News 2011

Swinford Golf Club wishes all members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Lets hope we can continue the success of the club in the 2012 golf season. (back to top)

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26-12-2011 - Captain's Drive-In

Due to the very poor weather conditions and the course being unplayable, Swinford Golf Club have postponed the Captains Drive-in for the incumbent Captain's until a later date. It was scheduled to take place on St Stephens Day; at approximately 12 noon. It is the first time that a Man and Wife have taken the highest posts in the club; in the same year. Please come and support Kevin and Patricia's respective drive-ins when the new date is announced here.________________________________ (back to top)

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11-12-2011 - Luke Donald World No.1

Luke Donald proves that consistency rather than brute strength is key to being the best golfer on the planet It was approaching midnight at Chubby Chandler's end-of-season party and Luke Donald's iPhone appeared to be going into meltdown. Messages of congratulation arrived from Michael Owen, Graeme_McDowell, Paul_Casey, and Aaron Baddeley almost faster than he could reply to them. The quiet man of golf, glad-handed by all-comers after his momentous feat in winning the European Tour and PGA Tour money lists in the same season, was being heralded as a star. Donald, arriving for the festivities on Dubai's Palm Jumeirah island, prepared to celebrate. Chandler, as head of International Sports Management, has acquired a reputation for throwing the best shindigs around and this occasion would not disappoint. As if on cue, Lee Westwood, top ISM client and the man whom Donald supplanted as world No 1 earlier this season, threw a matey arm around his rival before acclaiming him as “the best golfer in the bar”. Of that, there could be no doubt. Any gauge you cared to read yesterday bore out the story of Donald's supremacy. For 12 months he has been not simply the leading money-winner on both sides of the Atlantic, but the most accurate driver, the leading player in strokeplay average, and emphatically the best putter.

As Masters champion Charl Schwartzel told him: “You took consistency to a new level.” Finally, the world was waking up to the remorseless success of Donald, the human metronome. Aptly, Donald was unable to rest on Monday, even in the aftermath of his greatest accomplishment. “Can't wait to see my girls,” he wrote on Twitter, referring to wife Diane and his two daughters, Elle and Sophia, all at home in Chicago. But he had long since agreed to travel from Dubai to Melbourne for this week's Australian Masters. For those wedded to the pursuit of perfection, there could be no respite. The last time Donald, who was 34 last week, had headed Down Under was as a 17-year-old amateur, competing in the Lake Macquarie amateur event in New South Wales. His latest journey afforded him an opportunity to reflect upon everything that has happened in the 17 years since: his move to America, his phenomenal record in college golf, his breakthrough on the PGA Tour and the belated recognition of his standing as the best player on the planet. Of course, the reminders of his wait for a victory in the majors will persist. But in a sense Donald, by the completion of his remarkable double at the Dubai World Championship, has already done enough to win over his detractors.

Not least, he has proved it can be possible to dominate this fiendishly difficult game without brute strength off the tee. His average driving distance of 282 yards puts him 145th in the European Tour standings – 30 yards behind that of the champion in Dubai, Spain's Álvaro Quirós. What Donald lacks in power, though, he more than compensates for in guile and a gossamer touch around the greens. Performing a self-mocking muscle flex for the cameras, he said: “I'm sure there are golfers out there who have looked at my success and figured out that you don't need to hit it a hundred miles.” Instead, pure discipline has propelled Donald to the top. Last night the odds on him winning the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year award next Thursday had shortened to 12-1. Those on him claiming a maiden major in 2012 were even lower, at 4-1. In this vein of form, Donald should be worth anybody's flutter.________________________________________________________________________________________ (back to top)

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There will be a Table Quiz in the clubhouse on Friday the 9th of December; commencing at 9.30pm. €20 per table followed by DJ John Carter afterwards and a late bar. This is the first event under new captaincy. Please support._(back to top)

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Kevin Feeney was announced as the 2012 Club Captain; at the Men's AGM. In his first address in his new post, Kevin thanked 2011 Club Captain Pat Marren for his tenancy last year. He also paid tribute to all the previous Captains of the club, and hoped that he and the new Men's Committee would build on the hard work already done to date, and make it a successful year. It is hoped that the club can continue to extend its membership; in arguably the most testing of economic times. Kevin announced Padraig Garrahy as his assistant captain; meaning that Padraig will be the 2013 Club Captain. History has been made in the club with the Mens and Ladies Club Captain's. It is the first time that a Man and Wife have taken the highest posts in the club; in the same year. We wish Kevin and his wife Patricia the very best of luck for 2012.

The Mens AGM is scheduled for Friday 25th of November. The meeting is due to commence at 8pm. Please attend. The management Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 30th of November, at 8pm.____________________________________________________________________________________________ _______(back to top)

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On Saturday 29th of October; Swinford Golf club will host a Halloween Party (fancy dress) in the clubhouse. All walks of life are welcome! You never know who you might see there:

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The Over 50's Mixed foursommes competition had to be cancelled again, due to the poor weather conditions. The competition has now been cancelled indefinitely. The call came from the organiser and course committee who want to preserve the greens.

There will be an Over 50's Mixed foursommes competition in Swinford Golf Club, open to Swinford members only, on the Saturday 29th of October. Due to the extreme poor weather conditions, the competition date was moved from the 22nd of October. Please continue to put your name(s) on the notice board list in Clubhouse; if your interested in playing. This will be a nine hole competition and is the last mixed competition for this year. All over 50's welcome._________________________ (back to top)

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On Sunday the 16th of October there will be an 18 hole Stableford with a UNIQUE prize attraction. ALL MONEY taken in from the competition, will be given out in the form of:

Note: Prizes in the form of vouchers (under the value of €580) are NOT IN BREACH of the Amateur Status Rule (as per below):

An amateur golfer must not play golf for prize money or its equivalent in a match, competition or exhibition.
Note: An amateur golfer may participate in an event where prize money or its equivalent is offered, provided that prior to participation he waives his right to accept prize money in that event. (Conduct contrary to the purpose and spirit of the Rules – see Rule 7-2)
(Policy on gambling – see Appendix)

a. General
An amateur golfer must not accept a prize (other than a symbolic prize) or prize voucher of retail value in excess of £500 or the equivalent, or such a lesser figure as may be decided by the Governing Body. This limit applies to the total prizes or prize vouchers received by an amateur golfer in any one competition or series of competitions, excluding any hole-in-one prize (see Rule 3-2b).

b. Hole-in-One Prizes
The limits prescribed in Rule 3-2a apply to a prize for a hole-in-one. However, such a prize may be accepted in addition to any other prize won in the same competition.

c. Exchanging Prizes
An amateur golfer must not exchange a prize or prize voucher for cash.

Exception: An amateur golfer may submit a prize voucher to a national, regional, state or county union or association and thereafter be reimbursed from the value of that voucher for expenses incurred in participating in a golf competition, provided the reimbursement of such expenses is permitted under Rule 4-2.

Note 1: The responsibility to prove the retail value of a particular prize rests with the Committee in charge of the competition.

Note 2: It is recommended that the total value of prizes in a gross competition, or each division of a handicap competition, should not exceed twice the prescribed limit in an 18-hole competition, three times in a 36-hole competition, five times in a 54-hole competition and six times in a 72-hole competition. ____________________(back to top)

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Swinford Golf Club wishes to extend their congratulations to Claremorris Golf Club, who in the last few minutes have won the Jimmy Bruen All-Ireland title. They beat Forrest Little Golf Club (Dublin) 3 - 2 in the All-Ireland Final staged at Castlerock Golf Club (Coleraine - Northern Ireland). The links Championship Golf Course obviously suited the Mayo men who played some brilliant golf to capture the title. Claremorris most notably beat Swinford 3 - 2 (in the Connaught zone-final) on route to taking the Connaught title. The breakdown of matches can be seen below:

On a day where the weather conditions tested skill levels to their utmost (at the Castlerock_Course), and you had the added pressure of competing in an All-Ireland Inter Club Final, many for their first time, it was the Mayo Men & Boys of Claremorris who stood tallest in claiming victory over a gallant Forrest Little from Dublin to be crowned the 2011 Jimmy Bruen Shield All-Ireland Champions. For one or two of the Team it avenged their 2002 All-Ireland Final loss to The Island at Galway Golf Club in the same event, but for all, it will probably ranked as their greatest golfing achievement. In winning, they become only the second Connacht Club to win the Jimmy Bruen Green Pennant, emulating the double winning Galway side of 1980 & 1981. Congratulations to all at Claremorris Golf Club on your fantastic achievement.

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The men from beside Dublin Airport are FLYING despite losing Match 1 and Match 2 . They have won Match 3 to leave them 2 – 1 down; but are up in the last two matches; by a few holes.

Most notably in the bottom match, Brendy McKernan (Warrenpoint) had a hole-in-one early on in his match at the 9 th hole. However, the Warrenpoint men are 2down with four holes to play. Forrest Little are ‘dormie' 3up after 15 holes in this match (with a fine par to win the 15th). Warrenpoint have a putt on 16 to keep that match alive. AND THEY MAKE IT!! Forrest Little now 2up going to 17th. Warrenpoint searching for a ball on 17th and are running out of time to find it. Warrenpoint find their ball on 17, just inside the 5 minutes allowed for by the rules official. They are now on the green in 4 - putting for a 5 from 40 feet. Forrest Little race their 4th shot 25ft PAST. The temporary ‘fight-back' is short-lived however; as Forrest Little WIN match 5 with a half in 6. It's now all down to the last match…..

Forest Little are now 2up with 3 holes to play. A half at the 16th hole leave the match ‘dormie' in favour of the Dublin men. This deciding match is on 17th green now. (Match 4). Warrenpoint WIN hole 17 to force Forrest Little to play 18. Forrest Little 1up playing 18. We have shot by shot on this final match in the first semi. Stay tuned as they say! McGuffin and Pepper have won 2 holes on the bounce for Warrenpoint and now Forrest Little have to compose themselves and hang on. Players walking up the hill to 18th tee box now. In the deciding match, Warrenpoint are up first and take iron from the tee, finding the right side of the fairwya, some 120 yards left for them.

Pressure now on Forrest Little. Forrest Little are opting for driver....is that the best option? They go with driver and put it right.....how far right? Crowds mill around and cross the fairway, looking for Forrest Little ball. It should be OK. Our man getting there as quickly as possible to find out! Forrest Little are at the bottom of a mound - no real shot directly at the green, but you ever know. They are about 130 yards back, but flag cut on right side of green making an attack dangerous. They only need to halve this hole. Warrenpoint have a big shot coming up too. Forrest Little considering options and will be first to play. BIG shot needed. DISASTER for Forrest Little - their second shot was duffed and is still in heavy rough a little further on. Forrest Little to play again - their 3rd. MORE trouble for Forrest Little into deeper rough, about 20 yards right of the green.

Not looking good. Tie holes possible now. Warrenpoint to play. WONDERFUL shot to rapturous applause. Warrenpoint lie 7ft short of the hole in 2. Forrest Little are in deep, DEEP rough in 3. Clear blue skies, GREAT weather for golf. I'm jealous to be sitting in the press room!! (but in good company, with Dermot Gilleece busy penning his Sunday column!!). Forrest Little have 129 yards to the flag from the semi. Warrenpoint have 105 yards to flag in middle of fairway. Forrest Little to play first, Same player that put it right on 18 plays - he does not like it. Forrest Little have duffed their shot again and it goes 50 yards into rough on right. Warrenpoint play second shot to greenside bunker. Not over yet. Forrest Little play in pin high on the left of the green. Flag is 25ft on. Warrenpoint to play from bunker, pin high. Forrest Little putt first and leave it 1ft from hole. (That's a 5 I reckon). Warrenpoint now playing 3 from bunker. Up and down will be enough for Warrenpoint.

Can they do it? MORE DISASTER - this time for Warrenpoint. He leaves the ball IN THE BUNKER. Now playing again from bunker (4th). Warrenpoint play from bunker - and get out, but are now further from the flag than they were a moment ago. They have a 25 ft putt for a 5. Forrest Little lie about 1ft from the hole in 4 - so this is a MASSIVE putt for Warrenpoint. Warrenpoint dont hang around and putt. They have left their ball 10ft past the hole. This next one must go in, and then make Forrest Little hole out from 1ft. Warrenpoint miss - and the hole is conceded - Forrest Little WIN !!! Forrest Little progress to the final of the Jimmy Bruen Shield and now we focus all our energy and resources on the Claremorris v Faithlegg match.

Match 3 - In Match 3, Griffith and Burke are miracuously 7up after 8 holes for Claremorris. Griffith and Burke would go on to win their match for Claremorris by 8 and 7.

Match 5 - Claremorris now 2up in bottom match after 9 holes. Weather-wise, there is now lovely clear blue skies here at the Castlerock course.

We look forward to taking on the reigning champions in next years' interclub competition. _____________________________________________________(back to top)

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Swinford Seniors had their second outing of the year in Castlerea Golf Club. The scores were as follows: 1. Lorcan Cribbin (14) 32pts; 2. Richard Ingham (10) 31pts; 3. Chris Garrett (16) 30pts; 4. Kevin Quinn (16) 30pts; 5. Frank Duffy (14) 30pts. Special thanks to the Seniors Captain for organising another enjoyable outing, had by all.

The second Over-50's (Senior-Outing) to Castlerea will take place on Thursday 22nd of September. Tee-time is from 11am. Anyone interested should contact Frank Duffy on 0872862560. Please support

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Swinford G.C. presents the Swinford GAA Club Classic on this Saturday (September 3rd). Excellent prizes for the event include: Green fees for Dunfanaghy G.C.; Athlone G.C.; Carrick-on-Shannon G.C.; plus many more. There will also be a raffle. 1st Prize will be a signed Mayo GAA shirt. For competitors in the tournament, there will be refreshment after 9 holes; with a FREE burger/bap. Timesheet in operation; is currently posted in the clubhouse. ____________________________________ (back to top)

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Swinford member Michael Rooney made an incredible feat of making back to back eagles on the 11th and 12th holes (both par 4's) at Ballyliffin Glashedy Links, in Co. Donegal today. Congratulations' to the young man. Michael recalls: "On the 11th, I hit rescue off the tee to get in position. My 5-iron second shot was well struck, though I couldn't see it land as there is a bunker guarding the green. I got a pleasant surprise when I got to the green though! On the 12th, I pulled my tee-shot right. I was lucky to pull a lie. I went with 7-iron. It was the sweetest contact I've ever got from a mid-iron. I hit it crisp, watched the ball land 10 feet short of the hole as it trickled slowly into the hole. It was truly amazing, and just a pity it wasn't in a competition." Michael's impressive feat comes on the back of the equally spectacular accomplishment (which can be read below), by Emily McGuinness at Donegal Golf Club.

We've all dreamt of getting a hole in one, be it in practice or even in competition. But what are the odds on getting back-to-back holes in one? Surely not possible. Well yes, as it happened only last week. And achieving that rarest of feats was Greenore's Emily McGuinness who had the distinction of holing successive tee shots at a par three during her practice round for the Lancôme Irish Girls Close Championship at Donegal.

McGuinness amazed seasoned male members of Donegal Golf Club who were on the elevated sixth tee box when she hit an eight-iron to the 119-yards par three, fifth hole. She watched her shot land on the green and roll straight into the hole – her first hole in one.

Emily then decided, as it was practice, that maybe the club would have been too much if it had missed the hole. So, she took out a nine-iron for the same shot. And lo and behold, and surely defying the odds, McGuinness and the onlookers on the sixth tee and her playing partners were duly flabbergasted to see the ball once again roll straight in to the hole for her second hole in one, within a minute of each other. Surely, something that must be a rarity in golf.

There must be something in the water in Donegal! __________________________________________________________________________________(back to top)

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A very well-done to Frank Duffy who set up the Open Day for the Swinford Seniors at Castlerea Golf Club, on Thursday (August 18th) last. The idea came from Eamon Ring and had the full backing of the 2011 Interclub Senior Captain; Niall O'Neill. Frank did the hard work by setting the project in motion. Everyone who attended had a great day, basking in the warm 'Roscommon Sunshine' at the 9-hole parkland course. Some of the golf left a lot to be desired at times, particularly on the opening hole (and more specific the opening tee-shot). There was more than one, who would find the Out of Bounds right (i.e. the car park). It may have been the case the players in question were looking to get home as soon as they started!

When the dust settled, the overall winner was the 'colourful'; Lorcan Cribbin (a.k.a. 'The_Offaly_Rover' - pictured above left); with 38pts. The field pushed the former Swinford native close, with TV star Eugene Maloney (a.k.a. 'Uncle_Mick'), finishing one point behind the winner; on 37pts. This was the first time this event was played. It was so successful that there will be another outing arranged for Castlerea on September 22nd. On this occasion the organisers hope to have more Seniors involved. The idea of these Senior outings are to get different partners playing together with a view to next years Interclub matches; especially winning matches away from home. It is understood that the club are in talks with Castlerea and four other clubs, with a view to having Senior outings in these different clubs; throughout the season. There will be more on this story as soon as it is 'officially' released by the club._________________________________________________________________________________ (back to top)

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On Friday (August 12th) last, two ladies (Patricia Feeney and Jeanette Hynes) represented the Swinford Golf Club in the final of The Granard Cup 2011. This competition is run in aid of the National Council for the Blind Ireland (NCBI). The Foursomes event was held on the links course of Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club; located in Co. Meath on Ireland's scenic east coast.

Patricia and Jeanette scored an impressive 40 points (21pts front nine, 19pts back nine) in windy conditions on the Co. Meath links course. Their score was the same as the winners who had the 40 points too. However, the winners won on a count-back by virtue of a better back nine (19pts front nine, 21pts back nine). Based on the time sheet alone (below), the pair were up against players from all over Ireland North and South, so a great result for them and the club:

The Granard Cup, presented by the Countess of Granard, in aid of the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) was established in 1933. It is the oldest charity event in the Irish ladies' golfing calendar. A group of golfers accepted the challenge to provide a home teacher for the blind in every county in Ireland. The home teacher would visit blind people in their homes - teaching them Braille, handicrafts and helping them achieve a major increase in their independence. Prominent ladies among the group were Maisie Kiely (Malahide), Mrs. Watson (Grange) and Miss Nugent (Milltown). They contacted the Countess of Granard, (American Millionairess of the Ogyden Mills tobacco company) because money was the main need. Hence, the ‘Countess of Granard Golf Foursomes was formed. The Countess of Granard Golf Competition helps NCBI meet the cost of modern new services that help blind people today with new ways of being independent and coping with the disadvantages of sight loss. Every Club affiliated to the ILGU is invited to hold an 18 hole Foursomes (or Greensomes) competition, with the winners_representing_the_club_at_the_2011 Final in Laytown & Bettystown; on Friday 12th August. Details on the event can be found on http://www.ilgu.ie/

We wish to give an extended congratulations' to Patricia and Jeanette. Lets hope they will be back next year, and go one step further. Its about time the club has some All-Ireland success! ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (back to top)

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Niall McNicholas was the talk of the club, after having his first ever Hole_In_One. Niall registered his hole in one at the difficult; par 3 - 4th hole (his scorecard is pictured below). Measuring 174yards, Niall hit a 5-iron to the narrow target; spinning the ball back into the hole. The feat was made more impressive because the hole was playing into a slight; head-wind. Therefore, it made the hole play more than it yardage; on the card. Niall told Swinford Golf Club news afterwards: "Once the club registers' the hole in one with the GUI, the lucrative achievement will go down in history on the National_Golf_Register." Congratulations to Niall and his family.

The McCallion Cup is going to be an open tournament. It takes place on Saturday and Sunday (30-07-2011 to 31-07-2011) of the August Bank Holiday weekend . It is a 'mini open week'. Entry is €7 for members and €15 for visitors. This annual open tournament, remembers the young man who was a dedicated member of Swinford Golf Club.

Robert lost his fight for life on the 7th April 2009, from injuries received while on duty as a Garda officer in Letterkenny. Robert will be forever in our thoughts and conversations with all his colleagues, friends, and family. Robbie will not only be remembered for his strong GAA abilities, but also as a fine golfer. He will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.

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Its that time of the year again folks! With the captains prize just around the corner, it brings with it 'an air of excitement and anticipation' around the club. All eyes will be on the 'consistent' Dean Gillespie (13) to perform; who has turned the 2011 Golfer of the Year competition into a 'cake-walk'. The 2011 Presidents Prize winner Simon Ronayne (7) has also had a 'steady year'. No doubt, he will be looking to recapture his form from that day. Other form players, after the 'most sought-after prize' in the club are: 'The Beast (17)'; 'Danny Daly (17)'; as well as many more interclub players looking to impress team captains alike.

Format: The format for the competition will be 18 Hole Stroke with the Top 27 qualifying for the 9 Hole playoff that evening. Full catering will be available on the day.

Presentation: The Captain (Pat Marren) will be presenting his prize on Saturday 16th July at 10.30pm in the clubhouse.

Draw: The full draw for the competition will be posted on the website on Thursday night 14th July, as soon as the draw is made.

9 Hole - Par 3 Competition: There will be a 9 hole Par 3 competition commencing at 5pm on Friday evening 15th July. Similar to the Masters_Par_3_Competition, it is designed to show the 'fun elements' of playing the course the day before the 'big one'. It also hopes to show players a way of playing the course, that you would not normally play it. Please contact the competition secretaries for further details.

Golfer of the Year: The Mens Captains Prize will also be the final round of the Golfer of the Year competition. Therefore, the qualification for the Town vs Country competition will be completed with the top 10 players on each team automatically qualifying for the matchplay competition. Country Team Captain (Niall Mc Nicholas) and Town Team Captain (Vinny Murtagh) will then make 2 wild card picks to finalise their teams selections, for the competition which takes place on the 27th and 28th of August. ...________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.(back to top)

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Log onto Todays Golfer and sign up for the fantasy golf league. There are fantastic prizes to be won. To see the full list of prizes on offer this year, click here. If you would like to join the Swinford Golf Club Private League, please register first and search for the private league called: Swinford. The password is: 458. ..._____________.(back to top)

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Paul Cutler (Portstewart) held his nerve to clinch the title at the Irish Amateur Close Championship sponsored by Golfsure at Shannon in a dramatic final day shootout. A final round of 71 gave Cutler the title by two shots from Aaron Kearney (Castlerock) and Pat Murray (Limerick). Murray and Kearney, who started the final round tied with Cutler and Muskerry's Niall Gorey, had both found the par-five 18th in two and needed to convert their eagle putts to post a target of three over, but both grazed the hole. That left Cutler needing a par to win the title, but he showed true pedigree by getting up and down for birdie to win by two shots.

Pictured: Eugene Fayne (President, GUI), presents the Golfsure sponsored Irish Amateur Close Championship trophy to Paul Cutler (Portstewart). Also pictured from left, Paschal Regan (Captain, Shannon Golf Club) and Simon Russell (Golfsure).

Local Interest: Swinford's own Declan Loftus missed the cut by some margin (14 shots in total); after shooting 81, 86; respectively. Suffice to say, Declan will have to work a lot harder on his game if he is to try and compete with the calibre of the ‘new Rory Mc Ilroy'; Paul Cutler. ._____________________________________...(back to top)

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2011 Walker Cup selection contender Paul Cuter of Portstewart Golf Club, the West of Ireland Golf Champion, co-leads after the 1st round of the Golfsure Irish Amateur Close Championship at Shannon Golf Club.

Cutler, fired an opening round of -3, 69, to share the lead after day 1 with Darren Crowe of Dunmurry Golf Club. In sole 3rd place on -2, 70, is N. Gorey (Muskerry), followed by T. Cleary (Dromoland), R. Whitson (Mourne) on 71. On level par, 72, is Eoin Arthurs of Forrest Little Golf Club. The other fancied players, such as Rory Leonard (73) of Banbridge Golf Club, and Pat Murray of Limerick (75) have ground to make up in round 2.

Local Interest: Swinford's own Declan Loftus shot a disappointing opening round of 81. He will have to play the round of his life if he is to stay around for the weekend.

Click here to see a full list of 1st round courtesy of the Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI). ...____________________________________________________.(back to top)

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Swinford's own Declan Loftus will contest the Irish Amateur Close at Shannon Golf Club starting on Friday 20th of May. Declan is looking for a strong performance amongst all the 'heavy hitters' from the Irish Amateur scene. We wish Declan the very best. Click on the image below to see the draw for the Irish Amateur Close:

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Swinford's own Declan Loftus was unlucky to miss out on the matchplay stages after the Round 2 of the West of Ireland Golf Championship at Rosses Point. Declan shot 77 and 80 for a total of 157. The qualifying mark for the matchplay stages after Round 2 was 151. The top 64 players qualified. Leading Qualifier went to Paul Cutler (Portstewart) who shot a course record 65 (-6) to go with a day 1 of 72 for a total of 137.

Gary McDermott was beaten 2&1 in the semi-final by Paul Cutler. Swinford members may be familiar with Gary McDermott. He was the man who broke Swinford hearts in 2005 when he holed the winning putt against Swinford in the Connaught Shield final.

Paul Cuttler proved to be the man to beat all week. In an all Ulster final watched keenly watched by Rory McIllroy; Paul won a pulsating final over Alan Dunbar (Rathmore) by 3&2 . ....

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The USA retained the President Cup in the early hours of the morning at Royal Melbourne; with Tiger Woods being the hero. Tiger Woods earned the winning point as the United States beat the International team 19-15 to clinch the Presidents Cup in Melbourne. Woods beat Australian Aaron Baddeley 4&3 to give the US the 18 points they needed to retain the Cup. The US led 13-9 going into the singles and lost the first four matches, but on a tense afternoon Woods sealed victory from the penultimate pair. "It feels good," said Woods. "I hoped it wouldn't come down to my point."

SINGLES SCORES - US NAMES FIRST

Woods's victory was a repeat of 2009, when he hit the winning putt against South Korea's YE Yang at San Francisco to hand the United States their sixth Cup. The former world number one, who was a controversial wildcard pick after injuries and a serious slump in form, credited team-mate Steve Stricker for a putting tip. "I played well all week, but unfortunately didn't make any putts in the first four matches," said Woods, who earned two points out of a possible five. "Today was a different deal - they poured right in." US captain Fred Couples, celebrating his second win in charge, said: "For Tiger to get the winning point makes us feel very good as a team. "I don't think I've ever been vindicated in golf, but I feel like I know what I'm doing. When I picked Tiger a month early, he worked six to eight hours a day on his game. I heard he was the Tiger of old today and Aaron Baddeley said it was phenomenal

"When a guy looks you in the eye and says: 'Don't worry about me, I'll be right', it brings a smile to your face, especially when it's Tiger. "I got frustrated a bit (by the attacks on his selection) because I felt I was picking the greatest player I've ever seen play. "I heard he was the Tiger of old today and Aaron Baddeley said it was phenomenal."

The International team, who last won the Presidents Cup in 1998, also at Royal Melbourne, made a fast start on a sunny day in Victoria. Wins for KT Kim, Charl Schwartzel, Ryo Ishikawa and Geoff Ogilvy against Webb Simpson, Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson and Bill Haas respectively gave them hope. But Hunter Mahan trounced Jason Day 5&3 and David Toms thrashed Robert Allenby 7&5 to nudge the US ahead.

Adam Scott kept the Internationals in the hunt with a 2&1 win over the previously unbeaten Phil Mickelson, while Nick Watney defeated KJ Choi 3&2. But Jim Furyk maintained his 100% record with a 4&3 victory over Ernie Els to take the US to the brink before Woods sealed victory. In the two games still going, South Africa's Retief Goosen beat Matt Kuchar and Stricker overcame YE Yang to widen the gap to four points again. International team captain Greg Norman said: "The guys stepped up to the plate, very, very proud of them for doing that. "My team can hold their heads up extremely high. We'll take a lot out of this tournament."

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The US team only need 3 more points to reach the magic winning total of 17pts to retain the Presidents Cup. Tiger Woods finally won a point but the International team fought back to 13-9 down to keep alive their hopes of winning the Presidents Cup. Woods and Dustin Johnson beat Adam Scott and KJ Choi as the US won four of the five foursomes on day three. The International side then won three of the afternoon fourballs to claim their first session in the biennial matchplay tournament since 2007. Woods and Johnson lost to KT Kim and YE Yang on the last hole.

PRESIDENTS CUP FOURBALLS

The former world number one, who was the only American not to register a point in the opening two days, struggled with his putting in the fourballs, missing nine putts from within 15 feet. The tournament will be decided in the 12 singles matches on Sunday, where Woods will face Aaron Baddeley in the penultimate match. In the afternoon, Retief Goosen and Charl Schwartzel handed Webb Simpson and Bubba Watson their first loss of the week. The Americans made only one birdie in blustery and rainy conditions. Geoff Ogilvy and Choi hung on for a 1-up win over Steve Stricker and Matt Kuchar, while a 30ft birdie putt from Jason Day on the 17th was not enough to prevent him and Baddeley losing 2&1 to Hunter Mahan and Bill Haas.

PRESIDENTS CUP FOURSOMES

Mahan said: "This is an Australian team we're playing here. You heard the crowd, so to win like that, it feels good." Jim Furyk continued his 100% record as he teamed up with Nick Watney to beat Scott and Ernie Els by one hole in a closely fought clash. Furyk and Phil Mickelson went to 3-0 as a team after winning their foursomes match, but US captain Fred Couples decided to rest Mickelson for the fourballs. The left-hander will face Scott in Sunday's singles.

Their Yanks singles matchplay records' stand as follows (so it will be a tough ask on the International team to overturn the 4 point deficit):

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Tiger Woods lost his second match but the US lead the International team 7-5 after day two of the Presidents Cup. Woods and Dustin Johnson lost by one hole to Australians Aaron Baddeley and Jason Day in Friday's fourballs in windy conditions at Royal Melbourne. Phil Mickelson and Jim Furyk also beat Adam Scott and Kyung-tae Kim 2&1 as the two sides shared the fourballs 3-3. "It was a tough day," said Woods. "Just trying to hit the greens was a heck of an accomplishment." Former world number one Woods is the only American yet to make a contribution towards his team's bid for a fourth successive win - and this is the first time he has lost his first two games in matchplay format since the 2004 Ryder Cup in Detroit.

PRESIDENTS CUP FOURBALLS

Greg Norman's International team, 4-2 down after the first-day foursomes, had hoped to use the tough conditions to their advantage. Instead, both sides struggled on a day that American Mickelson called "crazy". The International pairing of Geoff Ogilvy and KJ Choi beat Bill Haas and Nick Watney on the 18th hole. Americans Matt Kuchar and Steve Stricker eased to a 4&3 victory over Robert Allenby and YE Yang, while Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson beat Ernie Els and Ryo Ishikawa 3&1. It was the second consecutive win for both US duos this week.

South Africans Retief Goosen and Charl Schwartzel ensured the day ended 3-3 when they finished off David Toms and Hunter Mahan 2&1 in the final match. Woods will face Scott - and his former caddie Steve Williams - again on day three when he pairs up with Johnson to face Scott and Choi. On the third day of the competition there are five foursomes in the morning before five fourballs in the afternoon.

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Tiger Woods suffered the biggest matchplay defeat of his career as Adam Scott and KJ Choi hammered him and Steve Stricker 7&6 in the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne. The defeat equalled the biggest-ever losing margin at the tournament. It was the first time Woods had faced his former caddie Steve Williams, who apologised for words he admitted could be "construed as racist" this month.

Despite the loss, the United States lead 4-2 after day one of the event. Woods and Williams, who_split_in_June, shook hands on the first tee. The former world number one failed to register a single birdie in the foursomes.

PRESIDENTS CUP FOURSOMES

"They got off to a quick start, and we just couldn't keep up," said Woods. "We kept falling to the wrong side of these slopes. The golf course is so difficult, it's hard to make up shots." Only one other match has finished in 12 holes since the Presidents Cup began in 1994 - South Africa's David Frost beat American Kenny Perry by the same score in 1996. Woods and Stricker won all four of their matches in United States' win_at_Harding_Park_two_years_ago. But they only hit four fairways and six greens on Thursday. However, that would prove the only win of the day for the Internationals. The Americans' opening pair of Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson put the first point of the day on the board for Fred Couples' men as they beat South African veteran Ernie Els and Japan's Ryo Ishikawa 6&4.

Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar rallied from three down with six holes to play and won the last two holes with pars to earn an unlikely halve against Aaron Baddeley and Jason Day. Phil Mickelson and Jim Furyk won 4&3 over Retief Goosen and Robert Allenby. Geoff Ogilvy and Masters champion Charl Schwartzel lost a late two-hole lead and had to settle for a halve against Bill Haas and Nick Watney. Hunter Mahan and David Toms had little difficulty in putting away the Korean duo of KT Kim and YE Yang, winning 6&5.

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PREVIEW (08-10-2011)

Local knowledge could be the deciding factor at the 2011 President Cup. International Team Captain Greg Norman has gone with 5 'Ozies' in his team to take on the 'Yanks' at Royal Melbourne Golf Course. One of the shrewd captains' picks has been the inclusion of Robert Allenby. It may prove to be a crucial selection as Robert will undoubtedly give him and his international team-mates some key local knowledge; when the tournament commences in late November. On the US team, the surprise inclusion of former world number 1 Tiger_Woods 'has turned many heads'. The omission of the 2011 USPGA Champion; Keegan Bradley has annoyed some golf commentators. Andrew Coltart (Sky Sports Analyst) remarked "the inclusion of Tiger Woods shows that the event is more about ratings. With Tiger playing, more spectators will certainly attend the event, but it shouldn't be all about ratings. My heart goes out to Bradley who can count himself unlucky to miss out on the matchplay team event". The 2011 Team line-up can be seen below.

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EUROPE regained the Solheim Cup for the first time since 2003 after a dramatic 15-13 victory over the United States at Killeen Castle.

The outcome hinged on the last three matches and they all swung in favour of Alison Nicholas's European girls. Azahara Munoz (Rookie_of_the_Year_and_Player_of_the Year,_2010) was the hero as Euro girls reclaim trophy. Spaniard Munoz clinched the vital point on the final match with a one-hole win over Angela Stanford by making a dramatic birdie win at the 18th hole. In the penultimate match, Caroline Hedwall, who was two down with two to play against Ryann O'Toole, won the last two holes for a vital half point.

Suzann Pettersen had started the final half hour of drama when she fought back from one down with three to play to beat Michelle Wie by one hole.The world No.2 birdied the final three holes, holing from eight feet at the last. It was a first ever singles win for Pettersen and only a fourth Solheim Cup victory for the Europeans in 12 contests.

US Team - Click Here ___________________________________________________________________________________________European Team - Click Here

Take, for example, Rosie Jones, the United States Solheim Cup captain. She chose Ryan O'Toole with one of her picks for this week's Solheim Cup, coming to you from Killeen Castle in Ireland on Friday morning. Granted, Jones didn't have much to pick from in the pool. Her 10 automatic qualifiers represent the best in female American golf with Cristie Kerr, Morgan Pressel, Paula Creamer and Michelle Wie. So Jones went on a limb and took the long-hitting O'Toole, despite the fact O'Toole only played a handful of LPGA Tour events in her career. People would've been less shocked if she pegged Peter O'Toole, but it's Jones' team and she wanted O'Toole. Again, pickings were slim and that problem wasn't exclusive to the American side. Jones' top 10 qualifiers featured Juli Inkster, 51, who was so confident her time was up on the Solheim Cup team as a player, she accepted a post as an assistant captain. Inkster finished ninth on the points list and will be pulling double-duty. "I will be a player first and an assistant captain second and Rosie understands that," Inkster said. "I feel like most of my career I've worn two hats as a mom and as a player, but it will be a challenge." Christina Kim finished 10th on the American side. She hasn't posted a single top 10 in 2011, not a one. Maybe O'Toole doesn't seem crazy anymore.

Alison Nicholas of the European team had it no different. After her eight automatic qualifiers were set, Nicholas tabbed Sandra Gal, Caroline Hedwall, Azahara Munoz and Karen Stupples. Gal won on the LPGA Tour this year, while Hedwall has two European Ladies victories in '11. Munoz hasn't seen the winner's circle in two years and Stupples' last trophy came about seven years ago. These two teams are a little short on depth and in 2011, they're short of victories. Norway's Suzann Pettersen is the best player on either side and she has two LPGA Tour victories. Gal and Maria Hjorth are fellow Europeans to win this season. The number is even smaller for the American side. Brittany Lincicome has two titles and Stacy Lewis, the only rookie to automatically qualify for the U.S. team, won the Kraft Nabisco Championship. It's hard to win on tour when Yani Tseng wins about one-third of all the events, but the Solheim Cup isn't about championships, or top 10s, or big careers - it's a showcase for passionate golf. The ladies wear temporary tattoos of American or European flags on their cheeks. They have hair bands made of the respective flags. You'll hear chants and in some cases songs. Inkster might dance. Kim will dance. Lousy moves and fading paint only get you so far. On the course, the U.S. has dominated the Solheim Cup. It has won the last three and two years ago, triumphed to the very comfortable tune of 16-12. According to the world rankings, the Americans have the advantage once again. Kerr, Creamer and Lincicome are all ranked in the top 10, while Pettersen is the lone European. Lewis, Wie, Pressel and Angela Stanford are in the top 20. The only other Euro in the top 20 is Hjorth. Home-field advantage means something. The galleries will be pro-Europe, but is that enough to carry Europe? Probably not, but there are a few reasons to like a European upset.

As is always the case in the Solheim Cup, people don't know the names on the European side, but they're world-class players. Christel Boeljon, Hedwall and Melissa Reid have each enjoyed big seasons on the 2011 Ladies European Tour, combining for nine wins or runner-ups. Reid won the Open de Espana on Sunday. If you want battle-tested veterans, it's hard to imagine more weathered tough gals than Laura Davies, Catriona Matthew or Sophie Gustafson. They've combined for 23 previous Solheim Cups. The whole U.S. team has 27 between the 12. While neither team has 12 interchangeable parts, the European depth is probably a little more impressive. O'Toole hasn't made a cut since she was named to the team. Vicky Hurst, the other captain's pick, hasn't contended in that time. Kim is still no where to be found. Gal, Hedwall and Munoz have all won since Kim or Inkster last visited the winner's circle. Again, this European team is sneaky tough.

The studs of the American team - Kerr, Creamer and Wie - are winless this year. Kerr actually missed the cut last week at the Navistar LPGA Classic. The bottom end of the team might prove to be a liability. It's one thing to be playing poorly, but it's another to be unproven in big spots like O'Toole and Hurst are. Munoz and Stupples are the weakest Europeans and at least they've won professionally. Stupples even has a major at the Women's British Open. The tide may change only for a year, but it'll be Europe's year.

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SCOTT JAMIESON turned matchsaving hero as Great Britain and Ireland retained the Vivendi Seve Trophy - earning a "well done" slap on the side of his face from team boss Paul McGinley. The Scots rookie played a huge part as McGinley's side overcame a spirited Continental Europe fightback in France to win 15.5-12.5 GB&I went into the singles leading by five but Jean van de Velde's team wiped out the deficit in winning the opening five matches - that included the big scalps of world No.2 Lee Westwood and Open champion Darren Clarke. But with the contest tied on 11.5 each at St Nom-la-Breteche, Jamieson turned the tide with a one-hole victory in his match against Spain's Pablo Larrazabal. It put GB&I back in front before the team went on to win three and halve two of the remaining five games. Jamieson went four up after 10 holes but Larrazabal, who had gone five extra holes earlier this year to beat Sergio Garcia in Munich, brilliantly won three of the next four to be just one down.

McGinley was so concerned with the outcome of this crucial match the triple Ryder Cup winning star walked the last handful of holes with the Glasgow debutant. He said: "The pivotal match was Scott's, so much so I felt I needed to walk the last five holes with him. "I gave him some really good advice to get him over the line and I am sure he is going to learn from that experience." When he finally clinched the match, McGinley raced to embrace Jamieson, giving him a slap on his cheek. Jamieson said: "It's the best feeling in the world to be on a winning team and even better in some ways winning as an individual. "Everyone on the team has been through the same highs and lows all week, so to share the experience of winning is fantastic. "I was trying not to watch the board but I knew my match could have a big bearing on things. "So it was nice to win as Pablo came right back at me with birdies at 11, 12, 14 and then the eagle at 17. "I was glad to win my game today and to make my contribution. To win three of four points is very pleasing and it's proved I can compete out here with the big boys."

Mark Foster holed the winning putt to win one up against local French hero Raphael Jacquelin. It was the sixth straight success for GB&I in the seven-event history of the tournament - and McGinley's second in a row as captain. But Europe's start took Westwood by surprise, after being first out but first to lose, going down 2 and 1 to in-form Dane Thomas Bjorn. Westwood said: "I said to Darren, normally with that much blue on the board in a team event I would be quite happy. But this week it's a bit different to the Ryder Cup with us being in red!" And Westwood was again full of praise for Jamieson, who he played alongside to win Saturday's greensome. He added: "Scott and also the other two rookies, Mark Foster and Jamie Donaldson, need to realise just how good as players they are. Mark is the biggest culprit of the three, not knowing and not believing how good he is.

"But wins like he had today and Scott winning the way he did over Pablo just shows they can handle the pressure. "So why not go out and do it in the regular tour events? They will have learned so much from this week. The funny thing with Scott was we were in the team room and I was looking around and there was this one chap in the corner who I thought to myself, 'Who's that?' "I figured out it must be Scott - but before this week I'd never even said hello to him." Singles results: Bjorn bt Westwood 2 and 1, Hansen bt Dyson 1 hole, F Molinari bt Donaldson 4 and 3, Noren bt R Rock 4 and 3, Jimenez bt Clarke 4 and 2, Colsaerts v Horsey halved, Larrazabal lost to Jamieson 1 hole, Manassero lost to Poulter 1 hole, Jacquelin lost to Foster 1 hole, Hanson v Fisher halved.

While Paul McGinley will take enormous pride in retaining the Vivendi Seve Trophy, he and Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal will sit down to try and put a handle on why the Great Britain & Ireland team lost out in the singles at Saint Nom-la-Breteche. Olazabal is heading to Medinah later this week worried at the trend in recent Ryder Cup matches which has seen Europe losing the singles when in a winning position going into the final day. It transpired again in France, with McGinley's team losing the first five matches and winning just three before eventually emerging victorious 15 and a half to 12 and a half.

Among those to be swallowed up in a tsunami of blue Continental Europe singles wins was World No 2 Lee Westwood and British Open champion Darren Clarke. Westwood lost the first match 2&1 to in-form Dane Thomas Bjorn. Clarke was never in front in his singles encounter against Miguel Angel Jimenez and after both had birdied the 15th, he conceded to the Spaniard when he found a water hazard with his tee shot at the par-three 16th. It tied the encounter on 11 points each and when Belgium's Nicolas Colsaerts eagled 17, and then halved the last against David Horsey, it was 12 points apiece. It was left to Scottish rookie Scott Jamieson, with McGinley by his side for the last few holes, to turn the tide, and he duly defeated Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal by one hole.

From there on GB&I were never headed, winning another two matches and halving two to eventually win comfortably by three points. And McGinley's men triumphed despite the absence of at least six top GB&I players, including the Irish trio of Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Padraig Harrington along with England's Luke Donald, Justin Rose and Paul Casey. However there was no champagne shower, with McGinley more concerned with Europe's Ryder Cup match in Medinah next year. “Of course, I take enormous pride in being the winning Vivendi Seve Trophy captain for a second time in a row,” he said. “So at the end of the day we've lost the singles. Monty went through the same thing at Celtic Manor and I lost the singles at the Seve Trophy last time. “We're managing to secure good leads but then only managing to get over the line, and there is no point in ignoring that because it's fact and it's happened three straight times, and four if you count Nick Faldo's Valhalla side. “So I have now been involved three times off the course with a team that has lost the singles, so that's cause for analysis,” said the Dubliner.

Meanwhile, Justin Rose chipped in at the 17th to clinch the BMW Championship title in Illinois. The 31-year-old Englishman's four-shot lead had been cut to one by Aussie John Senden when he holed his wonder shot. That gave Rose, who fired a final-round 71 for 13-under 271, a nevy twoshot win. He said: "I had my ups and downs and the learning curve is steep sometimes. "I nearly took the chicken stick out and putted it at the 17th it was a makeable chip so I had to commit." Luke Donald fired a 68 to finish fourth and Scot Martin Laird was 12th.

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GB&I's Steven Brown secures the winning point to clinch the Walker Cup. Great Britain and Ireland's indomitable spirit saw them to a famous victory as they won the Walker Cup for the first time in eight years and only the eighth occasion in the history of the match. Cast as the underdogs seemingly by all bar the team and its inspirational captain Nigel Edwards, the home side upset the formbook and secured their 14-12 win with three matches still on the course. "Fantastic, they are a very special bunch of guys," said a jubilant Edwards. "Our preparation and desire to win probably gave us the edge. I told my players that they all deserved to be here."

The Yanks came back 'big time' with the scores at 10.5-7.5 after the morning foursomes. It was looking at one stage that it would come down to the last match with Paul Cutler entrusted with the anchor match. Paul would control his singles match for 14 holes before his opponent finally made a match of things. Captain Nigel Edwards singled out Portstewart's Paul Cutler as the key man of the matches. Undefeated throughout, Cutler shared a gentlemanly half point with world number one Patrick Cantlay, after being four up with four to play, in the last match of the day. Earlier Paul teamed up with Alan Dunbar, who produced an exhibition of putting, helping to secure a vital foursomes point.

GB&I took a 10½-5½ lead into Sunday's final singles but despite holding the initiative, many of the matches still had the potential to swing either way. The nervy situation meant that Jack Senior's brilliant birdie putt from the front of the final green to snatch an unlikely half against Nathan Smith was crucial. "Emotions were seriously running high when it went into the hole," Senior admitted after taking his side to within one-and-a-half points of the decisive 13½ needed for victory. Michael Stewart's 3&2 win over Patrick Rodgers steadied home nerves and he was among several heroes, included the outstanding 17-year-old Rhys Pugh, who made it three wins out of three when he beat US amateur champion Kelly Kraft 2&1.

Great Britain and Ireland team captain Nigel Edwards. And moments after Stewart's win GB&I's Steven Brown parred the last to force a half against Blayne Barber to secure the trophy. The foundations for this astonishing victory over a USA side containing the top four amateurs in the world were laid in a windswept morning session when Great Britain and Ireland came within a putt of a clean sweep of foursomes victories. Two-time American junior champion Jordan Spieth holed from 16ft at the last to claim an unlikely half with Rodgers against Lewis and Stewart after the home pair had led the match by four holes with just six to play. Although failing to convert such a healthy advantage into a full point left the home pair frustrated, they inspired the rest of their team by leading the top match from the second hole onwards.

There was an 'All-Irish pairing' in Paul Cutler (Portstewart) and Alan Dunbarr (Rathmore). The two men who previously did battle at the West_of_Ireland_Championship last April, paired up to earn a half point in their match. Dunbar produced some 'steely' putting near the end of the match (holing a good 15 footer on the 15th and a testy 12 footer on the 16th hole for a half. At that stage the Irish men were 1up. A par win on the 17th hole would mean that Paul Cutler stretched his 100% record to three matches, as he and fellow Northern Irishman Alan Dunbar claimed a 2&1 victory over Kraft and Barber.

The world's top amateur Patrick Cantlay, playing with Chris Williams, fell to the youngest player in the match, Pugh, and Scot James Byrne 5&3. American skipper Jim Holtgrieve would have expected more from Cantlay, as well as the pairing of Peter Uihlein and Harris English, a formidable-looking combination that failed to yield a point in either foursomes when their challenge ran out on the 16th green against Jack Senior and Andy Sullivan. England's Tom Lewis claimed one-and-a-half points from a possible four, but the 20-year-old, who led after the first round of the Open in July, lost both of his singles matches, including a 4&2 defeat by Russell Henley to end his amateur career.

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Paul Cutler (Portstewart) who featured earlier in the year in this news section (winning the West_of_Ireland_Championship and the Irish_Amateur_Close) was the leading point earner for the GB&Ire Team (after day ones' play concluded) took on the Yanks at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club in Scotland.

For a breakdown on the History of the Event - Click here ________________________________________________________________________ (back to top)

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Keegan Bradley became the first player ever, to capture a major with a long putter. But, also seven majors in a row have now been taken by first-time winners; a sequence never seen before in the history of the majors. Just like Rory McIlroy (who came back from the collapse at the Masters), this 'boy' bounced back from a tournament collapse the week previous; at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational to win the 93rd PGA Championship in a playoff.

Standing on the 15th tee Jason Dufner held a 3 shot lead; and up to that point was the only player in 64 holes not to make a bogey. From the 15th tee he watched Keegan Bradley 'thin_his_pitch_shot' across the green (from an awful lie, on a down-slope; in the thick rough), and into the water. He would end up making a triple bogey on the hole and severely dent his title chances. Jason would make an impressive up and down from the drop zone, to make his first bogey of the tournament. At this stage, the European contingent of Robert Karlson (Sweden) and Anders Hanson (Denmark) were only 2 shots behind, and looked likely to make it 3 wins out of 3 for European golfers in the 2011 Major Championships. However, it would be the comeback of Bradley that would steal the show.

However, Karlson would falter near the end of his round finishing on -5 as he pushed a little too hard to squeeze another birdie or two out of the final holes. Hanson was very unlucky not to make the playoff as he finished on -7 (one stroke adrift of the leaders). In all it was an impressive week for the two Scandinavian players who have been out of sorts for the past couple of years. Lee Westwood who finished 5 strokes on behind the winner (on -3), reckoned he would have: “won the tournament if he could hole a putt”. He muttered afterwards that: “it puts a lot more pressure on your long game (of hitting fairways and greens in regulation) when you're not holing putts”. This was the case at the Masters where his ranting comments uttered similar self appraisal of his game, and that if he could putt, he would have won easily.

The pressure would get to Dufner over the closing holes, as he would go onto bogey the 16th and 17th . It may have been the fact that nearest challenger Bradley 'came back with a bang', birdying his 16th and 17th holes respectively. The birdie on 17 was remarkable as he holed a slick 30 footer under the greatest of pressure. This all happened under the ‘watchful-eye' of Dufner who had to wait until Bradley's group cleared the green. On the 18th, Bradley was very unlucky not to make it 3 birdies in a row after narrowly missing his 25 footer. He would tap in for par. Dufner would also make a solid par at the most difficult hole on the golf course, thus forcing a playoff.

Colin Montgomerie noted in the commentary box (prior to the commencement of the playoff) that whatever player shots level par over these difficult playoff holes would win (and would be rather unfortunate to lose). He would yet again be wrong as he had been all week. The other notable incorrect prediction from the 'Large Scott' was that he thought the winning score would be -5. What made this such a remarkable comment was that he gave his opinion on the winning score after 63 holes had been played. At this stage, the leaders were on -8. He may have been over ambitious in hoping that Luke Donald (World No.1) or Lee Westwood (World No.2) would take the crown. Whatever the case, his comments were way-off!

1st playoff hole - Both players hit fantastic tee-shots off the 1st playoff hole (16th ). Bradley was a notable 30 yards ahead of his compatriot. This didn't affect Dufner as he hit his 5-iron approach to 8 feet, narrowly missing the ‘right edge of the cup' as it rolled past the pin. This seemed to inspire Keegan as he hit is 8-iron approach to 6 feet (as he did in regulation play with the same club), leaving the simplest of 6 feet putts (if there is such a thing in a US PGA play-off); up the hill for birdie. Dufner would misread the putt and have to settle for par. Bradley would go on to make his birdie.

2nd playoff hole – This 180 yard par 3 is a classic match-play hole with the green surrounded by water short, and to the left. Into a stiff breeze, Bradley took dead aim at the flag and made it onto the narrowest part of the green just getting over the wall protecting the green from the lake. He left 15 feet, yet again up the hill. The advantage was now with Keegan, after winning the honour off his opponent on the previous hole. Dufner, hit a safe shot to the heart of the green, leaving a 'slick' 30-footer. He would 'have a sort of out of body experience', as he raced the putt 10 feet by (almost off the green and into the water). His demise was complete when he missed the par putt back. Bradley coolly two-putted giving him two stroke advantage; going to the final hole.

3rd playoff hole – This long par four was the toughest hole all week. The drive was particularly demanding as players had less than 20 yards of a landing area at the narrowest point between the lake on the left and the bunkers on the right. Both players would find the heart of the fairway (Bradley with his rescue club, and Dufner with his driver). Bradley was first to play. He took the tightest of lines selecting to hit a hard 8-iron into the wind over the water. He definitely pulled the shot a little, though he was relieved when his ball clambered onto the front edge of the green; 15 feet from the pin. His counterpart followed him on this particularly tight line, leaving himself on 18 feet from the flag. Up to this point, only 3 players all day had birdied the hole, yet both Dufner and Bradley (under the most immense pressure), had very makeable birdie chances. Dufner going for broke would make his 'must-make' putt. It would be only a consolation as Keegan only needing two putts for victory would take them too; giving him a one stroke victory, and his first major championship win at the tender age of 25.

In other news, Rory McIlroy and his new girlfriend (tennis ace) Caroline Wozniacki go public as he supports her at tennis practice. He recently split from long-term ex Holly Sweeney. And having recovered from the humiliation, Sweeney now appeared to have a dig at her former flame on Twitter. Last week she retweeted a comment saying: 'Rory McIlroy wrist injury fears: Well that's what happens when ye get rid of yer girlfriend! The full story can be read here

Footnote: In all there have been 14 play-off that have decided the USPGA up to 2011. The play-off formats for the 4 Major championships vary on each tournament. Please see the list of play-off winners and how each major event differs from the next!_________________________________________(back to top)

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The play-off format for a US PGA is a 3 holes stroke play play-off. If there is a tie after the three holes, then the player will play sudden-death holes starting at the first. The PGA switched from match play to stroke play in 1958. A sudden-death playoff format began in 1977. The Three-hole playoff replaced sudden-death in 2000.

2010 - Martin Kaymer def. Bubba Watson in three-hole playoff at Whistling Straits Golf Club, Haven, Wis.

2004 - Vijay Singh def. Chris DiMarco and Justin Leonard in three-hole playoff at Whistling Straits Golf Club , Haven, Wis.

2000 - Tiger Woods def. Bob May in three-hole playoff at Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky

1996 - Mark Brooks def. Kenny Perry on the first playoff hole at Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky

1995 - Steve Elkington def. Colin Montgomerie on the first playoff hole at Riviera Country Club, Los Angeles, California

1993 - Paul Azinger def. Greg Norman on the second playoff hole at Inverness, Toledo, Ohio

1987 - Larry Nelson def. Lanny Wadkins on the first playoff hole at PGA National, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida

1979 - David Graham def. Ben Crenshaw on the third playoff hole at Oakland Hills, Birmingham, Michigan

1978 - John Mahaffey def. Jerry Pate and Tom Watson on the second playoff hole at Oakmont, Oakmont, Pennsylvania

1977 - Lanny Wadkins def. Gene Littler on the third playoff hole at Pebble Beach, Pebble Beach, California

1961 - Jerry Barber (67) def. Don January (68) at Olympia Fields, Olympia Fields, Illinois

1941 - Vic Ghezzi def. Byron Nelson, 1-up, 38 holes, at Cherry Hills, Denver

1939 - Henry Picard def. Byron Nelson, 1-up, 37 holes, at Pomonok, Flushing, New York

1937 - Denny Shute def. Harold McSpaden, 1-up, 37 holes, at Pittsburgh, Aspinwall, Pennsylvania

1934 - Paul Runyan def. Craig Wood, 1-up, 38 holes, at Park Club of Buffalo, Williamsville, New York

1923 - Gene Sarazen def. Walter Hagen, 1-up, 38 holes, at Pelham, Pelham Manor, New York________________________________________________(back to top)

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This is in contrast to the US Open where there is an 18 hole stroke play play-off the next day. A look at what happened when past Opens went to an extra day.

2008 - Tiger Woods shoots par on the first sudden death hole and outlasts Rocco Mediate to claim his third U.S. Open Championship.

2001 - Retief Goosen (70) def. Mark Brooks (72), Southern Hills Country Club, Tulsa, Okla.

1994 - Ernie Els (par) def. Loren Roberts on the second hole of sudden-death playoff (Els and Roberts were both tied at 74 through 18-hole playoff; Colin Montgomerie was eliminated with a 78), Oakmont C.C., Oakmont, Pa.

1991 - Payne Stewart (75) def. Scott Simpson (77), Hazeltine National G.C., Chaska, Minn.

1990 - Hale Irwin (birdy) def. Mike Donald on first hole of sudden-death playoff (both tied at 74 through 18-hole playoff), Medinah C.C., Course No. 3, Medinah, Ill.

1988 - Curtis Strange (71) def. Nick Faldo (75), The Country Club, Brookline, Mass.

1984 - Fuzzy Zoeller (67) def. Greg Norman (75), Winged Foot G.C., Mamaroneck, N.Y.

1966 - Billy Casper (69) def. Arnold Palmer (73), Olympic Club, San Francisco

1963 - Julius Boros (70) def. Jacky Cupit (73) and Arnold Palmer (76), The Country Club, Brookline, Mass.

1962 - Jack Nicklaus (71) def. Arnold Palmer (74), Oakmont C.C., Oakmont, Pa.

1957 - Dick Mayer (72) def. Cary Middlecoff (79), Inverness Club, Toledo, Ohio

1950 - Ben Hogan (69) def. Lloyd Mangrum (73) and George Fazio (75), Merion G.C., Ardmore, Pa.

1946 - Lloyd Mangrum (72-72) def. Vic Ghezzi (72-73) and Byron Nelson (72-73), Canterbury G.C., Cleveland

1940 - Lawson Little (70) def. Gene Sarazen (73), Canterbury G.C., Cleveland

1939 - Byron Nelson (68-70) def. Craig Wood (68-73) and Denny Shute (76), Philadelphia C.C., Philadelphia

1931 - Billy Burke (149-148) def. George Von Elm (149-149), Inverness Club, Toledo, Ohio

1929 - Bobby Jones (141) def. Al Espinosa (164), Winged Foot G.C., Mamaroneck, N.Y.

1928 - Johnny Farrell (143) def. Bobby Jones (144), Olympia Fields C.C., Matteson, Ill.

1925 - W. MacFarlane (147) def. Bobby Jones (148), Worcester C.C., Worcester, Mass.

1923 - Bobby Jones (76) def. Bobby Cruickshank (78), Inwood, C.C., Inwood, N.Y.

1919 - Walter Hagen (77) def. Mike Brady (78), Brae Burn C.C, West Newton, Mass.

1913 - Francis Ouimet (72) def. Harry Vardon (77) and Edward Ray (78), The Country Club, Brookline, Mass.

1911 - John McDermott (80) def. Mike Brady (82) and George Simpson (85), Chicago G.C., Wheaton, Ill.

1910 - Alex Smith (71) def. John McDermott (75) and Macdonald Smith (77), Philadelphia Cricket Club, Chestnut Hill, Pa.

1908 - Fred McLeod (77) def. Willie Smith (83), Myopia Hunt Club, Hamilton, Mass.

1903 - Willie Anderson (82) def. David Brown (84), Baltusrol G.C., Short Hills, N.J.

1901 - Willie Anderson (85) def. Alex Smith (86), Myopia Hunt Club, Hamilton, Mass.______________________________________________________(back to top)

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The format for a U.S. Masters play-off was changed in 2004 for the first time since 1976. Should extra holes of 'sudden death' be needed to decide this year's winner at Augusta National, the playoff will start at the 465-yard 18th instead of at the 495-yard 10th. Players start the playoff, if there is one, on 18. And then play 10 and 18, and stay in that rotation. And it is still sudden death. The decision to start a Masters playoff at the par-four 10th hole was made in 1976. Previously a playoff took place over the full 18 holes the following day. The first sudden-death playoff took place in 1979, when debutant Fuzzy Zoeller birdied the second extra hole, the 11th, to edge out Tom Watson and Ed Sneed. Since then, six other players have won the Masters in a playoff . All but two of the Masters playoffs have been decided at the 490-yard 11th hole, Mize chipping in there for the 1987 title.

2009 - Angel Cabrera defeated Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell with a par on the second playoff hole (Campbell was eliminated after making bogey on the first extra hole)

2005 - Tiger Woods defeated Chris DiMarco with a birdie on the first playoff hole

2003 - Mike Weir defeated Len Mattiace with a bogey on the first playoff hole

1990 - Nick Faldo defeated Raymond Floyd with a par on the second playoff hole

1989 - Nick Faldo defeated Scott Hoch with a birdie on the second playoff hole

1987 - Larry Mize defeated Greg Norman and Seve Ballesteros with a birdie on the second playoff hole (Ballesteros was eliminated after making bogey on the first extra hole)

1979 - Fuzzy Zoeller defeated Ed Snead and Tom Watson with a birdie on the second playoff hole

1935 - Gene Sarazen defeated Craig Wood, 144-149_______________________________________________________________________________(back to top)

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The play-off format for The Open Championship is a 4 holes stroke play play-off. If there is a tie after the four holes, then the player will play sudden-death holes starting at the first. The PGA switched from match play to stroke play in 1958. In the 1933 playoff between Dave Shute and Craig Wood, the R&A history noted that during the playoff, Wood blasted a 440-yard drive. We can only guess that the Old Course fairways were mighty firm in 1933, and that Wood had a big tailwind.

2009 - Stewart Cink (4-3-4-3=14) defeated Tom Watson (5-3-7-5=20) in four holes at Turnberry

2007 - Padraig Harrington (3-3-4-5=15) defeated Sergio Garcia (5-3-4-4=16) in four holes at Carnoustie

2004 - Todd Hamilton (4-4-3-4=15) defeated Ernie Els (4-4-4-4=16) in four holes at Royal Troon

2002 - Ernie Els (4-3-5-4=16) defeated Thomas Levet (4-2-5-5=16), Stuart Appleby (4-4-4-5=17) and Steve Elkington (5-3-4-5=17) in five holes at Muirfield Village

1999 - Paul Lawrie (5-4-3-3=17) defeated Justin Leonard (5-4-4-5=18) and Jean Van De Velde (6-4-3-5=18) in four holes at Carnoustie

1998 - Mark O'Meara (4-4-5=4) defeated Brian Watts (5-4-5=5) in four holes at Royoal Birkdale

1995 - John Daly (3-4-4-4=15) defeatd Costantino Rocca (5-4-7-3=19) in four holes at St. Andrews

1989 - Mark Calcavecchia (4-3-3-3=13) defeated Wayne Grardy (4-4-4-4=16) and Greg Norman (3-3-4-X) in four holes at Royal Troon

1970 - Jack Nicklaus (72) defeated Doug Sanders (73) in 18 holes at St. Andrews

1963 - Bob Charles (140) defeated Phil Rodgers (148) in 36 holes at Royal Lytham

1958 - Peter Thomson (139) defeated Dave Thomas (143) in 36 holes at Royal Lytham

1949 - Bobby Locke (135) defeated Harry Bradshaw (147) in 36 holes at Royal St. George's

1933 - Denny Shute (149) defeated Craig Wood (154) in 36 holes at St. Andrews

1921 - Jack Hutchison (150) defeated Roger Wethered (159) in 36 holes at St. Andrews

1911 - Harry Vardon won when Arnaud Massy conceded at the 35th hole at Royal St. George's

1896 - Harry Vardon (157) defeated J.H. Taylor (161) in 36 holes at Muirfield

1889 - Willie Park Jr. (158) defeated Andrew Kirkaldy (163) in 36 holes at Musselburgh

1883 - Willie Fernie (158) defeated Bob Ferguson (159) in 36 holes at Musselburgh

1876 - Bob Martin awarded title when David Strath refused playoff at St. Andrews_________________________________________________________(back to top)

Darren Clarke today presented his winning British Open championship medal to Royal Portrush Golf Club. Golf's latest Major champion also re-iterated his belief that the renowned Antrim venue would be able to host the Open. Clarke gave his gold medal to club captain Philip Tweedie at a special homecoming ceremony on Northern Ireland's north coast today. Almost 1,000 people crowded outside the clubhouse for Clarke's arrival at his home course where he practised before triumphing at Royal St George's, Sandwich, Kent on Sunday. The medal will go on display in a cabinet which already holds the one won by Fred Daly, who took the Open at Royal Liverpool in 1947. He was also a member of Royal Portrush.

Of the Open coming to Northern Ireland, Clarke believes Portrush could be an ideal venue. The province has produced three Major winners in the last 13 months, with Clarke joining Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy. The 42-year-old feels his adopted home course would be ideal if the Royal and Ancient Club (R&A) were to look to capitalise on the current enthusiasm for the game in the country. R&A chief executive Peter Dawson has said the body will need to look at the infrastructure, commercial opportunities and potential security risks of taking the Open to Portrush for the first time since 1951.

But Clarke told a press conference today: “There is a lot of momentum behind it and this course is fit to host any tournament. Logistics are tough when it comes to staging Majors like the Open, or the Irish Open. “But, if the R&A look at it, we play at Royal Lytham, which is a smaller acreage than here, and hopefully they can reassess. With us doing so well it would be great to see us get a Major championship here.” He paid tribute to Royal Portrush, saying: “I have been fortunate enough to have played around the world but, living in Portrush, this is the best course in the world and I am privileged to give them the medal so people can come into the club and see it. “It maybe would have ended up in a drawer at home so I am glad people can come here and see it.” “I moved back home in July last year with my boys and to come and practice here in that tough weather definitely helped my preparation for Royal St George's.”

Darren made an impressive par save at the first, after finding heavy rough from his opening tee-shot. It was a 'huge' par save; in terms of the tournament and sending out a message to the chasing pack. Playing partner; Dustin Johnson was also in the hunt, just two shots adrift of Clarke. He hit one of the longest drives ever recorded at a British Open. He drove his ball 25 yards past the green at the 425 yard par 4; 5th hole. His drive (an amazing 450 yards down wind) finished in the light rough at the back of the green. Earlier in the week, the 2011 Masters Champion Charles Schwartzel drove his ball 390 yards on the same hole; finding one of the bunkers short of the green. Schwartzel not renowned for his 'big-hitting' abilities, showed how 'hard and bouncy', the surface of the course was playing with this 'monstrous' tee shot. Johnson would only go on to only make par on the hole. However, as seems to be the case for the 'unlucky American', when he gets into contention, Johnson seems to 'beat himself up'. His chances were all but over by the par 5; 14th. After hitting an impressive drive to the middle of the fairway, he hit a wild 2nd shot layup, completely turning the ball over in the strong wind; finding the Out of Bounds, lining the right hand rough. At one stage, the tournament looked to be going back to America with Phil Mickelson shooting an awesome 30 shots on the front nine leaving (which included an eagle on the 564 yard par 5 seventh). Phil was now on 'fire' though he missed a 'tiddler of a putt' on the ninth', which would have seen, the big-hitting American, going out in 29 (a record for the final round at a British Open).

However, 'Big Darren' is made of 'stern stuff', and answered everything the 'left-hander' threw at him. Darren himself would go onto make a sensational eagle of his own, at the 7th. He got a lucky break at the 9th, when playing his approach from a difficult downhill lie; on one of Royal St. Georges' many dunes. On playing the shot his ball rose no more than 5 feet off the ground from 170 yards out, just clambering over one of the pot bunkers 60 yards short of the green. At this stage, 'the gods' seemed to be on Darren's side, as Ken Brown remarked: "nine times out of ten, that ball would be in the sand. It was highly possible that he could have taken a six if he found the trap, but instead would make a two-putt par, from 40 feet". He did however find the bunker at the par 3; 11th hole. But, a glorious up-and-down would maintain his momentum. By this time, Mickelson reached the last par 5 (14th), his quest for a maiden 'Claret-Jug' was all but over, as he couldn't manage to bridge the gap to Clarke (only managing to make a par five on the hole). Clarke's putting stroke looked completely solid in the gusting wind, giving nothing away, to his nearest competitors. His ability to lag putts from just off the green over considerable distances (from the hole) ensured he was well on his way. Jack Nicklaus once remarked "I've won more majors from others player handing them to me", than me going out there and leading from the front." Clarke would certainly takes these words on board. Again fortune would favour the 'Big man from Dungannon' after skipping over the front bunkers guarding the 15th green. He would yet again make a two-putt par. With 3 holes to go, he had a four shot lead. By the time he reached the 18th tee, his lead would remain at four strokes. He would find the fairway with the last difficult shot of his round (i.e. the tee shot on 18 into a strong wind), and afford to make a 3-putt bogey at the last to win by 3-strokes from Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson. Darren would walk away with the claret jug and a check for £900,000. The media suggested that this win would pocket the man from the North of Irelnad; close to £4 million from various sposoship fees. Suffice to say, the game of golf is now in good hands. Long may the winning streak continue, of the men from the 'Island of Ireland'!_____________________________________________(back to top)

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Matt Cooper in today’s Irish_Examiner on the boy the McIlroy, and for whom he won the US Open. Cooper asks even deeper questions of our whole conception of Irishness, and what it means to be an Irish citizen. Some extracts from the article are:

"McIlroy is whatever nationality he chooses to be. He was born north of the border, which makes him a citizen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Good Friday Agreement of 1998 gives him the right to dual citizenship with the Republic should he so chose to exercise this right. But whatever his personal choice it should be respected, if he chooses to call himself an Ulsterman, Northern Irish, British or indeed Irish. McIlroy didn’t win the US Open for Ulster, Ireland, Northern Ireland or for Britain. He won it for himself. Others can share in his glory: his family, most obviously, his friends and those who decide to offer their support, from wherever. But it is still his personal achievement.

He goes on though to peel back a peculiar double think in Irish sport, in which the boundaries seem to be in constant flux:
"We have had no difficulty in recent years in taking players from Scotland and the North, even if for some it seems to have been a decision of convenience. Yet, we have a strange attitude to those Irishmen who chose to play for other countries, while at the same time embracing those who often have limited connections to us. But it has changed over the years. Former English rugby scrum-half Kyran Bracken was born in Swords and lived there until the age of 12 before emigrating. In a famous game at Lansdowne Road in 1993, which Ireland won 17-3, the Irish pack trampled over him and one Irish player shouted “welcome home”."

"But when Leinster cricketers Ed Joyce and Eoin Morgan chose to play test cricket for England, having qualified on grounds of residency, the decision was understood (and Joyce has come back since). Our most famous boxer of recent decades was Barry McGuigan, a Monaghan man who won the British title on his way to become world champion. That wasn’t and shouldn’t have been an issue. Our captain in the Irish cricket team at the breakthrough 2007 Cricket World Cup was Australian Trent Johnston who married here and became resident and thus qualified to play for us. The Irish team that beat England in this year’s Cricket World Cup was wrongly described in the British media as full of mercenaries, but it had more Irish-born players than England had English-born players."
"The Irish rugby team after the world cup is likely to include the South African hooker Richard Strauss once he passes the sport’s three-year residency rule. Much regret in Irish rugby has been expressed about Isa Nacewa’s one cap for Fiji, Paul Warwick’s sevens appearance for Australia and Lifiemi Mafi’s for New Zealand. Had those not happened they would be celebrated in Irish rugby jerseys".

One notable example which Cooper failed to point in English rugby circles was Shane Geraghty. Geraghty, 21, born in Coventry but whose father is from Castlebar in Mayo, played for Ireland Under-18s but opted for England. London Irish head coach Brian Smith was full of praise for Geraghty saying: "Shane is the most talented of the new batch of England players. He reads space better than anyone. He's the best off-the-cuff player England have got. However, if he'd declared for Ireland he'd probably be looking at 50 caps over the next five years. He chose the hard route." However, he only has 2 Senior Caps for England and has been left out of Martin Johnson's World Cup Squad.

And he signs off:
"There’s a time and place for flags and national celebration of identity. Rory McIlory’s victory was not one, given the sensitivity that should be employed in making northern Irishmen feel welcome both from the south and from Britain. Let’s not wreck the buzz for all of us Irish — and British — by foisting national identities onto his personal achievements. Five years ago, I asked, “is it time, perhaps, for those of us of an uncomplicatedly Irish disposition to recognise that while one-fifth of the island’s population are more than willing to take the field of play wearing the green of Ireland, it should not be at the expense of their deep sense of belonging to the other island?”
Cooper asks even deeper questions of our whole conception of Irishness, and what it means to be an Irish citizen…" (see full article) ..__________________..(back to top)

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News today suggests that the 111th US Open Champion Rory McIlroy has a strong GAA background. His uncle Mickey McDonald was a star attacker for Armagh from 1982 to 1987. He has been asked about the GAA on more than one occasion (most notably on the Late Late Show in February). However, on each occasion the young man always passes off the question and talks about Ulster Rugby. Click here for the full GAA story. A catholic lad growing up in a middle class protestant area; certainly has affected his GAA roots. In the second round of the Irish_Amateur_Close_Championship (2005) at Westport Golf Club (in which he went on to win), there was more talk about Rory wearing Union Jack Shoes than his great play.

His triumph was welcomed by golf fans around the world and the new champion also brushed off, almost literally, any minor rumblings of controversy when a fan threw an Irish Tricolour onto his shoulder as he left the course following his victory. Footage showed a security guard quickly removing the flag, after Rory handed it to him. Rory McIlroy has in the past said he would like to represent Great Britain in golf at the Olympics, although he has represented Ireland at amateur level and at the professional World Cup with Graeme McDowell in 2009. Whatever about the politics, there is no denying that Rory is the future of golf and his record breaking US Open proves that. ....

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The 2011 Masters was won by the South African Charl_Schwartzel but it will always be remembered for the sight of young Rory_McIlroy , head in hands and near to tears as his major championship dreams were swept away in the compelling theatre of an Augusta afternoon. The South African winner birdied his final four holes to shoot 66, six under par, and beat the field by two shots with a 14-under-par total of 274. The loser, a 21-year-old prodigy from Holywood, Northern Ireland, signed for an eight-over-par 80 - a humiliating outcome for the man who began Sunday's final round with a four-shot advantage. "It was my first experience of being in the lead going into the last day of a major and I felt as if I did OK on the front nine and I was still one shot ahead going into the 10th and then things went all pear-shaped after that," he said. "I hit a bad tee shot on the 10th and unravelled after that." He most certainly did, coming home in 43 blows to finish in a tie for 15th.

Such is the capriciousness of this game, and such is the lesson to be learned by those who forget that the ceremony comes only after the last shot is played. Assume nothing at this benighted place. That much was evident precisely 27 minutes into McIlroy's final round. That was how long it took for his lead to evaporate and his confidence to disappear. A bogey at the 1st and a couple of loose shots at the 2nd opened a door for his pursuers and they rushed in. Schwartzel ultimately prevailed, although the outcome was magnificently uncertain until the very end. Those final four birdies were a champion's effort from a worthy winner, one inspired by Louis Oosthuizen, winner of last year's Open Championship at St Andrews. "Louis and I grew up together and we are great friends," the new Masters champion said. "Seeing what he did to win the Open Championship inspired me and made me think I could win a major, too."

The Australians Adam Scott and Jason Day finished in a tie for second, two shots back. Three others finished on 10 under. Amazingly this trio included Tiger_Woods. Remember him - the one-time colossus brought down by his personal flaws and a swing deemed by popular consent to be a work-in-progress? Even his peers, who should have known better, doubted the former world No1's ability to come back from the depths. They need doubt no more after he re-discovered the magic and regenerated the excitement that had accompanied his four previous victories here. In the end his final-round 67, five under, fell short of what was needed but he knows and, more significantly, his rivals now know the era of Tiger Woods is not yet over. Luke Donald briefly flirted with the lead before bogeying the 17th. On an ordinary day that would have been the end of his hopes but this was no ordinary day. From the middle of the 18th fairway he hit the flagstick with his approach and saw his ball bounce off the green - an injustice he quickly corrected by chipping in for an outrageous birdie, to finish alongside Woods and Geoff Ogilvy, who played the back nine in 31 shots, five under. Schwartzel's abilities have long been known to those inside the game. It would be hard for the wider world not to be aware of them after this unfaltering performance. A Masters Sunday asks the ultimate question and Schwartzel answered in spades.

For McIlroy one nightmare round does not change the fact that he is the most talented member of the coming generation, though it might cause some to wonder how he comes back from such depths. The boy wonder began the final round as an anointed man and seemingly on course to collect his first major championship. This was a fine assumption but it faded over his front nine of 37 shots, one over par, and finally disappeared on a disastrous 10th, where his drive clattered off the trees and ended up in the gardens of the Butler Cabin, the traditional venue for the_Masters prize-giving. Needless to say, that was the closest he came to that place. He eventually triple-bogeyed and with that his chance was lost. Alas, worse was to follow as he four-putted the par-three 12th and then sent his drive at the 13th into the trees. It was a heartbreaking moment, though by then few had the stomach to look. What a contrast the Northern Irishman made with Schwartzel, who began the day by chipping in at the 1st for birdie and then holing out for eagle from the fairway of the 3rd.

Woods was almost as quick out of the blocks, witha birdie at the par-five 2nd, where he holed from six feet, and then 3rd, where he hit his approach to four feet. So far so good and there was more to come, with birdies at the 6th and 7th holes. But he saved his best for the 570-yard 8th - reduced to three blows, the last of which was a 10-foot putt that never deviated from its target. With that eagle he joined McIlroy at the top of the leaderboard on 10 under par and sent the golfing world in paroxysms of excitement. There was the merest flutter of a problem on the 9th, where he hit his drive into the trees and his second into the greenside bunker, but the momentum, and par, was saved by a 20-footer. The sport has been waiting a long time for this moment, where the best player of the last generation would face the best player of the next generation on the ultimate stage. On the day that player turned out to be Charl Schwartzel.

Check out what's in the bag of the new Masters champion Charl Schwartzel or your own favourite player. ....

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28-12-2011 - Happy Christmas & New Year

26-12-2011 - Captain's Drive-In

11-12-2011 - Luke Donald World No.1

SINGLES SCORES - US NAMES FIRST

PRESIDENTS CUP FOURBALLS

PRESIDENTS CUP FOURSOMES

PRESIDENTS CUP FOURBALLS

PRESIDENTS CUP FOURSOMES

PREVIEW (08-10-2011)