World Golf News - 21 December 2011

As the US and European Tours remain in recess until 2012, the world’s top players continue to compete in holiday-season tournaments around the globe.

Down Under, Britain’s Ian Poulter carded a magnificent final round score of 67 to win the Australian Masters by a margin of three strokes. In windy weather conditions that made his final score all the more impressive, the Briton overtook local favourite Geoff Ogilvy who suffered through a bogey-riddled front nine which took him out of contention.

Fans who were preparing to witness a showdown on the final day between Poulter and Ogilvy, were treated instead to a show of force by the 35-year-old Briton whose trademark calm nerves saw him through.

In Asia, former world number one Lee Westwood enjoyed an impressive victory at the Thailand Golf Championship. Surging to victory with a seven-shot lead over compatriot Luke Donald – who topped the money lists in both America and Europe last week – Westwood reminded golf fans of his skilful and precise technique as he navigated the challenging course with ease throughout the tournament. South Africa’s Charl Schwartzel, who had emerged as a challenger to Westwood on Saturday, took second place.

In women’s golf, the American Alexis Thompson made history when she won the Dubai Ladies’ Masters on Sunday. The sixteen-year-old beat her nearest rival, South Africa’s Lee-Anne Pace, by four strokes to lift the trophy. The young American overtook Pace on the ninth hole when she chipped-in to card a birdie and took the lead. She extended her lead over the back nine to seize the title and made history in the process.

Thompson now enjoys the honour of being the youngest player to win on the LPGA Tour. Her second career win at the Dubai Masters confirms this young player’s place at the highest level of professional golf.

Golfweather Editorial