World Golf News - 01 September 2010

In the United States, the American Matt Kuchar won the Barclay’s Tournament in a playoff against Martin Laird of Scotland. In his first victory of the 2010 season, Kuchar came up from five shots off the lead to clinch the title in a dramatic final hole that had fans holding their breath. With Laird hot on his trail, Kuchar made a spectacular approach shot on the first and only playoff hole placing the ball less than a metre from the cup. A simple tap-in was all that was required for the American to birdie the hole and lift the trophy with a final round of 66.

In an apparent change of fortunes, world number one Tiger Woods shot a final round of 67 to secure a place in next week’s playoffs. Woods, whose personal life has been in the spotlight since late last year, had seen his performance on the golf course deteriorate until yesterday when he showed fans a glimpse of what may be a comeback. Golf enthusiasts will be watching Woods’ performance in the coming weeks with a keen interest.

In Europe, the Italian golfer Edoardo Molinari won the Johnny Walker Championship. In fair weather conditions typical of the Scottish fall, the Italian made the most of his birdie opportunities on the fourth day, carving up the course at Gleneagles in the high-precision golfing style that is becoming his trademark. With three holes left of the tournament, Molinari closed in on Australia’s Brett Rumford who was two strokes ahead of the Italian in the lead. Executing several breathtaking shots, including a forty foot putt at the seventeenth, Molinari emerged victorious after the final hole. This victory is a significant milestone in Molinari’s career, as he was selected as the Ryder Cup wildcard player for Europe less than two hours after his victory at Gleneagles. As a first time Ryder Cup player, the young Italian is bound to add skill and experience to the European team, who are determined to take the trophy in this year’s tournament.

In women’s golf, Lee-Anne Pace of South Africa continued her winning streak in Helsinki, Finland where she won the Finnair Masters by a comfortable lead of three strokes. Scotland’s Vikki Laing was in second place. This is twenty-nine year old Pace’s third victory of the year, having won in Switzerland in June and in Wales only two weeks ago. All eyes will be on this young talent from South Africa as she establishes herself as a favourite player in LPGA golf.