This weekend climaxed with the WGC World Matchplay final – the winner of this weekend was matchplay. This is the final ever playing of this event and it highlighted what a different and fascinating format this version of golf really is.
WGC World Matchplay
As the debate about the roll-back of the golf ball rages on Rory hits to under 5 feet from a 375 yard par four. It was a thing of beauty.
Personally I believe that the potential roll-back is OK. We cannot keep on expanding golf courses, if it is needed. One of the great things about golf is that you can play the same courses and equipment as the pros. If I am not able to use the same ball as them: who cares?
Back to the tournament itself and the excitement of matchplay is hard to match. “Legacy” places a part too: the past champions; the course. It appears “easy” as some of the players were absolutely tearing it up: Rory had 17 birdies on Saturday.
Sunday’s semi-final matches were incredible with both matches going to extra holes. The final itself was not as close with Sam Burns (no relation) victorious. Rory won the consolation match which was the final everyone wanted to see. He beat Scottie 2 & 1.
Sam really came into form this week, with practically no form coming into the event – winning for the 5th time on the PGA tour.
Corales Puntacana Championship
The PGA had a second tournament running, and while I didn’t see any of the coverage I was following along with the scores of along of my favourites. A mixed bag.
The eventual winner was Matt Wallace, taking his first PGA victory with a 19 under par total. He has won several times on the DP World Tour but wins and form fried up a bit since joining the PGA in 2020. Nice to see him back in the winning circle. And shout out to Nicolai Højgaard finishing in the top 10 comfortably.
Jonsson Workwear Open
Yet another DP World tour event that was not covered by ViaPlay – what’s going on there people: that’s 2 tournaments in a row. I still followed scores and watched some of the highlights – my fantasy team was poor again. If you are playing and what to join some of the leagues check out this link, my code is KX5QU0HD.
Nick Bachem stormed to a four shot victory. A final round 64 was more than good enough to hold off the field. The German was had a decent run of results recently and this capped off a fine week. His first DP World Tour event. Another first time winner on the DP World Tour – there’s been of few of them so far this season.
LPGA Drive On Championship
A fascinating competition with 25 players within 4 shots going into the final round. My viewing was limited due to the time zone challenge but there was some terrific golf played.
The eventual winner was overnight leader Celine Boutier who was taken to a playoff by Georgia Hall. Her 3rd LPGA tour win almost 3 years from her previous victory.
Good weekend for golf and only a couple of weeks now until The Masters. Who is your pick?
In the meantime we can all look forward to the next LIV Golf filler event. I know there is one, but I don’t want to Google the location.