Sat, 4 Feb 2012 05:00:06 en http://www.golfonline.co.uk/rss-golf-news.xml
The adverse weather was not the only unexpected turn, as Spain's Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano lost his lead he established with an opening round of six-under-par.

Born in Madrid, the 31-year-old professional resumed his game on the back nine, but forfeited his position at the top with bogeys on the 13th and 14th to end of four-under.

He currently stands alongside Australian Jason Day and Korean golfer KJ Choi in second place as US player John Daly jumped into the top spot by just one shot after a whirlwind of six pars before the stoppage.

World number three Lee Westwood started the day off on the right foot with a birdie on the 11th, but bogeys on the next saw him slip into joint 48th place.

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/strong-winds-suspend-play-at-qatar-masters-nd-801283214.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/strong-winds-suspend-play-at-qatar-masters-nd-801283214.html Luke Donald returned to his winter home in Palm Beach Gardens this week to pick up two awards following a sensational season in 2011.

The 34-year-old collected his first ever PGA of America Player of the Year accolade, as well as the Vardon Trophy - becoming the first Englishman to earn both prizes.

Donald is only the second Brit to pick up the Vardon Trophy, which is given out based on the lowest adjusted scoring average of the year.

"It means everything, that's why we play the game, to try and write history and to try and get our names on trophies," he commented.

The talented professional went on to say he is unsure what has kept him from winning a major championship, stating his driving has held him back in previous competitions.

Donald became the first ever player to win both the PGA Tour money list and Race to Dubai in 2011, which can be added to a long list of accolades. 

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/luke-donald-returns-to-us-for-two-awards-nd-801283077.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/luke-donald-returns-to-us-for-two-awards-nd-801283077.html golf course on a crisp Sunday afternoon is a favoured pastime of a growing number of individuals who are drawn to the game due to the emergence of players like Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer.

But casual competitors may find some shots are harder to master than others, so they value the importance of finding the right clubs to suit their needs and their own personal swing.

Luckily, the Nike VR_S Forged Irons can provide perfect assistance for those people looking to propel the ball into the hole following a strong and accurate drive.

The technically advanced equipment successfully combines high-speed performance with high-quality craftsmanship for longer shots and a comfortable feel.

With the Nike VR_S Forged Irons, players of all abilities can enjoy higher, straighter shots that bring maximum carry, while the forgiving face allows the delivery of greater ball speed.

These pieces of equipment are likely to be put right at the top of any player's wish list for 2012. 

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/golf-equipment-news/nike-vrs-forged-irons-deliver-greater-ball-speed-nd-801282359.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/golf-equipment-news/nike-vrs-forged-irons-deliver-greater-ball-speed-nd-801282359.html
The wide selection on offer means locating the right irons in particular can become a difficult task, especially for the casual Sunday afternoon competitors out there.

But, the Wilson Prostaff X Combo Iron Set promises the perfect transition of easy to hit hybrids to low centre of gravity wedges that could provide an ideal combination.

The collection's hollow irons have the shape of a traditional iron at first glance, but bring 360-degree perimeter weighting advantages of a sizeable internal cavity wide sole.

Similarly, the hybrid clubs are easier to hit long replacement clubs, providing a compact head shape to launch the ball from a wide variety of lies.

Created by Wilson manufacturers, the high-quality equipment could be just the ticket for those looking to work on their performance on and off the green. 

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/golf-equipment-news/wilson-prostaff-combo-iron-set-offers-perfect-transition-nd-801282307.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/golf-equipment-news/wilson-prostaff-combo-iron-set-offers-perfect-transition-nd-801282307.html Lee Westwood has made his intentions clear for the upcoming Commercialbank Qatar Masters - which kicks off tomorrow (February 2nd) - despite admitting he is a "notoriously slow starter".

The world number three, who was recently pushed out of second position by Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, insisted he is preparing for success at the prestigious event, where he will face a number of the sport's biggest names.

Following a third place finish at the Doha event two years ago, the 38-year-old is confident he can move onwards and upwards with a performance that is miles ahead of his 17th place finish in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

"It was a decent start last week," he commented. "I had a few issues to negotiate - we've been working a lot on my fitness just recently and I haven't played a lot coming into Abu Dhabi."

Westwood, who will partner defending champion Thomas Bjorn and Australian competitor Jason Day at the upcoming event, revealed he is expecting some difficult conditions at the Doha course due to forecast wind.

He said: "But if the wind really pumps this week, it could quite easily be an eight under or nine under par winning golf course."

Meanwhile, Denmark's Bjorn has claimed the key to enjoying the same level of success in 2012 compared with the last 12 months is to make sure he continues to enjoy playing golf - which could be sound advice going into this week's competition.

Adding to his victory at the Commercialbank Qatar Masters in 2011, Bjorn went on to win the Johnnie Walker Championship and Omega European Masters.

"It's nice to come back as defending champion or you come back to a golf course you won on, it always gives you those memories," he said

During the 2011 proceedings, Bjorn eased into a four-shot lead to finish with a three-under-par score of 69 for a total of 274 at the Doha Golf Cub as 2009 champion Alvaro Quiros finished as runner-up for the second consecutive year.

Austrian professional golfer Markus Brier and Spaniard Rafael Cabrera Bello both tied for third position at the hotly-contested event on a respectable end of tournament score of nine-under-par.

"I made a decision two years ago - I went through a spell of not finding golf all that much fun anymore and maybe a little bit of falling out of love with the game and the travelling," Bjorn added.

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/lee-westwood-ready-for-commercialbank-qatar-masters-nd-801281346.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/lee-westwood-ready-for-commercialbank-qatar-masters-nd-801281346.html Golf Championship, taking the crown from a field made up of some of the sport's biggest names including Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Thomas Bjorn.

The 34-year-old managed to hold off the golfing legends in a sensational win that saw him go head-to-head with 14-time major winner Woods as he matched his birdie shots on the second and third holes on the final day.

Rock went on to run up a six at the long eighth following his US competitor's slip-up on the fourth and fifth, where he suffered a blow with two bogeys. Although the atmosphere could have been cut with a knife, the Englishman kept his cool to take home the €347,024 (£291,142) prize fund.

Despite only being ranked 117th in the world, Rock said he could not believe his achievements following a one-shot victory over the now world number two Rory McIlroy.

The young Northern Irishman was runner-up for the second year in a row, having lost out to Rock - who was 26 before making it onto the European Tour and 31 when he finally enjoyed success at the 2011 BMW Italian Open.

Meanwhile, Klye Stanley only just missed out on his premier PGA Tour victory this weekend in the Farmers Insurance Open, as US professional Brandt Snedeker took the crown in a play-off round on the final day.

The 24-year-old runner-up, who became emotional during a post-match press conference after squandering a three-shot lead, looked as if he had the win as he shot a 68 to secure a five-shot advantage during the penultimate round.

His performance included five birdies and a single bogey to move to 18-under-par to hold of John Huh and three-time victor John Rollins.

During the proceedings, Stanley's unlucky third shot saw Snedeker head back to the practice green when he realised he was in with a chance of taking the crown before a three-putt saw the two heading back to the 18th tee for a play-off round.

The pair both sunk birdies on the first extra hole, with big-hitting Stanley over the green in two shots, then managing to guide the chip to two-feet to prolong the affair after Snedeker found the fairway bunker and hit the ball to three-feet.

But it was the victor's par-shot that landed beside the TV tower on the 16th hole before going into the cup that sealed the deal, while Stanley missed his putt from five-feet.

"Golf is such a funny game, and to have that kind of lead coming into the last hole and not to win is tough. It will be a tough night for [Stanley]," said the winner. 

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/robert-rock-holds-off-competition-in-abu-dhabi-nd-801277817.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/robert-rock-holds-off-competition-in-abu-dhabi-nd-801277817.html
The world number 13 joined Sergio Garcia and Jose Manuel Lara - who sunk similar shots earlier in the week - to enjoy the coveted achievement on the 12th hole at the hotly-contested competition yesterday (January 29th).

He celebrated the stunning drive by high-fiving playing partners Matteo Manassero of Italy, South African Keith Horne and all three of the players' caddies.

McDowell, 32, also showed off his fine form - which saw him come in third place at the thrilling tournament - on the 18th hole, where a lucky hit bounced three times before rolling into the cup.

Englishman Robert Rock managed to take the crown at the prestigious competition, while McDowell's compatriot and good friend Rory McIlroy enjoyed second place. 

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/graeme-mcdowell-hits-hole-in-one-nd-801277793.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/graeme-mcdowell-hits-hole-in-one-nd-801277793.html
So imagine the surprise at Clitheroe Golf Club when seven-year-old Sebastian Cave stepped up to the ladies' tee of the par-three fifth hole and landed the coveted shot.

The talented youngster, who joined the facility at the start of 2011 and has a handicap of 38, fired a single-shot wonder from the 135-yeard fifth to get his name into the record books, reports the Clitheroe Advertiser.

Although his injured father Alex was not in attendance due to an injury, the proud parent said his son was entitled to "bragging rights" as he achieved the feat before him.

"Only recently the club has reduced the age of membership from eight year olds to five, therefore we are sure Sebastian must be the youngest member to ever have a hole in one," said a club statement. 

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/seven-year-old-enjoys-hole-in-one-glory-nd-801276561.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/seven-year-old-enjoys-hole-in-one-glory-nd-801276561.html Sergio Garcia has proven he is a force to be reckoned with at this week's Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship by sinking a hole-in-one.

The talented player, as well as compatriot Jose Manuel Lara, enjoyed the coveted shot on the 186-yard 12th hole during the first round yesterday (January 26th).

Wearing a bright yellow polo shirt, the world number 17 took part in a humorous celebration after his seven-iron drive bounced twice and rolled into the cup.

Although Garcia went on to bogey the next shot, his fellow countryman enjoyed the same achievement just one hour later on the par-three hole.

Lara - who has enjoyed two wins on the European Tour - finished the day one shot ahead of Garcia with an opening round score of 70.

Fans of golf around the world will know the skill and accuracy required for a hole-in-one, while most players will never achieve this in their lifetime. 

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/sergio-garcia-sinks-hole-in-one-nd-801276558.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/sergio-garcia-sinks-hole-in-one-nd-801276558.html golf course, many would argue getting into the sport from a young age is the key to developing accuracy and speed off the tee.

And now, with the emergence of big stars like Luke Donald, Martin Kaymer and Rory McIlroy, it appears more children are showing an interest in the difficult activity.

Speaking to EADT24, Sarah Wilson - owner of Bramford Golf Centre in Ipswich - stated she has seen a "dramatic rise" in the number of youngsters participating in the sport.

She went on to note that the sport is no longer restricted to older men, as players of all ages and sexes have been welcomed into golf clubs across the country.

"I always wanted to build a family-friendly golf centre, hence the pitch and putt and golf range. I feel we have done that," Ms Wilson told the news provider. 

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/ipswich-youngsters-getting-into-swing-of-things-nd-801276478.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/ipswich-youngsters-getting-into-swing-of-things-nd-801276478.html golf course on a crisp winter morning is a preferred pastime of a high number of men and women who like to take part in activities in the great outdoors.

Unfortunately for some, the sport requires patience and accuracy in order to be mastered - so a lot of attention is needed in order to make improvements to performance.

Many professionals will say that choosing the right clubs is half the battle when bettering skills and overall game on the course, but many find it difficult to select the right ones.

Luckily, the Odyssey White Ice 2-Ball Long Putter could provide the perfect solution for amateur players as its Tour-inspired feel derives from extensive feedback from professional golfers.

The intricate piece of equipment features the revolutionary two-ball alignment system, as well as a double-bend shaft and full shaft offset with a split grip.

It also features a new dark nickel finish for an attractive look.

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/golf-equipment-news/odyssey-white-ice-ball-long-putter-brings-tour-inspired-feel-nd-801275393.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/golf-equipment-news/odyssey-white-ice-ball-long-putter-brings-tour-inspired-feel-nd-801275393.html Golf Championship.

The talented youngster, who is tied for the top spot with Sweden's Robert Karlsson, shot an impressive five-under-par score of 67, despite not being at his best.

After suffering from suspected Dengue fever last month, the world number three scrambled brilliantly during the first day in a group made up of some of the sport's finest players.

McIlroy outshone both playing partners Tiger Woods - who shot a bogey-free 70 - and world number one Luke Donald, who is holding up the rear with a score of 71.

"It was a good score and a great way to start 2012, but I don't feel I drove the ball particularly well and it's something I've got to work on," said McIlroy.

Earlier this month, the talented professional revealed he is aiming for victory at next month's Omega Dubai Desert Classic - the site of his first European Tour win in 2009.

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/rory-mcilroy-enjoys-early-lead-nd-801275320.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/rory-mcilroy-enjoys-early-lead-nd-801275320.html
People travel from far and wide to hit the greens in any particular setting, yet it is opinion that divides golfers on the best places to go that will best put their skills to the test.

However, GolfWeek judges have made their opinion about the course they think is the best by naming Kingsbarns Golf Links the number one establishment in Britain and Ireland.

The decision was based on a number of criteria, including ease and intimacy of routing, quality of feature shaping, setting and overall land plan.

Alan Hogg, chief executive of Kingsbarns, said: "We are delighted that three leading golf publications in the USA rate Kingsbarns so highly and agree that it is such a special place to play golf."

Last year, Golf Digest Magazine and Golf Magazine named the facility among the best courses for all players.

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/kingsbarns-named-best-modern-course-nd-801275317.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/kingsbarns-named-best-modern-course-nd-801275317.html Golf Championship to take the crown for a fourth time.

The 27-year-old - who has triumphed at the last two stagings of the event, said he believes he is "under the radar" at this week's proceedings due to the strength of the playing field.

He will battle for glory against some of the biggest names in the world of golf including Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Tiger Woods and world number one Luke Donald.

The German stated that his tough competition has caused him to believe his three-ball with Westwood and Spanish legend Sergio Garcia will not be the main attraction.

"I'm not playing in that group tomorrow, if you want to call it the best group to watch or the most entertaining," he commented.

This comes after the talented player confirmed he is set to compete in the Malaysian Open alongside Masters Tournament champion Charl Shwartzel in April. 

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/martin-kaymer-aiming-for-abu-dhabi-crown-nd-801275256.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/martin-kaymer-aiming-for-abu-dhabi-crown-nd-801275256.html golf's biggest names in the opening two days of the prestigious event.

The Northern Irishman will be up against Tiger Woods and Race to Dubai victor Luke Donald to kick off the proceedings, but singled out Germany's Martin Kaymer as his biggest rival this weekend.

At just 22 years old, McIlroy has achieved more than the majority of professional golfers and has finished 11th, fifth, third and second at the prestigious event in the last four years, while Kaymer has triumphed at three of the last four tournaments.

"It's a golf course that I feel suits me," he said yesterday (January 24th). "Maybe doesn't suit me as well as it does Kaymer, but I'm getting there."

His latest appearance in the Middle East came at last month's Dubai World Championship, where fears for his health were raised when it was thought he was suffering from Dengue fever.

But, the talented youngster is back and in fighting fit conditioning, while hoping he can start off on the right foot for the remaining competitions in the 2012 season.

Meanwhile, US professional golfer Bubba Watson is set to defend his title at the Farmers Insurance Open on the PGA Tour this weekend, where he is set to launch a new campaign to raise money for a cancer charity.

The laid-back golfer, who is well-known for his big drives, has announced the commencement of his Bubba & Friends: Drive to a Million project that will see his sponsors, peers and supporters donate cash in a bid to fight the illness.

This is not the first time the talented player has put his talent to good use, after raising $2,000 (£1,200) to help a friend plan a women's golf tournament at the University of West Florida.

At the time, he said: "I know [women's sports] don't have a big platform so I felt like I needed to do it. I just felt like I should do it."

The 33-year-old showed up at his pre-tournament press conference with a Ping driver complete with a pink shaft that he intends to use in all of this year's events to raise awareness about the issue that is close to his heart.

Watson endured the loss of his father to throat cancer and so has called for sports fans across the US to join in the battle to fight the disease in their local area.

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/rory-mcilory-aiming-for-abu-dhabi-win-nd-801273986.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/rory-mcilory-aiming-for-abu-dhabi-win-nd-801273986.html Golf Champions, which took place in his native country this weekend.

The 23-year-old talent, who only came through the European Tour Qualifying School last month, took the crown in a field made up of a number of golf superstars, including major winners Charl Schwartzel, Retief Goosen and Ernie Els.

As a result, he became the first player since Fred Couples in 1995 to follow his maiden victory with another.

"I'm really ecstatic," said Grace. "It's a dream come true to win such a big event - pretty much the best tournament I've played in so far."

Both Els and Goosen were left in second place at this weekend's event on the Links at Fancourt in South Africa as the up and coming player came from behind to show his competitors just what he is made of.

Despite a double-bogey on the third hole and another bogey on the fourth, he covered the remaining 14 targets in five-under to emerge as the winner and a serious competitor in upcoming competitions on the European Tour.

Meanwhile, US professional Mark Wilson overcame what can only be described as a shaky start to emerge victorious at the Humana Challenge this weekend, representing his fifth win on the PGA Tour.

The 37-year-old was left fighting for his life in the competition as he saw a three-shot lead disappear before his very eyes on the Palmer Course at PGA West, which brought a number of competitors back to the forefront as part of the proceedings.

However, his cool head and experienced playing manner saw him recover his composure to play the last eight holes in four-under-par to enjoy a closing round of 69 and 24-under-par total of 264.

Wilson's sensational performance during the latter part of the tournament saw him finish two shots in front of compatriots John Wagner - the winner of last week's Sony Open in Hawaii - Robert Garrigus and John Mallinger.

Garringus had emerged as a strong competitor for Wilson, but a bogey on the 17th hole resulted him falling out of a tie with the US winner and a near miss on the 18th hole saw him lose out on an outright second place finish.

"I was amazed at the peace I had with the start I had," Wilson commented. "I just hung in there and it's great to win."

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/branden-grace-takes-volvo-golf-champions-title-nd-801271348.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/branden-grace-takes-volvo-golf-champions-title-nd-801271348.html golf continues to rise due to the emergence of certain players.

The sport allows people of all ages to remain active through strengthening their arms and promote walking from hole to hole on rambling courses that often stretch for miles.

A high-profile figure who shares this sentiment is Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg, who recently revealed he too likes to play golf as it helps him keep in shape.

According to the Times of India, the Contraband star said his exercise routine is simple as he prefers not to work out unless he is preparing for a role in an upcoming film.

Wahlberg is not the only celebrity to enjoy a round of golf, as many sportsmen are regularly spotted enjoying their time on the course with friends.

Recently, Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero was photographed working on his swing at a Cheshire golf club.

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/mark-wahlberg-hits-the-course-to-stay-in-shape-nd-801270410.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/mark-wahlberg-hits-the-course-to-stay-in-shape-nd-801270410.html
But one 11-year-old boy from Woodford Halse in Banbury has done exactly that during his first ever 18-hole round, where he was joined by his father and grandfather.

Young George Rumble sunk the coveted shot in a special New Year event organised by members of Chipping Warden Golf Society, reports the Banbury Guardian.

The amateur player received a £10 reward after landing a hole-in-one on the 138-yard par-three eighth hole using his three-wood club for an uphill shot.

"George has only just started playing so we had to tell him what it really meant, but everyone was really happy for him," said his father Jason Rumble.

The talented youngster first showed an interest in the sport after practicing nine holes with his dad at Drayton's floodlit driving range, which looks as if it paid off. 

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/aspiring-golfer-sinks-hole-in-one-nd-801270269.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/aspiring-golfer-sinks-hole-in-one-nd-801270269.html
While different players prefer alternative techniques, the type of equipment utilised for this process can be the difference between a good and bad performance on the green.

Created using feedback from professional competitors on the PGA Tour, the Odyssey White Ice 2-Ball Long Putter can improve the alignment required to sink a putt.

The club uses special DART technology to promote consistent strikes on the centre of the face, while providing players with greater distance control.

Furthermore, the surface of the Odyssey White Ice 2-Ball Long Putter has been roughened with the aim of enhancing sound at impact with softer golf balls.

The long club has become a favourite among many professional players because it encourages a "true pendulum" strike and helps prevent aches and pains in the wrist.

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/golf-equipment-news/odyssey-white-ice-ball-long-putter-gives-better-alignment-nd-801269018.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/golf-equipment-news/odyssey-white-ice-ball-long-putter-gives-better-alignment-nd-801269018.html Golf Champions, which will kick off this weekend.

The tournament, which provides the victor with a prize of €2 million (£1.6 million), will see its defending champion Paul Casey notably absent from the proceedings due to him sustaining a snowboarding injury during his winter break.

But, Open Championship winner Darren Clarke and Masters Tournament titleholder Charl Schwartzel will be on-hand to lead the field of hugely popular competitors in what is shaping up to be a sensational sporting event.

Six other major winners will join the aforementioned pair at the South African venue, including native professionals Retief Goosen - who was triumphant in the European Tour's last visit to Fancourt at the South African Open in 2006 - and Ernie Els.

"I know every player here is looking forward to this new venue for the Volvo Golf Champions. I hope they really enjoy it this week, because I'd like to see this tournament stay in South Africa," commented Goosen.

Three-time major winner Else qualified for the upcoming event after triumphing at the South African Open Championship at the start of 2011 and is said to be hoping a victory at the prestigious competition will stand him in good stead for the remainder of 2012.

Meanwhile, English professional Lee Westwood has been announced as a key player at the upcoming Commercialbank Qatar Masters at Doha Golf Club, which gets underway on February 2nd.

The current world number two is set to headline a star-studded field in an attempt to win the title for the first time following seven consecutive appearances at the hotly-contested event, where he managed to rank a highest of fifth in both 2008 and 2010.

But this year may prove to be a simpler task for the talented 38-year-old as his stunning form in the latter parts of last year has seen him emerge as a force to be reckoned with in the difficult and skilful sport.

Westwood told the European Tour website he impressed himself with his sensational performances in South Africa and Thailand during 2011 and believes he is currently in a good place with his overall game.

"I'm very excited about 2012 not only with my form but with the way I'm playing," he remarked. "I've dropped from one to two in the space of the year in the world rankings, but if I was evaluating the way I'm playing now and a year ago, I'd say I'm a better player."

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/darren-clarke-leads-volvo-golf-champions-line-up-nd-801267654.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/darren-clarke-leads-volvo-golf-champions-line-up-nd-801267654.html
The young Qualifying School graduate emerged triumphant on home soil at the Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Golf Club yesterday (January 15th) after battling against some of the world's top competitors.

He ended the final day with a score of 72 to finish on 17-under-par that left him one ahead of Englishman Jamie Elson, who almost managed to steal the crown with a 30-foot eagle putt on the 18th hole - just one month after he secured his European Tour card with a 40-foot birdie on the final green at the Qualifying School.

Elson impressed spectators with an astonishing six birdies in his first eight holes, which saw him signed for a best-of-the-day score of 63 yesterday.

"It's a dream come true," said Grace. "It's nice to win in front of a home crowd and I wouldn't exchange it for anything else."

Thunderstorm delays during the first two days meant the talented professional was forced to return to the course early in the morning to complete the final three holes of his third round.

His confident performance brought on by his trilogy of shots saw him start the day level with Englishman Richard Finch before catapulting to a three-shot lead ahead of the final round.

Meanwhile, US professional Johnson Wagner managed to land his third PGA Tour win at this weekend's Sony Open in Hawaii, where a final round of 67 was enough to allow him to take the crown.

His title clinch came after overnight leader Matt Every missed his chance to push on for the victory as he shot two-over-par to finish the competition in joint sixth place.

Wagner was among four players who were on equal footing at 11-under as Carl Petterson, Sean O'Hair and Harrison Frazar were all in with a chance of winning the competition at some point during the final day.

Lady Luck was well and truly on Wagner's side on the final green when a close tap-in putt following a short birdie shot almost put his victory bid in jeopardy.

"To leave that birdie shot short was a little pathetic but I knew I was safe," he commented. "I've worked so hard in the off-season with my trainer my caddie and I told everyone I was going to win early this year."

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/branden-grace-clinches-joburg-open-title-nd-801265140.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/branden-grace-clinches-joburg-open-title-nd-801265140.html golf club have put their skills to the test as part of a special event to raise money for the Alzheimer's Society.

Captain Charles Ibberson - along with fellow associates from Kilton Forest Golf Club - collected funds to pay for a revamp of the organisation's day support centre in Costhorpe, the Trader & Guardian reports.

The members generously paid for a new set of vertical blinds - which were supplied by Armadale Glass and Blinds - in the facility that cares for people with dementia.

Mr Ibberson told the news provider he had "no hesitation" recommending the Alzheimer's Society for the fundraiser as it is a cause close to his heart.

"My mother had Alzheimer's disease and died six years ago. I was helping my father and sister to keep mum at home and it was a struggle," he explained.

The organisation recently invited members of the public to help with their "website usability project" that aims to ensure their facilities are easy to access.

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/nottinghamshire-club-tees-off-for-charity-nd-801263959.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/nottinghamshire-club-tees-off-for-charity-nd-801263959.html golf course is among the favourite pastimes of many amateur players as they can improve their game without being rushed.

But imagine the shock of bumping into one of the Premiership's most famous footballers who is also looking to improve his swing, which is what may have happened to some people yesterday (January 12th).

Photographs published in the Daily Mail revealed Manchester City star Sergio Aguero also likes a game of golf as he was spotted taking some time out on the Cheshire green.

The hugely talented striker - whose team are currently at the top of the league - appeared to be taking his game extremely seriously on the chilly January afternoon.

Aguero may have been taking some time to recover after Manchester City lost their Carling Cup match against Liverpool on Wednesday.

The Argentinean is not the only footballer who is a fan of golf, as England players John Terry, Phil Jones and Joe Hart were recently spotted teeing off in Hertfordshire. 

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/sergio-aguero-swaps-boots-for-clubs-nd-801263956.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/general-golf-news/sergio-aguero-swaps-boots-for-clubs-nd-801263956.html Golf can be one of the most difficult games to perfect in the world of sport, but having the right set of clubs is often half the battle when it comes to improving skills.

While there is a lot of choice available, amateur players are better off selecting clubs that provide as much forgiveness as possible to ensure they can better their game.

This is why the Cobra Baffler T-Rail Fairway is an ideal solution for players of any ability, as it combines tungsten rail technology to deliver versatility for the fairway.

Players hoping to play more golf in 2012 could be tempted by the club's high-strength 455 steel face that provides increased ball speeds through a thinner and lighter facade.

Furthermore, those who struggle with turf interaction may also see improvements with the Cobra Baffler T-Rail Fairway, as it allows penetrating ball flight and much longer ball distances.

]]> http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/golf-equipment-news/cobra-baffler-rail-fairway-gives-maximum-forgiveness-nd-801262638.html http://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-news/golf-equipment-news/cobra-baffler-rail-fairway-gives-maximum-forgiveness-nd-801262638.html