Steve Stricker has taken the Open at Pacific Palisades after managing his comfortable lead in the final lap. The American took second place to Phil Mickelson world, mired in 45th place.
by David Charpenet on 08-02-2010

We expected a battle of contenders for the world leader Tiger Woods, between Steve Stricker and Phil Mickelson on the greens of the course California Riviera. Mickelson, twice-defending champion (he beat Stricker last year) will have failed in his attempt to become the first golfer to successfully tripled in Pacific Palisades. Except in the second round, reached in 66 strokes, the world number two was never in rhythm, merely a pitiful 45th place, 14 strokes behind the winner. We must admit that nobody really scares this week Steve Stricker. The American Wisconsin were still six shots ahead at the start of the last lap! Since 1983, only two golfers bowed out after having accumulated so far ahead. Steve Stricker has failed to join Greg Norman in 1996 and Sergio Garcia in 2005 after his lead was reduced to two strokes after just five holes.

Luke Donald will not let anything
The Englishman Luke Donald was about to pass an incredible turnaround before Stricker not succeed the first of his three birdies on the day on hole number 8. But Luke Donald lacked skill on the greens to succeed his compatriot Nick Faldo, the last European winner at Pacific Palisades in 1997. “If I had been really successful with my putting, I might be able to catch Steve, Donald regretted. But he played well all week and deserves to win.The turning point may have occurred on the No. 15 hole (par 4), when the American missed his attack on green, then his next chip. Fortunately, the best putt of the weekend allowed him to save par, and perhaps the title he held out his arms. “There are always key moments which look destiny in one way or another. It is obvious that this moment was decisive”Admitted Stricker.

Stricker can dethrone Tiger
With this eighth career victory, Steve Stricker takes second place in the world rankings and the top of the ranking of the FedEx Cup. With three more titles this year, he could dethrone Tiger. “I do not really think, Stricker admitted. Everyone knows who is the best golfer in the world. I continue to train just to move again and again.The American has already occupied the place of dolphin Woods. That was in September 2009 after a victory in Boston. Having experienced a huge slump in the early 2000s, is a true renaissance for the golfer of 42 years. The victory has fled from 2001 to 2007 and he even lost his card to play on the American circuit in 2004. Considered the best golfer does not always have won Grand Slam tournament (he finished second in the USPGA in 1998), a place of world number one would be a consecration and a great opportunity to pop the champagne for those who was educated at the University of … Champaign. Next week, the circuit connects his fourth consecutive tournament in California, before the first big event of the season, the world championship match play in Arizona.

Final (par 71):
1. Stricker (U.S.) 268 (67-65-66-70)
2. Donald (Eng) 270 (68-70-66-66)
3. Johnson (U.S.) 271 (64-67-74-66)
. Holmes (U.S.) 271 (68-69-67-67)

Ranking the FedEx Cup (5 / 33):
1. Stricker (U.S.) 758 points
2. Haas (USA) 532 pts
3. Palmer (USA) 527 pts
4. Crane (USA) 517 pts
5. Ogilvy (Aus) 500 pts
6. Kuchar (USA) 446 pts
7. Allenby (Aus) 410 pts
8. Sabbatini (Rsa) 331 pts
9. Snedeker (USA) 322 pts
10. Donald (Eng) 321 pts

Phil Mickelson - CA Championship Winner in 2009

Here is What Happened At Last Years CA Championship Event

The American Phil Mickelson did convey their experience to walk away with victory in the CA Champioship golf tournament belongs to the World Series, which has played at Doral Golf Resort & Spa in Florida (USA). Mickelson, who came to the last day as leader tied with compatriot Nick Watney, maintained throughout his journey, leaving control of the situation to be his rival to take risks to try to overcome it.

In recent holes simply adjust their strokes to make sure the final six holes in the pair, which got the win after his opponent made bogey at 11 and 12 and was unable to cancel them in the rest of the tour.

Tiger Woods went on this last day to join with their improvement of new 68 impacts, which led him to end the tournament in ninth place with a total of 277, while Sergio García finished thirty-first with 282.

Spanish was the best although Alvaro Quiros was not successful in this latest round, in which said 73 blows, one over, finishing with 278, while Colombia’s Camilo Villegas, who aspired to finish among the top three, had to settle for the final after finishing fifth today with minus one. Well done Phil Mickelson.

Martin Kaymer wins Abu Dhabi Golf Open

Martin Kaymer wins the Abu Dhabi Golf Open

Cis the price of a little extra effort in the fourth and final round, that Martin Kaymer was awarded theOpen Abu Dhabi. After scoring 67 the first three days, 5 under par, the German has completed its journey, Sunday, January 24, in 66 strokes, a total of 21 strokes under par. Ian Poulter, his second was as good as him on the last lap, but he had started with another blow. The third robber, Rory McIlroyWho had to settle for a final round at 5 under par, finished two strokes behind the winner. I wonder if he will play in the scottish golf open.

This is probably not the last time viewers will see these three players do battle in the final round of a tournament during the season that began for them – although normally the last two rounds of the tournament by competing parties two players. In all cases hoped given the intense and exciting battle they are delivered. And this is not random: McIlroy, and Poul Kaymer finished respectively second, third and ninth of the filth of European Merit in 2009.

If Rory McIlroy seemed to drop a little bit after a bogey at the fifth hole, he then managed to return almost at its two rivals. For Northern Ireland 20 years, winner of theDubai Open Last year, his only victory this time, the third place match his ninth top 3 since the beginning of his career, which began in late 2007. Difficult to be more consistent, especially since you can add eleven top 10 under his belt.

Ian Poulter, the veteran trio with his 34 years and his eight victories on the Tour, led the race after the twelfth hole, but Kaymer came back to tie for 14. In fact, everything was played on the eighteenth and final hole. “I was the only one to have placed my ball on the fairway, said the German, and therefore the only ones with a chance of reaching the green with my second shot [18 is a par 5]. ” It is the only one who made the birdie on this hole.

“It was a fantastic day, continues the winner. I have been very strong because Ian [Poulter] and Rory [McIlroy] have succeeded many birdies. We all three played very well, we stimulated each other. But my confidence level is much higher than it was two years ago. ” In 2008, when he won the Open in Abu Dhabi, Martin Kaymer had won with 4-stroke lead but after having counted 6 to start the last lap. He was especially committed three bogeys on his first six holes.

If Martin Kaymer obviously feels particularly well Abu Dhabi – He also finished second in 2009 – said he now be equally at home wherever he is. He also saw part of the year in Phoenix, Arizona, where he spent the winter. He returned after the Dubai Open for s’entraîneur and chaining a few tournaments, including the Masters Augusta, To come back and play in Europe in the month of May.

After five wins on the European circuit, including theOpen de France in 2009, the German did not hide his goal now is to win the Atlantic. He has already demonstrated that his game was up at the U.S. PGA fourth major tournament of the season, he took 6th place last year. With each release, he proves that his nerves are as strong as those of his illustrious elder Bernhard Langer. But his major goal this season remains to be part of the European team Ryder Cup.

The Vineyards in Naples Florida

For hotels click here: Vineyard Hotels

If you are looking for a private community in Southwest Florida then you should consider The Vineyards in Naples. This master planned community with championship level golf, beautiful coastal landscapes, and luxury amenities.

As you enter the gates of the Vineyards in Naples Florida it’s like walking into a beautiful coastal garden with bountiful tropical plants and flowers. The beautiful landscapes continue throughout the neighborhood streets and walking paths.

In addition to the beautiful landscapes you will find fountains and lakes throughout the master planned community. Many of the home lots offer privacy and seclusion while maintaining a community feel. Residents and members can take advantage of the communities two 18 hole golf courses, resort style swimming pools, 12 Har-Tru tennis courts, numerous neighborhood clubhouses with luxury mens and womens locker rooms, golf and tennis pro shops, and a top of the line fitness center.

The Vineyards offers a formal dining room with banquet halls and live local entertainment for those who are looking for fine dining. If wine is your passion engage in the wine tasting festivities.

But the jewel of the Vineyards is its two 18-hole championship golf course. PGA Tour professional Mark McCumber designed the North Course which provides challenging play on a Scottish style golf course but also provides appeal to the higher handicapper. Flexible layout and multiple tee placements allow even the high handicapper to play to their skill level. Championship tee boxes provide the long driving player a chance to challenge their level of play.

The South Course was designed by William Amick. The South Course is appealing to both the serious amateur and professional golfer. The South Course provides a unique combination of shots that test both your shot making skills and strategic game play.

The on-site golf pros and teaching staff provide one an one instruction to help improve your golf game. Inside the pro shop you’ll find a vast array of all the latest golf equipment and golfwear. You can also participate during the summer months in the reciprocal golf programs with dozens of local clubs.

Hubert Miles is the founder of Gated Communities USA which features the best Gated Communities in the USA and Internationally. Find information on Golf Communities.

Kaymer wins French Open

The Open de France ALSTOM finished in style yesterday as England’s on form Lee Westwood just missed out on lifting the French Open trophy

The weather could have been better but that did not dampen the atmosphere as Lee Westwood produced a magnificent 65 on the final round to tie the players at an impressive 13 under par  forcing an extra round at the Le Golf National.

Both players teed up at the tricky 470 yard par four 18th at the Le Golf National. After the two players landed in the rough from the tee Kaymer’s second just made it over the drink to land in the rough, Westwood was not so fortunate as his toiled in the air and splashed into the murky waters of  Le Golf National.

Kaymer’s kept his cool to put for par while Westwood looked on in despair he the realization he could not win sunk like the golf ball in the water.