Miguel Angel Jiménez and Alvaro Quiros.

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

Conor Nagle

Drop, hop and bop!

It’s great to see Sergio Garcia smiling and fist-pumping again. After nearly three years without a victory, the 31-year-old Spaniard notched his second consecutive win on the European Tour, clinching the Andalucia Masters by one shot over Miguel Angel Jimenez. (continue reading…)

Phil: head of the class

Phil Mickelson is one of the biggest names leading the class of 2012 in the World Golf Hall of Fame Ballot (which isn’t too shabby). The four-time major winner was added to the newest edition of PGA Tour’s list, along with Jim Furyk and Loren Roberts, while Miguel Angel Jimenez was included in the International Ballot.

The ballots have been distributed to the voters, “comprised of Hall of Fame members, golf journalists, historians and dignitaries from around the globe.” Voting closes in October and the inductees will be announced later this year.

What qualifications must a player meet for consideration? (continue reading…)

Thanks for coming!

What a rollercoaster of a day! Which has set up for what should be a thrilling finish tomorrow. Darren Clarke leads by one shot over Dustin Johnson, who last played in the final group at the ’10 PGA Championship — the infamous bunker-not-a-bunker incident. (continue reading…)

The most interesting man in the world!

My apologies for forgetting to post the link to yesterday’s live-blog. I’m sure it completely ruined your days! And now I’m late providing the link to today’s live-blog. Too many irons in the fire, but it’s all good. Come stop by and say hi! (continue reading…)

Westwood wins again

Well, this might shut up many of the naysayers! — world No. 1 Lee Westwood fired a final-round five-under 67 to come from behind and capture his second consecutive victory at the Ballantine’s Championship in Seoul, South Korea. After Westwood regained the top ranking when he won the Indonesian Masters last Sunday, he encountered some skepticism for the strength of the field at the Asian Tour event and his lack of majors. (continue reading…)

The Germanator prevails

Martin Kaymer, world No. 1 in waiting, edged out Miguel Angel Jimenez 1 up to advance to the Match Play semifinals. And for those of you wondering what snazzy accessory Kaymer was sporting around his neck, the correct term is “snood,” which according to Wikipedia (yes, a very reliable source): A snood is historically a type of European female headgear, or in modern times a tubular neck scarf.

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It should be a lengthy match between J.B. Holmes and Bubba Watson in the quarterfinals at the Match Play Championship. Get ready for all sorts of bomber and distance references on the telecast. Watson caught on fire (again) and upset Geoff Ogilvy 6&4 to advance. Meanwhile, plumb-bobber Holmes, who was a last-minute add to the field after Tim Clark withdrew, beat mind-game master Jason Day 1-up. “It should be fun,” said Holmes. “Me and Bubba move it out there pretty good.”

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Martin Kaymer playing an approach to Abu Dhabi's eighteenth green

Play is under way at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship (quite the mouthful, that) and who should sit atop the leaderboard but OCD-sufferer and fan of CSI Padraig Harrington! A round of seven-under (65) sees the three-time major winner one shot clear of promising Swede Alex Noren and two of playing partner Martin Kaymer. World Number One Lee Westwood carded a relatively modest 69. (continue reading…)

Trust this man; he knows what's good for you.

Remember the European Ryder Cup wild-card controversy? Yeah, you know the one– where Monty made the right picks in spite of all the chatter about Paul Casey and Justin Rose being worthy inclusions in the team? Well, the European Tour’s Tournament Committee has taken steps to ensure that a similar furore is avoided in future by increasing the number of tournament entries required for membership from 12 to 13.
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