Killeen Returns for 2012 Ladies

A truly international schedule featuring 24 golf tournaments in 19 different countries was unveiled for 2012 today by the Ladies European Tour.

The 2012 Ladies European Tour schedule features two new tournaments in Buckinghamshire, England and Helsingborg, Sweden, as well as two provisional additional dates in March and October. 

The year starts off with Qualifying School at La Manga Club in Spain in early January. The season proper then begins with RACV Australian Ladies Masters during the first week of February, followed by the ISPS Handa Women's Australian Open and the ISPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open, hosted by Christchurch.

The Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco will be played one week earlier than previously scheduled, from March 22-25 and moves to Golf de l'Ocean in Agadir, which hosted the Hassan II Trophée on the PGA European Tour in 2010. For the third straight year the men’s and women’s events will take place in the same city during the same week.

Moving into Europe, the Aberdeen Asset management Ladies Scottish Open presented by EventScotland will continue at Archerfield Links in East Lothian, Scotland, from May 3-5. The designated special event will feature a field of 80 players with a cut.

The Turkish Ladies Open then continues at National Golf Club, Belek, Antalya, Turkey, from May 10-13, followed by the UniCredit Ladies German Open presented by Audi at Golfpark Gut Häusern, near Munich in Germany from May 24-27.

In June, the Deloitte Ladies Open will again be played at Golfclub Broekpolder in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, followed by the Ladies Slovak Open at Golf Resort Tale in Brezno, Tale, Slovakia.

The Deutsche Bank Ladies Swiss Open, with a prize fund of €525,000, will be played at Golf Gerre Losone, Ticino, Switzerland from June 14-17.

Then, following a successful first visit to the Czech Republic in 2010, the Raiffeisenbank Prague Golf Masters will return to Albatross Golf Resort.

The Evian Masters presented by Societe Generale will be staged at Evian Masters Golf Club in Evian-Les-Bains, France from June 26-29.

Returning to the scene of Europe’s dramatic Solheim Cup victory, Killeen Castle will host the Ladies Irish Open from August 3-5.

The inaugural ISPS Handa Ladies British Masters will be played at Buckinghamshire Golf Club, home to the Ladies European Tour’s headquarters, from August 13-19 following the London 2012 Olympic Games and before the Paralympics.

The Tour will then move to Austria for the UNIQA Ladies Golf Open presented by Raiffeisen at Golfclub Föhrenwald in Wiener Neustadt from August 30 to September 2nd.

In another exciting development, the LET returns to Sweden after a three year hiatus for the inaugural Helsingborg Open at Vasatorp Golf Club, Helsingborg, Skane, from September 6-9.

The RICOH Women's British Open, making an historical first visit to Royal Liverpool Golf Club, Hoylake, from September 13-16, will then take place ahead of the Open de España Femenino and Ladies Open of Portugal.

The Lacoste Ladies Open de France moves to Chantaco Golf Club in Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Aquitaine, from October 4-7, for the last event of the year on European soil.

The Tour then heads east for the Sanya Ladies Open at Yalong Bay Golf Club in Hainan, China, ahead of the China Suzhou Taihu Open at Suzhou Taihu International Golf Club near Shanghai from October 26-28.

The Hero Honda Women's Indian Open will again take place at DLF Golf & Country Club near New Delhi and the season concludes with the seventh staging of the highly popular Omega Dubai Ladies Masters at Emirates Golf Course in the United Arab Emirates. 

“We have been able to offer our members a wide range of attractive playing opportunities at some of the world’s finest international venues,” said the Ladies European Tour’s executive director Alexandra Armas.

“We are pleased with the schedule, particularly given the poor shape of the global economy and these are exciting times for the LET.”

2012 European Tour Schedule

The 2012 European Tour International Schedule, announced today, features true worldwide competition celebrating both the diversity and the shared passion for golf across the globe.

From the curtain-raising Africa Open – which gets underway at the East London Golf Club on Thursday January 5 – through to the season-ending DP World Tour Championship, Dubai at the Jumeirah Golf Estates – which culminates on Sunday November 25 – The 2012 European Tour International Schedule will present 11 months of enthralling tournament action.

One highlight will be The European Tour’s flagship event – the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club from May 24-27 – where, this year, Luke Donald pipped Lee Westwood in a play-off for the title; a victory which helped him become World Number One and was a major influence on him capturing The Race to Dubai and being voted The 2011 European Tour Golfer of the Year last week.

Another tournament which will attract huge worldwide interest will be the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles from August 23-26, the final counting event for players aiming to qualify for the European Team bound for The 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club in Illinois under the captaincy of José María Olazábal.

For the second year in succession, European Tour Members will arrive at three of the four Majors as defending champions; in the guise of Charl Schwartzel (Masters Tournament at Augusta National from April 5-8), Rory McIlory (US Open Championship at the Olympic Club in San Francisco from June 14-17), and Darren Clarke (The 141st Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St Annes from July 19-22).

All five continents – Europe, America, Asia, Africa and Australasia – will stage tournaments and while the schedule currently features 46 counting events towards The 2012 Race to Dubai – in addition to The 2012 Ryder Cup – further tournament announcements will be made in due course.

Keith Waters, Chief Operating Officer and Director of International Policy for The European Tour, said: “We are delighted today to announce our 2012 schedule which once again is strong and vibrant and one which will allow our Members to exhibit their undoubted talents in a variety of venues around the world.

“The success of our Members globally has clearly contributed to the continuing development of The European Tour International Schedule but we are further inspired by the superb support of our many partners and sponsors, across many geographically and culturally diverse regions, all of whom deserve our sincere thanks for their support in these economically challenging times.

“Our most recent sponsorship announcement, which has seen The Race to Dubai extended through to the end of 2014 – with the end of season tournament being retitled the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai – is particularly significant. In DP World and Nakheel we have two incredibly strong partners who will help provide a truly fitting end to what already looks like being another exciting season.”

To view the 2012 European Tour International Schedule click here.

McIlory Named BBC NI SPOTY 2011

Rory McIlroy has been named BBC Northern Ireland's Sports Personality of the Year for 2011.

The 22-year-old capped a spectacular year by winning his first major championship - the US Open - and he is now number two in the world rankings.

McIlroy pipped Open champion Darren Clarke for the award while Ulster and Ireland rugby star Rory Best was third.

"I am thrilled to be named as the BBC Northern Ireland Sports Personality of the Year," said McIlroy.

"Looking back on 2011, it's been an amazing 12 months of my life.

"It's been a year I will always remember, not least because I won my first major.

"That victory at the US Open in Washington would not have been possible without the fantastic support from my family.

"I would also like to thank all the great support from everyone in Northern Ireland.

"Looking forward to getting to Belfast for Christmas - and then in 2012, hopefully bringing more silverware back home"

A shortlist of seven sports stars was voted on by a panel of judges comprising Irish FA President Jim Shaw, Sport NI chief executive Eammon McCartan, Ulster director of rugby David Humphreys, former GAA all-star and Armagh great Oisin McConville, ex-Northern Ireland captain Jim Magilton, and editor of sport at BBC NI, Shane Glynn.

The panel had to pick a winner from a list of contenders that also included paralympian Sally Brown, Donegal GAA All-Star Karl Lacey, Dungiven boxer Paul McCloskey and British Supersport champion Alastair Seeley.

Editor of Sport at BBC NI Shane Glynn said: "Once again, we had a very strong shortlist for the judges to vote on - all would have been worthy winners.

"In the end it was a very close call between Rory and Darren, who both had extraordinary years.

"I'd like to congratulate Rory on his richly deserved award.

"He's thrilled us all with some of his golf this year, which at times, especially during the Masters and the US Open, was simply breathtaking.

"I'd also like to thank the judges for their time and commitment."

Rory McIlroy and Darren Clarke are both on the shortlist for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2011.

The award will be presented at the live show on 22 December following a public phone vote.

This year the event, which will be held at MediaCityUK in Salford, will be screened live on BBC One and BBC One HD from 8pm, and broadcast on BBC Radio 5 live.

The other shortlisted contenders are: Mark Cavendish (cycling), Alastair Cook (cricket), Luke Donald (golf), Mo Farah (athletics), Dai Greene (athletics), Amir Khan (boxing), Andy Murray (tennis) and Andrew Strauss (cricket).

MCILROY'S US OPEN MILESTONES

Quickest to reach -10 (after 26 holes)

First to go lower than -12

First player to reach -17

Lowest 36-hole total of 131

Equals biggest 36-hole lead of six shots set by Tiger Woods in 2000

Lowest 54-hole total of 199

Lowest 72-hole total of 268

Dixon Wins Euro Tour School

England’s David Dixon was first past the post at the Qualifying School Final Stage, where 37 players secured their places in The 2012 Race to Dubai.

A closing round of 69 gave Dixon a 21 under par aggregate total and a one shot victory over his compatriot Sam Hutsby, with two more Englishmen, Andy Sullivan and Richard Bland, rounding out the top four on 19 under and 18 under par respectively.

But, as has become traditional, it was further down the leaderboard that the drama really unfolded, none more so than when American Scott Pinckney, who started the day in a tie for 66th place on one under par, fired a best-of-the-day round of 65 to take the 24th card available.

The magic number was seven under par, a mark achieved in dramatic fashion by England’s Jamie Elson after he holed a huge birdie putt on the ninth hole – his last – of the stunning Stadium Course at PGA Catalunya Resort, in Girona.

Similarly, Spaniard Agustin Domingo, whose uncle is Senior Tour champion Domingo Hospital, picked up four shots in his final five holes to claim one of the golden tickets on offer.

There was also delight for the Dutch, with The Netherlands achieving a clean sweep after all five of their players who made the cut – Wil Besseling, Reinier Saxton (both eight under par), Maarten Lafeber, Taco Remkes, and Tim Sluiter (all seven under par) – finished inside the all-important top 30.

They will now take their places on The 2012 European Tour International Schedule alongside Dixon, who is relishing the chance to add to his solitary victory at the 2008 Saint-Omer Open presented by Neuflize OBC.

He said: “It has been a very up and down day again. There were some highs and lows, but I’m really chuffed to come out on top. I hit some good shots and bad shots, and the back nine was a bit of a rollercoaster, but that’s the way it goes.

“My caddie and I talked last night and decided the attitude had to be: ‘let’s go out and win it’. We thought that would take my mind off whatever else was going on. I had a perfect start, but then hit a couple of loose ones towards the end of the front nine which caused a bit of a scare. Then I hit some great shots but one went in the water, and in the end I was happy to hold on. I holed some really good putts towards the end and got the job done.

“It’s been a very up and down year and it’s been a bit of a nightmare on and off the course, but this is an awesome way to finish and I can’t wait for next year now. The goal now has to be to try to win again. I’ve just got to go out there and do the best I can and try to get another title under my belt – that would be very nice.”

Hutsby finished second at the Final Stage for the second time in three visits to the Qualifying School, but the 23 year old is confident of retaining his playing privileges next term after learning some valuable lessons from his debut campaign on The European Tour in 2010.

He said: “It definitely feels better than the last time I got my card, and I’ve learned a lot from when I turned pro. I changed a few things that probably weren’t for the best, but just to have a shot back on The European Tour and show what I can do is pretty exciting.

“I think I’m a much stronger person than I was last time I was on Tour, so I can’t wait for the season to start. Some of the golf I played this week gives me a lot of confidence for the future. I got myself into contention a couple of times during my first year on Tour and wasn’t able to finish it off, but now I know that if I play as well as I can, I can go out there and chase down my first win.

“The main goal is to secure my card again, but hopefully I can put myself into contention again. Just being at the top of the leaderboard was an awesome feeling, I had a few butterflies in the stomach. It’s nice to be out there chasing a win, and I want to get that feeling back again as soon as possible.”

Hutsby ultimately edged his private duel with fellow former Walker Cup player Andy Sullivan, with whom he shares a management company. But the 25 year old from Birmingham was nonetheless delighted to have earned elevation to the top tier of European golf just three months after joining the professional ranks.

He said: “It’s just a relief to be finished. It was a bit weird out there today, because I wasn’t sure whether to go for it or to hold back and play safe.

“But I got towards the end and saw the leaders weren’t really pulling away, so I thought I’d have a go for it. Unfortunately it didn’t quite happen, but it’s a great week to get through and I’m really excited about next year now.

“I was a bit nervous this morning, if I’m honest. I felt the butterflies. But I also felt ready to go, and I really enjoyed it. It’s been a good year, and this really tops it off. It’s great to come through it at the first time of asking, so I couldn’t be happier.”

A total of 957 players took part in the Qualifying School, with six players successfully coming through all three Stages, namely: Hans Peter Bacher, Besseling, Emiliano Grillo, Adrian Otaegui, Pinckney and Remkes. Of the qualifiers, 17 will be making their debuts on The European Tour next year, with Spaniard Adrian Otaegui the youngest rookie at 19 years and 24 days old.

Turner Cut as Westwood Sets Pace

Niall Turner missed the cut in Thailand by one shot after a second round 75 left him four over par on Friday at the Amata Spring Country Club - trailing the blistering pace set by Lee Westwood on 20 under.

Westwood maintained his dazzling form at the Thailand Golf Championship on Friday, shooting a superb eight-under-par 64 to extend his lead currently at a staggering 14 shots after the morning session.

The world number three, who flirted with a 59 on Thursday before settling for a 60, produced another masterclass at the Amata Spring Country Club to match the Asian Tour’s 36-hole record of 20-under-par 124 held by Thailand’s Chapchai Nirat.

The 38-year-old produced eight birdies on a windy day in the Asian Tour’s season finale but found his greatest satisfaction with an eight-foot par save on his last hole, the ninth which kept him bogey-free over two rounds.

American John Daly, a two-time Major winner, shot a 73 for second place in the clubhouse while Simon Dyson of England and Japan’s Kenichi Kuboya are a shot back of Daly.

Westwood, chasing his fourth victory of the season and second in three weeks, looks poised to eclipse the largest winning margin on the Asian Tour of 13 shots held by Ernie Els of South Africa at the 2005 BMW Asian Open in China.

While he was ecstatic with his sparkling form, Westwood was amazed how far he was ahead of the chasing pack.

“It’s 14 now, outrageous isn’t it?” said a delighted Westwood after his round. “It’s still a long way to go. But at the same time, I’m looking forward to the weekend. I’m playing great and I’m feeling in total control. Every aspect of my game feels good.”

With a stiff breeze blowing over the highly rated par 72, 7,453-yard Amata Spring course, Westwood was in total control of his game. He felt his effort this morning could have been better than the opening round’s 60, which tied the Asian Tour’s 18-hole low.

“Strange really. Today almost felt better than yesterday. It was quite tough out there. The scoring is pretty tricky. 64 is a really good score. Not that 60 wasn’t a good score yesterday! I hit a lot of good shots again and hit it close. Delighted with two days’ work,” said Westwood.

“I’ll still try to play the same and try to win the tournament. I’ll try to keep the lead irrelevant and keep on playing as I’ve been playing. I’m playing pretty well and I want to maintain that and keep making birdies and no bogeys. The most satisfying shot of the day was making that eight or nine footer I holed at the last to keep the bogey off the card the last two days.

“It’ll be great. I won two weeks ago at the Nedbank (South Africa). I’ve got myself into a great position. It would be nice to win four times in a year.”

His rivals can only hope to play for second place now at the Thailand Golf Championship, one of four new events on the Asian Tour this season.

Daly, who shot three birdies against four bogeys, threw the white flag. “Playing for second is all I can do. If you told me somebody would be 20-under after four rounds, I would have been shocked but after two? He (Westwood) is just in the zone. He is putting it so good. Nobody is going to catch him so I think the thing for me to do is to go out and shoot under-par in the last two days. The course is not that easy. He is making it easy but it is not that easy for us,” said the American veteran.