So, here we are again, after another weekend of golf on the top tours around the world, we have the World Golf Results.
There was some great golf from the Ladies European Tour and the DP World Tour. However, I think, without a shadow of a doubt, the biggest highlight, culminating yesterday was the Tour Player’s Championship from TPC Sawgrass. It looked great, the golf was great and we had a commanding performance from the eventual winner. More about that a little later.
But first, let’s get into it.
Tournament Results
This week we have 3 main tour events only as the LPGA Tour event in china was once again cancelled, due to Covid 19 concerns.
Anyway, this is what happened:
The Kenya Open
This was the latest tournament on the DP World Tour.
The winner was Jorge Campillo from Spain. Jorge is 36 and has been playing as a professional since 2008 and is currently ranked 159 on the Official World Golf Ranking list. His ranking jumped from 257 as a result of his good win in Kenya. Jorge has played in six Majors so far in his career, three USPGA and three Open Championships. So far he is yet to make the cut but I am hoping this win and the confidence it should bring will help him qualify for more Majors this year and make his first cut.
The Kenya Open was held at the Muthiaga Golf Club, Karura.
South Africa Women’s Open
The latest offering from the Ladies European Tour was won by Ashleigh Buhai of South Africa.
Sportsmen and women will always tell you it is very special to win your home event. Golf is no different and Ashleigh completed a commanding four shot victory. It shouldn’t have come as too much of a shock as she finished in a very creditable 7th in Singapore the previous week in the Women’s World Championship, held on the LPGA Tour.
Ashleigh is ranked 16 in the world and is on the up, 2 places from the previous week, thanks to her victory. Go, Ashleigh!
The event was held at the Steenberg Golf Club, Cape Town, South Africa.
The Players Championship
So, on to the Players Championship, from the PGA Tour, held at the now iconic TPC Sawgrass.
The field boasted a who’s who of world golf and fittingly provided some special moments.
We had a huge disappointment with the then World No. 1, Jon Rahm having to drop out after the 1st round, due to a stomach bug.
Next, we had Rory McIlroy, obviously not firing on all cylinders and missing the cut.
We had an amazing charge from Tyrell Hatton in the final round, shooting a stunning 29 on the back nine to post a stiff clubhouse lead of 12 under for the rest to follow.
We had not 1, not 2 but 3 hole in ones, all coming on the amazing island green 17th. Congratulations to Hayden Buckley, Aaron Rai, and Alex Smalley for achieving this feat on such a fearsome hole.
However, the plaudits must go to the in form Scottie Scheffler. He started the tournament in the marquee group of himself, Jon Rahm, and Rory McIlroy. He saw them both off in various ways and proceeded to dominate the tournament. Challengers came and went, leaving Scottie to play the last 5 holes with a 5 shot lead, eventually winning by 5.
Well done Scottie, it was amazing to watch from my armchair, and not only was it a very useful payday but he also regained the World No. 1 spot from Rahm. I’m beginning to think this swapping of the top spot may become a regular occurrence over the next few months.
Coming Up
All go on tour this coming week with the following events happening:
- USPGA – Valspar Championship – held at Innisbrook Resort, Copperhead Course, Palm Harbor, Florida.
- DP World Tour – SDC Championship – held at St Francis Links, St Francis Bay, South Africa.
- Ladies European Tour – Aramco Team Series – held at Laguna National Golf Club, Singapore.
- LIV Golf Tour – Tuscon event – held at The Gallery Golf Club, Tucson, Arizona.
So, it is nearly a full schedule this coming week except for the LPGA Tour, which returns next week. I am sure the ladies are practicing hard and will be raring to go after a break of 2 weeks for most.
LIV golf is back. I will be looking into the world of LIV very soon. Of course, it has caused huge ructions in the world of golf and whether we agree with it or not, it is here for now and as such deserves to be reported on. I am interested to hear your thoughts on all things LIV. I think I made my feelings known a couple of weeks ago but I am prepared to give it a go and watch some of the action this week so I can speak with a little more knowledge.
Final Thoughts
I said it last week and I will say it again, I am convinced this year’s tournaments are going to be dominated by Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, and Rory McIlroy. Nothing I have seen so far has convinced me otherwise.
It is true, Rory had a bad week at The Players Championship, missing the cut. However, he will be back and challenging again very soon.
Jon Rahm would have been up there with Scottie if he hadn’t had a dodgy prawn or something similar to put him out with stomach trouble.
I have to say though, Scottie Scheffler was hugely impressive. He won with relative ease and is giving the air of someone who could go on to dominate, all by himself. His defense of the US Masters is just around the corner, and at the moment, looks like a real favourite.
Who is your tip for The Masters title this year? Remember, qualifying LIV Golf members, will also be playing.
My tips for a breakthrough Major did not show up very well last week except for Max Homa, who finished a credible but distant joint sixth.
However, I still have faith in Chris Kirk, and Sam Burns. Sam made the cut last week and finished under par.