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McIlroy picks up a tip from Golden Bear

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:39:49 +0000

DORAL Fla.(AP) Rory McIlroy began his road to the Masters with what he calls the ``best 90 minutes'' he has spent in a long time.

He had lunch last week with Jack Nicklaus.

McIlroy a 20-year-old from Northern Ireland who already is No. 9 in the world met with Nicklaus at The Bear's Club on the eve of the Honda Classic a lunch set up through a network of friends.

He wanted to learn as much as he could about winning from Nicklaus whose 18 professional majors are the benchmark in...

The world championships of America

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 22:39:50 +0000

DORAL Fla.(AP) On his way to the practice range Tuesday at Doral Padraig Harrington stopped to sign autographs for three fans. One was from Puerto Rico another from Colombia the third from Peru.

So at least it sounds like a World Golf Championship.

And there is little doubt that events like the CA Championship look like a World Golf Championship with 19 countries represented in a field of 68 players.

But there is no getting around the dateline which is strictly American -...

Tournaments ready for Tiger's return

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:09:50 +0000

DORAL Fla.(AP) Not long after Tiger Woods returned home and starting practicing the PGA Tour began checking with tournaments to make sure they were prepared to handle the hype over the world's No. 1 player getting back to golf.

That even includes tournaments he has never played.

``Historically he hasn't played the week before the Masters'' said Steve Timms tournament director of the Houston Open which is the week before the Masters. ``But these are unusual times. We're prepared...

Ping waives settlement on square grooves

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:39:51 +0000

JACKSONVILLE Fla.(AP) The 20-year-old Ping wedges with square-shaped grooves will no longer be allowed on the PGA Tour starting March 29 under an agreement reached Monday with Ping executives.

John Solheim the chairman and CEO of Ping said the Phoenix-based company is waiving its right that had kept the PGA Tour from banning Ping Eye2 wedges made before April 1 1990 that have deeper wide grooves no longer allowed under new USGA regulations.

Those wedges were allowed through a 1990 settlement from when Ping sued the PGA Tour and U.S. Golf Association. Phil Mickelson Hunter Mahan John Daly and Fred Couples were among players who used the Ping wedges. It had become such a divisive issue that Scott McCarron accused Mickelson of ``cheating'' by using the club.

``John Solheim and Ping had a terrific opportunity to do something very positive and significant for the game of golf and we very much appreciate his willingness to take this action'' PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said.

Ping also said it will apply the waiver to the U.S. Open.

The waiver takes effect the week after the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill and will apply on the PGA Tour Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour. It will not apply to amateur competitions.

In return for the waiver Solheim is hopeful equipment companies will have a stronger voice when the USGA makes new rules. The USGA will hold a forum this fall to improve the process of creating equipment regulations.

``I've been consistent in voicing my concerns over the last several years about the challenges of the current rule-making process and the needs to improve it to the benefit of golfers'' Solheim said. ``I am hopeful this will be a significant first step in realizing this goal. Our goal is to help ensure innovation remains an important part of golf's tradition.''

Solheim worked with his father Ping founder Karsten Solheim when the settlement was reached in 1990 that allowed for the square grooves in Ping irons manufactured until April 1 1990.

That settlement took precedence over new rules that changed the specifications in grooves and eight players took advantage of the loophole. Daly and Dean Wilson were the first players to use them at the Sony Open. Daly said he had collected more than a dozen wedges while other players found them in the garage or from friends. They even became a hot item on eBay.

McCarron was among those who said while the wedges were allowed it violated the spirit of the rule and the issue became messy at Torrey Pines in January when he told The San Francisco Chronicle ``It's cheating and I'm appalled Phil has put it in play.''

Mickelson hinted at a lawsuit for being ``publicly slandered'' although McCarron later apologized.

Villegas runs away to win Honda Classic

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:39:51 +0000

PALM BEACH GARDENS Fla.(AP) Camilo Villegas was the star attraction at a youth golf clinic in his native Colombia two days before the start of the Honda Classic.

One kid maybe 8 or 9 years old piped up with a question.

``How does it feel to be the second-best player in the world?''

Villegas could only laugh.

He might not be the second-best player in the world but he was second to none this week at the Honda.

Villegas shot a final-round 68 to win by five shots...

Villegas runs away to win Honda Classic

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 02:39:52 +0000

PALM BEACH GARDENS Fla.(AP) Camilo Villegas was checking his phone constantly on the driving range barely bothering to hit any balls and instead seeking updates on how his brother was doing at a Nationwide Tour event in their native Colombia.

As Villegas showed all week practice can be overrated.

Villegas shot a final-round 68 to win the Honda Classic by five shots Sunday over Anthony Kim his third PGA Tour victory and a perfect way to cap a week that began with one celebration and...

Fred Couples wins Toshiba Classic

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 08:09:52 +0000

NEWPORT BEACH Calif.(AP) Fred Couples won his second straight Champions Tour title shooting a 6-under 65 for a four-stroke victory Sunday in the Toshiba Classic.

Couples making his third start on the 50-and-over tour had an 18-under 195 total on the Newport Beach Country Club course. He won the ACE Group Classic on Feb. 14 in Florida and finished second behind Tom Watson in the season-opening event in Hawaii. Last week Couples tied for 14th in the PGA Tour's Phoenix Open.

``In a...

Steve Pate wins Bogota Open

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 01:09:54 +0000

BOGOTA Colombia (AP) Steve Pate became the oldest champion in Nationwide Tour history winning the Bogota Open on Sunday when Aaron Watkins missed a 3-foot par putt on the second hole of a playoff.

At 48 years 9 months 11 days Pate broke the tour record of 48 years 6 months 17 days set by Dick Mast in the 1999 New Mexico Classic.

Pate won for the first time since the 1998 CVS Charity Classic the last of his six PGA Tour titles. The victory drought spanned 245 starts (173 PGA Tour...

Teen Noh wins Malaysian Open by 1 stroke over Choi

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:39:53 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR Malaysia(AP) South Korean teenager Noh Seung-yul birdied the final hole to win the Malaysian Open by one shot over countryman K.J. Choi on Sunday.

The 18-year-old Noh hit a chip shot over the left-hand bunker to within 18 inches of the par-5 18th before tapping in for his second Asian Tour and maiden European Tour title.

Noh shot a 4-under 68 to finish at 14-under 274. Choi had earlier birdied No. 18 for a 69 and the clubhouse lead at 13 under.

``This is more...

Karrie Webb wins 7th Australian Ladies Masters

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:09:54 +0000

GOLD COAST Australia(AP) Karrie Webb won her seventh Australian Ladies Masters title Sunday closing with a course-record 11-under 61 for a six-stroke victory.

Webb a stroke ahead of defending champion Katherine Hull and South Korea's Lee Bo-mee entering the final round finished at 26-under 262 on the Royal Pines course to match the tournament record she set in 1999.

Webb holed a 9-iron approach from about 125 yards for eagle on the par-4 seventh and made a 30-foot putt on No. 18...

Fred Couples leads Toshiba Classic

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 02:09:54 +0000

NEWPORT BEACH Calif.(AP) Fred Couples moved into position for his second straight Champions Tour victory shooting a 7-under 64 on Saturday to take a two-stroke lead in the Toshiba Classic.

Couples making his third start on the 50-and-over tour had a 12-under 130 total on the Newport Beach Country Club course. He won the ACE Group Classic on Feb. 14 in Florida and finished second behind Tom Watson in the season-opening event in Hawaii. Last week Couples tied for 14th in the PGA Tour's Phoenix...

Villegas still the leader after 3 rounds at Honda

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:09:54 +0000

PALM BEACH GARDENS Fla.(AP) Ashes fell from the sky smoke filled the air and a thick haze hovered over PGA National.

Some might have found breathing difficult at the Honda Classic.

Camilo Villegas wasn't among them.

Once threatening to run away after a sizzling start Villegas came back to the pack on his back nine and wound up rallying to take a three-shot lead over Nathan Green and Vijay Singh after three rounds. Villegas is at 11-under 199 so even after making three bogeys...

Palmer's grandson looking to make own name

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 00:09:55 +0000

PALM BEACH GARDENS Fla.(AP) Sam Saunders is stepping out of his grandfather's shadow.

A difficult task considering that grandfather is none other than Arnold Palmer.

Making his fifth PGA Tour start the 22-year-old Saunders shot 69 for the third straight round Saturday putting him at 3-under 207 and tied for 10th at the Honda Classic eight shots behind leader Camilo Villegas. So far this week he's shown two things: that he was certainly worthy of the sponsor's exemption into this field...

Kiradech Davies share lead at Malaysian Open

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 15:39:55 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR Malaysia(AP) Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand stayed in the hunt for his first Asian Tour title shooting a 4-under 68 on Saturday for a share of the lead with Rhys Davies of Wales after the third round at the Malaysian Open.

Kiradech birdied three of his last four holes and is 11 under heading into the final round at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.

Davies shot a 71 during a round that included three birdies and a double bogey.

Two-time champion Thongchai...

Webb leads Australian Ladies Masters

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 06:39:55 +0000

GOLD COAST Australia(AP) Six-time champion Karrie Webb birdied the final hole for an 8-under 64 and a one-stroke lead Saturday in the Australian Ladies Masters.

Webb hit a 6-iron from a fairway bunker over a tree and on the green then holed the 15-foot putt to finish three rounds at 15-under 201 at rain-softened Royal Pines.

``I hit a great shot into the green there'' Webb said. ``It was a great way to finish. If you told me I would shoot 64 today I would have thought I'd have at least...

Thai Kiradech tops leaderboard at Malaysia Open

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:39:55 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR Malaysia(AP) Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat topped the leaderboard at 9 under with four holes left in his second round Friday in the rain-delayed Malaysian Open.

The 20-year-old Kiradech holed a 30-yard chip for an eagle on the par-5 fifth hole - his final hole of the day on the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club course.

Spain's Alejandro Canizares (69) followed at 8 under.

A lightning storm stopped play for 2 hours 20 minutes in the afternoon leaving 58 players...

Tway Wiebe Lu share first-round lead

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 02:09:55 +0000

NEWPORT BEACH Calif.(AP) Bob Tway Chein Soon Lu and Mark Wiebe shot 6-under 65s on Friday to share the first-round lead in the Toshiba Classic leaving Champions Tour newcomer Fred Couples a stroke back at Newport Beach Country Club.

Olin Browne Lonnie Nielsen and Mike Goodes matched Couples at 66 and defending champion Eduardo Romero was another stroke back along with Tom Lehman Loren Roberts Wayne Levi Ronnie Black D.A. Weibring Bobby Wadkins and Gary Hallberg.

Wiebe bothered by a...

Kim Villegas tied for lead after Honda 2nd round

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:09:55 +0000

PALM BEACH GARDENS Fla.(AP) The temperature climbed the winds calmed and PGA National unexpectedly lost a great deal of its bite.

Welcome to the kinder gentler Honda Classic.

Anthony Kim was one of four players to match the best Honda round shot on the Champion course with a 64 Camilo Villegas shot 66 for the second straight day and they were tied at 8-under 132 atop the leaderboard after the second round of the Honda where the only thing that improved more than the weather on Friday...

Woods doesn't enter CA Championship field

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:39:55 +0000

MIAMI(AP) The waiting for Tiger Woods' return to competitive golf continues.

As expected Woods did not enter the field for next week's CA Championship at Doral marking the first time he'll miss that World Golf Championship event. Players had until 5 p.m. Friday to commit to that event.

In all 64 players will be at Doral including Steve Stricker and Phil Mickelson the two players immediately behind Woods in the world ranking.

Woods resumed practicing about a week ago...

Blumenherst Lim tied for lead at Aussie Masters

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:39:56 +0000

GOLD COAST Australia(AP) American Amanda Blumenherst shot a 3-under 69 to maintain a share of the lead with Lim Ji-na of South Korea after two rounds of the ANZ Australian Ladies Masters.

First-round leader Blumenherst and Lim (66) had a two-round total of 9-under 135 after Friday's second round.

Australia trio Katherine Hull (70) six-time former champion Karrie Webb (69) and Tamie Durdin (68) were tied for third two strokes back along with South Koreans Ryu So-yeon (67) and Seo Hee-kyung...

Sabbatini: Woods will play well; how will fans be?

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:09:56 +0000

DALLAS(AP) Rory Sabbatini once made headlines for calling Tiger Woods ``more beatable than ever'' and that was long before the world's No. 1 golfer put his career on hold to straighten out his personal life.

So how does Sabbatini expect Woods to play once he returns?

``We all know you don't just have a talent like that and it disappears'' Sabbatini said Thursday. ``It's going to be there it's going to return. He's going to be playing well. It's going to be interesting to see how his...

Green Connell lead upstart Rocha chases at Honda

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:09:58 +0000

PALM BEACH GARDENS Fla.(AP) Alexandre Rocha nearly stopped playing golf last year until two moves by the International Olympic Committee changed his mind.

And that's just one tiny part of his unbelievable story.

The world's 711th-ranked player - who needed to survive a pre-qualifier then a Monday qualifier then a playoff just to get into the field at PGA National this week - shot a 4-under 66 on Thursday one shot back of Nathan Green and Michael Connell after the first round on...

Couples seeking third straight top-3 finish

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:09:59 +0000

NEWPORT BEACH Calif.(AP) It didn't take long for Fred Couples to adjust to the Champions Tour though his quick assimilation surprised even him.

Couples will be seeking his third consecutive top 3 finish when The Toshiba Classic begins Friday at the Newport Beach Country Club.

He finished second to Tom Watson by a stroke in his tour debut at the Mitsubishi Electric Open then came back and won the Ace Group Classic.

``I've gotten off to a great start'' Couples said. ``To finish...

Davies Garrido take lead in Malaysian Open

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:39:57 +0000

KUALA LUMPUR Malaysia(AP) Rhys Davies and Ignacio Garrido have shot 7-under 65s to lead the Malaysian Open by one stroke after the first round on Thursday.

Thongchai Jaidee and Kim Dae-hyun shot 66s and seven-time PGA Tour winner K.J. Choi had a 67 to tie for fifth alongside Mark Foster Alejandro Canizares and Mark Haastrup at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.

Davies who has played on the Asian Tour for the last two years made seven birdies.

Nicklaus thinks Woods will play Masters

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:39:57 +0000

PALM BEACH GARDENS Fla.(AP) Jack Nicklaus is going to appear at next month's Masters. He thinks Tiger Woods will too.

Nicklaus said Wednesday that ``it would surprise me'' if Woods did not return to competitive golf in time for the Masters a tournament the embattled world No. 1 has won four times in his career.

``I suspect he'll play something before Augusta'' Nicklaus said behind the 18th green at PGA National where the Honda Classic opens on Thursday. ``Your guess is as good as mine....

American Blumenherst has 1st-round Australian lead

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:39:57 +0000

GOLD COAST Australia(AP) Former American amateur star Amanda Blumenherst shot a 6-under 66 Thursday to take a one-stroke lead over defending champion Katherine Hull after the first round of the ANZ Australian Ladies Masters.

Blumenherst birdied three of her final four holes on a Royal Pines resort course soggy from recent heavy rain.

With a lift clean and place rule in effect Blumenherst and Hull (67) were a number of morning players to master swirling winds.

Becky Brewerton...

Woods' caddie says he's mad at Tiger

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:09:57 +0000

WELLINGTON New Zealand(AP) Tiger Woods' caddie said he knew nothing about the golfer's extramarital affairs and was angry with him over the scandal.

Steve Williams told TV3's ``60 Minutes'' program Wednesday that he also is bitter at the reaction toward him from the media and members of the public.

``It's been the most difficult time of my life no two ways about it because every single person believed that I should know or did know or had something to do with it'' Williams said. ``I...

Nicklaus thinks Woods will play Masters

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 00:09:58 +0000

PALM BEACH GARDENS Fla.(AP) Jack Nicklaus is going to appear at next month's Masters. He thinks Tiger Woods will as well.

Nicklaus said Wednesday that ``it would surprise me'' if Woods did not return to competitive golf in time for the Masters a tournament the embattled world No. 1 has won four times in his career.

``I suspect he'll play something before Augusta'' Nicklaus said behind the 18th green at PGA National where the Honda Classic opens on Thursday. ``Your guess is as good...

Yang returns to defend Honda title

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:09:58 +0000

PALM BEACH GARDENS Fla.(AP) Y.E. Yang rubbed his hands together against the chill as the wind nearly sent his visor flying then tugged on his bright red jacket.

A little unseasonable weather isn't taking away from his return to PGA National.

``Even though it's very chilly outside'' Yang said later ``it feels very warm to me.''

As well it should.

The 2009 Honda Classic started what in many ways was a breakthrough year for Yang the Korean player who until this week a year...

Brees gets a Super perk _ golf with Jack Nicklaus

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:09:58 +0000

PALM BEACH GARDENS Fla.(AP) For his first round of golf since becoming a Super Bowl champion Drew Brees wore a slightly mismatched outfit.

Blue pullover with a Golden Bear logo. And a beige Purdue cap.

Jack Nicklaus - remember the Golden Bear is an Ohio State man - noticed.

``Brees had a great year this year'' Nicklaus said ``even if he was a Purdue guy.''

With plenty of barbs like that expected to go his way over the 18-hole jaunt Brees played in a Pro-Am on Wednesday...

Daly says on Twitter to talk to golf writer

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:09:58 +0000

JACKSONVILLE Fla.(AP) John Daly was so irritated that a Florida newspaper wrote about his PGA Tour disciplinary file that he referred to the writer as a ``jerk'' on Twitter and posted the writer's cell phone number for his followers to call.

The Florida Times-Union reported Tuesday that the file is now public record through Daly's unsuccessful libel lawsuit against the newspaper. The file is 456 pages and notes that Daly has been suspended five times and cited 21 times for not giving his...

Laura Davies manages career with lack of practice

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:39:58 +0000

GOLD COAST Australia(AP) Although she's always joked about her disdain for practice Laura Davies has a clear benefit she can point to - more than 20 seasons and very few injuries.

Davies arrived at this week's ANZ Australian Ladies Masters after claiming her 73rd worldwide title at the New Zealand Open last Sunday. It was also her 39th title on the Ladies European Tour.

She's also won four majors including the 1987 U.S. Open and is close to qualifying for the Hall of Fame needing...

AP Source: Woods back from family counseling

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:39:59 +0000

JACKSONVILLE Fla.(AP) Tiger Woods is back on the practice tee and working to get back on the course.

Woods has returned home after a week of family counseling in Arizona and is trying to get back into a routine that includes fitness and his first significant practice in 15 weeks a person with knowledge of his schedule said Tuesday.

Woods returned to his home near Orlando on Saturday and has been hitting balls on the range at Isleworth not far from where he ran his SUV into a fire hydrant...

A wedge on a par 5 with lots of hindsight

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:39:59 +0000

JACKSONVILLE Fla.(AP) No club received more attention on the West Coast Swing than the wedge.

And not just because of the size and shapes of the grooves.

Four players in three tournaments were either tied for the lead or one shot behind on the back nine of the final round all of them trying to win for the first time on the PGA Tour. Instead of going for the green on a par 5 they decided to rely on a wedge to set up birdie.

They all made par. They all finished second.

The...

AP Source: Woods back from family counseling

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:39:59 +0000

JACKSONVILLE Fla.(AP) Tiger Woods is closer to competing again.

Woods is back home after a week of family counseling in Arizona and is trying to get back into a routine that includes fitness and his first significant practice in 15 weeks a person with knowledge of his schedule said Tuesday.

Woods returned to his home near Orlando on Saturday and has been hitting balls on the range at Isleworth not far from where he ran his SUV into a fire hydrant and a tree in a middle-of-the-night...

Cabrera to offer preview of Masters dinner

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:40:00 +0000

One question for the defending Masters champion is what he plans to serve at the Champions Dinner. Angel Cabrera not only will reveal the menu he plans to give 100 friends a taste of the dinner they can't attend.

Cabrera is hosting a ``preview dinner'' on March 29 at the Shadow Hawk Golf Club in Houston that will feature the menu - yes plenty of meat from the Argentine - that former Masters champions will be sampling a week later at Augusta National.

``There's not a golfer in the world...

Daly's disciplinary file filled with misconduct

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:09:59 +0000

JACKSONVILLE Fla.(AP) John Daly has been suspended five times and cited 21 times for not giving his best effort according to a 456-page rap sheet kept by the PGA Tour that is now public record because of libel lawsuit Daly failed to win.

The Florida Times-Union reported Tuesday on Daly's disciplinary file which the tour had to give Morris Publishing Co. during Daly's libel lawsuit against a columnist who once worked for the newspaper. The Times-Union is part of the Morris group.

The...

TPC Sawgrass Marriott files for bankruptcy

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:10:00 +0000

PONTE VEDRA BEACH Fla.(AP) The Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa where nearly 300 media gathered last month to report on Tiger Woods' first public appearance since confessing to affairs has filed for bankruptcy protection.

The Marriott is located down the street from PGA Tour headquarters and the majority of guests are there to play the TPC Sawgrass.

Jeff Mayers the hotel's general manager said the economic climate and failure to reach a restructuring agreement with lenders led to...

Harbour Town tournament searches for title sponsor

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:40:01 +0000

HILTON HEAD ISLAND S.C.(AP) Tournament director Steve Wilmot says there will be a Heritage in 2011 with or without a title sponsor.

Wilmot said Monday that organizers squirreled away enough money to fund the PGA tournament past 2010 the last to feature communications giant Verizon as its main sponsor.

``I can assure you we'll have an event in 2011'' Wilmot said.

In 2012 who knows?

``Everything's on the table'' Wilmot said.

The Heritage is played at Pete Dye's narrow...

Longtime caddie Greg Rita dies

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:40:01 +0000

JACKSONVILLE Fla.(AP) Greg Rita the caddie for Curtis Strange when he won successive U.S. Open titles and for John Daly when he won the British Open has died of brain cancer.

Rita's wife Kelley said he died Saturday on his 54th birthday at McGraw Hospice Center.

Rita caddied over four decades on the PGA Tour for players that included Gil Morgan Scott Hoch David Duval and Mark O'Meara.

Rita made his mark working for Strange in the 1980s when he won the U.S. Open in 1988...

Mahan edges Fowler to win Phoenix Open

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:40:01 +0000

SCOTTSDALE Ariz.(AP) Hunter Mahan and Rickie Fowler both came out of Oklahoma State with big expectations. There the similarities end.

Mahan is reserved and unassuming Fowler tends toward the flamboyant.

The quiet one prevailed barely at the Phoenix Open.

Mahan defeated the younger Fowler by a stroke on Sunday for his second PGA Tour victory. For now Fowler will have to settle for another second close call in Arizona.

The 27-year-old Mahan had an eagle and a pair of birdies...

Mahan edges Fowler to win Phoenix Open

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:40:01 +0000

SCOTTSDALE Ariz.(AP) Hunter Mahan has been one of the most successful golfers not to win a tournament the last two years.

That's not the case anymore.

Mahan came from four strokes back to win the Phoenix Open by a shot over Rickie Fowler on Sunday in a 1-2 finish for former Oklahoma State players.

``It's always a little better to lose to a Cowboy'' Fowler said.

The 27-year-old Mahan had an eagle and a pair of birdies in a late four-hole span to finish at 16-under 268....

Quinn wins Nationwide event in Panama

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 09:40:05 +0000

PANAMA CITY(AP) Fran Quinn won the Panama Championship for his fourth career Nationwide Tour title shooting a 1-over 71 for a two-stroke victory over Brian Smock.

Quinn had a tournament-record 15-under 265 total at Panama Golf Club.

``I made it interesting for everyone'' said Quinn the 44-year-old Massachusetts native who took a five-stroke lead into the final round.

``I've never had a big lead like that before and I just put it on cruise control instead of trying to keep...

Laura Davies wins New Zealand Women's Open

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 16:40:01 +0000

CHRISTCHURCH New Zealand(AP) English star Laura Davies won the New Zealand Women's Open for her 73rd worldwide title shooting a 4-under 69 on Sunday for a two-stroke victory over three players.

The 46-year-old Davies had a 9-under 279 total on the Pegasus Golf Club course in the event sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour and Australian Ladies Professional Golf.

Sweden's Pernilla Lindberg (63) Norway's Marianne Skarpnord (68) and Australia's Sarah Kemp (71) tied for second....

Miyazato wins second straight event

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 16:10:01 +0000

SINGAPORE(AP) Ai Miyazato won the HSBC Champions on Sunday to become the first LPGA Tour player in 44 years to sweep the first two events of a season closing with 3-under 69 for a two-stroke victory over Cristie Kerr.

Miyazato the 24-year-old Japanese star who won the LPGA Thailand last week took the lead with a birdie on the par-4 16th - a hole she played in 5 under for the week - and parred the final two holes to finish at 10 under on Tanah Merah's Garden Course.

A 15-time winner...

Inkster Miyazato lead in Singapore

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 01:10:01 +0000

SINGAPORE(AP) Juli Inkster and Ai Miyazato shot 3-under 69s on Saturday to share the third-round lead in the HSBC Women's Champions.

The 49-year-old Inkster is trying to become the oldest winner in LPGA Tour history. Beth Daniel was 46 when she won the 2003 Canadian Women's Open.

``I'd say right now I'm definitely the underdog'' said Inkster who won the last of her 31 tour titles in 2006. ``I don't think anybody expects me to win.''

Miyazato the 24-year-old Japanese star who...

Confident Snedeker leads by shot at Phoenix Open

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 00:40:01 +0000

SCOTTSDALE Ariz.(AP) Brandt Snedeker is back to playing like the rising young PGA Tour star he was supposed to be.

The 29-year-old Tennessean rolled in his sixth birdie of the day on No. 17 and finished at 14-under 199 for a one-shot lead over Scott Piercy in the Phoenix Open.

Snedeker shot a 66 while Piercy had a pair of eagles en route to a 65 in the third round Saturday amid a loud rowdy crowd estimated at just over 121000. Many were on hand for the party as much or more than for...

Sarah Kemp leads New Zealand Women's Open golf

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 08:10:02 +0000

CHRISTCHURCH New Zealand(AP) Sarah Kemp of Australia shot a 74 in windy conditions to lead the New Zealand Women's Open by one shot after three rounds Saturday.

Kemp was at 6-under 210 while former U.S. Open champion Laura Davies was in second after a 71. Davies was one of only 15 players to shoot a sub-par round as strong winds swept the Pegasus course.

Becky Brewerton of Wales was in third place after a 71 two behind. Four players including first-round leader Marianne Skarpnord...

Sarah Kemp leads New Zealand Women's Open golf

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 06:40:01 +0000

CHRISTCHURCH New Zealand(AP) Sarah Kemp of Australia has shot a 74 in windy conditions to lead the New Zealand Women's Open by one shot after three rounds.

Kemp is at 6-under 210.

Former U.S. Open champion Laura Davies was in second after a 71 on Saturday. Davies was one of only 15 players to shoot a sub-par round as strong winds swept the Pegasus course.

Becky Brewerton of Wales was in third place after a 71 two behind. Four players including first-round leader Marianne...

Wilson ties Villegas with late run in Phoenix

Sat, 27 Feb 2010 03:10:01 +0000

SCOTTSDALE Ariz.(AP) Mark Wilson charged and Camilo Villegas faltered.

The result was a two-way tie for the lead at 11-under 131 halfway through the Phoenix Open.

Wilson birdied the last four holes for a 5-under 66 while Villegas bogeyed No. 18 when he missed a 14-foot putt for par. The 28-year-old Colombian settled for a 69 after tying the tournament first-round record with a 9-under 62 on Thursday.

Eleven players were within two shots of the lead at TPC Scottsdale where...