HP Byron Nelson Championship. Keegan Crushes the Course.

Keegan Bradley crushed the TPC Four Seasons Resort course with an opening record scoring round of -10 under par 60, at the  HP Byron Nelson Championship.

Record holder Keegan Bradley / Pennington / Getty Images

Keegan Bradley set a new course record at the TPC  Four Seasons Resort course in Irving Texas, as they say, everything comes up big in Texas, and -10 under par for one round of golf is big. He now has a three shot lead over second placed Charl Schwartzel, who had a wonder round himself, shooting a -7 under par, 63. Usually that kind of round would give you the lead on the Tour, but not this week.

Keegan said the thought of a 59 had crossed his mind, talking about the putt for it, he said;

“It was going right at it, a 59 crossed my mind for a second, and it would be unbelievable if I buried this. But I had 3 feet to shoot 60, I was actually very nervous, uncomfortable over it and thank God I made it. It was rare to match up a ball-striking day and make everything. It happened today, the hole looked huge. Even the putts I missed almost went in.”

Charl was was happy they had played in the morning;

“Seems like you don’t get many of those opportunities, so being out here first was a bit of an advantage. So much rain, it softened up. Played long off the tee, but it’s a big advantage going into the greens with the second shot. You could attack flags.”

There are three players tied in third place at -6 under par for the tournament with opening rounds of 64, they are; Ted Potter Jnr, Harris English and Robert Karlsson. They must all be hoping that Keegan does not go out tomorrow and shoot another low round, which would probably wrap up the tournament.

Young Chinese player Tianlang Guan finished at even par, he was happy with his round;

“I missed a couple of birdie putts in the middle but overall not a bad round. After the Masters and New Orleans, I still feel nervous on the first tee but not too much, and I handle it pretty good in the middle fairway and kept it going.”

Valero Texas Open. Matt Bettencourt & Peter Tomasulo Lead after 1st Round

Matt Bettencourt and Peter Tomasulo opened the Valero Texas Open, both with  -5 under par 67, to lead by just one shot at TPC San Antonio, in Texas.

 Peter Tomasulo and Matt Bettencourt / Getty Images

Matt Bettencourt overcame the severe asthma problems that had been dogging him, thanks to some new medication. Matt said he was never worried about his game, just his health;

” My game hasn’t been the concern, I’ve gone back and forth from three to four different inhalers and some different medications, which has helped my health, but I haven’t been able to play golf with it at all.”

Peter Tomasulo was happy to get round with no bogies, for his -5 under par round;

‘ I just played a solid round of golf to go around here with no bogies.  We got a good end of the draw, I think, with the weather calming down late in the day.”

Padraig Harrington and Billy Horschel are tied in third place, along with Bryce Molder and Harris English, all of them at -4 under par. Padraig just coming back from a snowy Ireland said it was not as cold over the Atlantic;

” Last week back in Ireland, it was snowing, and I didn’t feel as cold.”

Billy Horschel said he had another good day on the golf course, after challenging last week;

“All in all, it’s a good day, I could hit the ball a little bit better, but I did a good job of managing it and making a couple putts.”

World number two, Rory McIlroy, entered the tournament as a final opportunity to gain some form in time for next week’s Masters at Augusta National, he opened with an even-par 72 and is tied for 45th. Rory said his mistakes are more mental than physical;

” More mental than anything else, It’s just about limiting those mistakes. It’s definitely more mental mistakes than physical.”

There are ten players,  including Jim Furyk and Brian Davis, who are only two shots back of the leaders, they are at -3 under par for the tournament.

Tampa Bay Championship. It’s Still Shawn at The Top

After the second round of the Tampa Bay Championship, Shawn Stefani is still at the top of the leaderboard, the rookie proving that his first round effort was no fluke.

Shawn Stefani / Greenwood/Getty Image

Shawn Stefani completed his second round of the Tampa Bay Championship, presented by EverBank, at the Innisbrook Copperhead course, in -1 under par, for a tournament total of -7 under. The rookie is still at the top of the leaderboard, by just one shot, from the very experienced pair of Adam Scott and K.J. Choi, who are tied in second spot, at -6 under par for the tournament.

Shawn had to scramble more today that he would have preferred, although he did manage to convert all the putts he felt he was supposed to make in his second round;

” Today was a little bit more of a struggle, didn’t really drive it super great. Didn’t hit some of the best iron shots. But I scrambled well and I putted really great. When you putt good, that usually keeps rounds going, and that’s pretty much what happened today.”

Adam was pretty happy to go bogey free today, and set himself up nicely for the week-end;

“ To go bogey-free anywhere is good, and I think here is particularly good. It’s quite a tricky golf course, and mistakes are easily made, very pleased with that. I got myself right in contention for the weekend, which I’m pleased about.”

K.J. Choi is pleased with his position, just a shame I think that he is now using the claw grip on his putter;

“Sometimes very nervous, but I keep going more in line. But still, -6 under par, a very good position. My confidence is very well.”

There are four players tied in fourth place at -5 under par, they are, Harris English, Brian Harman, Jason Duffner and Peter Tomasulo.

World Number Three Luke Donald struggled again today, with a +1 over par 72, and way down the list tied in 31st place. I suppose really he was lucky to make the cut for the week-end. I hope he puts together a good round tomorrow.

Tampa Bay Championship. Shawn Stefani on Top after 1st Round

The Tampa Bay Championship at the Innisbrook Resort, Copperhead, Palm Harbor in Florida saw a new name, Shawn Stefani, at the top of the leaderboard at the conclusion of the first round.

Shawn Stefani / Stan Badz / Getty Images

Shawn Stefani shot a bogey free first round of -6 under par 65, on the Innisbrook par 71 Copperhead course layout, to lead the competition by two shots from Brian Harman who is on -4 under par.

There are three players tied in third position on -3 under par, all in with rounds of 68, they are, Tag Ridings, Brendan Steele and Harris English.

Tag Ridings admitted he had not brought enough warm clothing with him, thinking he was going to tropical Florida, but agreed a few birdies soon warmed him up;

” I’m underpacked this week, obviously, but I got it done on the first couple of holes, and after about six holes I was OK. They do, it took me a while to make, but my playing partners were making them in the group, so I knew they were available.”

Most frustrated player of the day had to be Luke Donald, World Number Three, and defending Champion here at the Tamper Bay Championship.

Luke had got it to -4 under par through the first 14 holes only to stumble home with three bogeys over his last four at Innisbrook’s Copperhead course, to finish at -1 under par, 70.

Luke Donald / Greenwood / Getty Images

” I’m extremely disappointed right now, I had it really under control and could have been six or seven under with a couple putts. Obviously to finish like that, it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.”

 

Wyndham Championship, Round 3, Sergio Garcia Leads

                                                                                                                       

Sergio Garcia/Gerry Broome / Associated Press

After three rounds of the Wyndham Championship Sergio Garcia is in control of his Ryder Cup destiny. Sergio had a third round of       -4 under par 66 on the par 70 Sedgefield Country Club lay-out, to lead by one shot from Tim Clark and Bud Cauley, who are on -13 under par. The FedEx Playoffs are just one week away, and Sergio Garcia is rounding into form at the right time. The going will  not be easy, apart from Bud Cauley and Tim Clark by one,  Jason Dufner, Harris English and Carl Pettersson are lurking with serious intent. Sergio is acutely aware of the competition looming behind him for the final round;

” Obviously I would love to be two, three shots better but, you know, we’re in a good situation, it’s going to be a tough day. There’s no doubt about it. A lot of very good players behind me trying to achieve the same thing I’m trying to achieve. So, you know, hopefully I’ll go out there tomorrow, play well again and give ourselves a good shot at winning and see if we can finish in the same position that I was today. Eighteen pars are not going to win it, you have to make some birdies out there. I don’t have a number, I’m not going to say I need to shoot 4 under, 5 under, or whatever. Someone might go out and shoot 9 under, and 5 under’s not good enough.”

Jason Dufner had the best round of the day, a -7 under par 63, and playing like that he could easily be in contention coming down the stretch on Sunday afternoon. Jason trails Sergio by two shots and is trying to win for the third time during this breakout season. Amazingly he would replace Tiger Woods as No. 1 in the FedEx Cup standings if he did, now that would be a talking point.

There are sixteen players within four shots of the lead, so in reality tomorrow is going to be a shoot-out, and may the best man win.

The American Ryder Cup Captain Davis Love 111 is still in contention in this tournament, and a win for him here would be a momentous occasion. And don’t forget Carl Pettersson, the Sedgefield Country Club member, he knows this course well, and that factor could give him the edge. Of course Carl will not be playing for Ryder Cup selection, as he does not qualify to play for either the U.S. or the European Team. I think some rule changes need to be made here, but you know how long it takes the authorities to come to any conclusions on rule changes, long putters have been around for twenty years.

Here is how the top of the leaderboard currently looks.

1. Sergio Garcia -14                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                T2. Bud Cauley -13                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           T2. Tim Clark -13                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            T4. Jason Dufner -12                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    T4. Harris English -12                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  T4. Carl Pettersson -12                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       T7. Davis Love III -11                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       T7. Matt Every -11                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              T7. Jimmy Walker 11

Wyndham Championship, round 2, Jimmy Walker in Front.

  

Jimmy Walker/getty images

Jimmy Walker is in front after the second round of the Wyndham Championship at Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina. Jimmy had a super smooth -8 under par, 62, for a tournament total of -12 under par. He now  leads the Championship by just one shot from Webb Simpson.

Jimmy  is playing well despite having suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee while making what he called a “funny step” at the HP Byron Nelson Championship in late May. He elected to have a cortisone injection the week of the U.S. Open, which took away the swelling and pain. Jimmy spoke about the discomfort he was feeling;

” For a while there I was out of my routine because I couldn’t bend down, I couldn’t read putts the way I wanted to. I couldn’t line my ball up the way I wanted to.”

He has  said he’ll probably undergo surgery in the offseason to fix the same problem he had on his right knee a couple of years ago.

Webb Simpson had a nice round of -7 under par 63, and a total of -11 under par and is alone in second spot, he is thinking about the FedEx Playoffs and also his first Ryder Cup;

“Obviously right now I’m thinking about the FedExCup Playoffs but I talked to Davis a little bit more today about the team and just kind of what to expect and how I can prepare for my first Ryder Cup and, so, I’m definitely thinking about it but, you know, I’m just trying to play good tomorrow and work for The Playoffs.”

There are four players tied in third place at -10 under par, they are, Carl Pettersson, Sergio Garcia, Harris English and Tim Clark.

Carl struggled today and admitted so;

“I’m going to drive back tonight home and get some rest and see if I can find my swing on the way back. I struggled early on didn’t have much today but I thought it was a good comeback shooting 4 under from nine onwards and 2-under par was okay today with the game that I had and hopefully I can hit the ball better on the weekend and have a chance. Overall, it was pretty good, there was some uncertainty for sure but, overall, I hit the driver pretty good, I’ll keep it in the bag for the weekend. I got to keep playing aggressive, put the ball in play and then try to make some birdies and have a low weekend, it’s nice to be up there with a chance to win.”

 

THE PLAYERS Championship @ TPC Sawgrass · Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

   

The second round of The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra Beach florida, finished with a three way tie at the top of the leaderboard. Zach Johnson, Kevin Na and Matt Kuchar are all level pegging at -8 under par for the tournament, but lead by only one shot from Harris English.

Zach Johnson had the round of the day with a marvelous -6 under par for 66, while Kevin had a -3 under par 69, and Matt with around of -4 under par 68.

First round leader Ian Poulter slumped to a tournament score of -3 under par, shooting a miserable +4 and 76 on the day. Joining him at -3 under par for the championship are Luke Donald and Lee Westwood, all three of them will hope hope to improve their positions before the start of the final round on Sunday. As they say in golfing circles, Saturday is “Moving Day.” With Rory missing the cut here it is inevitable that Luke will return to the number one ranking.

Ehrmann/Getty Images

Last weeks winner Rickie Fowler is also on -3 and will look to improve tomorrow, it is always hard to feature the week after your win, especially your first win on Tour.

Tiger Woods and Phil Mickleson are lurking back on -2, and both would need something magical to contend for the Championship, but these things do sometimes occur in golf.

Making it to the weekend on the cut line are Justin Rose, and ex champion Sergio Garcia. Biggest surprise of the day was Rory McIlroy shooting a +4 over par second round of 76, to miss the cut. He was not alone in the big name bracket to miss the weekend, he was joined by, Ernie Els, Reteif Goosen, Padraig Harrington,Louis Oosthuizen, Graeme McDowell, and last weeks European Tour winner, Francesco Molinari.

RBC Heritage, 1st round

Tied for the lead at after the 1st round of the RBC Heritage at Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head, South Carolina are, Chad Campbell, Vaughn Taylor and Colt Knost. All three had a first round score of  67 for a total of -4 under par for the tournament.

Colt Knost commented on his late tee time today and early start tomorrow;

The Associated Press

‘ It’s good. It’s good to take advantage of , it’s probably good in this situation. It’s normally a tough tee time to finish so late, and the greens aren’t quite as good as they normally are. I’m excited to go out and have a little better conditions in the morning and get after it. I heard it was cold and a little windy this morning. From what I’ve seen it’s supposed to be a little better tomorrow. If it is, it is, if not, but it wasn’t calm for us out there today. Our first 12, 13 holes it was windy and it was swirling around a lot out there. We got lucky the last few coming in, and I was able to take advantage of it”

Vaughn Taylor said;

“ It’s very difficult. It’s obviously a tough driving course. And then if you’re not on the right side of the fairway, your back is behind the wall. And the greens are firm and fast. So it’s tough. You’ve just got to kind of grind it out. You know you’re going to miss some greens. So you’ve got to do your best trying to get the ball up and down. I fortunately did a good job of that today.” And of his effort on the ninth hole, Vaughn happily recounted; “ I had exactly 100 yards to the hole. I was trying to decide between a lob wedge and a sand wedge, but I had a little bit of an upslope lie, I decided to go with the sand wedge and hit a smooth one. Came off right, right at it, and fortunate enough to go in.”

Chad Campbell was pleased with his round;

The Associated Press

 ” It felt like I’ve been playing better here lately. I got off to a great start today; birdied 2 and 4 and 5. It’s nice to get off to a good start here. It was a little tricky with the winds, and it’s always a tough golf course. Pleased about the way I played today.”

There are four players just one shot behind, Jim Furyk, Charlie Wi, Harris English and Matt Every.

Biggest surprise of the day was world number one Luke Donald struggling to a +4 over par round of 75.

The Associated Press