World Golf News - 08 June 2011

In the United States, Steve Stricker was victorious at the Memorial Tournament held at Muirfield Village Golf Club. On a final day that saw compatriot Matt Kuchar challenge him for the lead, the cool-headed Stricker went about his task with resolve.

After a blistering front nine that saw him accumulate six birdies, the 44-year old proved once again that he just doesn’t crack under pressure – despite a bogey at the fifteenth hole that had fans on the edge of their seats. This was Stricker’s first hole following a prolonged weather delay in the final round, but he kept his cool and finished the final round sixteen under to lift the trophy.

In Europe a less dramatic but equally impressive display of golfing prowess saw Alex Noren of Sweden sail to victory in the Wales Open. Having lead since the second round, the Swede remained unchallenged on Sunday as the tournament drew to a close.

Despite his comfortable lead, Noren took no chances on complacency and treated golf fans to a display of his skilful short game as he navigated the challenging course. Despite his four-stroke lead being halved to two strokes after his ball found a hazard on the fifteenth, Noren kept his composure and finished off the final round in great form to clinch the title.

On the LPGA, Brittany Lincicome of the United States won the Shoprite LPGA Classic on Sunday. In a final round that saw the American challenged by compatriot Cristie Kerr and Jiyai Shin of South Korea, Lincicome kept her cool as she carded a bogey-free final round of 66, finishing five under par. As the final round neared its end, Lincicome made a decisive four-foot putt for birdie on the final hole to avert a playoff and after a two year drought, victory was hers.

Golfweather Editorial