Category Archives: Blog Post

Rookie Bradley Wins US PGA

Keegan Bradley, ranked 108th in the world, beat Jason Dufner in a three-hole play-off to win his first ever major at the US PGA.

The 25-year-old American triumphed by one shot over his fellow countryman over the extra holes after they had both finished level at eight under in Atlanta.

Incredibly, Bradley had triple-bogeyed the 15th, giving Dufner a five-shot lead with just three holes to play,  but fought back as his rival seemingly suffered an attack of nerves.

Top two in the world, Luke Donald and Lee Westwood both halved their six-shot deficits on Sunday but fell away towards the end to both finish on three under.

Bradley went into the final day one shot behind  Dufner and after a shaky start, an eagle on the 12th hole saw him join his compatriot at the top of the leaderboard on nine under.

However he then chipped through the green into the water on the 15th, before back-to-back birdies on the next two holes.

34-year-old Dufner also found water on the 15th, this time from the tee, and this  sparked a spectacular downfall, as his bogey on the same hole, plus two more on the 16th and 17th saw him drop back alongside Bradley.

In the play-off, Bradley birdied the first hole, the 16th, to Dufner’s par and then made par on the short 17th as Dufner once again bogied. Dufner birdied the 18th but Bradley’s par was enough to hand him the Wanamaker Trophy and become the first American to clinch a major title since Phil Mickelson won the Masters in 2010.

US PGA Day One Review

Anticipation was high as day one got underway at the final major of the year ‘ The PGA Championship’ and it didn’t disappoint. Expectation was once again on Woods and he was one of the first out in the morning and got off to a flyer birdieing three of the first five of his front nine (teeing off from the 10th) and then to everyone’s amazement dropped 10 shots on the way back to the club house to card a round of 77 (+7)

McIlroy’s round was as equally dramatic for different reasons after finding his tee shot on the third had come to rest up against a tree root (Montgomorie commentating for Sky Sports said ‘ I hope he doesn’t hit this ball for the sake of his career). The Inexperienced Mcilroy proceeded to hit the ball and was badly hurt as a result, to his credit he continued with constant on course treatment and scrambled around an incredibly tough golf course with only one hand on the club at times producing Seve like recovery’s and holing some clutch putts, McIlroy carded a Level par round of 70.

With all this drama going on, the limelight was taken away from Steve Stricker who had a putt for the first 62 in a major championship ever which unfortunately shaved the hole, still his 63 was enough to give him a two shot lead heading into day two.

McIlroy Confident Ahead Of USPGA

Rory McIlroy has said he feels that his current form could help him land a second major at the USPGA Championship, which starts today in Atlanta.

The US Open winner tees off at 1845 BST on Thursday in an illustrious group which includes Masters winner Charl Schwartzel and Open champion Darren Clarke.

“I’m playing very well,” said McIlroy. “I drove the ball great last week. I’m hitting it nicely.

“As long as I can hole a few putts this week, I feel as if I’m in with a good chance.”

Should McIlroy take the crown, he would be youngest player to win two majors since Gene Sarazen nearly 90 years ago.

Useful USPGA Links

With the USPGA tournament starting tomorrow – here are some links that you may find useful during the tournament.

Firstly – here is a terrific fly-by of each hole on the Highland’s course at Atlantic Athletic Club.

2) Watch The Tournament Live on your iPhone.

3) Check out the first round tee times.

4) Watch a five-episode preview of the historic tournament.

5) Read an exclusive pre-tournament interview with Luke Donald.

My Tips For The USPGA Tournament

USPGA Odds | James Irons GolfThe USPGA Tournament takes place at the stunning Atlanta Athletic Club this week, with the practise rounds already underway and the tournament itself set to start on Thursday.

As usual for these big tournaments, I’ll have a few pounds riding on the result – here are my tips for the 2011 title:

David Toms is on great form – in 16 tournaments so far this season he has had five top ten finishes. At around 55/1 he is exceptional each-way value.

Jason Day – The Australian has had an brilliant eight top ten finishes in 16 tournaments so far this season and gave fellow countryman Adam Scott a run for his money last week. At 25/1 he’s worth a few pounds of anybody’s money.

Martin Laird – The Scotsman has over $2.5m in prize money so far this season and is no stranger to the loft heights of the leaderboard – he has a first place and a third place to his name this season so is worth a punt at around 90/1.

Luke Donald is still the world’s number one golfer and therefore can never be ruled out – his form over 13 tournaments this season has been outstanding – he has over $4m in prize money to his name and will be looking to add to that this weekend. 14/1 is a little tight but is a useful cover bet based on form.

Paul Casey has been making cuts but fading away from there. He’s a better golfer than his current form suggests so if you can get the 140/1 that’s currently being offered then it’s worth a look.

Kj Choi – The South Korean is in consistent form and looks good value to me at 70/1 – his experience also counts in his favour.

Who are you backing? Let me know over on Facebook.

Scott And Caddie Williams Win WGC Invitational

Adam Scott has won the WGC Invitational by four shots after a superb final round of 65 in Ohio.

The Australian, leading from day one, finish on 17 under, ahead of Rickie Fowler and Luke Donald, who both shot 66.

Rory McIlroy shared sixth place at 10 under after a robust 67, while Lee Westwood was just behind after a fine 65.

However the big story of the tournament centres not around Adam Scott himself, but his caddie Steve Williams, who was sacked by Tiger Woods just a fortnight ago. Incredibly  it was Williams’ eighth victory at the event, having won the event seven times while working with Woods.

Woods himself finished way behind Scott, tied in 37th place.

 

Tiger Woods Impresses In Comeback

Tiger Woods shot an impressive opening round of 68 in the first round of the WGC Invitational in Akron, Ohio, in his first golfing action in twelve weeks.

Woods parred the first nine holes and dropped only one stroke all round as he finished on two under, six shots behind leader Adam Scott, who co-incidentally has employed the services of Tiger’s ex-caddie Steve Williams.

Open champion Darren Clarke, playing alongside good friend Woods,  shot a disappointing 77, while Lee Westwood shot 67 and world number one Luke Donald and Rory McIlroy 68’s.

Going into day two of the tournament, Australian Scott leads compatriot Jason Day by one shot.

Click here to see the full leaderboard.

Woods’ Comeback Nearly Underway

Tiger Woods‘ comeback from injury will get underway at around 6.40pm (BST) this evening, as he tees off  at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

Woods has been paired with British Open champion Darren Clarke at Firestone Country Club in Ohio, USA,  and will have childhood friend Bryon Bell caddying for him, having ended his long-standing relationship with Steve Williams in July.

Woods has not won a tournament since 2009 and is now ranked 28 in the world, but appears to have put his injury problems firmly behind him.

“I’m excited – excited to compete, to play and hopefully win the golf tournament,” he said. “The great thing is I don’t feel a thing. It feels solid, it feels stable, no pain.

“One of the reasons why I took as long as I did to come back is that I want to get to this point where I can go ahead and start playing golf again like this.

“It’s been a very long time, and it feels good to be able to go out there today and hit balls like this, go practise and feel nothing and walk around and pretty much do anything I want on the golf course.”

 

 

Great Golf Apps: Number 7

Next up in my look at the best golf apps out there, is iGolf Rules.

Golf Digest says that it’s “the best effort yet to decipher the Rules of Golf.”

The golf industry awarded it “Best New Product” at its two largest golf trade shows.

And more than half a million people  are using it in more than 50 countries.

It’s a little on the pricey side, but well worth a look to solve those on-course arguments!

Search ‘iGolf Rules’ at the Apple Appstore for more details.

iGolf Rules

Woods Set To Return To Golf Next Week

Tiger Woods looks set to return to the game at next week’s Bridgestone Invitational in Ohio.

The former world number 1 has not played competitively since  May due to injuries to his knee and Achilles.

“I’m excited to get back out there,” Woods said on his website.

Woods has some catching up to do in the rankings, having dropped to number 21 going into the tournament. It will also be a transitional time for him as he prepares to move forward with a new caddie having recently split with long-time caddie Steve Williams – although he is yet to officially announce a replacement.

Woods has not won a tournament worldwide since 2009 – I’m sure all eyes will be on him at next week’s event…