Indian Golf Player SSP Chowrasia Wins Avantha Masters at DLF Golf N Country Club.

ndian golfer SSP Chowrasia ended his three-year-old title drought winning the co-sanctioned Avantha Masters in the most dramatic fashion after closest rival Robert Coles of England bogeyed his closing hole here on Sunday.

The USD 2.3 million showpiece seemed destined for a play-off between Coles and Chowrasia until Coles’ costly bogey on the 18th hole gave the Indian his first win since 2008.

The Indian closed with a five-under 67 for a winning total of 15-under 273, while Coles took second place after rounds of 70, 67, 67 and 70 at the DLF Golf and Country Club.

France’s Gregory Havret is in third place on 275, while Netherland’s Robert-Jan Derksen, who had taken the first round lead, signed off in fourth place on 276.

India’s Sujjan Singh got his rookie year on the Asian Tour off to the best of starts with a tied-fifth place alongside Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal on 277.

Chowrasia showed that he is the man for the big occasion after winning the battle of fairway supremacy against an elite field once again.

His last victory came at the Indian Masters in 2008 and he was determined to end his three-year title drought at the Avantha Masters which is tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).

Chowrasia signalled his title intent by opening with a birdie on the par-four first. He continued his charge with birdies on holes four, seven, eight, 10, 11 and 14.

The 32-year-old seemed to be cruising towards a grandstand finish until a disastrous double-bogey on the par-three 16th set him back to 15-under with just two holes remaining.

“It was a tight lie on the 16th with one of my chips, I duffed it and ran my second shot by. I made a weak putt and I paid the price for it,” said Chowrasia.

He could only par his closing two holes and had to endure an agonising hour-long wait before being declared the champion as Coles was still on the course with four holes to play.

“After making those four birdies on the front-nine, I felt like I was on a roll. I thought that I could win the title already,” said Chowrasia.

“At 15-under, I was mentally prepared for the play-off already but luckily for me, Cole failed to take advantage and I’m glad I’m the winner,” added Chowrasia.

Cole was left to rue his missed chance at the last and could only reflect on what could have been his maiden win.

“The ball was really far below my feet and a bit of grass in between it and it was just a really awkward shot. I really needed to get underneath to get it up in the air as soon as I could but the ground was rock hard and it just kind of flew on me a bit,” Coles said.

“Then I got over the putt and I was still thinking I could make it and win the tournament, but I just hit it so hard and it flew out of the middle of the putter and then I obviously missed the one coming back.

“I think the main lesson to take from this is that you have to adapt to those situations under that kind of pressure with those adrenaline flowing,” added the Englishman.

Meanwhile Sujjan, who earned his Tour card by finishing in tied-21st at Qualifying School last month, is poised for the big leap as he showed that he can match up against the best with a noteworthy performance.

Starting the final round in tied-fifth, the 30-year-old marked his card with three birdies on holes four, six and nine with his only blemish on the front-nine coming at the par-four fifth.

Sujjan dropped another shot on the 12th hole but parred his last six holes to sign off in 71.

“It has been a good week for me. I?ve been hitting the ball really well and gave myself lots of chances. There was no pressure for me even playing in front of the home fans. I just stayed focus and played my game,” said Sujjan.

“I’ll be concentrating on playing more on the Asian Tour this season and hopefully my performance this week can spur me on to better things,” added the Indian.

Indian Golf Union and Nimbus Sport announce partnership

New Delhi, Mar 16 (PTI) The Indian Golf Union has finalised a long-term partnership with Nimbus Sport to stage and market professional Golf in India, including events like the prestigious Indian Open, the Indian Masters and the Indian Classic.
The landmark deal between IGU and Nimbus Sport is spread over three years and will feature number of golf events across the Country.
Apart from taking the Indian Open to new heights and reviving the Indian Masters, IGU has also decided to add the Indian Classic to give further lustre to professional golf in India.
The Indian Golf Union holds the rights to all three events.
"We are extremely pleased to enter into a long-term exclusive partnership with one of Asia''s leading sports management companies, Nimbus Sport," said Rohit Amin, the President of Indian Golf Union.
"This agreement will not only ensure the presence of three world class IGU-sanctioned events in India, but will also ensure a significant increase in the funds available with the IGU to invest in development of golf in India.
"The growth of Indian golf has to be fuelled by financial investments and marketing prowess. Our partnership with Nimbus Sport will deliver this and much more," he added.
Speaking on the partnership, Yannick Colaco, COO Nimbus Sport said, "This agreement with the IGU is part of our commitment to building the commercial value of the sport of Golf in Asia through long-term investments. .

Indian army in the luxury golf game

The Indian army has developed a lucrative sideline in running luxury golf courses on rent-free government land, the nation's auditor has claimed in a damning new report on corruption.
The Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) found that at least 32 square kilometres of rent-free land had been handed to a privately run company, Army Zone Golf, which operates 97 luxury golf courses.
The auditor also found the army had bought golf carts and passed them off as noiseless reconnaissance vehicles or wheelchairs, CAG's director-general for defence services, Gautam Guha, said.
The Defence Ministry is the largest state landowner holding 7,000 square kilometres of government land, much of it now prime real estate, according to the CAG report.
In a catalogue of allegations related to the scam, the report said golf memberships are being sold to civilians and foreign nationals, with revenue credited to a private regimental fund that could not be accessed by the auditors.
Army authorities "earn large amounts of revenue by allowing persons other than service personnel to use these facilities," the report said.
"Heavy amounts of revenues were being earned without paying any lease rent and allied charges for use of government assets," it added.
The CAG also criticized the army for turning over vast swaths of land to entrepreneurs to build private members' clubs and luxury shopping complexes in various cities.
The report noted that land in four cities was "leased out to various clubs at nominal rates" and was "utilized for unauthorized commercial purposes like marriages, parties and exhibitions" involving civilians.
Army Zone Golf says it promotes the sport among the armed services and runs "some of the most spectacular golf courses of India," according to its website.
Army spokesman Om Singh said that "it was totally wrong" to suggest that civilians were allowed to be members of the clubs.
"These areas are parks which include golf courses. Army men like to play golf. What's wrong with that? And these areas are very beautiful," he said.
Responding to the allegations of golf carts being brought in under the guise of wheelchairs, he said he was aware of the incident but declined to comment further.
The CAG's account of the misuse of public land will add to growing worries about the military's slide into corruption following a string of recent scandals.
In January, the government ordered a 31-storey apartment block in Mumbai to be demolished after it emerged army officers and local politicians had usurped apartments originally meant for war widows.

TaylorMade presents Kapil Dev vs Viv Richards

The tremendous success of the R11 and R11 TP Drivers the world over is a result of TaylorMade’s unparallel innovation and expertise in the golf equipment industry. India being the first market in Asia to get a get a hold of this revolutionary driver has seen an unending demand for the same ever since. The TaylorMade Golf Tournnament held at the ITC Classic Golf Tournament, Manesar saw a game between some of the most prolific cricketing greats in the world, swinging it out with this iconic driver from TaylorMade.

Kapil’s XI vs Viv Richards XI was a “Special Celebration for the Cricketing Legends to Experience the Magic of R11 Driver”. Based on the Ryder Cup format the tournament was short and entertaining with Kapil Dev’s ultimately winning the tournament. Besides Kapil Dev and Sir Vivian Richards, other eminent cricketing personalities present were- Dean Jones, Nikhil Chopra, Madan Lal, Allan Border, Simon Hughes, Mark Nicklaus, Sayed Kirmani, Murali Karthik and Charu Sharma. Players were divided into teams of 4 and started off at allotted holes. Besides the cricketers, teams included top executive from TaylorMade, adidas and Vodafone.

Speaking at the tournament, Ateet Gaur, Managing Director, TaylorMade-South East Asia said “The R11 has been a sensation in India. The driver was launched merely a month ago and we have already exhausted stocks and the demand for the same is surging. We couldn’t have thought of celebrating this success in any better way, playing with these legends of cricket. TaylorMade will continue with its pioneering efforts in golf and we hope the R11 continues to make inroads in all markets across India.”
Source:http://www.4moles.com/cmstournaments/show/137-taylormade-presents-kapil-dev-vs-viv-richards

Greatest Angles to Improve Your Game of Golf Read

Taking on golf is entirely about the backswing and a proper golf grip. Whenever you've the right swing you'll acquire an excellent golf game. If your swing misses strength and determination or your golf grip is wrong your  game will to hurt. Regrettably, this is an unavoidable fact of playing golf. Determining how to swing  or grip your golf club isn't merely an highly crucial factor in bettering your golf.

The large majority of fresh golfers out there find they can't hardly pick up a  club and commence swinging like a pro. Since most new golf players the golf club is proceeding to feel a bit cumbersome at first and acquiring the proper backswing and proper golf grip is going to acquire some time. Your hands necessitate to work as one when you are going to grip your golf club. You will find many golf grip tips around the net.you'll be playing at your finest once your hands are functioning in collaboration to effect an precise and flowing swing.


In that respect there are an enumerate amount of ways to grip a golf club only you ought to always recall to keep your hands acting in collaboration as one and you'll detect yourself acquiring a much-improved game.

Have you reasoned the type of golf grip you're cultivating  and however much grip you're employing in your golf game? It is a basic error to hold your  club excessively tight because this decreases the power that you ought to be building up in your golf game. A flimsier grip will afford you a good deal more flexibility and accuracy without giving up force. That's not to state that the proper golf grip ought to be so relaxed that you'll let the club slip out of your hands coming after a resolute drive only you require to have some flexibility in your wrists during the backswing. Your wrists are a phenomenal generator of force in your swing and this can be commited to good use by any golf player.

Accepting a more scant golf grip will better your  game in additional techniques as well. For instance you'll have additional club face rotary motion, which affords you a a great deal better opportunity of squaring the club. This is a crucial expression of a good  game so contain this in mind the next time you're aiming a shot.

Find The Best Golf Course

If you're just getting started in golf, you probably have a lot of questions. Conducting a thorough golf course  search will go a long way toward helping you find the ideal golf course for your level and abilities. There's a wide range of California golf courses that offer challenging play for golfers of all skill levels and experience, and thanks to the Internet, booking the best golf course tee times has never been easier.

What Are Golf Course Tee Times?

Golf course tee times are when you literally "tee off," or start your game. These are necessary to make sure players or groups of players don't get in each others' way. Maintaining a good, steady pace also ensures that everyone can enjoy what the region's golf courses have to offer.

Where Are They?

Chances are you'll want to find out which golf course is closest to where you live or in the case of visitors, where you're  staying. Every golf course in California is unique, and offers its own amenities and challenges. Several California golf courses cater to novices, providing instructors who offer lessons and tips that build on existing skills. For those who have never been on golf courses before, these coaches will work with students in selecting appropriate equipment as well as instruction in proper etiquette on the greens.

you are just starting out, your golf course search should probably include those that have practice facilities such as putting greens and driving ranges where you can practice basic skills before booking actual golf course tee times. You'll also want to keep in mind that some tee times are far more in demand than others; peak times tend to be weekend mornings. Look for the best deals during off-peak hours.

Chowrasia confirms for Maybank Malaysian Open 2011

Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee and Avantha Masters champion S.S.P. Chowrasia have confirmed their participation at the Maybank Malaysian Open 2011 from April 14 to 17.

Thai star Thongchai will be gunning for a third Malaysian Open victory following wins in 2004 and 2005. He finished runner-up in 2006 at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club, which will host the Open for the second straight year next month.

The 41-year-old, who has a large fan base in Malaysia, served in the Royal Thai Army as a paratrooper before turning professional at the age of 30. He currently holds the record for most wins on the Asian Tour with 13 titles to his name.

Last season, Thongchai collected his 13th win at the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open. In 2008 and 2009, the three time Asian Tour Order of Merit champion won twice in each season but has voiced his ambition to land a first victory on European soil.

Shiv Shankar Prasad Chowrasia, or better known as S.S.P., has come a long way from being the Royal Calcutta Golf Club’s greenskeeper’s son. Following in the footsteps of compatriot and idol, Jeev Milkha Singh, S.S.P. emerged as a local hero when he secured the inaugural Indian Masters title in 2008.

It was a memorable triumph as he defeated an elite field that included South Africa’s Ernie Els and Alvaro Quiros of Spain.

Last month, the 32-year old gave his home crowd more to cheer about as he bagged the Avantha Masters title. The win at the tri-sanctioned Asian Tour, European Tour and the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) event ended his three-year drought.

Chowrasia and Thongchai will face one of the biggest challenges of their career at the Maybank Malaysian Open as they will go up against world number one Martin Kaymer of Germany, promising teen sensation Rory McIlroy of Ireland and South Africa’s
Louis Oosthuizen, the reigning British Open champion, and Charl Schwartzel.

This year, the tournament reaches a milestone as it celebrates its 50th edition with many of the world’s best golfers gathering to compete at the renowned Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.

Making history as the first ever co-sanctioned tournament in Asia by both the European and Asian Tours in 1999, the Maybank Malaysian Open 2011 will feature top players from the rankings of both these world-leading circuits to make up the 156-player line-up.

Points earned at the Maybank Malaysian Open 2011 will go towards the Asian Tour Order of Merit, and will also add to the player’s 2011 Race to Dubai Ranking, granting them a chance to qualify for the season-ending Dubai World Championship.

A star-studded field is expected at the 50th edition of the Maybank Malaysian Open, with the Malaysian professionals competing with some of the world’s best players for the championship title. With a USD 2.5 million prize purse up on offer, spectators can expect an exciting tournament this April. The four-day co-sanctioned event will take place at the West Course of the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club from 14th - 17th April 2011.

Source: http://4moles.com/contents/show/758-chowrasia-confirms-for-maybank-malaysian-open-2011

IGU and Nimbus Sport announce landmark partnership

The Indian Golf Union has finalised a long-term exclusive partnership with Nimbus Sport to stage and market professional Golf in India, including events like the prestigious Indian Open, the Indian Masters and the Indian Classic.
 

The landmark deal between IGU and Nimbus Sport is spread over three years and will feature number of golf events across the Country.

 

Apart from taking the Indian Open to new heights and reviving the Indian Masters, IGU has also decided to add the Indian Classic to give further lustre to professional golf in India. The Indian Golf Union holds the rights to all three events.

 

Rohit Amin, the President of Indian Golf Union said: “We are extremely pleased to enter into a long-term exclusive partnership with one of Asia’s leading sports management companies, Nimbus Sport. This agreement will not only ensure the presence of three world class IGU-sanctioned events in India, but will also ensure a significant increase in the funds available with the IGU to invest in development of the sport of golf in India. The growth of Indian Golf has to be fuelled by financial investments and marketing prowess. Our partnership with Nimbus Sport will deliver this and much more.”

 

Speaking on the partnership, Yannick Colaco, COO Nimbus Sport added: “This agreement with the IGU is part of our commitment to building the commercial value of the sport of Golf in Asia through long-term investments. The Indian Open, Masters and Classic are prestigious events which, in stature, deserve to be on par with the best in the continent.”

 

In 2013, the Indian Open will celebrate its 50^th edition. The Indian Open is the oldest and longest running professional golf event in India, and it has often been spoken of as the ‘fifth Major’ by Indian stars like Jeev Milkha Singh and Jyoti Randhawa.

 

The Indian Open, started in 1964 with encouragement from Peter Thomson, then one of the world’s top golfers, who won the British Open five times. In the time since, it has become a flagship event for Indian golf and is one of the leading National Opens in Asia.

 

Currently carrying a purse of US $ 1.25 million it is jointly one of the richest full field event on Asian Tour. It has been sponsored by Hero Honda for the last six years.

 

The next edition of the Indian Open is scheduled for October 2011.

 

Each of the three Indian Events are expected to be rotated across cities in the country to ensure that golf fans across the country get an opportunity to be a part of and witness world class golf events.

 

The Indian Open thus far has been held in Delhi and Gurgaon and in Kolkata in its 47 years of existence.

 

The Indian Golf Union’s amateur teams have brought India medals at the 1982, 2006 and 2010 Asian Games, besides amateurs winning the Faldo Series Asia events three times in last six years. The Indian junior team also won the Asian junior title.

Source: http://4moles.com/contents/show/759-igu-and-nimbus-sport-announce-landmark-partnership

PAY-PLAY: With upto 40% discount on Green Fees

Get discounts of upto 40% when you book a Pay-n-Play slot for Golden Greens Golf & Country Club or Noida Golf Course as a 4moles.com member.
When you book a week in advance, you can avail 25% off the regular walk-in green fees. Book more than 15 days prior to the date of play and you will stand to save 40% on the green fees.
The procedure is kept very simple. Select a date & slot, feed in the required details and pay the green fees online. The system will enable Direct Debit with 60 Banks & 9 Credit Cards.

NOIDA GOLF COURSE DETAILS


Neatly packed in about 100 acres, the Noida Golf Course is amongst the busiest courses in the country. The battle of Delhi, fought between the Marathas and the British in 1803, happened on the same ground where the course now stands. The toughest hole though is the monster 245 yards, par 3, 16th which requires a full-blooded driver for most players. THE COURSE IS CLOSED ON MONDAY’S.

More Info: http://4moles.com/golfcourses/golfcourse_details/6-noida-golf-course

GOLDEN GREENS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB DETAILS:


Golden Greens is a golf course designed by two Great names – Dr. Martin Hawtree and the Aravalli hills. As an artist uses clay, Hawtree, has sculpted a championship course in the finest “Links” tradition. This 18-hole, par 72, 7100 yards championship course is replete with strategically placed bunkers on meandering fairways which look like olive green crumpled blankets. Spread over 275 acres of land in the National Capital Region of Delhi – Gurgaon, it is just 25 kilometers from the international airport. The first and only one of its kind in India, at the Golden Greens, the emphasis has been to create a golf course which looks a part of its natural surroundings. Wind swept dunes and the native scrub found in the Aravallis hills, deep pot bunkers, cleverly contoured greens which demand precise play and strategic placing of shots is the key to successfully negotiating this course. A challenge that tests the skills levels of all level of golfers ranging form the professional to the high handicappers. The course blends with the natural surroundings and provides an exceptional experience not to be found on any other course in this region. A contemporary style Club House with good changing rooms and a fine eating area are also conveniently available. A full scale Driving Range of 300 yards with target greens as well as separate chipping and bunker shots practice areas I also available. Despite opening only recently, the club has hosted a number of prestigious tournaments successfully.

More Info: http://4moles.com/golfcourses/golfcourse_details/9-golden-greens-golf-resorts

AIL Open continues Asian Tour Indian swing

The focus falls back on India next week when the Asian Tour returns for the SAIL Open, reflecting the growing importance of the sub-continent in the professional golf scene.

The Avantha Masters raised the curtains for the 2011 Asian Tour season last month while the SAIL Open will maintain the momentum at the Delhi Golf Club from March 22 to 25 (Tuesday to Friday).

While cricket continues to dominate headlines, golf in India has certainly taken a giant leap in popularity, thanks largely to the unwavering support from sponsors, the PGTI and memorable victories by the Indian golf stars.

With a deep pool of talent available in the country, it is no surprise that India holds the record for producing the most number of Asian Tour Order of Merit winners through Jeev Milkha Singh in 2006 and 2008, Jyoti Randhawa, the country’s first Asian number one in 2002 and Arjun Atwal, winner in 2003.

Atwal has reiterated time and again on how he benefited greatly from competing on the Asian Tour which subsequently provided his launch pad onto the PGA Tour where he became the first Indian to win in the United States last year.

In total, Singh, Randhawa and Atwal have won a combined 21 Asian Tour titles and have notched collective earnings of US$7,192,162.

Singh, who is currently second on the Asian Tour career earnings with over US$2 million, hailed the Asian Tour’s presence in India where 14 tournaments amounting to a staggering US$13.5 million have been staged over the last seven years.

“This is where I started from and I will never forget that,” said Singh, who is also an Asian Tour Honorary Member.

“The way the Asian Tour has grown is fantastic to see. I feel and strongly believe that the Asian Tour will continue to grow and produce top-class players.”

In recent times, players such as S.S.P. Chowrasia have grown into a world-class performers, thanks largely to victories in co-sanctioned events with the European Tour. Chowrasia currently leads the Asian Tour’s Order of Merit following his victory in the Avantha Masters last month.

“The Asian Tour has given me a lot of opportunities to enhance my career and my life,” said Chowrasia, the son of a greenskeeper.

Atwal believes that the Indian newcomers now have every opportunity to sharpen their professional teeth on the Asian Tour.

“My first Qschool was in 1995 and just to learn how to make cuts and finally be in contention and finally win, all those I learnt on the Asian Tour,” said Atwal.

“Those were the best years of my life. I still say it. I had so much fun and everyone are so close. You still see the guys out here, it’s great.”

Gaurav Ghei, Feroz Ali, Shiv Kapur and C. Muniyappa have also etched their names onto the Asian Tour’s winners circle with life-changing victories and have paved the way for the emergence of a new breed of young Indian hopefuls.

Gaganjeet Bhullar is touted as one of the brightest prospects to emerge and is well on his way to fulfilling his ambitions as India’s next big thing.

After winning two Asian Tour titles, Bhullar will carry the weight on his shoulder where he will lead a cast of talented Indians including Anirban Lahiri and Himmat Rai into a new and exciting chapter for Indian golf.

With such magical moments decorating the annals of golf history in India, it is only a matter of time before the sport reaches the pinnacle of its potential.

Source: http://4moles.com/contents/show/760-sail-open-continues-asian-tour-indian-swing

Nicklaus says Tiger's slump will end

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Jack Nicklaus doubts his lead in career Grand Slam titles will last - he figures it's just a matter of time before Tiger Woods' slump ends.

Woods hasn't won a tournament since he became immersed in a sex scandal in November 2009, and he's stalled at 14 major titles, four shy of Nicklaus' record.

"I still think he'll break my record," Nicklaus said Wednesday before playing a round in the Honda Classic pro-am. "I'm surprised that he has not bounced back by now. He's got such a great work ethic. He's so determined to what he wants to do."

Nicklaus said he hasn't talked to Woods since last June, and that conversation was brief.

"He got maybe off the track, but I think he's really a principled kid," Nicklaus said. "Did he have some wayward ... ? Yes. But are we all perfect? No."

Woods isn't playing Honda, a tournament he has skipped every year since 1993. Last week, he was eliminated in the first round of the Match Play Championship, and he has failed to crack the top 20 in his three tournaments this year.

Read more: http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/article/0,28136,2056541,00.html#ixzz1G21c11DN

SI GOLF+ PGA Tour Confidential: The state of the Tour; Tiger; favorite Tour stops and more

SI GOLF+ convened a fivesome of veteran PGA Tour players — Ben Crane, Steve Flesch, J.J. Henry, Davis Love III and Ted Purdy — plus SI senior writer Gary Van Sickle to answer those and other questions

State of The Tour

Van Sickle: The PGA Tour has turned up some new sponsors in a tough economy. Should we be optimistic or pessimistic about the Tour's future?

Flesch: It's more than just the PGA Tour. In the grand scheme of things commissioner Tim Finchem has done well to maintain 95 sponsors—45 on the PGA Tour and 25 or so each on the Champions and Nationwide tours. That's pretty darn good.

Crane: Considering the economy, I couldn't be happier.

Love: If you looked at the PGA Tour without looking at the economy, you'd say we're struggling a bit. Based on the economy, you'd say we're kicking butt. When you consider all the car companies and financial institutions that had bankruptcies and were tournament sponsors, to fill in all those blanks and not go backward is a miracle.

Henry: It says a lot about our product and the character of our players that we're fully sponsored in a down period and have kept purses up. I'm very optimistic. Especially seeing the stock market back around 12,000.

Purdy: Before the FedEx Cup it took about $600,000 [in earnings] to keep your Tour card. The first year of the FedEx Cup it took $875,000. Even though I finished 127th and missed my card by a few thousand dollars, I thought Finchem was brilliant. Then we had this down economy, and the 125th spot went back to $600,000. So I'm still optimistic, but we are losing playing opportunities for the Tour's lower third of the players—and that's my category now.

Read more: http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/article/0,28136,2056490,00.html#ixzz1G20RoWyv

CME Group to sponsor LPGA season-ender

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — The LPGA Tour has signed a three-year deal with CME Group to be the title sponsor of its season-ending Titleholders tournament in Florida.

CME Group has been involved with the LPGA Tour by hosting pro-am events and sponsoring the Solheim Cup. The title sponsorship gives the LPGA a big boost in a sagging economy, particularly with such a marquee event.

The Titleholders is the new name for its Tour Championship, to be played Nov. 17-20 at Grand Cypress Resort in Orlando. It features a unique criteria for its 75-player field, with the top three finishers from all 25 LPGA events qualifying for the season finale.

Read more: http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/article/0,28136,2057467,00.html#ixzz1G209ZX1R

Pappas wins Bogota Open

BOGOTA (AP) — Brenden Pappas won the Bogota Open on Sunday when lightning wiped out the third round, reducing the Nationwide Tour event to 36 holes.

The 40-year-old South African had rounds of 67 and 66 to finish at 9 under at Bogota Country Club. He earned $108,000 in official money, but is credited with an unofficial victory because the players failed to complete 54 holes in the scheduled 72-hole tournament.

"This was a hollow victory because it's unofficial," Pappas said. "We didn't get to play 72 holes, but it's a victory nonetheless."

Read more: http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/article/0,28136,2057466,00.html#ixzz1G1zzHVof

Sabbatini wins Honda by 1 shot

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Rory Sabbatini's shot barely beat the buzzer.

Holding a two-stroke lead at the Honda Classic, the South African stepped to the tee at the treacherous par-three 17th hole and lofted his drive to the middle of the green, avoiding the lake that had been collecting balls all week.

Moments later a horn sounded, signaling a suspension of play because of lightning. As rain began falling harder, Sabbatini walked briskly to his ball and happily marked it before finding refuge in a van.

"I was pretty content to have it on the green at that time," he said.

The tee shot left Sabbatini significantly closer to victory, and after a 28-minute delay he completed his march to the title, shooting an even-par 70 Sunday for a one-stroke win.

Y.E. Yang made it close, cutting a five-shot deficit to one in the span of seven holes. But Sabbatini birdied No. 16, then came through with a clutch par on 17.

While spectators wondered if Sabbatini would fold, Yang said he was actually the shakier player down the stretch.

"Usually if you're in front, if you're running away from somebody, you tend to be a bit nervous," Yang said through an interpreter. "But in Rory's case, apart from No. 14, he seemed really calm. I commend him for being I guess so emotionally stable. I wasn't."

Sabbatini sealed the title with a 2-foot par putt on No. 18 for a 72-hole total of 9-under 271. The resident of Fort Worth, Texas, earned his sixth PGA Tour victory and his first since the 2009 Byron Nelson Championship.

Read more: http://www.golf.com/golf/tours_news/article/0,28136,2057458,00.html#ixzz1G1uVVJfl