Player Update

With the biggest names in golf arriving for the 35th edition of host Jack Nicklaus’ Memorial Tournament, the stage was set for Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. One was battling to regain form, the other chasing the elusive and coveted world No 1 position. Instead, an unfocused Mickelson and a wayward Tiger were bit players as Justin Rose stepped forward to take the prize. The South African born Englishman became the first Briton to win The Memorial and the fourth player to secure his maiden PGA Tour victory at the tournament.

Undaunted after weather delays on Thursday and Saturday, Rose came from three behind at the start of the final round and raced ahead of 21 year-old Rickie Fowler to win by three shots. SA’s Rory Sabbatini was 12th.

Last week, after weather interrupted the final round twice, Zack Johnson put on a masterful putting exhibition to win The Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial by three strokes. However, the main storyline was Phil Mickelson missing the cut when he had the chance to oust long-time incumbent Tiger Woods from the No 1 spot in golf. Rory Sabbatini and Tim Clark finished down the field.

On the European Tour at the Celtic Manor Wales Open, Graeme McDowell posted a convincing win on the course that will host this year’s Ryder Cup. Rhys Davies was runner-up for the second consecutive week. Luke Donald, the tour’s player of the month for May, continued an impressive run of form with a third place finish. SA’s Louis Oosthuizen and Anton Haig finished inside the top 30.

A week ago Donald cemented his position in the European Ryder Cup rankings with a one stroke win in the Madrid Masters and become the fourth Englishman in the world top ten. SA’s Thomas Aiken tied for 21st.

The Sunshine Tour returned after a three-week break with 39 year-old Grant Muller beating Zimbabwean TC Charamba on the third playoff hole to win the Lombard Insurance Classic at the Royal Swazi Spa Country Club.

Last week, the Champions’ Tour saw SA rookie David Frost narrowly lose his quest for a maiden victory to eventual winner Tom Lehman in a three-man playoff at the Senior PGA Championship. Nick Price was three shots back in fifth place.

Focus now shifts to The US Open at Pebble Beach on June 17-20, where Tiger Woods beat the field by an unprecedented 15 shots when the tournament was last played there in 2000.

Ed.