WE LOVE GOLF ASIAN

Justin Rose won the European Order of Merit on Sunday following his victory at the season-ending Volvo Masters at Valderrama.

2007-11-28T18:21:00.000-08:00

It caps what his coach, Nick Bradley, describes as a "groundbreaking" season for the Englishman where he did not finish less than 12th in any of the season's four majors.

Bradley (pictured second from the right) has had a large part to play in helping Rose to 7th in the world rankings and he will be on hand to answer your questions about Rose's season on Thursday.

And if you have any problems with your own game or about golf in general, Nick will do his best to reply.

Please note because of technical problems in America, Nick will log onto 606 as soon as possible, so keep your questions coming in.

Rich golfers getting richer is the sort of story that should generally be avoided.

2007-11-28T18:16:00.000-08:00

“What’s new?” is a familiar reaction, but it has to be admitted the European Tour’s announcement of its latest lucrative deal involves staggering sums of money.

news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/gol...

Thanks to the seemingly bottomless pits of cash to be found in Dubai, from 2009 the Tour’s leading players will be able to compete in the single richest tournament in the world.

Furthermore a bonus pool that matches the tournament’s $10m prize fund means the top 15 earners in the year will hit a jackpot that, even by golf’s gargantuan standards, is well worth winning.

The Order of Merit will become “The Race to Dubai”. Two million dollars will go to the winner of the Race; $1.5m goes to the player finishing second and $1m to the guy finishing third. The money then staggers down to 15th place which is worth $250,000.

If the winner of the Race also claims the season ending Dubai World Championship in the way that Justin Rose took the 2007 Volvo Masters and Order of Merit, he will walk away with $3.66m.

Tour chief executive George O’Grady admitted: “We’ve had to re-focus the European Tour.” And this is the way he wants to compete with America. The PGA Tour, with its $10m four-tournament season-ending FedEx Cup series, has been proving more and more attractive to Europe’s top players.

But the Dubai funded figures dwarf the FedEx Cup cash, which is also paid as an annuity rather than as a single winner’s cheque.

They also breathe new life into the Order of Merit. No more need to go and “fill the wheelbarrow” with appearance money from places like Singapore as Ernie Els, Lee Westwood, Angel Cabrera and Darren Clarke did in preference to playing the Volvo Masters.

Another welcome development is that from 2010 the European season will run from January to November, with a specific off-season. The current nonsense where the next year’s campaign begins the week after the previous one finishes is ridiculous.

As a result of jumping into bed with Dubai, the Tour will almost certainly be waving farewell to one of its more enduring venues.

Next year's Volvo Masters will be the last time this tournament closes a season and while the Tour is keen to hang on to Volvo as sponsors, there are indicators to suggest Valderrama will not want to stage what will be relegated to a regular tour stop, rather than the season finale.

Tradition tends to bite the dust when wallets are opened as widely as they have been with the Dubai deal.

Does it mean Europe’s biggest stars will be more likely to base themselves on their home tour? To a degree, but not massively, and Rose showed why by winning the Order of Merit competing in just 12 tournaments.

Will it attract more top Americans, like Tiger Woods? No. He has shown no interest in taking up European Tour membership and that would be a pre-requisite to make him eligible to compete for these new prizes.

Other Americans may be tempted, but would have to overcome their phobia to crossing their own borders.

For now the Tour can celebrate bolstering their position significantly. The deal with Dubai stretches far further than just the season-ending tournament and Race.

They will open an International Tour Headquarters – but won’t be moving from current Tour HQ at Wentworth – and several course design projects are on the table.

And for the moment, the Tour can boast that it will have the world’s richest tournament. Though, given the way organisations love to throw money at golfers, you have to wonder whether they’ll be able to say the same by the time it is staged.

Baddeley wins Australian Masters

2007-11-25T17:57:00.000-08:00

FINAL ROUND LEADERBOARD
-13 A Baddeley (Aus), D Chopra (Swe)*Baddeley wins on fourth play-off hole
-11 S Appleby (Aus)
-10 P O'Malley (Aus)
-9 D Horsey (Eng), P Lonard (Aus), R Pampling (Aus) Selected other:
-6 R McIlroy (NI)

Home favourite Aaron Baddeley claimed his first Australian Masters title after defeating Sweden's Daniel Chopra in a sudden death play-off.

Baddeley sealed the win in Melbourne after recovering from heavy rough for par on the fourth extra hole while Chopra missed a 5ft par putt.

England's Dave Horsey finished on nine under after a final-round 65, four strokes behind Chopra and Baddeley.

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy carded a 73 to end up on six under.

Give your reaction to Baddeley's win

Baddeley and Chopra both finished regulation play on 13-under, with the Aussie world number 18, shooting a closing two-under 70. Overnight leader Chopra finished with a one-under 71.

"In the play-off I felt like I was swinging the club really well," said Baddeley.

"I just kept hitting the same shots and felt that I'd wear him down," Baddeley. "I had the chance to win at every play-off hole, and it was Dan who was saving it to keep it going.

"It really feels great to win at home. It's fantastic."
Compatriot Stuart Appleby, who had led until his final hole, double-bogeyed the 18th for a three-under 69 and dropped to third on 11-under 277.

The Australian Masters is co-sanctioned by the Australasian and European Tours.

Scotland claim World Cup thriller

2007-11-25T17:53:00.000-08:00

FINAL ROUND LEADERBOARD
-25 Montgomerie/Warren (Sco) *, Slocum/Weekley (USA)* Scotland win on third play-off hole
-24 Jacquelin/Havret (Fr)
-23 Poulter/Rose (Eng)
-21 Goosen/Immelman (SA) Selected others:
-8 Dodd/Dredge (Wal)
-7 Hoey/Maybin (Irl)

Scotland's Colin Montgomerie and Marc Warren won the World Cup with a play-off victory over the United States at Mission Hills in China.

The Scottish pairing sealed victory when Boo Weekley missed a 15-foot par putt on the third extra hole.

The win made up for the heartbreak of last year when the Scottish pair lost a World Cup play-off against Germany.

"It was fantastic, after missing out last year to come here and win is superb," said Montgomerie.

Interview: Colin Montgomerie and Marc Warren

Scotland were favourites to claim victory in regulation after a final round 66 left them on 25-under-par but the American pairing of Heath Slocum and Weekley, who had led after the opening three days, carded a crucial birdie at the last to force the play off.

We look forward to coming back and trying to defend the trophy
Colin Montgomerie

On the first extra hole, Montgomerie found sand from his tee shot with Warren also firing into a bunker with the second.

Montgomerie chipped to within 10 feet and after Slocum missed a birdie putt that would have sealed victory, Warren held his nerve to keep the tie alive.

Both teams parred the second play-off hole before Weekley failed to sink a tricky putt on the third to hand Scotland a memorable victory.

"There was pressure to come back after a play-off loss," said Montgomerie. "This is superb. We look forward to coming back and trying to defend the trophy.

"We are really proud. Marc was fantastic. He holed some great putts under pressure especially the one in the first hole of the play-off. We were favourites from then on."

Warren, winner of the Johnnie Walker Championship earlier in the year, said Montgomerie was immense in the alternate foursomes format.

"In this format he is the ideal partner," he said. "If you hit a bad shot you can rely on him to hole a putt or hit a good tee shot.

Every time we made a mistake we bounced back brilliantly but the mistakes proved costly
England's Justin Rose

"To have the opportunity to play with a golfer who has been there, seen it and done it all is an honour for me. He is a person I can learn from, I have learnt again this week and I am sure next time I play with him I will learn again.

"He is a great player and a great person to boot, someone I thoroughly enjoy being around - a person who likes to win and really that is what this game is all about."

The American duo of Weekley, ranked 43rd, and Slocum, ranked 70th, only got their chance after their higher-ranked compatriots turned down the opportunity to play and they said they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

It was a great week," said Weekley. "It is an honour to be able to come over here and represent your country and play.

"We were not even supposed to be here and that is even more of a bonus. We feel disappointed with how we finished but it was a great week."

The French pairing of Raphael Jacquelin and Gregory Havret claimed third place on 24-under-par thanks to a faultless final-round 67 which contained five birdies.

England's Justin Rose and Ian Poulter, who had started the day two shots behind the United States, never really threatened to capture a third World Cup success.

Rose did putt for an eagle on the ninth 9th but two bogeys on the front nine proved damaging as they carded a 67.

"I think we did well to score what we did considering we made some mistakes out there," said Rose.

"Every time we made a mistake we bounced back brilliantly with a birdie or an eagle but the mistakes proved costly."

The Welsh pairing of Stephen Dodd and Bradley Dredge finished tied for 22nd on eight under with Ireland's Gareth Maybin and Michael Hoey finishing one shot further adrift.

Sjoland late show seals Tour card

2007-11-22T17:53:00.000-08:00

Patrik Sjoland secured his European Tour card thanks to a wonder-shot in the final round of Qualifying School.
The Swede was one stroke outside the top-30 qualifiers when he reached the par-five seventh, his penultimate hole.

He watched in delight as his seven iron from 137 yards sailed into the cup for an eagle three at San Roque in Spain.

Martin Wiegele, Phillip Golding, Lee Slattery, Marcel Siem and Pedro Linhart were among the players who also sealed their 2007-08 European Tour berths.

Austria's Wiegele took the first prize of £15,000 after a closing 76 gave him an 11-under-par total, and a two-stroke win over Spaniard Linhart and Slattery of Britain.

But the shot of the day belonged to Sjoland, 36, winner of the 1998 Italian Open and 2000 Irish Open.

"I was surprised it went in but it gave me a shot to play with coming home," he said Sjoland after carding a 68. "To do this today is a big relief."

Sjoland bogeyed the eighth before a par at the last made sure he retained his playing privileges for another year.

Just as satisfied was Wiegele who lost his tour card two years ago.

"It is a beautiful feeling," said the 29-year-old. "I won for the first time on the Challenge Tour in Norway this year but it feels even better to win Tour School and regain my card.

Slattery's joint second place was all the sweeter after he missed out on his card by just £55 on the 2006-07 Order of Merit.

"It is such a relief," he said. "I feel I belong on the tour and it is good to bounce straight back."

Derby's Stuart Davis provided the most heart-breaking tale of the last round.

Sitting well inside the qualifying mark on a five-under total after 15 holes, he endured a calamitous bogey, bogey, triple-bogey finish to tumble out of the top 30.

US duo take early World Cup lead

2007-11-22T17:52:00.000-08:00

FIRST ROUND LEADERBOARD
-11 Slocum/Weekley (USA)
-10 Cejka/Kaymer (Ger)
-9 Goosen/Immelman (Rsa), Jaidee/Marksaeng (Tha), Dodd/Dredge (Wal), Montgomerie/Warren (Sco), Ilonen/Purhonen (Fin), Poulter/Rose (Eng)
Selected others:
-6 Hoey/Maybin (Irl)
-5 Jimenez/Lara (Spa)
Boo Weekley and Heath Slocum of the USA produced a strong performance on Thanksgiving Day to top the leaderboard after the first round of the World Cup.

Weekley and Slocum took a one-stroke lead with an 11-under 61 in fourballs at Mission Hills in Shenzhen, China.

Defending champions Germany were in second place on 10 under, after Alex Cejka and Martin Kaymer carded 62.

England, Scotland and Wales joined three other teams a shot further back tied for third.

We didn't make any mistakes and didn't make any bogeys - which is obviously what kills you

Justin Rose

Weekley got the United States off to a good start with a birdie on the first, before Slocum putted for an eagle on the par-five third.

They reached the turn at five under before Weekley carded a birdie on the 11th, made an eagle on the par-four 12th and sank two successive birdies from the 16th.

England duo Justin Rose and Ian Poulter made a solid start, Poulter carding two eagles as the two-time winners finished at nine under.

"I think we played steadily," said Rose. "We didn't make too many birdies or too many putts, but we made key putts.

"We didn't make any mistakes and didn't make any bogeys - which is obviously what kills you out there."

If I was home right now, I'd be deer hunting

Boo Weekley

Weekley and Slocum were offered the chance to aim for a 25th US World Cup win in thew absence of more illustrious players like Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.

Weekley's visit to China is only the third time he has left his home country and he admitted to not knowing much about the country apart from "rice" and the Great Wall.

"It's a culture shock for me to come out and see different things because I'm a home boy," he said.

"I like to stay right around the house in the States... If I was home right now, I'd be deer hunting."

606: DEBATE
Can Weekley and Slocum hang on? Have your say

Scotland's Colin Montgomerie and Marc Warren combined for five birdies on the front nine before a combined total of four coming home cemented their place among the clubhouse leaders.

Bradley Dredge and Stephen Dodd also made the ideal start as they look to secure a second World Cup victory in two years - carding an eagle and eight birdies while dropping one shot.

South Africa's Retief Goosen and Trevor Immelman, who have both been successful success in previous versions of the tournament were also in the clubhouse at nine under.

Joining them were the Finnish duo of club professional Pasi Purhonen and Mikko Ilonen, who went nine under to take an early lead.

Ireland's Michael Hoey and Gareth Maybin were three shots behind, after carding a six-under 66.

The World Cup sees teams of two people from each country compete over four rounds of golf.

Creamer stretches Champions lead

2007-11-11T18:08:00.000-08:00

R3 LEADERBOARD:US unless stated

-16 P Creamer

-10 P Hurst

-9 J-J Hong (Kor)

-8 A Sorenstam (Swe), B Kim (Kor), S Pettersen (Swe)Selected others:

-3 K Stupples (GB)

+3 C Matthew (GB)

Paula Creamer chipped in for her third birdie at the 18th hole in as many rounds to extend her advantage in the LPGA Tournament of Champions.

The American's four-under par 68 on Saturday left her six shots ahead of compatriot Pat Hurst in Alabama.

Creamer, 21, birdied the fifth, 12th, 15th and last but was not totally happy with her round

"I didn't hit the ball as well as I did the other days. I was pulling some shots here and there," she said.

"But I'm pretty pleased with the way that I played overall.

"It's difficult when you go out there, and you have such a big lead and everyone is gunning for you. You've got to keep that momentum going."

Creamer missed the green with a wedge from 105 yards but chipped in to deny her rivals even a slight falter at the finish.

The tournament record of 21-under par, set by Mexico's world number one Lorena Ochoa of Mexico last year, is within reach for the leader.

"I know I can make a lot of birdies out here," she added. "I want to go as low as I can on Sunday."

Hurst also hit a 68 to move into second, one stroke ahead of South Korean 24-year-old rookie Jin Joo Hong.

She is two ahead of Korea's Birdie Kim, Norway's Suzann Pettersen and Sweden's Annika Sorenstam.

Ochoa also fired a 68 to share ninth on 211 at the event featuring 35 tournament winners from the past four LPGA seasons.

Mickelson triumphs after play-off

2007-11-11T17:57:00.000-08:00

FINAL LEADERBOARD:

-10* P Mickelson (US), R Fisher (Eng), L Westwood (Eng)

-9 K Stadler (US)

-8 P Harrington (Ire), V Singh (Fij)

-7 S Webster (Eng)Selected others:Even R Goosen (SA)

+1 E Els (SA)

+6 I Poulter (Eng)

+7 S Garcia (Spa)

* Mickelson wins at 2nd extra hole

Phil Mickelson was taken to a second extra hole in a play-off with English duo Ross Fisher and Lee Westwood before winning the HSBC Champions in Shanghai.

The American dropped four shots in as many holes on the back nine to almost blow his chances, but playing partner Fisher took a seven at the last.

Mickelson's six at the same hole was enough to force the play-off with Westwood, all three on 10-under.

And in near darkness a Mickelson chip and putt for birdie won him the title.

"It feels amazing," said Mickelson. "I don't how it happened, the whole day was a whirlwind.

You have to feel for Ross Fisher, who had the biggest shot of his life when in the greenside rough at the 18th
BBC Sport's Oliver Brett

"I had to fight it out because I had a big lead but then hit some horrible shots. It's a funny game, golf, because I thought I was out of it at the last when I hit the water."

Mickelson had begun the day in pole position, two clear of nearest challenger Fisher.

And after 11 holes he remained on his overnight score of 16-under, well in control of affairs.

But he dropped four shots between the 12th and 15th to open the door for Fisher, whose birdie at the 13th also helped swing things in his favour.

Going down the par five 18th, the Englishman suddenly had a one-shot lead over the world number two and both hit good drives.

Fisher was first to play his second shot, and took the bold option of going for the green.

Taking a wood, he pulled the shot a fraction to finish on the greenside rough, while Mickelson found water.

Looking for all the world a winner, Fisher contrived to hit his next shot past the flag and into water, leaving Mickelson a put for a par and the tournament.

He missed that, before Fisher bravely holed an eight-footer for a seven to join his adversary in the play-off.

It was extraordinary that Westwood had reached the play-off after being 12 shots behind the lead at the turn on Sunday.

But he strung together six birdies on the back nine to roar up the leaderboard.

On the first extra hole, where the players took on the 18th once again, all three had birdie putts to win.

Westwood and Mickelson each missed 20-footers while Fisher had a shorter putt, but from the fringe.

All missed, and they played the hole again.

Westwood quickly dropped out of contention, however, and when Fisher missed a 12-foot birdie putt, Mickelson sunk his from four feet to win.

Paul Casey, playing in the same group as Fisher and Mickelson after starting the day on 11-under, fell away with a horrible 78, 12 shots worse than his immaculate third round.

His demise left Friday's leader Kevin Stadler to secure fourth place on nine-under, with Padraig Harrington and Vijay Singh sharing fifth, a further shot behind.

Nicholas to lead Solheim Cup team

2007-11-07T18:54:00.000-08:00

England's Alison Nicholas has been named European Solheim Cup captain in succession to Swede Helen Alfredsson.
The 45-year-old played in the contest six times and has also served as a vice-captain or assistant since then.
An obvious choice for the 2009 contest at Rich Harvest Farms in Illinois, she said: "It's a great honour and I'm delighted. I can't wait.
"We face a big challenge, but I don't believe that anything is impossible. I want to enjoy the whole experience."
Nicholas said she intended to inject the fun factor into the team, to "help them to be the best that they can be."
She continued: "Although the Americans have a young side and are playing well, we've got a good core of experienced players and hopefully in the next two years we'll be able to bring in some youngsters who can give the team a good mix.
"If we prepare well, are mentally strong, believe in ourselves and produce a good team spirit, anything is possible."
Europe have lost the last two Solheim Cups and trail 7-3 in the series.
606: DEBATE
Will Alison Nicholas be an inspired European captain?
But those three wins featured Nicholas as a player twice, and once as Catrin Nilsmark's vice-captain, in 2003.
At just 4ft 10in tall, Nicholas is known as "Big Al". Her proudest moment came in 1997 when she won the US Women's Open, beating Nancy Lopez by one shot.
She was born in Gibraltar, but grew up in Sheffield and has lived in Birmingham since 1988, where she teaches at her own Alison Nicholas Golf Academy.
"I will do a lot of communicating over the next two years to try and get everyone together in order to build the right atmosphere that will allow us to bring the cup back to Europe.
"I think our players are just as good as the Americans and all we need to do is just believe that and go forward," Nicholas added.
Karen Lunn, chairman of the Ladies European Tour and the European Solheim Cup Committee, said Nicholas had all the qualities they were looking for in a captain.
"I am not sure that there is anyone that is as passionate about the Solheim Cup as Ali.
"Alison fully understands the difficulty of the task that lies ahead in going onto US soil to get the Solheim Cup back," she commented.

Rose sets sights on major in 2008

2007-11-07T18:51:00.001-08:00

Justin Rose is targeting a major victory in 2008 after securing his first European PGA Tour Order of Merit title at Valderrama on Sunday.
The Englishman, who is up to seventh in the world rankings won a play-off for the Volvo Masters to finish number one.
"I think that's how you're remembered in the game in 20 or 50 years' time," Rose told BBC Radio 5 Live.
"The first port of call is 'he won two majors or three majors'. To me, it's really important to win a major."
Interview: Justin Rose
Rose, who enjoyed some impressive major results in 2007, called it a "lifelong dream" to claim one of the four tournaments that define a golfer's greatness or otherwise.
If Tiger was to have a slip up I'd love to be the guy who's snapping at his heels
Justin RoseHe finished tied for fifth at this year's Masters, 10th at the US Open, 12th at the Open and 12th at the USPGA Championship.
"I've won the Open about 1,000 times on the putting green as a kid. That's what drives me," he added.
"Until winning yesterday, the thing that I took most confidence and comfort from was fact that I played well in the majors this year and got close to winning the Masters.
"That's where I've gained a lot of confidence from this year."
While a major victory is a serious target for Rose, he does not expect to be challenging Tiger Woods for the world number one ranking any time soon.
606: DEBATE
I hope this is the beginning of the peak of his career that I expect to last at least 10 years
super7577
"For me to be world number one I'd probably have to win my next 20 tournaments, he's such a long way ahead," Rose told BBC Radio 4.
"I think number two in the world is certainly a do-able thing but Tiger's really separated himself in terms of the world ranking - he's a long, long way ahead.
"In the short term I don't think that's realistic but certainly if he was to have a slip up I'd love to be the guy who's snapping at his heels."
Rose pipped Ernie Els to the Order of Merit title after the South African opted to play in the Singapore Open instead and has also virtually assured himself a place in Europe's side for the 2008 Ryder Cup.
And Nick Faldo, who will be his skipper at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, is happy to have Rose as part of his team.
"He's playing under pressure every week in America and has really come a long, long way this year," said Faldo.
"It won't be long before he gets into the winner's circle in America and then he's going to be a regular contender and a regular winner, I'm sure."
Rose's coach Nick Bradley described the 2007 season as "groundbreaking" and said he could win a major as early as next year.
"What we've done is create a new, better Justin Rose, a Justin Rose that now feels he is equipped to go forward with his career in a very confident manner," he told BBC Sport.
"He's got to be looked at as a major contender by virtue of his performances in the majors this year and the fact that he is European number one.
"Once you jockey in position and you start to build up the profile of major championship winner, then you'd have to say that."

Els determined to make fast start

2007-11-07T18:49:00.000-08:00

World number four Ernie Els is hopeful of a strong start when the 2008 European Tour begins with the HSBC Champions event on Thursday.
Els failed to make the cut at the Singapore Open and is looking for an improvement in Shanghai.
"After last week I want to play a lot better, so I'm motivated," he said.
Tiger Woods misses the event for the first time, but Phil Mickelson, Padraig Harrington, Retief Goosen and Vijay Singh are all in an elite 89-man field.
Colin Montgomerie became embroiled in a war of words with 38-year-old Els after suggesting the South African was wrong to play on the Asian Tour instead of playing at last week's Tour final in Valderrama, where he had the chance to secure the Order of Merit.
"I am still very disappointed that we had to events like that head-to-head against each other," Els insisted. "I was caught between a rock and a hard place but I had to honour my commitment."

To compound matters, Els suffered food poisoning in Singapore and struggled to rounds of 72 and 76 and the ignominy of the halfway axe.
"That's the game of golf. I had a weird week with everything that happened in Europe and eating the wrong food meant I had a tough week," he lamented.
"But I am experienced enough. I have had difficult weeks before and I just have to forget about it and go on. I am looking to just concentrate on the golf this week and hopefully do a bit better."
Open champion Harrington was also in contention for the Order of Merit going into the final event, but finished in a share of fourth at Valderrama to end in third place in the money list behind Justin Rose, who is not playing this week, and Els.
There's a keen sense to get off to a good start and get going in the race
Ireland's Padraig Harrington
"I came up short at the very end, but I went into it under the spotlight aiming to perform and get myself in position and, but for a couple of putts, I would have been there or thereabouts," the Irishman commented.
"After coming very close on the Order of Merit, and this week being the first event of the 2008 Order of Merit, there's a keen sense to get off to a good start and get going in the race.
"I'm a little jet-lagged, but I am well motivated for this week. Losing out last week has got me very keen to start well this year. "I feel better than I did towards the end of last summer; I wasn't 100% strong through September, but I feel ready to go now.
"I've played the course the last couple of years and I'm very familiar with it. There's a bit more rough this year, but I think one round in the Pro-Am is enough in the context that I know it from previous years."

Golf rule changes are announced

2007-10-31T19:21:00.000-07:00

A number of significant changes to regulations have been announced by golf's rule makers, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club.

Under the new Rules of Golf coming into force next year, the two-shot penalty for "accidental deflection of the ball by the player" has been reduced to one.

Revised rule 12.2 will allow a player to lift a ball in a bunker or water hazard for identification purposes.

The United States Golf Association has also agreed to the changes.

R&A rules secretary David Rickman said the 28 amendments to 34 rules in the 2008 rulebook were being made in an attempt to improve clarity and make penalties more proportionate to the offences.

In matchplay, the reduced penalty for the accidental deflection of the ball by a player, his partner, their caddies or equipment is reduced from the loss of one hole to one shot.

That law most famously caught out Jeff Maggert in the final round of the 2003 Masters when he was penalised two strokes after his bunker shot at the third caught the lip and rebounded back into his chest.

The American ended up with a triple-bogey seven to ruin his victory chances.

Give your reaction to the rule changes

Another change reduces the punishment for carrying, but not using, a non-conforming club from disqualification to a two-stroke penalty per hole with a maximum penalty of four strokes per round.

The R&A is planning to produce four million copies of the new Rules of Golf book in English, which are then distributed to clubs free of charge.

Affiliated golf unions across the globe reproduce them in more than 25 other languages.

"We always aim to make the rules readily accessible to golfers worldwide," said Rickman.

"The simpler, clearer language of the 2008 edition is designed to make them easier for players to use."

Also part of the new rules is a move to speed up play by allowing players to tap in putts while standing on or astride the line.

Action on the distances ball are flying these days has still not been deemed necessary at this stage, with data from the professional game showing that there has been a levelling off in the past few years.

Monty hits out at stars' absence

2007-10-31T19:11:00.005-07:00

Colin Montgomerie has criticised Ernie Els and Lee Westwood for missing the European Tour season-ending Volvo Masters at Valderrama.

Els, who leads the Order of Merit, and Westwood have instead opted to play in the Asian Tour in Singapore.

"The Order of Merit meant a lot to me and it obviously does not to others," said Montgomerie, who topped the standings a record eight times.

"This should have been their priority. I would never, ever miss this."

Interview: Colin Montgomerie

He added: "This is our flagship tournament - our Tour Championship if you like - and it's a shame that all the players who qualified aren't here."

The Valderrama event will settle a five-man battle for the Order of Merit with Padraig Harrington, Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson and Niclas Fasth all hoping to overtake Els.

Els and Westwood both criticised the European Tour because of a schedule clash.

European Tour chief executive George O'Grady will air his views at a press conference on Thursday, agreeing to bring forward his usual Sunday session with the media because of the situation.

Els said: "I'd love to play the Masters but if they (European Tour) screw up the dates so be it."

Who will win the Order of Merit?

Westwood added: "The mismanagement on behalf of the tour is disappointing."

The dates for the 2007 Singapore Open were announced in May 2006, several months before the European Tour announced its schedule.

And world number four Els said: "I signed a commitment (to play the Singapore Open) for three years.

"I played my first one last year, this is my middle year and I've got a commitment next year, so don't blame me.

"The European Tour knew that I'd got a three-year contract and I don't make the decision on when the tournament falls so it's one of those things.

"You can't please everybody and especially when two big events like these are being played on the same week. It just doesn't make any sense."

Westwood, although upset to be missing out on the Volvo Masters, said he had never considered pulling out of the Singapore event.

"Once I sign a contract, I plan to stick to my word," the world number 31 said.

"I'd like to have played in both tournaments and hopefully it will be corrected in years to come so I can play in the last couple of events of the European season."

With five players chasing the Harry Vardon trophy for winning the Order of Merit, Valderrama promises to provide an exciting conclusion to the season.

It is a huge bonus that the Order of Merit is even an option at this point and I'd love to make the most of it
Justin Rose

If Open champion Harrington finishes in the top three in Valderrama, he retains the Order of Merit title, while Rose knows he must finish higher than the Irishman to take his first Order of Merit.

A Stenson victory in Spain would win him the Order of Merit title if neither Harrington or Rose is runner-up, while Stenson's fellow Swede Fasth must win and hope that Harrington or Rose do not finish in the top three.

Rose is giving the tournament his fullest attention.

"I'm giving this the same preparation as I did for the majors this year," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I'm in an exciting situation although it's not one I necessarily expected to be in at the start of the year.

"Winning the Order of Merit wasn't one of my goals as I was only playing in 11 (European Tour) events, but it's proved if you play well in the right ones, you can do it.

"It is a huge bonus that the Order of Merit is even an option at this point and I'd love to make the most of it."

Tour dates clash angers Westwood

2007-10-30T19:58:00.000-07:00

Lee Westwood has accused the European Tour of "mismanagement" after missing what promises to be a thrilling finale to the season at Valderrama in Spain.

This week's Volvo Masters will settle the Order of Merit with Ernie Els, Justin Rose, Padraig Harrington, Niclas Fasth and Henrik Stenson in contention.

But Westwood, who is ranked 10th, has committed himself to playing in the Singapore Open on the Asian Tour.

He said: "The mismanagement on behalf of the European Tour is disappointing."

The dates for the 2007 Singapore Open were announced in May 2006, several months before the European Tour announced its schedule.

Who will win the Order of Merit?

And Westwood, although upset to be missing out on the Volvo Masters, said he had never considered pulling out of the Singapore event.

"Once I sign a contract, I plan to stick to my word," the world number 31 said.

"I'd like to have played in both tournaments and hopefully it will be corrected in years to come so I can play in the last couple of events of the European season."

With five players chasing the Harry Vardon trophy for winning the Order of Merit, Valderrama promises to provide an exciting conclusion to the season.

South Africa's Els leads the way, but he cannot affect the outcome as he too is playing in Singapore after refusing to break his contract to play there.

It is a huge bonus that the Order of Merit is even an option at this point and I'd love to make the most of it
Justin Rose

But his decision has opened the door for Harrington, Rose, Fasth and Stenson.

If Open champion Harrington finishes in the top three, he retains the title, while Rose knows he must finish higher than the Irishman inside the top 50 to take his first Order of Merit.

Sweden's Stenson knows that victory in Spain wins him the title if Harrington or Rose are not runners-up, while compatriot Fasth must win and hope that Harrington or Rose do not finish in the top three.

Rose is giving the tournament his fullest attention.

"I'm giving this the same preparation as I did for the majors this year," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I'm in an exciting situation although it's not one I necessarily expected to be in at the start of the year.

"Winning the Order of Merit wasn't one of my goals as I was only playing in 11 (European Tour) events, but it's proved if you play well in the right ones, you can do it.

"It is a huge bonus that the Order of Merit is even an option at this point and I'd love to make the most of it."

Davies second after late charge

2007-10-28T19:47:00.001-07:00

Britain's Laura Davies finished second at the LPGA Thailand tournament in Pattaya following a late charge.

She fired a superb seven-under-par 65 to whittle away Suzann Pettersen's seven-stroke lead but the Norwegian made an eagle at the last to triumph.

Davies' round included six birdies and an eagle at the first and she was tied with Pettersen, who made four bogeys in her round of 71, on the final fairway.

The Briton birdied the 18th to end with a final total of 267 and 20 under par.

"She made a great shot on the last and that was it," said the 44-year-old Davies about the last-hole drama.

"It was all about that one shot. She hit the shot and I slightly pushed my six-iron. I had a really good putt, I thought I had made it, but I didn't make it."

American Paula Creamer came third at the Siam Country Club after a six-under-par 66 in the fourth round, which took her total to 270.

Rachel Hetherington of Australia crept up the leaderboard on the last day by matching Davies' 65 to claim fourth, while former world number one Annika Sorenstam was sixth on 275.

Bourdy registers maiden tour win

2007-10-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

FINAL LEADERBOARD:(GB & Ire unless stated)

-12 G Bourdy (Fr)

-10 Sm Little

-9 R-J Derksen (Ned)

-7 A Forsyth

-6 J Edfors (Swe); Pt LawrieSelected others

-4 T Bjorn (Den)

-3 S Garcia (Sp)

Frenchman Gregory Bourdy held off the challenge of England's Sam Little to win the Mallorca Classic with a three-under-par final round 67 at Pula.

The 25-year-old produced a bogey-free round to finish two strokes clear with a 12-under total of 268.

Little's hopes of victory faded when he three-putted for a bogey at 15, but four birdies also earned him a 67 and secured his tour card for 2008.

Dutchman Robert-Jan Derksen (70) took third place on nine-under.

And Derksen, who had shared the lead with Bourdy after three rounds, was followed home on seven-under by Scotland's Alastair Forsyth, who sank six birdies in an excellent 66.

There was disappointment for Spanish fans, however, as Sergio Garcia struggled to a 73 and finished in a tie for 16th place on three-under.

A total of 24 players were within six shots of the lead at the start of the final round, but it was Bourdy, from Bordeaux, who established a clear advantage with three birdies in six holes around the turn.

His only anxious moment thereafter came at the 16th where he pulled his tee-shot into the rough and only just cleared the water in front of the green with his approach.

Bourdy duly collected his par and later struck a magnificent tee-shot at the 203-yard last, but could not quite round things off in style as his putt for a birdie two lipped out.

He knocked in a two-footer for par, however, and was drenched in champagne by compatriots Thomas Levet and Christian Cevaer before collecting his trophy and a £238,000 cheque.

"This is fantastic to get my first win. I started off nervously and got lucky on the first three holes to make par but after that my game was much better.

"I thought my second shot on the 16th was in the water, I was a bit lucky there, but I'm delighted to win and qualify for the Volvo Masters. I knew I needed to finish in the top three and I made it," Bourdy said afterwards.

The outcome was just as sweet for Little, who began the tournament 136th on the Order of Merit but moved up 60 places with his best-ever result, bettering his fifth place at the Madeira Island Open four years ago.
"It was my great escape, but playing like I have this week, showed me I was good enough not to have to struggle like I have," the 32-year-old Londoner said.

Fellow Briton Richard Finch, another player under threat at the start of the week, also did enough with a 72 for joint seventh place which lifted him from 124th to 110th on the list, with only the top 117 keeping cards for next year.

Storm in contention in Mallorca

2007-10-26T18:47:00.001-07:00

FIRST-ROUND LEADERBOARD:(GB & Ire unless stated)

-4 G Murphy, A McLardy (SA), R Finch (6)

-3 J Backstrom (Swe), J Hepworth, G Storm, L Calverie (Spa) (9), E Canonica (Ita) (8), N Fasth (Swe) (7), S Little (3)Selected others

-2 S Garcia (Spa), A Forsyth

+2 MA Jimenez (Spa) (7)

England's Graeme Storm shot a 67 to lie a shot off the lead in a rain-curtailed first round of the Mallorca Classic.

The clubhouse lead, at four under, was shared by South Africa's Andrew McLardy and Ireland's Gary Murphy, before thunder forced an early abandonment.

It means 60 players will have to resume their first round on Friday morning.

Pre-tournament favourite Sergio Garcia is not one of them, though, after he fired three bogeys and five birdies to finish his round on two-under-par 68.

It was the Spaniard's first event in five weeks, and the world number 10 admitted: "I felt rusty on the front nine and struggled with a couple of tee shots, getting too narrow with my back swing.

"I started to hit some good shots on the back nine, though, and it's the kind of course I like.

I've played far too many events this year and I'm running on empty.
Graeme Storm

"Nobody shoots 18 under to win and the winning total always stays between five or 10 under (Niclas Fasth won on five under last year)."

Storm currently lies 16th on the Order of Merit and needs to move into the top 15 to book his place in the US Open next year, while remaining inside the top 20 will guarantee entry into the Open at Royal Birkdale.

But he said: "I've played far too many events this year and I'm running on empty. I've already looked at the schedule for next year and think I'll play 25 or 27 maximum, to play any more would be stupid.

Meanwhile, Hull's Richard Finch started brilliantly to be four under after the first six holes of his round before being forced off the course.

Elsewhere, former Ryder Cup player Andrew Coltart lay a shot behind Garcia on 69 as he bids to improve his Order of Merit ranking from 169th and secure full playing privileges for 2008.

Only the top 118 on the Order of Merit on Sunday evening will hold onto their cards next season.

Pair lead in storm-hit Mallorca

2007-10-26T18:37:00.000-07:00

SECOND ROUND LEADERBOARD:(GB & Ire unless stated)

-9 R-J Derksen (Ned), J-F Lucquin (Fra)

-6 Pe Lawrie (Ire), M Vibe-Hastrup (Nor)Selected others

-5 S Little, A Forsyth (after 7)

-4 G Storm (9)

-3 S Garcia (Spa, 9)

Dutchman Robert-Jan Derksen and Jean-Francois Lucquin of France emerged at the top of the leaderboard on the second day at the Mallorca Classic.

The pair finished their storm-hit first rounds on Friday before building a three-shot lead at nine under.

Ireland's Peter Lawrie and Dane Mads Vibe-Hastrup were six under, while Spain's Sergio Garcia was three under after 27 holes.

Half the field must return on Saturday to complete their second rounds.
The 33-year-old Derksen, lying 42nd on the money-list, added a 65 to his opening 66 but despite three-putting twice he was happy to have come through a gruelling day.

"We used to play 36 holes as amateurs with no problem but it seems when you get to the pro level it's a lot harder," he said Derksen.

"It would be nice to get close to a top-20 spot (this week) because a lot goes with it including (a place in) the British Open."

While Derksen is assured of a spot in next week's season-ending Volvo Masters at Valderrama, the 88th-placed Lucquin needs to finish in the top two here to qualify in the top 60.

The 28-year-old Frenchman said his rounds of 66 and 65 were down to a new coach.

"One and a half months ago I changed my coach to Richard Gillot, who used to play with me on the Challenge Tour and is my son's godfather," he said.

"He knows my game and last week in Portugal everything started to take shape. I finished with a 64 there and felt I could carry it on to this week."

Iain Carter's column

2007-10-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

Nick Faldo’s style of captaincy threatens to shatter the mould set by previous European Ryder Cup skippers.Faldo is speaking his mind ahead of next September’s clash with the US at Valhalla in Kentucky.
Previous incumbents have tended to wait until after matches before telling us their innermost thoughts on the team they’ve led.
But the former world number one has already let it be known that he wasn’t overly impressed with one of his potential team members, Colin Montgomerie, when he took charge of the Great Britain and Ireland team in the Seve Trophy.
“He was the only one whose emotions I had to deal with,” Faldo told the Times.
“He only came to two of the five team meetings, so that was disappointing.
“Then he had to be teased out on to the 18th green to support his team. The bottom line was that he hadn’t won a point.
”It is very unusual for a European Ryder Cup captain to make public such feelings about a player who may well be in his side, let alone one who has become a legend in the biennial transatlantic matches.
We are still eleven months from the next contest so we are far enough away for these comments not to have too damaging an effect.
Furthermore there is a world of difference between the Seve Trophy and the Ryder Cup and no one has ever doubted Montgomerie’s commitment to the European cause when the US provide the opposition.
But Faldo has to be careful. Unity and team spirit have become the 13th man for Europe through their recent years of dominance.Equally Montgomerie should want to stay in Faldo’s good books because on current form he may need a captain’s pick to be able to play in a ninth Ryder Cup.
This controversy follows hot on the heels of Paul McGinley’s resignation as Faldo’s vice captain.
This was also contentious because the Irishman was overlooked by the captain for a Seve Trophy selection.Faldo is renowned for speaking his mind.
If he continues to do so, the build up to next year’s match could prove the most intriguing we have ever seen.
Great for us reporters, but at what cost to the team?

Vancsik retains lead in Portugal

2007-10-21T18:14:00.001-07:00

THIRD ROUND LEADERBOARD:(GB & Ire unless stated)

-18 D Vancsik (Arg)

-17 St Webster, C Schwartzel (SA)

-16 R Fisher, R Karlsson (Swe) Selected others

-15 L Westwood

-11 J Rose

-10 R Goosen (SA)

-9 S Hansen (Den), N Dougherty, B Dredge

-4 R McIlroy

-1 M-A Jimenez (Sp)

Daniel Vancsik ended the third round of a European Tour event in the lead for the second week running after a third round 68 at the Portugal Masters.

The Argentine is 18 under par - one shot ahead of England's Steve Webster and South Africa's Charl Schwartzel.

Vancsik had a mixed round with an outward half of 36 but four birdies in the back nine.

Justin Rose improved his chances of winning the Order of Merit as a 66 put him joint 18th on 11 under.

He needs to finish in the top two on Sunday to go top of the list with just one event remaining this season.

Rose has suffered blisters on his feet and back trouble this week and said: "It's been a funny week, and I feel like I'm falling apart. But I'm just getting on with business - and I think 66 is the worst I could have shot.

I'd like the fairways to have been a lot tighter and the rough a lot thicker
Lee Westwood

"I felt like it could have been 10 better, but it's a step in the right direction. My back was okay until the 14th, and then it started really hurting me.

"But I'm trying not to think about it and I'm looking forward to the end of the year more than anything else."

Schwartzel, like Vancsik hunting his second win of the year, eagled the 17th for a 66 while Webster shot a 67.

Lee Westwood also carded a 67 and is in a group of three players three shots off the lead, but after his round said he was not happy with the course.

"I'd like the fairways to have been a lot tighter and the rough a lot thicker," he said.

"It's possible round here. The more times we play this venue, it held the World Cup two years ago, the more the Tour will learn how to set it up so it's demanding."

Northern Ireland teenager Rory McIlroy suffered a triple-bogey 73 on the last to end the day three under par and joint 68th in the remaining field of 73 players.

Webster snatches Portugal Masters

2007-10-21T18:00:00.001-07:00

FINAL LEADERBOARD:(GB & Ire unless stated)

-25 St Webster

-23 R Karlsson (Swe)

-20 D Vancsik (Arg)

-19 L Westwood; S Hansen (Den) Selected others

-17 S Walker, R Fisher

-15 B Dredge

England's Steve Webster won the Portugal Masters with the European Tour's best winning final round of the season, a 64 in Vilamoura.

One behind Daniel Vancsik overnight, Webster went to the turn in four under, then sank an eagle putt on the 12th.

Swede Robert Karlsson was two shots behind, Vancsik finished third and Lee Westwood joint fourth.

Webster's only previous European Tour victory in over a decade as a pro was the Italian Open two years ago.

He claimed the first prize of nearly £350,000 with a 25-under-par total that was the lowest of the season then, remembering the death of his mother earlier this year, collapsed in tears.

I was thinking about my mum all the time and it was so hard to keep my mind on the golf

Steve Webster
After being congratulated by his father Terry, Webster said his victory was an emotion-packed affair.

"I lost my mum in the early part of the season and it really knocked me about," he told reporters. "I didn't think I'd even keep my card because it was tough.

"But I had a great result at Loch Lomond (Scottish Open in July) and that seemed to help me turn the corner, I became more positive.

"It was so hard out there, especially coming down the stretch, because I was thinking about my mum all the time and it was so hard to keep my mind on the golf. But I knew she was looking down on me."

Meanwhile, Justin Rose's 21st place was not good enough for him to overtake Irishman Padraig Harrington in second place on Europe's money-list.

With top man Ernie Els not playing in the season-closing Volvo Masters the week after next, that event could see a straight fight between the two for the order of merit.

"I'm looking forward to going to Valderrama now because I prefer it when courses are tougher," Rose said.

"My goal is to win the Volvo Masters and then I'll win the order of merit, so it's a double-whammy.

Best of season puts Kaymer on top

2007-10-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

FINAL ROUND LEADERBOARD:(GB & Ire unless stated)

-11 M Kaymer (Ger)

-8 M Erlandsson (Swe), D Vancsik (Arg)

-7 G Bourdy (Fr), R Goosen (SA), L WestwoodSelected others

-6 N Dougherty, S Walker, S Webster

-4 B Dredge

-3 J Rose, P McGinley

-1 R McIlroy

Martin Kaymer shot 61 - the joint-best round of the season - to take the lead after day one of the Portugal Masters.

The German fired 11 birdies to clip two shots off the course record and stand three shots ahead of Argentine Daniel Vancsik and Sweden's Martin Erlandsson.

Britain's Lee Westwood, Gregory Bourdy of France and South African Retief Goosen shared third on seven under.

Justin Rose, trying to move to the top of Europe's money-list, carded a 69 while Rory McIlroy was on one under.

The 18-year-old from Northern Ireland went into the event still hoping to become the youngest-ever winner on the European Tour.

But that looks unlikely after an astonishing opening round from 22-year-old Kaymer, who is also in his first season on the tour.

He shared the lead going into the final round of the Wales Open in June and was also in front playing the last hole of the Scandinavian Masters in Stockholm in August.

After finishing with five successive birdies for a closing 29 - one outside the tour record, Kaymer said: "I've been waiting for this day for a couple of weeks. My putting has been so-so, but every putt went in this time."

Vancsik, winner of the Madeira Islands Open in March, also had a near-miss at last week's Madrid Open.

He led in Spain for the first three rounds before wrecking his victory chances with a nine at the fifth hole on the last day.

Erlandsson is trying to better his career best of runner-up in the 2005 Wales Open and moved up to second place with four birdies in five holes to the turn.

Rose was happy to be able to play after suffering a recurrence of back trouble last weekend.

Vancsik takes control in Portugal

2007-10-19T19:04:00.001-07:00

SECOND ROUND LEADERBOARD:(GB & Ire unless stated)

-14 D Vancsik (Arg)

-12 M Erlandsson (Swe), R Fisher, A Quiros (Sp), S Webster

-11 M Kaymer (Ger), C Schwartzel (SA)Selected others

-10 L Westwood

-7 R Goosen (SA), S Hansen (Nor)

-5 J Rose, N Dougherty

-4 R McIlroy, M-A Jimenez (Sp), B Dredge

Argentina's Daniel Vancsik added a second round of 66 to his opening 64 to take the lead at the Portugal Masters.

England's Ross Fisher and Steve Webster, Swede Martin Erlandsson and Spaniard Alvaro Quiros share second place, two shots off the pace.

Quiros is playing in only his second event after five months out following wrist surgery.

Overnight leader Martin Kaymer of Germany could only manage a 72 and dropped to a share of sixth.

Kaymer had shot a new course record of 61 in Friday's opening round.

Vancsik won the Madeira Islands Open in March and was leading the Madrid Open on Sunday until he had a nine on the fifth hole of the final round.

The 30-year-old, who has had 16 birdies in his opening two rounds said: "This course is good for my game. The driver is my best club and I can fly all the bunkers."

Lee Westwood birdied the last two holes to climb to 10 under, four behind Vancsik while Justin Rose's hopes of climbing to the top of the European Order of Merit faded with a bogey six at the 17th which dropped him to five under, nine off the pace.

Ulster teenager Rory McIlroy made it four cuts out of four as a professional, but this time with only one shot to spare but Ryder Cup trio David Howell, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley all missed the cut.

Euro Tour to hit India and Korea

2007-10-16T19:03:00.000-07:00

The European Tour will include tournaments in India and Korea for the first time in 2008 following the release of the Tour schedule.

Players will also get a chance to play on the 2010 Ryder Cup course at the Celtic Manor Wales Open.

The ninth staging of the tournament in Newport is one of a minimum of 50 Order of Merit events in the 2008 season.

Most tournaments retain their 2007 week but the Singapore Masters and Maybank Malaysian Open have swapped dates.

The EMAAR-MGF Indian Masters will be played at the Delhi Golf Club from 7-10 February and the Johnnie Walker Classic will be staged at the DLF Golf and Country Club, New Delhi, from 28 February to 2 March.

The European Tour undertakes its first venture into Korea with the playing of the Ballantine's Championship at Pinx Golf Club, Jeju Island, from 13-16 March.

European Tour 2008 schedule (beginning Nov 2007):
2007Nov

8-11 HSBC Champions, Shanghai, China

15-18 UBS Hong Kong Open

22-25 MasterCard Masters, Melbourne, Australia

Nov 29-Dec 2 New Zealand Open, Queenstown

Dec 6-9 Alfred Dunhill Championship, South Africa

13-16 SA Airways Open, South Africa

2008Jan 17-20 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship

24-27 Qatar Masters, Doha

Jan 31-Feb 3 Dubai Desert Classic

7-10 Indian Masters

14-17 Singapore Masters

20-24 WGC Match Play, Tucson, Arizona

21-24 Indonesia Open, TBA

Feb 28-Mar 2 Johnnie Walker Classic, New Delhi
March

6-9 Maybank Malaysian Open, TBA

13-16 Ballantine Championship, Jeju Island

20-23 WGC-CA Championship, Florida

20-23 Madeira Island Open, Portugal

27-30 Open de Andalucia, TBA

April 3-6 Open de Portugal, EstorilApril

10-13 The Masters, Augusta National

17-20 China Open, Beijing

24-27 Asian Open, Shanghai

May 1-4 Open de Espana, SevilleM

8-11 Italian Open, Milan

15-18 Irish Open, Limerick

22-25 BMW Championship, Wentworth, Surrey

May 29-June 1 Celtic Manor Wales Open, Newport

June 5-8 BA-CA Golf Open, Vienna

12-15 US Open, California

12-15 St Omer Open, France

19-22 BMW International Open, Germany

26-29 Open de France, Paris

July 3-6 European Open, TBA

10-13 Scottish Open, Loch Lomond

17-20 137th Open Championship, Royal Birkdale

26-29 Players' Championship of Europe, Hamburg

July 31-Aug 3 WGC Invitational, Ohio

August 7-10 USPGA Championship, Tulsa, Oklahoma

4-17 Scandinavian Masters, Stockholm, Sweden

21-24 KLM Open, Holland

28-31 Johnnie Walker Championship, Gleneagles

Sept 4-7 European Masters, Switzerland

11-14 Mercedes-Benz Championship, Cologne

19-21 Ryder Cup, Valhalla GC

25-28 British Masters, The Belfry

Oct 2-5 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, Scotland

9-12 World Match Play Championship, Wentworth

16-19 Portugal Masters, Vilamoura

23-26 Mallorca Masters, Majorca

Oct 30-Nov 2 Volvo Masters, Valderrama

Nov 27-30 Omega Mission Hills World Cup, China

Teenager McIlroy fourth in Madrid

2007-10-16T18:55:00.005-07:00

Rory McIlroy finished joint-fourth and five shots off winner Mads Vibe-Hastrup after a closing 70 in the Madrid Open.

The 18-year-old from Northern Ireland was hoping to become the youngest winner in European Tour history in only his third event as a professional.

McIlroy started the final round four behind Argentina's Daniel Vancsik.
But he could not match the surge from Dane Vibe-Hastrup as five bogeys undermined an eagle and five birdies and he finished on 11 under par.

English trio Ben Barham, Sam Little and Sam Walker were seventh on eight under.

But it was another eye-catching display from McIlroy which provided one of the main highlights.

I think I've done very well after all that has gone on over the last few weeks

Rory McIlroy
He only turned professional after the Walker Cup last month but finished 42nd on his tour debut in the British Masters and third in the Dunhill Links Championship last Sunday - a performance which all but secured his card for next season.

McIlroy can still become the youngest winner when he moves on to the Portugal Masters.

"I would have taken fourth when I came here. I think I've done very well after all that has gone on over the last few weeks and I hope to follow it on next week," he said.

"I am playing very well at the moment, I am hitting it really well. If I could get a couple more putts to drop it would make the difference."

Vibe-Hastrup, meanwhile, claimed his first European Tour title with a near-flawless final round, carding six birdies and just one bogey in his 67 to claim the £103,000 first prize and two-year tour exemption.

Spain's Alejandro Canizares was three behind while Vancsik, who led for the first three rounds, was a further stroke adrift in third.

Vancsik's challenge was badly hit on the fifth when he tangled with heavy rough to take a quintuple-bogey nine.

And Vibe-Hastrup, two behind him overnight, took a firm hold with three birdies in four holes from the eighth.

Canizares stayed in touch with him until he missed a short putt to bogey the short 17th, shortly after Vibe-Hastrup produced a fine approach to three feet to birdie the 16th and effectively end the contest.

European Open needs new sponsor

2007-10-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

The European Open has lost its sponsor and there now will be doubts whether the event will stay at an Irish venue.

The event has been staged at the K Club in Kildare for every year since 1995.

However, it was announced on Monday that the Smurfit Kappa Group had ended its backing of the tournament with "immediate effect".

The K Club hosted last year's Ryder Cup but only four members of the victorious European team played in this season's European Open at the venue.

What next for the European Open?

Smurfit Kappa chief executive Gary McGann said his company had enjoyed "a very successful relationship with The European Tour over the last 13 years".

"Last year The K Club also hosted what most commentators regard as the most successful ever staging of The Ryder Cup.

"SKG's decision is based on the increasingly international scale of our business and the inability of a brand such as ours to obtain full value from the sponsorship."

Colin Montgomerie won the title in July, but Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley and David Howell were his only 2006 cup team-mates who also returned to the venue.

George O'Grady, chief executive of the European Tour, said that he was "indebted" to the support of the Smurfit Kappa Group over the past 13 years.

"The success of the Championship is a tribute to the vision of Dr Michael Smurfit, who has done so much for the European Open Golf

Championship, for golf in Ireland, and for the Ryder Cup.

"The European Open is a key fixture on the European Tour, offering as it does a much coveted opportunity for business, and negotiations are already advanced re its future."

Next year's tournament will take place on 3-6 July although the venue has yet to be confirmed.

The European Open was first played in 1978 at Walton Heath and has also been hosted by East Sussex National, Royal Liverpool, Sunningdale and Turnberry.

Mexican Ochoa retains world crown

2007-10-15T03:00:00.000-07:00

Defending champion Lorena Ochoa cruised to her seventh LPGA title of the year with a four-shot victory at the women's World Championship in California.

The Mexican world number one shared the lead with Norway's Suzann Pettersen at the start of the final round.

Ochoa broke clear with two birdies in the first three holes and fired a six-under-par 66 to finish on 18 under.

South Korea's Kim Mi-hyun birdied the last two to secure second with a 69 but Pettersen finished fifth on 12 under.

"I have been trying to get my seventh victory of this year but it has been tough the last two weeks," said Ochoa.

"This week has been great and I am very proud and happy with this trophy."

Ochoa hit every green in regulation on the front nine to reach the turn three under par.

She set up further birdies at the 10th and 14th before rolling in a 15-footer from the edge of the green at the 15th to surge four clear.

Although the world number one bogeyed the par-three 16th after missing her only green of the day, she immediately recovered with the seventh birdie of her round at the 17th.

Pettersen stayed in touch with birdies at the seventh and eighth before losing ground around the turn.

American teenager Michelle Wie ended a frustrating week with a six-birdie 71, which lifted her one place off the bottom of the leaderboard in the elite field of 20.

Final leaderboard:
-18 Lorena Ochoa (Mex)

-14 Mi Hyun Kim (Skor)

-13 Angela Park (Brz), Jeong Jang (Skor)

-12 Suzann Pettersen (Nor)

-10 Jee Young Lee (SKor), Paula Creamer (USA)

-9 Stacy Prammanasudh (USA)

-7 Angela Stanford (USA)

-6 Sarah Lee (SKor), Seon Hwa Lee (SKor), Se Ri Pak (Skor)

-5 Morgan Pressel (USA)

-4 Cristie Kerr (USA)

-2 Maria Hjorth (Swe)

+2 Nicole Castrale (USA)

+3 Brittany Lincicome (USA)

+5 Ai Miyazato (Jpn)

+18 Michelle Wie (USA)

+19 Bettina Hauert (Ger)

Els wins seventh Match Play title

2007-10-15T02:41:00.001-07:00

Ernie Els claimed the World Match Play title for the seventh time with a 6&4 drubbing of Argentina's Angel Cabrera in the final at Wentworth.

The South African's victory earned him £1m in prize money and he is now top of the European Order of Merit.

Cabrera bogeyed the 1st hole and was quickly four down, but did birdie the 24th and 27th to cut the gap to two.

Els then two-putted the 30th for another winning birdie and a par on the next put him five up with five to play.

Report: Els wins seventh match play title
Interview: Ernie Els

Padraig Harrington and Justin Rose, now second and third in the Order of Merit, still have tournaments to come whereas Els does not.

"I wish I could move Wentworth around the world with me," said Els, whose previous six Match Play triumphs was already a record.

Your reaction to Els' seventh Match Play triumph

"It's absolutely a dream come true. In my wildest dreams, I would not have dreamt I could win it seven times.

"I didn't strike my drives as well as the previous couple of days, but my putter stayed hot."

Els led by three at the halfway stage, but there was a worrying period in the morning when he had problems with his back.

He recovered and a 12-foot putt saved him his par at the 21st, while Cabrera failed to get up and down after pushing his approach.

The South American knew he had to step up his game - and did with four birdies in the next six holes.

But Els promptly sank a 15-footer at the 28th and worked his magic again on the 30th, before Cabrera's fate was sealed when he bogeyed the following hole.

Cabrera picked up a sizeable runners-up cheque for £400,000.
He said: "2007 has been a great year for me. Winning the US Open has changed my life.

"I congratulate Ernie - he is a great champion - but I hope Argentina beat South Africa in the rugby tonight in Paris and have better luck than I did."

BBC Sport keeps Masters contract

2007-10-12T21:39:00.001-07:00

BBC Sport has retained the broadcasting rights to The Masters and secured a new three-year extension up to and including 2010.

The agreement provides live television, radio and additional online rights.
"The deal marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the BBC and The Masters," said BBC Director of Sport Roger Mosey.

"We are proud of our history together, and this allows us to continue to develop the relationship."

SPORT EDITORS' BLOG
A total of 10.2m people tuned in to the TV coverage in 2007
BBC Director of Sport Roger Mosey

The tournament held at Augusta has been screened by the BBC since 1986.

Mosey added: "The deal guarantees free-to-air coverage of a truly great tournament to the UK public."

Cabrera downs Casey at Wentworth

2007-10-12T21:35:00.000-07:00

Defending champion Paul Casey crashed out of the HSBC World Match Play after a 4&3 loss to Argentine Angel Cabrera.

The 30-year-old Englishman trailed by one after the first 18 holes and US Open champion Cabrera stretched ahead with five birdies in the afternoon.

Six-time winner Ernie Els beat Argentine Andres Romero by 6&5.
Swede Henrik Stenson downed Anders Hansen 7&6 despite the Dane's hole-in-one at the 28th hole, while Hunter Mahan beat Soren Hansen by

Report: Champion Casey crashes out
Replay: Hansen's hole-in-one at Wentworth
Interview: Ernie Els

The 37-year-old Cabrera, who won the PGA Championship at Wentworth in 2005, will take on American Mahan in the semi-final.

"I lipped out too many putts," said Casey. "But he played fine golf and was always going to be tough to beat.

"He didn't give me anything, but that's the way it goes and I really hope he goes on and wins it now."

Els was four up after the first round and reached as much as seven up after the 10th against Romero, who finished third in the Open at Carnoustie.

The South African will play Accenture Match Play champion Stenson in the second semi-final.

"I played well when I needed to," Els said. "But he didn't have his best day. I was fortunate to be four up at lunch and my short game definitely saved me. But all in all, I've got to be happy with the way things have gone."

Stenson added: "It will be a tough weekend, playing Ernie, the six times winner who re-designed the course - he even lives here. Are there any more advantages we can give him?"

Stenson and Romero began the day by finishing off their held-over first-round matches, with Stenson beating American Woody Austin on the 18th and Romero downing Swede Niclas Fasth 3&2.

Els or Stenson could go top of the European Order of Merit this weekend following the exits of leading pair Padraig Harrington and Justin Rose on the opening day.

Rose and Poulter team up for Cup

2007-10-07T20:08:00.001-07:00

Justin Rose and Ian Poulter are to pair up for England in November's World Cup team event in China.
Rose was second with Paul Casey behind South Africa at Kiawah Island in 2004, while Poulter's previous appearance was in 2001 in Japan.
Wales' 2005 winners, Stephen Dodd and Bradley Dredge, are reunited in a bid to regain the trophy.
And Scots Colin Montgomerie and Marc Warren attempt to go one better than 2006 when they lost out to Germany.
After a thrilling play-off last year Monty and Warren were beaten by Bernhard Langer and Marcel Siem at a rain-soaked Sandy Lane course in Barbados.
Ireland secured a place after Michael Hoey and Gareth Maybin finished second in qualifying in Aruba last weekend.
Open champion Padraig Harrington turned down a chance to play in the event while Paul McGinley, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke opted not to play in the qualifiers.
The $5m tournament takes place at the Mission Hills Club, in Shenzhen, from 22-25 November.
South Africa's two-time US Open champion Reteif Goosen will be partnered by Trevor Immelman while Canada's 2003 Masters winner Mike Weir will link up with little-known Wes Heffernan.
Spain will be represented by Mission Hills course designer Jose Maria Olazabal, who has already selected his close friend, Miguel Angel Jimenez.
The host nation will be represented by veteran Zhang Liang-wei, the first Chinese golfer to win on the European Tour, and Liang Wen-chong, the most recent player from China to win in Europe.
Arron Oberholser and Sean O'Hair take up the United States challenge.
The World Cup will be held in China every year until 2018 but has lost its six-year association with the World Golf Championships.
Pairings: World Cup, Shenzhen from 22-25 November.
Argentina: Andres Romero & Ricardo GonzalezAustralia: Nick O'Hern & Nathan Green Austria: Markus Brier & Claude GrenierCanada: Mike Weir & Wes HeffernanChina: Liang Wen-chong & Zhang Lian-weiColombia: Gustavo Mendoza & Jorge BenedettiDenmark: Anders Hansen & Soren HansenEngland: Justin Rose & Ian PoulterFrance: Raphael Jacquelin & Gregory HavretFinland: Mikko Ilonen & Pasi PurhonenGermany: Martin Kaymer & Alex CejkaIndia: Jyoti Randhawa & Gaurev GheiIreland: Michael Hoey & Gareth Maybin Italy: Edoardo Molinari & Francesco Molinari Japan: Hideto Tanihara & Tetsuji HiratsukaKorea: Lee Seung-ho & Lee Sung Netherlands: Robert-Jan Derksen & Maarten Lafeber New Zealand: Richard Lee & Stephen Scahill Paraguay: Carlos Franco & Fabrizio Zanotti Philippines Tony Lascuna & Gerald Rosales Puerto Rico: Wilfredo Morales, Miguel Suarez Scotland: Colin Montgomerie & Marc WarrenSouth Africa: Retief Goosen & Trevor ImmelmanSpain: Jose Maria Olazábal & Miguel Angel JimenezSweden: Robert Karlsson & Peter HansonThailand: Thongchai Jaidee & Prayad Marksaeng USA: Arron Oberholser & Sean O'HairWales: Stephen Dodd & Bradley Dredge

Montgomerie eyes role under Faldo

2007-10-07T20:02:00.000-07:00

Colin Montgomerie says he would consider being vice-captain for the European team in next year's Ryder Cup.

Captain Nick Faldo is looking to replace Paul McGinley, who quit the role last week.

Montgomerie said: "I'd be delighted to help the cause in any way. As a playing vice-captain? Could be."

But the Scot questioned Faldo's approach to the appointment, telling BBC 5live that the decision should be made a month before the event.

Interview: Colin Montgomerie

He explained: "The best vice-captain position we've ever had was when Bernhard Langer selected Thomas Bjorn a month before the 2004 event when Thomas unfortunately failed to qualify for the team.

Send in your thoughts

"I would have a look at who hasn't qualified and any experienced Ryder Cup players I would take with me at that stage - a month before the event.
"The vice-captains, to be honest, are just names at this stage. There's nothing much going on right now. That's what I would do but of course Nick's a different animal."

Montgomerie, who is an eight times winner of the European Order of Merit, has been tipped as the European captain for the 2010 event at Celtic Manor.

The 44-year-old Scotsman is an obvious candidate, having won 23½ points in his eight matches - a record bettered only by Faldo himself.
Faldo captained a Great Britain and Ireland team containing Montgomerie to a 16½-11½ against Continental Europe in the recent Seve Trophy in Ireland.

"He was as I expected Nick to be," said Montgomerie. "He had everything worked out."

Dougherty secures Dunhill victory

2007-10-07T19:57:00.001-07:00

FINAL ROUND LEADERBOARD

:-18 N Dougherty (GB)

-16 J Rose (GB)

-15 R McIlroy (NI)

-14 B Lane (GB), Pa Lawrie (GB)

Selected others:

-13 E Els (SA)

-12 P Harrington (Ire)

-11 P Casey (GB)

Englishman Nick Dougherty captured his second European title, securing the Dunhill Links Championship with a two-stroke victory at St Andrews.

The 25-year-old began the final day with a three-shot lead but soon saw that slip away with opening bogeys.

But he posted three successive birdies to card a 71 and finish on 18 under, two shots ahead of Justin Rose.

Irish teenager Rory McIlroy earned his Tour card in only his second pro event by securing third place after a 68.

Nick Dougherty's links tips

Ernie Els tied for sixth on 13 under with compatriot Trevor Immelman but was left to rue a calamitous triple bogey seven at the 16th.

This is the win I've been after for two years and I'm very proud of myself
Nick Dougherty

The South African putted into a bunker from just off the back of the green and took four more to get down, a three-putt culminating in a miss from two feet.

Els had moved level with Dougherty but the Englishman never lost his lead.

Rose's challenge faded when he bogeyed the legendary 17th, the Road Hole, and Dougherty was also able to take five there without jeopardising his control of the event.

"This is a life-changing win for me but I felt very nervous at the start of the day," admitted Dougherty, who jumps to the top of the European Ryder Cup points table.

"I've been in this position before and it's not gone right but I spoke to my fitness coach, Ron Cuthbert, before going out and he told me to use the nerves as a positive thing.

"He said if I wasn't nervous it would be a bad thing and he told me to enjoy these moments. He was a real help.

"I got off to a pretty bad start but I trusted myself and my ability. I had some big players, like Ernie and Justin, chasing me but I got the job done. This is the win I've been after for two years and I'm very proud of myself."

I knew at the start of the week I needed to do something pretty special to get my Tour card and I am absolutely ecstatic
Rory McIlroy

The impressively assured McIlroy became the youngest player to clinch his card.

"I knew at the start of the week I needed to do something pretty special to get my tour card and I am absolutely ecstatic," the 18-year-old said.

McIlroy showed admirable resilience after driving out of bounds at the 14th and running up a double bogey, finishing with three birdies in the closing four holes.

"When I talked about my chances of making the card this week to Lee Westwood he told me I could win the tournament," he said.

"When someone like Lee tells you that it gives you a lot of confidence. Hopefully this is a huge step for bigger and better things."

Open champion Padraig Harrington finished in a share of eighth at 12 under to retain his lead in the European Tour Order of Merit standings.

Proper Golf Setup - The Stance

2007-09-12T21:50:00.000-07:00

A square setup will encourage a square impact. A square stance means the feet are parallel to the target line. Imagine railroad tracks. Your feet are touching one rail and the ball is on the other rail.

A closed stance will encourage an inside-to-outside swing path, causing a draw. An open stance may encourage an outside-to-inside swing path by giving your arms and shoulders more freedom.

Position the ball a couple of inches inside the left heel for most shots. A consistent position helps develop a repeatable swing. Playing the ball too far forward in your stance tends to open the shoulders encouraging an outside-to-inside swing, often causing a slice.

Purpose

To reduce the problems caused by a poor setup. Many swing faults occur from an improper setup. This can cause unnecessary adjustments during the swing. Taking care to position the ball, feet, hips and shoulders properly ensures building a good swing foundation. Testing has shown golfers with open stances show no more tendency to slice than golfers with closed stances. The open stance may give the golfers a little more opportunity to slice, because it allows a little more freedom in the downswing and follow-though. The square stance is used by most successful golfers. Beginners should start with a square stance. As you advance, you can experiment with the advantages of other stances. Avoid extreme stances. Experiment to find the stance that works best for you. Take care to set up consistently on all normal shots.
To start with a proven ball position. Moving a golf ball even two inches forward or back in your stance can make a great deal of difference in shot consistency. Start with the ball a couple of inches inside the left heel. After you master this consistent ball position, you can experiment with other ball positions. However, a ball too far to the front of your stance will increase the chances of a slice by encouraging an outside-to-inside swing. A ball too far back in the stance will make it difficult to get the clubface closed by impact and may cause a push or a push slice.
To achieve the goal of hitting the ball at the bottom of the swing arc. Your drives should be hit slightly on the upswing, iron shots are struck slightly on the downswing. Fairway woods are hit at the bottom of the swing arc.

Proper Alignment for Your Golf Swing

2007-09-12T21:23:00.000-07:00

Use your clubs as alignment aids when you practice. Lay one club on the ground parallel to the target line. Lay another from toe to toe to indicate the direction of your stance. Now, lay another club perpendicular to the target line . extending from the ball back toward your feet. This will indicate the ball position. Examine your alignment and ball position.

Hold a club across your shoulders and check alignment toward the target. Repeat for the hips and thighs. In a square stance the shoulders, hips and thighs should be aligned parallel to the target!

Purpose

To develop a way to spot check alignment problems. Make sure your shoulders are properly aligned. Your shoulders are the most important element because your swing path will follow the alignment of your shoulders at impact. Subtle compensations can creep into your swing if you are not properly aligned. Without help even the best golfers can have trouble recognizing this. You must constantly check your alignment to be consistent. Poor alignment is a major problem for golfers who slice. Align the clubface squarely then align your body. Check the position of the ball by using alignment clubs also. Most golfers think they play the ball further back than they really do.

To start your practice sessions properly aligned. Don.t assume you are lined up correctly. Remember practice makes permanent, so make sure you are starting off positioned correctly. Learn the square stance first. Later, as the need arises, you can experiment with other stances.

To double check your target line. If you don.t accurately know your target line, you cannot easily tell if you are making swing path errors. Before each shot approach the ball from behind and pick your target line. Then when taking your stance align yourself toward your target. Better players align themselves much more consistently than poor players. Hitting balls without aiming at a target is an invitation for swing problems. Tape, clubs on the ground, or and "practice partners" are all good ways to check alignment. Learn to identify the different between a poor shot and an error in alignment.

Golf Setup - The Proper Swing Path

2007-09-12T21:08:00.000-07:00

Inside to squareswingpath
An inside to square swingpath will generally result in a straight shot. An inside to outside swingpath encoureages a hook. And, an outside to inside swing path produces a slice.

The target line is an imaginary line extending through the ball to the target. Your goal is a swingpath that starts on the inside striking the ball while moving slightly to the outside.

Clubface to the ball Clubface open to ball encourages a slice or fade
Clubface closed to ball encourages a hook

Purpose

To learn the effects of different swingpaths. An outside to inside swingpath will cause a slice (or a shot pulled left if the clubface is closed). An inside to square swingpath is desirable for straight shots and consistency. An inside to outside swingpath will encourage a hook.

To recognize the type of swingpath you currently have. Knowing the type of swingpath you currently have is the key to understanding your shots. You need to recognize the type of shots that each swingpath produces to effectively analyze your swing. Watch the shape of your shots (the way the shots curve). Examine the depth and direction of your divots to further help you understand your swingpath. Identify whether you swing from the inside to outside or the outside to the inside.

To understand how clubface position and swingpath work together. Your swingpath dictates the starting direction of the ball. The clubface position (open, square, or closed to the target line) is the major influence on the flight of the ball. Clubface position can make the ball slice (curve to the right), go straight or hook (curve to the left.) Swingpath and clubface are closely interrelated. Try some slow motion swings to see how the clubface position can be affected by your grip and/or your swingpath.

The Fundamental Golf Pre-Shot Routine

2007-09-03T01:44:00.000-07:00

Planning the shot ahead, approach from behind the ball. Pick an intermediate target. Aiming at something new a few feet away is easier and more accurate than aiming at 200 yards away.

Approach the ball and take a stance about a foot back where you will make your next shot. Take a smooth practice swing. Focus all your attention on your upcoming shot.

Take your final stance and start your backswing with your personal swing key. This is an example of a typical pre-shot routine. Yours may differ. It is important to develop your own routine.

Purpose

To develop your own standard pre-shot routine. Your routine doesn't have to be exactly like the one shown but it should be consistent. It is designed to make sure you have picked your intermediate target, decided on your landing area, visualized the ball's flight, and you are fully concentrating on your shot.

To increase your concentration. Your pre-shot routine should turn on your own concentration. Up until that point you can be a laughing and joking, but when you start your routine you shift into your concentration mode. If someone or something disrupts your routine - Stop - back off and start your routine.

To start your swing smoothly. The pre-shot routine concludes with you activating your swing keys (thoughts) used to begin your swing. For example, if the key your use to start the backswing is "low and slow", this will actually be the final component of your routine. The more you practice this on the range, the more it will become part of your routine.

Do's and Don'ts

Practice your pre-shot routine on the range. It is difficult to learn on the course, even during the practice rounds.

A Fundamental Golf Pre-Round Warmup Routine

2007-09-03T01:04:00.000-07:00

A brisk walk to the practice range is a great way to begin your warm-up. It will raise your body temperature and loosen your joints and muscles. Finish with stretching and swing warm-ups.

Hit some practice balls (not a bucketful) if you can. Start with your shot irons and then skip every other club. Finish by hitting with some short irons again, this time to build swing confidence.

This is a warm-up not practice. Do not try new things, just hit some regular chip shots. Then try a few long putts, finish up by holding 5-10 short putts for confidence building.

Purpose

To prevent injury and improve performance. Warming up raises the body temperature, increases flexibility and lubricates joints. A brisk walk is a great way to start your warm up. Before a round you need to warm up, because at that point it is too late to practice.
To learn socially acceptable warm-ups. Some golfers do not portray themselves as athletes so it is not cool to do athletic warm-ups in front of other golfers. The same guys that ritualize warm ups before a basketball or softball game do not condone the social acceptance of golf warm ups. Taking a few extra practice swings on the first tee is only the warming up 99 percent of golfers usually do. A good warm up session will warm up your body so you can start playing better.
To groove the way you play. If you fade the ball during warm up, you will probably fade the ball all day. It is too late to try to change your swing, so plan on playing your fade. Warm up time is not the time to try to learn new skills or improve techniques. A good warm up session will warm up your body and you will start off playing better.

Do's and Don'ts

Use the practice range to warm up if you can. Start with your wedge, hit 4-5 balls with every other club through the driver. Finish with a few solid short iron confidence buildiers. The purpose of a warm up is to allow you to play at your maximum efficiency without injury.

How to Take a Lesson From A Golf Pro

2007-08-31T01:27:00.000-07:00

How to Take a Lesson From A Golf Pro

Taking a lesson from a PGA pro is one way to learn golf. Another method is to teach yourself using golf tips like those found here at GolfGist.com. Some great players are self-taught like Retief Goosen. If ypu decide to go with a teaching pro find a pro who has a good reputation working with golfers of your skill level and who takes the time to explain things thoroughly. Prepare for your lesson by keeping track of your recent playing statistics like total numebr putts, greens in regulation, fairways hit, etc.. Go over your goals with the pro and asking how you both can work together to accomplish them.

This instruction section contains proven drills which will complement your lessons. After your lesson write down key points to remember. If possible video tape your lesson. Most importantly, practice your new skills to effectively integrate them into your game.

Purpose

To know when to take a lesson. When you face a swing problem you need to first recognize the problem, next identify the cause and then find the solution. If you are having difficulty identifying or solving a frustrating problem it is time to see your local pro.

The understand the goals of a lesson. When you take a lesson set your learning goal. It should be either to solve a current problem, to improve a current skill, or learn a new skill. Make sure you communicate your goal to the pro and you both agree. Follow up the lesson with your own practice sessions to insure you completely integrate your new skill into your game.

To get the most out of a lesson. Find a pro whom you trust and who knows how to listen. People learn in different ways. Some learn best by seeing, some by doing, some by hearing, others by reading. Most people learn best with a combination of these learning methods. Some people like fast paced instruction. Others prefer a slower pace. Make sure your pro's teaching style fits your learning style. You need to have confidence in your pro and trust what your pro recommends. This is most important when the recommendations do not produce instant results. To get the most out of a lesson you must spend time practicing your new skills!

Solving Golf Swing Problems

2007-08-31T01:19:00.000-07:00

Identify the (slicing, hooking, lack of distance, etc.) problem. Verify the problem by videotaping yourself or asking a knowledgeable golfer to watch you hit a few balls. Find the cause of the problem. Start by reviewing your fundamentals of grip, stance, balance, alignment, etc.

Do some diagnostic drills to help you pinpoint the cause. Plan your course of action. Commit to implementing your plan. Repetition will help you build confidence. Give it time to work, but, if it is not going well, seek additional help.

Purpose

To have a reliable system to identify your golfing problems. The first step, no matter what the problem, is always to REVIEW YOUR FUNDAMENTALS (Grip, Stance, Alignment, Swing Path, etc.) Also, the diagnostic drills can help you pinpoint your problems. You must know the problem and its cause to effectively correct it. Use a video tape recorder or a knowledgeable practice partner to help you correctly diagnose the problem.
To provide the means to restore your confidence. Many problems will stem from loss of confidence. Doing repetitions of the drills will give you the needed confidence in your swing to overcome your problems. Solving problems and developing confidence takes time. Do not expect instantaneous results. After you identify the problem, find the cause and learn the cure, you will still need time and practice to integrate your new skills into your "old game".

Do's and Don'ts If you cannot identify and solve your own problems to your satisfaction, seek help from your local PGA professional. They are trained to recognize and solve golfing problems. (See also, "Take a Lesson")

Play a Golf Driving Range Round

2007-08-30T22:47:00.000-07:00

Play a Golf Driving Range Round At the practice range with a scorecard of your favorite course in hand, image you are standing on the course's first tee. You are going to play the 18 holes one by one right on the practice tee.

Ready, now hit your drive on the first hole. Are you in the rough or the fairway? What club will you hit now? Be honest with yourself. If you are in the bunker, get your sand wedge out for your next shot.

When you get to the imaginary green you have an automatic two putt. Add two strokes to your score thus far on the hole and record it on the scorecard. Now tee up for the second hole. Good luck!

Purpose

To make your practice range session more fun and more effective. A range round puts some variety into your practice session. It makes it competitive (against yourself) because you are keeping score. You can get the scorecard for any local course you play on.
To increase your concentration. Concentration is one of golf's most important skills. Unfortunately, many golfers practice poor concentration at the range by banging balls and not effectively evaluating their shots. Make sure you go through your regular pre-shot routine each time. You are forced into concentrating on each shot because you have to calculate where the ball landed. This helps you evaluate your shots and identify your errors.
To help you practice on the practice range. This drill will help you break a common rapid fire pattern of hitting shots. This drill makes you change clubs and plan each shot. Keeping score on a scorecard will help keep you focused.

US Solheim Cup squad is announced

2007-08-28T02:07:00.000-07:00

Paula Creamer, Juli Inkster and Morgan Pressel head the US team for the Solheim Cup, announced on Sunday.

Joining them are Natalie Gulbis, Pat Hurst, Cristie Kerr, Brittany Lincicome, Stacy Prammanasudh, Angela Stanford and Sherri Steinhauer.

After the LPGA Safeway Classic event, Betsy King used her captain's picks to select Nicole Castrale and Laura Diaz.

"We have solid Solheim Cup experience and we have a lot of youth and energy, as well," said King.

The Solheim Cup, which began in 1990, is a Ryder Cup-style tournament in which 12 European golfers compete against a team from the States.

The event will be held at Sweden's Halmstad Golf Club from 14-16 September.

The United States won the event in 2005 but lost in 2003 - the last time it was held in Europe.

Fisher wins after wait on ruling

2007-08-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

FINAL ROUND LEADERBOARD:

-12 R Fisher (Eng)

-11 J Luiten (Ned),

-8 S Alker (Eng), A Forsyth (Sco),

B Langer (Ger), T Levet (Fra),

A Noren (Swe)

Selected others:

-6 M Campbell (NZ)

-2 N Dougherty (Eng)

England's Ross Fisher had to endure an anxious wait before being declared winner of the KLM Dutch Open.

He had finished one shot clear of home favourite Joost Luiten but was forced to wait while officials checked on a ruling at the 12th hole.

There were claims that Fisher had illegally moved a bramble from near his ball before playing his second shot to the par five.

But after a lengthy investigation, Fisher was declared the winner.

Fisher, who had a share of the lead going into the final round along with David Carter, briefly enjoyed a four-shot lead with a birdie at the 13th.

Luiten kept alive his hopes of a maiden European Tour title with a superb approach to three feet at the 18th and the birdie gave him an 11-under total to put the pressure on the Briton.

But Fisher had a nervous finish to his round with a bogey at the 16th and he then three-putted the 17th when his par putt from three feet caught the edge of the hole and spun out.

It left him needing a par on the 18th just to force a play-off but he regained his composure and made a birdie on the last from 10 feet to seemingly seal victory.

But before he could sign his card he was informed of his potential rules violation and driven off in a buggy to investigate.

The 26-year-old initially thought the bramble was a loose impediment which he could move, but discovered it was still attached to the ground.

Tour officials Miguel Vidaor and Jose Maria Zamora accompanied Fisher as they tried to recreate the incident and study TV footage to see whether he had improved his lie. But eventually he lifted the trophy and the £180,000 first prize.

A relieved Fisher said: "I was ecstatic one minute and then suddenly it was not looking so good.

"I read the rule and thought 'Christ, what have I done?' The buggy ride to the 12th was the longest of my life, and to stand there for 15-20 minutes looking at the footage was terrible.

"I went to move it (the bramble) thinking it was a loose impediment but it wasn't and I just left it.

"I feel very privileged that they said to me 'You haven't done anything wrong, you're the winner'. "

Stricker claims Barclays success

2007-08-26T20:31:00.000-07:00

FINAL ROUND LEADERBOARD:(US unless stated)

-16 S Stricker

-14 KJ Choi (S Kor)

-13 R Sabbatini (SA)

-12 M Calcavecchia, G Ogilvy (Aus), E Els (SA)

Selected others:

-11 P Mickelson

-10 I Poulter

-8 J Rose (Eng)

-5 S Garcia (Sp)

-4 P Harrington (Ire)

Steve Stricker birdied four of his last five holes to win the Barclays Classic at Westchester, New York.

The American, who led by one shot going into the final round, kept his cool to shoot a final round of 69 to finish two shots ahead of South Korea's KJ Choi.

It gave the 40-year-old his first PGA Tour title victory since 2001.

His birdie at the 17th gave him the lead, and after Choi missed a birdie chance at the 18th Stricker birdied again 18th to seal the win.

His last win came four years ago at the World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship.

"I never knew if I was going to win again. This is sweet," said an emotional Stricker after his win which earned him $1.26m (£625,833).
Ian Poulter was the highest-placed British player after a four-under-par 67 helped him into a tie for ninth place at 10-under overall. Justin Rose finished two shots further back.

Irishman Padraig Harrington shot a level-par 71 to finish four-under-par overall, while another England's Brian Davis, was three over to slip to one under for the tournament.

The Barclays Classic is the first leg of the inaugural FedEx Cup play-off series which runs for four weeks, ending with the Tour Championship in Atlanta.

Stricker leads but Mahan shines

2007-08-26T02:05:00.001-07:00

THIRD ROUND LEADERBOARD:(US unless stated)

-14 S Stricker (US)

-13 KJ Choi (S Kor)

-12 H Mahan (US), R Beem (US)

Selected others:

-9 E Els (SA)

-7 S Garcia (Spa)

-6 I Poulter (Eng)

-5 J Rose (Eng)

-4 P Harrington (Ire)

Steve Stricker will take a one-shot lead into the last day of the Barclays Classic at Westchester, New York.

A burst of birdies carried Stricker to a 6-under 65 and allowed him to zoom past K.J. Choi and into the lead.

Choi overcame some errant tee shots on the back nine with a birdie-birdie finish to salvage a 70, one behind.

Mahan tied a tournament scoring record for the second time in five weeks, this one a 9-under 62 that took him from the middle of the pack to two shots behind.

Meanwhile Rich Beem overcame a rocky start with an eagle on the ninth hole and a 69, giving him his best position in a final round since February.

Stricker, who was at 14-under 199 to tie the 54-hole record at Westchester, has not won on tour since 2001.

He played in the final group in the Open at Carnoustie and was tied for the lead going into the back nine at the US Open, fading both times.

"One of these times, it's going to come out in my favour," Stricker said. "I haven't been beating myself up about not winning any of those events, but obviously, I would like to win.

"It's been a long time since I've won, and I'm just going to try to bring as many positive thoughts to the table tomorrow as I can."

606: DEBATE
Your thoughts on the tournament

Ten players were separated by five shots going into the final round, and that includes two-time winner Ernie Els, who finished his round of 68 with an eagle on the final hole.

Former US Open champion Geoff Ogilvy had a 69 and was in the group at 203 that included Woody Austin (66) and Rory Sabbatini, who faded badly after a strong start to the tournament.

Phil Mickelson looked like he might join the chase with four birdies at the turn that pulled him within three shots of the lead, but he had a double bogey on the 16th before back-to-back birdies.

Langer Jr endures nightmare debut

2007-08-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

Bernhard Langer's son Stefan slumped to a 28-over par round of 98 on his European Tour debut in the first round of the KLM Dutch Open.

Amateur Stefan ended 31 strokes behind his father, whose 67 put him three strokes behind joint leaders Taichi Teshima and Jean-Baptiste Gonnet.

His card included a seven-over 12 on the second, where he lost two balls.
Meanwhile Briton Andrew Coltart equalled the European Tour's record for nine holes, coming home in 27 shots.

His run of seven birdies from the turn, in a round of 65, was also one less than the tour's record birdie-run.

Stefan Langer shot the third-worst return on the European Tour, but was still behind Briton Mark James' all-time high of 111 in the 1978 Italian Open in Sardinia.

The 17-year-old also shot two triple bogeys and four double bogeys.
Stefan, whose only real tournament experience is on Florida and Germany junior tours, said: "It was discouraging. Tomorrow is going to be a challenge so I'm going to go away and work on some things.

"My chipping and putting was not bad but I've got to improve my driving. I hit only one fairway."

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2007-08-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

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Harrington refreshed by time off

2007-08-22T01:28:00.000-07:00

Harrington began well at the USPGA before fadingOpen champion Padraig Harrington hopes a short break will boost his chances of reaching the FedExCup play-offs.

Harrington took time off ahead of this week's Barclays Classic in New York which builds up to the PGA Tour Championship in four weeks time.

"I've had eight days off which is the longest break I've ever taken in season," said the Irishman.

"It's probably the longest break I've ever taken without hitting a golf ball - I needed it."

Harrington claimed his first major title at last month's Open Championship in a playoff against Sergio Garcia.

But he admitted that the homecoming following his Open victory had taken a toll on his chances at the USPGA Championship.

606: DEBATE
Can Padraig Harrington go on to win more major titles?

Although he started with a one-under-par 69 he eventually fell back to finish tied for 42nd.

"Going home the following week, it was manic. There was so much happening, so much to do. It was very exciting, it was all go," said the 35-year-old Dubliner.

"I could see especially in Oklahoma where there was a definite fall-off with my concentration and my focus, I could see I was starting to lag a little bit. I was just starting to tire.

"I definitely needed a rest after the PGA, and I'm hoping that the swing is the same and I can just stay sharper mentally."

Harrington is one of 144 players who qualified for the first season-ending US Tour playoff series.

The field will be trimmed to 120 players for next week's Deutsche Bank Classic in Boston, and 70 players will compete in the BMW

Championship in Chicago before 30 take part in the Tour Championship in Atlanta.

2007-08-19T21:36:00.000-07:00

Tiger Woods’s superior conditioning was the decisive factor as he grabbed his 13th major title at the USPGA.

Out of physical strength comes mental fortitude and the world number one was able to prosper in the draining 39C (101F) heat of Tulsa.

“At home, all the miles I log on the road and run in that heat – that’s what you have to do,” he said“You pay the price.

You go out, work your body every day and days like this or weeks this week it shows. I felt fresh all week and I felt great.

“Other guys may have gotten tired and you see their shoulders slumping and dragging a little bit; I feel fine.

“I think that’s how you should always be – you should always train hard and bust your butt – that’s what a sport is.

“Not everyone considers golf to be a sport and they don’t treat it as such”

Looking back it seems inconceivable that the year could pass without Woods winning a major championship

We don’t need to spend time her reiterating that he is way out in front of the rest but there has been an acute shortage of individual players capable of providing him with a sustained challenge.

Ernie Els, though, now appears of a mood to change that situation. Despite falling three shots short of pushing Woods into a PGA playoff the big South African departed Southern Hills with a noticeable spring in his step.

Els needs to start winning on the PGA and European tours on a regular basis before next year’s MastersHe had competed, he had pushed, he had played brilliant golf and for a while had made life a little less straightforward for the world number one.

I can foresee Els continuing to challenge, and indeed adding to the three major titles he took before needing reconstructive knee surgery following a second-place finish at the 2004 Masters.

“My motivation is to get the best out of me again and I was this close [inches] in 2004,” Els reflected.

“Obviously then my injury came and the rest is history but I was that close to being number one and deserving to be number one because I came close to winning two or three majors.

”It’s clear Els, who began 2007 saying he was embarking on a three-year plan to return to the top of the world rankings, is a rejuvenated figure who is enjoying once again trading at the top of major leaderboards.

“I want to play this type of golf day-in and day-out in majors,” he said after his final round 66 at Southern Hills.

“But it’s a three-year deal; it’s not going to happen overnight.

”Now he heads into a crucial final quarter of the season. Els needs to start winning on the PGA and European tours on a regular basis before next year’s Masters.

If he does he will be well-equipped to challenge for a first green jacket and to remind Woods that he is once again a force to be respected.

And Woods, I’m sure, would be the first to say “bring it on”, a message he would also throw out to Phil Mickelson, who like Els possesses the raw talent to rival the world’s best.

Tiger will always be the more superior athlete and has now edged ever closer to Jack Nicklaus’s record of 18 majors, having now moved alongside Bobby Jones.

“When you first start your career, 18 is just such a long way away. Even though I’m at 13, it’s still a long way away. You can’t do it in a year,” Woods said.

I wonder if a resurgent Els and a fully-fit Mickelson will be able to significantly slow down Woods’s apparently relentless march towards a record 19th major.

2007-08-19T20:45:00.000-07:00

Ilonen snatches Stockholm title
FINAL ROUND LEADERBOARD:(GB unless stated)

-6 Mikko Ilonen (Fin)

-4 Christian Cevaer (Fra), Martin Kaymer (Ger), Nick Dougherty, Peter Hedblom (Swe), Jean-Baptiste Gonnet (Fra)

-3 Corey Pavin (US), Paul Broadhurst, James Kingston (SA)Selected others:

-1 Sam Walker, David Higgins (Ire)

Mikko Ilonen sealed a dramatic two-shot win in the Scandinavian Masters after joint overnight leader Martin Kaymer blew his chance of glory in Stockholm.

Finn Ilonen birdied the 18th, leaving Germany's Kaymer needing a par on the final hole to ensure a play-off.

But the German made a hash of his approach and carded a double bogey to drop down into a tie for second place.

England's Nick Dougherty, Jean-Baptiste Gonnet, Christian Cevaer and Peter Hedblom joined Kaymer on four under.

Victory gave Ilonen his second European Tour title after success in February's Indonesian Open.

"It's an unbelievable feeling," said Ilonen. "If I had to pick one tournament to win, alongside the majors, it would be this one.

"You all saw the support we get from the crowds, it's something we don't get every week and I hope some other tournaments can learn from this.

It's unbelievable for the players to be out there."

It's another tournament where I think I have learnt a lot about myself
Martin Kaymer
Ilonen was three behind Kaymer and South African James Kingston going into the final round but moved into a one-shot lead after his fifth birdie of the day at the 15th.

His chances looked to be over after finding water at the next for a double-bogey five but Kaymer's dropped shots at the 16th and the last handed victory to the Finn.

"I'm very disappointed, especially with my play over the first five holes when I made two bogeys," said Kaymer. "That really wasn't the start that I wanted and after that it was always a bit of a battle all day.

"I tried to stick to my game plan but it didn't work out, but now I'm looking forward to my next tournament in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles and I'll try to go one better there.

"It's another tournament where I think I have learnt a lot about myself."
Dougherty's second place was his seventh top-10 finish of the season.

Paul Broadhurst carded a final-round 71 to reach three under and a share of seventh place in his final event before taking an extended break.
The 42-year-old's wife is undergoing surgery next week.

2007-08-17T21:14:00.001-07:00

Daly rejects Woods's health tips

Daly finished 32nd in the USPGA at Southern Hills John Daly insists he has no intention of changing his lifestyle despite the advice from Tiger Woods.

World number one Woods, who won the USPGA on Sunday, said his opponents could have combated Tulsa's heat better with a fitness regime like his.

Daly, who weighs 100kgs and has had well-documented alcohol problems, briefly led at Southern Hills before fading to tie for 32nd place.

But he said: "I did better than most players last week who do work out."
Speaking on the eve of the European Tour's Scandinavian Masters in Sweden, Daly added: "I don't think it matters if you work out or if you don't work out.

"I'm used to the heat. Fat boys like me can get through the heat.

"I tried but every time I worked out I threw up and I thought to myself that you can get drunk and throw up, so it's just not for me.

"I'm flexible enough, there are probably some things I could do to keep my flexibility up, but I'd rather smoke, drink diet Cokes and eat. I get enough exercise walking five or six miles a day."

606: DEBATE
What do you make of Daly's comments? Have your say

Daly, who won the 1991 USPGA and 1995 Open, admitted there were some aspects of 13-time major champion Woods's game he would like to copy.

"I think the thing that separates Tiger from everybody is that he makes putts more than we do," said Daly. "Right now he is like a one-man field."

Alongside Daly, three other major champions will compete at the Arlandastad Golf Course.

Former Open champion Paul Lawrie of Scotland, last year's United States Ryder Cup assistant Corey Pavin and former USPGA champion Jeff Sluman are all playing in Sweden.

Outgoing US Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman was set to play but withdrew with a wrist injury on Wednesday.

Britain's defending champion Marc Warren will play alongside Daly and tournament host Jesper Parnevik in the first two rounds.

Per-Ulrik Johannson, who ended a 10-year wait for another European Tour title when he won last week's Russian Open, is part of a strong Swedish contingent.

2007-08-17T21:06:00.000-07:00

Stand-by Strange takes early lead

Strange could not practise because his clubs were lost in transit

FIRST-ROUND LEADERBOARD:(GB unless stated)-6 Scott Strange (Aus)-5 Fredrik Qvicker (Swe, am), Sam WalkerSelected others:+2 John Daly (US), Marc Warren

Scott Strange took advantage of David Drysdale pulling out before the start of play to step in and take the lead at the Scandinavian Masters in Stockholm.

The Australian, who was first reserve, took on Drysdale's caddie, birdied the 1st and finished the day on six under.

A 64 left Strange one clear of 21-year-old Swedish amateur Fredrik Qvicker and Briton Sam Walker.

Event host Jesper Parnevik shot 70, while America's John Daly and holder Marc Warren of Britain carded 72s.

English trio Nick Dougherty, Simon Dyson and David Howell finished two under, one under and three over respectively.

"I was on the bus coming to the course when I got a phone call at 6.45am telling me I had 45 minutes to get here for my tee-time," said Strange.

"As soon as she said that, we ran into a traffic jam. At 7.21 I was the flash that went through the car-park to the tee.

"It was an amazing round considering how flustered I was and I'm surprised I did it, because there was a lot going on in my head.

"My clubs had been lost and turned up too late for me to practise and I could only walk the course. My second shot of the week was a seven iron, not the crispest but the ball ran up to a couple of feet and I was away.

"David's caddie was good; he helped clarify my thoughts."

Strange is on the brink of regaining his card, lying 117th on the money-list with the top 115 assured of playing rights.

2007-08-17T20:27:00.000-07:00

Dougherty bounces back in Sweden

Dougherty's only other tour win was at the Singapore Masters in 2005

FIRST-ROUND LEADERBOARD:(GB unless stated)-5 Martin Kaymer (Ger), Sam Walker, Henrik Nystrom-4 James Kingston (SA)-3 Nick Dougherty Selected others:-1 Scott Strange (Aus) Par Simon Dyson

Nick Dougherty fought his way back at the Scandinavian Masters after a disastrous start to his second round.

The English golfer was four over par through the first four holes before an eagle and four birdies saw him rally to card a 69.

And at three under Dougherty stands just two shots off the lead shared by countryman Sam Walker, Germany's Martin Kaymer and Swede Henrik Nystrom.

Overnight leader Scott Strange slipped to tied 14th on one under with a 75.

Starting at the 10th, Dougherty opened with a bogey and then ran up a double bogey six on the 12th after hitting his approach into the water surrounding the green.

Another bogey followed at the next but the former Walker Cup player kept his cool and he put down to a session with a sports psychologist at last week's USPGA.

"It was a real bonus that I played poorly because he (Tony Brigstock) could see my mannerisms and my game plan and there were things that really stuck out," Dougherty said.

"So here I didn't get flustered by my bad start where in the past I tended to push harder when I'm struggling."

A five-wood approach to 20ft from a fairway bunker to set up an eagle on the 15th kick-started Dougherty's recovery and he also picked up birdies at the 18th, 4th, 5th and 9th.

2007-08-15T22:41:00.000-07:00

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2007-08-15T03:29:00.001-07:00

Play at 25 top golf courses in the Bangkok area!Bangkok is a golf lovers paradise. There are many excellent golf courses near by. All top golf course designers are represented. If you have not experienced golf in Thailand, then Bangkok is the place to start. The city is also a good branching out point to combine with tours and golf in other cities. Our Bangkok golf packages represent just a sampling of what is available. Please feel free to contact us for more golf course information and a customized golf tour quotation.Please note that all top golf courses are very heavily booked on weekends and holidays. Minimum is a three-some at all courses on weekends. If you would like to make a reservation as single golfer, you will have to join another group at the golf course. Distance from Bangkok city center is between 30 to 90 minutes (very heavy traffic during rush hour from 7:00 - 9:00 and 16:00 - 19:00). Recommended hotels: Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Amari Boulevard & Majestic Grande (all in the heart of the main tourist areas with excellent access to all shopping and easy on/off the expressways).Click the individual golf course below for detailed information:

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Thailand Golf Articles

Where To Stay, Where to Play

Thailand, one the most fascinating and exotic tourist destinations in the world, has gained a deserved reputation for providing unique. Read More...
Thailand Golfing: One Man's Experience
Recently a good friend and I were happily able to take a short Golfing holiday in the picturesque and tourist friendly Kingdom of Thailand. Read More...
When is the best time to take a Thailand Golf Holiday?
When planning your Thailand golf holiday, it is very important to take into account the time of year you travel. Read More...

Online Golf Lessons
Get tips on: Bunker Play, Power off the Tee, Practice to Create Habit, Solid Iron Play, Top Putting Tips. Read More...

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Bangkok is definitely a city to be experienced, as are our Bangkok golfing holidays. One of the most famous destinations in the world, Bangkok will leave you feeling exhilarated.Read More...

Golf in Chiang Mai & Chang Rai

Golf package vacations don't get more exotic than Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, located in the northern region of Thailand. Chiang Mai is one of the oldest cities in the country. Read More...

Luxury Golf Travel And More At Golfasian!

Exclusive golf tours to Thailand don't have to be only about golf, in a country this beautiful and diverse it would be a crime not to explore and travel and it presents the perfect excus. Read More...

Golf In River Kwai

Playing golf in River Kwai is another fantastic experience to be had on your Thailand golf tour. Located in Kanchanaburi, this is Thailand's fourth largest province and borders Burma. Read More...

Golf Instruction Packages
Golfasian are experts and creating, designing and organizing golf travel packages and luxury golf vacation s, all you need to organize is your game! Golf has been played for centuries. Read More...

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Over the years the amount of enthusiastic golfers wanting to sample a golf resort package have grown astoundingly in number. Read More...

Golf in Hua Hin
The Hua Hin and Cha Am area is located on the western side of the Gulf of Thailand, and is approximately a three-hour drive from Bangkok. Read More...

Golf In Koh Samui
For the ultimate golf tour to Thailand, Golfasian are pleased to introduce golf Koh Samui one of the newest resorts to be added to our Thailand golf tours. Read More...

Golf in Pattaya
The resort for Pattaya golfis located south east of Bangkok, less than 2-hours away driving. The region hosts the greatest variety of the finest championship golf courses in Thailand. Read More...

The Ultimate Golf Vacations
Hundreds of enthusiastic golfers have already experienced ultimate golf vacations along with cheap golf packages in the astounding surroundings of Thailand. Read More...

About Golf in Thailand
As a leading tourist destination Thailand has a number of alternative attractions and exciting opportunities to combine golf & travel. Thailand golf tours, and its tourist magnetism. Read More...

Golf in Phuket
Find out more about Golf courses in Phuket Island- set amongst the most idyllic locations with perfect beaches. Read More...
Best of Golf holidays
All about Golf vacations and Gold holidays in Thailand. Read More...

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MakeThatDollar.com - Where people who like to earn income from home and advertisers searching for active audiences, come together to form a unique and powerful revenue generating network. Our members enjoy earning thousands monthly by completing fun offers and visiting exciting websites. Registration is free and everyone in the world is welcome to join and earn, even you!

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Earn money through Paid to Sign up, Paid to Complete Offers, Paid Surveys, and Paid to Click. Refer friends and participate in monthly contests to earn even more.

• Free membership and no investment necessary to earn
• International members welcome
• Get Paid for completing various offers
• Get Paid for signing up to sites or registering to newsletters
• Get Paid for clicking on banners and text links within member's area
• Get Paid for completing online surveys
• Get Paid for winning monthly contests
• Get Paid to refer other active DollarMakers and Advertisers
• Earnings update in real time
• Simple and easy to use navigational interface
• Cash out to PayPal, e-Gold, Money Order, or Visa Gift Card

Click Here To Join Now!

Advertisers:

Premium targeted advertising packages available for a captive audience eager to visit and interact with your web site and product pages. Drive additional traffic of unique visitors to increase your exposure and sales.

• Site wide Banner Impressions
• Side Panel Text Ads
• Paid to Click Advertising
• Paid to Sign Up Promotions
• Mass Mail out Promotions
• Fully automated ad purchasing
• Ads instantly appear after payment
• Full control of approving sign ups and offer completions
• Real time tracking for impressions, clickthrough rate, and conversions

As a Advertiser or DollarMaker, you are eligible to upgrade your memberships in order to receive discounts on advertising and free referrals added to your downline.

Our friendly and knowledgeable Live Support staff is available throughout most of the day to assist you with your questions and concerns. We also have our paid to post forum available for payment proof and discussions about MakeThatDollar.

usefullclicks.info

2007-07-26T21:03:00.002-07:00

Member Benefits

? Free Membership and get paid with it
? 2 Cent pay-out, Signupbonus 1 cent
? 1 point = 1 cent, at the end of the month
you will receive 10% bonus over your points
as a activity bonus.
? Solo Mails up to 3 cents/points
? 3 referral levels - 50%, 50% & 50%
? Get 1/2 cent each new member you bring on
? PTP Rewards 70 - 100 cents, no TIERS!
? Reliable Service
? Extra Benefits With Upgrades
? Pay-out by Ugotpaid & Egold & AlertPay
? USA/UK/AUS/CAN members will see
pay-outs doubled. Up to 20 cents each time.
? Pay-out only for members from :
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, New
Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States .
? Rest of the world is welcome, but can only
redeem their points or cash for advertising!
Except loyal old members accepted before
January 2007
? Backup Are Done Every 8 Hours
? Take 5 valid offers/surveys and get $2 bonus.
? Pay-outs will be done twice a month, can be
more often, no need to request.

Join this program now

Advertiser Benefits

? Every url will be checked before sending out
? "cheatersfree" database
? Only Active members in the database,
inactives will be deleted after 21 days
? Fair Prices
? Ads are send after payment within a day
? View Stats anytime you want!
? Automatic advertising, place your ads self

See Advertising Page for more Details

Join this program now

globalcashclicks.com

2007-07-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

Sign-up Now

MilkyWayClicks Membership!

* Earn More Cash by Visiting Websites at our paid to click!

* Earn 10% of Your Referral Earnings Lifetime!

* No Activity is Needed to Earn Referral Commissions!

* Fast and Easy Payout 10 Cent E-gold or $1 via Paypal or Alertpay.

* Upgraded Memberships available Starting at $3.99 with Randomly Free Referrals and More!

* Up to 10% Discount on Advertising!

*Just Click register at the Top of this page to Join MilkyWayClicks!

Sign-up Now

MilkyWayClicks Advertising!

* Great Advertising Options starting at only $1.75

*buy Guaranteed Signups for your Favorite program at only $7.50

* Get up to 10% Discount on our Advertising!

*Ability to Extend advertising campaigns at Discounted Rate after the campaign runs out.

* Unique hits guaranteed with tracking and statistical follow up.

* Advertising will be placed direct after payment. No waiting time!

* To order our advertising please register first, in this way you always can track Your Advertising!

For questions you can always Contact us using the Contact link at the left of the site!

Sign-up Now

subscriberz.com

2007-07-26T20:59:00.002-07:00

NO MINIMUM PAYOUT !

* Join SubscriberZ.com for free and visit websites listed in the members area.

* For every website you visit, you will earn 1 point.

* CONVERT POINTS TO E-GOLD !. NO MINIMUM PAYOUT !

* CONVERT POINTS TO TRAFFIC CREDITS !

* Referral Program : Earn as much as your referrals earn !

* Get paid THE SAME amount of money whenever your referrals are paid. Instant payouts

1,000 VISITORS = $0.30 !

* 10,000 UNIQUE website visitors for ONLY $5 ( ONLY 50 CENTS per 1,000 visitors )

* 40,000 UNIQUE website visitors for ONLY $16 ( ONLY 40 CENTS per 1,000 visitors )

* 100,000 UNIQUE website visitors for ONLY $30 ( ONLY 30 CENTS per 1,000 visitors )

* Real time stats.

* Submit UNLIMITED number of URLs.

* Change URLs whenever you want.

* Fast delivery.

* 24 hours unique visitors.

* Just open FREE ACCOUNT and make purchase in the members area.

* We accept E-Gold, AlertPay. PayPal, Credit Cards, eCheck ...

1 : 1 TRAFFIC EXCANGE

* Join SubscriberZ.com for free and visit websites listed in the members area.

* For every website you visit, you will earn 1 point.

* CONVERT POINTS TO TRAFFIC CREDITS YOU CHOOSE CONVERSION RATIO ( UP TO 1 : 1 )

+ EXTRA BONUS :Free "Start Page" to organizeyour favorite links

Join Now