World Golf News - 02 February 2012

On the US PGA Tour, the Humana Challenge was won by local favourite Mark Wilson, who beat a group of challengers to claim victory in California. At the end of a tournament which experienced delays caused by windy coastal weather conditions, Wilson held his nerve to fend off challenges by John Mallinger, Robert Garrigus, and Johnson Wagner who tied for second place, two strokes behind the winner.

The final hole had golf fans on edge as Garrigus set up for an eagle putt that would have seen him clinch the title. However, luck was on Wilson’s side and when Garrigus missed his shot, the champion calmly sunk a birdie putt to seal his victory.

Heavy winds had caused damage to the course and resulted in Saturday’s round being called off early. This caused play to be extended on Sunday, and Wilson’s victory putt took place in twilight conditions which made his accuracy on the green all the more impressive.

The European Tour continued its South African leg at the weekend as local favourite Branden Grace wowed golf fans with his second successive victory on home soil.

As the Volvo World Champions tournament drew to a close at the Fancourt Links golf course, Grace proved to his fellow players and an increasing number of fans that his victory at last week’s Joburg Open was not a flash in the pan. In a nail-biting final-round playoff, Grace came face to face with South African golfing greats Ernie Els and Retief Goosen as all three players finished the round at 12-under-par. Grace had nearly missed a birdie putt that would have seen him win outright, but quickly made up for his mistake at the par-five final hole where he sunk a birdie putt to beat Els and Goosen and lift the trophy.

Golf fans should keep an eye on the young Grace, who has his sights set on the masters after becoming just the sixth player ever to win two successive events on the European Tour.

Golfweather Editorial