Neck Injury Forces Woods' Withdrawal At Sawgrass


Ponte Vedra Beach, United States (May 9): Tiger Woods withdrew from The Players Championship seven holes into the final round on Sunday, citing neck pain that sent a tingling sensation 'down into my (right) fingers'. He suggested it could be a bulging disk and he would have an MRI this week. Having hit his second shot up near the green at the par-four seventh hole at TPC Sawgrass, Woods told officials that he had had it. He was two-over in his round, two-under for the tournament.

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I Don't Feel Pressure, Says Pace-Setting Westwood


Ponte Vedra Beach, United States (May 9): Perhaps Lee Westwood should hope karma doesn’t come into play on Sunday, that the golf gods are sleeping. Last year, he skipped the Players because it didn’t fit into his schedule. Last week, he dissed the Players, calling it about the world’s eighth most important tournament instead of fifth, as widely viewed. But there he is, rock steady, 14-under-par and one stroke ahead after 54 holes of The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. Contending in a big event, of course, is nothing new for the Englishman, the leading money winner on the 2009 European Tour. He’s one of the best players in the world and perhaps the most efficient ball-striker. Over the past 23 months he has finished in the top-three in each of the four Major championships.

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Vijay Happy To Be Practicing And Playing Without Pain


Ponte Vedra Beach, United States (May 7): Vijay Singh smiled. Yes, the big Fijian cracked a few jokes, laughed and smiled again. Amazing what red figures can do for a golfer’s disposition. With his back feeling better, Singh opened with a three--under-par 69 at The Players Championship. To think, until recently back spasms had prevented Singh from hitting balls. Instead, Singh said he has been going for long walks and trips to the beach. No word on whether his lay-off included romantic candlelight dinners.

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Overwhelming Support For Newly-Launched PGA Of Asia


Bangkok (May 4): The continent of Asia now has its very own organisation to look after the interest of its teaching and playing golf professionals. Over the weekend, the long-awaited PGA of Asia was launched at the inaugural PGA Conference of Asia. The launch of the PGA of Asia was met with unanimous and spontaneous support from more than 300 delegates who attended the two-day conference in Bangkok. “This is truly a historic moment for professional golf in Asia and I am delighted that we have made a good start to lay the foundations for the PGA of Asia and to set the directions for its future growth in the region,” said Tony Meechai, president and chief executive officer of the PGA of Asia.

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Mexico And All Of LPGA Embraces Retiring Ochoa


Morelia, Mexico (May 2): The scene around the 18th at Tres Marias – aka Ochoa Stadium – was the kind that lodges a lump in the throats of grown men. As Lorena Ochoa walked up to the 18th green to strike her final blows before retirement, a sea of Mexicans waved white handkerchiefs and shouted her name. Their hero – in many cases, their first link to this glorious game – was saying goodbye. Ochoa wiped her eyes as she waved to the adoring crowd. “I tried to put golf behind and just go through the motions and enjoy the moment,” said Ochoa, who closed with a two-under 71 to finish seven shots adrift of the victorious Ai Miyazato in sixth place. “I’m proud that I did that. I’m feeling good, happy.” When play was completed, about 30 LPGA players joined Ochoa on the 18th green for a final farewell. During her acceptance speech, tournament winner Miyazato called Ochoa one of her best friends and broke down in tears as she told the crowd: “I’m going to miss her.”

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Lorena Among Friends For Emotional Mexican Swansong


Morelia, Mexico (April 29): All eyes are on world number one Lorena Ochoa at Tres Marias Golf Club for this week’s Tres Marias Championship. Mexico’s favourite daughter announced her retirement from active play last Friday in Mexico City, and this week will be her swansong. However, retiring on her home soil carries with it an added level of difficulty. She said: “It’s going to be hard to control the adrenaline and the emotions, number one. To be able to concentrate and not get distracted with the people talking around, the comments. Even today, just a couple holes that I felt the adrenaline, I was hitting the ball so far. So, those two things are going to be important to make sure I get them right starting on Thursday.” But for a consummate player like Ochoa, added pressure might propel her into the winner’s circle. “I played good yesterday and today. I like my chances. I’m going to try my best. I feel light. I feel happy,” said Ochoa, who's won three of the five editions of the Tres Marias Championship.

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