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	<title>Golf North &#187; Sergio Garcia</title>
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		<title>Plenty of drama at virtual Valderrama as five tie at top in BMW Indoor Invitational</title>
		<link>https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/plenty-of-drama-at-virtual-valderrama-as-five-tie-at-top-in-bmw-indoor-invitational/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 31 May 2020 04:00:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Griffin]]></dc:creator>
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		<category><![CDATA[Valderrama]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[virtual Valderrama]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/?p=8402</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>HOME favourites Sergio Garcia and Rafa Cabrera Bello, finished in a five-way tie for first place when a virtual Valderrama hosted the latest leg of the BMW Indoor Invitational. Masters winner Garcia and his compatriot and fellow Ryder Cup star Cabrera-Bello played in the interactive feature group. They both finished on one-under after shooting 70s [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/plenty-of-drama-at-virtual-valderrama-as-five-tie-at-top-in-bmw-indoor-invitational/">Plenty of drama at virtual Valderrama as five tie at top in BMW Indoor Invitational</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk">Golf North</a>.</p>
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				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<div id="attachment_8404" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Sergio.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-8404" src="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Sergio-1024x635.jpg" alt="Sergio Garcia makes a birdie at the virtual Valderrama on his way to a tied BMW Indoor Invitational with four other players" width="1024" height="635" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Sergio Garcia salutes a birdie on his way to a five-share of the virtual BMW Indoor Invitational at his favourite Valderrama course. He earned $2,000 for Spain’s Red Cross.</p></div>
<p><strong>HOME favourites Sergio Garcia and Rafa Cabrera Bello, finished in a five-way tie for first place when a virtual Valderrama hosted the latest leg of the BMW Indoor Invitational.</strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Masters winner Garcia and his compatriot and fellow Ryder Cup star Cabrera-Bello played in the interactive feature group.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>They both finished on one-under after shooting 70s in their 18 holes.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Spain’s famous Ryder Cup venue proved a tricky test in the fourth of five events in the new series of virtual tournaments, using the latest simulator technology powered by TrackMan.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>They were joined at the summit in Andalucia by Scotland’s Connor Syme.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The Dundee pro celebrated a second win in the series of virtual events – following his victory at Royal Portrush two weeks ago.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Royal Liverpool’s Matthew Jordan and Frenchman Damien Perrier also carded 70s to secure a share of the $10,000 first prize.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The money will go to charities chosen by each of the five winners.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Garcia famously triumphed three times in the flesh at the Sotogrande venue in the Andalucía Masters between 2011 and 2018.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The 2017 Masters winner opened his round with a triple bogey before recovering with three birdies in the next four holes.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>He donated his share of the prize fund to Spain’s Red Cross.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Garcia recently donated to the Red Cross alongside fellow Spanish sports stars to help in the fight against the coronavirus.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --></p>
<h2>Garcia donates his $2k to Red Cross</h2>
<p><!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><strong>A DELIGHTED Garcia said: “I can’t think of a better cause than the Red Cross to donate to – to try to help as many people as possible in these very difficult times. </strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“It’s great to be a part of this and have the possibility to help people who need it most in uncertain times.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I’m glad that I was able to play well enough to be part of the donation.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I can’t wait to see all those people get better and hopefully get back to normal lives as soon as possible.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“We had a good time Rafa and I playing together. Unfortunately I had a terrible start with a triple on the first.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“But I came back nicely and Rafa eagled 17 to get to one-under. It was fun to do it.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“It was different. But it shows you how difficult Valderrama is even on TrackMan with pretty benign conditions, that one-under par was a tie for the lead.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<div id="attachment_8403" style="width: 607px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Garcia-RCBello.png"><img class="size-full wp-image-8403" src="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Garcia-RCBello.png" alt="Sergio Garcia and Rafa Cabrera-Bello (right)" width="597" height="595" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Sergio Garcia and Rafa Cabrera-Bello played in the featured group at the BMW Indoor Invitational at a virtual Valderrama. Picture EDAMVALDERRAMA / Instagram</p></div>
<p><!-- wp:image {"id":26632} --></p>
<p><!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading --></p>
<h2>Cabrera-Bello’s rollercoaster round</h2>
<p><!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><strong>CABRERO-BELLA had a rollercoaster round that included four birdies and an eagle as well as three bogies and a double. </strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Rafa said: “It was different of course playing the course on TrackMan, but it did have a lot of similarities – and it did feel pretty real.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“On the green shapes you could see the run-offs and it was playing as real as it could possibly be.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“BMW does a lot of charitable work, not only during these hard times but also every year. They are a very generous company.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“So to be able to participate in this event for charity was really fun. Also to have the opportunity to win alongside friends and share it a little bit was great.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Syme is celebrating for the second time in three weeks after topping the leaderboard at Royal Portrush.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>He said: “It feels great to be a tied winner this week. Guys like Sergio and Rafa were involved. So to compete with them and be tied at the top was cool.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“Valderrama was as tough as it is in real life. On holes like the second – where you try to run it under the tree on the fairway – it is so realistic.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“My wedge game was good and that was the only reason that I managed to get the joint best score.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“It’s great to be a part of it and I can’t thank BMW and TrackMan enough for these opportunities.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --></p>
<h3>Perrier fizzing with win to follow second</h3>
<p><!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><strong>THE 38-player field – which also included former World No. 1 Martin Kaymer and Belgian Ryder Cup star Nicolas Colsaerts – competed virtually from their own homes in the 18-hole strokeplay event.</strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Damien Perrier finished in second place in week one over the Old Course at St Andrews.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>And he went one better this time, birdieing the last two holes to recover from a double-bogey on the 16<sup>th</sup> and seal a tie for top spot.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>He said: “After my second place at St Andrews, I’m very happy to be tied for the win this week alongside great names such as Sergio Garcia, who we all know loves this course.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I remember the last time I played at Valderrama I was alongside Martin Kaymer.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“We almost didn’t see each other because I spent my whole round enjoying the shadow of the trees. This week I took my revenge and I’m proud of it!”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<div id="attachment_7883" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Valderrama-17.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-7883" src="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Valderrama-17-1024x509.jpg" alt="The famous par five 17th hole at Valderrama – the 2020 Andalucia Masters has been postponed because of the ongoing threat from the coronavirus pandemic" width="1024" height="509" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Virtual Valderrama proved just as tough as the real thing when 38 European Tour players played the BMW Indoor Invitatational. The $10,000 first prize was split five ways for charity</p></div>
<p><!-- wp:image {"id":25957} --></p>
<p><!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --></p>
<h4>Links-lover Jordan just as at home at Valderrama</h4>
<p><!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><strong>MATTHEW Jordan was participating for the second consecutive week and he leapt up the leaderboard after an 18</strong><sup><strong>th</strong></sup><strong> place finish last week at Germany’s Munchen Eichenried.</strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Jordan recorded his first Euorpean Challenge Tour win last summer and earned his European Tour card by finishing ninth on the Race to Mallorca.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The 24-year-old Hoylake ace, who grew up playing links golf, said: “I’m delighted to get the win at Valderrama – it’s one of my favourite courses.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“It’s a bit tight and narrow so any of my friends watching this will be confused as to how I won.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I would like to say a massive thank-you to BMW, the European Tour and TrackMan for putting this event on.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“Lockdown has been difficult for most of us, so just to have something to look forward to and compete in, has been great.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The winning fivesome finished one shot ahead of a group of seven players who shot level-par 71s around the virtual Valderrama.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>They included French trio Benjamin Hebert, Raphael Jacquelin and Romain Langasque. Kaymer, Italian Nino Bertasio and Cheshire’s Paul Waring were then a shot further back in a tie for 13<sup>th</sup> place.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Fans were able to follow using #BMWTrackManInvitational as footage was shown on the European Tour’s social media channels – and at <a href="http://tracking.vuelio.co.uk/tracking/click?d=wjOlKFx0lKEMOjY3Bgfl3KQOr8a3lqwuahJWtBJjH5vpYmwgACvwM38hJ6HcW2ciFeIG4BurkXzBZdOTUoKC-0fYfyrnmq3bLJGl3J2hXoLZpOCpQ-UkFcrqIdNjwaTBbw_Jl7CHXorWMXpAvSrcVL81" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bmw.trackmaninvitational.com</a></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Footage can also be seen on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/EuropeanTour" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@europeantour;</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/europeantour/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@europeantour and</a> the European Tour’s <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvZwbZt6YZQ4wj_7qyjPDZw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">YouTube channel.</a></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><a href="http://www.golfsouth.co.uk/andalucia-masters-at-valderrama-is-put-back-as-coronavirus-claims-event/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">COVID-19 EPIDEMIC FORCES POSTPONEMENT OF ANDALUCIA MASTERS</a></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/plenty-of-drama-at-virtual-valderrama-as-five-tie-at-top-in-bmw-indoor-invitational/">Plenty of drama at virtual Valderrama as five tie at top in BMW Indoor Invitational</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk">Golf North</a>.</p>
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		<title>Garcia and Cabrera-Bello make ‘Valderrama debut’ in BMW Indoor Invitational</title>
		<link>https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/garcia-and-cabrera-bello-make-valderrama-debut-in-bmw-indoor-invitational/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 29 May 2020 16:00:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Griffin]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/?p=8393</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>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 [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/garcia-and-cabrera-bello-make-valderrama-debut-in-bmw-indoor-invitational/">Garcia and Cabrera-Bello make ‘Valderrama debut’ in BMW Indoor Invitational</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk">Golf North</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<div id="attachment_8394" style="width: 1019px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Screen-Shot-2020-05-29-at-17.51.13.png"><img class="size-full wp-image-8394" src="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Screen-Shot-2020-05-29-at-17.51.13.png" alt="Sergio Garcia and Rafa Cabrera-Bello go head to head in the BMW Indoor Invitational at Valderrama" width="1009" height="759" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Sergio Garcia and Rafa Cabrera-Bello are the feature group in the BMW Indoor Invitational played over a virtual Valderrama</p></div>
<p><strong>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.</strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The fourth leg of the BMW Indoor Invitational – powered by TrackMan – sees another strong field of nearly 40 European Tour players.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The presence of Garcia and Cabrera-Bello is sure to swell interest in the virtual golf tournament.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Forty-year-old Garcia, who claimed the Masters in a play-off with Justin Rose, in 2017, has fond memories of Valderrama.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The Sergio Garcia Foundation hosted the European Tour’s Andalucia Masters there in 2018, which he won.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Garcia said: “I love Valderrama. Everyone knows it and I have always said it is my favourite golf course.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“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.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“And it is target golf. That is what I love about Valderrama and one of the reasons it suits my game so well.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“It is something I am really excited about. Obviously, it is something I have done before playing courses with TrackMan.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“But I have not competed on a worldwide stage like this. So I am excited to see how it goes.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“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.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“Here in Texas has been pretty good. I have been able to practise a little bit here and there – which has been nice.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<div id="attachment_8395" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/garcia-Estrella-Damm.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-8395" src="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/garcia-Estrella-Damm-1024x577.jpg" alt="Andalucia Masters winner Sergio Garcia" width="1024" height="577" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Sergio Garcia claimed his third Andalucia Masters at Valderrama in 2018.<br />Picture by REAL CLUB VALDERRAMA</p></div>
<p><!-- wp:image {"id":26619} --></p>
<p><!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading --></p>
<h2>Garcia has three Valderrama wins</h2>
<p><!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><strong>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. </strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Montgomerie won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth from 1998 to 2000.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Cabrera-Bello also cannot wait to join in the interactive fun.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“Valderrama is a great course. I love it and I always enjoy playing there. It is a really tough challenge.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<div id="attachment_7883" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Valderrama-17.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-7883" src="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Valderrama-17-1024x509.jpg" alt="The famous par five 17th hole at Valderrama – the 2020 Andalucia Masters has been postponed because of the ongoing threat from the coronavirus pandemic" width="1024" height="509" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The famous 17th hole at Valderrama&#8230; will it be crucial when Sergio Garcia and Rafa Cabrero-Bello star in the featured group in the BMW Indoor Invitational on Saturday?</p></div>
<p><!-- wp:image {"id":25957} --></p>
<p><!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading --></p>
<h2>Valderrama drama for ’97 Ryder Cup</h2>
<p><!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><strong>WORLD-renowned Valderrama, hosted the 1997 Ryder Cup.</strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Tournament footage will once again be shown at <a href="http://tracking.vuelio.co.uk/tracking/click?d=1q5DURMWGHysmkYOTbC7mo4_Ua6rO-GNZnxZIc55LP5Ws_L8mI9_I32uKhskt21ldagXbLiQpoObujdfLLDS7xtwhIAhoBlaupS0cmx8QAKBf5BB8wXC8lLGvYZeszHQlkHirpxU_pfXXTSf35DH5381" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bmw.trackmaninvitational.com</a></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Fans can also follow Garcia and Cabrera-Bello, and the other 36 players, using #BMWTrackManInvitational on social media.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The winner will receive $10,000 to benefit a Coronavirus charity or relief fund of his choice.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><a href="http://www.golfsouth.co.uk/luiten-lights-up-back-nine-on-old-course-to-claim-first-leg-of-bmw-indoor-invitational/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Joost Luiten (St Andrews),</a> <a href="http://www.golfsouth.co.uk/connor-syme-shoots-64-at-royal-portrush-to-win-second-bmw-indoor-invitational/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Connor Syme (Royal Portrush)</a> and <a href="http://www.golfsouth.co.uk/wil-besseling-goes-3-2-1-to-land-his-first-bmw-indoor-invitational-title-in-munich/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wil Besseling (München Eichenried)</a> won the first three events.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Footage of the BMW Indoor Invitational will be shown from 11am BST on the European Tour’s social media channels.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Go to Twitter: @europeantour<br />
Instagram: @europeantour<br />
The European Tour’s YouTube channel and at<a href="http://tracking.vuelio.co.uk/tracking/click?d=1q5DURMWGHysmkYOTbC7mo4_Ua6rO-GNZnxZIc55LP5Ws_L8mI9_I32uKhskt21lvbIjgbLlSGxipls_SkvbQNvzE5zNRmZUDf5Qi82WNhGjqJCNZSizIj6XgcdqXMqmhrj352xcRQeFW8glmkrk3tU1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bmw.trackmaninvitational.com</a></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><strong>• After Valderrama the final event will be held playing the Wentworth Club, on Saturday, June 6</strong>.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/garcia-and-cabrera-bello-make-valderrama-debut-in-bmw-indoor-invitational/">Garcia and Cabrera-Bello make ‘Valderrama debut’ in BMW Indoor Invitational</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk">Golf North</a>.</p>
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		<title>DeChambeau wants to tap in to Dubai’s link to success in the Major Championships</title>
		<link>https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/dechambeau-wants-to-tap-in-to-dubais-link-to-success-in-the-major-championships/</link>
		<comments>https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/dechambeau-wants-to-tap-in-to-dubais-link-to-success-in-the-major-championships/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 22 Jan 2020 20:26:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Griffin]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Africa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[England]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[North America]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pro News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bryson DeChambeau]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Danny Willett]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dubai Desert Classic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emirates Golf Club]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Henrik Stenson]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lee Westwood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Major Championships]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sergio Garcia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tiger Woods]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/?p=7276</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>BRYSON DeChambeau is hopeful a successful defence of his title at this week&#8217;s Omega Dubai Desert Classic can act as a springboard for glory in the 2020 Major Championships. The American stormed to a dominant seven-shot victory at Emirates Golf Club in 2019, to claim his first European Tour title – and add to his [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/dechambeau-wants-to-tap-in-to-dubais-link-to-success-in-the-major-championships/">DeChambeau wants to tap in to Dubai’s link to success in the Major Championships</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk">Golf North</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<div id="attachment_7277" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/DeChambeau-Dubai.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-7277" src="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/DeChambeau-Dubai-1024x724.jpg" alt="Bryson DeChambeau is using the 2020 Omega Dubai Desert Classic as a springboard for the Major Championships" width="1024" height="724" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Bryson DeChambeau wants a good week in Dubai to be a springboard for glory in the Major Championships in 2020. Picture by GETTY IMAGES</p></div>
<p><strong>BRYSON DeChambeau is hopeful a successful defence of his title at this week&#8217;s Omega Dubai Desert Classic can act as a springboard for glory in the 2020 Major Championships.</strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The American stormed to a dominant <a href="http://www.golfsouth.co.uk/bryson-breaks-dubai-record-with-maiden-win/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">seven-shot victory at Emirates Golf Club in 2019,</a> to claim his first European Tour title – and add to his growing list of career achievements.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The 26-year-old has won the US Amateur and lifted trophies as a professional on both sides of the Atlantic.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>But the player dubbed the “Mad Scientist” has yet to make a splash in golf&#8217;s four biggest events – while four winners of the Dubai Desert Classic have won a Major in the same season, including Tiger Woods twice in 2006 and 2008, and Ernie Els, in 2002.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The Ryder Cup star&#8217;s best finish in 14 Majors has been a tie for 15th at the 2016 US Open Championship at Oakmont.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>But he is determined to improve on that record this summer and knows that two of the winners of this week’s Dubai event have gone on to claim the Green Jacket at the Masters just a couple of months later.<strong></p>
<p></strong>DeChambeau said: “I’m honoured to be back. I love this city. I think it&#8217;s an incredible place, and desert golf has always suited my style of play.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I&#8217;d say all in all, it&#8217;s one of my favourite places to be, just because of how technologically advanced I feel like the place is, and the golf course is in immaculate shape.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“The greens are perfect. The rough is longer this year, which is pretty interesting and I also just love hitting it off the fairways out here.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“It&#8217;s a lot of great fun, and a lot of scoring opportunities. So for me, it&#8217;s a great test of golf and I had a lot of fun last year. Let&#8217;s hopefully do it again.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“Last year, I didn&#8217;t drive it my absolute best but I was still able to get it done.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“It&#8217;s going to take great ball-striking, iron play, and making a lot of putts.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“My wedge game is much improved I feel like and personally I&#8217;m looking forward to the new test this week.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“The rough is a little bit longer, so being in the fairway is going to be key, and if you have a great wedge game, you can get up-and-down and fix those mistakes you have, it&#8217;s definitely a viable option to win.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“All of my mind is taken up for the need to do well in the Majors. That&#8217;s what I haven&#8217;t done well in particular in my career so far, and I am keen on changing that.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --></p>
<h2>Stenson and Garcia keen to join Lee Westwood in the Roaring Forties</h2>
<p><!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><strong>MEANWHILE Major Champions Henrik Stenson and Sergio Garcia are looking to keep the flag flying for the over 40s following Lee Westwood’s impressive victory in Abu Dhabi last week. </strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The Nottinghamshire ace from Worksop secured his 25th European Tour title at the age of 46, and he is the latest player to prove that age is just a number after win number four in his 40s.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>That win matched the number recorded by Bernhard Langer and Colin Montgomerie in their final decade before moving over to the Seniors Tour.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Montgomerie is labelled with the tag of no victories in the Major Championships, while Langer won the Masters twice in 1985 and 1993.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Stenson was 40 when he won The Open Championship at Royal Troon and, now aged 43, returned to the winner’s circle with victory in the Bahamas in December.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The Swede arrives in the Middle East from Singapore and insists he has plenty more miles left on the clock at the top of the game as he seeks to add to his success in the Major Championships.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Stenson said: “The golf course doesn&#8217;t know if you&#8217;re 20, 30 or 40 when you&#8217;re teeing it up, right?</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“It&#8217;s all about bringing as good a game as you can do and we know experience is a good part in this game, to have played it in different conditions over the years and different courses and all the rest.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>&#8220;At times we can&#8217;t really compete with the longest players in the game but we can compete with other factors and, of course, that&#8217;s something we try to do as good as we can.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“We certainly keep the dreams alive of winning golf tournaments,” added Stenson.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know if it&#8217;s down to possibly swing, if your swing is not taking too much toll on your body and not wearing your back down too much, you probably can keep it going.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I&#8217;ve spent a lot of time on the physical side the last 10 years to try and buy myself some extra time – and for recovery and practice and everything else.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Garcia, a winner of the event in 2017, only turned 40 earlier this month so is still looking for a first win of this decade and would also relish more success in the Major Championships.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>But the Spaniard – who won in Dubai before claiming his first Green Jacket three months later in 2017, as did Danny Willett 12 months before that – is confident he can take on the young guns.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Garcia said: “We know it&#8217;s not easy as you keep adding on numbers to your ID, but we go out there and we practice hard and we try to stay fit and play the best we can.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>&#8220;We believe in ourselves, we believe that we&#8217;re good enough. I feel like we show it pretty much week-in, week-out.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“It gets tougher every year because there&#8217;s a lot of good youngsters coming out both in Europe and on the PGA Tour.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“But we can still go out there and perform well. We are competitors and we love to compete and challenge ourselves and that&#8217;s what we try to do.’</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>•<strong>For live scoring in the first round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic click <a href="https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/omega-dubai-desert-classic-2020/leaderboard?round=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here.</a></strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/dechambeau-wants-to-tap-in-to-dubais-link-to-success-in-the-major-championships/">DeChambeau wants to tap in to Dubai’s link to success in the Major Championships</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk">Golf North</a>.</p>
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		<title>Olympics and Ryder Cup are on Shane Lowry’s bucket list for 2020 after first Claret Jug</title>
		<link>https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/olympics-and-ryder-cup-are-on-shane-lowrys-bucket-list-for-2020-after-first-claret-jug/</link>
		<comments>https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/olympics-and-ryder-cup-are-on-shane-lowrys-bucket-list-for-2020-after-first-claret-jug/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jan 2020 18:40:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Griffin]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Asia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cheshire]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cumbria]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[England]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Greater Manchester]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[National News]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[European Tour]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Olympics]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Race to Dubai]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rolex Series]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ryder Cup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sergio Garcia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shane Lowry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tommy Fleetwood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Viktor Hovland]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/?p=7158</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>IT’S onwards and upwards for Shane Lowry as he begins his title defence at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship – with one eye on the Olympics and the other on the Ryder Cup. The Irishman won his first Rolex Series title at Abu Dhabi Golf Club 12 months ago – and carried his form and [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/olympics-and-ryder-cup-are-on-shane-lowrys-bucket-list-for-2020-after-first-claret-jug/">Olympics and Ryder Cup are on Shane Lowry’s bucket list for 2020 after first Claret Jug</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk">Golf North</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<div id="attachment_7159" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Lorwy-Abu-Dhabi.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-7159" src="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Lorwy-Abu-Dhabi-1024x683.jpg" alt="Defending champion Shane Lowry admits he his eyes on playing in the 2020 Olympics" width="1024" height="683" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Defending Abu Dhabi HSBC champion Shane Lowry would love to represent Ireland at the 2020 Olympics and playi in his first Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits. Picture by GETTY IMAGES</p></div>
<p><strong>IT’S onwards and upwards for Shane Lowry as he begins his title defence at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship – with one eye on the Olympics and the other on the Ryder Cup. </strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The Irishman won his first Rolex Series title at Abu Dhabi Golf Club 12 months ago – and carried his form and confidence through to the summer in what became a stellar season after winning the Claret Jug as The Open returned to Northern Ireland for the first time in 68 years.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>A memorable maiden Major Championship victory at Royal Portrush also turned the year into his first multiple-winning season.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>With a Ryder Cup and the Olympics to come in 2020, there could be more firsts for Lowry.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Lowry said: “It was obviously my best year-to-date. I couldn&#8217;t really have envisaged what happened.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“It was really nice to get off to an unbelievable start here, winning one of the biggest events on Tour.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“This course, this tournament, against this field every year is a really, really difficult tournament to win, and it obviously kick-started an unbelievable season.</p>
<p>“I think that can only give you confidence going forward,” added Lowry.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“Like anybody in this game, anybody who plays this game, knows that a lot of it is built on confidence.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“A lot of form is built on confidence, and that&#8217;s what I gained from here last year.</p>
<p>“Obviously I have goals in my head. I have it in my head what I want to achieve this year, and the main thing for me is make that Ryder Cup team. I&#8217;ve set everything out to do that.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“The Olympics is going to be exciting. I&#8217;ve never played, so hopefully I can go there this year.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“We don&#8217;t win too many Gold Medals in Ireland, so if you&#8217;re able to bring one back, I think that would be very, very special.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --></p>
<h3><a href="http://www.golfsouth.co.uk/lowry-clocks-up-first-rolex-win-in-abu-dhabi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lowry’s first Rolex Series win in Abu Dhabi</a></h3>
<p><!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>And once again it all begins with the Rolex Series in Abu Dhabi, where Lowry is aiming to emulate Tommy Fleetwood – the last man to win the title in consecutive seasons.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The Lancastrian’s victory in 2017 proved to be the springboard that led to him winning the Race to Dubai later that year – and his 2018 win in Abu Dhabi preceded his momentous Ryder Cup debut at Le Golf National.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Fleetwood said: “As an event, it is pretty much the best way to start the year. I&#8217;ve always enjoyed it. It throws you in at the deep end, a really tough test.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I&#8217;ve been lucky enough to have a couple of really good years here, in particular the ones that I did win here, catapulted me on for the rest of the year.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“People like to set goals for the year. Of course, there&#8217;s targets to do with results, the obvious ones are to win tournaments or to win Majors – or to compete in Majors – and of course they are there.</p>
<p>“There&#8217;s other things I&#8217;d like to do. Of course I want to get to the Olympics,” said Fleetwood, who represented Great Britain and Ireland in the Walker Cup in 2009, and played for England in the Home Internationals during his amateur career.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Of course, Hampshire’s Justin Rose claimed Gold at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, when many of the world’s top players elected not to travel to Brazil over fears about the Zika virus.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>It marked golfs return to the Olympics for the first time since 1904 and Tiger Woods has expressed winning Gold in golf is very high on his list to go with his aim of winning 19 Majors and breaking Jack Nicklaus’ record.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Fleetwood will settle first for a place in the England team travelling to Tokyo this summer and the chance to take part in the opening ceremony.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I think that&#8217;s on my radar,” said the Southport pro who ended 2019 on a high by winning the Nedbank Golf at Sun City – his first win in nearly two years.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“The Ryder Cup is in September. And then, just clear signs of improvement. There are certain parts of my game that I want to improve.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --></p>
<h3>Garcia never out of top 20 in Abu Dhabi</h3>
<p><!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><strong>FLEETWOOD’S Ryder Cup teammate Sergio Garcia is vying for first wins on both the Rolex Series and in Abu Dhabi, as he returns to this part of the United Arab Emirates for the first time since 2014. </strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The Spaniard has never finished outside of the top 20 in his six previous appearances at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>And Sergio knows the benefit of early season success in the desert, going on to win the Masters Tournament after his victory in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in 2017.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Garcia, who has ended his two-year association with Callaway this month, said: “I&#8217;ve been practising hard and I&#8217;m excited for it.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“It&#8217;s a very good tournament to start the year with, and a nice run of tournaments the next couple of weeks,” added Sergio, who is expected to play without an equipment deal, at least in the early part of 2020.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“Hopefully we can see some good results on all the hard work we&#8217;ve been putting in and have a good year – because it&#8217;s a big year and we&#8217;re obviously looking forward to it.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Garcia faces a battle with John Rahm to represent Spain in the Olympics in Japan, at the end of July.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The 40-year-old would need to be in the world’s top 15 by June 22, to guarantee a start alongside Rahm, the world No. 3 and leading Spaniard.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Sergio said: “Winning in January is just positive. Any time you can start the year like that, it&#8217;s great.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“It gives you a lot of confidence. It kind of takes a little bit of pressure off knowing that you&#8217;ve already got a win.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --></p>
<h4>Hovland’s ‘easier route’ to represent Norway in Olympics</h4>
<p><!-- /wp:heading --></p>
<div id="attachment_7145" style="width: 744px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Hovalnd-Hero1-e1579091857566.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-7145" src="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Hovalnd-Hero1-e1579091857566-734x1024.jpg" alt="Hero Challenge winner Viktor Hovland at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit" width="734" height="1024" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Hero Challenge winner Viktor Hovland at Yas Marina Circuit in the build up to his debut in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the Falcon Course. Picture by GETTY IMAGES</p></div>
<p><!-- wp:image {"id":25041} --></p>
<p><!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><strong>RISING star Viktor Hovland got his week in the UAE off to a great start with victory in the Hero Challenge, at Yas Marina Circuit on Tuesday.</strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The 22-year-old PGA Tour player has an easier route to the Olympics – providing he can finish inside the leading 60 men who will qualify.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The former US Amateur Champion is another man who also has the Ryder Cup on his radar, as the Norwegian joins the stellar field in Abu Dhabi playing on a sponsor’s invite.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Hovland, an Oklahoma State University graduate, will be aiming to convert his impressive amateur achievements into his first professional victory in the first Rolex Series event of the 2020 Race to Dubai.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Hovland, who beat Louis Oosthuizen with a bullseye in the Hero Challenge under the lights on Tuesday, said: “Playing in big events excites me&#8230; but I just try to do as well as I can.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“Fortunately, those bigger events usually they tighten up the fairways and the rough is a little thicker.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I just think that suits my game, and that&#8217;s probably why I&#8217;ve performed a little better at those events.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“Obviously I want to do what I can to make the team for the Ryder Cup.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“That&#8217;s not what I&#8217;m thinking about every day when I wake up, I&#8217;m just trying to get better at golf.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“But I want to be eligible if that opportunity comes,” added Hovland, who was the low amateur at both The Masters and US Open in 2019, beating Jack Nicklaus’ record for the lowest round in the USGA event.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Hovland finished tied 12th at Pebble Beach last summer, having won his US Amateur title at the world-famous Californian course overlooking the Pacific Ocean.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>His four-under total of 280 broke the Golden Bear’s record total set in the 1960 US Open, at Cherry Hills, by two shots.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Hovland will play alongside Sweden’s former European No. 1 Robert Karlsson and Adrian Meronk, the first Polish player to earn a European Tour card.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><strong>•For full first round tee times click </strong><a href="https://www.europeantour.com/european-tour/abu-dhabi-hsbc-championship-presented-by-ega-2020/tee-times?round=1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/olympics-and-ryder-cup-are-on-shane-lowrys-bucket-list-for-2020-after-first-claret-jug/">Olympics and Ryder Cup are on Shane Lowry’s bucket list for 2020 after first Claret Jug</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk">Golf North</a>.</p>
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		<title>Harrington will use Omega Dubai Desert Classic to cast eye over Ryder Cup hopefuls</title>
		<link>https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/harrington-will-use-omega-dubai-desert-classic-to-cast-eye-over-ryder-cup-hopefuls/</link>
		<comments>https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/harrington-will-use-omega-dubai-desert-classic-to-cast-eye-over-ryder-cup-hopefuls/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Dec 2019 18:18:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Griffin]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Northern Ireland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pro News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emirates Golf Club]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[European Ryder Cup captain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Majis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miguel Angel Jimenez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Omega Dubai Desert Classic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Padraig Harrington]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sergio Garcia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Thomas Bjorn]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/?p=7011</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>EUROPEAN Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington will head to the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in January, where he will be joined by his predecessor Thomas Bjørn and two-time winning assistant Miguel Ángel Jiménez. The trio of European Tour legends join an already star-studded field, which sees the return of the tournament-record setting defending champion, Bryson [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/harrington-will-use-omega-dubai-desert-classic-to-cast-eye-over-ryder-cup-hopefuls/">Harrington will use Omega Dubai Desert Classic to cast eye over Ryder Cup hopefuls</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk">Golf North</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<div id="attachment_7012" style="width: 707px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Harrington.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-7012" src="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Harrington-697x1024.jpg" alt="2020 EUROPEAN RYDER CUP CAPTAIN PADRAIG HARRINGTON is playing at the 2020 Omega Dubai Desert Classic" width="697" height="1024" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Eurpoean captain Padraig Harrington will use his appearance at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic next month to make a check on the early front runners in the race for a Ryder Cup spot at Whistling Straits. Picture by GETTY IMAGES</p></div>
<p><strong>EUROPEAN Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington will head to the Omega Dubai Desert Classic in January, where he will be joined by his predecessor Thomas Bjørn and two-time winning assistant Miguel Ángel Jiménez.</strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The trio of European Tour legends join an already star-studded field, which sees the return of the tournament-record setting defending champion, Bryson DeChambeau.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Previous winners Rafa Cabrera Bello, Sergio Garcia, Haotong Li, Henrik Stenson and Danny Willett will also be in attendance, in addition to a string of other big names – including Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, Ian Poulter, Matt Wallace and Lee Westwood.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The oldest tournament in the region and the longest running on the circuit outside of Europe will be played on the Majlis Course, at Emirates Golf Club.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The Majis was recently crowned the best in the Middle East by Golf Digest.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Harrington will make his eighth appearance at the Dubai Desert Classic next month, and will no doubt have a busy week assessing those in early contention for one of 12 Ryder Cup berths in September – a fact that does not escape the Irishman.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“The Omega Dubai Desert Classic is one of our most iconic events and one I cannot wait to return to,” said Harrington, who finished in a tie for second alongside Tiger Woods at this event in 2001, two shots adrift of Bjorn.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“There is a lot of golf to be played between now and Whistling Straits and, in that time, I hope to play with everyone who is in contention for the team.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I can think of no better place to do so than Emirates Golf Club, so I’m looking forward it,” added the Irishman, who will arrive in the United Arab Emirates in search of his 16<sup>th</sup> European Tour title.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<div id="attachment_7014" style="width: 693px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Bjorn.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-7014" src="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Bjorn-683x1024.jpg" alt="Thomas Bjorn held off Tiger Woods to win the 2001 Omega Dubai Desert Classic" width="683" height="1024" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Thomas Bjorn’s win in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, beating Tiger Woods down the stretch in 2001, is one of the tournament’s most famous wins. Picture by GETTY IMAGES</p></div>
<p><!-- wp:image {"id":24855} --></p>
<p><!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Bjørn knows what it takes to triumph over Team USA, but with his experience in Paris behind him, 2020 provides a great opportunity for the “Great Dane” to demonstrate how he earned that moniker.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>What better place than an event the 48-year old has tasted success at before having, some 18 years ago, played alongside Woods on all four days to deliver one of the event’s most iconic closing Sundays.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I always love coming back to Dubai and the Desert Classic has so many great memories for me,” said Bjorn.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“To go toe-to-toe with Tiger and come out on top is not something many people can lay claim to, so it is a moment from my career that I will never forget.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“The Majlis Course is always in impeccable condition and it will be great to get out there again in January,” Bjorn added.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --></p>
<h3>Jimenez’s 26th start in Dubai Desert Classic</h3>
<p><!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>No stranger to the Dubai Desert Classic, Jiménez – nicknamed The Mechanic – will make his 26<sup>th</sup> appearance at the 2020 event, none more impressive than his winning display nine years ago.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>That year the Spaniard, who was assistant to Jose Maria Olazabal in 2012’s Miracle of Medinah and two years later helping Paul McGinley’s side at Gleneagles, beat Westwood in extra holes.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Victory came some five years after Jimenez narrowly lost out to three-time winner Ernie Els, as the South African eagled the 72<sup>nd</sup> hole to win by a stroke in 2006.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I first played in this event back in 1991, so it has been amazing to come back virtually every year and see how much the place has changed,” said the 55-year-old, who won the Senior Open at St Andrews, in 2018.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Jimenez has seven victories in the States since joining the Champions Tour in 2014, including last year’s Regions Tradition Major to go with his 21 European Tour victories between 1992 and 2014.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I have some amazing memories from my visits to Dubai and my win here is a stand-out for me,” added Jimenez, who won 14 of those European Tour titles in 10 years after turning 40.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I still enjoy coming out and proving I have what it takes to keep up with the young guys, so I’m looking forward to doing just that in a few weeks,” said Jimenez, who is the oldest player to have won on the European Tour at 50.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<div id="attachment_7013" style="width: 693px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Jimenez.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-7013" src="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Jimenez-683x1024.jpg" alt="Miguel Angel Jimenez playing in the 2019 Dubai Desert Classic" width="683" height="1024" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Miguel Angel Jimenez playing in the 2019 Omega Dubai Desert Classic at the Emirates’ Majis Course. Picture by GETTY IMAGES</p></div>
<p><!-- wp:image {"id":24854} --></p>
<p><!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The inaugural Omega Dubai Desert Classic was won by Yorkshire’s Mark James.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>It has gone on to establish a roll of honour boasting some of the biggest names in golf over the past 30 years – including the likes of Seve Ballesteros, Fred Couples, Rory McIlroy, Colin Montgomerie and Woods.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Next month’s event will boast an exciting new “Tournament Town,” which will offer a first-class culinary experience and the latest in family entertainment.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>With the four-day event set to be bigger and better than ever, there is still time to book daily, season or Terrace Hospitality tickets, with prices starting from 75 dirham.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><strong>•To purchase hospitality, season or daily tickets, go to: </strong><a href="https://www.omegadubaidesertclassic.com/buy-tickets/"><strong>https://www.omegadubaidesertclassic.com/buy-tickets/</strong></a></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><strong>For more information on the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, visit: </strong><a href="https://www.omegadubaidesertclassic.com/"><strong>https://www.omegadubaidesertclassic.com/</strong></a></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/harrington-will-use-omega-dubai-desert-classic-to-cast-eye-over-ryder-cup-hopefuls/">Harrington will use Omega Dubai Desert Classic to cast eye over Ryder Cup hopefuls</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk">Golf North</a>.</p>
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		<title>Open Champion Lowry looks to win second HSBC title of the year at WGC in Shanghai</title>
		<link>https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/open-champion-lowry-looks-to-win-second-hsbc-title-of-the-year-at-wgc-in-shanghai/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 11 Oct 2019 11:34:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Griffin]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pro News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bubba Watson]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Patrick Reed]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Phil Mickelson]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Shane Lowry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shanghai]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Shenshen Golf Club]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Open]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[WGC-HSBC Champions]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/?p=6432</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>REIGNING Open champion Shane Lowry, and four golfers who have all won the Masters – Patrick Reed, Sergio Garci, Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson – have confirmed their entry into ‘Asia’s Major.’ The quarter are heading to Shanghai at the end of this month to compete for the coveted WGC-HSBC Champions title. With Brooks Koepka, [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/open-champion-lowry-looks-to-win-second-hsbc-title-of-the-year-at-wgc-in-shanghai/">Open Champion Lowry looks to win second HSBC title of the year at WGC in Shanghai</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk">Golf North</a>.</p>
]]></description>
				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<div id="attachment_6434" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Lowry-Abu-Dhabi.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-6434" src="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Lowry-Abu-Dhabi-1024x714.jpg" alt="2019 Abu Dhabi HSBC winner Shane Lowry" width="1024" height="714" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Shane Lowry wants to add the WGC-HSBC Champions in China to the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship trophy he won in the Rolex Series, in January. Picture by GETTY IMAGES</p></div>
<p><strong>REIGNING Open champion Shane Lowry, and four golfers who have all won the Masters – Patrick Reed, Sergio Garci, Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson – have confirmed their entry into ‘Asia’s Major.’</strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The quarter are heading to Shanghai at the end of this month to compete for the coveted WGC-HSBC Champions title.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>With Brooks Koepka, Rory McIlroy, Francesco Molinari and Justin Rose already committed, reigning Champion Xander Schauffele will have his work cut out at Sheshan International Golf Club, where the field will be awash with Major champions trying to claim Asia’s most prestigious golf trophy from October 31 to November 3.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Danny Willett, who claimed the Green Jacket at Augusta in 2016 has alreadys confirmed his participation, fresh from his win at the 2019 BMW PGA Championship.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Henrik Stentson, the 2017 Open Champion, and Louis Oosthuizen, who claimed the Claret Jug at St Andrews in 2010, are also in the field, competing for an increased prize fund of $10.25million.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Irish star Lowry won his first major at Royal Portrush earlier this summer, ensuring a fairy-tale ending to what was The Open’s first visit to Ireland since 1951.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>With his sights now set firmly on qualifying for the 2020 Ryder Cup, Lowry is eying the WGC-HSBC Champions as an important landmark to set him on his way.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The popular Irishman, who won his first World Golf Championship title at the 2015 Bridgestone Invitational, at Ohio’s Firestone. G&amp;CC, said. “I am looking forward to turning up in Shanghai as a major Champion to compete for the final World Golf Championships title of the year.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“It has been a very special time since winning The Open and I have honestly enjoyed every minute of it.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“However, with the European Ryder Cup Qualifying process kicking off earlier this month, I am now looking to finish the season on a high and the WGC-HSBC Champions is where I have all my focus.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“Even although it is early days in the qualifying process, getting myself up the Ryder Cup standings will certainly help me relax over the off-season and enjoy Christmas all the more.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Mickelson, who has three Green Jackets and a Claret Jug as well as a PGA Championship to his name, is very popular among Chinese golf fans.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>He first played at the Sheshan International Golf Club in 2007 when he went on to win the title on his debut, beating Surrey’s Ross Fisher and Lee Westwood in a play-off.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Mickelson explained: “I can’t wait to return to Shanghai. My family and I have such great memories of our visits there and I love playing golf in front of my Chinese fans, who bring such a fresh excitement and energy to the course that you can’t help but enjoy every minute.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I am feeling in the best shape of my life, having been working out really hard, so I feel full of energy and ready to end the season with the best possible result.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Jonathan Castleman, HSBC’s Global head of brand partnerships, said: “We are delighted this thrilling line up of Major winners will be joining the stellar cast we have lined up in Shanghai.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":24110} --></p>
<p><!-- /wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph --> “Shane Lowry is reigning champion of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship and The Open, of which we are a patron.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“We look forward with anticipation to see if he can make it a hat-trick of trophies for 2019.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia and Bubba Watson are all previous champions at Sheshan, so it is great to welcome them back to Shanghai for Asia’s Major.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“This tournament has been a catalyst for so many exciting developments for golf in China at all levels and we look forward to that journey continuing.”</p>
<p>•<strong>For more details on the WGC-HSBC Champions and all ticket information, click </strong><a href="https://www.hsbcgolf.com/mens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>. </strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/open-champion-lowry-looks-to-win-second-hsbc-title-of-the-year-at-wgc-in-shanghai/">Open Champion Lowry looks to win second HSBC title of the year at WGC in Shanghai</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk">Golf North</a>.</p>
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		<title>Rahm defends Spanish Open title with runaway win over Cabrera-Bello and Del Val</title>
		<link>https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/rahm-defends-spanish-open-title-with-runaway-win-over-cabrera-bello-and-del-val/</link>
		<comments>https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/rahm-defends-spanish-open-title-with-runaway-win-over-cabrera-bello-and-del-val/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 06 Oct 2019 21:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Griffin]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Jon Rahm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mutuactivos Open de Espana]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rafa Cabrera-Bello]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Samuel De Val]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sergio Garcia]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[<p>JON Rahm successfully defended a title for the first time in his career as he stormed to a five-stroke victory at the Mutuactivos Open de España – as Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Samuel Del Val made it a Spanish one-two-three. The 24-year-old secured his fifth European Tour title in just his 39th start, becoming the fastest [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/rahm-defends-spanish-open-title-with-runaway-win-over-cabrera-bello-and-del-val/">Rahm defends Spanish Open title with runaway win over Cabrera-Bello and Del Val</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk">Golf North</a>.</p>
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<div id="attachment_6359" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Jon-Rahm-Trophy.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-6359" src="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Jon-Rahm-Trophy-1024x683.jpg" alt="Jon Rahm, winner of the 2019 Mutuactivos Open de Espana" width="1024" height="683" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Jon Rahm’s successful defence of the Spanish Open title made him the quickest Iberian player to win five titles on the European Tour. Picture by GETTY IMAGES</p></div>
<p><strong>JON Rahm successfully defended a title for the first time in his career as he stormed to a five-stroke victory at the Mutuactivos Open de España – as Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Samuel Del Val made it a Spanish one-two-three.</strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The 24-year-old secured his fifth European Tour title in just his 39<sup>th</sup> start, becoming the fastest Spaniard to reach five victories – surpassing the late, great Seve Ballesteros, who reached that milestone on his 49<sup>th</sup> appearance.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Rahm said: “I started getting comfortable around 13, after that the only tough tee shot for me was 14 because I have to hit a draw, and I’m not the best drawer of the ball with the driver.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“That was the only one I wanted to skip – but I almost made an eagle. After that I was trying to enjoy the walk.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I’m not happy I three-putted 17, I wanted to go bogey free. At the end of the day, I did the important thing.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I was able to successfully defend it and in front of a home crowd as well, it’s always hard for me to keep things under control – to play this weekend for them is always really fun.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I can’t wait to come back next year and hopefully we’ll make it three times.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“The crowd was unlike anything else. Spanish crowds love golf and they love us coming back,” the former Arizona State University golfer, who also reached No. 1 in the World Amateur Golf Rankings before turning pro, in 2016.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“Any time you get an event with two of the best players from Spain together alongside Adri and Samuel, he’s having a good year too, they enjoy it so much, said Rahm.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I played with him (Arnaus) in Valderrama, they’re enjoying it too. We had a lot of fun, every putt, every shot.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“It’s hard to believe how many people come out here. I play a lot of tournaments throughout the year that don’t get this much attendance.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“So it shows how much Spain wants golf – how much they want more events and how much they enjoy it.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“It’s great for the game of golf, it’s great for Spain and hopefully it can only get bigger.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Rahm started the final round at Madrid’s Club de Campo Villa, in the Spanish capital with a five-stroke lead and quickly extended his advantage to seven strokes after an eagle on the par five fourth hole and two further gains before the turn.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>He signed for a tournament record-equalling 22-under par total after birdies on the 10th and 14<sup>th</sup> holes, finishing five strokes ahead of Rafa Cabrera-Bello, who recorded his best result in his national open after birdieing five of his last six holes for a five-under 66.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Rahm moves to the top of the Race to Dubai rankings after his second victory of the 2019 season, adding to his Dubai Duty Free Irish Open title.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Rafa Cabrera-Bello, who was looking for his first win since the 2017 Scottish Open – and his first Spanish Open – said: “I would have liked to get some birdies early to put some pressure on Jon, but that didn’t happen.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I had to hang in there, fight for the second spot and I was very pleased that the birdies came at the end.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“He already had a big lead from the start. You could see that cut in half after three or four holes and it changes your perspective – but that didn’t happen, it went the other way.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“Once he eagled four, seven shots was a commanding lead. It was his tournament to lose and he played great,” added Cabrera-Bello, who had hoped to get a captain’s pick for last year’s Ryder Cup in Paris, where he could have been possibly paired with Rahm, or Sergio Garcia, after making his debut in 2016, in the defeat by the USA, at Hazeltine.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“All I could do was focus on my ball, try to finish second and I managed to do that,” said Rafa.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Samuel Del Val rounded-out an all-Spanish top three as he signed for a 68 to get to 15-under.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Del Val, who has been globe-trotting in his bid to earn full playing rights on a major tour, including Canada and Latin America, said: “It’s been incredible. I felt like I played much better today than yesterday.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I was just trying to play my game. He had a five-shot lead, I know I wasn’t capable of getting him. I wasn’t focused on anyone else.</p>
<p>“At the end the race was for second place between Rafa and me, and he played great with five birdies on his last six holes. I’m really happy with the performance.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“The score was one shot better but yesterday I was hanging on for dear life.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“It was a bit like a chess game, finding the right angles and the right spots. I’m really happy with a three-under.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>His compatriot Adri Arnaus continued his fine rookie year on the European Tour as he finished in a share of fourth place with Danes Joachim B Hansen and Jeff Winther.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Sergio Garcia was the fifth Spaniard inside the top five after his round of 66, sharing seventh with four others.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p><strong>Final scores:<br />
</strong>262 J Rahm (Esp) 66 67 63 66,<br />
267 R Cabrera Bello (Esp) 66 65 70 66,<br />
269 S Del Val (Esp) 67 65 69 68,<br />
271 J Winther (Den) 70 69 69 63, J Hansen (Den) 69 69 67 66, A Arnaus (Esp) 65 66 72 68,<br />
272 M Kawamura (Jpn) 70 67 68 67, J Scrivener (Aus) 67 68 68 69, J Harding (RSA) 69 72 64 67, S Garcia (Esp) 69 69 69 65, Z Lombard (RSA) 67 67 69 69,<br />
273 J Dantorp (Swe) 67 70 65 71, A Pavan (Ita) 66 75 67 65, F Zanotti (Par) 71 69 65 68,<br />
274 J Morrison (Eng) 70 70 69 65, A Levy (Fra) 70 69 67 68,<br />
275 A Cañizares (Esp) 72 69 68 66, C Hill (Sco) 69 72 65 69, N McCarthy (Eng) 70 68 71 66, N Colsaerts (Bel) 67 73 71 64, R Fisher (Eng) 69 68 70 68, M Korhonen (Fin) 70 65 72 68,<br />
276 J Singh Brar (Eng) 68 69 70 69, E Molinari (Ita) 69 69 69 69, D Papadatos (Aus) 70 71 65 70, J Donaldson (Wal) 66 71 69 70, Y Miyazato (Jpn) 70 70 69 67, N Bertasio (Ita) 69 67 71 69, T Aiken (RSA) 72 68 70 66,<br />
277 A Wu (Chn) 68 71 70 68, B Rumford (Aus) 70 71 66 70, C Hanson (Eng) 68 74 66 69,<br />
278 P Larrazábal (Esp) 70 69 70 69, P Figueiredo (Por) 71 68 70 69, M Jiménez (Esp) 68 73 70 67, R Karlberg (Swe) 70 68 68 72,<br />
279 S Brown (Eng) 68 68 70 73, S Kim (USA) 67 74 67 71, E De La Riva (Esp) 68 73 70 68, B Evans (Eng) 71 68 73 67, N Elvira (Esp) 73 66 70 70, D Burmester (RSA) 66 71 72 70, P Langfors (Swe) 68 68 72 71, L Slattery (Eng) 69 73 67 70,<br />
280 J Veerman (USA) 71 71 69 69, D Horsey (Eng) 71 70 68 71, R Lumsden (Sco) 70 70 71 69, A Romero (Arg) 76 66 69 69,<br />
281 M Kieffer (Ger) 72 70 65 74, J McLeod (Aus) 68 70 75 68,<br />
282 A Garcia-Heredia (Esp) 70 69 73 70, D Lipsky (USA) 68 73 70 71, B Ritthammer (Ger) 70 69 73 70, K Johannessen (Nor) 63 73 76 70,<br />
283 S Chawrasia (Ind) 70 71 73 69, J Girrbach (Sui) 73 67 68 75, C Sordet (Fra) 74 68 67 74, J Suri (USA) 72 70 70 71, B Virto (Esp) 70 69 73 71, D Lawson (Aus) 68 71 72 72,<br />
284 A Otaegui (Esp) 67 69 73 75, G Forrest (Sco) 73 69 71 71,<br />
285 A Karlsson (Swe) 70 71 73 71, M Siem (Ger) 66 69 76 74, J Catlin (USA) 71 71 69 74, D Drysdale (Sco) 69 72 75 69,<br />
286 M Nixon (Eng) 67 75 70 74,<br />
290 J Walters (RSA) 69 72 74 75,<br />
<strong>MISSED CUT:</strong> 143 R Jacquelin (Fra) 70 73, G Bourdy (Fra) 72 71, I Cantero Gutierrez (Esp) 71 72, D Berna Manzanares (Esp) 71 72, L Gagli (Ita) 72 71, M Orrin (Eng) 70 73, L Jensen (Den) 71 72, M Manassero (Ita) 68 75, D Gavins (Eng) 71 72, M Fraser (Aus) 73 70, H Li (Chn) 74 69, A Quiros (Esp) 72 71, S Fernandez (Esp) 73 70,<br />
144 N Lemke (Swe) 68 76, D Cooke (USA) 70 74, F Bergamaschi (Ita) 71 73, K Koivu (Fin) 72 72, A Hortal (Esp) 71 73, J Choi (Kor) 72 72, J Colomo (Esp) 69 75, N Tinning (Den) 72 72, S Crocker (USA) 76 68, M Schmitt (Ger) 72 72 , J Wang (Kor) 70 74, A Björk (Swe) 71 73,<br />
145 J Pastor (Esp) 74 71, G Bhullar (Ind) 67 78, N Cullen (Aus) 71 74, H Leon (Chi) 72 73, M Galiano Aguilar (Esp) 69 76, E Cuartero Blanco (Esp) 72 73, P Oriol (Esp) 70 75,<br />
146 G Moynihan (Irl) 74 72, T Jaidee (Tha) 73 73, K Reitan (Nor) 74 72, N Højgaard (Den) 71 75, J Adarraga Gomez (Esp) 70 76, T Murray (Eng) 70 76, O Wilson (Eng) 74 72, E Kofstad (Nor) 76 70,<br />
147 R Gouveia (Por) 70 77, D Howell (Eng) 75 72, A Connelly (Can) 76 71, A Saddier (Fra) 73 74, A Del Rey(am) (Esp) 74 73, K Kouwenaar (am) (Ned) 73 74,<br />
148 J Campillo (Esp) 76 72, P Dunne (Irl) 75 73, R McGowan (Eng) 73 75, R Paratore (Ita) 71 77, W Ormsby (Aus) 76 72, M Hoey (Nir) 73 75, L Johnston (Sco) 73 75,<br />
149 J Olazábal (Esp) 73 76, J Salama (Esp) 71 78, C Saxon (USA) 75 74, S Manley (Wal) 76 73, M Warren (Sco) 74 75, D Borda (Esp) 73 76,<br />
150 M Campbell (Nzl) 79 71, G Fdez-Castaño (Esp) 76 74,<br />
151 R Wattel (Fra) 76 75, J Kruyswijk (RSA) 75 76,<br />
152 J Abbott (Eng) 79 73, C Del Moral (Esp) 77 75,<br />
154 V Pastor (am) (Esp) 76 78,<br />
155 A Velasco (Esp) 78 77,<br />
** S Gregory (Eng) 71 DQ, L De Jager (RSA) 72 RT, N Geyger (Chi) DQ</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/rahm-defends-spanish-open-title-with-runaway-win-over-cabrera-bello-and-del-val/">Rahm defends Spanish Open title with runaway win over Cabrera-Bello and Del Val</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk">Golf North</a>.</p>
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		<title>Garcia aiming for back to back wins at Spanish Open which returns to Madrid</title>
		<link>https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/garcia-aiming-for-back-to-back-wins-at-spanish-open-which-returns-to-madrid/</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 02 Oct 2019 04:00:20 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Griffin]]></dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[<p>SERGIO Garcia hopes to bring his title-winning form from the KLM Open to this week’s Mutuactivos Open de España as he prepares to tee it up in his national Open for the first time since 2016. The 39-year-old is also making his first appearance since returning to the winner’s circle last month at Holland’s KLM [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/garcia-aiming-for-back-to-back-wins-at-spanish-open-which-returns-to-madrid/">Garcia aiming for back to back wins at Spanish Open which returns to Madrid</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk">Golf North</a>.</p>
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				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<div id="attachment_6288" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Sergio-Garcia.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-6288" src="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Sergio-Garcia-1024x683.jpg" alt="Sergio Garcia practicising at the 2019 Spanish Open" width="1024" height="683" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Sergio Garcia would love to win the Spanish Open in front of his home fans in Madrid after victory in his last start at the KLM Open, in Amsterdam. Picture by GETTY IMAGES</p></div>
<p><strong>SERGIO Garcia hopes to bring his title-winning form from the KLM Open to this week’s Mutuactivos Open de España as he prepares to tee it up in his national Open for the first time since 2016.</strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The 39-year-old is also making his first appearance since returning to the winner’s circle last month at Holland’s KLM Open, securing his 16<sup>th</sup> European Tour title and his fifth victory in a two-and-a-half year span.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Garcia, the winner of the 2002 Open de España, hopes to channel happy memories both from this tournament and playing in his home country, where he has won seven times in his 20-year professional career.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Garcia said: “It’s good to be a part of this event again – 2016 was the last time I played, at Valderrama.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“It’s a tournament I’ve won in the past, and I would love to renew that feeling here. It should be good fun here in Madrid.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I did have a really nice week in Amsterdam a few weeks back. I’m excited to keep that momentum going. My game feels pretty good and hopefully we can have a great week.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“The course has changed a little bit with a few new tees, but the essence of the course is still the same.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“Small greens&#8230; you have to drive the ball well. If you miss fairways there are a lot of tricky shots. It looks really nice, at the end of the day it comes down to playing well and we’ll see how it turns out.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Garcia is joined in the Spanish capital this week by Rafa Cabrera-Bello, who is searching for a first professional win on home soil.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Cabrera Bello, who made his Ryder Cup debut in Hazeltine three years ago, said: “I’m really looking forward to the Spanish Open this year, it’s always a pleasure to play in my home country.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“We feel the love and support from the crowds, promoters, organisers and everyone in the event.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“Of course we want to play our best and show off our best golf – sometimes that doesn’t happen, but it doesn’t matter,” added Cabrera-Bello, who played for Europe in the Junior Ryder Cup in 1999.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“If they see us trying our hardest they appreciate that, it’s the mentality we come with. We want to win and will give it our best shot, but it’s not always in our hands.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I’ve played this tournament a lot and only had two top 10s, it hasn’t been my best event.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“But that can change in a week. I feel more mature now and can deal with pressure or expectation much better these days.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“Hopefully this year, with the way my game is at the moment, I can put on a good performance.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The three-time European Tour winner’s most recent victory came at the 2017 Aberdeen Standard Investments Scottish Open, when he beat Callum Shinkwin in a play-off.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Cabrera-Bello made his first appearance in this event as an amateur the same year that Garcia triumphed, finishing in a share of fourth place, in the Canaries.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The Open de España returns to Club de Campo Villa de Madrid for the first time since 1996 when Padraig Harrington won his first European Tour event.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>It is also the same venue where the late, great Seve Ballesteros won his 50<sup>th</sup> and final title on the European Tour the year prior.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/garcia-aiming-for-back-to-back-wins-at-spanish-open-which-returns-to-madrid/">Garcia aiming for back to back wins at Spanish Open which returns to Madrid</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk">Golf North</a>.</p>
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		<title>Shinkwin suffering from injury and illness but finds form at KLM Dutch Open</title>
		<link>https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/shinkwin-suffering-from-injury-and-illness-but-finds-form-at-klm-dutch-open/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Sep 2019 05:00:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Griffin]]></dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[<p>MOOR Park’s Callum Shinkwin carded a superb six-under par 66 to take a one-stroke lead after the opening round of the 100th edition of the KLM Open. The Hertfordshire player sits 126th in the Race to Dubai rankings and 446th in the Official World Golf Rankings – but belied his status to lead a large [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/shinkwin-suffering-from-injury-and-illness-but-finds-form-at-klm-dutch-open/">Shinkwin suffering from injury and illness but finds form at KLM Dutch Open</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk">Golf North</a>.</p>
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				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<div id="attachment_6157" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Shinkwin-KLM.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-6157" src="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Shinkwin-KLM-1024x695.jpg" alt="Moor Park’s Callum Shinkwin shot a six-under 66 in the 2019 KLM Open first round" width="1024" height="695" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Moor Park’s Callum Shinkwin put his recent back problem behind him to lead after the first round in the 100th KLM Open, in Holland. Picture by GETTY IMAGES</p></div>
<p><strong>MOOR Park’s Callum Shinkwin carded a superb six-under par 66 to take a one-stroke lead after the opening round of the 100</strong><sup><strong>th</strong></sup><strong> edition of the KLM Open.</strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The Hertfordshire player sits 126th in the Race to Dubai rankings and 446th in the Official World Golf Rankings – but belied his status to lead a large chasing pack at The International.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Shinkwin said: “My golf as of late has not been great, as has my health as well, but the golf&#8230; is still not there, still very uncomfortable – but I managed to turn it round and shoot a good round of 66.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I caught food poisoning back in Sweden – it can happen anywhere – but I caught it there and couldn&#8217;t get up on that Friday morning</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“And then I&#8217;ve had a bit of a bad back as well. My back went last week and I thought the best thing to do it to walk in and basically have the weekend off and recover.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The former Walker Cup player, who claimed the Hampshire Hog at North Hants GC, in 2012, and then took the Hampshire Salver a year later when he went on to face the USA at New York’s Long Island, revealed that despite the illness and injuries, he has been battling to get back to the form that saw him lose a play-off with Rafa Cabrera Bello at the 2017 Scottish Open.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Shinkwin said: “Just working hard really. Been down the range, working on what I needed to work on. I wasn&#8217;t hitting the ball very well, that&#8217;s probably why the back wasn&#8217;t great.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“But I&#8217;m just working hard and if I&#8217;m feeling uncomfortable then that means I&#8217;m doing the right things.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The 26-year-old reached the turn in 32 courtesy of an eagle, three birdies and one dropped shot before a blemish free back nine – which included two gains – help him to the top of the leaderboard.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Malaysian Gavin Green made a trademark fast start to finish on five-under, with Shinkwin’s playing partner Swede Per Langfors carding 67 to sit alongside Scot Marc Warren, Dane Nicolai Højgaard, and Englishmen Chris Paisley, Sam Horsfield and Matthew Southgate at five-under.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia led a group of eight players one shot further adrift at four-under after signing for a bogey-free 68 on a low scoring morning in the Netherlands.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Garcia said: “It was nice. Obviously, the conditions got a little bit trickier in the last six or seven holes with the wind picking up a little bit. Before that it was quite nice, so I am happy with that.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“The experience yesterday wasn’t very good in the pro-am with the rain and my neck was a little bit stiff, but we are playing through it and hopefully it won’t creep up on me throughout the week.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“The course is nice, the greens are very nice and rolling at a nice speed, so it is a good-looking golf course with big greens and a lot of movement.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I need a little bit more of the same thing I did today. Just keep working on the confidence and keep working hard like I have been doing, and hopefully I will have a chance this week.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Defending champion Wu Ashun was one of 10 players at three-under, including two-time KLM Open winner and playing partner Joost Luiten, who came home in a remarkable 30 after carding his opening front nine in three-over.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Luiten, who is going for a hat-trick of wins in his national Open during its centenary, said: “I felt like my mindset changed a little bit.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I was three-over after nine and I thought alright, I am just going to go for every flag now, I can’t play safe anymore.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I was playing a bit too safe on the front nine and that is where the mistakes came from and started to steer the ball a little bit away from the flags.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“Once you get the birdies going you get in the zone and then you don’t really realise what is going on around you.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“You just want to make more birdies, and it’s great that it happened. To make six, I created enough chances to make birdies and that is what you need to do on a course like this.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>•For live scoring in the KLM Open click <a href="http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2019/tournamentid=2019078/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here.</a></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/shinkwin-suffering-from-injury-and-illness-but-finds-form-at-klm-dutch-open/">Shinkwin suffering from injury and illness but finds form at KLM Dutch Open</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk">Golf North</a>.</p>
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		<title>McIlroy maintains mulligan in the mountains would be marvellous despite millions</title>
		<link>https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/mcilroy-maintains-mulligan-in-the-mountains-would-be-marvellous-despite-millions/</link>
		<comments>https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/mcilroy-maintains-mulligan-in-the-mountains-would-be-marvellous-despite-millions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 28 Aug 2019 19:31:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Andrew Griffin]]></dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[England]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[International]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Northern Ireland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pro News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Scotland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Billy Foster]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Brooks Koepka]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Crans-sur-Sierre]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[FedEx Cup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Matthew Fitzpatrick]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Omega European Masters]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rory McIlroy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Sergio Garcia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Seve Ballesteros]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/?p=6002</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p>NEWLY-crowned FedEx Champion Rory McIlroy has had many incredible highs in his stellar career&#8230; but if he could take one tournament back, it would be the Omega European Masters of 11 years ago. The Northern Irishman was playing his rookie European Tour season and while he had put in some excellent performances, the then 19-year-old [&#8230;]</p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/mcilroy-maintains-mulligan-in-the-mountains-would-be-marvellous-despite-millions/">McIlroy maintains mulligan in the mountains would be marvellous despite millions</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk">Golf North</a>.</p>
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				<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<div id="attachment_6003" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><a href="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/McIlroy-Crans.jpg"><img class="size-large wp-image-6003" src="http://www.golfnorth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/McIlroy-Crans-1024x657.jpg" alt="Rory McIlroy before the 2019 Omega European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club" width="1024" height="657" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Rory McIlory admitted if he could have one last round back it would be his first appearance at Crans-sur-Sierre when the rookie lost a play-off. Picture by GETTY IMAGES</p></div>
<p><strong>NEWLY-crowned FedEx Champion Rory McIlroy has had many incredible highs in his stellar career&#8230; but if he could take one tournament back, it would be the Omega European Masters of 11 years ago.</strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The Northern Irishman was playing his rookie European Tour season and while he had put in some excellent performances, the then 19-year-old had yet to claim that maiden win.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>After three days at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club he held a four-shot lead and while that had been narrowed on Sunday, he stood over a five-foot par putt on the last that would have seen him lift the trophy.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>His effort slid by and Frenchman Jeff Lucquin went on to win the play-off and claim his only European Tour title.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The four-time Major winner and Ryder Cup star has gone on to savour some sensational moments over the years, earning €36million in prize money in Europe alone since 2007.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>After the high of last week at East Lake in Atlanta when he claimed the $15million prize, his next target is to reclaim the World No. 1 spot, starting with a positive performance in Crans Montana.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>McIlroy, the current World No. 2, said: “I had a wonderful opportunity to win my first event on Tour here.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I was leading going into the last day, had a one-shot lead playing the last and wasn&#8217;t able to make par from there.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I was beaten in the play-off. It&#8217;s still to this day the one event I think of that I would like to re-do – get a mulligan.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“The first time I was here I fell in love with the place, the people, the atmosphere. I&#8217;m glad that it worked out this year that I could be here.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I would like to give myself another chance at least,” said McIlroy, who saw-off World No. 1 Brooks Koepka, who had put Rory to the sword in the WGC Fedex St Jude Invitational in Memphis last month, when the two went head-to-head in the last group in Georgia, on Sunday.</p>
<p>“I think Brooks (Koepka) has got about a three-point lead on me. I don&#8217;t know if that&#8217;s attainable with the tournaments I have left.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I saw somewhere that there are more world ranking points on offer here than there have been for eight years,” added McIlroy, who was keen to prove a point by beating Koepka to claim his second FedEx Cup after his victory in 2016.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“Wentworth is obviously big for world ranking points. There&#8217;s a WGC coming up. There&#8217;s still a lot to play for. That&#8217;s my focus for the rest of the year, getting closer to that number one spot.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Matthew Fitzpatrick is driven by two targets of his own as he goes in search of a third consecutive win at the Omega European Masters.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The Englishman is aiming to become the first player to win the title three years in a row and match the great Seve Ballesteros as a three-time winner of the event in the Swiss Alps.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Another victory at the breathtaking Swiss venue would also ensure the five-time European Tour winner has been victorious in every full season he has been on Tour – and in what could be a good omen, he has Ballesteros’ former caddie Billy Foster on his bag.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Fitzpatrick, from Hallamshire GC, in Sheffield, said: “I’m definitely thinking about winning again. Having won here the last two years, it is a big thing for me.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I absolutely love coming to back this place, I have since I first came here in 2014. I try to win at least once every season. Obviously, winning five seasons in a row would also be a big deal for me.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“There is a stronger field this year. Also, the course has had a few changes to it. But if I can play my own game and play the way I&#8217;ve played in this place, there is no reason I can&#8217;t get a good result.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I think he (Billy Foster) is feeling the pressure more than me. He&#8217;s interested in seeing how I play and how I see the course.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“We&#8217;ve got a good relationship and had a good season so far,” added Fitzpatrick.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The stellar field also includes a man who is hoping home comforts can inspire him to a second victory in the mountains.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Sergio Garcia lifted the trophy in 2005 and has never finished outside of the top 20 in five appearances.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The Spanish Major winner is so taken with the stunning surroundings that he owns a house just 100 yards from the Ballesteros-designed golf course, where he has spent the last week with wife Angela and daughter Azalea.<strong>S</strong></p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>Garcia, the 2017 Masters winner, said: “It&#8217;s always fun to play here in Crans. We live here some part of the year so it&#8217;s nice to sleep in your own bed and be at home.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“We&#8217;re excited for it, of course it looks really nice and the views are always unbelievable. We&#8217;ve been here for just over the week so we&#8217;ve done a little bit of practice and it&#8217;s nice to have Angela and Azalea with me.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“I&#8217;ve always enjoyed these kind of golf courses – tight, not particularly long but you have to drive the ball well and you have to be accurate. That&#8217;s usually the courses that I thrive on.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“There&#8217;s no doubt it is the Seve Ballesteros golf course so it&#8217;s good to be here and we always remember him.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>“It&#8217;s a shame that he&#8217;s not with us but it&#8217;s nice to be playing here at his designed golf course and hopefully we&#8217;ll make him proud.”</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>For live scoring from Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club, click <a href="http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2019/tournamentid=2019074/leaderboard/index.html#/leaderboard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>
<p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p>
<p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk/mcilroy-maintains-mulligan-in-the-mountains-would-be-marvellous-despite-millions/">McIlroy maintains mulligan in the mountains would be marvellous despite millions</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.golfnorth.co.uk">Golf North</a>.</p>
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