Monday, September 16, 2013

Johnson wins BMW Championship title

 Zach Johnson fired a six-under par 65 Monday to win the U.S. PGA's BMW Championship.

(CNN) -- Zach Johnson took a step nearer the $10 million end of season prize after claiming victory at the rain-delayed BMW Championship in Chicago Monday.

The 2007 Masters champion, finished the final day with a six-under 65 to secure a two-shot victory over Nick Watney and leave him needing victory at Thursday's Tour Championship to secure the riches of the FedEx Cup.

Johnson, 37, pocketed a cool $1.44 million prize after clinching the 10th title of his career, his first since last year's John Deere Classic.

Difficult

"It's extremely difficult," Johnson told reporters after being asked about the challenges of the Tour.

"The parity on the tour and in the world is second to none. I'm just thankful it has been 10 years and hopefully many more."

While there was joy for Johnson, there was yet more frustration for overnight leader Jim Fuyk.

Furyk's three-year wait for a title goes on following a final round of 71 which left him in third.

After losing out to Jason Dufner at last month's PGA Championship, Furyk missed out on a 16th career title.

History

The American had made history Friday by becoming just the sixth man on the PGA Tour to card a 59, but he failed to shine as Johnson and Watney accelerated.

While Furyk endured a dismal final day, Watney holed eight birdies to earn a second place finish and move up from 34th to 12th in the FedEx Cup standings.

"I knew I needed to have a good week," he told reporters.

"The guys ahead of me were ahead of me for a reason. They've been playing well all year. Luckily for me I kind of pulled everything together."

Woods

Tiger Woods finished with a round of 71 to leave him on nine under for the tournament, while Luke Donald booked his place at the Tour Championship with a 66 to qualify 29th out of 30.

Thirty players will compete at East Lake Country Club in Atlanta later this week for the chance to win the $10 million playoff bonus.


Via: Johnson wins BMW Championship title

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Pettersen holds off Ko for Evian glory

Norway's Suzann Pettersen enjoys the spoils of success after claiming the final women's major of the season.

(CNN) -- Suzann Pettersen denied 16-year-old amateur Lydia Ko a fairtytale first major triumph as the Norwegian took the Evian Championship in France Sunday.

The 32-year-old Norwegian carded a final round 68 to hold off Ko in the fifth and final major of the women's season.

The tournament -- which was awarded major status for the first time this year -- had been reduced to 54 holes due to inclement weather conditions.

Pettersen's 10-under-par total of 203 left her two shots clear of New Zealand's Ko, who was born in South Korea.

Ko, a prodigious teenage talent, has already accumulated four wins on the professional LPGA Tour, but could not match her more experienced rival on the final day, carding a one-under 70.

As overnight leader Mika Miyazato of Japan fell away to a 79, Ko hit the front with a birdie at the first hole.

But Pettersen, one of the stars of Europe's Solheim Cup win last month, went ahead with a birdie at the eighth.

She had a brief scare when finding the trees on the par four 17th but recovered to wrap up her second career major crown.

Read: Europe crush U.S. to win Solheim Cup

"It's great to win another major and this one has definitely been well worth waiting for," Pettersen said.

Ko, who broke records when she won the Canadian Open last year at 15 years and four months, refused to be downhearted.

"It has been a great week," she said. "I didn't take all my chances but Suzann played really well."

Another talented teen, American Lexi Thompson, carded a final round 68 to claim third place on six under.

But World No.1 Park Inbee of South Korea, was never in serious contention as she strove to become the first player to win four majors in a season.

Park, who won the first three majors of the season, finished tied 67th on eight over.

On the men's European Tour, home player Joost Luiten captured the Dutch Open at Zandvoort after a playoff with evergreen Spanish veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez.

It was Luiten's second win of the season and came after he tied with Jimenez on 12-under in regulation play.

Read: There's more to life than golf - Jimenez

He only needed to two putt for a par at the first extra hole to seal an emotional triumph as 49-year-old Jimenez overhit his birdie attempt and missed the six-foot return.

"Winning your home Open is like winning a major and this is how this win feels," said the 27-year-old Luiten

"I went close a few years ago in but to win now feels just unbelievable and I think it won't be later tonight when it all sinks in."

Former three-time champion Simon Dyson finished in a tie for third with fellow Englishman Ross Fisher, Ireland's Damien McGrane and France's Gregory Havret -- three shots adrift.


Via: Pettersen holds off Ko for Evian glory

Friday, September 13, 2013

Furyk makes history at Conway Farms

Jim Furyk entered the record books by becoming the sixth man in golf to shoot a 59.

(CNN) -- Jim Furyk has won a major and was in the top 10 in the rankings for about a decade but lately he's been known for near misses instead of big titles.

He couldn't maintain his advantage heading into the final round of this year's PGA Championship and also blew a lead at last year's U.S. Open.

Furyk, however, didn't falter at the BMW Championship on Friday as he became only the sixth man on the PGA Tour to card a 59. He must like competing in Illinois, since he captured the U.S. Open 10 years ago in the same state.

Furyk struck 11 birdies and an eagle in his second round.

Although he cooled after firing a 28 in his first nine holes, Furyk birdied the ninth -- a short putt -- to tie the record that was last matched in 2010 by Paul Goydos and Stuart Appleby.

The crowd at Conway Farms roared its approval and Jason Dufner was one of those rooting for Furyk. At the PGA Championship it was Furyk who congratulated Dufner, the winner.

Read: Dufner rallies past Furyk at PGA Championship

"I just told myself on nine, 'How many opportunities in your life are you going to have to do this ever again?'" Furyk said in a televised interview shown by Sky Sports.

"It'll sink in later," the 43-year-old added. "I'm excited. The second part of that is I'll have to calm down later on tonight and realize I've got myself in contention in a golf tournament. I'll enjoy this one for a few hours at least and have fun with it."

Indeed based on his first-round showing, there was no hint of what was to come. Furyk, now the world's 15th-ranked golfer, struggled Thursday, carding a one-over-par 72, and he was nine shots behind overnight leader Brandt Snedeker.

Now he is tied for the lead with his fellow American.

The highlight of Furyk's round had to be an eagle on the 15th.

"I watched the gallery and they started standing up and the arms went up, and that's how I knew it went in," said Furyk, who won the last of his 16 PGA titles in 2010.

"Usually on Sundays I don't ever sleep, whether I play good or poorly. I'm always running back the moments of the day I could have improved -- there's not much I could have improved today so I think I'll sleep well."

Furyk and Snedeker hold a three-shot lead over Zach Johnson while world No. 1 Tiger Woods is seven shots behind.

Rory McIlroy's poor season continued as he's in 70th -- last place. But with no cut, he is guaranteed two more rounds.


Via: Furyk makes history at Conway Farms

From football to golf for 'Sheva'

Ukrainian star Andriy Shevchenko started playing golf to escape the pressures of football.

(CNN) -- Andriy Shevchenko has returned to pro sports.

But not in football -- and not to the standard of success he has been used to.

The former European player of the year is competing in his first professional golf tournament as part of the Kharkov Superior Cup in his native Ukraine, but struggled to a 12-over-par 84 in Thursday's opening round.

"It's a completely different game when you are under pressure, but I really enjoyed it still and so happy to be at this tournament, even if my scoring didn't go so good. It's a great experience for me," Shevchenko told the European Tour website.

His playing partner, Frenchman Victor Riu, was the first-round leader in the second-tier Challenge Tour event after a sharply contrasting course-record 64.

"I am not a big fan of football so I didn't really know much about Andriy but it was great to play with him. There were a lot of people watching," the 28-year-old said.

"He was great. Every time I holed a putt he shook my hand or gave me a high five. He was really pushing me on to play better and cheering me when I made birdies so that was a really big help for me.

"I did put it up on Facebook that I was playing with him and it got a lot of responses, so I knew it was a big deal!

Shevchenko, who enjoyed most of his success with Italian club AC Milan, retired from football a year ago after Ukraine co-hosted the European Championships and has since dabbled in politics.

He entered this tournament as one of several amateurs in the 130-strong field, having initially taken up golf to help ease the pressure of playing elite football.

"I come on to a golf course and turn off my phone and just walk the course and hit some balls. It's one of the reasons why I started to play," he said Wednesday.

"I just found this great game where you have to be focused and balanced and that's why I like it. I like that mental balance."

Read: Shevchenko trades football for politics

Shevchenko did manage one birdie, but he carded a double bogey and dropped shots at 11 other holes at the Superior Golf and Spa Resort course, which is part of a luxury seven-star facility.

"To play with Victor and see him shoot a course record and play fantastic golf, I learned so much about the game from the two guys," he said.

Shevchenko isn't the only athlete to try his hand at pro golf following a successful career in another sport.

Former tennis No. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov became Russia's national champion in 2011 -- he is also in the field this weekend in Ukraine -- and eight-time grand slam tennis winner Ivan Lendl contested the Czech Open back in 1996.

After Lendl struck an 11-over-par 82 in the first round, he was quoted as saying by the Chicago Tribune that it was "five times worse than playing in a Wimbledon final."

Although similarly unlikely to make the halfway cut, and therefore miss out on the weekend action, Shevchenko is nonetheless proud to be participating in his country's first major golf tournament.

"It's the first event for me and also in Ukraine so it's big for golf here," he said. "I love golf and I'm so happy that golf is starting to pick up in Ukraine and the people are starting to invest money long term."


Via: From football to golf for 'Sheva'

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Ryder Cup 2014: David vs. Goliath?

Just how important are captains in the Ryder Cup?

Living Golf is CNN's monthly golf program. Click here for showtimes, videos, news and features.

(CNN) -- If it were a heavyweight boxing contest it would probably be ruled a mismatch.

Paul McGinley versus Tom Watson.

A cut-above European Tour player against a PGA Tour -- and just about everywhere else -- golfing legend.

In the blue corner, a man with precisely zero major titles -- tied sixth his best finish. In the red, an eight-time major champion -- and so nearly nine, improbably aged almost 60, at the 2009 British Open.

Ryder Cup captaincy experience? Next year is McGinley's first match in charge, although he was twice on winning sides as a vice-captain. Watson led the 1993 United States team which shocked Europe at its beloved Belfry to wrest back the famous trophy.

Playing record in the biennial sporting showdown? McGinley two wins and two halves from nine matches. Watson, 10 wins and a half from 15 matches.

But if the prospect of going head to head against a sporting icon in the ultimate in team sports competition has left him fazed, McGinley is showing little sign of it.

Read: How player power decided the Europe captaincy

As the European captain, the genial 46-year-old Irishman will pit his wits against Watson, who not only has won five British Open titles, but is revered in Scotland where the 2014 match will take place at the famous Gleneagles course.

With a year to go until the first shots are struck in anger in Perthshire, McGinley is well aware that the David vs. Goliath nature of the contest, at least as far as the team captains are concerned, is a talking point.

"Four of Tom's Open championships came here in Scotland, he's got a real affinity with the people, so he's going to bring that very strong dynamic to his team," McGinley told CNN's Living Golf program.

"He won in 1993, away from home as well, so I don't underestimate him, neither do the players.

"He'll make some astute decisions, no doubt about that. But ultimately it's not between myself and Tom Watson, it's about 12 players in each team and how well they play.

"As much as the captains are important, it's really about the 24 players."

Read: Watson relishes return to U.S. captaincy

Leading golf journalist Bill Elliott, who has covered every Ryder Cup since 1977, said while the captain's role was clearly influential, it was sometimes overstated.

"In many ways a captain can lose the Ryder Cup, but in the end it is very difficult for him to win it," said Elliott, who is the Editor at Large of Golf Monthly magazine.

"McGinley is hugely respected and represents all those players who have made a very good living but are not superstars.

"I think it's healthy that you can become a Ryder Cup captain without winning majors."

Where McGinley may also have an advantage is that he remains a full-time member of the European Tour and gets to see his likely team and picks close up on the golf course.

The 64-year-old Watson, by contrast, plays on the U.S. seniors' Champions Tour, occasional appearances in the majors excepted.

Veteran campaigner

"I think I'm the second oldest guy with a card on Tour, but I still enjoy playing," McGinley said.

Read: Watson grabs ace at 2011 British Open

"I played well last season with a couple of top-five finishes, so when I play well, I'm still able to compete."

It has also enabled him to sample at first hand the layout at Gleneagles, where battle will be joined from September 26-28 next year.

McGinley played all four rounds of the recent Johnnie Walker Championship, the last tournament to be played on the Perthshire course before the 40th Ryder Cup contest.

"I'll be watching the positions in the fairway and wondering if there's anything I can change or if there's anything we need to change to maximize and give our team an advantage next year," he told CNN before the event.

"We've got the experience of playing 10 years around here, the Johnnie Walker Championship, a lot of us know the pin positions and how the course is normally set up, we can use that to our advantage."

But like his predecessors as European captain before him, Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal, McGinley admits that his own playing performances have suffered.

Career sacrifice

"It's tough. There's no doubt there's a lot of challenges, all the previous captains have taught me how difficult it is to focus on your own career," he said.

McGinley's peak came between 2002 and 2006, when he played on three successive winning European teams.

Although his overall personal record is mediocre, it was his 10-foot putt on the 18th to secure a half against Jim Furyk at The Belfry in 2002 which secured the cup for Europe.

A respected elder statesman, he was a natural to assist both Montgomerie and Olazabal as a vice-captain in their victorious campaigns.

Read: Watson proves golf is a game for old men

It also put him firmly in the frame to step up when the choices were being made for the 2014 match.

With Montgomerie and former major winners such as Sandy Lyle and Darren Clarke also being touted for the prestigious job, McGinley's failure to reach the very top of the game as a player was thought to count against him.

Ryder Cup standout Lee Westwood, although an admirer of McGinley, went public with his support for Clarke.

"Paul has played three Ryder Cups, Darren has played five, won a major championship and a lot of other tournaments worldwide. You have to have criteria somewhere and he edges it for me," the Englishman was quoted as saying.

Unanimous choice

McGinley admits that by the time the process reached a conclusion with a vote of the Players' Committee in Abu Dhabi in January, he was resigned to his fate.

"If the captaincy hadn't come my way it wouldn't be the end of the world for me, and to be honest in the last week or so before the vote I had been fatalistic about it," he revealed.

McGinley was eventually the unanimous choice of the committee and has set about forging his own imprint on the team; winning an extra captain's pick -- two became three -- was the first task accomplished.

Read: McGinley named in trio of Ryder vice captains

"It's going so fast. I can't believe it's been six months since I was appointed, but fortunately it's going very well so far," he said.

The acid test will come in the autumn of next year when McGinley makes those crucial three picks then attempts to lead his team to their eighth win in the last 10 stagings.

The last two matches at Celtic Manor and Medinah, where Europe recovered from a four-point overnight deficit to score a spectacular triumph, have been desperately tight and McGinley believes they act as motivation for the United States team.

"They are obviously keen to sort this out. Tom Watson is here to do business and he is taken this on ... again ... at his age ... for a reason: to win it."

Elliott is already predicting another tense affair and believes it adds to the magic of the Ryder Cup.

Close contest

"It's better if there is only a half-point or point in it and it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world if America were to win it, to help retain the interest of their public in the event."

He believes that the visitors could not have chosen a better captain than the legendary Watson.

"He even has a legend's voice, with so much gravitas!

"He will boost the American team and is particularly adored in Scotland, where he has had a love affair with the country after winning the British Open four times."

McGinley is also popular wherever he plays and takes great heart from the "incredible" performance of Europe's women in the Solheim Cup against the United States, beating the hosts by eight points in Colorado last month.

Read: McGinley captains GB and Ireland to Seve Trophy win

"I hope this will propel the Ladies European Tour to a brighter commercial future, like the Ryder Cup did for us," he said.

Certainly the exploits of the late Severiano Ballesteros helped to send golf into wider markets, with other major winners such as Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer, Ian Woosnam, Sandy Lyle and Olazabal giving the European team the basis for continued success.

Gleneagles countdown

But McGinley believes there is greater strength in depth now. "Back then we had six or seven really strong players, maybe four or five not so strong, and there would be a heavy dependence on the star men.

"It's different now, illustrated last year (at Medinah) when Jose Maria played all 12 players on the first day."

Whether McGinley employs the same inclusive approach at Gleneagles, only time will tell, but he gained the reputation of being an astute tactician when he led the Great Britain and Ireland team to wins over Continental Europe in the Seve Trophy in 2009 and 2011.

"He's a detail man and that should make him a very good Ryder Cup captain," said Elliott.

Watson will surely inspire the U.S. to great heights next year, so it remains to be seen if McGinley can match him in a fascinating subplot to the eventual outcome.


Via: Ryder Cup 2014: David vs. Goliath?

Monday, September 9, 2013

Stenson rises to the top with Deutsche win

Sweden's Henrik Stenson turned pro in 1998 and joined the PGA Tour in 2007.

(CNN) -- Henrik Stenson capped his recent rise with a record-equaling victory at the Deutsche Bank Championship which propelled the Swede to the top of the FedEx Cup standings.

The new world No. 6 carded a five-under-par final round of 66 to finish 22 under for the tournament, tying the record score set by Vijay Singh in 2008.

Stenson finished two strokes clear of American Steve Stricker at the rain-delayed event in Boston, putting him in pole position to collect the $10 million FedEx Cup winner's check.

Read: An Asian rival to the Ryder Cup?

"I'm just pleased I won here," the 37-year-old told the PGA Tour's official website.

"This was a big goal of mine to win a golf tournament after all those nice finishes. My family is here. I'm going to see my kids in a little bit. It's all good."

Stenson has enjoyed a fine couple of months. He finished as runner-up to Phil Mickelson at July's British Open in addition to a third-place finish at last month's PGA Championships.

Read: Tseng bouncing back to No. 1?

The $1.4 million victory, his third on the PGA Tour, saw him usurp world No. 1 Tiger Woods as the leader of the FedEx Cup standings with just two tournaments left of the series.

The Deutsche Bank Championship is the second of four FedEx Cup playoff events.

The top 70 players in the FedEx Cup standings will now progress to play in the BMW Championships, with the top 30 players then advancing to the series-ending Tour Championship.

The player who finishes top of the FedEx Cup standings following the Tour Championship picks up a check for $10 million.

Last year's event was won by American Brandt Snedeker.


Via: Stenson rises to the top with Deutsche win

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Bjorn again: Thomas repeats win at Crans

Bjorn celebrates holing his winning putt in the sudden death playoff against Craig Lee in Switzerland.

(CNN) -- Thomas Bjorn denied Scotland's Craig Lee a fairytale first win on the European Tour by holing a 12-foot birdie putt on the first hole of a sudden death playoff to win the European Masters in Switzerland Sunday.

The pair had finished tied on 20-under-par in regulation play at Crans-sur-Sierre with overnight leader Lee seeing his birdie putt on the 18th to seal that victory cruelly lip out.

Danish veteran Bjorn made no mistake when presented with his chance on the same green in the extra holes, claiming his 14th career win on the Tour and second at the same tournament in three years.

The 36-year-old Lee, who has spent much of his career battling to win his card or campaigning on the second-tier Challenge Tour, had led after a stunning 61 in the third round.

But he carded a 67 to the 65 of Bjorn, who made a strong start to the final round with five birdies in an outward half of 31.

Lee responded with three birdies of his own coming home, but ultimately Bjorn's experience paid off.

"It was nice to do that in a playoff. I've had a hard time dealing with pressure situations and there is no more pressure than that," he told the official European Tour website.

Consolation for Lee will be his move into the top 60 of the Race to Dubai rankings and the guarantee he will keep his card for next year.

"This result lifts a lot of weight off my shoulders," he said.

Bjorn has moved into the lead in the qualifying for next year's European Ryder Cup standings after two tournaments.

Victor Dubuisson of France carded a closing 66 to finish one back on 19 under, with Spain's Alejandro Canizares was a further shot back in fourth.

Popular Spanish veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez finished tied for fifth with England's Ross Fisher, five shots back.

He earned a tribute from winner Bjorn, himself a seasoned campaigner.

"You keep thinking when is going to be the next win but then you play alongside someone like Miguel (Angel Jimenez) and he seems like he's 60 odd and away you go and that gives you more confidence," he said.


Via: Bjorn again: Thomas repeats win at Crans

Friday, September 6, 2013

Is golf driving the U.S. economy?

President Barack Obama's love of golf is well documented, one report even claiming he spends more time on the course than in economic meetings, and his beloved hobby contributes more to the United States economy than you might think -- an estimated $68.8 billion per year, according to the World Golf Foundation. That equates to a total economic impact of $176.8 billion.

(CNN) -- The majors have been and gone for another year, but golf has officially entered its most money-spinning phase of the season.

As the 2013 campaign reaches its climax an eye-watering $67 million in prize money will be on offer in the four FedEx Cup playoff events.

Last year's winner, Brandt Snedeker, picked up over $12.5 million for 16 days' work at tournaments backed by heavyweight sponsors like BMW, Barclays, Deutsche Bank and Coca Cola.

It reflects an industry battling back from recession, and one that is contributing more than you might think to help boost what is still a fragile economy in the United States -- which has a public debt of almost $17 trillion and rising.

Read: Asian rival to the Ryder Cup?

The World Golf Foundation's Golf 20/20 report estimates that the industry generated $68.8 billion in goods and services in the U.S. in 2011, with a total economic impact of $176.8 billion.

"The golf industry is larger than the spectator sports and performing arts industries combined," WGF chief executive Steve Mona told CNN.

"That's pretty substantial compared to those two. Beyond the monetary contribution it makes, it also employs close to two million Americans with a combined wage income of $55.6 billion.

"What's important about that is when people think about people employed in golf, they generally think about the Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelsons of this world.

"That's true, but they are at the higher end of the scale -- what people don't tend to think about is a lot of the jobs in golf are everyday kind of jobs filled by people who are trying to slug out a living, and feed their family.

"They're working at restaurants, in the grill room, working on the course, taking bags out of your car, cleaning your clubs. Believe me those people are not getting rich, but that is the real backbone of the golf industry."

Golf is nothing if not resilient.

The deep recession of 2008 in the United States did not spare the sport, but in recent years it has come out swinging as it moves back towards the $75.9 billion the WGF estimates it generated in 2005.

Those figures surely won't be lost on one of golf's biggest fans, who also happens to be the President of the United States.

Read: Golf's most powerful pairing?

Barack Obama is an avid golfer -- he enjoyed a February round with the world No. 1 Tiger Woods in Florida and spent a good chunk of his recent vacation in Martha's Vineyard on the course.

A report released by the Government Accountability Institute in April even suggested Obama has spent more hours on the golf course during his presidency than in economic meetings.

Counting the Commander in Chief as one of the game's biggest and most influential supporters can only serve as a great advert for the game, according to Mona.

Read: Wounded Tiger falls short

"There are a couple of things about the President that are really very positive," he said.

"One, he's arguably the busiest man in the world with the toughest job in the world, but he can make time to play. He played five times on his recent vacation in Martha's Vineyard.

"That leads to the second point: the fact that he plays it by the rules, and he's enthusiastic about it and tries to play whenever he can, speaks to the magic of the game.

"It can be addicting in a good way and it clearly has been for the President."

As well as counting the most powerful man in America as a golf fan, the game has strengthened its presence on Capitol Hill in recent years.

A series of events have been designed to trumpet the growing portion of the economy that golf supports to Washington's power brokers.

"It's important for us to communicate effectively in terms of the impact golf has on the economy generally and the kind of jobs it creates for everyday Americans," Mona explains.

"Because when laws and regulations are being made, it's important the golf industry is treated like any other industry of our size and scope. That relates to the second audience we're trying to make sure understands the facts about golf, and that is the influencers of society generally."

However, not all politicians are in love with golf's financial contribution -- a U.S. Congress Senator is seeking to overturn the not-for-profit status enjoyed by the PGA Tour and other sporting bodies such as the NHL and NFL which means they are exempt from federal taxes.

Forbes reported in May that of the $130 million the PGA Tour gave to charity last year, most of it went to the WGF -- whose main purpose is to promote golf.

"It's important for golf to have a good reputation in the court of public opinion and not be viewed as a sport for the privileged few played on private clubs by the affluent few," Mona said.

"It's not that game at all but it gets perceived sometimes to be that kind of sport."

That point of view might get temporarily sidelined while the game's stars are in the thick of FedEx Cup action.

But while the vast sums on offer might turn some of the public off, seeing golf's top players battle it out with such huge prizes at stake is a surefire way to get viewers to turn on. More than 30 PGA tournaments this year offer a winner's purse of greater than $1 million -- by contrast the European Tour lost several events from its calendar this year due to the downturn.

And the bigger the prize pot, the more money that drips down through the system, says Mona.

"I think it makes a very strong statement about the health and vitality of the golf industry when you have these world-class brands who want to associate with golf," he added.

Read: Tseng: Bouncing back to No. 1?

"They're willing to put up significant sums to be associated with those events, and the players have the opportunity to play for the kind of money reflects very favorably on golf.

"I always say there are two economies in golf. There's the participation economy which is about the everyday golf facilities, trying to attract golfers and current players to play as much they can.

"Then there's the entertainment side of golf too and that's where the professional tours come in. that relates to the interest of the game.

"If we can enhance interest in the game that can lead later down the line to participation. We also know that interest in the game spawns what you're seeing over the next few weeks.

"When people come out to an event itself or tune in on TV, that's why the Barclays of this world affiliate with those events.

"It certainly an indicator of the health of the industry for sure."


Via: Is golf driving the U.S. economy?

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Stenson rises to the top

Sweden's Henrik Stenson turned pro in 1998 and joined the PGA Tour in 2007.

(CNN) -- Henrik Stenson capped his recent rise with a record-equaling victory at the Deutsche Bank Championship which propelled the Swede to the top of the FedEx Cup standings.

The new world No. 6 carded a five-under-par final round of 66 to finish 22 under for the tournament, tying the record score set by Vijay Singh in 2008.

Stenson finished two strokes clear of American Steve Stricker at the rain-delayed event in Boston, putting him in pole position to collect the $10 million FedEx Cup winner's check.

Read: An Asian rival to the Ryder Cup?

"I'm just pleased I won here," the 37-year-old told the PGA Tour's official website.

"This was a big goal of mine to win a golf tournament after all those nice finishes. My family is here. I'm going to see my kids in a little bit. It's all good."

Stenson has enjoyed a fine couple of months. He finished as runner-up to Phil Mickelson at July's British Open in addition to a third-place finish at last month's PGA Championships.

Read: Tseng bouncing back to No. 1?

The $1.4 million victory, his third on the PGA Tour, saw him usurp world No. 1 Tiger Woods as the leader of the FedEx Cup standings with just two tournaments left of the series.

The Deutsche Bank Championship is the second of four FedEx Cup playoff events.

The top 70 players in the FedEx Cup standings will now progress to play in the BMW Championships, with the top 30 players then advancing to the series-ending Tour Championship.

The player who finishes top of the FedEx Cup standings following the Tour Championship picks up a check for $10 million.

Last year's event was won by American Brandt Snedeker.


Via: Stenson rises to the top

How to avoid a championship choke

Dr. Bob Rotella (left) has worked with some of golf's biggest names on the mental side of what can be a very lonely pursuit. His prowess has helped plenty of players realize their dreams, like three-time major champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland (center).

Living Golf is CNN's monthly golf show. Click here for showtimes, videos, news and features.

(CNN) -- You are only a short putt away from a major championship and golfing immortality.

You can already taste the acclaim, hear the roars from the gallery crowded round the 18th green and smell the bundles of cash heading your way.

But then an image of Rory McIlroy slumped over his driver at Augusta in 2011 flashes through your mind, Adam Scott sinking to the turf at the British Open a year later after throwing away a four-shot lead.

Before you know it, you're having dark visions of Jean Van de Velde wading through the Barry Burn at Carnoustie during his own British Open meltdown in 1999.

Suddenly that putt looks a lot longer than it did a moment ago and you start wondering, "What if I miss?"

Read: time for McIlroy to see golf's mind doctor?

You may also start questioning why you didn't pay a pre-tournament visit to golf's premier mind doctor, whose job it is to instil a watertight frame of mind that can deal with a career-defining putt.

"Players will tell you, you can get teary-eyed thinking what this could mean to your mum and dad, your wife, your children, for your name in history," Dr. Bob Rotella told CNN ahead of this week's PGA Championship in Rochester, New York.

It is the final major of the golf season -- where McIlroy will defend his title, and world No. 1 Tiger Woods will seek to end a five-year wait for the 15th of his career.

"You could start adding up how many dollars you're going to make. It is like, 'Can we just take care of this putt right now?' You need the ability to get lost in the present where nothing else in the moment exists," Rotella added.

"This putt is something you've done a million times both in your mind and on the practice putting green and on the golf course.

Read: PGA Championship leaderboard

"Now you've got to let yourself do it in this important situation but in order to do it you better not be reminding yourself how big this is or important this is.

"Most guys are trying to treat it like just another putt. But it's difficult because your hands are shaking a bit, your arms are shaking a bit, your heart is beating like crazy, you can't get any moisture in your mouth."

Golf is a cruel and unforgiving pursuit in which the word "choke" seems to reappear more than any other.

Often, a major meltdown can be more memorable than the eventual winner.

Just ask McIlroy about Augusta, veteran Tom Watson about losing a playoff at the British Open in 2009 or consult Greg Norman on his capitulation to let Nick Faldo win the 1996 Masters.

Interactive: What do major winners earn?

That knowledge surely only adds fuel to the fire when a player is in a trough that must feel like it is squeezing the life out of his game.

Though there is a caddy by your side, only one person can extricate you from this mess.

No wonder then that training the brain has become as pivotal a part of a modern player's preparation as the hours spent honing their swing on the range.

Rotella has worked with some of the game's biggest stars, major champions like McIlroy, Padraig Harrington, Keegan Bradley and Darren Clarke, who are all keen to tap into his well of knowledge.

With a myriad of professionals capable of winning major honors and the intensity of competition rising all the time, players are increasingly obsessed with squeezing every last drop out of their potential.

Even the very best players aren't impervious to pressure, so Rotella's work acts to soothe increasingly frazzled brains so they can plot a path to glory.

What, then, does he tell players about that moment, when one shot can make or break their careers?

"We're trying to get to the best state of mind and trying to catch it if we get half an inch away from that instead of waiting to get in a deep dark hole and having to dig yourself out," he said.

"We're talking about believing you're the best golfer in the world in a world that has a lot of really, good, talented and committed golfers.

"Everyone wasn't brought up thinking that way; a lot of people find it easy to respect other people or to believe in somebody else winning.

"Players have to learn as they develop skill that now you've developed this skill now you have to fall in love with your talent and your potential and ability if you're going to be the best golfer in the world."

It is no surprise many of Rotella's subjects have held it together right at the moment they needed to most.

Bradley won the first major he played in -- the 2011 U.S. PGA Championship -- surviving a nerve-jangling playoff against Jason Dufner.

He credited the work he did with Rotella in helping him to stay focused after a triple-bogey on the 15th hole in his final round looked to have ripped his dream to shreds.

After his triumph, Bradley said he actually felt energized after his mistake, such was the positive frame of mind Rotella had helped him download.

At the other end of the spectrum, Clarke was playing in his 46th major championship when he hit the front at the 2011 British Open.

One of a rare crop to win his first major title over the age of 40, Clarke had Rotella on hand all week to keep him cool in the heat of battle at Royal St. George's on the southern coast of England.

But not before Rotella had to iron out a major putting wobble before the tournament even began.

"We spent a lot of time together during his Open win," Rotella said. "In Darren's case it started Wednesday and he was totally lost with his putter.

"He said to me, 'If we can get my head in the right place with my putter I think it'll take all the pressure off my ball striking and pitching and bunker play and I'll be fine.'

"Over the next few days we got his head where he wanted to with the putter, and magic happened. He started doing some great stuff and the ball started going in the hole and he won.

"I think the last step for Darren was to let himself go out on Sunday -- the phrase we kept saying was, 'You're unstoppable if you're unflappable.'

"I kept telling Darren you've got to be unflappable, you can't let a good shot that takes a bad bounce bother you or get you down or frustrated. You've got to stay in a good mood.

"For Darren, he had to be himself. When I think of Darren I think of really good-natured, happy guy. I said to him don't have the only place you're not happy be on a golf course."

Happy might not be a word most closely associated with the leader of the PGA Championship if he has a one-shot lead to protect down the final hole on Sunday but if he's spoken to Rotella, at least he'll be in the zone.


Via: How to avoid a championship choke

Sunday, September 1, 2013

'Lefty' sets pulses racing with 63

Phil Mickelson reacts after holing an eagle putt on the second green at the TPC Boston on the way to an eight-under 63.

(CNN) -- Phil Mickelson is making a habit of setting pulses racing with inspired birdie filled charges this year and Friday was no exception on the TPC Boston.

'Lefty' completed his first nine holes in a mere 28 shots to put the world's media on 59 alert again before closing with an eight-under 63 for the early lead at the Deutsche Bank Championship.

Two bogeys coming home on the front nine, he started on the 10th tee, scuppered the hopes of headline writers, but he did mix that with a superb eagle on the second, nearly holing his approach for an albatross.

Playing his last hole, the 43-year-old American need a birdie to equal the course record 61 of Mike Weir back in 2008, but instead made a five for an anti climactic ending after finding trouble off the tee.

Nonetheless he had outplayed playing partners Tiger Woods, who is still well placed after a 68 and Masters champion Adam Scott, winner of the Barclays last week, but struggling to an opening 73.

Mickelson, who carded seven birdies in his first nine holes, said he always knew it would be a little tougher on the next nine.

"I still felt I could have shot three or four under (for that nine), but I wasn't too worried about shooting 59," he told the official PGA Tour website.

Read: Late charge secures Mickelson British Open

Englishman Brian Davis later matched Mickelson's eight-under effort to leave them one clear of in-form Kevin Stadler in the second tournament of the money spinning FedEx Cup.

Earlier this season, Mickelson narrowly missed a birdie putt on the last green as he opened with a 60 at the Phoenix Open, going on to win the tournament by four shots.

And in testing final round conditions at Muirfield, Mickelson conjured up four birdies in the last six holes to claim the British Open title for the first time.

It was the fifth major of his career and he admitted afterwards probably the most satisfying, particularly after having to settle for his sixth runner-up spot at the preceding U.S. Open won by Justin Rose.

Defending champion Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland admitted to "silly mistakes" after opening with a one-under 70, looking to kick start a disappointing season after his heroics of 2012.

Meanwhile, lowly ranked Welshman Liam Bond was the surprise leader of the Wales Open at halfway Friday.

Ranked 1,528th in the world, 43-year-old only received a late invite to the $1.8 million event and has carded rounds of 69 and 68 to move to five-under.

First round leader Espen Kofstad of Norway and South African Tjaart van der Walt were next on four under with European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley also in the hunt after a 69 for three-under.


Via: 'Lefty' sets pulses racing with 63

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