Ochoa tries to end another streak in Alabama
September 30, 2009
PRATTVILLE, Ala. (AP)—Lorena Ochoa has made a habit of ending streaks at theNavistar LPGA Classic, whether she wanted to or not.
Ochoa beat Candie Kung with a 2-foot par putt on the second hole of aplayoff last year after coming in winless in seven starts. Two years ago, MariaHjorth kept the Mexican star from a fourth consecutive victory.
Ochoa hopes to snap an 11-tournament winless stretch dating back to theCorona Championship in late April. The $1.3 million Classic begins Thursday onthe 6,546-yards, par-72 Senator Course on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail atCapitol Hill in suburban Montgomery.
“I have nothing but good memories,” Ochoa said Wednesday. “I would loveto win the tournament. I heard nobody has won the tournament twice, so it wouldbe nice to put my name up there. I feel good playing on this course.”
Lorena Ochoa of Mexico walks o… AP – Sep 27, 8:05 pm EDT Lorena Ochoa of Mexico walks o… AP – Sep 27, 8:05 pm EDT
Christina Kim reacts after mis… AP – Sep 27, 8:05 pm EDT
Sophie Gustafson of Sweden lin… AP – Sep 27, 8:05 pm EDT
Sun Young Yoo of South Korea r… AP – Sep 27, 7:54 pm EDT
Sophie Gustafson, right, of Sw… AP – Sep 27, 7:53 pm EDT
Sophie Gustafson, right, of Sw… AP – Sep 27, 7:52 pm EDT
Amy Yang of South Korea tees o… AP – Sep 27, 5:59 pm EDT
Amy Yang of South Korea makes … AP – Sep 27, 5:58 pm EDT
Angela Stanford tees off on th… AP – Sep 27, 5:58 pm EDT
Lorena Ochoa of Mexico hits he… AP – Sep 27, 5:57 pm EDT
Morgan Pressel hits out of a b… AP – Sep 27, 5:56 pm EDT
Lorena Ochoa of Mexico reacts … AP – Sep 27, 5:54 pm EDT
Sophie Gustafson of Sweden tee… AP – Sep 27, 5:45 pm EDT
Sophie Gustafson of Sweden hit… AP – Sep 27, 5:44 pm EDT
Natalie Gulbis hits her approa… AP – Sep 26, 6:13 pm EDT
Angela Stanford holds up her b… AP – Sep 26, 6:12 pm EDT
Paula Creamer surveys the nint… AP – Sep 26, 5:59 pm EDT
Sun Young Yoo of South Korea t… AP – Sep 26, 5:41 pm EDT
Suzann Pettersen of Norway tee… AP – Sep 26, 5:36 pm EDT
Sophie Gustafson tees off on t… AP – Sep 26, 5:31 pm EDT
Lorena Ochoa of Mexico hits he… AP – Sep 26, 5:28 pm EDT
Lorena Ochoa of Mexico tees of… AP – Sep 26, 5:25 pm EDT
Sophie Gustafson of Sweden rea… AP – Sep 26, 5:24 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato, of Japan, takes a… AP – Sep 20, 7:10 pm EDT
Na Yeon Choi, of South Korea, … AP – Sep 20, 7:06 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato, of Japan, left, a… AP – Sep 20, 7:01 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato, of Japan, tees of… AP – Sep 20, 6:56 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato, of Japan, chips t… AP – Sep 20, 6:51 pm EDT
Na Yeon Choi, rear, and Jiyai … AP – Sep 20, 6:50 pm EDT
Na Yeon Choi, left, and her pl… AP – Sep 20, 6:50 pm EDT
Na Yeon Choi, of South Korea, … AP – Sep 20, 6:38 pm EDT
Na Yeon Choi, of South Korea, … AP – Sep 20, 6:38 pm EDT
Na Yeon Choi, of South Korea, … AP – Sep 20, 6:30 pm EDT
Na Yeon Choi, of South Korea, … AP – Sep 20, 6:29 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato, of Japan, reacts … AP – Sep 20, 4:25 pm EDT
Lorena Ochoa, of Mexico, chips… AP – Sep 20, 4:10 pm EDT
Paula Creamer tees off on the … AP – Sep 20, 4:01 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato, of Japan, hits fr… AP – Sep 20, 3:48 pm EDT
Lorena Ochoa, of Mexico, tees … AP – Sep 20, 3:47 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato, of Japan, tees of… AP – Sep 20, 3:42 pm EDT
Na Yeon Choi, of South Korea, … AP – Sep 20, 3:27 pm EDT
Na Yeon Choi, of South Korea, … AP – Sep 20, 3:27 pm EDT
Jiyai Shin, of South Korea, re… AP – Sep 20, 3:26 pm EDT
Jiyai Shin, of South Korea, ch… AP – Sep 20, 3:26 pm EDT
Na Yeon Choi, of South Korea, … AP – Sep 20, 3:21 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato of Japan, center, … AP – Sep 19, 4:29 pm EDT
Na Yeon Choi, of South Korea, … AP – Sep 19, 4:21 pm EDT
Na Yeon Choi, of South Korea, … AP – Sep 19, 4:21 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato of Japan, hits her… AP – Sep 19, 4:13 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato, right, of Japan, … AP – Sep 19, 4:12 pm EDT
Jiyai Shin, of South Korea, re… AP – Sep 19, 4:06 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato of Japan, left, hu… AP – Sep 19, 4:01 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato of Japan hits her … AP – Sep 19, 3:57 pm EDT
Jiyai Shin of South Korea cele… AP – Sep 19, 3:49 pm EDT
Lorena Ochoa, of Mexico, tees … AP – Sep 19, 1:47 pm EDT
Paula Creamer tees off on seco… AP – Sep 19, 1:42 pm EDT
Yani Tseng waves after making … AP – Sep 19, 1:42 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato of Japan, gestures… AP – Sep 19, 1:37 pm EDT
Paula Creamer holds up the bal… AP – Sep 19, 1:36 pm EDT
Na Yeon Choi, of South Korea, … AP – Sep 19, 1:29 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato of Japan, hits her… AP – Sep 19, 1:29 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato, of Japan, chips t… AP – Sep 19, 1:25 pm EDT
Na Yeon Choi of South Korea, w… AP – Sep 19, 1:21 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato of Japan, hits her… AP – Sep 19, 1:21 pm EDT
Na Yeon Choi, of South Korea, … AP – Sep 19, 1:15 pm EDT
Lorena Ochoa, of Mexico, tees … AP – Sep 19, 1:13 pm EDT
Lorena Ochoa, of Mexico, celeb… AP – Sep 19, 1:13 pm EDT
Jiyai Shin of South Korea,hold… AP – Sep 19, 1:10 pm EDT
Jiyai Shin of South Korea, hit… AP – Sep 19, 1:08 pm EDT
Lorena Ochoa, of Mexico, celeb… AP – Sep 18, 8:27 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato, of Japan, waves a… AP – Sep 18, 8:21 pm EDT
Paula Creamer pumps her fist a… AP – Sep 18, 8:19 pm EDT
Lorena Ochoa of Mexico celebra… AP – Sep 18, 8:14 pm EDT
Lorena Ochoa, of Mexico, waves… AP – Sep 18, 8:14 pm EDT
Jiyai Shin of South Korea, tee… AP – Sep 18, 6:57 pm EDT
Lorena Ochoa, of Mexico, chips… AP – Sep 18, 6:56 pm EDT
Sophie Gustafson, of Sweden, h… AP – Sep 18, 6:49 pm EDT
Na Yeon Choi, of South Korea, … AP – Sep 18, 6:29 pm EDT
Jiyai Shin of South Korea chip… AP – Sep 18, 6:27 pm EDT
Na Yeon Choi, of South Korea, … AP – Sep 18, 6:17 pm EDT
Paula Creamer lines up her put… AP – Sep 18, 6:15 pm EDT
Paula Creamer waves after savi… AP – Sep 18, 6:13 pm EDT
Paula Creamer hits her tee sho… AP – Sep 18, 6:08 pm EDT
Juli Inkster celebrates making… AP – Sep 18, 6:05 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato, of Japan, lines u… AP – Sep 18, 6:03 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato, of Japan, holds u… AP – Sep 18, 5:59 pm EDT
Lorena Ochoa, of Mexico, react… AP – Sep 18, 5:57 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato of Japan, left, an… AP – Sep 18, 5:55 pm EDT
Sophie Gustafson, of Sweden, h… AP – Sep 18, 5:53 pm EDT
Audrey Gerdes, caddie for golf… AP – Sep 18, 5:52 pm EDT
Sophie Gustafson, of Sweden, h… AP – Sep 18, 5:49 pm EDT
Lorena Ochoa, of Mexico, celeb… AP – Sep 18, 5:45 pm EDT
Jiyai Shin, of South Korea, ce… AP – Sep 18, 5:44 pm EDT
Lorena Ochoa, of Mexico, hits … AP – Sep 18, 5:42 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato, of Japan, hits ou… AP – Sep 18, 5:40 pm EDT
Jiyai Shin, of South Korea, ce… AP – Sep 18, 5:36 pm EDT
Lorena Ochoa, of Mexico, hits … AP – Sep 18, 5:32 pm EDT
Ai Miyazato, of Japan, hits he… AP – Sep 18, 5:25 pm EDT
Song-Hee Kim, of South Korea, … AP – Sep 18, 5:17 pm EDT YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 99; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = 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She came fairly close to winning last week. Ochoa, who had won 21 times from2006-08, finished four strokes behind winner Sophie Gustafson at theCVS/pharmacy LPGA Challenge in Danville, Calif.
Recent rains have changed the dynamics some in Prattville.
“I think I have a good plan on how to play the course,” Ochoa said. “It’splaying a little bit longer because obviously it’s a little bit wet and therough is a little bit higher. So I think it should be a little bit differentthan last year.
“But at the same time, a good challenge. I’m happy to be back, and I’mgoing to do my best to defend my title. It would be great to win on Sunday.”
Gustafson, No. 3 money winner Cristie Kerr, Hjorth and Michelle Wie are alsoin the field. It’s a chance for Kerr to make up some ground on Jiyai Shin, wholeads her in the Rolex Player of the Year chase.
Wie returns from a short break for the start of classes at Stanford, where’sshe’s taking communications and statistics courses.
She has six Top 10 finishes in 16 events, including a runner-up at theseason-opening SBS Open at Turtle Bay.
“I had a good two weeks off and a good week of school last week,” Wiesaid. “I’m excited to play again. I felt like I practiced a lot last week andit will be fun to put that into action.”
This is the 19-year-old’s first time playing in the Navistar Classic and herfirst visit to Alabama. She likes the Southern flavor just fine so far.
“I love the food here, love the music. It’s great,” Wie said. “Everyother radio station here plays country music, so I’m pretty happy about that.”
She’d be even happier with her first LPGA victory.
“That’s a goal I can’t really control as much,” Wie said. “More of apersonal goal is what I’ve been trying to accomplish all year: Try my hardestand play my hardest and end the week, knowing I’ve done that.”
DIVOTS: The LPGA announced an extension to hold the Navistar event next yearon Wednesday. … Susann Petterson withdrew from the field for the secondstraight week. … The tour takes a three-week break after the tournament.
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Watson, Funk head field in Senior Players tourney
September 30, 2009
TIMONIUM, Md. (AP)—Even if Tom Watson won the British Open, it’s hard toimagine his life would be much better than it is right now.
Watson skipped the past couple weeks on the Champions Tour to work on aninstructional DVD and book. Sales should be rather brisk because of hisperformance last July at Turnberry, when he came tantalizingly close to becomingthe oldest player to win a major on the U.S. PGA Tour.
“This DVD was planned in March of this year. It didn’t have anything to dowith the British,” Watson said Wednesday before quickly adding, “Oh, by theway, it will help. The timing is pretty darn good.”
Now 60, Watson still gets a thrill out of playing in major tournaments. He’ssure to be a crowd favorite at the Senior Players Championship, which startsThursday and runs through Sunday at the Baltimore Country Club.
Tom Pernice Jr., left, celebra… AP – Sep 27, 6:26 pm EDT Tom Pernice Jr., left, celebra… AP – Sep 27, 6:26 pm EDT
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“This is a favorite course of mine,” said Watson, who finished second herein 2007. He didn’t participate last year because he was getting lefthip-replacement surgery, an operation that changed his way of life.
“I rode a horse at a parade last Saturday,” he said. “Last year, Icouldn’t spread my legs wide enough to get on the back of a horse. Now, man, Ican ride a fat horse, no problem. That’s the difference between this year andlast year.”
That is not the only difference. Even though he lost a playoff to StewartCink in the British Open, Watson has been the recipient of an outpouring of lovefrom around the world.
“The response has been humbling, it’s been overwhelming. It’s a responsethat I would have never foreseen for a guy finishing second in a golftournament,” he said. “The theme has been, ‘You’ve given me hope. You’ve givenme a second charge in my life. You’re 60 years old and still doing this? Maybe Ican still do what I thought I couldn’t do anymore.’ It’s kind of the wonderfultheme that’s come out of this thing.”
Fred Funk, one-third of a stellar threesome with Watson and Nick Price onThursday, won’t soon forget Watson’s unexpected brush with history.
“Almost everyone wanted Tom to win that thing, and he did everything hecould,” Funk said. “Had he won, that would have been one of the greatest, ifnot the greatest, sports accomplishments ever.”
This tournament, the fifth major on the Champions Tour, could come down toduel between Funk and Watson. Funk has finished in the Top 5 in each of theprevious four majors this year, and Watson has three top-10 finishes in thoseevents.
Funk is the Tour leader in Schwab Cup points and finished third and secondin the past two years at this course. But he has been struggling lately, in partbecause he’s trying to recover from a staph infection in his knee.
Nick Price unsuccessfully trie… AP – Sep 27, 6:24 pm EDT
He paid to have his teacher come in from Wisconsin to help him perfect hisswing.
“Last week, I don’t know what it was, but my whole game just went in thetoilet,” said Funk, referring to his 18th-place finish in the SAS Championship.“I’m a little concerned about where I am right now, and I want to get itfixed.”
Perhaps he can have a revelation similar to the one Watson experienced 15years ago.
“I learned how to swing the golf club on the practice tee at Hilton Head at3:15 in the afternoon after a practice round at the 1994 Heritage GolfClassic,” Watson said. “I made that change, and the golf swing got easy forme.”
Funk grew up in Maryland and coached at the University of Maryland in the1980s, so winning here is clearly a priority.
“This is big. Not only the significance it has for the Schwab Cup andhaving a major under your belt, but it’s my home state,” he said. “I get somuch support here, I would love to put something of this much significance on myresume.”
He expects his threesome to draw the biggest gallery—by far.
“That’s a pretty strong group right there,” he said. “Whoever’s here isprobably going to be following our group. Hopefully I play well.”
The tournament is sponsored by Constellation Energy.
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Local Knowledge: Atunyote and the Turning Stone Resort Championship (PGA.com)
September 30, 2009
With the PGA Tour Playoffs for the FedExCup in the books for 2009, the Fall Series begins this week in Verona, N.Y. at the Turning Stone Resort. The players will be challenged on the resort's Atunyote course. Five 2009 champions will be there, helping to fill out a strong field. Before the tournament tees off on Thursday morning, Turning Stone PGA Head Professional Miles Blundell took time for a little Q&A with PGA.com to talk about what is sure to be an exciting week.
PGA.com: Tell us about the excitement level up in Verona with the PGA Tour in town this week for the Turning Stone Resort Championship.
Blundell: It's incredible right now. The fall weather we have is just beautiful and the course is in absolutely unbelievable shape. After the excitement of last week with the dramatic finish to the FedExCup, we're excited to carry that momentum as the first event of the Fall Series and we know we have a great field. We were lucky enough to have Tiger here about a month and a half ago for an event hosted by Notah Begay and I think that created a lot of buzz amongst the players on Tour.
PGA.com: Atunyote is such a beautiful course to look at. It's just one that really catches your eye and leaves an impression. Can you tell our readers a little about what makes Atunyote so special?
Blundell: It's a beautiful place and the conditioning is second to none. From a number of rounds standpoint, we don't do a lot. In fact, last year we only did 4,200 rounds and that allows us to provide an unbelievable golf experience for our guests. The greens are always perfect, just like the rest of the course. With a lower number of rounds played we are able to provide a first-class experience. We have our caddies meet guests' right at the curb; we take them through the clubhouse and the locker room. The tee times are spaced out 15 minutes apart, which means that most of the time when you play, you feel like you're in the only group on the course.
PGA.com: From what I understand, this will be your first Turning Stone Resort Championship in your role there as Head Professional. But, you're not new to being the host professional at a Tour event. You used to work at Nemacolin, which was home to the old 84 Lumber Classic. Is there any one thing that you remember experiencing during that time at Nemacolin that you're most looking forward to experiencing again this week at Atunyote?
Blundell: The thing I'm most looking forward to is the player reaction to the facility. While Nemacolin and Turning Stone are two completely different resorts, there are also a lot of similarities since they're both first-class operations. Seeing how the players react and seeing how the facilities compare—I'm looking forward to getting that feedback from the players. Atunyote is a Fazio course, while Nemacolin was a Dye course. They're both really good. Aside from the feedback, I can't wait to experience the thrill of the leaders coming up the 18th fairway on Sunday afternoon and watching some good golf. This is a neat place.
PGA.com: With the Playoffs now over, you guys were still able to draw a strong field of players, including five guys who have won this season. Is that a testament to the course and the tournament that rather than shutting it down, these guys are up in Verona to play your event?
Blundell: I think that the buzz with the Tour players and Atunyote speaks for itself. The guys rave about the greens and the strength of field we have is outstanding. I was really surprised to see some great names in the Monday qualifier—Lee janzen among them—and guys like Tag Ridings, who I thought for sure would be automatically qualified for the event. At that Monday qualifier we had one 69 and four players that shot 70 and there was a four-way playoff for three spots. It was an exciting way to kick off the week and I know it's only going to get better.
PGA.com: This time of year it can be quite cool up north. I think I remember seeing snowflakes at Turning Stone a few years ago. What kind of weather are you anticipating and could that have a significant impact on the outcome?
Blundell: The weather forecast… I just looked and luckily we're not anticipating any showers. The temperatures won't be as warm as we might like, but that's what Fall is all about. It will be mild with some sun. I think it will play a big role in the outcome for sure, because the windbreakers will be out—especially in the mornings—and the guys will be dressing a lot warmer than they're used to.
One of the many cool things about Turning Stone is our indoor, climate-controlled golf dome. In fact, there are about a dozen or so players practicing in there right now. It's comfortable and different, which I think they like. They can practice later and not worry about getting cold… Yet.
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Expert Picks: Soboba Classic (PGATOUR.com)
September 30, 2009
Soboba Classic: | |
PGATOUR.COM will have expert picks and sleepers for each Nationwide Tour event this year. Our experts—Nationwide Tour producer Ceri Mobley and former Nationwide Tour and PGATOUR.COM employee Jordan Crampton—will each choose two players they consider favorites that week and a sleeper pick (a player who is not inside "THE 25"). Here are their selections for this week's Soboba Classic. Crampton's picks Mobley's picks 
Jonas Blixt. No surprises with Mobley taking Gillis whohasn't missed acut all season;I'm counteringwith Blixt who is very solid once he makes the cut.Blixt hasfinished inside the top 25 eight times this season, and he is capable of going low (he shot a final-round 61 at Fort Smith).Blixt will need a strong finish as he's currently 29th on the money list and about $8,000 shy of the 25th spot. 
Tom Gillis. Once again, Gillis was reliable and solid, and there's no way I am letting go of him any time soon. With a tie for seventh at the WNB Golf Classic, Gillis notched his seventh top-10 of the season, and he is still missed-cut free. If anyone is going to play well at a new tournament, it's Gillis. Why? Because he plays well every week. I'll be shocked if he doesn't win again this season. 
Blake Adams. Adams is closing in on his best season by far this year, and he has done everything but take home a victory. He has secured his card for next season, he's leading the Tour in top-10s, and he has shown the consistency it will take to make it on TOUR.Adams currentlyranks third in scoring average; I like his chances on a course that no one is familiar with. 
Chad Collins. Last week marked Collins' third runner-up finish of the season, and it was highlighted by a fantastic final-round 62. He has to have momentum coming off a round like that, so I like him for his confidence as he heads into a new tournament. He also hasn't missed a cut since June, and since I only had one pick make the weekend last week, I need a guy like Collins. Crampton's sleeper Mobley's sleeper 
Dustin Risdon. It's tough to believe Risdon is so far back on the money list (currently 35th) with the type of season he is having. He has only missed six cuts this entire season, and his scoring average is just a shade above 70. Risdon leads the Tour in Greens in Regulation, and he will need to hit plenty of greens and keep the bogeys off his card if he's going to contend in California this week. 
Patrick Sheehan. At 36th on the money list, Sheehan definitely has a good shot at climbing inside "THE 25" before the end of the season, and if he keeps following the trend he has been on lately, he should be able to do it. Sheehan has been playing the PGA TOUR, too, in 2009, and he is well outside the top 125 on that money list, so playing well on the Nationwide Tour is his best option to reach the '10 TOUR.
LAST WEEK: It was a rough week for our experts again, with only two players making the cut. Ceri Mobley scored another top-10 with Tom Gillis and contined her run at Jordan Crampton and first place, but she still has a long way to go.
Standings after week 25 Pos. Expert Wins Top 5s Top 10s Top 25s Money earned 1 Jordan CramptonFormer employee, Nationwide Tour and PGATOUR.COM 3 2 10 10 $697,440.28 2 Ceri MobleyAssociate Site Producer, PGATOUR.COM - 7 10 11 $532,739.77
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Golf-McIlroy contemplating joining U.S. Tour (Reuters)
September 30, 2009
By Norman Dabell
ST ANDREWS, Scotland, Sept 30 (Reuters) – Britain’s excitingyoungster Rory McIlroy is considering playing on the U.S. PGATour next season.
“I was looking at the (PGA Tour) schedule this morning,” the20-year-old Northern Irishman, currently third on the Europeanmoney-list (Race to Dubai), told reporters during a newsconference at the Dunhill Links Championship.
“The way the schedule is, it makes it a little bit easierfor me to play in America next year. I’m in no great rush tojoin the PGA Tour but the opportunity might not be thereforever.
“There’s no rush all round because I have to make mydecision before December 1. I’ll be making it before then.”
The young Ulsterman, who would have to commit to 15 U.S.Tour tournaments, could earn a card automatically throughwinnings earned in 2009 U.S. Tour events. He was third in theU.S. PGA Championship and fifth in the Accenture Matchplay WorldGolf Championship.
With European money-list leader Martin Kaymer andsecond-placed Paul Casey both absent recovering from injuries,McIlroy, who finished third in the 2007 edition of thetournament to earn his tour card not long after turningprofessional, can go top even if he finishes second in Scotland.
McIlory plays with his father Gerry in the pro-am formatevent over St. Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns courses,starting on Thursday.
“It’s a big deal for me this week and the Race to Dubai willbe in the back of my mind all week but first and foremost I’vegot to get my dad round,” added McIlroy. (Editing by Sonia Oxley; To comment on this story:sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
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Expert picks: Turning Stone Resort Championship (PGATOUR.com)
September 30, 2009
The first tournament of the Fall Series is the Turning Stone Resort Championship held at Atunyote Golf Club in Verona, N.Y. Here's how the PGATOUR.COM experts sized up the top contenders:
EXPERT PICKSHow it works: Our 10 experts from PGATOUR.COM select the player they think will win this week's event. By using a draft process, no two picks can be the same. Expert picks: Turning Stone Resort Championship Expert Pick order Player selected LaurenDeason
DUSTIN JOHNSON. With three top-15s in his last six starts, including a T4 at TPC Boston, he heads to the site of his first TOUR win with momentum. Plus, the big-hitting Johnson won at Pebble Beach this year, so he should excel in the wet, chilly weather in N.Y. T.J.Auclair 
MICHAEL SIM. This is his first PGA TOUR start since his three-win Nationwide Tour promotion. He's played in two majors this year, highlighted by a T18 at the U.S. Open. He's a star in the making, who put up a good argument for a Presidents Cup Captain's Pick. If Auclair had the top pick … Sim JohnSwantek 
BRANDT SNEDEKER. Itching to play since the meltdown at the BMW Championship, he'll be motivated to exorcise the demons after the 4-putt on the final hole in Chicago that cost him a spot in THE TOUR Championship. If Swantek had the top pick …Snedeker MikeMcAllister 
CHARLES HOWELL III. In three of the last four years, Howell has had at least one top-10 finish after Sept. 1, including a tie for third at Turning Stone last year. He didn't make much noise in the Playoffs, but look for him to ramp it up this fall. If McAllister had the top pick … Johnson WinMcMurry 
RORY SABBATINI. His tie for 18th in his last start (BMW Champ.) shows he's had time to cool down after not making Greg Norman's team. But I think he'll be looking to show the Shark why he should have been picked. If McMurry had the top pick … Johnson CeriMobley 
BILL HAAS. Once over my disappointment that I couldn't have Michael Sim, I thought about a veteran like Davis Love III. But I settled on Haas, whose worst finish in his last five starts is a T24 and who barely missed out on East Lake. Plus he tied for 10th here in '07. If Mobley had the top pick … Sim RyanSmithson 
ROBERT ALLENBY. Brandt Snedeker before Allenby? Please. Snedeker does well on courses that require 20 under. This is not one of those weeks. Conversely, Allenby shines on really tough tracks. If Smithson had the top pick … Allenby HelenRoss 
JOHN ROLLINS. He's a former champ at the Atunyote Golf Club—winning the final B.C. Open presented by the Turning Stone Resort. Rollins also won in Reno last month and made it through three Playoffs events so he should be primed. If Ross had the top pick … Johnson MarkSpoor 
MARK WILSON. Despite not making the field for THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola, Wilson's last start ended with a top-10. Specifically, a tie for 10th at the BMW Championship. Here's hoping the momentum continues. If Spoor had the top pick … Johnson BrianWacker 
MARC LEISHMAN. He had a nice run through the Playoffs and pretty much wrapped up Rookie of the Year. There's no reason to think he won't continue to play well in the Fall Series, especially at Turning Stone, where his length will be factor. If Wacker had the top pick … Johnson
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Dustin Johnson set to defend at Atunyote
September 30, 2009
VERONA, N.Y. (AP)—Dustin Johnson loves the forecast for the Turning StoneResort Championship: Rain on three of the next four days.
“Seeing how the two coldest and the two wettest tournaments I’ve played sofar—I’ve won both of them—I don’t mind it at all,” he said.
That initial PGA Tour triumph came a year ago on Turning Stone’s 7,482-yardAtunyote Golf Club course. Johnson endured soggy conditions and a rain delaythat even included a blast of hail that blanketed at least one green.
Four months later, he won his second event at the AT&T Pebble Beach NationalPro-Am, a tournament shortened to 54 holes when the final round was canceled dueto strong winds and heavy rain. That left Johnson the winner by four strokesover Mike Weir.
The victories injected confidence into Johnson’s game, and this year hasbeen a breakthrough as he prepares to start defense of his Turning Stone titleon Thursday. Johnson ranks third on the PGA Tour in driving distance (308.4),third in birdie average (4.08), and nearly was picked by U.S. captain FredCouples for the Presidents Cup.
“I’m a lot more comfortable out here,” Johnson said. “Last year was myfirst year and I didn’t quite understand. I’ve scheduled a lot better this year.I’m a little more organized, and as far as golf goes I’ve been better atpreparing for each tournament. The more you’re out here and the more experienceyou have out here, the better you get as far as preparing.”
Turning Stone is the first tournament of the Fall Series, which is comprisedof five events. Players are vying to finish the year in the top 125 on the moneylist to retain full exemption for 2010.
With a $6 million purse and $1.08 million of it going to the champion, it’san attractive stop, and the third rendition of the event has attracted itsstrongest field. The original field had 17 of the top 50 money leaders on thePGA Tour heading to the resort, but three—Jerry Kelly, Steve Marino, and JohnMallinger—have since withdrawn.
Johnson, 15th in earnings, is one of three players in the field who advancedthrough all four of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup playoffs, along with John Sendenand rookie Marc Leishman.
Others prominent players in the field include: Ben Curtis, Rocco Mediate,David Duval, Rich Beem, Mark Calcavecchia, Steve Elkington, Adam Scott, DavisLove III, Rocco Mediate, Rory Sabbatini, Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby, AaronBaddeley and 2010 Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin. Turning Stone’s inauguralchamp, Steve Flesch, also returns, as does John Rollins, who won at Atunyotewhen it hosted the final B.C. Open in 2006.
Still, Johnson, an All-American at Coastal Carolina and three-time Big SouthConference player of the year in college, likes his chances.
A year ago, he birdied the final two holes, saving his best and longestdrive for last. He boomed a 357-yard shot off the tee at the 616-yard, par-518th hole, then hit his second shot 37 feet past the green and into the roughbefore recovering with a clutch chip and nerve-racking 8-foot putt to beatAllenby by one stroke.
“I’m hitting the ball well, but it’s hard to hit it close from the rough,”Johnson said. “Whenever I drive it straight, I’m going to play well, and I’vebeen driving it in the fairway the last few weeks.”
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Blog: Three great players, three different approaches (PGATOUR.com)
September 30, 2009
Phil Mickelson pulled out his old tricks with the flat stick and won THE TOUR Championship presented by Coca Cola at East Lake Golf Club. After a flawless bogey-free 65, Mickelson won his 37th PGA TOUR tournament by three strokes over Tiger Woods.
This was Mickelson's third win of the season and certainly the most memorable after a very long and emotional year. After struggling in the first three FedExCup events, Mickelson put it all together with some solid ballstriking and a much improved putting stroke to win the final big tournament of the year.
Although Mickelson took home a nice check for a week's work, Tiger was the big financial winner taking home the $10 million check that comes with the FedExCup.
Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson an… PGATOUR.com – Sep 30, 2:57 pm EDT Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson an… PGATOUR.com – Sep 30, 2:57 pm EDT YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index = 1; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_lazy_images = [http://d.yimg.com/a/p/sp/turner/8c/fullj.04212823a95db3770a5bb232c6e47044/fultonblog_929200909300.jpg?x=180&y=200&xc=102&yc=1&wc=238&hc=264&q=70&sig=6R0irju8eMFOrgJsMx3vCw--]; YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(window,load,YAHOO.Sports.articleLazyLoadCarousel.init); 1 of 2 Golf Gallery function prev_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index > 0) { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index – 1); } else { goto_photo(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index); }}function next_photo() { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index 0) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_prev, prev_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_prev, prev); } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_last_index) { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.addClass(article_carousel_next, next_disabled); YAHOO.util.Dom.removeClass(article_carousel_next, next); }*/}function goto_photo(p) { if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { for(i = 0; i < YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos.length; i++) { if (i == p) { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, ); } else { YAHOO.util.Dom.setStyle(YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos[i], display, none); } } if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page) { YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page.innerHTML =(p + 1); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = p; } } update_buttons();}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init = function () { YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_prev, click, prev_photo); YAHOO.util.Event.addListener(article_carousel_next, click, next_photo); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_index = 0; YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_current_page = YAHOO.util.Dom.get(carousel_page); YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos = YAHOO.util.Dom.getElementsByClassName(item, div, leadphoto); if (YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_photos) { goto_photo(0); }}YAHOO.Sports.article_carousel_init();
What Can We Learn It was neat to see the TOUR Championship come down to Sunday with Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods and Kenny Perry all atop the leaderboard. These three names have certainly spent a lot of time in the winner's circle over the last three years and to see them all battling down the stretch is what the Playoffs were designed to be all about. This week, I want to touch on what we can learn from all three of these great champions.
Beginning with Phil Mickelson and his quest on getting his putting stroke back on track. After working with Dave Stockton Sr. on his putting, Mickelson made a couple of changes that made all the difference in the world in Atlanta. The two changes saw Mickelson move the ball position back in his stance and lean the putter shaft more forward at address. Over the last couple of years, Mickelson was getting the ball too far forward in the stance which didn't allow for his patented forward press. These conditions affected the overall contact and spin of the ball which resulted in not enough made putts.
With improved ball position – which is recommended to be 1 to 1 ½ ball widths forward of center – Phil is now able to create the forward press with the putter shaft which allows the putter head to move down longer through the impact zone. These conditions have resulted in a better roll on the ball and more made putts.
In addition to Phil's great play this week, we were also treated to a final pairing that featured Tiger Woods and Kenny Perry – two great ballstrikers but very different in their style and approach. Although there are some similarities between the two motions, there are also some very interesting differences that again, we can all learn from. Two of the biggest differences are how the two set the club face at the top of the swing and how this affects their overall body motion through impact. Let's begin with Kenny Perry.
Perry's golf swing is one that looks a bit odd in comparison to many of the other great golf swings on the PGA TOUR. Although it has been an efficient motion for him over the years, there are two components that change the dynamics and appearance of his motion. These components are noticeable in the way Perry uses the clubface during the swing and his body motion through impact.
At the top of the swing, Perry sets the clubface in a closed position. A closed club face at the top is when the club face is looking towards the sky, i.e. Zach Johnson. This is a result of Perry's relatively strong grip at address and lack of forearm rotation during the backswing. With the clubface closed at the top, Perry has to hold off the rotation of the clubface through impact by driving his right arm down while holding the angle in his right wrist.
In the golf instruction world, Perry would be considered more of a "hitter" of the ball because of how he actively straightens his right arm on the downswing. This straightening effort of the right arm is often times overlooked in an otherwise sound golf swing, but it's very apparent with Perry's move because of how flat footed his feet are at impact. With a less active lower body at impact, Perry uses his right arm on the downswing as his major source of power and control.
The best way to describe his right arm on the downswing is that it is "pushing down and out." "Pushing down" allows the right arm to actively straighten while maintaining its bend in the right wrist. This feeling is no different than if you were to try to push something into the ground with your right arm. Maintaining the bend in the right wrist is a fundamental with any good swing as it allows the club shaft to return forward at impact resulting in a club head that is descending and accelerating through the impact zone. Most amateurs do not accomplish this and release the right wrist too soon resulting in a poor and inconsistent impact. For those who struggle with this issue, the described "pushing down" of the right arm should become more of a conscious effort.
"Out" is the second half of the equation as it directs the right arm to deliver the club head from the inside. Most amateurs need to feel as if they are driving the right arm not only "down," but "out." I often times describe this feeling as if the right arm is being directed more towards right field. A lot of amateurs struggle with an over-the-top move that delivers the club head to impact too far from outside the target line. Moving the aim point more towards right field on an imaginary baseball diamond will allow for a much more effective approach from the inside as the club head reaches impact.
Tiger's golf swing is a bit different in the way he uses the club face and body motion through impact. With a more neutral grip, Tiger rotates the club face with his left forearm to the top which sets the club face in a more square position. A square club face is when the angle of the club face matches the left forearm. This is a position Tiger has worked on over the years with his swing coach – Hank Haney—as Tiger use to be closed at the top as well. With the club face square at the top, Woods uses his body more aggressively to align the club face at impact. You may have noticed, at impact that Woods is well off his right heel as the weight has shifted into the left foot with much more rotation in the hips relative to Perry.
In the golf instruction world, Woods would be considered more of a "swinger" of the ball because of how he uses his body to propel his arm swing and align the club face at impact. Although the club head is still moving "down and out" as described above, Woods is not actively driving the right arm but rather using his body motion to align the club face and create speed through impact.
To different styles but both very effective when it comes to striking a golf ball. The reality is if you struggle with your body motion during your golf swing then it might be best for you to learn to play from a slightly closed club face, where there is less emphasis on the body to square the face at impact. In addition, players who struggle with an open club face impact or casting on the downswing, a "hitting" motion like Perry is a great route to go, as not only does it cure your slice but it teaches you how to build some lag on your downswing resulting in a much improved impact condition.
However, if your body motion is in sequence and can be used as a resource to produce power and accuracy, then learn to set the club face square at the top so it can be propelled through impact. In addition, players who struggle with a closed club face at impact or perhaps have too much lag on the downswing; a "swinging" motion like Woods would be a better plan.
Just Because
Well, it is hard to believe the TOUR Championship is in the books. Where does the time go? This is the final blog of the year with only the Fall Series left to play. It has been great to have the opportunity to share some insights on the PGA TOUR and how the world's greatest golfers do what they do. This completes the second season of my blog as I look forward to season three in 2010.
With the off-season just around the corner, this is a great time to work on your games. With TOUR Academies all across the country, we would love to have you visit for a golf school or some private lessons and help you improve your skills for 2010. For more information on the TOUR Academies please visit our website at www.touracademy.com
See you in a few months!
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Golf-Karlsson faces tough balancing act at St Andrews (Reuters)
September 30, 2009
By Norman Dabell
ST ANDREWS, Scotland, Sept 30 (Reuters) – Robert Karlssonfaces a tricky balancing act at the Dunhill Links Championship,being competitive on the one hand and not risking a return ofthe eye problem that has dogged him for months on the other.
Karlsson, who capped his 2008 European order of meritvictory with the title here last year, will be playing his firstindividual tournament in four months on Thursday after appearingon the losing Continental Europe team in last week’s SeveTrophy.
The 40-year-old Swede knows the pressure of a competitiveenvironment could trigger the career-threatening retinalproblems that have troubled him since late May.
“Winning is stressful and I’m told that was the root of myproblem,” Karlsson told reporters on Wednesday. “But I did enjoylast year very, very much.
“I know it’s about not putting too much pressure on myselfbut that is easier said than done. It’s a balance I have to findbetween going out and doing too much and being successful. It’sup to me to find that balance now.
“I have a short-term goal at the moment: to make Dubai(Dubai World Championship). I need to have a couple of goodweeks. It’s more important for me to start enjoying it(tournament play), build on where I am now but make sure I don’tbring this on again.”
Karlsson, who lies 89th on the Race to Dubai, with only thetop 60 to feature in the season-ending World Championship, mayhave plenty of opportunity this week to gauge how much lostground he needs to make up.
Three players trying to oust the absent Martin Kaymer fromthe top of the money-list—Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood and RossFisher—are in the tournament being staged at St Andrews,Carnoustie and Kingsbarns courses.
Three-times major champion Padraig Harrington, twice awinner of the event, has returned from a successful two monthsin America, looking for his first win of the year to make a latebid to be European number one for a second time.
(Editing by Miles Evans; To query or comment on this storyemailsportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
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Mickelson signs on for Singapore Open
September 30, 2009
SINGAPORE (AP)—Two-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson will play in nextmonth’s Singapore Open.
Organizers say that Mickelson, who won the Tour Championship event lastweekend by three shots over Tiger Woods, will join other major winners PadraigHarrington and Ernie Els in the $5 million tournament that starts Oct. 29.
Els finished second last year to India’s Jeev Milkha Singh.
Mickelson, who finished ninth last year, will make his third appearance inthe tournament.
The Singapore Open, co-sanctioned by the Asian and European tours, will bethe first of two tournaments the No. 2-ranked Mickelson will play in Asia in twoweeks. He will join Woods at the World Golf Championship event in Shanghai,China, the following week.
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