The Golf Champion Trophy, Claret Jug, winner, The Open Championship, British Open, golf, silver claret jug, inscribed, 'The Golf Champion Trophy', Mackay Cunningham & Company of Edinburgh, Tom Kidd , The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Old course. St Andrews, Scotland
Description
The Claret Jug in the rough on the old Course St Andrews
The Golf Champion Trophy, Claret Jug, winner, The Open Championship, British Open, golf, silver claret jug, inscribed, 'The Golf Champion Trophy', Mackay Cunningham & Company of Edinburgh, Tom Kidd , The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Old course. St Andrews.
Description
The Claret Jug in the rough at the Old Course St Andrews
The Golf Champion Trophy, Claret Jug, winner, The Open Championship, British Open, golf, silver claret jug, inscribed, 'The Golf Champion Trophy', Mackay Cunningham & Company of Edinburgh, Tom Kidd , The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Old course. St Andrews.
Description
The Claret Jug in the rough on the Old Course St Andrews
The Golf Champion Trophy, Claret Jug, winner, The Open Championship, British Open, golf, silver claret jug, inscribed, 'The Golf Champion Trophy', Mackay Cunningham & Company of Edinburgh, Tom Kidd , The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Old course. St Andrews.
Description
The Claret Jug in the rough on the Old Course St Andrews
The Golf Champion Trophy, Claret Jug, winner, The Open Championship, British Open, golf, silver claret jug, inscribed, 'The Golf Champion Trophy', Mackay Cunningham & Company of Edinburgh, Tom Kidd , The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Old course. St Andrews.
Description
The Claret Jug in the rough on the Old course, St Andrews
golf professional; winner Worcestershire Golf Pro 2010 Championship; trophy; teacher; attached to Worcester Driving Range; Worcestershire; England; English; British; United Kingdom; Britain
Description
Martin Payne, teaching golf professional,winner of the Worcestershire Golf Pro 2010 Championship, with trophy.Teaches at the Worcester Driving Range in Worcester, England.
Sport, golf, Wales Open Championship in Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, Gwent, South Wales, UK, 2005, Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain smokes a cigar event, tobacco, trophy, winner, celebration,
man; woman; woman presenting man with trophy; trophy; award; award ceremony; men; women; Scott A. McNealy photographer; OM_SB3_128_; a; A person (not famous) accomplishing something; winning an award.
Successful men's bowls team, West End, of Colchester, show off their county champiopnship shield at the end of the 1963 season. The average age of this group must be over sixty.
Final evening of practice for Centenary TT Tourist Trophy Races for solos and sidecars Parliament Square Ramsey Isle of Man retain champ champions title holders 2006 winners
British Racing Motors, BRM, V16, Mk2, single seater, Jose-Froilan Gonzalez, Raymond Mays, Glover Trophy, Whitsun Trophy, Ken Wharton, Reg Parnell, Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss, FOT641830
Description
The later BRM V16 known as the Mk2 or P30. Note lack of race numbers. Photograghed at Goodwood 1956.
Ryan Palmer; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Ryan Palmer lost in a play-off for the Byron Nelson Classic, his hometown event in Texas, in May 2011 after finishing 10th in the Masters at Augusta. He has won three times on the US Tour, including the Hawaiin Open, and finished tied for 21st place in the 2011 US Open at Congressional.
Spencer Levin; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
In 2004 Spencer Levin was the leading amateur at the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, finishing in a tie for 13th place. He turned professional in 2005 and won his way through from the Nationwide Tour to the US PGA Tour in 2009. He has had three victories on the Canadian Tour and will be making his second appearance in The Open through IFQ America.
Eduardo Molinari; Italy; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Eduardo Molinari had three victories and a further nine top ten finishes on the 2009 Challenge Tour earned a record €242,979 and ensured a return to The European Tour and a place in the top 50 of the Official World Golf Ranking. A few days after winning Japan's richest event, the Dunlop Phoenix, he also partnered his younger brother Francesco to Italy’s first victory in the World Cup at Mission Hills in China. The brothers were also partners in the 2010 Ryder Cup. In 2005 he became the first European player to win the US Amateur Championship since 1911. He has won twice on the European Tour and finished 11th in the 2011 Masters
Steve Marino; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Steve Marino started golf at the age of three, practising with a cut-down three-iron in his back yard. Finished 15th in the 2009 FedExCup after a season which included a second place finish at the Crown Plaza Invitational at Colonial, where he narrowly lost out to Steve Stricker in a two-hole, three-man play-off. Made his Open Championship debut in 2009 and was leading with Tom Watson as the cut was made. Best performance in a Major came at the 2010 Masters, finishing tied for 14th place.
Bernhard Langer; Germany; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Bernhard Langer made his 29th appearance in The Open since his debut in 1976. He is an old hand at negotiating the tough links of Royal St George's, finishing second there to Bill Rogers in 1981 and third behind Sandy Lyle in 1985 and again third when Greg Norman won in 1993. He has had eight top-10 finishes in the game's oldest championship over a period of 26 years. He was a two-time Masters champion, in 1985 and 1993, and was the first player to reach the top of the Official World Golf Ranking when it was launched in 1986. After turning 50, he has became one of the most successful players on the Champions Tour. He was ever-present in the Ryder Cup team, making nine consecutive appearances from 1981 to 1997. He was again a playing member of the team in 2002 and non-playing captain two years later. In 42 matches he was beaten only 15 times. He has won 84 tournaments around the world, including 42 on the European Tour, and others in Australia, Asia, South Africa and South America. In 2010 he won both the Senior Open Championships of Britain and America. In 2006 he was appointed an honorary OBE in recognition of his contribution to golf.
Webb Simpson; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Webb Simpson was a member of the winning US Walker Cup team in 2007, he turned pro the following year and has twice finished second on the US Tour in 2011. He lost the Transitions Championship by a shot and then was beaten by Bubba Watson in a play-off for the Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
Thorbjorn Olesen; Denmark; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Thorbjorn Olesen climbed rapidly through the Nordic League and Challenge Tour to win his place on the European Tour in 2011. Tied for second in the Italian Open after a 10-under final round of 62 and again finished second in the Open de France
Lucas Bjerregaard; Denmark; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Lucas Bjerregaard became only the second Danish player to win the European Amateur Championship when he shot a final round of 70 for a 15-under 273 total to win by a stroke over England's Tommy Fleetwood and Italy's Andrea Pavan on the Vanajanlinna course in Finland. Fellow countryman Morten Backhausen beat Lee Westwood in a playoff for the title in 1993.
Angel Cabrera; Argentina; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Angel Cabrera would have been a footballer if Eduardo Romero had not encouraged him to take up golf at the age of 15. Stormed to his first win on the US Tour by holding off the challenge of Tiger Woods to take the US Open title at Oakmont in 2007. He became only the second player from Argentina to win a major following Roberto de Vicenzo's success in The Open at Hoylake in 1967. Added a second major when he won a three-way play-off against Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell to claim the 2009 Masters title. Gained his European Tour card in 1995. Has consistently averaged more than 300 yards off the tee since 2001. Finished seventh in the 2011 Masters.
Alexander Noren; Sweden; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Alexander Noren holed a tough bunker shot for an eagle three on his way to winning his first European Tour title in the 2009 European Masters in Switzerland in a season interrupted by wrist and knee injuries. Joined the pro ranks in 2005 after eight years competing for the Swedish national team as an amateur and graduating from Oklahoma State University.
Jonathan Byrd; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Jonathan Byrd has been a professional since 2000. Winner in 2010 of the Hyundai Tournament of Champions and placed second in the Wells Fargo Championship. His only previous Open appearance was at Carnoustie in 2007 where he finished 23rd.
Jim Furyk; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Jim Furyk has been coached by his father Mike since taking up the game and has been putting cross-handed since he was seven. Won the US Open in 2003 by three shots at Olympia Fields and has a strong record of top-10 finishes in all four Majors. The key elements of his game are accuracy from the tee and hitting greens in regulation despite a less than orthodox swing. He has played in The Open every year since 1996 and has finished fourth three times and fifth once.
Phil Mickelson; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Phil Mickelson the four-time Major winner is right-handed in everything except golf. He started hitting balls at the age of 18 months standing opposite his father and produced a mirror-image of his swing. He is a qualified pilot and Co-Chairman of the American Junior Golf Association. Played twice in the US Walker Cup team and won his first tour event while still an amateur. The week before his second Masters title in 2006 he won the Bell South Classic by 13 shots. Won his third Masters and his fourth Major in 2010 by three shots from Lee Westwood on a total of 16 under par.Has finished second in major championships six times. A prolific winner in America with almost 40 victories, his latest success was in the 2011 Houston Open. He also has two European wins to his credit. He has played eight times in the Ryder Cup.
Phil Mickelson; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Phil Mickelson the four-time Major winner is right-handed in everything except golf. He started hitting balls at the age of 18 months standing opposite his father and produced a mirror-image of his swing. He is a qualified pilot and Co-Chairman of the American Junior Golf Association. Played twice in the US Walker Cup team and won his first tour event while still an amateur. The week before his second Masters title in 2006 he won the Bell South Classic by 13 shots. Won his third Masters and his fourth Major in 2010 by three shots from Lee Westwood on a total of 16 under par.Has finished second in major championships six times. A prolific winner in America with almost 40 victories, his latest success was in the 2011 Houston Open. He also has two European wins to his credit. He has played eight times in the Ryder Cup.
Jeff Overton; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Jeff Overton is a graduate of Indiana Uiversity in sports management he went straight to the Nationwide Tour from college and graduated to the PGA Tour in 2006. Making his fourth consecutive appearance in The Open after he tied for13th place at Turnberry. Finished second in the Byron Nelson Championship and the Zurich Classic of New Orleans in 2010 and tied for third place in the 2011 AT&T.
Rickie Fowler; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Rickie Fowler was a leading player in the winning United States Walker Cup teams of 2007 and 2009 when he won seven out of eight matches. Made the cut in a full US PGA Tour event while still an amateur and has had three second place finishes since joining the US Tour.
Dustin Johnson; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Dustin Johnson is in his third year on the US Tour in 2010 he jumped into the top 20 in the rankings with a series of four top 20 results and a win in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. He was ranked number three in driving distance with an average off the tee of 307.2 yards and topped the list of par-breakers by making birdie or eagle at more than 25 per cent of holes played. He has won four times on the US Tour and has four top-10 finishes in 2011.
Martin Laird; Scotland; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Martin Laird was the only Scottish player in the 2009 US Open at Bethpage having spent two years playing the PGA Tour in America. Born in Glasgow, he attended Colorado State University and had three top 10 finishes on the US Tour in 2008 and a first victory in 2009. Has the Saltire flag of his home country on his belt, golf bag and tees. Victory in the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill in early 2011 took him into the top 25 in the world ranking.
Stephen Gallacher; Scotland; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Stephen Gallacher won the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews in 2004 exactly 35 years after his uncle, Ryder Cup player and captain Bernard Gallacher, won his maiden title. A viral infection cut his 2009 season short but he was back to full health in 2010 and climbed from 206th to 26th in The Race to Dubai with three top four finishes. He played in the winning Walker Cup side at Royal Porthcawl in 1995 following victories in the Scottish Amateur Match Play and Stroke Play Championships, and the Lytham Trophy.
Tetsuji Hiratsuka; Japan; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Tetsuji Hiratsuka a 39-year-old Japanese player from Kyoto finished in 36th place on his only previous entry in The Open, at Royal Troon in 2004. Has won five times on the Japan Golf Tour and three times on the Asian Tour. Represented his country in the World Cup in 2007.
Justin Leonard; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Justin Leonard is renowned on tour as the king of the to-do list, Leonard is meticulous and precise in everything he does, but his play from tee to green over the final nine holes of the 1997 Open at Royal Troon was, at times, distinctly less than neat. Six birdies in an immaculate opening nine holes had lifted him from five shots off the pace to just one behind leader Jesper Parnevik. Then his long game started to wobble, but he was quick to tidy up as he went with a succession of lengthy putts, culminating in a downhill, right-to-left killer across the green at the ultra-tough par-three 17th that led to a three-shot victory. In all he had only 25 putts in that final round. He was again in the thick of the action two years later at Carnoustie where he finished in a three-way tie with Jean Van de Velde and Paul Lawrie before both he and the Frenchman were outpaced by Lawrie’s birdie, birdie finish in the four-hole play-off. He also came close to another Major victory in 2004 when he tied with Vijay Singh and Chris DiMarco in the USPGA Championship at Whistling Straits, but was edged out by a shot in the three-hole play-off. Born in Dallas, Texas, Leonard won the 1992 US Amateur Championship and was a member of the victorious American team in the 1993 Walker Cup match against Great Britain & Ireland. He has played three times in the Ryder Cup matches.
Justin Leonard; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Justin Leonard is renowned on tour as the king of the to-do list, Leonard is meticulous and precise in everything he does, but his play from tee to green over the final nine holes of the 1997 Open at Royal Troon was, at times, distinctly less than neat. Six birdies in an immaculate opening nine holes had lifted him from five shots off the pace to just one behind leader Jesper Parnevik. Then his long game started to wobble, but he was quick to tidy up as he went with a succession of lengthy putts, culminating in a downhill, right-to-left killer across the green at the ultra-tough par-three 17th that led to a three-shot victory. In all he had only 25 putts in that final round. He was again in the thick of the action two years later at Carnoustie where he finished in a three-way tie with Jean Van de Velde and Paul Lawrie before both he and the Frenchman were outpaced by Lawrie’s birdie, birdie finish in the four-hole play-off. He also came close to another Major victory in 2004 when he tied with Vijay Singh and Chris DiMarco in the USPGA Championship at Whistling Straits, but was edged out by a shot in the three-hole play-off. Born in Dallas, Texas, Leonard won the 1992 US Amateur Championship and was a member of the victorious American team in the 1993 Walker Cup match against Great Britain & Ireland. He has played three times in the Ryder Cup matches.
Martin Kaymer; Germany; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Martin Kaymer became the first German named as Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year in 2007 with five top 10 finishes in his debut season on the European Tour. Won the Abu Dhabi Championship at the start of 2008, leading from the first round, then claimed the BMW International Open in his homeland. After two more victories in 2009 his progress was halted when he broke four bones in his foot while go-karting and was forced out of action for two months. A second win in three years, at the 2010 Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, lifted him to a sixth in the world rankings and he crowned his return with a play-off victory over Bubba Watson for the USPGA title to secure his first major. In early 2011 he briefly held the world number one spot.
Gary Woodland; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Gary Woodland is a native of Topeka, Kansas, he gave up a basketball scholarship after one year to switch to golf and turned pro in 2007. In his second event of the 2011 season he tied for the Bob Hope Classic but was beaten in the play-off. A few weeks later he secured his first title in the Transitions Championship and has since climbed into the world top-50.
Harrison Frazar; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Harrison Frazar had a round of 59 on his way to winning the qualifying school finals to secure his place on the US Tour for the 2009 season. A pro since 1996, he recorded his first victory in the 2011 St Jude Classic. His career has three times been hampered by hip and wrist surgery.
Chad Campbell; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Chad Campbell worked in a coffee shop during his years on the golf team at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and in 2003 was voted the player most likely to win a major by his fellow pros. Came close to fulfilling that prediction when he tied with Kenny Perry and Angel Cabrera in the 2009 Masters, but lost out to Cabrera in the play-off. Has four US PGA Tour victories to his credit.
Chad Campbell; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Chad Campbell worked in a coffee shop during his years on the golf team at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and in 2003 was voted the player most likely to win a major by his fellow pros. Came close to fulfilling that prediction when he tied with Kenny Perry and Angel Cabrera in the 2009 Masters, but lost out to Cabrera in the play-off. Has four US PGA Tour victories to his credit.
Stewart Cink; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Stewart Cink's victory in The Open at Turnberry was somewhat overshadowed by the fact that he defeated emotional favourite Tom Watson, as the five-times Open veteran seemed poised to capture a sixth title at the age of 59. Setting sentiment aside, Cink fully deserved his victory after he opened with a round of 66 and stayed quietly in contention as most of the attention was focussed on his more senior compatriot. Cink completed 72 holes with a final birdie to set a target of 278 and Watson needed a par at the last to win, but his approach shot ran down the slope at the back of the green from where he putted 10 feet past the hole. When the next failed to drop it set up a four-hole play-off that Cink played immaculately, finishing with birdies at the 17th and 18th as Watson, visibly drained, had nothing left to offer. “I grew up hoping to emulate Tom Watson,” said Cink after his victory. “I never dreamed I would be playing against him in this great championship.” Cink started in the game when his parents would leave him at the driving range while he was too young to join them on the course. He turned pro in 1995 and has been a regular winner on the US Tour, rising to sixth in the Official World Golf Ranking in 2008. He has a good track record in the Majors, including third place in the Masters, US Open and USPGA and a total of eight top-10 finishes in the four Majors, in addition to his Open victory.
Stewart Cink; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Stewart Cink's victory in The Open at Turnberry was somewhat overshadowed by the fact that he defeated emotional favourite Tom Watson, as the five-times Open veteran seemed poised to capture a sixth title at the age of 59. Setting sentiment aside, Cink fully deserved his victory after he opened with a round of 66 and stayed quietly in contention as most of the attention was focussed on his more senior compatriot. Cink completed 72 holes with a final birdie to set a target of 278 and Watson needed a par at the last to win, but his approach shot ran down the slope at the back of the green from where he putted 10 feet past the hole. When the next failed to drop it set up a four-hole play-off that Cink played immaculately, finishing with birdies at the 17th and 18th as Watson, visibly drained, had nothing left to offer. “I grew up hoping to emulate Tom Watson,” said Cink after his victory. “I never dreamed I would be playing against him in this great championship.” Cink started in the game when his parents would leave him at the driving range while he was too young to join them on the course. He turned pro in 1995 and has been a regular winner on the US Tour, rising to sixth in the Official World Golf Ranking in 2008. He has a good track record in the Majors, including third place in the Masters, US Open and USPGA and a total of eight top-10 finishes in the four Majors, in addition to his Open victory.
Stewart Cink; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Stewart Cink's victory in The Open at Turnberry was somewhat overshadowed by the fact that he defeated emotional favourite Tom Watson, as the five-times Open veteran seemed poised to capture a sixth title at the age of 59. Setting sentiment aside, Cink fully deserved his victory after he opened with a round of 66 and stayed quietly in contention as most of the attention was focussed on his more senior compatriot. Cink completed 72 holes with a final birdie to set a target of 278 and Watson needed a par at the last to win, but his approach shot ran down the slope at the back of the green from where he putted 10 feet past the hole. When the next failed to drop it set up a four-hole play-off that Cink played immaculately, finishing with birdies at the 17th and 18th as Watson, visibly drained, had nothing left to offer. “I grew up hoping to emulate Tom Watson,” said Cink after his victory. “I never dreamed I would be playing against him in this great championship.” Cink started in the game when his parents would leave him at the driving range while he was too young to join them on the course. He turned pro in 1995 and has been a regular winner on the US Tour, rising to sixth in the Official World Golf Ranking in 2008. He has a good track record in the Majors, including third place in the Masters, US Open and USPGA and a total of eight top-10 finishes in the four Majors, in addition to his Open victory.
Nathan Green; Australia; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Nathan Green will host the New South Wales Open for two years, the first time in the 78-year history of the tournament a player has hosted the event. Represented New South Wales at soccer before turning to golf having earlier worked in a crematorium. He turned pro in 1998, playing mostly in Australia and Canada, but graduated to the US Tour in 2006. Lost a play-off against Tiger Woods and Jose Maria Olazabal for the Buick Invitational. Qualified for Royal St George's through IFQ America.
Nathan Green; Australia; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Nathan Green will host the New South Wales Open for two years, the first time in the 78-year history of the tournament a player has hosted the event. Represented New South Wales at soccer before turning to golf having earlier worked in a crematorium. He turned pro in 1998, playing mostly in Australia and Canada, but graduated to the US Tour in 2006. Lost a play-off against Tiger Woods and Jose Maria Olazabal for the Buick Invitational. Qualified for Royal St George's through IFQ America.
Jason Day; Australia; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Jason Day is the youngest Australian winner of a US PGA Tour event when he claimed the HP Byron Nelson Championship in May 2010, at the age of 22. Turned pro in 2006, making the cut in five of his first six PGA Tour starts. Won the 2007 Legend Financial Group Classic on the Nationwide Tour at the age of 19, the youngest player to win on any of the PGA Tour’s three tours. Has an outstanding work ethic which he credits to reading a book about Tiger Woods which he borrowed from his room-mate. Finished tied for second place in the 2011 Masters and was second on his own in the US Open behind Rory McIlroy.
Jason Day; Australia; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Jason Day is the youngest Australian winner of a US PGA Tour event when he claimed the HP Byron Nelson Championship in May 2010, at the age of 22. Turned pro in 2006, making the cut in five of his first six PGA Tour starts. Won the 2007 Legend Financial Group Classic on the Nationwide Tour at the age of 19, the youngest player to win on any of the PGA Tour’s three tours. Has an outstanding work ethic which he credits to reading a book about Tiger Woods which he borrowed from his room-mate. Finished tied for second place in the 2011 Masters and was second on his own in the US Open behind Rory McIlroy.
Kurt Barnes; Australia; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Kurt Barnes ensured his second Open start in as many years when the player from New South Wales came through IFQ-Australasia for the second time with rounds of 66-69 to take the second of three qualifying spots. He first played in The Open at St Andrews last year but failed to make the cut after rounds of 75-77.
Todd Hamilton; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
When Todd Hamilton was unable to gain a place on the US PGA Tour after turning professional in 1987 he decided to try his luck in Asia and over the next few years he became a regular on the Japan Golf Tour. It took him eight years of attending Qualifying School before he earned his Tour card and, in that time, he became the all-time non-Japanese money winner with 11 victories on the Japan Tour. He then made an immediate impact on his home circuit with birdies on the final two holes of the 2004 Honda Classic to beat Davis Love III to the title and pick up the award as Rookie of the Year. Largely unknown to a British audience, his form during The Open at Royal Troon took both commentators and spectators by surprise. With rounds of 71-67-67-69 he finished tied with Ernie Els on 274, but there was confident expectation that the South African, winner at Muirfield two years earlier, would prevail in the four-hole play-off. But Hamilton's grounding in the hard school of the Japan Tour where, travelling alone and not speaking the language he would stay on the practice ground until dark, saw him tough it out, chipping from 20 yards short of the 18th green with his favourite utility club to within three feet to hold off Els by a shot.
Alejandro Canizares; Spain; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Alejandro Canizares successfully reached his first Open Championship after narrowly missing out on winning the Open de France. The son of four-time European Ryder Cup team member Jose Maria Canizares, he lost to Miguel Angel Jimenez in a three-man play-off, but was the leading player in the top five not already exempt and will make his Majors debut at St Andrews.
Alvaro Quiros; Spain; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Alvaro Quiros quickly become a player to watch after winning the 2009 Qatar Masters from the strongest field ever assembled at a regular European Tour event. The big-hitting Spaniard - he has consistently averaged over 300 yards off the tee - earned his full Tour card in 2007 and promptly won the first tournament he entered, the Dunhill Championship. Has won five times on the European Tour.
Alvaro Quiros; Spain; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Alvaro Quiros quickly become a player to watch after winning the 2009 Qatar Masters from the strongest field ever assembled at a regular European Tour event. The big-hitting Spaniard - he has consistently averaged over 300 yards off the tee - earned his full Tour card in 2007 and promptly won the first tournament he entered, the Dunhill Championship. Has won five times on the European Tour.
Gregory Bourdy: France; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Gregory Bourdy is a keen tennis, badminton and squash player and won his third European Tour title at the UBS Hong Kong Open in 2009. Finished second in the 2011 Wales Open and won his place at Royal St George's with rounds of 67-65 in IFQ Europe.
Raphael Jacquelin; France; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Raphael Jacquelin graduated from the Challenge Tour in 1997 where he finished fourth in the Rankings after winning twice during the season and then waited until October 2005 when he won the Open de Madrid on his 238th European Tour start. A wire-to-wire victory in the 2007 BMW Asian Open in Shanghai brought him his second dousing of champagne from his French colleagues. The possibility of being a professional soccer player was ended by a knee injury at age 13 and he took up tennis before switching to golf and enjoyed a successful amateur career.
Chris Tidland; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Chris Tidland was born in Torrance, California, he graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1995 after leading his team to the 1995 NCAA Division I Men's Championship and finishing second in the individual tournament. He played on the Nationwide Tour from 1996, winning two events and finally gaining a place on the PGA Tour. He makes his first major appearance at Royal St George's after winning a place at IFQ America.
Chris Tidland; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Chris Tidland was born in Torrance, California, he graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1995 after leading his team to the 1995 NCAA Division I Men's Championship and finishing second in the individual tournament. He played on the Nationwide Tour from 1996, winning two events and finally gaining a place on the PGA Tour. He makes his first major appearance at Royal St George's after winning a place at IFQ America.
Brad Kennedy; Australia; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Brad Kennedy was born in Sydney, Australia, he joined the pro ranks in 1994 and has played on the Australasian, Asian and European Tours. He twice finished second in the Malaysian Open and was again runner-up in the 2004 Madiera Island Open before ending a 14-year wait for his first victory when he eagled the final hole of the Western Australian Open in 2010.
Ryo Ishikawa; Japan; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Ryo Ishikawa shot to fame as a young amateur when he won the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup, a regular professional event on the Japan Tour at the age of 15. His nickname Hanikami Oji translates literally as Bashful Prince. He joined the pro ranks in 2008 and won another Japan Tour event on his way to climbing into the top 100 of the Official World Golf Rankings by the end of the season, the youngest player ever to do so. In June 2009 he won the Gateway to the Open Mizuno Open Yomiuri Classic to qualify for The Open at Turnberry. Recorded his sixth victory on the Japan Tour by the end of the 2009 season.
Tom Watson; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
After four years on the US PGA Tour Tom Watson had more of a reputation for losing rather than winning tournaments, so often had he faltered over the final round, but 1975 was the start of a dramatic turn around in his fortunes. Playing links golf for the first time, he tied Australian Jack Newton at Carnoustie with Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller one shot behind. There were no fireworks in the 18-hole play-off, Watson winning by a single shot. Two years later he beat Nicklaus by two shots to win the US Masters and, later that summer, produced one of the finest finishes ever seen in The Open. Paired with Nicklaus at Turnberry they both shot 65 in the third round and Watson repeated that score on the last day, beating his arch rival by a single shot. He won again at Muirfield in 1980, by four shots from Lee Trevino, and in 1982 at Royal Troon by one from Nick Price. Open title number five came when he successfully defended at Royal Birkdale the following year. He might well have added a sixth at St Andrews a year later, but he over-clubbed his second shot to the 17th in the final round and lost out to Seve Ballesteros. Wind the clock forward 25 years and there was a definite case of déjà vu at Turnberry for the 2009 Open. Back at the scene of his greatest victory, Watson, just a few months shy of his 60th birthday, held the lead going to the last hole. A sudden gust of wind took his eight-iron approach just through the back of the green and three putts later he was tied for the Champion
Tom Watson; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
After four years on the US PGA Tour Tom Watson had more of a reputation for losing rather than winning tournaments, so often had he faltered over the final round, but 1975 was the start of a dramatic turn around in his fortunes. Playing links golf for the first time, he tied Australian Jack Newton at Carnoustie with Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller one shot behind. There were no fireworks in the 18-hole play-off, Watson winning by a single shot. Two years later he beat Nicklaus by two shots to win the US Masters and, later that summer, produced one of the finest finishes ever seen in The Open. Paired with Nicklaus at Turnberry they both shot 65 in the third round and Watson repeated that score on the last day, beating his arch rival by a single shot. He won again at Muirfield in 1980, by four shots from Lee Trevino, and in 1982 at Royal Troon by one from Nick Price. Open title number five came when he successfully defended at Royal Birkdale the following year. He might well have added a sixth at St Andrews a year later, but he over-clubbed his second shot to the 17th in the final round and lost out to Seve Ballesteros. Wind the clock forward 25 years and there was a definite case of déjà vu at Turnberry for the 2009 Open. Back at the scene of his greatest victory, Watson, just a few months shy of his 60th birthday, held the lead going to the last hole. A sudden gust of wind took his eight-iron approach just through the back of the green and three putts later he was tied for the Champion
Tom Watson; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
After four years on the US PGA Tour Tom Watson had more of a reputation for losing rather than winning tournaments, so often had he faltered over the final round, but 1975 was the start of a dramatic turn around in his fortunes. Playing links golf for the first time, he tied Australian Jack Newton at Carnoustie with Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller one shot behind. There were no fireworks in the 18-hole play-off, Watson winning by a single shot. Two years later he beat Nicklaus by two shots to win the US Masters and, later that summer, produced one of the finest finishes ever seen in The Open. Paired with Nicklaus at Turnberry they both shot 65 in the third round and Watson repeated that score on the last day, beating his arch rival by a single shot. He won again at Muirfield in 1980, by four shots from Lee Trevino, and in 1982 at Royal Troon by one from Nick Price. Open title number five came when he successfully defended at Royal Birkdale the following year. He might well have added a sixth at St Andrews a year later, but he over-clubbed his second shot to the 17th in the final round and lost out to Seve Ballesteros. Wind the clock forward 25 years and there was a definite case of déjà vu at Turnberry for the 2009 Open. Back at the scene of his greatest victory, Watson, just a few months shy of his 60th birthday, held the lead going to the last hole. A sudden gust of wind took his eight-iron approach just through the back of the green and three putts later he was tied for the Champion
Jerry Kelly; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Jerry Kelly was a member of a group of pros who visited US forces in the Persian Gulf in 2006. Joined the pro ranks in 1999 and has won twice on the US Tour. He was instrumental in starting the PGA TOUR Flood Relief effort with Zach Johnson to support flooded communities in the US Midwest in the summer of 2008. Third in the Honda Classic in 2011.
Mark Wilson; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Mark Wilson was born in Wisconsin, he joined the pro ranks in 1996 and has had eight victories, including four on the US PGA Tour, starting with the Honda Classic in 2007 when he survived a four-man play-off. Winner of the Hawiian Open in 2011.
Mark Wilson; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Mark Wilson was born in Wisconsin, he joined the pro ranks in 1996 and has had eight victories, including four on the US PGA Tour, starting with the Honda Classic in 2007 when he survived a four-man play-off. Winner of the Hawiian Open in 2011.
Steve Stricker; USA; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
After losing his Tour card in 2004 Steve Stricker finished 2009 in third spot in the world rankings and moved up a place with an early 2010 victory in the Northern Trust Open and third place in the Sony Open in Hawaii. Winner of the Memorial Tournament in 2011. Had his wife Nicki on the bag for the first five years of his pro career until the birth of their first daughter.
Neil Schietekat; South Africa; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Neil Schietekat made his major debut at Royal St George's after a birdie at the final hole of International Final Qualifying Africa that earned him the the last of three spots in The Open field. His first taste of The Open comes over the same course where he played in the Amateur Championship in 2006.
Charl Schwartzel; South Africa; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Charl Schwartzel started 2010 with victory in the Africa Open and the Joburg Open. He is only the second player to win three consecutive Sunshine Tour Order of Merit titles, his successes coming from 2005-2007. His European Tour victories include the Dunhill Championship, the Open de Espana and the Madrid Masters. Achieved a stunning first major victory in the US Masters at Augusta in 2011. He has qualified for his private pilot’s licence. His father, George, is a professional and his brother, Adrian, who sometimes acts as Charl’s caddie, is also now playing on the South African circuit.
Charl Schwartzel; South Africa; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Charl Schwartzel started 2010 with victory in the Africa Open and the Joburg Open. He is only the second player to win three consecutive Sunshine Tour Order of Merit titles, his successes coming from 2005-2007. His European Tour victories include the Dunhill Championship, the Open de Espana and the Madrid Masters. Achieved a stunning first major victory in the US Masters at Augusta in 2011. He has qualified for his private pilot’s licence. His father, George, is a professional and his brother, Adrian, who sometimes acts as Charl’s caddie, is also now playing on the South African circuit.
Charl Schwartzel; South Africa; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Charl Schwartzel started 2010 with victory in the Africa Open and the Joburg Open. He is only the second player to win three consecutive Sunshine Tour Order of Merit titles, his successes coming from 2005-2007. His European Tour victories include the Dunhill Championship, the Open de Espana and the Madrid Masters. Achieved a stunning first major victory in the US Masters at Augusta in 2011. He has qualified for his private pilot’s licence. His father, George, is a professional and his brother, Adrian, who sometimes acts as Charl’s caddie, is also now playing on the South African circuit.
Louis Oosthuizen; South Africa; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Any doubts that Louis Oosthuizen had the game and the temperament to cope with the pressure of leading a major championship on the last day were soon dispelled at St Andrews when he played with the confidence of a seasoned campaigner to win The Open by seven shots. To achieve his major breakthrough in the game's oldest championship over the Old Course by such a convincing margin belied his lack of experience and the shortness of his career. Oosthuizen secured his first win on the European Tour at the beginning of the 2010 season in the Open de Andalucia, but had won four times in his home country, including a successful defence of the South African PGA title in 2008. He had failed to make the cut in three previous Open appearances at Troon, Hoylake and Turnberry, and had also failed to progress in the US Open and Masters. The man he beat into second place for The Open title was Lee Westwood, soon to be elevated to world number one, who arrived in St Andrews with an incredible record of two third places and one second in the previous four majors. Lodewicus Theodorus Oosthuizen was born in October 1982 and lives on a farm next door to his parents in Gouritz River, South Africa, and also has a home in Manchester. He was a graduate of the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation which gives financial assistance together with playing, practice and coaching help to young players and he was the first from that programme to play in the Masters. He represented South Africa at boys, youths and senior level
Rory Sabbatini; South Africa; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Rory Sabbatini was born in Durban South Africa and attended university in Arizona. Now lives in Texas and travels to events in a tour bus with his wife and two young children. Took the World Cup with partner Trevor Immelman in 2003 and added to his US Tour wins with victory in the 2011 Honda Classic.
Rory Sabbatini; South Africa; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Rory Sabbatini was born in Durban South Africa and attended university in Arizona. Now lives in Texas and travels to events in a tour bus with his wife and two young children. Took the World Cup with partner Trevor Immelman in 2003 and added to his US Tour wins with victory in the 2011 Honda Classic.
Rory Sabbatini; South Africa; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
Rory Sabbatini was born in Durban South Africa and attended university in Arizona. Now lives in Texas and travels to events in a tour bus with his wife and two young children. Took the World Cup with partner Trevor Immelman in 2003 and added to his US Tour wins with victory in the 2011 Honda Classic.
Padraig Harrington; Eire; Republic of Ireland; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
After taking a university degree in accounting Padraig Harrington worked in finance until joining the pro ranks at the age of 24, having played three times in the Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup team, culminating in the victory at Porthcawl in 1995. He won the Spanish Open in his first year on the European Tour and later had victories in the United States and Japan. He teamed up with Paul McGinley, who attended the same school as Harrington, to win the World Cup for Ireland at Kiawah Island for the first time in 39 years. His first Open Championship success was at Carnoustie where he caught leader Sergio Garcia in an eventful final round of 67, before winning a four-hole play-off. He was the first Irish winner since Fred Daly in 1947. A year later he arrived at Royal Birkdale nursing a wrist injury that seemed likely to keep him out of the Championship, but in some of the worst weather experienced in The Open, he became the first European golfer since James Braid in 1906 to defend the title. His final nine holes of 32 pulled him clear of overnight leader Greg Norman and Ian Poulter. Within weeks he had added a third Major title with success in the US PGA Championship at Oakland Hills, finishing with two rounds of 66 to beat Sergio Garcia again. The Spaniard tied with 2003 Open champion Ben Curtis two shots behind in second place. He was named European Tour, US PGA Tour and PGA of America Player of the Year, and won the Golf Writers’ trophies on both sides of the Atlantic.
Padraig Harrington; Eire; Republic of Ireland; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
After taking a university degree in accounting Padraig Harrington worked in finance until joining the pro ranks at the age of 24, having played three times in the Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup team, culminating in the victory at Porthcawl in 1995. He won the Spanish Open in his first year on the European Tour and later had victories in the United States and Japan. He teamed up with Paul McGinley, who attended the same school as Harrington, to win the World Cup for Ireland at Kiawah Island for the first time in 39 years. His first Open Championship success was at Carnoustie where he caught leader Sergio Garcia in an eventful final round of 67, before winning a four-hole play-off. He was the first Irish winner since Fred Daly in 1947. A year later he arrived at Royal Birkdale nursing a wrist injury that seemed likely to keep him out of the Championship, but in some of the worst weather experienced in The Open, he became the first European golfer since James Braid in 1906 to defend the title. His final nine holes of 32 pulled him clear of overnight leader Greg Norman and Ian Poulter. Within weeks he had added a third Major title with success in the US PGA Championship at Oakland Hills, finishing with two rounds of 66 to beat Sergio Garcia again. The Spaniard tied with 2003 Open champion Ben Curtis two shots behind in second place. He was named European Tour, US PGA Tour and PGA of America Player of the Year, and won the Golf Writers’ trophies on both sides of the Atlantic.
Padraig Harrington; Eire; Republic of Ireland; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
After taking a university degree in accounting Padraig Harrington worked in finance until joining the pro ranks at the age of 24, having played three times in the Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup team, culminating in the victory at Porthcawl in 1995. He won the Spanish Open in his first year on the European Tour and later had victories in the United States and Japan. He teamed up with Paul McGinley, who attended the same school as Harrington, to win the World Cup for Ireland at Kiawah Island for the first time in 39 years. His first Open Championship success was at Carnoustie where he caught leader Sergio Garcia in an eventful final round of 67, before winning a four-hole play-off. He was the first Irish winner since Fred Daly in 1947. A year later he arrived at Royal Birkdale nursing a wrist injury that seemed likely to keep him out of the Championship, but in some of the worst weather experienced in The Open, he became the first European golfer since James Braid in 1906 to defend the title. His final nine holes of 32 pulled him clear of overnight leader Greg Norman and Ian Poulter. Within weeks he had added a third Major title with success in the US PGA Championship at Oakland Hills, finishing with two rounds of 66 to beat Sergio Garcia again. The Spaniard tied with 2003 Open champion Ben Curtis two shots behind in second place. He was named European Tour, US PGA Tour and PGA of America Player of the Year, and won the Golf Writers’ trophies on both sides of the Atlantic.
George Coetzee; South Africa; Open Championship; 2011; Royal St George's Golf Club; Sandwich; Kent; England; Golf; World Championship; Major tournament; golf professional; golfer; The Open; 2011 Open; links; golf course; reportage;
Description
George Coetzee went against his father's wishes for him to become a tennis professional and finished fourth in the Junior World Golf Championships before turning professional in 2007. Won the Origins of Golf Tour in his rookie season on South Africa's Sunshine Tour and gained his European Tour card in 2009. Has had four top-12 finishes in Europe in 2011, including third place in the BMW International Open.