http://www.kget.com/sports/pga/ NOW - Sports - PGA en-us Copyright 2012 Newport Television LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Thu, 24 May 2012 22:00:01 -0700 Fri, 25 May 2012 09:04:23 -0700 Sports Net PGA News http://www.kget.com/sites/kget/images/rss_logo.gif http://www.kget.com/sports/pga/ 110 64 15 http://www.kget.com:80/sports/pga/story/Zach-Johnson-leads-at-Colonial/a9vXxduzLkGIxrS7qDcsfQ.cspx?rss=1414 http://www.kget.com/s/a9vXxduzLkGIxrS7qDcsfQ.cspx Zach Johnson fired a six-under 64 on Thursday to take the first-round lead of the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial.

Johnson, whose last PGA Tour victory came at this event two years ago, owns a one-shot lead over a slew of players, including the hottest golfer in the world.

Jason Dufner, who picked up his second in three weeks on Sunday at the Byron Nelson, posted a five-under 65 and is tied for second place.

Dufner, who in the span of a month, not only notched has his first two PGA Tour wins, but also got married, flew out of the gate on Thursday with four birdies in his first five holes. He mixed three birdies and two bogeys the rest of the way for his share of second.

"A nice way to start," said Dufner, who owns four 36-hole leads this season on tour. "I've had a pretty solid last three or four years. I was happy to get a five-under."

Dufner is tied for second with Tom Gillis, Harris English and Kyle Reifers and Dufner isn't the only one who is playing great golf at the moment.

English went 60-63 earlier in the week to easily qualify for the British Open. Gillis has made seven consecutive cuts and Reifers got into the field this week after Scott Verplank withdrew.

Sergio Garcia, who picked up his first PGA Tour victory at Colonial 11 years ago, shot a four-under 67 and shares sixth with Chris DiMarco, Tommy Gainey and Andres Romero.

They are all chasing Johnson, who is in fine form after his tie for second two weeks ago at The Players Championship.

Johnson began on the 10th tee Thursday and opened with a long birdie putt at the 10th. He parred the next two then went on a run that shot him to the top of the leaderboard.

At the par-three 13th, Johnson rolled in a 14-footer for birdie. He narrowly missed the fairway at 14, but managed to knock his second to 16 feet and poured in the putt for back-to-back birdies.

Johnson kept the momentum going with a 17-foot birdie putt at 15, then made it four in a row at the par-three 16th when his 21-footer found the bottom of the cup.

He stood five-under par for the championship and parred four in a row around the turn. At the par-four third, Johnson sank a 15-foot birdie try to get to minus-six.

Johnson made some decent birdie chances on the way into the clubhouse, but failed to convert. His 64 held up throughout the day and he is the first-round leader.

"I struck the golf ball really nice," Johnson said in a televised interview. "The times when I was maybe just in the rough and I had to get myself up and down, I managed to do that.

"I gave myself a lot of opportunities. I made some long putts, but I missed some shorter ones, so it probably evened out in the end."

Ryan Moore, Daniel Summerhays, Roberto Castro, Brendon de Jonge and Brandt Jobe are knotted in 10th place at three-under 67.

NOTES: Hunter Mahan, who is the only player with two wins this year on tour, shot a one-under 69 on Thursday...John Daly, making a rare appearance on the PGA Tour, had an even-par 70 in round one...Players Championship winner Matt Kuchar struggled to a two-over 72...Defending champion David Toms carded a four-over 74...Brian Davis withdrew on Thursday.

©2012 Sports Network. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.]]> Sports Net PGA News Thu, 24 May 2012 16:34:45 -0700 http://www.kget.com:80/sports/pga/story/Golf-Tidbits-English-breaks-out-at-Open-qualifier/jlLeGwg4x0a5jt_DIbKMJg.cspx?rss=1414 http://www.kget.com/s/jlLeGwg4x0a5jt_DIbKMJg.cspx Following an appearance at the Walker Cup last year, Harris English knew one thing - he wanted to do everything he could to qualify for the British Open because he loved playing golf in Scotland.

No one knew it would be this easy.

English teed it up Monday at the Open Championship qualifier outside Dallas. After a decent first nine holes, he was 4-under par. Nothing changed after his next three holes.

Then, BINGO! The light went on.

English poured in six consecutive birdies from the fourth to shoot 10-under 60 and set a new course record at the Gleneagles Country Club.

English followed with a 7-under 63 to win the qualifier by four strokes.

"I knew the wind wasn't going to be blowing, so I knew the scores were going to be low. I couldn't let up. I decided to keep the petal to the metal on the last 18 holes, where I left myself in really good position to make putts," English stated.

The closest English has been to 17-under on the PGA Tour this year was at the annual birdie-fest at the Humana Challenge. He was 13-under after two rounds at that event, but picked up just three more strokes on the weekend to finish tied for 19th at 16-under.

The 22-year-old PGA Tour rookie has teed it up 14 times on tour this year, but has posted just one top-10 finish.

English has managed to post back-to-back under par rounds 12 times, but in his last four events he is a combined 21-over par.

So where did this come from?

"I was relaxed. I had some fun. I was striking the ball really well. In fact, I was doing everything really well," English explained afterward.

Sounds pretty simple. Go out and have fun while golfing. You usually only have fun when you're shooting good scores though.

English could still qualify for the U.S. Open, but if he doesn't, that means the British Open will be his first major event.

"It's awesome. I played on the Walker Cup (team) last year in Scotland, which was a really special experience. I mean, it's the home of golf over there," English said. "I told my parents and my agent that I really, really wanted to play in the British Open, so I came here today with that goal and here I go."

Not to burst his bubble, but this year's British Open is in England at Royal Lytham & St. Annes. Let's not let the facts get in the way of a good story, though.

In the meantime, count English as one of the favorites this week at the Crown Plaza Invitational at Colonial. Sure, he's coming off a stretch in which seven of his last 14 rounds were over par and hasn't finished inside the top 60 in those four starts, but he obviously got his week off to a hot start.

Momentum is a great thing. Just ask Jason Dufner.

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER FOR KIM

Anthony Kim has reminded me of a failed No. 1 draft pick in recent years. He has battled a slew of injuries, which have kept him from reaching his full potential. That makes his announcement from earlier this week a wise one.

Kim tried to play through a left thumb injury in 2010 before eventually having reconstructive surgery on the thumb.

This year, he injured his right elbow at the Texas Open when he struck a rock while trying to hit out of a bush. Couple that with tendinitis in his left forearm and Kim has withdrawn from his last three events.

With both injuries bothering him, the 26-year-old announced he will rehab the injuries for the next four-to-five months. Kim hopes to return for the Fall Series.

Kim, a three-time PGA Tour winner, has finished just two of 10 events this year, with a tie for 42nd being his best finish.

Kim's biggest issue going forward will be his eligibility. He'll likely apply for a medical extension from 2013, and there is little doubt that would be granted.

But his exemption from his 2010 win at the Houston Open runs out at the end of this season. If he doesn't win in the Fall Series, Kim will get into some events next year via the medical extension, but will have to earn a certain amount of money in a certain number of events to get his card for the remainder of next season.

Whatever challenges lie ahead, it seems Kim is doing the right thing for a change. He is shutting it down to get healthy. With his age and pedigree, Kim has easily 15 to 20 more years of tour golf ahead of him.

A healthy Kim can only increase the depth of a strong, young core of players competing on the PGA Tour.

MINI-TIDBITS

* Dicky Pride's second-place finish last week at the HP Byron Nelson Championship last weekend earned him a healthy paycheck of $702,000. That is nearly $220,000 more than he made in any year of his previous 19 seasons on the PGA Tour.

* The top three players in the world are all playing this week at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth in England. Between that event and the Crowne Plaza Invitational, nine of the top 15 players in the world are playing this week. Look for at least that many next week at The Memorial, which already has commitments from nine of the top 10 players in the world. Dustin Johnson, who has fallen to No. 19 while taking time off due to a back injury, plans to return to action at Muirfield Village.

©2012 Sports Network. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.]]> Sports Net PGA News Thu, 24 May 2012 09:00:03 -0700 http://www.kget.com:80/sports/pga/story/This-Week-in-Golf-May-24-through-May-27/94Ts9oImH0KDQkUpksL7mQ.cspx?rss=1414 http://www.kget.com/s/94Ts9oImH0KDQkUpksL7mQ.cspx PGA TOUR - CROWNE PLAZA INVITATIONAL AT COLONIAL, Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas - The PGA Tour stays in Texas this week for its annual trip to Colonial.

To say this tournament and this venue are steeped in history is an understatement.

Colonial Country Club has hosted this event since the tournament's inception in 1946. No other course has held a U.S. Open, a Tournament Players Championship and an annual PGA Tour event. In 1991, Colonial added the U.S. Women's Open to that unique repertoire. This is the second oldest PGA Tour event still being played at its original site behind the Masters at Augusta National. The course, built originally by John Bredemus and revised slightly by Perry Maxwell for the 1941 Open, has stood the test of time.

Colonial is always a good spot for the shorter hitters, including last year's winner, David Toms. One week after losing a heartbreaking playoff at The Players Championship, Toms earned a one-shot win over Charlie Wi for his 13th PGA Tour victory and first since 2006.

The PGA Tour's only two multiple winners this season are both in the field this week. Jason Dufner, who picked up his second victory in three weeks Sunday at the Byron Nelson, and Hunter Mahan are scheduled to tee it up on Thursday.

It was nine years ago when Annika Sorenstam became the first woman in 58 years to play in a PGA Tour event at the Colonial. She missed the cut on a sponsor's exemption with rounds of 71-74.

Golf Channel has the broadcast on Thursday and Friday before CBS takes over on the weekend.

Next week is the Memorial, which was won by Steve Stricker last year.

EUROPEAN TOUR

BMW PGA CHAMPIONSHIP, Wentworth Club, Surrey, England - The flagship event on the European Tour will have by far the most impressive field of the week.

Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald and Lee Westwood, the top three players in the world rankings, are all scheduled to tee it up starting on Thursday.

It was at this event last year where Donald assumed the mantle as golf's top player.

He bested Westwood, then No. 1 in the rankings, in a playoff to win his fifth European Tour title. Donald birdied the first sudden-death hole and Westwood knocked his third into water at the par-five hole.

Donald erased some shaky memories with the win. He was the runner-up to Simon Khan in 2010 and had a chance to become No. 1 the week before, but lost the final of the Volvo World Match Play Championship to Ian Poulter.

Donald heads into this week as the No. 2 player in the world, though he and McIlroy have traded the top spot throughout the season.

If Westwood were to win on Sunday, he wouldn't move to No. 1 but he'd be close.

Golf Channel has the action all week.

Next week, the European Tour heads to Celtic Manor in Wales for the Wales Open. Alexander Noren won the title by two strokes last year.

CHAMPIONS TOUR

SENIOR PGA CHAMPIONSHIP, The Golf Club at Harbor Shores, Benton Harbor, Michigan - The first major for the Champions Tour will be without its defending champion.

Tom Watson, who prevailed over David Eger in a playoff last year at Valhalla, withdrew from the event last week. He has a wrist injury.

All of the other Champions Tour stars are in the field.

This is the first major for the Jack Nicklaus-designed Harbor Shores. The PGA of America must like it a lot because it will host this championship again in two years.

There are four more major championships on the horizon for the Champions Tour, but this is the oldest event in senior golf.

Golf Channel has the first two days, then NBC takes over on Saturday and Sunday.

Next week is the Principal Charity Classic in Des Moines, Iowa. Bob Gilder won the title last year.

©2012 Sports Network. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.]]> Sports Net PGA News Mon, 21 May 2012 13:53:49 -0700 http://www.kget.com:80/sports/pga/story/Dufner-up-to-14th-in-world-rankings/vjpb6c1_S0O41lDLOR4zzA.cspx?rss=1414 http://www.kget.com/s/vjpb6c1_S0O41lDLOR4zzA.cspx Jason Dufner's second PGA Tour win in three weeks came Sunday at the Byron Nelson Championship and it moved him to 14th in this week's world rankings.

Dufner shot up seven places this week.

Rory McIlroy remained in first, followed by Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, Bubba Watson, Matt Kuchar, Hunter Mahan, Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker. Phil Mickelson moved up one to ninth, followed by Justin Rose, who climbed two to 10th.

Martin Kaymer slid two to 11th and Webb Simpson fell one to 12th. Adam Scott held on to 13th this week, followed by Dufner. Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Jason Day each dipped one as Graeme McDowell, who was the runner-up at the Volvo World Match Play Championship, rose two to 18th.

Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler both sank two to round out the top 20.

Nicolas Colsaerts won the Match Play event in Spain and rocketed up 19 to No. 32.

©2012 Sports Network. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.]]> Sports Net PGA News Mon, 21 May 2012 12:43:04 -0700 http://www.kget.com:80/sports/pga/story/Dufner-birdies-18-to-win-the-Nelson/yFGmfiwCPUCgyJQo9f6bSw.cspx?rss=1414 http://www.kget.com/s/yFGmfiwCPUCgyJQo9f6bSw.cspx Jason Dufner poured in a 25-foot birdie putt on the final hole Sunday to win the Byron Nelson Championship by a single stroke over Dicky Pride.

Dufner closed with a three-under 67 to finish at 11-under-par 269. The win was his second in four weeks on the PGA Tour.

"We had some pretty good golf coming in. Guys were making birdies and par putts and there was a lot of things going on," Dufner said in a television interview. "The leaderboard got a bit jumbled up at the top, and luckily I had a nice chance there on 18 to kind of close it out."

Pride, who drove into the water on 18, made a par-saving putt from a similar spot as Dufner to close out a round of three-under 67. Pride, who ended one back at minus-10, was denied his first PGA Tour win since 1994.

Joe Durant closed with a five-under 65 to share third place at nine-under-par 271 with J.J. Henry (68), Jonas Blixt (66) and Marc Leishman (66).

Henry was atop the leaderboard by himself, but stumbled to a disastrous three- putt double-bogey on the 17th to fall back.

Henry jumped into the lead with a hole-in-one on the par-three fifth. As he parred the next nine holes, as many as five other players tied him in the lead at nine-under.

Durant was the first among them. He rebounded from a pair of early bogeys with an eagle and three birdies in a five-hole span from the fourth. Birdies on the 13th and 15th gave Durant a share of the lead, but he parred the last three holes to end two back.

Leishman had three birdies in four holes from the seventh to get to minus- nine. He two-putted for birdie on the par-five 16th to briefly take the lead at minus-10, but three-putted for bogey on 17 and parred the last to share third.

Blixt fell to minus-three with bogeys on the second and sixth. He fought back with an eagle on seven, then five birdies in an eight-hole span from the ninth to grab a share of the lead at minus-10. But he bogeyed the 17th to end two back.

Henry was in the lead at 11-under after a 32-foot birdie putt on 15 and an up- and-down birdie on 16. He hit his tee shot at the par-three 16th well over the green, then three-putted for double-bogey to tumble out of the lead.

Dufner saved his par on 17 from the back fringe and seemed to be in the driver's seat as Pride's tee ball at the last found water left of the fairway.

Pride hit his third to 22 feet and buried the par-saving putt to remain tied for the lead.

"It feels good. Apparently, that's an easy putt because with both made it," Pride joked in a televised interview. "I played solid all week. I was very pleased with the way I played."

Dufner bombed a perfect drive down the middle on 18, then hit his approach to 25 feet before running in the birdie putt for the win.

"For me, it was a little bit of a right-to-left putt and it was downhill. The greens were maybe just a little bit slower than we're used to. So I felt comfortable downhill and I just had a really good feel for that putt," Dufner said on TV. "I've been in a couple of playoffs and I kind of wanted to close this one out and not get in another playoff."

Phil Mickelson, the 1996 champion, closed with a four-under 66 to share seventh place with Ken Duke (66) at six-under-par 274.

Former champions Vijay Singh (71) and Jason Day (72) were among six players who shared ninth at minus-five.

NOTES: Dufner earned $1.17 million for the win. He also took over the top spot in the FedEx Cup race...Last year's winner Keegan Bradley stumbled to a two- over 72 in the final round to share 24th at minus-two...Durant was lucky to even be in the field as he replaced Joe Ogilvie, who withdrew with a shoulder injury before the event started...The tour remains in Texas next week for the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial, where David Toms will defend his title.

©2012 Sports Network. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.]]> Sports Net PGA News Sun, 20 May 2012 14:52:22 -0700 http://www.kget.com:80/sports/pga/story/Dufner-retains-Byron-Nelson-lead/kbkEzqcq-EuhSBiJQjz7kg.cspx?rss=1414 http://www.kget.com/s/kbkEzqcq-EuhSBiJQjz7kg.cspx Jason Dufner managed a one-under 69 on Saturday to retain the lead at the Byron Nelson Championship, but the rest of the leaderboard received a big shakeup.

Dufner, who earned his first PGA Tour victory three weeks ago in New Orleans, recorded a bogey and two birdies to stay in first place, which he grabbed during Friday's second round.

He is alone in first place at eight-under-par 202, one stroke ahead of three players.

"I feel good with where my game is at, what I'm doing out there, getting more comfortable playing in final groups and getting more comfortable trying to win these tournaments," Dufner said. "I think the more you do it the more comfortable you're going to be, and the more successful you are, it's going to carry over."

J.J. Henry and Jason Day fired three-under 67s to move into a share of second with Dicky Pride (69) at seven-under 203. Hall of Famer Vijay Singh posted a four-under 66 to rise into fifth at minus-six.

Pride was tied for second after Friday with Ryan Palmer, Chad Campbell, Pat Perez and Marc Leishman, but they all struggled during their third rounds in windy conditions.

Leishman carded a 71 to drop into a share of sixth with Jonas Blixt (67). Palmer, last year's runner up, and Perez both shot 72 and are now in a large group tied for eighth at minus-four. That group also includes defending champion Keegan Bradley (71).

Campbell, meanwhile, dropped to minus-three after posting a 73.

Dufner didn't have a ton of birdies on Saturday, but his success came in the form of steadiness.

He bogeyed the third hole, a par four, where he found a fairway bunker with his tee shot. But Dufner gained the stroke back at the sixth with a 10-footer, and parred his next seven holes to remain at seven-under.

He moved to minus-eight at the 14th, where his second shot landed 14 feet from the pin before he rolled in the birdie chance.

Dufner had a good birdie chance at the last. He hit his second past the hole, but spun it back, and the ball came to rest nine feet from the cup. Dufner wasn't able to sink the birdie, but tapped in for par to head into the clubhouse as the leader.

"It was a stress-free round for me," Dufner said. "I was in position a lot off the tee, which enabled me to be aggressive with iron shots and didn't have too many, you know, must-make par putts."

Earlier, Day -- the 2010 Byron Nelson winner -- had climbed up the leaderboard thanks to a handful of birdies.

He sank a 38-footer for birdie at the first, then left himself with two feet for birdie at the seventh before tapping in the putt. The Australian then added birdie putts at 10 and 16 to reach minus-eight.

The primary reason he isn't sharing the lead with Dufner is the bogey he carded at the last. Day actually reached the green in two and had eight feet for birdie.

But after missing that putt, he couldn't sink the three-foot par chance and had to tap in for bogey.

"The first putt wasn't the greatest, but the second was a decent putt, and I just hit it too hard through the break," Day said. "One day that hole will pay me back, and hopefully it's tomorrow."

Like Day, Pride also got to minus-eight. He birdied five and seven, but didn't make another during the remainder of his round and dropped a stroke at 12, where he twice found the rough and missed a lengthy par putt.

Henry was sitting at minus-three after stumbling to a bogey at No. 8, but he birdied four of his following eight holes to get to seven-under.

Singh, who won the tournament in 2003, pulled himself into contention with a strong final stretch. He was two-under for his round following a bogey at 14, but ran home a 38-foot eagle putt at the 16th.

At the next hole, a par three, Singh stuck his tee shot five feet from the cup and sank the birdie putt to get to seven-under for the championship. But he three-putted for bogey at the last to fall down the leaderboard.

NOTES: There was a second cut Saturday that fell at four-over, and eliminated eight players. Seventy-one players remain in the field...Phil Mickelson carded a 69 on Saturday and is tied for 21st at two-under.

©2012 Sports Network. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.]]> Sports Net PGA News Sat, 19 May 2012 15:21:56 -0700 http://www.kget.com:80/sports/pga/story/Dufner-chips-in-for-Byron-Nelson-lead/quL7EVJhS0mJoA2LsBp0pw.cspx?rss=1414 http://www.kget.com/s/quL7EVJhS0mJoA2LsBp0pw.cspx It's good to be Jason Dufner.

Three weeks ago, he finally earned his first PGA Tour victory, a playoff win over Ernie Els.

The following week, Dufner got married.

And on Friday, he chipped in on the 18th hole to take the second-round lead of the Byron Nelson Championship, his fourth 36-hole lead on the PGA Tour this year.

Dufner's four-under 66 got him to seven-under 133 for the championship and broke him out of a huge logjam for first.

Last week's Players Championship winner Matt Kuchar continued his fine form with a two-under 68. He is tied for second with first-round leader and last year's runner-up Ryan Palmer (70), Chad Campbell (66), Pat Perez (67), Dicky Pride (68) and Marc Leishman (69). The group finished at six-under 134.

Defending champion Keegan Bradley is in the mix. The reigning PGA Champion posted a two-under 68 and into a tie for eighth with Ryuji Imada (68) and Charley Hoffman (69). The trio came in at minus-five.

But Friday belonged to Dufner, whose evolution into a top-20 player in the world rankings is still in progress.

"I'm confident with my game and happy with where my game is at now," said Dufner, who also moved into the top eight on the U.S. Ryder Cup points list.

Dufner's second round got off to a rocky start Friday.

He hit a wild drive off the first tee and three-putted from 30 feet for a bogey. Two holes later, Dufner's tee ball landed in the water right of the fairway and that led to another bogey.

Dufner, who lost a playoff to Bradley last year at the PGA Championship, got everything under control and play great at the end of his front nine. He ran in a 10-foot birdie putt at six, two-putted for birdie at seven and rolled in a 20-footer for birdie at No. 9.

Dufner found trouble at the 12th when he landed in a greenside bunker with his approach. He hit a terrible shot out of the sand over the green, then made bogey to fall back to three-under for the championship.

Once again, Dufner collected himself, starting with a 21-foot birdie putt at the 14th. He chipped in for birdie at 15, then poured in a 15-footer for birdie at the par-five 16th.

Dufner was tied for the lead and parred 17. He blocked his drive into the right rough and he hammered his second over the green. Dufner chipped in again for birdie, this time for sole possession of the lead.

"I was kind of around par for the day, trying to stay patient a little bit, maybe get a birdie or two on the last five holes and ended up getting birdie on four of the last five, couple of chip-ins, which you don't expect, especially the one on 18," said Dufner. "That's a difficult position to be over the back of that green to that hole location.

"It was a nice way to finish, looking forward to the weekend."

There has been a progression to Dufner's success this season.

His first 36-hole lead came at the Transitions Championship in March, but he ended up in a tie for 10th.

Up next was the Masters and, after a pair of 75s on the weekend, Dufner dipped to a tie for 24th.

On his third try, Dufner held on for the win. He birdied the second playoff hole in New Orleans to best Els and finally get the victory, one he hopes will spring-board him to more success.

"Usually when you're feeling good you're going to go into the weekend leading or close to the lead, and I've been fortunate to be in that position," said Dufner. "Closed out one a couple of weeks ago, haven't played quite as well in others, but hopefully the experience that I had New Orleans will build for me and I will have confidence going into the weekend."

Jason Day, the 2010 Byron Nelson winner, shot his second straight two-under 68 and is part of a group tied for 11th at four-under par.

Phil Mickelson got to three-under par, but found water at the 18th and made double-bogey. He finished with a one-under 69 and is one-under for the championship.

NOTES: Former British Open Champion David Duval and this year's Mayakoba Golf Classic winner John Huh withdrew on Friday...The 36-hole cut fell at two-over 142 and former champions Adam Scott and Rory Sabbatini, along with Johnson Wagner, Carl Pettersson, Y.E. Yang and Masters runner-up Louis Oosthuizen missed the weekend.

©2012 Sports Network. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.]]> Sports Net PGA News Fri, 18 May 2012 17:21:36 -0700 http://www.kget.com:80/sports/pga/story/Golf-Course-Review-The-Boulders-North-and-South/s2JE-EbgeU2hKZkkkM-_rw.cspx?rss=1414 http://www.kget.com/s/s2JE-EbgeU2hKZkkkM-_rw.cspx FACTS & STATS: North Course Architect: Red Lawrence (1969), Jack Snyder (1974), Jay Morrish (1985, with renovation work in 1999). Year Opened: January, 1985. Location: Carefree, Arizona. Slope: 137. Rating: 72.6. Par: 72. Yardage: 6,959.

Hole-by-Hole:

1 - Par 5 513 Yds 10 - Par 4 451 Yds

2 - Par 3 195 Yds 11 - Par 4 445 Yds

3 - Par 5 548 Yds 12 - Par 5 525 Yds

4 - Par 4 404 Yds 13 - Par 4 457 Yds

5 - Par 4 425 Yds 14 - Par 3 183 Yds

6 - Par 3 142 Yds 15 - Par 5 483 Yds

7 - Par 4 347 Yds 16 - Par 4 424 Yds

8 - Par 4 356 Yds 17 - Par 3 220 Yds

9 - Par 4 417 Yds 18 - Par 4 424 Yds

Par 36 3,347 Yds Par 36 3,612 Yds

Awards Won: Rated four stars by Golf Digest's "Places to Play" (2000-06), Named by Golf Magazine as a Gold Medal Resort (1998-2004), Named by AAA as a Five Diamond Resort (1990-2004), Named by Golf for Women as 50 Best Courses for Women (2002-03), Ranked 13th by Golf Magazine in best State-by-State Access (2004), Number 2 U.S. Golf Resort by Travel + Leisure Golf (2005). Rated No. 10 by Golfweek - Top-20 courses in Arizona (2011).

South Course Architect: Jay Morrish (1983). Year Opened: January, 1983. Location: Carefree, Arizona. Slope: 140. Rating: 71.9. Par: 71. Yardage: 6,726.

Hole-by-Hole:

1 - Par 4 421 Yds 10 - Par 3 221 Yds

2 - Par 3 150 Yds 11 - Par 5 601 Yds

3 - Par 4 413 Yds 12 - Par 4 321 Yds

4 - Par 4 409 Yds 13 - Par 4 429 Yds

5 - Par 5 545 Yds 14 - Par 5 532 Yds

6 - Par 4 355 Yds 15 - Par 3 151 Yds

7 - Par 3 187 Yds 16 - Par 3 198 Yds

8 - Par 4 455 Yds 17 - Par 4 420 Yds

9 - Par 4 404 Yds 18 - Par 5 514 Yds

Par 35 3,339 Yds Par 36 3,387 Yds

Awards Won: Rated four stars by Golf Digest's "Places to Play" (2000-06), Top 80 Golf Resorts - Conde Nast Traveler (2010), Rated No. 18 by Golfweek - Top-20 courses in Arizona (2011) Gold Medal Resort - Golf Magazine (2012-13), No. 1 Resort in the United States - Harper's Hideaway Report, No. 6 - Top 10 golf courses in Arizona - Gold Channel (2011) No. 47 - Best Golf Resorts in U.S. - by Golf Digest (2011).

Website: theboulders.com

HISTORY: Designed back in the mid-1980s by Jay Morrish, the golf courses at The Boulders, a Waldorf Astoria Resort, have developed into a world-class experience, for both the serious golfer and for the laid-back social afternoon outing with friends and family.

Morrish crafted the North and South Courses with designs built right into the desert foothills, featuring time worn saguaros that stand guard around each and every hole. The natural beauty of the land is complemented by nothing less than amazing rock formations, which accentuates the difficulty and the spectacular experience of the courses.

For almost 60 years, Morrish has been in the golf design business. First with the legendary Robert Trent Jones and then for 10 years with the Jack Nicklaus design team, before embarking on his own and then with Tom Weiskopf to craft over 20 courses.

Some of his most spectacular work with Weiskopf included Troon Golf & Country Club, Scottsdale TPC and Forest Highlands in Arizona.

It was his work however at The Boulders, Morrish's first solo designs that brought him into the forefront of golf course architecture. "Designing the Boulders really helped launch my career," said Morrish. In fact, The Boulders is one of only two Gold Medal resorts in the Scottsdale region, as rated by Golf Magazine.

Back in the late 1960s, Red Lawrence designed the original nine holes, with an additional nine added a few years later by Jack Snyder, but it was Morrish who put The Boulders on the map.

"The Boulders afforded me a chance to create a sort of desert Pine Valley with a lot of forced carries for the good players," Morrish continued. "This wasn't very common at the time we built the course. Of course, now everyone does it. I had great support from the owners who loved the concept."

Morrish gave the South Course a complete overhaul in 1983 and remodeled and renovated the North just two years later, returning on occasion for a facelift every now and again.

"For the original owners, I returned once or twice a year to tweak things," Morrish added. "Mostly this consisted of lowering vegetation in front of the tees that had grown during my absence and blocked views."

Nowadays, all golf course architects are ecologically conscience, and with good reason, but back then most designers were given carte blanche to mold and shape the landscape.

"The environmentalists had not descended upon the desert as they have of late," said Morrish. "We just used common sense in the design and construction, so that as much of nature was left as possible. I am not exactly a minimalist, but the land really lent itself to using the natural terrain. This also worked well for the housing around the course."

HOLE-BY-HOLE REVIEW (NORTH COURSE): Usually, when a course opens with a par- five the better than average golfer tells himself that this is a great way to start out - with a birdie lurking down the fairway. It's possible, and nice to dream but beware. The first hole on the North Course requires pinpoint accuracy off the tee, not to mention a 200-yard carry over the desert. Thoughts at this point are starting to turn to making par. The first hole is indicative of what's in store as this is target golf at its best. There is no doubt that the green is reachable in two; however, your second shot must carry numerous bunkers en route to the putting surface. If you're going to miss, do so to the left, setting up an easy pitch to the narrow green.

The second is a nice par-three that can stretch from 120 yards to 195 from the tips. A swale in front of the green and a bunker in the back define the precision of this one-shot approach. The putting surface slopes back-to- front but, being a resort course, it's usually not that slick so go with your normal follow- through.

The par-five third is a dogleg left of 548 yards and, realistically, not reachable for mere mortals. A tee shot down the center will set up a simple layup to the 100-yard mark. From there, attack as anyone with a sand wedge in their hands should be able stick this one close.

The fourth is right in front of you, a wide fairway leading straight up into the beautiful foothills that are worthy of a photo opp. Your approach will play slightly uphill to a two- tiered green. With a solid drive, the fourth can be had.

At 425 yards and doglegging to the left, the fifth presents yet another interesting challenge. At the outset, your tee shot must be long and favor the right-center of the fairway. Second, your approach will be uphill to a very difficult green that slopes from back-to- front. Finally, bunkers right and back with a guarding tree left will make this your hardest challenge on the outward nine.

A thing of beauty. That's what the sixth is. Just 142 yards from the back buttons, this par-three features three of the most difficult bunkers on the course...front, back and left. They are deep and menacing. Choose your club wisely or else bogey looms large, maybe even a double.

The seventh and eighth are definite birdie chances at just 347 and 356 yards, respectively, in length. Both holes dogleg to the left and require just a three-metal or long- iron off the tee. Don't make the mistake of hitting driver as that will cost you dearly. After your tee ball on the seventh, just a wedge will remain to a well- guarded green. A back-left pin could cause trouble but go for the gusto while you have the chance. More of the same on the eighth but you must play to the right off the tee to avoid the gully and rock croppings that guard the corner of the dogleg. The putting surface is well flanked by numerous, deep bunkers that mandate some careful reading and navigation, especially if the wind is blowing. The green does slope from back-to-front and left-to-right, so stay below the hole to have a shot at birdie.

The front side closes with a majestic, dogleg left par-four, that takes you downhill to the fairway and uphill to the green. Usually into a breeze, this 417-yarder plays much longer than the yardage indicates. You will love the view of the Sonoran desert and, if you're playing in the late afternoon... well, just use your imagination. However, back to golf. Playing uphill, your second shot club selection will be quite demanding, particularly with a back- left pin placement. This is one of those holes where a par is a great score and something to remember.

The teeth of the course are to be found at the opening holes on the back nine. At 451 yards, the 10th is a brute, playing as a dogleg left and uphill. A huge tee shot is needed to have a prayer at reaching the green in two. Miss left off the tee and you'll have to contend with desert brush and bunkers guarding the corner. A long-iron or fairway-metal will be needed to reach the putting surface. This is where you start thinking bogey and, with it, a sense of accomplishment. Miss right and you'll lose your ball, not to mention your mind . One bright spot - the green is not protected by sand, a small, but welcome, consolation.

Next up is the dogleg right 11th. This 445-yarder puts a premium on driving accuracy and length. The fairway is quite ample but try to cut off to much on the right and you'll make double-bogey. After a successful tee shot, a medium- to long-iron will be left to a putting surface guarded, both left and right, by sand. If someone told me that I could have par and move on before I played the hole, that certainly would have been my choice.

Although the 12th is a definite birdie chance, it is not without its difficulties. A big tee shot down the left side of another dogleg left will put you in the "go-zone" for the green. What makes this par-five arduous is the green. Sloping severely from back-to-front, the two-tiered surface is protected by deep sand and right by a large mound, obstructing your view. You only live once so go for it.

Hard to believe that any hole could play harder than 13. When played from the tips, this hole is a challenge you will love and hate at one and the same time. Ample fairway will be your only saving grace. That leaves you with a difficult approach over a desert canal to a wide, but narrow, green. Be short and your ball will land in a collection area; long and a deep menacing bunker awaits. Making par is certainly one's goal here followed by moving on rapidly but the fact of the matter is that bogey is not so bad.

Looking directly into the Sonoran sky, the 14th is quite picturesque. Entirely over water, this par-three is all carry to the green. Bunkers protect the backside of this diabolical green that slopes towards the water. A front pin will be nothing less than formidable but use the incline to get it close with a very delicate touch.

The 15th should be played as a par-four, since it's just 483 yards, but the scorecard says par-five so play it as a three-shotter since you will need every advantage you can muster. Bending slightly to the right, your tee shot should favor the right side leaving you with a reasonable chance to get home. The green is fairly open but sand does await the errant shot to the right. If all else fails, play to the left, chip close and make a four. Then get out of there.

The 16th is a solid par-four, straightaway and stretching 424 yards. A good tee shot will leave a medium- to short-iron to a difficult green. What makes this hole tough is the desert gulch that must be cleared in order to reach the uphill green. The putting surface is very undulating and guarded left and long by sand. This is not the time to fool around with shots you thought you could make. Go for the ones you know you can since there are still two difficult holes left.

The longest par-three on the course, the 17th can stretch to 220 yards from the tips. Although it's long, the hole plays downhill to a fairly large green with a huge bunker, featuring a boulder in the center, guarding the right entrance to the surface. If the hole doesn't inspire you, then the sunset will.

It's time to head home and the 18th is the sharpest dogleg on the course, snapping 90-degrees to the right. Cut the corner and you're left with a short- to medium-iron to a fairly small green. A perfect finish to a wonderful layout.

HOLE-BY-HOLE REVIEW (SOUTH COURSE): The South opens up with a wonderful, but tough par four that doglegs to the right. From the tips, you'll run out of fairway at the 310 yard mark, so you should be able to blast away. Avoid the trio of traps down the right side of the landing area and you're home free. Well, sort of. A medium iron remains to a slightly elevated green with bunkers left and rocks right. Be wary of a back-right pin, as this will bring plenty of trouble into play.

The par three second is the shortest hole on the South at just 150 yards in length. Distance control certainly is critical, as the putting surface is just 26 paces in depth and fronted by a trio of deep bunkers. Just a word of caution, missing long is no bargain either.

Another sharp dogleg right, the third is one of seven par fours on the South over 400 yards in length. The fairway is generous, but very undulating. Aim for the 20 yard bunker at the end of the landing area, as this will set up a medium to short-iron approach. You might need an extra stick, as the green sits above the fairway. The putting surface is small with plenty of movement, so try to stay below the hole for your best result. Miss long and you might end up in a nasty pot bunker.

Next up is the 409 yard, par four fourth. The landing area off the tee is generous and you'll need a 300-yard plus drive to reach the pond at the end of the fairway. With a successful tee ball, just a short iron should remain to an uphill putting surface that is the longest on the course at 46 paces. Although it's long, the green is quite narrow, so pinpoint control with your approach will be needed.

The first par five on the course is the fifth, which reaches 545 yards from the back markers. There is no doubt that this is the signature hole at The Boulders. This beauty features a split fairway for the tee shot. Playing down the right will give you a better angle, but little in the way of an advantage. The best play is towards the left landing area, thus leaving a medium to long iron for a layup. The key is by-passing the traps down the right side. Your approach to the minuscule green will be a short one, but again, you'll have several bunkers to contend with. The putting surface is split into three segments, but it's the beauty of the landscape that will keep you occupied.

Number six is another course favorite. Just 355 yards long, this gem bends to the right with water guarding the fairway on the same side. The more you decide to cut off, the more the lake will come into play. Since it's such a short hole, play down the left and you'll be left with a 120-yard play to a long and narrow putting surface. This is where accuracy will pay off, as the back of the green is pinched tight between sand.

A medium lengthened par three awaits at the seventh. Most players will stop and pull out the camera on this beaute, thanks mainly to the enormous balancing boulder to the left of the blue tees. The backdrop of the green is not too shabby either. A medium iron should suffice, unless the pin is on the back tier of the putting surface. If that's the case, add another club or two to reach the flag. Right or left and you'll be swallowed up by sand, which will make for a difficult up and down.

From an elevated tee, the eighth can be stretched to 455 yards. The longest par four on the course, features the widest fairway, so lock and load and bomb one out there. Even with a big tee shot, you'll have a long iron or fairway metal approach to another small green. In addition, your approach must clear a wash 40 yards from the putting surface. How tough is the eighth, it plays as a par five for the women...and me too.

If you want to take it on, then 255 is your number on the ninth. That's right, a tee shot of 255 or more in the air is required to clear the bunker on this slight, dogleg right. The more conservative route will be to aim towards the left-center of the fairway, with the saguaro in the distance standing tall in a fairway bunker. From here, it's a medium iron to a two-tiered green that slopes from back to front. A back flag brings extra trouble in play, so play to the center of the green if the pin is up top.

Number ten is the longest par three at The Boulders, stretching 221 yards from the tips. Although it plays from an elevated tee box, this lengthy hole is all you can handle. Bunkers guard three sides of the putting surface, which reaches 35 paces and split from left to right by a ridge. Bail out left if you must for your best shot at par. Better yet, choose the right set of tees for a real chance at three.

From the longest par three to the longest par five, as you stroll up to the 11th tee box. From the back markers, you'll need a 200-plus carry just to reach the fairway on this 601-yard monster. Avoiding the traps off the tee and then again with your layup will be key. Favor the right side of the fairway for the best angle to the pin and beware of the bunker laying in the center of the landing area, just 60 yards away. The green is large with a steep ridge in the middle and sand all around. There's good reason why it's rated as the second most difficult hole on the course.

Depending upon which tee box you're playing from, the 12th is a reachable par four off the tee. There is plenty of risk if that's your play, as the fairway tightens considerably as you near the green. The heart-shaped putting surface boasts three distinct sections and is quite small at just 26 paces. The best play is a fairway metal off the tee and a wedge to the green. Making birdie the old fashioned way is quite acceptable.

You'll need to crack a tee shot on the 13th just to reach the fairway of this 429 yard par four. Playing straightaway, you must avoid the 40-yard trap down the left side, otherwise, you'll have little chance of clearing the wash that fronts the green, not to mention the large mound. The green is long and undulating, making this one of the most difficult holes on The South.

Birdies might be hard to come by on the closing holes, so you'll need to play 14 and 15 in an aggressive fashion. The 14th is a medium-lengthed par five, reachable in two, especially after a successful tee shot. Playing from an elevated tee, everything is right in front of you, just a wide open fairway. It's the second shot that will have you guessing. The landing area near the green is guarded by several crossing bunkers to keep you honest. If you're able to reach the two-tiered putting surface, hope for a front flag, as the long and narrow green runs from back to front. Miss long with your approach and you'll have the saguaro's to contend with.

Although the 15th plays uphill, this little par three can yield a birdie or two. Just 151 yards in length, the key here is pin position. The two-tiered, 31 paced green boasts two distinct pin positions. A front pin has attack all over it, unless it's tugged close to the left pot bunker. A back-left flag brings additional sand into play, so pick your stick and go for it.

It's not often you have back-to-back par three's, but that's what's in store at the 16th. This time around, it's a robust 227 from the back markers, not to mention a forced carry from tee to green. A draw from the tee is the play, unless you overcook your approach and end up in the left, greenside bunker. The putting surface is long with several undulating features, so stay right and who knows, maybe you'll sink a long bomb for birdie.

Club selection off the tee is crucial to conquering the 17th hole, as the fairway runs out at the 270-yard mark. Although this hole is over 400 yards in length, a three-metal might be the play. It will leave a slightly longer second, but, better safe than sorry. Your approach must clear another wash that's 80 yards from the green. The putting surface is long and narrow, reaching 38 paces, with three distinct tiers. Just getting on this green does not guarantee par.

Water certainly does not come into play much at The Boulders, but it most definitely stands out on the closing hole of The South. A wonderful par five that reaches 583 yards in length, the 18th is a true three-shot hole. Avoid the bunkers down the left off the tee, not to mention to trap on the right with the tall saguaro stationed in the center. Your layup must negotiate the 100-yard bunker and the water on the right. Play out to the left and leave yourself a wedge to this diabolical green. Fronted by water, reminiscent of Bay Hill's 18th, the putting surface is 39 paces wide and very shallow, so you better be precise. A back-right pin looks great, but can be costly if you push the envelope.

FINAL WORD: It comes as no surprise that The Boulders has been rated a Gold Medal resort by Golf Magazine and a five diamond facility by AAA for years.

And with good reason.

Let's start with beauty. If the millions of year old boulder formations that mark the landscape don't do it for you, then how about the spectacular sunsets, maybe the amazing vegetation or how about the stunning saguaros?

There's also tennis, hiking, horseback riding and, of course, the piece de resistance, the world renowned Golden Door Spa, complete with massages, facials and mud body wraps.

The amenities alone should keep you coming back for more, but if that doesn't do it, then golf certainly will.

First of all, you know you're in for an interesting round of golf when the scorecard reads; "Coyote Rule - If there is reasonable evidence that your ball was taken by a coyote and isn't found, place a ball on the spot from which the ball was moved, no penalty." YIKES!

Back to the matter at hand. Thirty-six holes of golf, set up for all levels of play, featuring five sets of tees ranging from 4,900 to just under 7,000 yards. In addition, The Boulders has just launched two short courses on both 18s, ideal for the golfer on the go with limited time or the young and inexperienced player, who's not ready for a full 18. Called the "Pebble Tees," the courses feature holes ranging from 60 to 200 yards.

"There's an assumption that you must play 18 holes of golf, and new golfers sometimes are discouraged that the game is difficult and they have to make this big commitment to braving it out for hours on the course," said The Boulders' Director of Golf Operations Tom McCahan. "The short courses make it less stressful, more fun and easier to get into the game."

Yes, this is a resort layout, so it comes complete with beautiful villas and recently renovated casitas dotted throughout the property, but not infringing upon the golf courses.

Not to be overlooked is the Golf Academy and practice facility. Recently expanded and renovated, the driving range is complete with all the latest technology, while the instructors at the academy are some of the best in the country. In fact, Director of Instruction Donald Crawley, a Class A PGA and British PGA member, has been rated as a Top 100 Teacher in America by Golf Magazine for years. In addition, Crawley, a two-time PGA Teacher of the Year, is recognized by Golf Digest as one of the top-10 teachers in the state of Arizona and has been voted the best instructor in the valley three years running. "We teach GolfSimplified, keeping instruction simple, practical and personalized," said Crawley.

Year after year The Boulders continues to be rated as one of the top destinations in the country, but that certainly does not deter them of resting on their laurels.

Whether its refurbishing every bunker on the courses, or re-seeding each fairway or as simple as replacing every golf cart on the property, the powers that be will continue to refresh this wonderful retreat to maintain its top status. "There is constant year-round maintenance to keep the bent grass smooth and the 419 bermuda base fairways plush," added Crawley.

There are differences in both courses.

"The North course is longer and features several subtle dog leg holes," continued Crawley. "A more traditional layout with generous fairways, but the back nine is the most challenging. The more advanced players and I prefer the North: score on the front, hang on to finish strong on the back."

If it's the pretty look you want, well maybe the South is for you.

"The South course is most scenic, no forced carries (over desert) from the forward tees, but narrower fairways," added Crawley. A true 'target golf'. The visiting guests prefer the South because of it's beauty."

What makes this place so special is the coupling of the courses with amenities that are second to none. When it comes to hospitality, you'll be hard pressed to find a more courteous and helpful staff.

The Boulders will ease your mind and senses and will stimulate your heart, regardless of your passion. Your time here will make you realize that you don't have a care in the world. What a perfect place to visit, Carefree, AZ and The Boulders.

Aces, pars or bogeys, send your thoughts to psokol@sportsnetwork.com.

©2012 Sports Network. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.]]> Sports Net PGA News Fri, 18 May 2012 10:08:27 -0700 http://www.kget.com:80/sports/pga/story/Palmer-in-1st-at-Byron-Nelson/chDMsN1JnECm2NAEyMri5w.cspx?rss=1414 http://www.kget.com/s/chDMsN1JnECm2NAEyMri5w.cspx Ryan Palmer fired a six-under 64 on Thursday to take the lead after the first round of the Byron Nelson Championship.

Palmer finished second at this tournament last year after losing a playoff to Keegan Bradley, and wasted little time in getting back toward the top of the leaderboard.

He did not record a bogey during his round and holds a one-stroke lead over Marc Leishman and Alex Cejka. They share second place after carding five-under 65s at TPC Four Seasons Resort.

"I keep telling myself, 'Redemption!' I didn't lose it last year by any means, but to get back in the same setting with the same people watching, here where I live, and just to have that feeling again," Palmer, a Texas resident, said. "This time be the guy standing with the trophy."

Matt Kuchar, last week's winner at The Players Championship, shot a four-under 66 is tied for fourth. Also in that group are Scott Piercy, Charley Hoffman, Bill Lunde, Blake Adams, Dicky Pride and Andres Gonzales.

Bradley, whose win last year was his first on the PGA Tour, is among 13 players tied for 11th at minus-three.

Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els trail Palmer by six strokes after carding even- par 70s.

Palmer began from the 10th tee and sank his first birdie at the par-four 11th, where he blasted a 320-yard tee shot over the green to set up a short iron and a four-foot putt.

He then rolled in a 10-footer at the 15th and two-putted for birdie at the par-five 16th.

Palmer made the turn at minus-three, then drained a 25-foot birdie putt at the second before making a 16-footer at the very next hole. At the par-three fifth, he pinned his tee shot just over four feet from the flag and made the short putt to reach six-under.

"I knew everything was going in the right direction, it was a matter of putting it all together at once," Palmer said. "I drove it great for 14 holes, hit irons, putted great, had a short game my last four holes."

Leishman played in the first group off the first tee, and ended his front nine with two birdies and a bogey. But he set the early standard thanks to two eagles on the back nine.

At the 11th, he placed his tee shot 15 yards in front of the green and holed his chip shot. Then, at the 16th, the Australian left his second shot just eight feet from the pin and made the eagle putt.

"It's nice having a real good chance for eagle, doesn't happen a whole lot," Leishman said. "Sometimes you have a tough putt or maybe a holable bunker shot, but both of the opportunities for eagle I had I was thinking about holing, and it's nice when they go in."

Cejka made just one birdie through his first 12 holes, but rose up the leaderboard because of a strong finish. He birdied the 13th, then sank three in a row from the 15th.

NOTES: Padraig Harrington and Vijay Singh both shot two-under 68, and are among numerous players tied for 24th...Mickelson made his first start at this event since 2007...Eighty-five players finished even-par or better.

©2012 Sports Network. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.]]> Sports Net PGA News Thu, 17 May 2012 17:18:16 -0700 http://www.kget.com:80/sports/pga/story/Golf-Tidbits-Big-weekend-for-match-play-lovers/qyi6UIKu6Eq1fWYHy4HBrg.cspx?rss=1414 http://www.kget.com/s/qyi6UIKu6Eq1fWYHy4HBrg.cspx This is a big weekend for match play fans. There are two separate match play tournaments and both have their own little twist.

Across the pond at Finca Cortesin in Casares, Spain, the Volvo World Match Play Championship includes four of the top 20 players in the world and 13 of the top 46.

The catch is that the 24-player field is broken down into eight groups of three. Each group will play in a round-robin format within its own group. After Friday's action is completed, the top 16 players, or top two players from every group, advance to the knockout round.

From there, it becomes a regular match play event. Win and advance, lose and you're out.

The biggest battles on Thursday included one between Spaniards Sergio Garcia and Alvaro Quiros, as well as former Ryder Cup teammates Graeme McDowell and Robert Karlsson facing off against each other.

Back in the United States, the LPGA Tour has its annual Sybase Match Play Championship in Gladstone, N.J.

There were four ways to get into the Sybase - the 2012 priority list, sponsor exemptions, a 36-hole qualifier and the 2012 LPGA official money list.

The field for the women's match play event is much stronger at the top, but the bottom end of the field is not nearly as strong.

Seven of the top 10 players, and 15 of the top 20, in the world are at Hamilton Farm Golf Club this week. Overall, 52 of the 64 players are ranked inside the top 100 in the world.

However, you slide much further down the world rankings to complete the women's field. Jeong Jang got into the field through the priority list, but is by far the lowest-ranked player in either field at world No. 312.

The best matches at the Sybase include a battle of U.S. Solheim Cup teammates, Brittany Lincicome vs. Ryann O'Toole in the Patty Berg bracket, and a match of Texans, Angela Stanford vs. Wendy Ward in the Kathy Whitworth bracket. The Mickey Wright bracket includes nine South Koreans, six of whom will face each other in the first round, and in the Annika Sorenstam bracket, two of her former Solheim Cup teammates will face off as Sophie Gustafson plays Karen Stupples in the first round.

Both events are a far cry from the WGC - Accenture Match Play Championship, which saw 64 of the top 66 players in the world competing.

No matter which tour you follow more closely, those who enjoy match play over stroke play will have their fill this weekend.

BRADLEY RETURNS TO SITE OF BREAKTHROUGH TITLE

In his own words, Keegan Bradley "was just an unknown rookie trying to keep his tour card" when he played the HP Byron Nelson Championship last year.

After a playoff victory, Bradley locked up his tour card for two years, and was able to draw on the experience en route a playoff win at the PGA Championship.

"A lot of very good memories, even just driving in the gates and walking up 18 again, kind of remembering how my life changed a year ago this Sunday for sure," said Bradley of his feelings upon returning to the TPC Four Seasons Resort.

Those words echo what pretty much every first-time winner would say upon returning to the site of his or her first victory. Bradley isn't your normal defending champion, though.

He went on to the win the PGA Championship later last year and thrust his name into the spotlight and rocketed him toward the top of the world rankings.

Bradley joked that last year he was signing autographs and people were "asking who I am?" He then added, "It was just completely different this time."

Winning this title wasn't the easiest thing as Bradley was one of just five players to finish in red figures.

Thanks to his two victories last year, Bradley has virtually locked up a spot on this year's U.S. Ryder Cup team.

If his continues to ride the wave that his win at this event started, not only will you see Bradley on many more teams, but you'll see him holding plenty of trophies in the years to come.

MINI-TIDBITS

* I like the marketing the LPGA is doing, especially having players throw out the first pitch at baseball games. Maria Hjorth threw the opening pitch to Anna Nordqvist on Monday night at a Philadelphia Phillies game. I'll get a little nit-picky, though. How about using a couple Americans instead of a pair of Europeans?

* One of the other marketing ploys the LPGA will start at the LPGA Tour Championship is having players twitter handles on their caddies bibs. Excellent idea.

©2012 Sports Network. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.]]> Sports Net PGA News Thu, 17 May 2012 07:58:01 -0700