15 year old Ratchanon Chantananuwat creates history in Thailand

Ratchanon Chantananuwat – photo Asian Tour

Article courtesy of Asian Tour.

Pattaya, Thailand, April 10: Ratchanon Chantananuwat, Thailand’s teenage golf sensation, finally achieved the impossible today when he claimed the US$750,000 Trust Golf Asian Mixed Cup – becoming the youngest male player to win on one of the game’s major Tours.

The 15-year-old amateur –– fired a seven-under-par 65 to finish on 20 under and beat Korean Joohyung Kim by two shots at Siam Country Club’s Waterside Course.

Kim, aged 19, returned a 64 while American lefthander Paul Peterson and Bio Kim from Korea ended third one stroke behind after firing 68 and 69 respectively.

Ratchanon at 15 years old and 37 days old improved upon the previous best youngest winner mark set by Japan’s Ryo Ishikawa, who was 15 years and eight months when won the Japan Tour’s 2007 Munsingwear Open KSB Cup.

And on the Asian Tour Thailand’s Chinnarat Phadungsil had been the previous youngest champion, having claimed the 2005 Double A International Open when he was 17 years and five days old.

In one of the most captivating and historic finishes to an Asian Tour event, a whole host of players were in contention on the back nine.

But Ratchanon, playing in the penultimate group, made the decisive move when he birdied 14 and 15, for a three-shot lead over the chasing pack.

His cause was also helped when Kim, playing two groups ahead, found water on 17 and made bogey.

That appeared to hand victory to Ratchanon but Kim sensationally holed a 15 footer for eagle on the par-five 18th to get to 18 under and give the young Thai golfer a one-shot lead playing the last.

Once again showing maturity beyond his years, Ratchanon split the fairway with his drive, laid up safely short and holed a birdie putt from 12 feet.

“I am very excited, but I felt a lot of pressure,” said Ratchanon.

“I got to be honest, I got pretty lucky, I had hit two or three terrible drives. I saw that [Kim eagled 10] and was not surprised, he pulls off that stuff all the time. It put pressure on me but I tried not to look at it too much. I definitely have a lot of people to thank.”

The rising star, who studies at Shrewsbury International School Bangkok, has no plans to turn professional and will compete in the upcoming SEA Games in Vietnam.

He said: “This has been my plan all along. I enjoy going to college and learning everything. I have talked to a lot of players, and they have all said go to college.”

He also became the fifth amateur to win on the Asian Tour and first since 2009.

Kim, the reigning Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, had the consolation of receiving the US$135,000 winners’ cheque.

“Made a careless mistake on 17 but recovered well with the eagle but let’s face it, TK deserves this. There is no stopping him. But this week has given me a lot of confidence for the season ahead,” said Kim.

Four-time Asian Tour winner John Catlin from the United States returned a 67 to finish in outright fifth, while in a tie for sixth was 17-year-old Chanoknan Angurasaranee from Thailand.

The US$750,000 tournament marked the first time the Asian Tour have staged a mixed event, as it is being jointly sanctioned with the Ladies European Tour (LET).

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Significant ranking rise likely for Cameron Smith

Smith already # 6 in the world could climb significantly higher – photo USGA

Cameron Smith stands an outside chance of graduating to the top of the world ranking should he win the Masters tomorrow and if the current leader of the event, Scottie Scheffler, was to finish lower than tied for third.

The chances of Scheffler slipping that far appear remote however given his current form but even if Smith was to overcome the three-shot lead Scheffler has on him with one round to play and win his first major title and Scheffler finish second or third then the Queenslander would move to number two in the world ranking.

According to advice from the world ranking organisation the following is possible tomorrow.

“If any current World Top 5 player wins the 2022 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club this week a place at the top of the Official World Golf Ranking will be guaranteed as a result.

World Number 6 Cameron Smith also has a chance to become World Number One with victory provided Scottie Scheffler finishes lower than tied 3rd with 1 other player and Jon Rahm doesn’t finish 2nd alone.”

As is the case with Scheffler, such a jump in standings is remarkable given that Scheffler was ranked 12th at the end of 2021 and Smith 21st.

Both have recorded remarkable seasons already in 2022 but a win by either tomorrow would not only add a first major title to stunning resumes but a cheque for US$2.7 million.

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Door opens for Smith at Augusta National

Cameron Smith in action on a cold and windy Saturday – photo Chris Trotman Augusta National

It might be that he needs to get past the hottest player on the planet in tomorrow’s final round of the 2022 Masters, but Cameron Smith’s stunning third round of 68 (two shots better than any other player was able to produce) has opened the door for a second Masters title for Australia.

Smith began the day six shots adrift of Scottie Scheffler and was still six behind through 10 holes but with the leader recording four bogeys and two birdies over this closing seven holes and Smith playing the last six in 2 under, the margin closed to just three shots and after appearing a one horse race through 45 holes, it has become very much a case of ‘game on’ come Sunday.

Scheffler birdied the 17th to re-establish a four-shot lead but a wild drive at the last could well have led to more than the brilliant bogey he was able to scramble.

Scheffler’s drive was declared unplayable and still some 240 yards from the hole but from alongside the trees and in the pine straw, he produced a remarkable 3 iron shot which finished just over the back of the green. He two putted from there to saved a very important bogey and the margin he holds is three.

Smith’s only blemishes came when he pitched too long at the 3rd and could not get up and down and when, despite a superb bunker shot at the par 3 16th, he missed a par saving putt from five feet.

There were, however, six birdies for the Queenslander on a day where only nine players would break par and only Smith’s round of 68 was in the 60’s.

“It was really tough out there today,” said Smith. “I think I did a good job of just staying within myself, staying patient with the course. Yeah, just hitting — again, hitting lots of quality iron shots. Today the putts went in as well.”

When asked where he think he might be able to apply pressure tomorrow, Smith responded.

“I think the front nine out here, it can get away from you pretty quick. I think you have to stay really patient through the front. There is a couple of birdie opportunities, but I think the back nine tomorrow is obviously where the tournament will be decided.

“Typically, there’s plenty of pins in bowls, and, yeah, you can give yourself plenty of looks if you’re hitting it good.”

When asked how his recent win in the PGA Tour’s flagship event, The Players Championship might help his mindset tomorrow Smith added; ” It just means I can get it done I guess when I’m up against the best guys in the world. It’s a good feeling to have. It’s earned. It’s not given to you.

“So I’m going to have to go out there tomorrow and play really good golf again, probably similar to today. Hopefully everything just falls into place. I can’t control what anyone else is going to do tomorrow. So yeah, just go out there and really focus on myself.”

Scheffler was brilliant, especially through his opening nine of 33 but his first blemish came at the dangerous 12th when he did well to save bogey after finding the front bunker and then overplaying his recovery. Then came bogeys at the 14th and 15th after a beautiful pitch had led to a birdie at the 13th.

A magnificent wedge to three feet led to one last birdie at the `17th before the near disaster at the last but he remained calm through what might have been a tournament changing ordeal.

“Fortunately they found the ball,” said Scheffler. “And then all I was trying to do was figure out how I was going to get it on the green for my third shot. And fortunately I was able to take an unplayable out of the bush and still have a swing.

“I think I could have gone in there and played it if I had to, but getting out of the bush and trying to make my five from there with a drop and guarantee me being out of the bush was huge, and I hit a really good shot and had a nice up-and-down.”

He paid respect to his playing partner for tomorrow and indicated how much he was looking forward to the battle.

“It should be a great fight tomorrow. Obviously Cam is a tremendous player, and he’s got a fantastic short game, and he’s coming off a huge win at THE PLAYERS. Both of us are in good form, so I’m definitely looking forward to the challenge of playing with him tomorrow.

“Little bit of different conditions on the golf course. I’m sure they will keep the green nice and firm, but the wind will be a little lighter. I’m not sure how much lighter it will be, but I think we are both looking forward to the test and the challenge.

“Playing in the final group is always so much fun, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Sungjae Im recovered from a horror front nine to produce a final nine of 32 for a round of 71 and he is five behind Scheffler and two behind Smith.

Marc Leishman is the next best of the Australians after Smith, his round of 71 to improve from 45th to a share of 18th on such a demanding day was an impressive recovery.

“It was tough, cold,” said Leishman. “The greens quickened up overnight back to, I would say, Masters speed. Yeah, happened to play good, a couple of three-putts, but putting was pretty difficult out there with the wind. I’m a lot happier today standing here than I was the last two afternoons after missing a lot of putts.”

Min Woo Lee did well in his round of 72 to be tied for 26th while Cameron Davis and Adam Scott are back in 51st and 52nd place respectively.

Typically the folk at Augusta National do not announce prizemoney until the week of the event. Today the breakdown was released.

The winner of the 2022 Masters will earn a cheque for US$2.7 million, an increase of US$700,000 in 2022, the runner-up US$1.62 million and so on.

Even 10th place will earn US$405,000 and so not only is one of the great titles of world golf up for grabs, but the largest purse in the history of this event.

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Smith loses ground but stays in touch as Scheffler shines


Cameron Smith in action this week – photo Kohjiro Kinno Augusta National

Cameron Smith’s second round of 74 on Friday at the Masters has seen him slip from a share of 2nd after the opening round of 68 to a tie for 6th but two late birdies today have kept him in touch with contention as the event heads into the weekend.

Smith trails the 36 hole leader, Scottie Scheffler, by six shots but, importantly for his chances of challenging for the title over the weekend, he is just one shot out of a four way tie for second place.

In strong winds and cool temperatures, Smith struggled to build any momentum after a bogey at the the opening hole today, his first birdie coming after a delightful pitch to two feet at the par five 15th, followed by another at the 18th when his second finished 4 feet from the hole.

It was the ideal finish and turned an ordinary round into something more than acceptable, especially given the troubles many others in the field were experiencing.

“Yeah, it was good,” said Smith. “Pretty brutal day out there today. Lots of quality golf shots that go to 40, 50 feet, and it gets quite frustrating at times. Just hung in there and made a few nice swings in there. Good for a couple of birdies.

“I feel as though I hit lots of really quality shots into the green and just really didn’t have any birdie opportunities. It was so windy and gusty out there, quite hard to get the speed on the greens as well.

“Yeah, it was, I think, 2-over in the end. Probably wasn’t the worst.”

When asked his thoughts on the weekend he responded; “More of the same. It’s windy tomorrow, so, yeah, just stay aggressive. I think the course will probably firm up a little bit. Just something to be wary of, but just stay aggressive and try to make some birdies.

“I typically don’t love the cold, but a little bit of probably extra warming up, I guess, in the morning and get the body prepped and get ready for a good one tomorrow.”

Smith leads the Australians by six shots, Adam Scott, Minwoo Lee, Cameron Davis and Marc Leishman all finishing on the cut mark of 4 over and playing their way into the weekend field.

Lucas Herbert was the only Australian to miss the cut finishing two shots outside the required mark.

Scott fought his way back from an opening round of 74 to be at even par for the tournament through nine holes. He would bogey the 10th but was still well enough placed when about to play his third after laying up at the par 5 15th.

His pitch there however would spin back off the green into the water and he would eventually finish with a triple bogey and although he birdied the 16th after a tee shot to three feet, he then three putted from just off the green at the 17th and needed a par at the last to stay in the tournament.

Scott was able to do just that but he needed an nine foot par saving putt to do so.

“It was tough,” said Scott. “I was playing really well, and 15 bit me. That’s Augusta National. You live on a knife’s edge every hole honestly, and I was playing with a guy who made it look easy. But that’s how he’s playing at the moment.

“I was playing really, really solid stuff and just misjudged it into 15 and pitched it probably two yards short of my number and ripped it in the water. That hole can give you nightmares, and I had one today.

“I like where my game’s at. It was a tough day out there today. It was really tough on the greens, and I missed a couple putts, but I also made a lot of putts too, which is good news. If I can just kind of keep a big number off the card over the weekend, I think I can have two solid days.

“I’d be surprised if I can get myself right up there. He’s a long way away from me at the moment, but you just never know around here. 11 holes ago, I was three off the lead, so it can turn around quick.”

Leishman made the turn at 1 over for the tournament and appeared to be comfortable as far as his weekend aspirations were concerned.

Things did not quite turn out that way as he bogeyed the 10th, 15th and 18th to finish right on the mark for weekend work.

“I mean today should have been up my alley,” said Leishman. “It was, but as I say, the putts weren’t dropping. We’ll try and sort that out this afternoon and get a clear head. You know how it goes when you’re not making putts. You feel like you’re never going to make another one again.

“Hopefully I can be here in a different frame of mind tomorrow afternoon talking to you and talking about how good my 63 was.”

Lee and Davis have done extremely well to make the weekend on their debuts at Augusta National.

Lee’s round of 75 was a roller coaster, five bogeys and two birdies but importantly the second of those birdies came at the par 3 16th when, after all but playing his way out of the tournament, his tee shot finished eight feet from the hole and when converted he was back on the cut line where he remained.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Lee. “It was just a grind out there. It’s a really tough track. Obviously with the wind, the back nine is just tough. I gave my mom a hug, and it’s really — and dad a hug, and it’s really, really nice, I guess. You work hard to get to this point. Just made it into the top 50 at the end of the year to get into the tournament.

“Getting into the tournament’s a good achievement, but to actually play well, it’s another step. So I knew I had to keep my head down. I’m glad some of my best golf has come now.”

Davis might well have been thinking what he might do for the weekend when he bogeyed the 10th and 11th after an outward nine of 39 to be 8 over for the tournament and four shots outside the likely cut.

The Sydney golfer would however record a remarkable burst over the closing six holes with four birdies in that stretch including one from 18 feet at the last to make the cut on the number. It was a stunning comeback and has given him the chance to play the weekend at the Masters on debut.

The leader however has stolen quite a march on the field. Scottie Scheffler is playing his third Masters and with two top twenties previously and a run of three wins in his last five starts he is the in form golfer and one who is building experience on the nuances of Augusta National.

Importantly for his chances is that despite his relative newness to the PGA Tour, he has recorded top tens in the three other major championship and  and could well go on with it over the weekend.

That he has reached the mantle of world number one so quickly in his career is a reflection on not only great brilliance but great consistency and while his five shot lead is perhaps a surprise that he is leading is not.

Augusta National has a way of evening things out over the final 36 holes on a golf course where there is such a fine line between pleasure and pain but a five shot lead has given Scheffler reason to believe he can not only be the world number one but a major winner as well.

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Sungjae Im leads but Smith recovers well to trail by one

Sungjae Im – photo Getty Images

Two time PGA Tour winner, Korean Sungjae Im, leads after day one of the 2022 Masters, the runner-up in 2020 producing five birdies and one eagle in his round of 67 to lead by one over the man he tied for second with in 2020, Australian Cameron Smith.

Im was also going well in round one of last year’s Masters before a horrendous quadruple bogey nine at the par five 15th saw him eventually miss the cut but he clearly has a comfort zone with the layout and suggested as much afterwards.

“It was great to have a great finish at my Masters debut, and because of that experience I feel comfortable when I come to Augusta,” said Im when asked to compare his performance today to two years ago when on debut.  I feel like I can play well here every time.

“My preparation stays the same for each tournament, but I felt like my driving game was not as up to par as what it used to be, so I worked on my driving, and today the key to a successful round was having good tee shots, so that worked well today.

“It’s a great memory that I’ll carry on with me. Just to finish runner-up here in the Masters is a feat that I really am proud of. But again, we’re only one day in. I’ve got three more days to play. I just want to keep this momentum going and try to finish well this week.”

Cameron Smith staged a remarkable recovery from a disconcerting start to his 2022 Masters, his round of 68 bookended by double bogeys at the 1st and 18th holes.

In between, however, there was much to get excited about as he produced eight birdies in twelve holes to reach 6 under for the day when he birdied the 16th and although a wild drive at the 18th led to a final double bogey, his rebound was a stunning recovery and leaves him alone in 2nd place heading into round two.

“Yeah, you know, to be honest, those couple of double bogeys really didn’t have too bad a shots in them, said Smith explaining the misadventures. It’s not like I was scratching it out of the trees. Got my second shot into a reasonable spot and just misjudged the wind on both wedges. Yeah, just left myself in a bit of a tough spot.

“I love this place. I know it presents plenty of birdies. I just really had to get in a groove. I hit a great drive down the second and went into the bunker, which again was quite frustrating, but after probably the fourth or fifth hole there, started getting on a bit of a trot and started seeing those good iron shots go pretty close.”

Smith was determined not to let the two double bogeys dominate the conversation and his mindset ahead of the next few rounds.

“I’ve moved on already. The less you guys bring it up, the less, the quicker I’ll forget about it. No, I’m done with it. I think the stuff in between was really nice, and yeah, just take the positives out of it.”

Smith trails the first-round leader, Sungjae Im by one shot and leads the Australians with Min Woo Lee and Marc Leishman the next best at 1 over, in 31st place and five behind Smith.

Lee’s effort on debut was impressive especially recovering from an opening bogey with three birdies in his next four holes although a double bogey at the 6th again had him on the back foot. He would lose his way through the middle of the round but a birdie at the 16th ensured an encouraging start to what will surely be a long term Masters career.

“Unbelievable,” said Lee when asked to describe the experience. “First round, I got it going early and just made a silly double on 6, but that’s Augusta National. It was pretty brutal towards the end. The course was tough, and I didn’t hit too good of shots, but I’m happy with my score. First time around, and I thought there was a lot of good things out there.”

Leishman, too, made a slow start and in fact was 2 over through 9 holes but finding the green in two at the dangerous 15th led to a birdie and he is not too far from the action heading into day two.

“It was definitely there for the taking,” said Leishman. “It was gettable. Greens after the rain last night were not quite what we were used to. I didn’t quite adjust to it. I felt like I hit it well enough to shoot a really good score.

“Yeah, looking forward to tomorrow. Got a morning tee time. Looks like the wind is going to be up, so I think experience will play a pretty big part tomorrow, and I have plenty of that around here, and playing in the wind as well.

I mean, even though it wasn’t the day I was after today, I’m upbeat about tomorrow and the rest of the week, so looking forward to it. We’ll try and rest up tonight and be ready to go tomorrow morning.”

Adam Scott made a nice start with a birdie at the 2nd but he struggled through the middle of the round before two late birdies saved the day and a round of 74.

Lucas Herbert was round in 74 and although not the start he was looking for a double bogey at the 12th made the round look worse than it perhaps was.

“It was pretty cool,” said Herbert of his first competitive round at the Masters. “It was just interesting to see how it all plays in the tournament. Yeah, just a very cool experience at the same time as being quite nice. Yeah, just get out there and play some golf around here and keep a scorecard in your pocket on some of these crazy greens and holes.

“I feel like I had the greens pretty well under control. The speed wasn’t great, but it sort of feels like the first time out here it’s very hard to get the greens, to figure out which way some of these putts are breaking. I feel like I picked a few putts, a few lines that were quite tricky, so I was pretty proud of that.

“Just proud of sort of battling away. I’m not too far away. I think 4 or 5-under might be leading now. You play well tomorrow morning, and you’re not that far away again. So I haven’t shot myself out of the tournament, I guess.”

Cameron Davis was round in 75 to be tied for 60th after round one. The score was not what he had hoped for but the experience was – and some.

“It’s been awesome, said the New South Welshman. “I’ve loved every second of it. The par three contest was a lot of fun. It was so fun to have all the family in there and actually play inside the ropes with everyone around again today, but the whole week has just been a dream come true for me.

“It’s just a matter of making sure that when I’m out there tomorrow, I’m just reading the greens the way they need to be read and just making sure the speed control is good, but I feel like tee to green it’s in a good place right now. It’s just seeing how that all turns up in the morning when it’s tournament time, but the prep has been good. I’m happy with where I am and what I’ve done up to this point, yeah.”

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Tiger factor dominates as six Aussies prepare at Augusta

Even on Monday, huge crowds could not resist witnessing history – photo Sam Greenwood Masters

It was understandable that the hype surrounding Tiger Wood’s appearance or otherwise in this week’s Masters would dominate proceedings leading into the event and the crowds that flocked to witness a comeback equal to that of Ben Hogan following his life threatening injury in 1949 bore testament to that.

Monday’s practice round saw crowds up to twenty deep following Woods, Justin Thomas and Fred Couples and while there is yet no lay down guarantee that Woods will take his place in the field on Thursday, all the signs suggest it will be the case.

Woods indication in his Tuesday media conference gave every hope that his involvement in the tournament would be sealed although he has left the door open for a last minute withdrawal. If he feels that his leg, which has undergone a miraculous recovery since the near death accident 14 months ago, is not capable of handling the intensity of four rounds over one of golf’s more deceptively undulating layouts, he will withdraw.

“Well, as of right now, I feel like I am going to play, as of right now,” said Woods. “I’m going to play nine more holes tomorrow. My recovery has been good. I’ve been very excited about how I’ve recovered each and every day, and that’s been the challenge. That’s why I came up here and tested it out for 27 holes because we play the par-3 course. Charlie couldn’t help himself. I was able to play 27 holes that day and at home testing it.

“But it’s the recovery. How am I going to get all the swelling out and recover for the next day. My team has been fantastic and worked very hard. So we’ve got another day of nine more holes and then – game time.”

While Woods mania prevailed, six Australians, three of them debutantes, were going through their paces as they prepared for one of the game’s most eagerly anticipated weeks.

Cameron Smith, Adam Scott, Marc Leishman, Lucas Herbert, Min Woo Lee and Cameron Davis represent Australia’s challenge for a second Masters title for their country, Adam Scott’s dramatic playoff win in 2013 giving hope that the seemingly impossible is not beyond the realms of possibility.

Jason Day is not in this year’s field having been unable to play his way into the field but his runner-up finish on debut in 2011 gives hope to those inexperienced at Augusta National that a great week is not beyond them.

Cameron Smith begins the event as the favourite amongst the Australians to do well, not only because of his current form which saw him prevail in the PGA Tour’s flagship event, The Players Championship three weeks ago, but because he and Augusta National seem to get along just fine.

Three top tens in five previous starts, including a 5th place in 2018 and a runner-up to Dustin Johnson in 2020, highlight the Queenslander’s capacity to negotiate his way around a golf course layout that requires imagination and the short game to back it up. Smith’s phenomenal run of par saves to keep himself in the mix in 2020 had to be seen to be believed.

“I think it (Augusta National) just allows me to be creative,” said Smith on Monday. “Reminds me a lot of home, the sand belt courses, kind of firm and fast. You know, you have to be smart around here, too.”

If he was to win this week Smith would become just the second player in history to win both the Players Championship and the Masters in the same year – not bad company.

“I mean, it’s a pretty good name to have yours up against, isn’t it, really. So I’m really looking forward to it. Course is magnificent. It’s as good as I’ve seen it. I really can’t wait for Thursday.”

Scott will play his 21st consecutive Masters, beginning with an impressive debut of his own when 9th in 2002 and highlighted by the historic win in 2013.

“I’m not a bookmaker, but I think I’ve been playing generally well, and I really like playing here,” said Scott when asked what odds he would be at if he was laying odds on his chances.

“I’m comfortable here. I’ve addressed a few things in my golf game that are moving in the right direction. At top level anything, it’s fine lines between contending, winning, and being one of the top players in the world. There’s no reason why, if I find a nice rhythm out on the golf course this week, I can’t be right there at the end on Sunday.”

Scott took time on Monday to show his fellow countryman and first time Masters entrant Min Woo Lee around but he reminded the press that he was not about to complicate the West Australian with information.

“No, far from it,” added Scott. “I told him I showed up here (on debut) didn’t know anything, and finished ninth. It’s not that hard. Just go out and play golf.

“I get it is an overwhelming experience being here. Today is the first kind of day of Masters week, and Min’s played a couple times already. It’s good. He’s got the next three days to kind of get comfortable, and that’s all I can really tell him to do.

“I don’t know his game, so that’s about it. He’s just got to figure a way to get comfortable for Thursday. I’d be surprised if he’s not the most nervous he’s ever been on the tee on Thursday.”


Adam Scott playing his 21st Masters and Min Woo Lee on debut practice on Monday – photo Sam Greenwood Masters 

Marc Leishman has also enjoyed some good results at the Masters, more especially in recent years although he did finish 4th behind Scott in 2013. His 5th place last year was also impressive and he arrives at Augusta National with solid if unspectacular form in 2022.

“Who knows if I will or not (win), but I just love the moment of when you’re here and you’re on that back nine on Sunday and you’ve got a chance to win,” said Leishman. “I feel like I thrive in that moment.

“I’ve played well in that position before, just haven’t played well enough to leave here with that green jacket. I enjoy it. I have fun with it, and I don’t put too much pressure on myself, and I think that’s important for me.

“My driving has improved a lot, which I think it had to to contend in these consistently. So I’m driving it, hitting it a little longer and a little straighter, which is always nice. Just all around it’s been good, my putting’s been good. My iron play is sort of the same as how it has been.

“Yeah, I’m excited about what could potentially happen this week, and hopefully I can play good and see how it goes.”

Lucas Herbert gets his chance courtesy of his world ranking and as a result of his win on the PGA Tour late last year. His progress in world golf over the last eighteen months has been staggering and he appears ready to take the next step.

Herbert’s recent 7th place finish at the Arnold Palmer Invitational suggests his game is in good shape and, as a player prepared to back himself against the highest level of the game, he may well surprise with a very good week.

Min Woo Lee is in the field as a result of finishing just inside the top 50 in the world at the end of 2021 and although he has now slipped to 59th he is one of the most exciting prospects for the future of Australian golf.

Lee’s form in PGA Tour events in 2022 has been well below his capabilities and he has a big task on debut here this week but he will feature in the years ahead especially with the experience he gains on debut.

Cameron Davis is in the field courtesy of his PGA Tour win in mid 2021 and the former World Amateur and Australian Open champion oozes class.

Davis began 2022 well when 10th at the Sentry Tournament of Champions but there has not been much to get excited about since and like Herbert and Lee, he will be better for the experience of a debut appearance at Augusta National.

“I’ve been out yesterday and today, and it’s so nice to see the course set up like this,” said Davis. “I had a hit a couple of weeks ago, and it was a little slow, but seeing it at tournament speed has really brought the course alive. It’s a lot of fun.”

If Davis gets nothing else out of the week, that he got to play with Tiger Woods in a practice round on Sunday is an experience he will never forget.

“Yeah, yesterday. He ended up behind me and just joined up with me because it was a little slow in front of us. Yeah, trying to pick his brain a little bit, but at the same time, just enjoying being in his presence. I’ve met him a couple times. It was the first time I’ve played any golf with him.

“That was an enjoyable first go round here tournament week. No fans or anything, just quiet. I hit with Tiger. It was nice.”

In summary, Smith, Scott and Leishman all have a chance of contending on Sunday with Smith’s Augusta National record and his current form making him the best chance of the Australians, on paper at least. Herbert appears the best of the Australian debutantes.

The iconic 13th hole earlier this week – photo Sam Greenwood Masters

 

 

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Hannah Green stages comeback but Kupcho breaks through

Jennifer Kupcho – her first LPGA Tour tile a major- photo Harry How Getty Images / LPGA

Hannah Green has staged an impressive weekend at the opening major event of the LPGA Tour’s year, the Chevron Championship, and finished in a share of 8th in the final staging of the event at its long standing traditional home of Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage.

Green produced one of the better final 36 holes in the event to come from seven shots off the 36 hole pace and although she still finished six behind the winner Jennifer Kupcho she passed several of the game’s best to finish as the leading Australasian.

It was Green’s best finish in now five starts in the event, which was being played for the final time at Mission Hills before heading to Houston and a new venue next year.

Minjee Lee lost ground after sharing the lead through the opening round and finished 12th, while Lydia Ko and Gabi Ruffels shared 25th.

For the winner, Kupcho, it was her first LPGA Tour title and made it a memorable first win given it was a major title.

Kupcho began the final round with a six shot lead but Jessic Korda, who was ailed by a back strain for much of her final round, applied as much pressure as she was able and Kupcho struggled to the winning post with four bogeys in her last six holes.

“Honestly, I came out just trying to shoot a couple under,” said the winner. “I mean, I had a six-stroke lead and I shot 8-under yesterday, so I figured if someone can do that, then they deserve to be in a playoff.

“That was my mentality and what I was fighting for all day. Obviously didn’t get there, but still pulled it out.

“I think I’ve matured a lot in the last year, and even since I’ve been out here. But I think my putting has got a lot better. I’ve been able to calm myself down a lot better.

“Obviously I still have my spurts of anger, but I think that’s how I get it out quickly and then move on. I think my whole mental game has gotten stronger.”

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Matt Jones falls just short of a return to Augusta National

Matt Jones – file photo

Eight years ago, US based Sydney golfer Matt Jones won the Houston Open and earned a spot at the Masters the following week for the first time.

Today, Jones almost earned the right to again play next week’s Masters when he reeled off a stunning weekend at the 2022 version of the Valero Texas Open, failing by just two shots to catch the winner, J.J. Spaun who won his first PGA Tour event despite a double bogey at his first hole.

This time it is Spaun who gets to debut at the Masters next week.

For two time Australian Open Champion Jones, however, despite not winning, he earns a cheque for US$765,000 and while he will not get to play the Masters this year, his game is back after a tough run of events since his 3rd place finish at the Sentry Tournament of Champions earlier this year.

“It was a good weekend. I had a good round going Thursday and let it slip, and then Friday I just played poorly and made a couple of mistakes and those mistakes are what cost golf tournaments out on this tour because everyone’s so good. Yeah, played great today, had a great playing partner, great group, so it’s always enjoyable.”

Aaron Baddeley produced one of his best finishes in several seasons on the PGA Tour when he tied for 18th.

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Alker waltzes to second PGA Tour Champions title

Steve Alker – file photo

New Zealand’s Steve Alker not only consolidated his one shot 36-hole lead at the Rapiscan Systems Classic in Biloxi, Mississippi but converted that lead into a six-shot victory to claim his second title on the PGA Tour Champions title.

A final round bogey free 65, followed his record equaling 62 on Saturday, a back nine of 31 today ensuring the final few holes were played in the knowledge that the victory and the US$240,000 were all but assured.

“It’s hard to work out the formula, to be honest, but I felt my game was pretty good coming in,” said Alker when asked about the margin of the victory.

“I got off to a little bit of a slow start (on Friday), but yesterday was amazing. I just turned my putting around and it clicked and I started hitting the ball better. It always nice when the week just gets better and better. It got really better quick, so it was great. Glad to be champion.”

When asked what the second win means to him Alker responded; “It’s huge, number two. I got one and it’s like, okay, how long is it going to be, you know. Just keep working at it. So it’s happened pretty quick and, as I said, my game just got better as the week went on. And putting was great and everything here was great, just kind of fit my eye, a lot of tee shots fit my eye. So as I said, worked out well.

“I think the atmosphere change has been huge for me,” added the winner when asked about the huge change in his fortunes in the last eight months. “ Just enjoying my golf more and my game’s come around at the right time. A lot of work has been put in and I just kept playing and plugging away on the Korn Ferry, so lots owed to them. Just keeping my game in shape, stayed fit and enjoy being out here, that’s the big thing.”

Alker will move to second on the Charles Schwab Championship standings with only Miguel Angel and Retief Goosen ahead of him after five events.

David McKenzie produced his best finished since August last year when he tied for 8th earning close to US$50,000 for his effort.

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Below – Alker sets up one final birdie at today’s final hole – supplied caption wrong

 

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Josh Geary inaugural winner of Millbrook Classic

Josh Geary – inaugural winner of Millbrook Classic and the Sir Bob Charles trophy – photo Millbrook Tournaments

With the New Zealand Open postponed by the Covid virus for the second consecutive year, the decision to stage a lesser event to give many of those players, both amateur and professional, who would otherwise have been competing in one of the most popular events on the PGA Tour of Australasia this week, the chance to again enjoy tournament competition and the hospitality of the event and the region.

The initiative would have two benefits. Tournament starved New Zealand professionals would get the chance to compete in a NZ$150,000 event and the newly opened Greg Turner designed nine holes at the Millbrook Resort near Queenstown would be exposed to a wider audience for the first occasion.

The two day event brought together 28 professionals who were joined by 28 amateurs in the pro-am
and was eventually won by Josh Geary whose second round of 63 established a new course record over the revised tournament course and earned him a two shot victory over Masterton’s Kerry Mountcastle .

Another two shots back were Queenstown based Ben Campbell and Ryan Fox, Fox of course now a two-time DP World Tour winner, one of which was in the UAE earlier this year.

“I got off to a fast start today, I think I was three-under through four, but Kerry was four-under through four,” said Geary. “We sort of fed off each other a bit and just kept hitting really solid shots, and then all of a sudden I was five-under through nine, so I just had to keep it going for the rest of the round.

“I had one really poor shot on the back-nine and had it way up on the bank but managed to make a very good save, which kicked the momentum up. And then I had some quality iron shots on the last three holes and looked up, and I was in front.”

Perhaps the best line in terms of the benefit of the event came from Mountcastle, who like many other in the field has been starved of tournament opportunities in the last two years as he looks to establish a professional career.

“It was great to be playing tournament golf and get the blood pumping again. All of us professionals are so thankful to the team who have put on the Millbrook Classic. This has given me the opportunity to be a bit more comfortable when I head to the UK for the Clutch Pro Tour,” said Mountcastle.

Part of the new nine at Millbrook Resort.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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