The Irish Golf Club Gazette

11/29/2012

McDowell Back to Sherwood Forest

Getty Images

Graeme McDowell makes a return this week to Sherwood Country Club where he beat tournament host Tiger Woods in a playoff in 2010 to clinch the World Challenge.

McDowell has not won anywhere since his 2010 World Challenge triumph, though he came close to adding a second major crown to his resume this year after playing in the last group in the final round of both the U.S. Open and the British Open this season.

"Obviously it's nice to be back in this part of the world," McDowell told reporters at Sherwood on Wednesday after competing in the tournament's pro-am competition.

"California has been pretty good to me during my career so far, especially this event. I was second in '09 and to win here in 2010 was very special."

McDowell was unable to defend his title at Sherwood last year, opting instead to play in the invitational Nedbank Challenge at Sun City, South Africa.

"Geographically it wasn't a good decision for me to come back here last year," he explained. "I decided to go to Sun City before the Race to Dubai Championship because I figured it would be an easier journey from South Africa to Dubai.

"So it's great to be able to come back here this year. It's a good golf course and there are good memories for me here."

"To get to be in the last group of consecutive major championships is satisfying," said the 33-year-old Northern Irishman. "Of course there's a sense of frustration that I didn't do better.

"But winning is difficult. There's a lot of quality, quality players out there. If I could take 18 holes back this year, it would be the first nine holes at Olympic on Sunday, and it would be the first nine holes at Lytham on Sunday."

The U.S. Open was staged at the Olympic Club in San Francisco, where McDowell tied for second, while the July 19-22 British Open was played at Lytham St Annes where he finished joint fifth.

"But it's all a great experience," added McDowell. "I've certainly increased my belief that I can prepare well for the big events and ... hopefully win some more major championships."

McDowell has an extra bounce in his step this week, having announced his engagement to Kristin Stape earlier this month at the top of the Burj Al Arab, a luxury hotel in Dubai which is designed in the shape of a ship's sail.

"I had been kind of planning it for a little while, wanted to do something a little special," smiled the Northern Irishman. "And it just so happened I was on the road for five weeks there.

"I just thought it was a pretty iconic, special place to do it and I managed to surprise her. I guess there's some romance in this body somewhere."

McDowell will tee off with Australia's Jason Day in Thursday's opening round of the invitational event at Sherwood where 18 players will vie for the $1 million winner's cheque.

Higgins Homage to PGA Catalunya

Getty Images

David Higgins signed for a level par round of 72 on The Stadium course on Wednesday to share 22nd place - and inside the magic 25 automatic places - ahead of the final round of European Tour Qualifying School on Thursday at the PGA Catalunya.

As the only Irish man in the final round, and having missed out horribly a year ago on the same course, the Irish PGA Champion will be hoping for better fortune twelve months on, as he edges ever closer to regaining his European Tour playing rights - after a lengthy absence.

But the day was all about Englishman John Parry who carded the joint-best round of the day, a six under par 66, to move into a four shot lead going into the final day of Qualifying School Final Stage and end Estanislao Goya’s four-day reign at the summit.

As tensions rose ahead of the exciting finale in one of golf’s most gruelling contests, big moves into the all-important top 25 were at a premium, leaving it all to play for in the final round for many of the 73 European Tour hopefuls who made the cut.Parry is well on course for a return to The Race to Dubai thanks in part to a superb run of three successive birdies from the 15th - including one of only two birdies all day at the difficult par four 17th - which moved him to 17 under par.

The winner of the 2010 Vivendi Cup on The European Tour flew out of the blocks with a birdie at the first before picking up two more shots at the fourth and fifth.Another birdie at the par five seventh took him to the turn in four under par before he dropped his only shot of the day at the 13th, but a storming finish means he is in the driving seat to become the fourth consecutive English winner of the School, after David Dixon (2011), Simon Wakefield (2010) and Simon Khan (2009).

“I have played better than that in the last couple of days to be honest,” said the 26 year old. “I hit it quite poorly off the tee but I was decent for seven holes and I was just holing putt after putt.“From the ninth to the 14th I was quite poor. I got up and down on nine and ten for par, holed a big putt on 11 for par and three-putted at the 12th for par.

“Then I holed about a six-footer for birdie at the 15th and that just got me going a bit. I hit it to about eight feet at the par three 16th and holed it, then hit a three iron and an eight foot putt for birdie at 17.“I got lucky here and there but the last three holes are really tough so I was happy with that. Tomorrow I’ll just play exactly the same. Now I just want to win it but obviously you only really want your card so it’s a strange tournament like that.

“I feel I have a lot less pressure now because for me to not get a card from this position would be horrific, so I almost feel my card is in the bag. I am playing well so I’m pretty relaxed for tomorrow.”In what is one of the toughest physical tests in golf, Parry has had his fitness trainer alongside him for the six-day marathon and he attributes much of his success to that decision.

He said: “I have been doing a lot of weights every night and I have actually felt fresher than those weeks where you are just resting in the evenings.“He has been cooking at night for me and providing the right food out on the course so going through the five rounds I have felt really good.”

Matthew Southgate is the one of the few who made a significant climb as he moved from tied tenth place at the beginning of the day to tied second thanks to a four under par 68, joining German amateur Moritz Lampert and Finland’s Mikko Korhonen on 13 under par.If Southgate were to finish in the top 25 it would be the second year running the Englishman has gained his European Tour card at the Qualifying School.

“I played nicely again,” he said. “I put myself under a lot of pressure in round one, but I’ve managed to relax a bit and realise that I’m actually quite lucky to be here, because I only got in as a reserve and have had a really bad season. I was chuffed really just to be here.“It’s a strange game. At one end of the scale you’ve got Branden Grace, who was here last year and is now winning everything, then at the other end you’ve got guys who also got their card here and have really struggled. I’ll just keep working hard and trying to improve, and hopefully then the results will take care of themselves.”

Lampert will turn professional straight after the Final Stage and if he were to gain a European Tour card he would be following in the footsteps of Oliver Fisher, who in 2006 came through the Qualifying School as an amateur.“It was another good day,” said the 20 year old. “It was tiring, but a birdie to finish was great and gives me momentum for tomorrow. It’s a long week but now there are only 18 holes left and I’m in a good position.

“At this stage it’s just about hitting it straight and not doing anything silly. I’m very confident for tomorrow. I’m quite surprised how I’m feeling – I don’t feel nervous at all. It was good playing with Tano (Goya) and Andy (Sullivan) today. We talked a lot and had a lot of fun. That always helps me relax.”His playing partner Goya struggled to maintain the kind of form which handed him the overnight lead in each of the opening four days as the Argentine signed for a four over par 76 to fall to tied 12th heading into the final day.

Live leaderboard

11/28/2012

No Anchoring for Long Putters

The R&A and USGA have announced proposed rule changes to prohibit the use of anchoring putters to the body.

The new move is due to take effect on January 1, 2016, in accordance with the regular four-year cycle for changes to the Rules of Golf.

But with a number of leading players having complained about the planned action, the final decision has still to be taken and both the R&A and the USGA "will consider any further comments and suggestions from throughout the golf community".

Under the proposal, long putters like those used by recent major winners Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson and Ernie Els could still be put in the bag in four years' time, but could not be anchored to the body.

The ruling bodies said in a statement: "The proposed Rule 14-1b, which follows an extensive review by the R&A and the USGA, would prohibit strokes made with the club or a hand gripping the club held directly against the player's body, or with a forearm held against the body to establish an anchor point that indirectly anchors the club.

"The proposed new rule would not alter current equipment rules and would allow the continued use of all conforming golf clubs, including belly-length and long putters, provided such clubs are not anchored during a stroke.

"The proposed rule narrowly targets only a few types of strokes, while preserving a golfer's ability to play a wide variety of strokes in his or her individual style."

Peter Dawson,

the R&A chief executive, said: "We believe we have considered this issue from every angle, but given the wide-ranging interest in this subject we would like to give stakeholders in the game the opportunity to put forward any new matters for consideration.

"Anchored strokes have become the preferred option for a growing number of players and this has caused us to review these strokes and their impact on the game.

"Our concern is that anchored strokes threaten to supplant traditional putting strokes which are integral to the long-standing character of the sport."

Adapt their method of stroke

The statement adds: "This timetable would also provide an extended period in which golfers may, if necessary, adapt their method of stroke to the requirements of the rule.

"In proposing the new rule, the R&A and the USGA concluded that the long-term interests of the game would be served by confirming a stroke as the swinging of the entire club at the ball.

"This proposal reflects the R&A's and USGA's responsibility to define how the game is to be played.

"Aspects of how a player must make a stroke have been addressed in past rules changes, such as the century-old rule codifying that the ball must be fairly struck and not be pushed, scraped or spooned and the 1968 prohibition on the 'croquet' style of putting."

Mike Davis, USGA executive director, said: "Throughout the 600-year history of golf, the essence of playing the game has been to grip the club with the hands and swing it freely at the ball.

"The player's challenge is to control the movement of the entire club in striking the ball and anchoring the club alters the nature of that challenge.

"Our conclusion is that the Rules of Golf should be amended to preserve the traditional character of the golf swing by eliminating the growing practice of anchoring the club.

"As governing bodies we monitor and evaluate playing practices and developments in golf, with our primary mandate being to ensure that the Rules of Golf continue to preserve the fundamental characteristics of the game."

The statement also says: "Although anchoring the club is not new, until recently it was uncommon and typically seen as a method of last resort by a small number of players.

"In the last two years, however, more and more players have adopted the anchored stroke.

"Golf's governing bodies have observed this upsurge at all levels of the game and noted that more coaches and players are advocating this method.

"The decision to act now is based on a strong desire to reverse this trend and to preserve the traditional golf stroke."

Each organisation is expected to take a final decision on the proposed change in spring 2013 and anyone wishing to provide written comments to the appropriate governing body is encouraged to do so by February 28.

11/27/2012

McIlroy Joins BBC SPOTY Shortlist

Getty Images

World and European Number One Rory McIlroy has reacted with pride to the news that he is the only non-Olympian to earn a place on the 12-strong shortlist for this year's BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

As expected, stars of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games dominate the list, while five female athletes have made the cut in contrast to last year's controversial all-male shortlist.

McIlroy, who won his second Major title this year and finished top of both the Race to Dubai and US money list, said: "I am delighted to be nominated again for Sports Personality of the Year.

"It is a real honour to be nominated two years in a row. With it being an Olympic year, and with so many outstanding achievements in British sport in 2012, the voting is sure to go right down to the wire."

McIlroy is joined on the shortlist by Nicola Adams, who made history by becoming the first Olympic women's boxing champion when she floored world number one Ren Cancan en route to a memorable points win in London.

Adams told the Press Association: "I didn't expect to be nominated, let along make the short list. There are so many big names on the list, and so many others who didn't make it, that I am just happy to be part of it.

"I have watched Sports Personality of the Year for years and I never once thought I would be part of it. I would have been happy enough with my gold medal. Everything that is happening now is just a bonus."

Katherine Grainger's British rowing team-mates reacted with delight to the news that Grainger, whose double sculls gold medal with Anna Watkins came on the back of three consecutive Olympic silvers, had also made a cut.

In a joint statement they said: "We are very proud that Katherine has made the shortlist, representing not only the rowing team but women in sport. She has given so much to her team and country that it is brilliant she is being recognised in this way."

Cyclist Bradley Wiggins is the bookmakers' odds-on favourite after his historic triumph in the Tour de France and gold in the Olympic time trial, ahead of Mo Farah, double gold medallist in the 5,000metres and 10,000m.

Andy Murray, who became the first British man to win a Grand Slam singles title for 76 years when he triumphed in the US Open and also won an Olympic gold for good measure, is ranked third favourite with the bookies just ahead of Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis.

David Weir is one of three Paralympians on the list, the four-time London gold medallist joined by another four-time London Paralympic champion, cyclist Sarah Storey, and swimmer Ellie Simmonds

Barbara Slater, the director of BBC Sport who chaired the shortlisting panel, admitted that having to leave out so many big names had been painful.

Slater said in a BBC blog: "We had already extended the shortlist for the main award this year from 10 to 12, but at times we all wished it was nearer 15 or 20.

"It was very difficult to leave off Olympians and Paralympians of the calibre of Charlotte Dujardin, Alistair Brownlee, Jade Jones, Sophie Christiansen, Laura Trott, Jonnie Peacock, Jason Kenny and Victoria Pendleton, to name just a few."

The expert panel included national newspaper sports editors and three former award nominees, Sir Steve Redgrave, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Denise Lewis.

The panel also selected the winners of the coach of the year, team of the year and overseas personality.

The main award will be chosen by public vote and announced at the Sports Personality of the Year show from London's ExCeL centre on December 16.

Shortlist (in alphabetical order): Nicola Adams (Olympic boxing), Ben Ainslie (Olympic sailing), Jessica Ennis (Olympic heptathlon), Mo Farah (Olympic 5,000m and 10,000m), Katherine Grainger (Olympic rowing), Sir Chris Hoy (Olympic cycling), Rory McIlroy (world number one golfer and USPGA champion), Andy Murray (Olympic tennis and US Open champion), Ellie Simmonds (Paralympic swimming), Sarah Storey (Paralympic cycling), David Weir (Paralympic wheelchair athlete), Bradley Wiggins (Olympic cycling and Tour de France winner).

11/26/2012

Rory Ready for New Demands

Rory McIlroy is bound to find himself even more in demand after what he did in Dubai this weekend.

But the 23-year-old - world number one, European Tour number one, Ryder Cup hero and leading money-winner in the States this year as well - says he is going to take a ruthless approach next season.

"I've done my schedule. I'm sticking to it and I'm not letting anyone persuade me to go anywhere else," McIlroy told Press Association Sport after winning the DP World Tour title with five closing birdies. "I've learned my lesson over the last couple of years."

The Northern Irishman, yet to unveil a deal with Nike reported to be worth £156million over the next 10 years, is still hesitant to make public all his 2013 tournament plans, however.

Tiger Woods has never done that before the start of a season and with each passing month McIlroy is moving closer to the American's league in terms of superstardom around the world.

He has said he intends to play less and concentrate on quality more than quantity, but when asked what places he went to this year and will not be going to next year he replied: "I don't really want to make any comment on that so far.

"I guess Singapore and Hong Kong are question marks on whether they are going to be on the Tour schedule. They are probably ones that you can omit. Plus maybe Memphis before the US Open. I added that this year just to try to get a little bit more golf because I was only playing two-round tournaments!"

By that remark McIlroy showed he had not forgotten the fact that he missed four cuts in five starts in mid-season, but what a long time ago that must feel now.

Dubai was his fourth victory since and fifth of the year and he now holds a huge lead over Luke Donald - joint third in what was also his final 2012 event - at the top of the world rankings.

McIlroy's next start is in Abu Dhabi in January and before the US Masters in April he expects to be at the world championships in Tucson and Miami, defend the Honda Classic at Palm Beach Gardens in between and have his final warm-up for Augusta at the Houston Open.