Red-hot Clark takes big lead at Players Championship

Wyndham Clark – seen here with his US Open trophy, is one of the game’s hottest players right now 

The Players Championship has reached the halfway stage and the current US Open Champion Wyndham Clark has established a substantial four-shot lead after consecutive rounds of 65 to leave him ahead of Xander Schauffele and Nick Taylor.

Clark, who has already won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and finished runner-up at last week’s Arnold Palmer Championship in season 2024, shared the lead after day one but it was not until his closing nine of 30 today that he established his significant margin to lead the PGA Tour’s flagship event into the weekend.

“I mean, that’s pretty cool,” said Clark. “I guess I’ve been breaking some records recently, which is pretty neat. More than anything I’m just super excited that I kind of had a ho-hum front nine and then turned and really just got into a nice zone and felt really good on the greens and shot an awesome number.”

When asked what has turned him from a good PGA Tour player into one of the more dominant players on the PGA Tour, Wyndham had this to say;

“There’s a few things. Obviously, as you guys know, I worked a lot on my mental game, but the one thing that had been missing – my mental game, was getting a lot better leading into Quail Hollow and I had a lot of good finishes.

“I made 19 cuts in a row and had a chance to win a few times, but I wasn’t putting good. When I switched to the putter I’ve been using, that Jailbird, I started really seeing a lot of putts go in, and then all the work that I did off the course in my mental game I started seeing it on the course because I started making putts. So that’s probably the biggest thing,  combining the mental game with making putts and now I’ve been shooting some good scores.”

Jason Day appeared to be building on his opening round of 67 with an opening nine of 33 today and after series of pars he was maintaining his place inside the top five or so until finding the water at the dangerous 17th and taking a double bogey for a round of 71 and a 6 under par total.

Day is now eight shots from the lead although just four out of second place and in a share of 14th place.

Day leads the Australasians in the field, with both Adam Scott in 45th place at 2 under and Min Woo Lee producing a back nine of 3 to finish right on the cut mark.

Ryan Fox who produced a remarkable eagle, eagle, at the 16th and 17th during his opening round of 69 struggled to a round of 76 today and missed the cut by two shots.

Aaron Baddeley and Cam Davis were a long way further back and will not make the weekend.

Leaderboard 

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Kazuma Kobori secures top Order of Merit honours

Kazuma Kobori – image Australian Golf Media 

Four months ago 22-year-old New Zealander Kazuma Kobori set out on a professional career with the benefit of an amazing 12 months of amateur golf behind him but with the uncertainty of life in the paid ranks ahead of him.

Now, as the 2023/2024 PGA Tour of Australasia’s season draws to a close, the young man from Rangiora north of Christchurch has sealed his place atop the Order of Merit and in doing so has a DP World Tour card to his name for the 2025 season.

With just this week’s National Tournament at the National Golf Club’s Moonah Course on the Mornington Peninsula remaining on the schedule, his number one position is secure and, with it, not only a DP World Tour card for next season but a start at the Open Championship in July.

Kobori earned his rights to the PGA Tour of Australasia during a stellar 2023 in which he became the Australian Amateur Champion, the Western Amateur Champion (US) led the Individual honours at the Eisenhower Trophy and gained medallist honours at the Australasian Tour School.

In 2019, at the age of just 17 Kobori won the New Zealand PGA Championship as part of the Australasian Tour and so success in professional events is not new to him but his domination of the PGA Tour of Australasia in the first few weeks of 2024 has been quite a revelation.

Kobori won three of five events in a stretch during January and February which moved him into second place behind Min Woo Lee in the standings but with Lee unable to play the minimum four required events, the door was open for Kobori to take the title.

The one disappointment of his professional career to date was perhaps missing the cut in his national open in Queenstown two weeks ago but with the very important certainty of a tour on which to play ahead of him and plenty of invitations to other events beforehand, his immediate future appears assured.

Two further DP World Tour cards are up for grabs at this week’s event with the leading three players all earning the right to play in Europe next season so beyond Kobori there are many permutations likely at this week’s event that could see any two of five others with DP World Tour status next season.

Order of Merit   

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Steve Williams Caddy Clinic again a success


Steve Williams at the Caddy Clinic – image Photosport.NZ

Since the decision to move the New Zealand Open to the Queenstown region in 2014, the event has resurrected itself from a tournament struggling for survival to one that is now considered amongst the top three on the PGA Tour of Australasia.

Much of that growth and success has been as a result of the innovative measures taken by tournament organisers, identifying the need to revolutionize the event if it was to survive as a tournament consistent with its standing and history.

The move to the Queenstown region and the adoption of the pro-am format, which assisted in generating the sort of funds needed to allow an international standing, are two measures that have seen the tournament grow from an event worth $850,00 in 2014 to the $2 million it now boasts but other initiatives have played their part in the standing the New Zealand Open now enjoys.

The promotion via an international telecast of the ever-increasing range of high-end golfing facilities now available in the Queenstown region and New Zealand generally will provide the New Zealand tourism sector considerable benefit but it is not only the big initiatives that have played such a part in the growth and popularity of one of the oldest national titles in the world.

The tournament’s success is made up, in part, by a myriad of successful functions and events during tournament week and one that I have been pleased to be part of in recent years is the Steve Williams Caddy BBQ and Clinic.

Held on Tuesday of tournament week, caddies either experienced or first timers, are invited to a BBQ to hear the game’s most successful caddy discuss the art and some of the subtleties of caddying and tell a few other stories about his time in the game which has seen the players he has worked for win a massive 151 tournament titles worldwide.

The tournament, with the help of several of the many volunteers the tournament attracts, puts on a sausage sizzle and drinks for those attending and, typically, a crowd of around 100 or so attend.

My own role is that of MC and as a former caddy myself I am able to offer a few of my thoughts along with those of Williams and a special guest player each year to provide a balance of views. This year that player was Australian Nick Flanagan.

Nick Flanagan, Bruce Young and Steve Williams await the arrival of over 100 caddies – image Photosport NZ

Many caddies are required for the event given the professional field of 150 is added to by a similar number of amateurs and although many bring their own caddies there is the need for others who may well be caddying for the first occasion and the clinic is a great means of introducing them to their week.

Williams is an articulate and forceful speaker and gets his points across well. While, for many of those attending, it may be a case of them already being fully aware of their roles, there are those who value the opportunity to gain knowledge from Williams’ vast experience and to hear stories of his amazing 45 year career.

For those caddying for the first time, it can be a nervous occasion whether it be for one of the professionals, one of the invited celebrities, or one of the amateurs, most of whom have successful business careers, so the opportunity to learn from the best in a social environment ahead of the event is an attractive one and has proven popular since the concept’s inception several years ago.

Having asked former US Amateur champion and PGA Tour player, Flanagan, to assist Steve and I with the hosting of the event, there was a certain level of concern when ten minutes before the designated starting time of 5.30pm only 30 or so had appeared but within minutes we had a crowd of 110 caddies enjoy an hour or so of discussion and hospitality.

It was yet another reason the New Zealand Open in its current format has proven so popular and how, by introducing several unique initiatives, the event stands out for its desire to cater for all.

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Ko and Lee share 4th place on Hainan Island


Lydia Ko – shared 4th with Minjee Lee

Minjee Lee and Lydia Ko shared 4th place behind the first-time winner Bailey Tardy at the LPGA Blue Bay event on Hainan Island off the southern coast of China.

Ko was tied in the lead through 54 holes with Tardy and Sarah Schmelzel but struggled to the turn in the final round before a late recovery saw her share 4th with Lee whose final round of 68 saw her improve significantly on her 29th place finish in Singapore last week.

Gabi Ruffles was the only other player from Australia or New Zealand to make the cut when she finished tied for 15th.

For the winner, 27 year old Bailey, the win is just reward for a career which, to date, has seen her battle through secondary tours and q schools over several years before gaining LPGA Tour access just over a year ago.

Tardy did not play the first two events on the Asian swing but the weaker field in this week’s event saw her gain a star and perhaps change her career forever.

“Yeah, getting to the LPGA wasn’t an easy path for me I don’t think, said Tardy referring to her journey thus far. “You know, I think played the 2019 year and COVID hit. Didn’t play great in 2019. So our status was the same for 2021. Ended up playing really well in 2020 and they gave out five cards, and missed the card by one spot. That happened, basically, the next two years for me.

“So, yeah, it was a lot of self-reflecting trying to figure out if I was even good enough to be on the LPGA, if I wanted it enough. The life on the road is not for everybody, and so I just didn’t know if this was the profession for me.

“Now that I’m an LPGA winner I’m so happy I stuck to it. This is a dream come true.”

Following its Asian swing the LPGA Tour now heads back to the USA where its schedule resumes at the Fir Hills Se Ri Pak Championship in California on March 21st

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Cam Smith shares second behind Abe Ancer in Hong Kong

Abe Ancer – first win in LIV Golf  – photo LIV Golf

2018 Australian Open Champion Abraham Ancer today won his first LIV Golf event with a playoff victory over Cam Smith and Paul Casey at the LIV Golf Hong Kong event at the Hong Kong Golf Club.

All three players finished tied at 13 under par but when Ancer found the fairway at the first playoff hole, hit his approach to 4 feet and converted for birdie the title was his.

“It was definitely a grind,” said Ancer referring to his final round. “I made it a lot more stressful than I envisioned it. I didn’t have my best ball-striking. It was very polar opposite of the first two rounds.

“Off the tee and my fairway and second shots wasn’t quite there. But I was really happy. Mentally I dug deep. I had to. That round could have definitely been going south very, very quickly. I’m really proud of that. I’m really proud of how I felt mentally and how I fought the whole round not having my best stuff.

“I knew it was going to be tough. There’s some big-time names right behind me, and I knew there was going to be a couple of really low rounds out there, like PC. I knew I had to make some birdies coming in or have some good stuff coming in.”

Ancer earned US$4 million for the win bettering his previous best finish of 3rd at the Bedminster event last year.

Smith was disappointed not to have won but happy with his improvement on recent efforts.

“Yeah, it was a step in the right direction this week, said Smith. “Played some really patient, good golf over the weekend. Yeah, a lot different to the first few weeks.”

Smith and Casey both earned US$1.875 million for their share of second place.

Smith’s Rippers team finished third in the teams’ event.

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New Zealand Open carries plenty of storylines


The reconfigured hospitality and viewing venues at Millbrook’s closing hole  

The 103rd New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport gets underway on Thursday at the Millbrook Resort near Arrowtown in the stunning Central Otago region of New Zealand’s South Island, the event now established as one of the most popular on the PGA Tour of Australasia.

Since the event moved south from Christchurch in 2014 and took on a Pro-Am format along the lines of the Alfred Dunhill Links and AT&T Pebble Beach Championships on the DP World and PGA Tours, the New Zealand Open has increased its prizemoney from $850,000 to today’s $2 million, much of the extra funding generated from those so keen to play alongside professionals in a battle for one of the oldest ‘national open’ trophies in world golf.

The event has grown exponentially despite not attracting the absolute elite of the game, its success built on the the outstanding venue, the stunning region in which it is played, the quality of its management, the importance of its title, and the fact that even before one year’s event has had time to cool off, the pro-am field including entertainment and sporting celebrities, successful businessmen and women have already been signed on for the following year.

When a decision was taken to move to the current format there were those golfing purists who felt that a national open championship might be better served by being played in the traditional manner of such a championship but the tournament’s growth and unheralded popularity have provided proof that the concept is working and working well.

The event’s co-sanctioning with the Asian Tour and a close association with the Japan Tour has meant a wider television audience and interest in those regions along with the benefits a win can provide for a player to leapfrog onto the Asian Tour if not otherwise exempt.

A decision was made by tournament organisers from the outset that appearance money could not be and would not be paid as a means of attracting the elite of the game. That can become a vicious, unstoppable and costly circle.  It would have been unrealistic for an event looking to build platforms and prizemoney each year to grow, to shelve out appearance fees to some of the game’s more recognised players.

While that has meant superstars have not been part of the line-up, many of its participants over recent years have gone on to enjoy rather significant success.

There are several examples but none more so than the engaging 17-year-old at the time, Tom Kim, who led the event into the final round in 2020 before finishing 4th behind the winner that year and two-time champion, Brad Kennedy.

 Kim has gone on to become a three-time winner on the PGA Tour, a Presidents Cup player, and reach a world ranking high of 11th since his impressive display at Millbrook.


Tom Kim – Presidents Cup 
Lucas Herbert, who played that same year and finished runner-up has gone on to win on the PGA, DP World and Japan Tours.

One of the great things about tournament golf is that by Sunday of an event it is not the players who aren’t participating that matter but rather those who are and last year we saw as many as a dozen players all with a genuine chance to take the title with nine holes to go.

It was fascinating viewing, but it would be long-time supporter and prolific winner of titles in Japan, Brendan Jones, who emerged to take the title.

Jones, who was questioning his desire to continue playing tournament golf just a couple of months before his win, has always nominated the event as his favourite tournament anywhere, his ongoing support, proof of just that but the satisfaction and joy he displayed when winning twelve months ago was there for all to see.

Defending champion Brendan Jones – photosport

In 2024 the focus may well be on New Zealanders who have enjoyed little success in the event in recent times.

Michael Hendry’s win at Millbrook in 2017 was the first by a New Zealander since 2003 and if he was able to repeat that success what an emotional victory it would be for the 44-year-old who since playing this event twelve months ago has undergone treatment for a life-threatening leukemia and come out the other side, not yet completely clear but back playing and playing well.

Hendry aside, however, the event sees the return of Steve Alker to New Zealand shores following yet another great season on the PGA Tour Champions.

Alker was invited to and played the New Zealand Open last year but was held back from playing at his best due to a slight illness but his involvement again this year will capture the attention of those who have marveled at his meteoric rise amongst those over 50.

Alker currently leads the Charles Schwab Cup standings after two events on the PGA Tour Champions in 2024.

But while the older New Zealanders have stories of their own it will be 22-year-old Kazuma Kobori who so many New Zealanders will be keen to see do well.

Kobori who at the age of just 17 won the New Zealand PGA Championship five years ago, has enjoyed an amazing last 13 months in world golf. He won the 2023 Australian Amateur Championship, the Western Amateur Championship in Illinois, the individual title at the Eisenhower Trophy and led the PGA Tour of Australasia Tour School.

Since turning professional in late October of last year Kobori has taken the PGA Tour of Australasia by storm, winning on three occasions and currently leading the PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit. A win would cement his position atop the ranking and this earn the number one card for the 2025 DP World Tour, one of three handed out to the leading three players on the Australasian Tour Order of Merit.

New Zealanders witnessed the meteoric success of their own Lydia Ko a decade ago and it might just be that Kobori is headed to a significantly higher level than he has already achieved.


Kazuma Kobori – making a habit of winning – image AGM

Another New Zealander expected to do well is Ben Campbell who finished 4th on last year’s Asian Tour Oder of Merit courtesy mainly of a win at the lucrative Hong Kong Open and a 3rd place in Indonesia soon after but as a two-time runner-up at Millbrook he could well stake a claim for a breakthrough win in his national open.

Throw in the likes of the well-credentialed Australians Travis Smyth and last year’s Order of Merit winner, David Micheluzzi, and a host of highly credentialed Asian and Japan Tour players and there will be plenty for New Zealand and other golf fans to get excited about even without the game’s current superstars in the field.

 

 

 

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Maverick Antcliff storms into 4th place in Oman

Maverick Antcliff – file photo courtesy of Australian Golf Media  

30-year-old Queenslander Maverick Antcliff has produced a remarkable final 54 holes at the Asian Tour’s International Series Oman to storm into a share of 4th place and in the process has earned a cheque for US$91,000.

After beginning the event on Thursday with an opening round of 74, Antcliff was all out to make the cut in the US$2 million dollar event, but a second round of 68 accomplished that task followed by weekend rounds of 68 and 65 to share 4th place with Mito Pereira and although six shots behind the runaway winner, Carlos Ortiz the performance will be a great boost for the man from Beaudesert.

Antcliff, who earned Asian Tour status at the Qualifying school earlier this year, is a three-time winner on the China Golf Tour and leader of that tour’s Order of Merit earlier in his career, that performance gaining access to the European Tour in 2020 but the former Augusta State and Hills Golf Academy attendee has struggled in recent times and this might just be the catalyst for a significant turnaround in his fortunes.

Yet another product of the renowned Hills Golf Academy in Jimboomba south of Brisbane, Antcliff is without full status on the PGA Tour of Australasia but a tournament invite to this week’s New Zealand Open will ensure he has the opportunity to build on his great week in the Middle East.

Lucas Herbet and Travis Smyth were tied for 10th after disappointing final rounds especially given their standing through 54 holes.

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Smyth and Herbert nicely poised in Oman


Travis Smyth – image courtesy of Paul Lakatos Asian Tour 

NSW’s Travis Smyth and Victorian Lucas Herbert are well placed after the third round of the International Series Oman event, Smyth just one behind the joint leaders and LIV golfers, Louis Oosthuizen and Carlo Ortiz while Herbert is two off the lead.

Smyth continues to perform well having finished 9th in Malaysia last week and 4th at the recent Vic Open and after finishing 4th on last year’s Asian Tour Order of Merit, his standing in the game continues to grow.

Smyth will make the quick trip to Queenstown, New Zealand on Sunday evening and will be one of the more favoured candidates at next week’s New Zealand Open.

Herbert is now part of Liv Golf having joined Cameron Smith’s Ripper team earlier this year but prior to doing so he had established himself in world golf with victories on the DP World (2) the PGA and Japan Tours and now gets a chance to add success on the Asian Tour.

The International Series in which LIV golfers are also eligible to compete includes ten events all carrying prizemoney of US$2 million and has provided a great boost for the Asian Tour schedule.

Should Oosthuizen win it will be his third successive win in events outside of his home tour in LIV Golf having won two events in South Africa late last year.  He has played two LIV Golf events this season where his best was when 9th at the Mayakoba event.

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An awkward moment with Hideki Matsuyama


Hideki Matsuyama with his Genesis trophy – image Getty Images 

Hideki Matsuyama’s 9th PGA Tour victory at the Genesis Invitational in Los Angeles today and his subsequent press conference reminded me of my one, and only, exposure to the Japanese star and it was an awkward one.

Matsuyama’s final round of 62 at the demanding Riviera Country Club layout today saw him record a three-shot victory over Will Zalatoris and Luke List after beginning the final round a massive five shots behind the leader Patrick Cantlay.

In 2012 the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship, however, the broadcast team decided to engage an on-course commentator for the first time in addition to the host Bill Macatee and New Zealand’s Frank Nobilo and, fortunately, I was chosen for what would be the first of six consecutive Asia Pacific Championships in which I played a similar role.

At one stage on the first day that year, however, I thought my debut in the event might have been my last.

The 2012 Championship was held at Amata Springs Golf Club near Bangkok and the 17th hole there is a par 3 surrounded by water which requires a 50 metre, or so, boat ride to get to the green.


The boat ride to the 17th green

Matsuyama, who had won the Asia Pacific Championship the previous two years and was considered the favourite to win again, had started slowly that day and appeared at one stage as if he might have strained a wrist from a difficult lie on the 11th hole.

I was with his group and the broadcast’s Producer, Sellers Shy, (an American now in charge of CBS’s PGA Tour coverage) suggested that I ride with Matsuyama and ask him if the injury was indeed an issue.

A cameraman and I jumped aboard with Matsuyama and Australian Oliver Goss and their caddies and headed across to the green at which point I suggested to Matsuyama (on air) that this was an interesting way to get from a tee to a green.

I had had no exposure to Matsuyama prior to that week so when instructed to jump aboard and speak to Matsuyama I figured the producer felt it would be ok and that his english was ok especially given he had won the previous two APAC’s.

Matsuyama’s grasp of the English language is not great even now, but back then, 11 years ago, it was even worse, and after asking the question he just looked straight at me on live, internationally broadcast, television and said the words ‘no english’ suggesting there was no way he knew what I was referring to.

If I could have jumped over the side at that point I would have but I very quickly turned to Oliver Goss who got me out of a hole somewhat by answering the question in some form or other.

I wondered if my faux pas might have led to me being replaced the following year but, fortunately, I went on to perform the same role in China, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Seoul and Wellington so it was not perhaps as bad as I imagined but at the time it was embarrassing, to say the least.

Matsuyama’s win today was his first since the Sony Open in January of 2022, his form since impacted by neck injury issues, but he again showed that when right he is as good as anyone.

Australian Jason Day finished as the leading Australian in a share of 9th place.

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Mark Hensby third in weather reduced Chubb Classic


Mark Hensby – file photo
Australian Mark Hensby has finished in a share of 3rd place at the PGA Tour Champions Chubb Classic in Florida after the final round was canceled due to inclement weather.

Playing his second event of the season after finishing 12th in Hualalai last month, Hensby finished four shots behind Canadian Stephen Ames who finished three shots ahead of Rocco Mediate.

Hensby earned US$99,000 for his four-way share of 3rd place.

Hensby from Tamworth in NSW, is in his second full season on the PGA Tour Champions after winning an event last year, his first victory anywhere since his win at the Scandanavian Masters on the European Tour in 2005.

Richard Green finished 7th, Rod Pampling 10th New Zealand’s Steven Alker 15th, PGA Tour Champions rookie David Bransdon 21st, Stuart Appleby 35th, Steve Allan 53rd and John Senden 56th.

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