World Golf News - 23 December 2010

This week saw prizes and accolades being bestowed on some of the finest golfers of the 2010 season on the US PGA Tour, European Tour and LPGA Tour respectively while the Asian Tour finished off the season.

In Asia, the Japanese golfer Tetsuji Hiratsuka won the Black Mountain Masters held in Hua Hin, Thailand. In alternating hot and cloudy weather Hiratsuka claimed his fourth victory of the 2010 season when he beat his closest competitor, Thailand’s Namchoak Tantipokakul, on the first playoff hole. This performance further establishes the seasoned Hiratsuka as the man to beat on the Asian tour.

In the United States, the US PGA Tour’s comeback player of the year was announced. This year, the prize went to the Australian Stuart Appleby who came up from 137th on the Tour in 2009 to clinch the Greenbrier Classic on the 1st of August this year. His historic final round score of 59 makes him the first non-American golfer to equal the US PGA’s record for lowest score in a single round. Golf fans can expect a strong 2011 season from this seasoned and battle-ready player.

On the LPGA, South African women’s golf sensation Lee-Ann Pace received further accolades following her number one spot on the LPGA money list which she attained last week. Following an exceptional season in women’s golf, Pace has weathered the challenges of going professional and establishing herself as both a top ten finisher and tournament winner. With a successful 2010 season behind her Pace can now focus her energies on sustaining this success in the 2011 season to come.

The European Tour is in recess following last week’s awards ceremonies. With a Ryder Cup trophy to their name and having produced a string of young golfing stars, the European golf establishment will be enjoying a well-deserved rest as they prepare for the 2011 season.