Sergio Garcia and Rafa Cabrera-Bello are the feature group in the BMW Indoor Invitational played over a virtual Valderrama

GREEN Jacket winner Sergio Garcia and Rolex Series winner Rafa Cabrera-Bello will head the Spanish challenge when the BMW Indoor Invitational heads to Valderrama, on Saturday.

The fourth leg of the BMW Indoor Invitational – powered by TrackMan – sees another strong field of nearly 40 European Tour players.

The presence of Garcia and Cabrera-Bello is sure to swell interest in the virtual golf tournament.

Rafa was inspired to play in the Ryder Cup – having been a promising junior when Garcia made his debut for Europe at Brookline, in 1999, aged just 19.

The Spanish stars are this week’s interactive feature group as they tee it up virtually to make their debut in the BMW Indoor Invitational.

Forty-year-old Garcia, who claimed the Masters in a play-off with Justin Rose, in 2017, has fond memories of Valderrama.

The Sergio Garcia Foundation hosted the European Tour’s Andalucia Masters there in 2018, which he won.

Garcia said: “I love Valderrama. Everyone knows it and I have always said it is my favourite golf course.

“I have been fortunate to do very well there. It is my idea of a golf course, not particularly long – but narrow, dog-legs, trees, small greens.

“And it is target golf. That is what I love about Valderrama and one of the reasons it suits my game so well.

“It is something I am really excited about. Obviously, it is something I have done before playing courses with TrackMan.

“But I have not competed on a worldwide stage like this. So I am excited to see how it goes.

“Personally, the time off from golf has been great. We had the birth of our son, our second child Enzo. It has been nice to spend time with my wife Angela and the kids in these very difficult times.

“Here in Texas has been pretty good. I have been able to practise a little bit here and there – which has been nice.

“But it has been hard. It has been really tough in Spain. My family are there, and fortunately have been able to stay home the most part. But it has been quite scary for a while.”

Sergio Garcia claimed his third Andalucia Masters at Valderrama in 2018.
Picture by REAL CLUB VALDERRAMA

Garcia has three Valderrama wins

GARCIA’S victory in the 2018 Estrella Damm NA Andalucía Masters at Valderrama saw him become the first man since Colin Montgomerie to win the same tournament three times in a row in Europe.

Montgomerie won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth from 1998 to 2000.

Cabrera-Bello also cannot wait to join in the interactive fun.

The European Tour announced on Thursday it would resume real live tournaments from July 22, when Lee Westwood hosts the Betfred British Masters at Close House, near Newcastle.

Cabrera Bello, who won the Scottish Open in 2017 for his maiden Rolex Series win, said: “In the last week or so I have picked it up a bit, practising more seriously now – trying to get ready for when we start back.

“Valderrama is a great course. I love it and I always enjoy playing there. It is a really tough challenge.”

Former World No. 1 Martin Kaymer is again in action, while Belgian Ryder Cup star Thomas Pieters makes his debut alongside countryman Nicolas Colsaerts – one of the heroes of Medinah in 2012.

The famous 17th hole at Valderrama… will it be crucial when Sergio Garcia and Rafa Cabrero-Bello star in the featured group in the BMW Indoor Invitational on Saturday?

Valderrama drama for ’97 Ryder Cup

WORLD-renowned Valderrama, hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup.

Spanish legend Seve Ballesteros lead Europe to the first victory over the USA, when the biennial tournament was held on the Continent for the first time in its long history.

It has also hosted a number of prestigious events including the Andalucía Masters, Open de España and the WGC-American Express Championship in 1999 and 2000.

Tournament footage will once again be shown at bmw.trackmaninvitational.com

Fans can also follow Garcia and Cabrera-Bello, and the other 36 players, using #BMWTrackManInvitational on social media.

The winner will receive $10,000 to benefit a Coronavirus charity or relief fund of his choice.

Joost Luiten (St Andrews), Connor Syme (Royal Portrush) and Wil Besseling (München Eichenried) won the first three events.

Footage of the BMW Indoor Invitational will be shown from 11am BST on the European Tour’s social media channels.

Go to Twitter: @europeantour
Instagram: @europeantour
The European Tour’s YouTube channel and atbmw.trackmaninvitational.com

• After Valderrama the final event will be held playing the Wentworth Club, on Saturday, June 6.

The post Garcia and Cabrera-Bello make ‘Valderrama debut’ in BMW Indoor Invitational appeared first on Golf North.

Wil Besseling became the second Dutchman to win a BMW Indoor Invitational tournament in three weeks after a two-shot win at Golfclub München Eichenried, on Saturday.

WIL Besseling shot a four-under par 69 to secure a two-shot victory in the latest BMW Indoor Invitational at Germany’s München Eichenried golf club.

The Dutchman finished top of a leaderboard featuring 31 European Tour players in the third of five events in the new series of virtual golf tournaments using the latest simulator technology powered by TrackMan.

Following his victory at the Bavarian venue, Besseling joined his countryman Joost Luiten in the virtual winner’s circle after his impressive win at St Andrews two weeks ago.

Besseling, like Luiten, claimed the first prize of $10,000 towards a charity of his choice.

The 35-year-old opted to split the cheque between two charities that will benefit from the donation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Doneereenmondkapje.nl – Donate a Protective Mask – supplies protective masks to frontline workers in the Netherlands, while Bake for Life, a charity close to his heart, creates jobs and sustainable incomes for people in Africa.

Besseling and the rest of the field, including ex-World No. 1 Martin Kaymer and last week’s winner Connor Syme, competed virtually from their own homes in the 18-hole strokeplay event.

Besseling opened his round with a bogey, however picked up two shots on the sixth and seventh before a second bogey of the day came on the eighth hole.

He bounced back to birdied the ninth and the round picked up pace with an eagle on the 11th, plus birdies to follow on 12 and 14.

Despite a third bogey on the 17th hole, it was enough to secure a two-shot win over last week’s winner Syme and Frenchman Alexander Levy, following their 71s.

European Tour’s innovation praised

THE third winner of the series was quick to praise the European Tour for coming up with the virtual golf tournament series.

It has helped occupy players who have been left in limbo during the lockdowns in most European countries – and which have seen more than a dozen regular tournaments cancelled since February.

Besseling said: “It’s a great initiative from the European Tour, BMW and Trackman to get together and organise something totally different compared to what we are used to with normal golf tournaments.

“Virtual golf has been here for a while but not the way in which we have been using it at the moment.

“The last couple of months have been so different to any other period in my career and it has been really exciting to see what it is capable of because it is so realistic. The courses are incredible.

“To have the ability to host tournaments indoors, I was happy to see it as we could not leave our homes, so I entered straight away for all five weeks.

“I finished third and second in the first two weeks of competition, so really cool to get the win now, my first virtual win.

“I had a rough start.” Wil added: “I got it going in the middle of the round and thought I still had a chance, so nice to have that feeling again.

“Even with it being indoors and being by yourself in a room, having a shot of being able to win something was exciting for me.”

Masks crucial for key workers says Wil

BESSELING was also pleased to be able to make a difference to two causes that are close to him for different reasons.

Each of the five tournament winners in the BMW Indoor Invitational receive $10,000 to give to good causes of their choice.

“I am very happy to be helping out two charities by winning this week and hopefully changing people’s lives for the better,” said Besseling.

“Half of my donation will be made to Doneereenmondkapje.nl who are doing great things in the Netherlands.

“They donate the money they make to buy protective masks for hospital staff, healthcare workers, and those people delivering essential services to make sure they are all protected.

“The remaining $5,000 will go to Bake for Life. It is a different charity but also a great one where they open bakeries in Africa, creating jobs for people and selling bread to generate their own income.

“It started close to my hometown and I think it is a great initiative to help people in the world by not only giving them money – but also creating jobs and helping them develop a sustainable living.”

Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts, Frenchman Raphaël Jacquelin and home favourite Kaymer finished tied fourth at Golfclub München Eichenried with a one-under 72.

Somerset’s Laurie Canter and Frenchman Benjamin Hebert were a further shot back.

Tournament footage was shown on the European Tour’s social media channels with fans following using #BMWTrackManInvitational.

Valderrama and Wentworth to come

FOOTAGE of the BMW Indoor Invitational is available on the European Tour’s social media channels
Twitter: @europeantour
Instagram: @europeantour
YouTube: EuropeanTour and
Online https://bmw.trackmaninvitational.com

•The last two BMW Indoor Invitational events are at Valderrama on May 30, and Wentworth on June 6.

The post Wil Besseling goes 3-2-1 to land his first BMW Indoor Invitational title in Munich appeared first on Golf North.

A FIELD of 29 European Tour players will take on Royal Portrush in the second event in the European Tour’s BMW Indoor Invitational.

Dutchman Joost Luiten won the inaugural virtual golf tournament – powered by Trackman – last Saturday.

The five-time European Tour winner finished two shots clear of the field over St Andrews’ Old Course using the latest simulator technology.

Luiten is in the field once again and will comprise this week’s interactive feature group with Englishman Paul Waring.

The 2018 Nordea Masters winner is among the new additions to the field along with fellow European Tour winners Alex Levy and Wiltshire’s Jordan Smith.

They join a line-up which includes former World No. 1 and two-time Major champion Martin Kaymer.

They will take on Royal Portrush’s Dunluce Links. The Northern Ireland links course hosted the 148^th Open Championship in 2019 – won by Shane Lowry.

He joined Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington as the only golfers from either side of the Irish border to lift the Claret Jug since Fred Daly’s famous win at Hoylake, in 1947.

Follow European Tour action online

LUITEN has never recorded back to back victories in real life tournaments – but he has the chance to achieve the feat virtually this weekend.

Joost said: “I’ve been practising a bit indoors, probably once or twice a week during lockdown to keep the swing going.

“So it was fun to shoot six-under on the Old Course last week and win the inaugural BMW Tackman Invitational. Let’s hope that form continues!

“Royal Portrush is a great track. I played last year’s Open there and it was a good test, so hopefully the weather is a little bit kinder than what we had on Sunday.

“To play these types of famous golf courses, it’s just a lot of fun. That is the great thing with these indoor facilities.

“You can play any course you want, and I think that is really cool for everybody to experience.”

Tournament footage of the BMW Indoor Invitational series will once again be shown on the European Tour’s social media channels and at https://bmw.trackmaninvitational.com.

Fans can follow using #BMWTrackManInvitational. The winner will receive $10,000 to benefit a coronavirus charity or relief fund of his choice.

The new Dunluce Links’ seventh hole at Royal Portrush which architect Martin Ebert redesigned before the 2019 Open returned to Northern Ireland for the first time since 1951

Waring far from wary about joining field of 29 European Tour players at ‘Royal Portrush’

PAUL Waring is looking forward to pitting his wits against fellow European Tour players using the online simulator.

Waring said: “It’s an innovation really. I have an indoor studio and use Trackman every week when I am away on Tour.

Paul Waring, winner of the Nordea Masters in 2018, is joining the BMW Indoor Invitaational field playing Royal Portrush, on Saturday, using a golf simulator

“So it’s a fantastic idea to introduce the tournament concept because a lot of the lads use the system as well already – so it is great to compete on it.

“I’ve had a little play with it. The short game element takes a little bit of getting used too, but it is one of those things you adapt to quickly as a player.

“I’m looking forward to it – looking forward to the competitive element and a little bit of banter along the way that we all love in sports as well – so can’t wait to get going.

“I’ve got some great memories of Royal Portrush. It was one of the first places I played when I came back from injury back in 2012 at the Irish Open – finished top 10 there.

“So it’s deeply burned into my memory and some real positives that have come from there,” added Cheshire’s former English Amateur Champion, who also captained England Boys before turning pro.

Footage of the BMW Indoor Invitational will be shown from 11am on the European Tour’s social media channels.

Check it out on Twitter: @europeantour
Instagram: @europeantour
YouTube: EuropeanTour
and at https://bmw.trackmaninvitational.com

After Royal Portrush, the European Tour players will tackle Golfclub München Eichenried, on May 23, Real Club Valderrama (May 30) and Wentworth Club (June 6).

Full field for second in BMW Indoor Invitational series

The full field of European Tour players at Royal Portrush includes:
1. Thomas Aiken
2. Adri Arnaus
3. Wil Besseling
4. Dean Burmester
5. Laurie Canter
6. Aaron Cockerill
7. Sebastian Garcia
8. Joachim B Hansen
9. Benjamin Hebert
10. Raphaël Jacquelin
11. Martin Kaymer
12. Maximilian Kieffer
13. Alexander Levy
14. Zander Lombard
15. Mike Lorenzo-Vera
16. Joost Luiten
17. Adrian Meronk
18. Wilco Nienaber
19. Mathieu Pavon
20. Damien Perrier
21. Kristoffer Reitan
22. Antoine Rozner
23. Matthias Schwab
24. Jason Scrivener
25. Jordan Smith
26. Connor Syme
27. Paul Waring
28. Jeff Winther

The post More European Tour players join field at ‘Royal Portrush’ for BMW Indoor Invitational appeared first on Golf North.

Dutchman Joost Luiten made four birdies in five holes on the back nine of the Old Course at St Andrews to win the inaugural BMW Indoor Invitational. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

JOOST Luiten posted a six-under par 66 on the Old Course for a two-shot victory in the inaugural edition of the BMW Indoor Invitational at St Andrews, on Saturday.

The Dutchman finished top of a leaderboard featuring 18 European Tour players in the first of five events in the new series of virtual golf tournaments – using the latest simulator technology.

As a result, he claimed the first prize of €10,000 towards a charity of his choice.

The six-time European Tour winner opted to split the proceeds between his own charity, the Joost Luiten Foundation, and Eramus Medical Centre, a hospital in his native Rotterdam, which has been on the front line in the battle against coronavirus.

Luiten and the rest of the field, which included former World No. 1s Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood, competed virtually over the Old Course at St Andrews from their own homes in the one round, 18 hole strokeplay event – powered by TrackMan.

“It’s a good feeling to win the inaugural event,” said Luiten. “St Andrews is such an iconic course to play.

“Everyone knows it from the TV, so it is a great place to start this.”

“We’ve been doing nothing for such a long time, so it is nice to get that feeling of competition going again.

“You try to stay fit and practise the way you can indoors, but it is different.

“So it is good to have the some nerves and that feeling of actually competing and trying to beat everybody else.

“That’s the most fun for us and that is why we are golf professionals. We have been missing that feeling for a long time, and it was good to get it back and to do well as well.

Luiten birdied the fifth, eighth and ninth holes in a front nine of 33, and then picked up four shots between the 12th and 16th, with just the tricky long uphill 13th not yiedling a birdie.

The Dutchman then carded his only bogey of the day on the 18^th after failing to get up and down from the famous Valley of Sin.

The 34-year-old finished two shots clear of Frenchman Damien Perrier, who fired seven birdies in his opening 14 holes – but then carded three consecutive bogeys from the 15^th in a round of 68.

Dean Burmester Hole In One at the BMW Indoor Invitational powered by TrackMan_10 MB MOV_m45885

$10k prize goes to two good causes

LUITEN was also pleased to be able to claim the first prize of $10,000 for his two charities.

Each of the five tournament winners in the BMW Indoor Invitational – powered by TrackMan – receiving $10,000 towards good causes of their choice.

“Charity is really important, especially in these times,” Luiten said.

“There is so much going on in the world that just needs money. So it is always good to give back.

“I started my own foundation at the beginning of this year to get kids into golf, so I’m going to give 50 per cent to help get that up and running and to help kids enjoy golf.

“The other 50 per cent will be donated to Eramus MC, a hospital here in Rotterdam and one of the biggest hospitals in Holland.

“They are trying to do a lot of research into stopping coronavirus so hopefully they can do a lot of good things with the money.

“It’s also important to raise awareness too. If everyone gives a little or helps out as much as they can hopefully the situation gets better and we can beat this virus.

“That is the most important thing at the moment, to beat this virus and keep the older people safe too and try to get back to normal life,” said Luiten, whose last real victory came in the 2018 Oman Open.

“It’s always special to win but I’m really proud we can give this money to good causes and every little helps.”

Luiten’s fellow Dutchman Wil Besseling shared third position with Poland’s Adrian Meronk on three-under.

France’s Mike Lorenzo-Vera, Spain’s Adri Arnaus and Somerset’s Laurie Canter tied for fifth after posting 70s.

Wiesberger outscores Major man Kaymer

MEANWHILE Kaymer – the two-time Major Champion – joined Austrian Wiesberger in the interactive feature group.

Wiesberger edged the contest with a level-par 72, while Kaymer took two shots more.

The Austrian said: “It was good fun. It was nice to interact with Martin although I can assure you it wouldn’t normally be like that in a tournament.

“Martin is a great guy so and I enjoyed playing St Andrews, my favourite course, with him on the indoor TrackMan set-up.

“All of us, not just golfers but all athletes, are looking forward to getting back into competition again so it was fun to have set this up and for a good cause too, so thanks to the European Tour, BMW and TrackMan.

“It’s crazy where technology has taken us to that we can play golf tournaments indoors like this – and interact with each other – and still have a lot of fun – even if we have a couple more weeks until we get out there with a scorecard in our hand.”

Kaymer added: “To interact with another player again was nice. That’s what you miss most – the competition, to compete against someone who is as good as you.

“I was quite surprised at myself that I was excited to play, and I also had a bit of nervousness at some stage, which is a bit strange. But I look forward to doing the same again next week.

“For BMW, TrackMan and the European Tour to do a good thing was fun. The winner can donate to their charity every week for five weeks in a row.

“This is a beautiful idea. Especially at this time we’re in right now, giving is more important than ever.”

Watch coverage of BMW Indoor Invitational

TOURNAMENT footage was shown on the European Tour’s social media channels and https://bmw.trackmaninvitational.com

Fans were able to follow using #BMWTrackManInvitational.

Footage of the BMW Indoor Invitational is now available on the European Tour’s social media channels – Twitter: @europeantour; Instagram: @europeantour as well as YouTube: EuropeanTour.

This week’s course will be Royal Portrush (Saturday, May 16), followed by Golfclub München Eichenried (Saturday, May 23), Real Club Valderrama (Saturday, May 30) and Wentworth (Saturday, June 6).

The European Tour announced it was creating the innovative online virtual tournament earlier this week.

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Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood and Bernd Wiesberger have entered the BMW Indoor Invitational which will feature five top European Tour courses over the next five weeks. Pictures by GETTY IMAGES

MARTIN Kaymer and Lee Westwood will go head-to-head from their own homes as the European Tour switches formats for the new BMW Indoor Invitational.

The eSport special is a series of virtual golf tournaments using the latest simulator technology powered by TrackMan that will run over the summer featuring courses including St Andrews, Royal Portrush, Valderrama and the European Tour’s Wentworth HQ, in Surrey.

With regular tournament action currently suspended due to the ongoing global fight against the spread of coronavirus, many leading professionals have been turning to solutions at home to try and keep their game in shape.

Thanks to the latest TrackMan software and simulators, they have been able to keep their golf brain sharp.

So as well as Ryder Cup stars Kaymer and Westwood, Joost Luiten, Mike Lorenzo-Vera, Bernd Wiesberger will start off the BMW challenge.

Players will compete remotely using their home set-up between Monday and Wednesday.

The action will then be shown on the European Tour’s social media channels each Saturday for the next five weeks:

The BMW Indoor Invitational will enable them to compete against each other, with golf fans able to watch all the action – using #BMWTrackManInvitational – on Youtube, Instagram and Twitter.

Tournament footage will also be available via https://bmw.trackmaninvitational.com

Martin Kaymer playing on a simulator using Trackman technology which will be used in the new European Tour online tournament which will run throughout May and early June

The new series will consist of five one-round strokeplay tournaments played virtually on some of Europe’s most iconic golf courses.

Winner will receive £10k for charity

Each tournament winner will receive $10,000 towards their chosen charity or relief fund which has been helping communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Saturday May 9 – St Andrews, Old Course
Saturday May 16 – Royal Portrush
Saturday May 23 – Golfclub München Eichenried
Saturday May 30 – Valderrama
Saturday June 6 – Wentworth

Rufus Hack, the European Tour’s chief content officer, said: “While the absolute priority for all of us has been, and continues to be, public health and well-being, we also recognise that golf fans are missing watching the leading players compete.

Hopefully, the BMW Indoor Invitational – powered by TrackMan – can help fill the void and provide our fans with some entertainment across the next five weeks while also benefitting charities, or relief funds, which have been so essential in the battle against coronavirus.”

Jörn Plinke, head of BMW Golfsport marketing, said: “In a time when pro golf tours around the world are being forced to take a break, we are able to offer golf fans – as well as the pros themselves – a unique competition in the form of the BMW Indoor Invitational.

“We are looking forward to the coming weeks, an innovative format, and some exciting digital content.

“BMW enjoys long-term partnerships with TrackMan and the European Tour and shares the aspiration to also drive golf further with a digital format.

“Together, we have managed to create a new type of competition, which features a host of top players and, with the prize money on offer, supports local coronavirus initiatives.”

Trackman co-founder Klaus Eldrup-Jørgensen said: “BMW, the European Tour and TrackMan teaming up like this is a great example of how the sport can come together and rise above the difficulties of the current situation.

“With TrackMan Virtual Golf, we’re able to play tournaments on iconic, internationally recognised courses that will push the players to their limits.

“The tournament will be extremely challenging but also great fun. We’re all really looking forward to it.”

EUROPEAN TOUR LAUNCHES ESPORTS SERIES – THE EUROPEAN ETOUR

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Martin Kaymer’s last win came six years ago at the US Open – the German feels his rediscovered consistency means the next win is not too far away. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

MARTIN Kaymer is hoping he can turn his recent consistency into a long-awaited win at the 2020 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.

The German is a former European and World No. 1 with 11 European Tour wins – including two Major Championships.

But the last of those victories came nearly six years ago at the 2014 US Open Championship.

Kaymer, who lost a play-off in the 2015 Italian Open and surrendered a 10-shot lead in Abu Dhabi earlier that year, said recently he felt he had maybe been lacking focus over the last couple of years.

But after changing his trajectory to gain some length off the tee and working hard on his short game, the hero of Medinah – after holing the putt that won the 2012 Ryder Cup – has started his 2020 campaign with four consecutive top 20s.

The 35-year-old from Düsseldorf feels he is not far from ending his win drought, starting this week in the desert at Education City Golf Club, with this week’s event moving from its long-time home at Doha GC.

Kaymer, who is also happy to have Craig Connelly back on the bag after reuniting with the caddy, with whom he enjoyed his most successful spell, said: “I’ve been playing well.

“I’m working a lot on the short game, trying to get that putter in the right momentum.

“I’m very happy with the way I hit fairways, the way I hit greens, I’m playing very consistently and those top 16 finishes, it would be nice to make a couple more putts to actually have a chance to win.

“We had it already last week in Oman when it was really windy. Here it feels like it is more gusty so that will be very difficult.

“You will have some shots where you will get unlucky. It’s just a matter of accepting the good and the bad breaks and just go with it – there’s not much you can do.

“It’s always different,” Kaymer added. “In a tournament it really matters, to really understand and get to know the golf course in tournament mode – the way you play different holes.

“You’re going to play a bit more aggressive here and there,” added the German ace who has liking for the Desert Swing having won three times in four years, from 2008, at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.”

Kaymer spoke in Oman about his desire to not only win again – and get back in contention in more majors, but also his desire to play in the Olympics in Toyko – as well as earning a place in Padraig Harrington’s Ryder Cup team for Whistling Straits, where he won the 2010 USPGA.

Colsearts confident at Qatar Masters

KAYMER’S Miracle of Medinah team-mate Nicolas Colsaerts ended his seven-year winless run in the autumn at the Open de France, in October.

And after a top 20 in Oman last week, he too is feeling confident in the desert as he prepares for the 2020 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.

Colsaerts said: “Everything kind of falls into place. I think I’ve been playing well since my first round of the year.

“If you look at the results you always want to get a bit more out of your weeks, I probably wasn’t really efficient enough on the greens.

“I thought I had a good chance last week. I had a putt on 13 on Sunday that would have got me two shots off the lead and I was feeling pretty good.

“I went for the win for a long time and thought I had a pretty good sniff so I’m pretty happy about everything.”

•To follow live scoring in the first round of the Qatar Masters, click here.

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Justin Harding, who produced five birdies on his back nine on Sunday to win last year’s Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, which moves to Education City GC, for his defence.
Picture by GETTY IMAGES

JUSTIN Harding hopes memories of his victory in Doha last year can fuel his challenge for more success at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters – which moves to a new venue this week.

The South African lifted his maiden European Tour title in dramatic fashion at last year’s event after some last day heroics saw him hold off a big chasing pack at Doha Golf Club.

Harding fired five birdies on the back nine – including at the 15th, 17th and 18th – to earn a two-shot victory from a group of nine players who tied for second.

Harding after playing a practice round recalled: “It was a pretty good day.

“I got off to a good start, lost my head a little bit on seven and eight, but looked at the leaderboard and nobody ever really seemed to be running away with it.

“There looked like a lot of guys that were there or thereabouts,” added Harding, who rose from 74th in the Official World Rankings that week to a career high of 42nd, but who is now down to 99th.

“I ended up birdieing 11 and 12, then again 15. When I parred 16 I thought that was a chance given away, but I hit a good shot and made a great putt on 17.

“And birdie on 18 was big because it meant guys had to make two coming in, added Harding, who needs a big week in his quest to move back into the world’s top 50 to secure his place in the USPGA Championship in May.

“It was a bad little 45-minute wait but nobody seemed to really post a score. I think there were nine guys tied for second so I was quite pleased to avoid a play-off.

“It was cool to have finally crossed the line and got a W. It is just a matter of trying to feed on the same sort of memories this week and see if we can defend it.

The 34-year-old won’t have the defending champion’s advantage of returning to the same course as the event moves across the Qatari capital for the first time in its 23-year history.

The action moves from Doha Golf Club to Jose Maria Olazabal’s Education City Golf Club – a landmark project for Qatar and the world of golf – which offers a “revolutionary” approach to growing the game.

Harding, who finished 12th on his Masters debut in 2019, added: “I played so many new courses last year it’s actually quite nice. You’ve almost got no bad memories, you’re playing fresh.

“It’s a nice little challenge. It means everyone is pretty much in the same boat,” said Justin Harding of the 7,307 yard, par-71 course, which features paspalum grass greens.

“It’s not like you’re playing against a bunch of guys that have a world of good memories and good things to bring out on their play.

“It’s just one of those where you’ve got to go out and play with what you have on the day and deal with what happens.

“It’s a good golf course. I’ve played nine holes and I think the wind’s going to blow. It’s going to make it challenging for scoring.

“You’ll probably find it’s not going to be 20-under par winning, it’s going to anywhere in between -12 and -15.

“I’m looking forward to going out, seeing if we can execute plans, make some birdies and see what happens.”

Justin Harding is joined in the field by former World No. 1 Martin Kaymer, the 2018 Commercial Bank Qatar Masters winner Eddie Pepperell, from Oxfordshire’s Frilford Heath, as well as last week’s Oman Open winner Sami Valimaki.

The latter picked up four wins on the German Pro Golf Tour last season – the same route Kaymer, who has won three times in Abu Dhabi during the Desert Swing since 2008, took to the European Challenge Tour in 2006.

Valimaki, who also won as an amateur on the Gecko Tour in Spain, was a 250-1 shot heading into just his sixth event last week at Oman’a Al Mouj Golf, which again attracted high praise as one of the best courses on the European Tour.

•For tee times in the first round of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, click here.

The post Justin Harding hopes Qatar Masters switch awon’t hurt chances to defend his title appeared first on Golf North.

Martin Kaymer is pleased to have caddy Craig Connolly back on his bag as he attempts to return to the winner’s circle for the first time since 2014. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

MARTIN Kaymer is hoping to continue his strong start to the 2020 Race to Dubai as he makes his debut at the Oman Open this week.

The German has finished in the top 20 in his three events so far as he looks to change his consistency of the last two seasons into the sort of form that made him the best in the world at the start of the last decade.

The 35-year-old already has a career that would stand up in any era, winning the Race to Dubai and two Major Championships.

He also reached No. 1 in the Official World Golf Rankings and holed the vital putt as Europe completed the Miracle of Medinah in the 2012 Ryder Cup – an event he would like to feature in in Wisconsin, in September, for obvious reasons.

After changing the trajectory of his driving to get more length off the tee, Kaymer has now turned his attention to his putting in his quest for a first win since the 2014 US Open at Pinehurst – happy that he has on old friend back on the bag as well.

The player who won his first ever Challenge Tour event in 2006, is focused on doing the work to get back to the top, starting this week at Al Mouj Golf.

Kaymer said: “I was just going with the flow the last two or three years and took my game for granted a little bit.

“I didn’t really work on one specific thing and the last few years it was quite clear where my weakness was in my game as I was losing a lot of shots on the green.

“Outside 10 feet I couldn’t make a putt and that led to me not scoring and shooting those low scores that give you an opportunity on the Sunday.

“I worked a lot on the short game over the winter and I also wanted to drive the ball further without screwing up my natural shot, and that takes some planning and communicating with the coach.

“For me, it was more of the mentality of continuing that process as I knew what the other outcome was and that didn’t quite work out for me the last two years.

“I wanted to and needed to change something and become an even more complete player to try and win tournaments again,” added Kaymer, who has also reunited with his old caddy Craig Connelly.

“I really miss that feeling,” Kaymer added. “This year I have a very good plan and I’m trying to qualify for all the big events such as the Ryder Cup, Olympic Games, Masters and The Open Championship.

“I’ve played in all those events before, but this year that’s not going to be the case so it’s something I’m looking forward to try and achieve.

“I can’t really tell you where my game is at right now, which is the exciting thing.” said Kaymer, whose second Major win came in that US Open victory at Pinehurst.

“I know I’m doing the right thing but I’ve just got be patient and let it happen.

“The expectations are quite high because you’re doing everything right and hitting 63 in a practice round.

“But you still need to do that in a tournament so it’s just a matter of time.”

Kaymer is convinced Connelly’s return will help that process.

“It’s nice once you’ve found somebody that you’ve been through the good and the bad times with” he revealed.

“More of the good times really, because we started working together in 2010 and I had a good few years – and he really understands me as a person.

“It’s more about the personality and finding someone that you get along with, understands you and what your goals are.

“He understands that and knows what I’m capable of so it’s nice to be reminded of that sometimes as you forgot.”

“We tend to focus on the things that we aren’t doing great,” said the winner of the 2010 USPGA at Whistling Straits – the venue for the 2020 Ryder Cup.

“But sometimes you need to be reminded of what you have already done in your career and good of a player you are.

“He is a very positive person and that has really helped me,” said Kaymer.

•To follow live scoring in the first round in Oman, click here.

The post Kaymer: Why caddy Craig Connelly is key to unlocking first win in six seasons appeared first on Golf North.

Open Champion Shane Lowry wants a win in the Turkish Airlines Open to boost his chances of wining the 2019 Race to Dubia. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

OPEN Champion Shane Lowry has his sights set on a strong finish to the 2019 Race to Dubai with the aim of becoming European No. 1 for the first time in his career as he prepares for the Turkish Airlines Open.

The Irishman, who triumphed at Royal Portrush in July, is less than 700 points behind current Race to Dubai rankings leader Bernd Wiesberger.

But, with increased points on offer in the final three events of the season, there is still all to play for, starting at The Montgomerie Maxx Royal in Belek, this week – – the sixth Rolex Series event of the season.

Already a Rolex Series winner this year after securing the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship in January, Lowry is going in search of a sixth European Tour title in Turkey.

Lowry was unable to mount a charge for a second WGC title in the HSBC Champions in Shanghai last week, finishing 43rd some 18 shots behind Rory McIlroy.

“It’s my main goal over the next few weeks to perform as best as I can,” said Lowry.

“It would be lovely if I got to the final 18 holes in Dubai with a chance to win the Race to Dubai. To be European No. 1 would be really special and would add to the year I’ve had.

“I think it would be the icing on the cake. I’m going to give it my best shot but if I don’t win it, I won’t be too disappointed.

“I’ve had a decent year and I’d be pretty happy with what I’ve got at Christmas,” said Lowry, who won the Irish Open when still an amateur in 2008.

“To start the year with a win in Abu Dhabi at a Rolex Series event was huge – that gave me the confidence going forward.

“Outside of a Major, as a European Tour player it probably doesn’t get much bigger. There are WGCs as well, but Rolex Series events are definitely up there.”

Returning to Turkey with happy memories from last year are Thomas Detry and Martin Kaymer.

Belgian Detry recorded his best finish in a Rolex Series event at Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort.

A back-nine blitz of five consecutive birdies saw him move to 15-under, two strokes behind defending champion Justin Rose, who defeated Li Haotong in a play-off.

Detry said: “I have just taken two weeks off, so I feel fresh and ready to play well.

“Got good memories from here last year. Finished third. It’s the start of a good stretch of golf and hopefully we’ll make the best out of this week.

“I rested the first week, really not doing much. Just seeing friends and been working out but not that much.

“Last week I picked up the clubs again. The weather unfortunately is not that good at home, but very happy to see some sun again.

“Last year, I played well the whole week. I think it was on Sunday afternoon, I made five birdies in a row and pushed me from 15^th spot to tied for third.

“It was amazing. The golf course was amazing. The weather is fantastic. It’s a beautiful place. You have everything you need, practice facilities, hotels and good golf courses.

“I played nine holes yesterday. The course is beautiful, really good,” added Detry, who is still looking for his maiden win on the European Tour.

“Played here a long time ago when I was practicing. I came down here with the Belgian federations, and I’ve had a faint memory of a few holes. But it will be good to play to refresh my mind.”

Kaymer finished in a share of fifth last year and is a regular visitor to the region.

Kaymer said: “I came here I think every year since the tournament is on. It’s nice, especially that time of year.

“Being in Germany last week, seeing the weather there, the practice facilities. It’s nice to come out here and enjoy the great golf courses that they have around here.

“The game is feeling fine. I feel fairly calm on the golf course. I really enjoy that whole process that I’m going through right now, focusing on the right things. Not being distracted too much by stuff that doesn’t really matter.

“Yeah, it’s one of those weeks that I look forward to every year to get here,” added Kaymer, whose last of 11 European Tour wins came in the 2014 US Open.

“Sometimes it’s a bit underrated. It does still mean that you had a decent season. That’s all you can do this week. Try to do your best and stick to that form.”

At 66^th and 71^st on the Race to Dubai rankings respectively, both players will be looking to secure their spots in the Nedbank Golf Challenge and DP World Tour Championship, Dubai.

Just the top 60 and then 50 players available from the Race to Dubai rankings will take part in the final two events of the season.

•To see the first round tee times in the Turkish Airlines Open click here.

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rench speaking Belgian Nicholas Colsearts was very emotional after surviving the back nine at Le Golf National to claim the Open de France. Picture by GETTY IMAGES

NICOLAS Colsaerts won his first European Tour title in seven years as Le Golf National lived up to its reputation on a dramatic closing day of the Amundi Open de France.

The big hitting Belgian entered Sunday with a three-shot lead and quickly extended that to five in testing wet conditions.

But the oldest national open in continental Europe would go right to the wire during one of the most incredible back nines of the 2019 Race to Dubai.

George Coetzee led by two with six to play and Joachim B Hansen was in the box seat after the leading pair found water on the 15^th – following a Colsaerts eagle on the 14^th.

But when Hansen triple bogied the 17^th to relinquish the lead, the 36-year-old held his nerve to sign for a 72 and get to 12-under.

The victory is Colsaerts’ third on the European Tour but his first since 2012 – the season he was part of the Miracle at Medinah as Europe came from 10-4 behind to win the Ryder Cup.

Colsearts said: “It’s super special. I’ve been coming here for more than 15 years. I’ve been coming here for so long and missed out a bunch of times, and to do it here, to do this like this, where at the end it was a pretty dramatic, makes it even better.

“I made a big mistake on 15. I thought it was slowly slipping away. I knew there was always going to be a chance because the last holes, anything can happen.

“It was a surprise to come on 17 and find out what JB had done. But like I said, when you hole the last putt like this, and you come out on top, it’s really a special feeling.

“I was kind of looking for a week like this where everything sort of clicked together. I didn’t really have a week like that for a long, long time.

“It changes everything for me for the next couple of years. Lighter schedule. I have a wife at home and a little kid now that I am going to be able to spend a bit more time with now, which is nice.”

Colsearts had entered the week battling to keep his card and cut an emotional figure as he ended a victory drought of seven years and five months in his 389th European Tour appearance.

Dane Hansen carded a closing round of 68 to finish one shot behind Colsaerts, with South African Coetzee at 10-under par after a level par round of 71.

Hansen, looking for his first win in his fourth full season on the European Tour since 2013, said: “The back nine got exciting.

“I really got to feel how it is to play for a European Tour tournament. The screw-up on 17 cost me a chance this week unfortunately. Disappointed now but also really proud of my game,” said the two-time winner on the 2018 European Challenge Tour season.

“I’ve been playing well for three weeks now, and put myself in good positions. So getting really close this week was really nice, but just also really want that win.”

Coetzee, who produced an array of stunning iron approaches with some wayward tee shots, which ultimately cost him after his double on the 15th, said: “I was quite happy with the way I played.

“Just one bad hole. But really happy for Nico, he played really well and it means a lot to him.

“That’s why I don’t feel that bad because that is one of those holes (the 15^th) that you can make a number and I made my number.”

American Kurt Kitayama finished in solo fourth at nine-under par despite making a quadruple bogey eight at the par three second after clawing the dropped shots back over the next 16 holes.

It puts the two-time winner who came through the European Tour Qualifying School in pole position to be named the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year, with just one more regular tour event left on the 2019 schedule in Portugal, this week.

Germany’s two-time Major winner Martin Kaymer, Scotland’s Richie Ramsay and Ireland’s Gavin Moynihan were a shot further back.

Belgium’s Thomas Detry, Chilean Hugo Leon and Northumberland’s Chris Paisley were all tied on seven-under.

•For full scores at Le Golf National click here.

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