday, 14 November 2011

Morrison moves into Singapore lead

James Morrison held the clubhouse lead at 12-under when fading light halted play for the day at the weather-hit Singapore Open.

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Mickelson eyes Singapore success

Phil Mickelson hopes a month-long break will help ignite a worthy title charge at the $6 million Barclays Singapore Open.

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Tiger back in world's top 50

Tiger Woods has returned to the top 50 in the world rankings after finishing third at the Australian Open in Sydney.

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Stricker up for the Cup

Steve Stricker has declared himself fit to play for the United States in this week's Presidents Cup in Melbourne.

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Fernandez-Castano wins Singapore crown

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano birdied the second play-off hole to edge out Juvic Pagunsan and win the weather-delayed Singapore Open.

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Strong start for Tiger in Sydney

Tiger Woods - seeking a first win in two years - made a bright start to the Australian Open at The Lakes on Thursday.

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Molinari sizzles in Singapore

A stunning first round of 62 fired Edoardo Molinari into a share of the lead at the Singapore Open.

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Tiger roars into Aussie Open lead

Tiger Woods stormed to the top of the Australian Open leaderboard after shooting a five-under 67 in Sydney.

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Singapore play-off suspended

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and Juvic Pagunsan will finish their Singapore Open play-off on Monday.

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Mahan withdraws in Sydney

Hunter Mahan has withdrawn from the Australian Open with a neck injury, but insists he should be available for the Presidents Cup.

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Singapore Open R1 tee-times

Tee-off times in the first round of the European Tour Barclays Singapore Open.

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Chalmers lands Aussie title

Greg Chalmers won the Australian Open by a shot from John Senden, with a charging Tiger Woods finishing two behind.

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Spaniard storms clear

Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano moved into a three-shot lead before bad weather wiped out day three at the Singapore Open.

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Australian Open R1 tee-times

Tee-off times in the first round of the Australian Open at the Lakes near Sydney.

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Senden shines, Woods falls

John Senden fired a nine-under-par 63 to move into a one-shot lead at the end of the third round of the Australian Open.

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Tiger no longer a huge drawcard

Only a modest crowd of around 250 turned out to follow Tiger Woods during his pro-am round at the Australian Open.

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Daly storms out of Aussie Open

John Daly caused uproar at the Australian Open after he walked off the course during his opening round.

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Tiger still believes

Former world number one Tiger Woods is confident he can once again dominate the game despite his two-year slump in form.

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Lefty to enter Hall of Fame

Four-time major winner Phil Mickelson is to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame next year, it has been announced.

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Thursday, 10 November 2011

Strong start for Tiger in Sydney

Tiger Woods - seeking a first win in two years - made a bright start to the Australian Open at The Lakes on Thursday.

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Kaymer: Donald so good

Martin Kaymer admitted Luke Donald will be difficult to catch at the top of the world rankings.

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Tiger no longer a huge drawcard

Only a modest crowd of around 250 turned out to follow Tiger Woods during his pro-am round at the Australian Open.

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Daly storms out of Aussie Open

John Daly caused uproar at the Australian Open after he walked off the course during his opening round.

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McIlroy's career-high ranking

Rory McIlroy is up to second in the world rankings after his fourth-place finish in the HSBC Champions event in Shanghai.

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Molinari sizzles in Singapore

A stunning first round of 62 fired Edoardo Molinari into a share of the lead at the Singapore Open.

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Padraig trying to stay patient

Padraig Harrington says patience is the key as he bids to end a 13-month winless streak at this week's Barclays Singapore Open.

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Mickelson eyes Singapore success

Phil Mickelson hopes a month-long break will help ignite a worthy title charge at the $6 million Barclays Singapore Open.

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Lefty to enter Hall of Fame

Four-time major winner Phil Mickelson is to be inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame next year, it has been announced.

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Mahan withdraws in Sydney

Hunter Mahan has withdrawn from the Australian Open with a neck injury, but insists he should be available for the Presidents Cup.

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Woods: Williams not a racist

Tiger Woods and Steve Williams have held clear-the-air talks after the former caddie apologised for racist comments made last week.

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Woods to face the media

Tiger Woods will give his first press conference on Monday since his former caddie Steve Williams made a racist remark about him.

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Singapore Open R1 tee-times

Tee-off times in the first round of the European Tour Barclays Singapore Open.

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Scott: Williams matter closed

Adam Scott has defended his decision not to sack Steve Williams in the wake of last week's race row.

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Tseng turns down Puerto Rico

Women's world number one Yani Tseng is to turn down the opportunity to play at the PGA Tour's Puerto Rico Open next year.

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Tiger & Scott to be kept apart

Tiger Woods will not be paired with Adam Scott and former caddie Steve Williams at this week's Australian Open in Sydney.

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Williams case closed - Tours

Steve Williams will face no disciplinary action from the European or PGA Tours over his comments about Tiger Woods.

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Tiger still believes

Former world number one Tiger Woods is confident he can once again dominate the game despite his two-year slump in form.

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Australian Open R1 tee-times

Tee-off times in the first round of the Australian Open at the Lakes near Sydney.

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Tuesday, 8 November 2011

Tiger - I was lucky to get pick

Last Updated: November 3, 2011 12:17pm

Image text here Tiger Woods: Got the nod from Fred Couples and wants to repay faith

Tiger 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.

Up to the challenge?

Now they have their cards, how will the 20 Challenge Tour graduates perform on the full European Tour in 2012?

Good Week/Bad Week

Pakistan's cricket cheats are handed prison sentences, City cement top spot and Tigers continue to toil.

Singapore stat pack

A preview and all the key statistics for this week's Barclays Singapore Open in Sentosa.


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Stricker still determined to play

Image text here 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."


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Tseng to take on the boys?

By Mark Kendall - Twitter: @SkySportsMK.   Last Updated: November 4, 2011 4:33pm

Image text here 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."

Good Week/Bad Week

Pakistan's cricket cheats are handed prison sentences, City cement top spot and Tigers continue to toil.

Singapore stat pack

A preview and all the key statistics for this week's Barclays Singapore Open in Sentosa.

What next for Tiger?

How does the future look for Tiger Woods? Denis Pugh, Rob Lee and Skybet's John Rhodes give their views.


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Flying Freddie leads in Shanghai

Fredrik Jacobson is the halfway leader at the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai after a sparkling second round 66.

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.


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Bradley having to pinch himself

Last Updated: November 3, 2011 9:54am

Image text here Keegan Bradley (right): Outscored playing partner Lee Westwood by four shots in round one

HSBC 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."

Up to the challenge?

Now they have their cards, how will the 20 Challenge Tour graduates perform on the full European Tour in 2012?

Good Week/Bad Week

Pakistan's cricket cheats are handed prison sentences, City cement top spot and Tigers continue to toil.

Singapore stat pack

A preview and all the key statistics for this week's Barclays Singapore Open in Sentosa.


View the original article here

HSBC Champions R4 tee-times

Tee-off times in the final round of the WGC - HSBC Champions, Sheshan International GC, Shanghai, China (USA unless stated, all times Local, eight hours ahead of GMT) (x) denotes amateurs:

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)


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Tiger's former caddie says sorry

Caddie Steve Williams has apologised for making alleged racial remarks about former employer Tiger Woods at an awards ceremony in Shanghai on Friday.

"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.


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Freddie eyes Ryder Cup bid

Last Updated: November 4, 2011 11:04am

Image text here Fredrik Jacobson: 2012 Ryder Cup now a real ambition

Fredrik 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."

Up to the challenge?

Now they have their cards, how will the 20 Challenge Tour graduates perform on the full European Tour in 2012?

Good Week/Bad Week

Pakistan's cricket cheats are handed prison sentences, City cement top spot and Tigers continue to toil.

Singapore stat pack

A preview and all the key statistics for this week's Barclays Singapore Open in Sentosa.


View the original article here

Freddie leads as big guns loom

Swede Fredrik Jacobson is still the man they all have to catch at the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai - but the big names are in position to hunt him down in Sunday's final round.

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.


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Awesome Kaymer takes HSBC victory

Martin Kaymer produced an astonishing birdie blitz to win the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai with a closing nine-under 63.

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.


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Casey delight at 66

Last Updated: November 4, 2011 3:15pm

Image text here Paul Casey: Playing well again at an event in which he boasts a fine record

Paul 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.

Good Week/Bad Week

Pakistan's cricket cheats are handed prison sentences, City cement top spot and Tigers continue to toil.

Rising Down Under?

With yet more controversy surrounding Tiger Woods, Sky Bet have a host of Australian Open specials.

Up to the challenge?

Now they have their cards, how will the 20 Challenge Tour graduates perform on the full European Tour in 2012?


View the original article here

McIlroy's career-high ranking


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Tseng turns down Puerto Rico

By Mark Kendall - Twitter: @SkySportsMK.   Last Updated: November 7, 2011 10:39pm

Image text here 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.

Good Week/Bad Week

Pakistan's cricket cheats are handed prison sentences, City cement top spot and Tigers continue to toil.

Rising Down Under?

With yet more controversy surrounding Tiger Woods, Sky Bet have a host of Australian Open specials.

Up to the challenge?

Now they have their cards, how will the 20 Challenge Tour graduates perform on the full European Tour in 2012?


View the original article here

Padraig trying to stay patient

Three-time major champion Padraig Harrington says patience is the key as he bids to end a 13-month winless streak at the US$6 million Barclays Singapore Open which starts on Thursday.

The Irishman has endured a relatively quiet season by his lofty standards but a return to Asia's richest national championship at the Sentosa Golf Club will provide him with the perfect opportunity to end the year on a high note.

Harrington, who finished second in the Barclays Singapore Open in 2008, will be amongst a star-studded line-up which includes fellow major winners Phil Mickelson of the United States, Korea's YE Yang, Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland and South African trio Ernie Els, a two-time runner-up at Sentosa, Louis Oosthuizen and Retief Goosen.

"You need a few putts to drop. It's the difference between winning and doing okay in an event."
Harrington on trying to get another '1' on the board Quotes of the week

"I feel good about the game. But I want to get more out of my scores. I've been playing a bit better than my score. Just maybe hole one or two more putts. I walk out from a lot of rounds thinking I could have been two shots better," said the 40-year-old.

His last victory was achieved at the Iskandar Johor Open in Malaysia, which he will defend next week, but since then he has registered only four top-10s around the world with an eighth place at last month's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship equalling his best of the year.

"I played well in practice for a good 18 months but have not performed on the golf course," said Harrington. "Last tournament I played, I finished eighth and I missed 21 putts from about 12 to 15 feet and that's a lot of putts. You need a few putts to drop. It's the difference between winning and doing okay in an event."

He knows the he must stay patient to get back onto the winner's trail at the Barclays Singapore Open, which is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

Harrington recalled as a prime example the 2008 edition where he three putted the final green to lose by a shot to India's Jeev Milkha Singh.

"I would say it was one of the worst mental errors in my career that I've ever made. Hit a beautiful second shot and got stuck on the bank. On another day, it would have come back to three feet and I would have had a putt for the outright win. I'm so frustrated and I three putted the hole.

"Ninety times in a hundred, I would get down in two and get into a play-off. When you do that to yourself, you make bad things happen to yourself. You have to be patient and wait for it to happen. I'm trying to be patient. I know there are good times ahead," said Harrington.

Asian specialist Simon Dyson is confident of adding the Barclays Singapore Open to the four titles he has won in the region.

The Englishman landed the Asian Tour Order of Merit in 2000 to cap off a great year that featured three victories in Hong Kong, Macau and China.

Dyson has triumphed twice this year - at the Irish Open and KLM Open - and feels that he can win every time he tees it up.

"Last year I would have come here thinking about trying to make the cut first and foremost but this year I am looking to win the thing from the start," he said.

"If I can stay fit and rested - because it can be a long old week with weather delays, the heat and everything - then I can definitely win."

Dyson, a six-time winner on the European Tour, said that a win at Sentosa could help him break into the elite level.

"I definitely have the game for it. I know that now. Just need a little bit of luck along the way and you never know, could quite easily get into the Top-20 and you never know after that," he said.

Dyson finished joint 10th in the Barclays Singapore Open in 2008 but missed the cut last year.

"It's very nice to be back here. I was 10th here three years ago when it was just the one course," he said.

"Then last year I played but missed by a shot. I didn't do the damage on the easier Tanjong Course and shot level par and then had a decent round on The Serapong Course but it wasn't good enough."


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Woods to face the media

Last Updated: November 7, 2011 8:28am

Image text here Tiger Woods: Set to face the media

Tiger Woods will give his first press conference on Monday since his former caddie Steve Williams made a racist remark about him.

It is unclear whether the former world No.1 will talk about the matter, with the conference in Sydney (scheduled for 11.30pm GMT) called to discuss the forthcoming Australian Open.

New Zealander Williams made the remark about Woods at a caddies' awards dinner in Shanghai last Friday, where he was carrying the bag for Australian Adam Scott at the WGC-HSBC Champions tournament having parted company with Woods in July.

Despite the International Federation of PGA Tours releasing a statement condemning the comment as "entirely unacceptable" on Sunday, neither they nor Scott are planning to take any action against Williams.

Scott, quoted in this morning's Daily Telegraph, said: "I don't see it being an issue moving forward.

"I think from my side of things and my teams (of sponsors), the matter has been put to bed. I've got nothing more to talk about it with anyone. So I'm moving on."

Another Australian golfer, Greg Norman, has also defended Williams.

"Steve's not a racist," said Norman, who has previously employed Williams to carry his bag.

"We've all made stupid comments at stupid times. Unfortunately his stupid comment became global news. I know he probably regrets saying it.

"But I guarantee in that room that night there was probably some heavier things said."

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Tiger & Scott to be kept apart

By Mark Kendall - Twitter: @SkySportsMK.   Last Updated: November 7, 2011 8:42pm

Image text here Adam Scott (L) playing with Tiger Woods (R) at the 2008 US Open at Torrey Pines.

Tiger Woods will not be paired with Adam Scott and former caddie Steve Williams at this week's Australian Open in Sydney.

The former world number one is making his first appearance at the event as he builds up to the Presidents Cup which takes place in Melbourne later this month.

Woods and local favourite Scott are undoubtedly the two marquee attractions for the event at The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney.

However, tournament organisers have confirmed the duo will not be placed together for the first two rounds, but insist that decision was not taken on the back of the row caused by Williams' recent racial slur against Woods.

"It has nothing to do with the incident that was spoken about over the weekend," explained tournament director Tony Roosenburg.

"It was never going to happen anyway. No chance."

"Steve's not a racist. We've all made stupid comments at stupid times. Unfortunately his stupid comment became global news. I know he probably regrets saying it."
Greg Norman on Steve Williams Quotes of the week

Williams - with whom Woods won 13 majors before terminating their relationship earlier this year - made his inflammatory comment at the annual caddies' award dinner on Friday.

The New Zealander has been widely condemned but, following an apology from the caddie, Scott has refused to sack him and he will be at the side of the world number eight in Sydney.

That is a decision which has received the backing of Scott's compatriot and former world number one Greg Norman.

Williams spent time on the bag of the Great White Shark during his stellar career and Norman - who will captain the International team at the Presidents Cup - claims Scott should not be judged for the incident.

"Adam's a professional," stated Norman. "Whatever Steve's said was Steve's opinion, not Adam's.

"Steve obviously does a great job for Adam because Adam's been playing some great golf since Steve's been on his bag. I don't think there's any issue between Tiger and Adam at all."

"I hope it gets resolved. Golf doesn't need it. Golf needs Tiger back playing great golf like he used to."

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View the original article here

Williams case closed - Tours

Last Updated: November 6, 2011 11:33am

Image text here Steve Williams: will not be disciplined for comments about Tiger Woods

Golf bosses have described caddie Steve Williams' controversial remark about former employer Tiger Woods as "entirely unacceptable" but will not be taking the matter further following the New Zealander's apology, it was announced on Sunday.

Williams, who was sacked by the ex-world number one during the summer after 13 years together and is now caddie for Australian Adam Scott, disparaged Woods at a caddies' awards dinner in Shanghai on Friday night.

He had told the audience that the aim of his celebration when Scott won a world championship in August was "to shove it right up that black ********".

Williams subsequently issued an apology on his website while admitting the comments "could be construed as racist".

The incident has attracted international criticism but the 47-year-old looks to have escaped any official sanction from the PGA and European tours.

A joint statement from European Tour chief George O'Grady and PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem on behalf of the International Federation of PGA Tours, released following the end of the WGC-HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai, read: "The International Federation of PGA Tours feels strongly there is no place for any form of racism in ours or any other sport.

"We consider the remarks of Steve Williams, as reported, entirely unacceptable in whatever context.

"We are aware that he has apologised fully and we trust we will not hear such remarks again. Based on this, we consider the matter closed, and we will have no further comment."

Good Week/Bad Week

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How does the future look for Tiger Woods? Denis Pugh, Rob Lee and Skybet's John Rhodes give their views.


View the original article here

Woods: Williams not a racist

Tiger Woods and Steve Williams have held clear-the-air talks after the former caddie apologised for racist comments made last week.

Williams, who was sacked by the ex-world number one during the summer after 13 years together and is now caddy for Australian Adam Scott, made the comments at a caddies awards dinner in Shanghai on Friday.

"Stevie is certainly not a racist - there's no doubt about that."
Woods on Williams Quotes of the week

But Woods, speaking publicly about the incident for the first time, told a media conference at the Australian Open: "Stevie is certainly not a racist - there's no doubt about that.

"It was a comment that shouldn't have been made and certainly one he wishes he didn't make."

Woods and Williams met on Tuesday to discuss the controversial comments, and Woods is now keen to move on from the issue.

"We talked this morning," said the American, who has slipped to number 58 in the world rankings. "We met face-to-face, and we talked it through. We shook hands.

"Obviously it was the wrong thing to say. That's something that we both acknowledge now. We'll move forward.

"He did apologise. It was hurtful, but life goes forward.

"It's one of those things. We'll see what time does. Time does heal wounds and we'll see how that goes."

Williams served as Woods' caddie for 13 years, and for 13 of his 14 major wins, before a fractious parting of ways this summer.

Asked how their relationship had deteriorated so badly, Woods said: "I don't know that one.

"For me personally, it was a tough decision to make to go in a different direction. Personally, I don't know how it could have happened the way it did, but it did."

Williams will not face sanctions from the PGA Tour, but Woods chose not to comment on the rights and wrongs of that decision.

"Well I don't make policy, I'm not part of the governing bodies and it's up to them," he said.

"I believe they've released a statement but it's up to them to make sanctions or whatever on that subject."

A joint statement on Sunday from European Tour chief George O'Grady and PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem on behalf of the International Federation of PGA Tours read: "The International Federation of PGA Tours feels strongly there is no place for any form of racism in ours or any other sport.

"We consider the remarks of Steve Williams, as reported, entirely unacceptable in whatever context.

"We are aware that he has apologised fully and we trust we will not hear such remarks again. Based on this, we consider the matter closed, and we will have no further comment."


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Kaymer: Donald so good

Last Updated: November 6, 2011 1:09pm

Image text here Kaymer: Donald a deserving number one

Martin Kaymer admitted Luke Donald will be difficult to catch at the top of the world rankings.

The Englishman's position is not under threat despite missing this weekend's HSBC Champions as well as the next two events as he awaits the birth of his second child.

Kaymer himself became world number one for the first time early in 2011 but after a quiet summer is now back up to fourth following his success in Shanghai on Sunday.

But the German paid tribute to Donald, who beat him in the final of the WGC World Match Play in the spring and whose consistency has earned him top spot.

"Obviously Luke is a very nice guy and he deserves to be number one in the world," Kaymer told www.europeantour.com.

"He deserves to be number one in Europe. It will be difficult (to catch him), but that is what the sport is about, to challenge yourself, challenge the other players that you play with week in, week out, and of course I will try to give him a hard time.

"We'll see. It's not easy to get him away from the number one spot."

Graeme McDowell, who finished third in Shanghai with a round of 67, heaped praise on Kaymer, who was winning for the ninth time on the European Tour.

"If Martin Kaymer had not skipped the last couple of holes, we might all have had a chance. He's an unbelievable frontrunner when he gets a sniff of a win," said McDowell.

"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."

Up to the challenge?

Now they have their cards, how will the 20 Challenge Tour graduates perform on the full European Tour in 2012?

Good Week/Bad Week

Pakistan's cricket cheats are handed prison sentences, City cement top spot and Tigers continue to toil.

Singapore stat pack

A preview and all the key statistics for this week's Barclays Singapore Open in Sentosa.


View the original article here