World Golf News - 15 November 2011

The 2011 Australian Open took place at the weekend, with local favourite Greg Chalmers lifting the trophy after four rounds of exciting golf action down under.

Chalmers carded a final round score of 69, three under par, to edge out his nearest rival - compatriot John Senden. It was a riveting wait for Chalmers as he followed Senden's last few holes from the clubhouse. Though Senden came very close to forcing a playoff at the final hole with a birdie attempt from35 feet, Chalmers final score was sufficient to see lift the trophy.

This year's Australian Open also proved to be a favourable championship for former world number one Tiger Woods. The grand slam winner carded a 67 to come in third behind the Australians. It was at the Australian Open in 2009 that Woods last won a championship, and his performance on Sunday reminded golf fans that the possibility of a comeback from the former world champion may be very real as the 2012 season approaches.

On the European Tour, the final round playoff of the co-sanctioned Barclay's Singapore Open wasextended to Monday as stormy weather prevented the tournament's conclusion on the fourth day. Victory at the tournament was decided on the second extra hole when Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano of Spain edged out the Philippines' JuvicPagunsan with an impressive 31 foot birdie putt that sealed the championship.

The tournament was postponed after torrential rains and lightning made play impossible on the final day, with a small crowd of ardent fans making an early morning pilgrimage to watch the playoff on Monday morning. While Fernandez-Castano celebrated his victory, Pagunsan regaled journalists with his characteristic conversational style. A near-miss for the Philippine will no doubt fuel his hunger to win on the European Tour during the 2012 season.

Golfweather Editorial