CGX Tour News

European PGA Tour News Highland Spring becomes...

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:05:49 +0000

Highland Spring, the UK’s No 1 brand of bottled water, has bolstered its links with golf by becoming an Official Supplier to The BMW PGA Championship, the flagship tournament of The European Tour. The new agreement enhances the brand’s already extensive support of grassroots and elite golf in the UK.

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European PGA Tour News Ilonen on song again

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:03:00 +0000

Finland’s Mikko Ilonen continued his excellent recent form to take an early lead on the opening day of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club.

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European PGA Tour News Jim�nez makes 600th Euro...

Thu, 23 May 2013 08:38:34 +0000

With a single swish of one of golf’s most recognisable swings – not to mention that unmistakable ponytail – on the first tee of Wentworth Club’s iconic West Course, Miguel Angel Jiménez joined an elite group of golfers at the BMW PGA Championship today as he officially made his 600th appearance on The European Tour.

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The 2013 English Masters

Wed, 22 May 2013 23:55:34 +0000

We've had a great time visiting exotic locations and last weeks venture into Bulgaria was amazing. The courses have been beautiful and the competition hot. This week's foray into our World Tour will take us back to the UK and the familiar grounds of England. Our destination.... Wentworth Drive, Virginia Water, Surrey, England. Welcome to the 2013 English Master's at the lush Wentworth Club!!

Featuring amenities that are unrivaled Wentworth offers an inspiring social opportunity. As you will appreciate, there are clubs; and then there is Wentworth Club.

This magical venue is a combined PCDurum/Jimbo/RobC design. Pete has acted as shepard for this build and prepares it each year for the tourney. As you know, Pete doesn't just build a course. He paints an adventure on the canvas that is the Course Architect. This is truly a stunning piece of work and is very much appreciated by our CGX membership. The heavily wooded landscape has aesthetic and strategic benefits in the sense that it is both easy on the eye and ideal for creating well-defined hole routings. It also present ample opportunity for high scores if the ball strays too far offline.

So tee it up in style, play it fairly and we hope you have a great time at the 2013 English Masters!!

As the famous Club's website quite correctly boasts, entering Wentworth "is like entering another world; the leafy and rhododendron-lined drive through the estate offers glimpses through the trees of lush fairways and manicured greens." At the end of the road you come upon one of the most celebrated and best known sights in golf, the famous castellated clubhouse overlooking the opening hole on the West Course, where the BMW PGA Championship is to again be played this week.

A private club reserved for club and estate members and their guests and owned by Wentworth Group Holding, the club is most famous for its three outstanding championship golf courses, though it also boasts a high-class Tennis & Health Club that sets the standard in its class. Wentworth Group Holdings have a vision "To develop the most prestigious commercial Golf and Country Club in Europe by delivering consistent high quality service to our members, their guests and visitors, whilst protecting and enhancing the Wentworth environment for the members, estate residents and local and national community".

In pursuing this vision, they believe the club should "be about people". Its a club, they say, "for the whole of the whole family, a place for fun, fitness and the chance to enjoy a wonderful social scene and dining inspired by London's renowned Caprice Group".

To play golf at went Wentworth is an experience; the same kind you might get at St Andrews, Augusta or Pebble Beach, because you know you will be following in the footsteps of some of the game's greatest players including legends such as Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Seve Ballesteros, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo, Ernie Els and Tiger Woods.

It's a venue where the past, present and future come together; where classic, timeless golf course design and tournament heritage meets 21st century course conditioning and immaculate playing surfaces, both on it's courses and on its high-class driving range and practice facilties. It's three championship courses rub shoulders with one another in glorious Surrey heath land surrounded by an ancient woodland of pine, oak and birch", but each has its own charms and identities and, as such, offer unique challenges.

The East and the West were designed by renowned golf course architect Harry Colt with the West recently being modernized by three-time major champion and Wentworth Club touring professional Ernie Els.

All three courses have high profile tournament pedigrees.

The West annually hosts the BMW PGA Championship.

The inaugural Curtis Cup was played on the East and it was the initial setting in the 1950s for a match that then became the Ryder Cup.

The Edinburgh course is the newest addition to Wentworth's portfolio, designed by John Jacobs in consultation with Gary Player and Bernard Gallacher. It hosts the Wentworth Senior Masters every year.

MORE ABOUT THE WEST COURSE:

Very few courses can boast a tournament history on a par with it. It hosted the 1953 Ryder Cup and then in 1956 the Canada Cup, the forerunner of today's World Cup of Golf, but it is best known as the host club of he World Matchplay dating as far back as 1964, and the European Tour's flagship event, the PGA Championship, since 1984.

World Matchplay founder, the late Mark McCormack. once observed: "I fell in love with Wentworth almost at first sight and still remember the enjoyment today of wandering around the course watching all the matches in the first World Matchplay. Wentworth is a truly outstanding and complete venue."

The are not too many glorious natural settings for golf that can match its stretch of heath land and surrounding woodland of pine, oak and birch. The heavily wooded landscape has aesthetic and strategic benefits in the sense that it is both easy on the eye and ideal for creating well-defined hole routings. Colt took full advantage of these qualities to create a course with a wonderful flow, pleasing elevation changes and a variety of different length par-3s, par-4s and par-5s that turn both ways.

In recent years it was felt that in certain key areas the West course no longer met the requirements of modern technology in the way Colt would have wanted, so a process of modernization and restoration was undertaken by The Club's worldwide touring professional Ernie Els. This redesign project involved extensive re-bunkering and lengthening of certain holes, where appropriate, but the essential character of the golf course was retained during its move into the 21st century.

Last years tourney was nip and tuck all the way. The top five were the only players to better par and it could have gone any way. In the end, Sammy brought home the champion's trophy with a strong final round. Wentworth will challenge your nerve and test your mettle. This years' champion will be a course management winner.

We wish the very best of luck to all our players. Let the battle begin!!

The 2013 Ft.Worth Invitational

Wed, 22 May 2013 23:38:27 +0000

We conclude our march through the great state of Texas by heading in to beautiful Ft.Worth. It is here we'll find one of the most storied venues in all of golf, the historic Colonial Country Club. The legendary Ben Hogan called Colonial home and found victory here five times. Welcome to the 2013 Ft.Worth Invitational!!

An original Jimbo design, this course is an homage to a real life golf experience. Nowhere else will you find a rendition of Colonial this true.Our CGX design team has worked many hours to update the planting scheme and rebuild some key areas of the course. This is a beautiful rendition of a remarkable venue. We wish to express our thanks to Jim for continuing to stay the course and provide us with stunning designs week in and week out.

Be fair warned, Colonial is heavy with oaks and they protect the pins well. The greens are very difficult and require precise shotmaking. The wayward shot, be it drive or approach, can end in disaster. Tee it up, shoot straight and enjoy your stay at The 2013 Ft.Worth Invitational!! Game on!!

The Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial golf tournament is the longest running event on the PGA Tour still being held at the original site (since 1946). The players of today know they are competing on the same hallowed ground as the great Ben Hogan won the championship five times in his hometown. His legacy permeates the event, and that's just part of the tradition that helps make the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial what it is, one of the most prestigious events on the PGA Tour.

Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas features one of the country's, and world's, highest ranked golf courses. Built in 1936, the traditional layout attracts pros from all over the world who appreciate its overall challenge. As long as golf course rankings have been made, Colonial has always made America’s top 100, one of the few PGA TOUR courses to do so. This is the club's 75th anniversary, and this year also marks the 65th staging of the PGA Tour event.

The club's founder, local businessman Marvin Leonard, was a visionary who also sponsored a young Hogan during his early struggles on Tour. That relationship helped forge a lifelong love affair between Colonial and Ben Hogan. The club features a Hogan Trophy Room, honoring his legacy with trophies, memorabilia, video and other items from his legendary career. Outside, overlooking the 18th green, stands a statue of Hogan, frozen at the top of his follow-through and gazing at the beautiful course forever. This truly is "Hogan's Alley."

The Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial honors the history of golf by using an official Scottish royal tartan plaid jacket for its champions and top committee chairmen. This practice began at the 1952 event. The following year a tradition began which featured hometown boy Byron Nelson always hitting the first ball of each tournament, this lasting until his final appearance in 1966. During this time Ben Hogan always had the honor of starting the event in a featured pairing that included the defending champion.

Another tradition feeding Colonial history is the beautiful Wall of Champions on the first tee. Engraved with the name and score of each champion dating back to the 1941 U.S. Open, the marble display casts a reverence over the start of any player's round. Many will spend several minutes gazing at the wall, and reviewing the long list of the game's greatest: Hogan, Snead, Boros, Casper , Palmer, Trevino, Watson, Nicklaus, Crenshaw, Price, etc. The Wall was first erected in 1975 prior to the Players Championship held here that year. Originally designed to hold 50 champions, it was expanded in the 1990s to accommodate 100 winners. Each champion’s name also appears on the tall and impressive Leonard Trophy, which resides year ‘round at the club, and bears the name of all winners dating back to 1946. The trophy was created for the 1949 tournament, which was cancelled due to a monstrous flood that swamped the entire city the week before. Thus it made its debut at the 1950 championship one year later.

Colonial Country Club was founded in 1936 by Marvin Leonard chiefly out of a desire to introduce Bentgrass greens to the area. Some people viewed Mr. Leonard's determination to see Bentgrass greens succeed in the Southwest as a sign of his tenacity, but those who knew him better, recognized it as pure bullheadedness.

In 1927 at the age of 32, Marvin Leonard became enamored with the game of golf, playing regularly at both Glen Garden and River Crest. He developed his own game to the point where he shot in the low 80s consistently and dipped into the 70s when his putter was hot.

Leonard's interest in golf became intense to the point he studied all aspects of the sport, including golf courses - how they were built, how holes were designed, all about grass and sand. Unlike the bumpy native Bermudagrass greens in Texas, Bentgrass greens were as smooth as a billiard table. Leonard made up his mind that Texas courses should have Bentgrass greens. Everyone told him Bentgrass was too fragile to withstand the unforgiving Texas heat. Leonard persisted to the point he told the River Crest governing Board that if they'd let him convert two or three greens to Bentgrass, he'd underwrite the cost. If the experiment didn't work, he'd pay for the conversion back to Bermudagrass. The then president of River Crest grew weary of Mr. Leonard's harping about Bentgrass greens and finally told him, "Marvin, if you're so sold on Bentgrass, why don't you go build your own golf course and put them in?" The idea of Colonial Golf Club was borne.

From the beginning, Colonial Golf Club was the private domain of Marvin Leonard, but in late 1942, Leonard had a different idea for Colonial; he decided to sell the club with a specific buyer in mind - the members of Colonial. He believed by giving them equity in the club, it would ensure its long-term success. His first pitch to the members was rejected almost unanimously. Not accustomed to the word "no" he continued to insist that selling Colonial to the membership was the best way to ensure the club's future. He offered to sell the club at his own cost - an investment of about $300,000 - and was willing to forego the appreciation on the property. After many discussions, some heated, about 300 Colonial members voted on Mr. Leonard's offer and approved it by a margin of less than a dozen votes. Thus, Colonial Golf Club became Colonial Country Club on December 31, 1942.

Last year BGrav brought his "A" game and in a hotly contested battle, took home a well deserved trophy. As with many courses, Colonial's beauty can be hypnotic, while her dangers can be lethal. The winner this week will need to keep their eye on the prize. We wish all players the best of luck. May your birdies be plenty, your bogeys be few and when the Champion is crowned, it just might be you!! The winner of the 2013 Ft.Worth Invitational is....................!!

Golfweek News Guan, 14, accepts St. Jude Classi...

Wed, 22 May 2013 20:20:49 +0000

A day after withdrawing from a U.S. Open sectional qualifier, 14-year-old Tianlang Guan has received a sponsor's exemption to play in the FedEx St. Jude Classic.

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Golfweek News Fantasy Tip Sheet: Crowne Plaza I...

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:50:32 +0000

Defending champion Zach Johnson, perennial contender Jim Furyk, 2011 Masters champion Charl Schwartzel and unheralded Chris Kirk are all players to watch this week.

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Golfweek News Notes: Fitness coach fills in as...

Wed, 22 May 2013 18:04:26 +0000

For the first time in . . . well, perhaps forever . . . Johnson Wagner carried a yardage book at the Open Championship International Final Qualifying at Gleneagles -- mostly due to his unique and inexperienced caddie.

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Golfweek News Kaymer picks up first top-10 fini...

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:59:38 +0000

At 8 under, Martin Kaymer finished joint fifth at the HP Byron Nelson Championship. Though that doesn’t create headlines, here’s something surprising: It’s his first top 10 in an official PGA Tour stroke-play event since winning the 2010 PGA Championship.

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European PGA Tour News Rose ready to blossom at...

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:59:15 +0000

Justin Rose believes he is due a big result soon, and would dearly love for it to come at this week’s BMW PGA Championship.

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European PGA Tour News Donald drawing on fond m...

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:06:43 +0000

Luke Donald believes his “great memories” of Wentworth Club can help him win a third successive title at the BMW PGA Championship, although the Englishman has warned against putting too much focus on achieving the hat-trick.

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European PGA Tour News McIlroy buoyant after Ry...

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:13:33 +0000

Rory McIlroy hopes being reunited with his Ryder Cup winning team-mates and Captain José María Olazábal can inspire him to success at The European Tour’s flagship BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth Club this week.

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European PGA Tour News ETWA visits Shooting Sta...

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:13:33 +0000

In the week of the BMW PGA Championship, representatives of The European Tour Wives Association visited Official Charity Shooting Star CHASE for what proved to be an emotional experience.

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European PGA Tour News Hat-trick hero Montgomer...

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:13:33 +0000

Colin Montgomerie took time out during the Pro-Am Wednesday morning to wish Luke Donald well in his quest for a record-equalling third title in a row at the BMW PGA Championship.

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Golfweek News Westwood: Euro Tour must coordina...

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:53:13 +0000

Lee Westwood says the European Tour has to consult its top players and work with the PGA Tour to stay viable. He says there aren’t enough clusters of tournaments to attract Europe’s top stars to stay in Europe.

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European PGA Tour News Westwood eager to make w...

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:14:54 +0000

Lee Westwood is keen to mark his homecoming with victory at Wentworth Club as he looks to build on his impressive BMW PGA Championship record.

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European PGA Tour News Follow all the #BMWPGA P...

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:10:00 +0000

Introducing europeantour.com's latest innovation - LIVE BLOG - allowing you to follow all of the action from the BMW PGA Championship with the latest scores, videos, updates, photos, and social media as we take you behind the scenes at The European Tour's flagship event.

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Golfweek News Garcia apologizes for "fried...

Wed, 22 May 2013 04:26:41 +0000

Sergio Garcia apologized for saying he would "serve fried chicken" while making a joke about having Tiger Woods over for dinner.

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Golfweek News Echavarria embodies 'have clu...

Wed, 22 May 2013 01:54:04 +0000

Andres Echavarria has been racking up the frequent-flyer miles as he attempts to work his way into the U.S. Open, Open Championship and onto the Web.com Tour.

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European PGA Tour News Celebrations at the Play...

Wed, 22 May 2013 01:15:00 +0000

The reuniting of all 12 members of Europe’s victorious Ryder Cup team and their captain, José María Olazábal, on stage at the Players’ Awards dinner was among the many highlights of a wonderful evening of celebration for The European Tour.

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