World Golf News - 11 August 2010

The WGC-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio came to a climax in perfect weather conditions on Sunday with Hunter Mahan carding a bogey-free final round 64 to secure a two shot victory over Ryan Palmer. His second come-from-behind victory of the season cemented Mahan’s place on the US Ryder Cup team, and the 28-year-old became the third player in his twenties to win a WGC event, joining Tiger Woods and Geoff Ogilvy. Retief Goosen shot a solid 65 and climbed to third after a disappointing three over par 73 on Saturday. Having started the day two shots behind and in fourth place, Ernie Els posted a frustrating 76, tumbling to 22nd. After more than 250 weeks as world number two, Phil Mickelson’s ongoing quest for the top spot was derailed by a humbling eight over par 78 final round - the worst score of the day. Tiger Woods’ woes continued as he finished 78th, one above last place and his worst performance as a professional.

On the PGA Tour, The Turning Stone Resort Championship took place at the Atunyote Golf Club on the Oneida Indian Nation’s lands in Mohawk Valley, Central New York State. Bill Lunde’s final round six-under 66 and 271 total was good enough to hold off a charging J.J. Henry who shot 63. Overnight leader Germany’s Alex Cejka’s even par round relegated him to joint third on 273, one ahead of South African Rory Sabbatini. At 34 years old, Lunde’s maiden victory will be a life changing event for a veteran player who has had only two top ten finishes on the PGA Tour and one win on the Nationwide Tour in twelve years as a professional.

The Champions Tour saw South Africa’s David Frost rewrite the record books with his victory at the 3M Championship at TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota. Finishing on 191, Frost streaked seven shots clear of second place Mark Calcavecchia, and a further one shot ahead of third place Nick Price. His 25-under 191 was two shots better than the previous tournament record, and his brilliant 11-under final round 61 in high heat and humidity beat the event’s previous lowest round by one. He also equalled the tour record for a 54-hole tournament with his 25-under score. The victory pushed Frost inside the top ten on the tour’s money list in his rookie season.