Australian Senior Golfer

THE 2010 JBWERE Masters is underway at the Victoria Golf Club with former world No.1 Tiger Woods defending the only to title he still retains in world golf after his first winless season in 15 years.

Woods hit off at the Melbourne sand belt course at 7.27 this morning in a group containing Aussie hopefuls Robert Allenby and Brett Rumford.

Another tournament favourite, Geoff Ogilvy, was in a preceding feature group also containing Stuart Appleby and Matthew Griffin.

The field also contains international drawcards Sergio Garcia of Spain and Columbian Camilo Villegas.

Unlike the sell-out last year, tickets were still available to various stages of the event.

“I’m here to defend my title,” a determined Woods said in Melbourne this week, brushing aside questions about his spectacular fall from public grace that had its beginnings at this tournament last year.

Woods was hitting some errant shots early in his round and wasn’t a happy man.

As a sponsor commented as Woods lined up an 8 iron approach shot: “Last year you’d be thinking he would get it near the pin, this year you are hoping he hits the green.”

The JBWere Masters is being telecast on Fox Sport, with the afternoon sessions on  Channel 9.

2010 JBWere Masters Leaderboard

FRANCESCO Molinari has clinched a thrilling win at the HSBC Champions Tournament whilst a Melbourne bound Tiger Woods impressed with a final round four under 68.

Molinari had a well deserved one stroke win after new world No.1 Lee Westwood (67) missed a lengthy eagle putt on the final hole.

The Italian closed with a bogey-free 67 to finish at 19 under 269 and led after every round at the Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai.

The two Europeans dominated with third placegetter Luke Donald leading the rest of the field 10 strokes behind.

“It wasn’t easy. I’m just really proud of the way I played, said the 28 year old (today) Molinari.

The second placing will get Englishman Westwood at least a second successive week on top of the world golf ranking.

Just days out from the 2010 JBWere Masters in Melbourne this week, many eyes were on the performance of the man he deposed, Tiger Woods.

Woods rattled off five back nine birdies and looked close to regaining some top form ahead of his defence of his Australian Masters title at the Victoria Golf Club.

“I hit the ball a lot better today,” Woods said after finishing equal sixth with six other players, including Australian Richard Green, a distant 12 shots behind Molinari. “I missed up 18 (with a three putt) but overall it was a very good day.”

Final round playing partner Green was impressed with what he saw from Woods, who is due to arrive in Melbourne on Tuesday after an exhibition in Thailand.

“Watching him up close, and listening to the way the ball comes off the clubface, is inspiring,” Green said.

“He’s definitely just waiting to click, get the right opportunities at the right time, a bit of momentum and off he’ll go.

“I didn’t notice anything different to how he used to hit the ball five or six years ago. It’s just a matter of getting in the groove again.”

Green’s sixth placing was the best of the Australians, with Robert Allenby (72) next on four under and T21, and Brendan Jones (68) and Adam Scott (70) another shot back.

YES Virginia, there is a Tiger Woods.

Showing just how close Australian Senior Golfer is with the Tiger Woods camp, our report yesterday suggesting the World No 1 wouldn’t be showing up for the 2010 JBWere Masters in Melbourne turns out to be entirely erroneous.

Media announcements yesterday about tickets going on sale from today seemed to studiously avoid mentioning the man.

We were even worried how the poor scalpers – warned off by the Victorian Government and threatened with big fines – were going to make a buck in the let down over a Tigerless event.

Sergio Garcia and Camilo Villegas were touted just 24 hours ago to be the big international stars joining headline Australian act Geoff Ogilvy.

Surprise, surprise, as tickets go on sale today it is announced Woods will return to Melbourne to defend his title.

I think that is called media management. And we fell for it. (Must be getting old).

But to set the record straight – and to steal a line from a new very annoying television commercial – that’s not good news. It’s GREAT.

As the organisers of the event say in their release today, the Tiger Woods led JBWere Masters event last year set a new benchmark for Australian golf with record crowds and television audiences and delivered in excess of $34 million to the Victorian economy.

Everyone I spoke to who managed to attend the event last year were stoked. No complaints about overcrowding or overstretched facilities.

The only complaints were from Channel Nine viewers who, as Woods hit off on the Thursday morning were greeted with the Kerri-Anne Kennerley’s morning show. Even Kerri-Anne would have rather been watching the golf.

Let’s hope they get that right for the sake of all the television viewers this time. And I know there are lots of messy local broadcasting provisions involved.

On his forthcoming trip to Australia, Tiger Woods commented: “I am pleased to be able to return to Melbourne to defend the JBWere Masters.  The Australian galleries made last year’s event a great experience for all the players and I look forward to playing at The Victoria Golf Club in November.”

The 2010 JBWere Masters will again be broadcast on Channel Nine and FOX SPORTS (at least in part) and will be played at The Victoria Golf Club from 11 – 14 November. Tickets from Ticketek.

THE JBWere Australian Masters was a huge event last year with fans flocking for tickets and sell-out crowds.

Well, tickets for the 2010 Masters go on sale on Wednesday June 9 and it will be interesting to see the reaction.

The big difference of course is that while promoters are pushing the chance to see golfing stars like Spain’s Sergio Garcia, Colombia’s Camilo Villegas and our own Geoff Ogilvy, at this stage it appears highly unlikely that one T Woods will be fronting.

Announcing the start of sales this week, Victorian Sports Minister James Merlino was apparently confident enough in the appeal of the event to feel the need to warn scalpers to back off.

“The JBWere Masters is one of Melbourne’s great major events, but individuals trying to make a quick buck off the event face sanctions of more than $6000, while companies face tough fines of more than $30,000 under Victoria’s anti-scalping legislation,” Merlino said.

The Masters will be held at Melbourne’s Victoria Golf Club from 11-14 November.

David Rollo of tournament organiser IMG Australia said 100,000 people will again have the opportunity to see some of the world’s best in Melbourne at this year’s event.

“The 2010 JBWere Masters has maintained an affordable and accessible ticketing policy with daily tickets available under $50,” Rollo said.

“Last year’s event sold out so sports fans should purchase tickets early as general admission will again be capped at 20,000 per day.”

Tickets are available for all four tournament days plus practice and Pro-Am day.

Golf fans can purchase a season pass for $179 to access the venue over six days and general admission to the tournament is $49 per day. 

Children under 14 years of age will receive complimentary access if accompanied by an adult (Conditions Apply).

Tickets are available through Ticketek on 132 849 or by visiting any Ticketek outlet. People going the scalper route may have their tickets cancelled.

TIGER WOODS has claimed the winner’s gold jacket at the Australian Masters and while it may not mean as much to him as a green one, the world number one seemed to enjoy his sojourn Down Under.

The $270,000 first prize cheque should be enough to cover the petrol money for his private jet home, with enough left over for plenty of nibbles for the friends and family accompanying him.

As Woods said after accepting the cheque, his mum has spent about that much on furry kangaroos and other souvenirs whilst in Australia.

Of course there is also the matter of the $3.3 million paid to him by the Victorian Government and others to tackle his first Australian tournament in 11 years.

Woods was gracious in victory and left the door open to being back sooner or later – that should at least be for the 2011 Presidents Cup in Melbourne – but no doubt there are already minds whirring away in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane on means of making that happen next year.

Woods struggled to make par on Saturday but there was no sign of that when he stepped up to the plate on Sunday before a crowd of 25,132 wearing the now famous red and black final day uniform.

He seemed to immediately ease into overdrive and even Aussie playing partner Cameron Percy was applauding some of the approach shots.

Woods fired a final round four under 68, finishing on 14 under for the tournament, two shots ahead of overnight co-leader West Australian Greg Chalmers (70) who finished in outright second place. 

Frenchman Francois Delamontagne (69) and American Jason Dufner (70) finished a further shot back and tied for third while overnight leader James Nitties shot a final round 73 to finish outright fifth.

Percy (72) finished equal sixth on eight under par alongside fellow Australian Adam Scott whose final round 69 matched his Saturday score. Stuart Appleby (71) finished a solid tournament a further shot back in eighth place whole Victorian Craig Scott (69) continued a run of impressive form tying for ninth place alongside Swede Klas Eriksson and Spain’s Alejandro Canizares (68).
But it was the 14 time Major Champion who once again stole the limelight, delighting the fascinated Australian crowd with his seventh win of the year and his 93rd career victory. After his round Woods said he had achieved all that he had travelled Down Under to do.
“I got a ‘W, that was the goal this week,” he said.

Complimentary of the Kingston Heath layout, Woods gave it the thumbs up.

“It was a great day today. All the guys have raved about this golf course and I understand why. I enjoy all the sandbelt courses, really, because it brings back shot-making, something that we don’t see enough of in the States.”

Woods began his round with a birdie, quickly evaporating any hangovers from yesterday’s frustrating round of 72. He clicked into gear with birdies at the fifth and sixth making the turn in 33 and picking up another shot at 12 when he smashed a fairway wood from 268 metres to within four metres of the flag, setting up another birdie for a three-shot break on his rivals.

It was when he holed a three-metre birdie putt at the 142-metre par-three 15th that Woods effectively shut out the field but he credited his chasing pack for pushing him all the way.

“James (Nitties) and Greg (Chalmers) back there were playing well, and obviously Cameron (Percy) today could have got off to a quick start. So it was one of those things where you had to make some birdies early, and I was able to do that and I kept it going for most of the day.”

Chalmers, the 1998 Australian Open Champion and current USPGA Tour player, managed some early birdies to keep in contention but near misses for birdie at 14 and 16 proved costly. Despite his runner up finish the West Australian was pleased with his performance and the atmosphere that the tournament had provided for the players all week.

“Even though I finished second, I’m thrilled he was here, I wish he would come every couple of years,” said Chalmers.

“It’s been a pretty fantastic week with the crowd and the atmosphere we had as golfers, it was like a football crowd brought to the golf.”

“That was special, very exciting and it made you play better – it certainly did for me, anyway.”

Adelaide’s Adam Bland’s 67 was the best of Sunday’s rounds while two former Masters champions, Craig Spence, the 1999 winner and Aaron Baddeley (2007) both matched Woods’ 68.

Defending titleholder Rod Pampling fired a final-round 73 to finish equal-14th at minus-four overall.

Victorian Alistair Presnell finished on five under for the tournament in a tie for 12th place and continues to hold the number one position on the Australasian Tour Order of Merit. 

With five events remaining on the 2009 Schedule in the race for the Norman Von Nida Order of Merit Medal, Presnell, winner of the 2009 Moonah Classic is on top with $223, 212, just over $29,000 ahead of second placed Michael Sim ($204, 087) with Steve Alker third ($181, 058) and Greg Chalmers fourth ($153, 000).

For live Australian Masters scoring updates click on the link below

Australian Masters Live Leaderboard

AUSSIES Greg Chalmers and James Nitties share the overnight lead with world number one Tiger Woods all on 10 under going into the final day of the Australian Masters at Kingston Heath.

Two strokes further back the suddenly high profile Cameron Percy will boost that spotlight considerably when he lines up as Woods Sunday playing partner.

Woods was hot and cold all day and later said he had to “turn it around” just to salvage a par 72, highlighting the fact that the comparatively “short” Kingston Heath course does has its defences.

Perfect conditions are forecast for the final day with free to air television coverage on Channel Nine scheduled to begin at 12.30

Round 2

WORLD number one Tiger Woods has his maiden Australian title firmly in his sights after establishing a three shot lead over the rest of the field at the half way mark of the 2009 JBWere Masters at Kingston Heath.

Shooting a second round bogey free four under 68 Woods finished the day on ten under par taking a handy three shot lead over Australians James Nitties and Greg Chalmers and American Jason Dufner.

The 14 time Major Champion, flanked by the majority of the 24, 007 strong crowd, fired off two successive birdies on his opening holes before picking up two more at the sixth and par five 12th. Whilst he enjoys a three shot buffer Woods admitted today was more of a challenge than yesterday’s opening round as the wind picked up late in the day.

“Today I didn’t really do anything great so shoot a 68 was pretty good considering the conditions,” said Woods.

“It was alot faster, the fairways were quicker and it became pretty apparent that you had to miss the ball in the correct spots to have any kind of chance.”

“I didn’t quite hit the ball as clean as I did yesterday, but then again the wind was blowing and I did have a couple of short birdie putts that I missed but I also the two big par putts…so to not drop a shot today on a par, those are the days that you feel quite good about it.”

Nitties, who shot an opening round 66 to hold the overnight lead with Woods was sitting comfortably at nine under par with four holes to play but disappointing bogeys at 15 and 17 saw the 27 year old drop back to seven under and lose his chance to play in tomorrow’s final group with the world number one.

That honour goes to Dufner courtesy of being first in with the scorecard, whilst Nitties and Chalmers will be partnered in the second last group.

It was the same story for 36 year old Chalmers who followed his first round 68 with a shot a solid four under par 69. Eight under after 16 he hooked his second shot on 17 and finished with a bogey.

“I was a little disappointed I made bogey on 17,” said Chalmers, knowing he had missed out playing with Woods tomorrow. “It’s very rare when he comes down here so to play with him at anytime is always a pleasure, so I was a little frustrated by that but at the same time I have played with him before – it just would have been nice in Australia to have a game with Tiger Woods.

It was Dufner though who produced the round of the day shooting a five under 67. The 32 year old American who finished 11th on the FedExCup Standings on the USPGA TOUR shot five birdies on the front nine turning in 31 and reaching nine under par before two late bogeys saw him drop two shots.

Three players are tied for fifth place on six under par including Australians Mathew Goggin (70) and Ashley Hall (69) and Manny Villegas (68), younger brother of USPGATOUR star Camillo. Taking a share of eighth place is Stuart Appleby (70), Cameron Percy (72), New Zealand’s Mahal Pearce (68) and last week’s Cellarbrations Queensland PGA Champion Steven Bowditch.

Of the other leading Australian contenders, John Senden (69) is on two-under alongside Adam Scott (71), a stroke clear of Richard Green (71) while Rod Pampling, who played with Woods, shot a 70 for three-under overall. Craig Parry, also in Woods’ group made the cut by one shot after a 76 and Geoff Ogilvy shot a 73 to finish on one over.

Coming off Thursday’s one-over 73, Aaron Baddeley was in danger of disappearing out the back door when he double-bogeyed his fifth hole for the morning, the par-five 14th, which has proved easy pickings for virtually all the leading contenders.

But the 2007 Australian Masters champion who also won the Australian Open at the Heath in 2000 redeemed himself with a scorching inward nine.

An eagle at the first was the trigger and he kept it going with a flurry of birdies from 5 through 7 for a 68 which has him at three-under overall.

77 players made the cut of three over including amateur Matthew Giles from NSW.

Day three of the 2009 JBWere Masters begins Saturday with the first group teeing off at 7:10am while Dufner and Woods will begin their round at 1:07pm.

ROUND ONE

WORLD number one Tiger Woods is locked in a three way tie for the lead with Aussie young gun James Nitties and South African Branden Grace after the trio fired an impressive six under 66 in the opening round of the 2009 JBWere Masters at Kingston Heath Golf Club.

Woods tore up the course in his first competitive round at the famed Sandbelt Course setting the early pace after teeing off at 7.30am from the tenth tee with playing partners Aussies Craig Parry and defending champion Rod Pampling. 

Flanked by a gallery that quickly doubled from the initial 10,000 dedicated fans, the 14 time Major Champion picked up birdies at the 12th and 14th coming home with another five on his back nine with his only blemish a bogey on 18 (the 9th).

“We just couldn’t believe how soft the greens were today”, said Woods.

“I know they are trying to protect them with the heat and the wind and that’s expected but we were pretty surprised.”

“The wind wasn’t really blowing and the greens were soft so we could be pretty aggressive into the greens.”

“Balls were backing up and that’s pretty different around this golf course.”

Flanked by besotted fans Woods was once again complimentary of the Australian galleries.

“I think the people were extremely respectful and they were trying to police themselves, which was great. You don’t find that very often.”

 “The galleries are very knowledgeable.” 

Melbourne-born-Nova-Castrian Nitties, who has had a solid year on the USPGA Tour as a 2009 rookie used his local knowledge on his way to a bogey free round, the highlight an eagle at the 516 metre par four, 15th.

 “I love Kingston.  It’s in the best shape that I’ve seen it.  I’ve only played about 10 total rounds here, but it’s awesome.  It’s really a pleasure to play,” said Nitties.

“I’ve been a bit rusty.  I’ve played once in the last five weeks, so for me to just come out and hit some half decent shots was my goal.”

Twenty one year South African Branden Grace was the surprise packet of the first round with the little known European Tour player only entering the tournament in a last ditch attempt to regain his European Tour card where he sits in 149th place (the top 115 get their cards).  

In just his second sojourn Down Under and his first visit to Melbourne, Grace revealed that he most likely must finish third in the tournament to retain his card but was optimistic following his first round showing,

I played really solidly today and just really enjoyed it out there,” he said. “I was seven under with two to go and had a bogey on 17 which in the end was just really stupid. I was a unlucky on 18 because my shot was inches from the hole which would have had me in the lead but you know I’m really happy. I am up there and hopefully I can keep playing that way for the next three rounds.”

Just one shot behind the leaders after rounds of 67 are Victorian Cameron Percy, who will enjoy his rookie season on the US Tour in 2010 after finishing eighth on the 2009 Nationwide Tour Money List and New Zealand’s Doug Holloway with the Aussie trio of Greg Chalmers, Mathew Goggin and Peter Nolan tied for sixth place on four under par.

Local favourite Stuart Appleby shot a solid three under par 69 to be three shots off the lead with Craig Parry and Michael Sim on two under, 70 and defending champion Rod Pampling tied for 23rd place alongside Adam Scott with Australia’s highest ranked golfer Geoff Ogilvy at even par alongside Marc Leishman and 2004 Australian Masters champion Richard Green.

Play resumes Friday at 7:30am with the afternoon groups taking to the course at 11:50 featuring Woods, Pampling and Parry at 12:20 starting at the first tee.

The Melbourne temperatures are expected to remain warm with temperatures reaching 29C tomorrow with a hotter weekend ahead as temps reach 35C on Saturday.

Tiger Woods begins the Australian Summer of Golf in a big way at the Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne.

Australian Masters Leaderboard

THE “Tiger Woods” Australian Masters will be broadcast into 380 million homes worldwide after it was announced today the 2009 event will be co-sanctioned by the European Tour and the PGA Tour of Australasia.

The JBWere Masters, which will be will be held at Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne from November 12 – 15, will be broadcast in Australia on the Nine Network and on FOX SPORTS on each of the four tournament days.

The co-sanctioning by the European Tour will afford the event a huge international television platform and will further highlight a tournament basking in the international spotlight because of the appearance of the World No 1.

George O’Grady, Chief Executive of The European Tour, said: “We are delighted to continue our association with the PGA Tour of Australasia by co-sanctioning the JBWere Masters at another superb venue in Kingston Heath.”

“With the tournament taking place just one week before the culmination of the season-long Race to Dubai, the JBWere Masters affords our Members a final opportunity to secure a place among the top 60 players who will contest the Dubai World Championship the following week.

“Additionally, the competition to claim a place in the top 115 and exempt status for 2010 on The European Tour is likely to be equally tight fought, so there is much to play for in Australia next month.”

David Rollo, Vice President Director of Golf, IMG Australia commented, “We are hugely appreciative of the support of the two Tours and look forward to continuing our partnership.  Kingston Heath is one of the finest golf courses in the world and with over 100,000 fans in attendance over the four days, it should provide a great environment that all the players will enjoy.”

Max Garske, CEO, PGA of Australia, stated: “We have enjoyed a long a prosperous relationship with the European Tour, with so many of our members graduating and developing their games further throughout Europe by virtue of the opportunities that these co-sanctioned events provide.  We are delighted to extend this relationship again to the JBWere Masters, and hope it again marks the birthplace of an aspiring Australian golfer’s career.”

Others lining up for the Masters with Woods include Geoff Ogilvy, Stuart Appleby, Aaron Baddeley, Michael Campbell, Mat Goggin, Nathan Green, Richard Green, Marc Leishman, James Nitties, Craig Parry, John Senden, Adam Scott, Michael Sim and defending champion Rod Pampling. 

THE Australian Masters has a new name with organisers today announcing JBWere as the new Naming Rights Sponsor for the tournament.

IMG, owner and promoter of the Australian Masters, said today JBWere, one of Australia’s most prestigious wealth management companies, would be its major partner and the event would become the JBWere Masters.

David Rollo, Vice President-Director of Golf, IMG Australia said: “JBWere is regarded as one of Australia’s pre-eminent investment and wealth management companies and we are excited to form an alliance and marketing partnership with a brand and organisation that enjoys such a wonderful tradition and business reputation.

“Our recently implemented vision for the event in adopting a venue rotation policy and delivery of some of the world’s greatest international golfing talent is built around ‘best in class’ presentation and delivery. We are extremely pleased and proud to have a senior partner that shares a similar commitment to excellence,” Mr Rollo said. 

The 2009 JBWere Masters will be held at Kingston Heath Golf Club from 12 – 15 November.

Joining world number one Tiger Woods and Geoff Ogilvy will be a host of Australian talent including Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby, Aaron Baddeley, Mat Goggin, Marc Leishman, John Senden, Adam Scott, Michael Sim and defending champion Rod Pampling.

THE Australian Masters has announced a multi-year broadcast partnership with the Nine Network and FOX SPORTS.

In 2009, Nine will broadcast live coverage from Kingston Heath Golf Club on each of the four days with FOX SPORTS also providing live coverage on pay television.

Nine will also incorporate The Today Show into its Australian Masters coverage, featuring interviews with key players and showcasing the world class course at Kingston Heath.

Tickets Almost Sold Out

It was also announced today tickets for the event have almost sold out, including all Saturday and Sunday tickets and all premium grandstand seating. Limited tickets are available for other days.

Commenting on the broadcasting partnership, David Rollo, Vice President-Director of Golf, IMG Australia said: “Nine and FOX SPORTS have a rich history of broadcasting world class sporting events and IMG is thrilled to enter into this partnership.  The change program and vision we set out for the Masters late last year is being realised and based on the unprecedented interest this will be Australia’s hottest sporting ticket this coming summer. 

“As we fully expect the event to be a sell out, fans disappointed not to have secured a ticket will still have the opportunity to experience the event on Nine and FOX SPORTS.”

Jeffrey Browne, Executive Director of the Nine Network, said it was exciting to welcome such a high profile event to Nine’s Wide World of Sports.

Robert Allenby is one of the latest to confirm he will be competing in the event. He will join a growing list including world number one Tiger Woods, Geoff Ogilvy, Adam Scott. Aaron Baddeley, Stuart Appleby, Mathew Goggin, John Senden, Greg Chalmers, James Nitties, Michael Sim and reigning champion Rod Pampling.

Victorian Tourism and Major Events Minister Tim Holding said organisers now expect more than 100,000 people to attend the Masters, to be held at Kingston Heath 12 – 15 November.

 “The 2009 Australian Masters will boost tourism, create jobs and generate up to $19 million for the Victorian economy further cementing our reputation as the major events capital of the world,” Mr Holding said.

“Tiger Woods playing in Melbourne is a great coup for our city and is proving to be a huge drawcard for tourists from around Australia and the world.

 “These tickets sales are unprecedented for a golf event in Australia with over 90 per cent of tickets sold three months out from the event – there are less than 100 season tickets remaining, 1000 general admission passes for Saturday and around 3000 for the opening day.

“Over 35 per cent of tickets sold to date have being purchased from interstate or overseas providing a significant tourism benefit for Victoria. Drawing visitors to Victoria and beaming Melbourne to a global audience is exactly what our major events strategy aims to achieve.

“The Brumby Labor Government and the Australian Masters have worked together to ensure tickets are affordable with general admission tickets for the remaining days only $44.”

David Rollo said with the tournament almost sold out he expected great demand for tickets to the practice day and Pro-Am event.

For more information on the Australian Masters visit www.australianmasters.com.au