World Golf News - 02 February 2011

The European tour continued its Middle Eastern leg last week as the Volvo Golf Champions tournament was won by Englishman Paul Casey, in his first victory on the Tour since 2009. Casey finished the final round in fine weather at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain with a 68 to card a 20-under-par total for the tournament. In second place was Peter Hansen of Sweden and Spain’s Miguel Angel Jiminez. With his sights set on a win at the US Masters this year, a confident and excited Casey told reporters he’d like to win again before teeing off at Augusta.

On the US PGA Tour the Farmer’s Insurance Open in San Diego, California was won by the American Bubba Watson. Finishing his final round with a birdie on the last hole at Torrey Pines, Watson kept his competitors in check with a weekend of precision golf, executed in his characteristic laid-back style. Second place went to compatriot Phil Mickelson, with Dustin Johnson of the United States and Jhonnatan Vegas of Venezuela tied for third place. As Watson and Mickelson were vying for the trophy, world number three Tiger Woods saw his fortunes on the golf course continue to worsen. Despite having won at Torey Pines a remarkable six times in his career, Woods was only able to card a three over par 75 on Sunday, raising questions over his much-touted comeback in 2011. Nonetheless, golf fans will be watching the former world number one for signs of a turn around this season.

The LPGA is gearing up for the 2011 season, which kicks off in mid-February with the Honda LPGA Thailand Championship, to be held in Chonburi. After an extended recess, the champions and hopefuls of women’s golf will be rearing to go in a season that promises to be exciting.