Check it out: Ilonen with Prince Daniel of Vastergotland, Sweden’s Crown Prince of Hipsterdom. (Getty Images)

Finland’s Mikko Ilonen held off challenges from home favourites Jonas Blixt and Alex Noren to capture his third European Tour title, and his first since 2007, at the Nordea Masters in Sweden earlier this afternoon. (continue reading…)

The Dong earns medalist honors

Today was the last round of the last ever Q-school under the system that was in place since 1965. Longtime readers know I’m a Q-school romantic and I love the incredible stories and range of emotions, along with the drama, and I’m not alone. I’ve done my best over the past few weeks to describe the atmosphere.

To be honest, second stage was much more excruciating — probably because there wasn’t any live-scoring but in general the vibe was much more intense. Getting through second is usually the hardest part for the guys who have never made it to finals, along with the mini-tour journeymen, not to mention the veterans who had a terrible season. (continue reading…)

Tensions and emotions ran high on Friday in the final round at Plantation Preserve Golf Course & Club in Plantation, Florida (near Fort Lauderdale), one of the six sites around the country holding the second stage of the PGA Tour qualifying tournament, known fondly as “Q-school.”

There’s always an enormous amount of pressure for players trying to advance to finals, but this year there seems to be even more than usual. Why? The reply was simple: “It’s the last year” or “It’s the last chance.” (Or as I like to call it: “Q-school deathwatch.”) (continue reading…)

Grace leads the current Race to Dubai rankings.

In-form home favourite Branden Grace has assumed control at the halfway stage of the Volvo Golf Champions at Fancourt Links in South Africa. Bidding for back-to-back victories after securing his maiden European Tour victory at last week’s Joburg Open, the 23-year-old will take a sizeable advantage into the weekend. (continue reading…)

Miguel Angel Jiménez and Alvaro Quiros.

Just discovered this image of the Spanish odd couple on Alex Noren’s blog. Excellent.

Conor Nagle

Alex Noren: weird, also wonderful.

For nearly a year I’ve been telling Steph to go talk to Alex Noren, but noooo, all I keep hearing back is “Nobody knows anything about Alex Noren.”

But you should. Everyone should know about Alex Noren. (continue reading…)

Anxiety attack: Montgomerie finished eighteen shots off the pace

The Old Course at Sunningdale played host to Europe’s 36-hole International Final Qualifying event for next month’s Open Championship yesterday, with ten players from a field of non-exempt tour professionals eventually securing tee times at Royal St. George’s. (continue reading…)

Alex Noren secured his second career victory on the European Tour yesterday at the Saab Wales Open. Playing the final round in blustery conditions, he succeeded in holding off a chasing pack that included Gregory Bourdy, Peter Hanson, Anders Hansen, Johan Edfors (looks like Jesus, putts like Mary) and Ricardo Gonzalez. (continue reading…)

A good walk dramatically spoiled

Graeme McDowell entered the third round of the Celtic Manor Wales Open within a shot of leader Alexander Noren. Rounds of 67 and 68, on a course with which the Ryder Cup hero has nothing but the most positive of associations, hinted at a return to form and left him within striking distance of his first win of the season. (continue reading…)