Celtic Manor Course Review
June 21, 2011 by DrGolf · 9 Comments
Well, I’m sitting at my desk at work wishing that I was back at Celtic Manor, or, back in bed sleeping off a tiring couple of days on the resort. As far as a review of the two days, only too happy to give my own personal opinion of the resort and its facilities. Read more
McDowell blown off course as Noren holds Wales Open lead
June 5, 2011 by Brian · Leave a Comment
Despite windy conditions across The Celtic Manor Resort making scoring much more difficult than in previous rounds, Sweden’s Alex Noren maintained his slender lead at the top of the leaderboard for the Saab Wales Open.
Noren’s sole possession of top spot came courtesy of a final hole birdie as he carded a round of 71 to keep his 1-shot advantage intact.
The front nine proved a lot tougher for many in the field, and Noren was no different – turning in 3-over par 39 after bogeys at the 4th, 6th and 9th holes. But the Swede got to grips with the conditions on the homeward nine to rattle off three birdies in four holes from the 11th before a bogey-birdie finish on 17 and 18.
Noren’s fellow Swede and Ryder Cup player Peter Hanson, and Dane Anders Hansen share second spot just one behind. Hanson shot a third round 69, while Hansen put together a best-of-the-day 66, despite opening his round with bogeys at the 1st and 3rd – although he did eagle the 18th. Hanson had also started out with two bogeys, but went on to play the other 16 holes in 5-under par.
Welshman Jamie Donaldson shot a level-par 71 to finish two shots behind in fourth place as he seeks not only to become the first home winner, but also grab his first European Tour victory in well over 200 starts; while England’s Steve Webster and Frenchman Victor Dubuisson shot rounds of 70 and 72 respectively to share fifth spot.
Swede and tipster pick Johan Edfors birdied his last four holes to remain in contention, closing with a 1-under par 70 to take sole possession of 7th place on 4-under par. But Simon Dyson and Rhys Davies both shot 74s to slip out of contention on 3-over and 4-over par respectively.
And defending champion Graeme McDowell was completely blown away in the wind; the current US Open suffered a disastrous 81. McDowell was 6-over par at the turn, but could have been higher had he not birdied the 8th and 9th holes. He lost further ground with a bogey at the 11th and a quadruple-bogey at the 12th before a birdie on the last.
Top 5 Golf and Spa Breaks
May 5, 2011 by Rory · Leave a Comment
On golf holidays we all try to spend as much time on the course as is physically possible but alas we have to deal with the inconvenience of darkness during the nights. Therefore inevitably, we will have some down time to enjoy and what better way to relax and sooth the aches from a long day on the fairways than spending time being pampered in a top class spa? With this in mind we take a quick look at five of the very best golf holiday and spa break destinations. Read more
New Ryder Cup logo revealed for 2012 showdown
January 28, 2011 by Brian · Leave a Comment
Ryder Cup Europe and the PGA of America have today unveiled the launch of the new official logo for the 2012 Ryder Cup match at Medinah Club, Illinois.
This will be the first time in the event’s history that the two teams – Europe and the United States – will share a unified logo, and the logo is designed to strengthen the competition’s profile, as well as draw the two organising bodies closer together.
Davis Love III named United States captain for 2012 Ryder Cup
January 21, 2011 by Brian · Leave a Comment
Six-time Ryder Cup veteran Davis Love III has been confirmed as captain of the United States 2012 Ryder Cup team.
Love, a major winner, after winning the 1997 US PGA becomes the United States’ 27th Ryder Cup captain, and takes over the rains from vanquished 2010 captain, Corey Pavin.
“I guess since the big secret is out, now I can tweet it,” joked Love after the announcement, although in truth it was no secret and many had expected him to be given the nod.
“I’m thrilled. I’m thrilled to represent The PGA of America; thrilled to represent all of the men and women PGA professionals.” Love said in his press conference as his announcement was confirmed.
“As we have said a lot of times, there’s not a Tour player out there that plays one Tour event or plays six Ryder Cups that doesn’t have a PGA professional that led them to that position. So I thank all of the PGA professionals, including my dad.”
Love amassed a Ryder Cup record of 9-12-5 in his six appearances, and was a vice-captain to Corey Pavin at The Celtic Manor back in October.
Love made his Ryder Cup debut in the same match as his opposite number – Spaniard Jose-Maria Olazabal. Speaking of the European captain, Love said:
“José Maria and I go way back. We have competed against each other. We have shared a lot of trials and tribulations through our careers together. He has been a good friend for someone that plays The European Tour and that I don’t see that much. He’s always been respectful and supportive of my career.”
“I look forward to competing against him, to us leading our teams together.”
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