Golf Results - 12 November 2012

On the European Tour, Britain's Ian Poulter was victorious at the co-sanctioned WGC-HSBC Championship which was held at Mission Hills in China.

Poulter began Sunday's final round four strokes behind overnight leaders Phil Mickelson of the United States and South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen. However, the Englishman's stellar performance which included eight birdies allowed him to take the lead. Neither Oosthuizen nor Mickelson could weather this final round assault, with Poulter lifting the trophy after eighteen holes and Mickelson tying for second place with Scott Piercy, Ernie Els and Jason Dufner. Oosthuizen tied for third place alongside Britain's Lee Westwood.

As Poulter lifted the trophy at his first win on the European Tour this season, golf fans and commentators alike were reminded of this player's intense concentration and ability to win under difficult circumstances. Having played a pivotal role in Europe's Ryder Cup victory last month, Poulter now celebrates an individual victory that is well-deserved.

In Women's golf, France's Cassandra Kirkland won her first professional event on Sunday when she was victorious at the Sanya Ladies Open which took place in China. The 28-year-old golfer held her nerve amid fierce competition from compatriot Jade Schaeffer and England's Holly Aitchinson to clinch a three-stroke victory on Sunday. Golf fans should follow this talented young player carefully as she continues to excel.

The US PGA Tour is officially in recess until the 2013 season begins in January at the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. The PGA announced its 2013 season, which promises to challenge the world's best players and provide excellent entertainment for golf fans, at an event last week. The season will begin at the Tournament of Champions and end in October at the Tour Championship, which will be held in Atlanta in September 2013. The 2014 season will begin just three weeks later, marking a change in the Tour calendar which will become permanent from 2014 onward.