Golf

Canada’s Maddie Szeryk excited to return to LPGA Tour for second season in 2023

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022

After the most stressful two weeks of her season, Maddie Szeryk and her family are returning to Canada for a relaxing Christmas break with her extended family in London, Ont.

Szeryk qualified for her second season on the top women's golf circuit on Sunday, finished the Q-Series tied for 17th at 17-under par to earn her LPGA Tour card for 2023. The 26-year-old Szeryk said that she was ready for some well-earned down time after the gruelling eight-round event at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail in Alabama over two weeks.

"I'm not bringing my golf clubs, not doing any golf," said Szeryk, who is based in Dallas. "I'll just be reflecting on the past year and getting some rest for my mind, body and everything.

"Then in the new year I'll start practising again and start being more intense and just ramping up the practice, making sure that I'm really ready for the new season."

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Hovland hangs on to become repeat winner of World Challenge

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Hovland hangs on to become repeat winner of World Challenge

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — Viktor Hovland led by four shots at the turn. No one got closer to him than two shots during the final nine holes at the Hero World Challenge.

It sounds easy. Far from it.

Hovland pulled a 6-iron from an awkward lie into the water on the 18th hole and had to make a 20-foot bogey putt for a 3-under 69 to secure victory Sunday, allowing him to join tournament host Tiger Woods as the only back-to-back winners of this holiday event.

“I made it a little more exciting, I guess,” Hovland said.

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Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022

Norway,'s Viktor Hovland, right, talks to Tiger Woods, after winning the Hero World Challenge PGA Tour at the Albany Golf Club in New Providence, Bahamas, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Norway,'s Viktor Hovland, right, talks to Tiger Woods, after winning the Hero World Challenge PGA Tour at the Albany Golf Club in New Providence, Bahamas, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Scheffler makes a late bid to return to No. 1 in the world

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Scheffler makes a late bid to return to No. 1 in the world

Doug Ferguson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Friday, Dec. 2, 2022

NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) — The degree Masters champion Scottie Scheffler earned from the McCombs School of Business at Texas did not equip him with the skills to figure out the new formula for the Official World Golf Ranking.

He is No. 2 in the world. He can go back to No. 1 if he wins the Hero World Challenge, simple as that.

“I don't like being No. 2,” he said. “I don't like finishing second."

Scheffler took a step in that direction in the relentless wind at Albany. He ran off four birdies in a five-hole stretch on the back nine for a 4-under 68, leaving him in the group one shot behind defending champion Viktor Hovland.

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Friday, Dec. 2, 2022

Xander Schauffele, of the United States, looks down to watch his ball on the 7th green during the second round of the Hero World Challenge PGA Tour at the Albany Golf Club in New Providence, Bahamas, Friday, Dec. 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Xander Schauffele, of the United States, looks down to watch his ball on the 7th green during the second round of the Hero World Challenge PGA Tour at the Albany Golf Club in New Providence, Bahamas, Friday, Dec. 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Canadian golfing great Mike Weir closes day at Toronto Stock Exchange

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Canadian golfing great Mike Weir closes day at Toronto Stock Exchange

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022

TORONTO - Canadian golfing great Mike Weir added another new experience to his storied career on Thursday.

Gold confetti rained down as Weir pressed the button that formally stops trading for the day at the Toronto Stock Exchange.

"I swear, I thought it was still the bell not the button, I guess I'm getting old," Weir said with a laugh. "It was really fun to do that. Get out to a new network of people, bring golf to the business side of Canada, get those people engaged, not just the golfers."

The 52-year-old from from Brights Grove, Ont., is the winningest men's golfer in Canadian history with eight victories on the PGA Tour, including earning the green jacket at the 2003 Masters.

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Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022

Mike Weir of Canada watches his tee shot on the 13th hole during the first round of the Canadian Open in Toronto on Thursday, June 9, 2022. The Canadian golfing great closed the Toronto Stock Exchange on Thursday evening. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Mike Weir of Canada watches his tee shot on the 13th hole during the first round of the Canadian Open in Toronto on Thursday, June 9, 2022. The Canadian golfing great closed the Toronto Stock Exchange on Thursday evening. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Mike Weir named President Cup captain for 2024 event at Royal Montreal Golf Club

Tristan D’Amours, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Mike Weir named President Cup captain for 2024 event at Royal Montreal Golf Club

Tristan D’Amours, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022

MONTREAL - The first Canadian to play in a Presidents Cup will become the first Canadian to captain the International team.

Mike Weir was announced as International captain for the 2024 Presidents Cup on Wednesday morning at the Bell Centre. After five appearances as a player and three as assistant captain under Trevor Immelman, Nick Price and Ernie Els, Weir will get his shot at captaincy on home soil at the Royal Montreal Golf Club.

The International team has only won the event once. The Americans have taken home the trophy 12 times and have been on a nine-event winning streak since the 2003 edition finished tied.

The U.S. beat the Internationals 17 1/2 - 12 1/2 in the 2022 event, held September at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, N.C.

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Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022

Mike Weir lines up a putt on the 13th green during the PGA Tour Champion's Shaw Charity Classic golf event in Calgary, Alta., Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. Weir will be the first Canadian to ever captain a Presidents Cup team. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Mike Weir lines up a putt on the 13th green during the PGA Tour Champion's Shaw Charity Classic golf event in Calgary, Alta., Friday, Aug. 5, 2022. Weir will be the first Canadian to ever captain a Presidents Cup team. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Canadian Adam Svensson gets 1st PGA Tour title at Sea Island

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Canadian Adam Svensson gets 1st PGA Tour title at Sea Island

The Associated Press 3 minute read Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (AP) — Adam Svensson handled the cold air and the heat of contention as if he had been there before, closing with a 6-under 64 to win the RSM Classic on Sunday at Sea Island for his first PGA Tour victory.

Svensson, a 28-year-old from Surrey, B.C., was locked in a four-way tie for the lead on the closing stretch of the Seaside course when he poured in an 18-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole, and then hit a tee shot to 10 feet on the par-3 17th for a birdie that gave him a cushion.

Brian Harman (65) and Sahith Theegala (66) were in the group ahead of him and missed birdie chances from about 25 feet on the closing hole.

Callum Tarren of England (64) was the first to post at 17-under par and was hopeful of a playoff. Svensson capped off his bogey-free final round with a par for a two-shot win.

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Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022

Andrew Putnam hits out of a bunker on the 18th green during final round of the RSM Classic golf tournament, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in St. Simons Island, Ga. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

Andrew Putnam hits out of a bunker on the 18th green during final round of the RSM Classic golf tournament, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in St. Simons Island, Ga. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

Lydia Ko wins LPGA finale for record $2 million payout

The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Lydia Ko wins LPGA finale for record $2 million payout

The Associated Press 4 minute read Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022

NAPLES, Fla. (AP) — Lydia Ko never won more in one day than on Sunday in the CME Group Tour Championship, where she claimed the richest prize in women's golf at $2 million with a victory that allowed her to win LPGA player of the year.

Ko outlasted Leona Maguire of Ireland in the final round, seizing control with a 7-foot birdie putt on the 16th hole and closing with 2-under 70 for a two-shot victory.

Unflappable in a strong but occasional wind, Ko wiped away tears when she tapped in for par on the final at Tiburon Golf Club.

“There was a lot of things on the line today,” Ko said. “I really wanted to play the best golf I can. I knew it would be a tough battle, especially with how tough the conditions were.”

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Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022

Lydia Ko, of New Zealand, left, and Leona Maguire, of Ireland, right, talk while waiting to hit on the fifth tee during the final round of the LPGA CME Group Tour Championship golf tournament, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, at the Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Lydia Ko, of New Zealand, left, and Leona Maguire, of Ireland, right, talk while waiting to hit on the fifth tee during the final round of the LPGA CME Group Tour Championship golf tournament, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, at the Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Rodgers shares lead at Sea Island with another chance to win

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Rodgers shares lead at Sea Island with another chance to win

The Associated Press 3 minute read Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. (AP) — Patrick Rodgers ran off four straight birdies late in his round Saturday and finished with a par save for a 6-under 64, giving him a share of the lead with Ben Martin in the RSM Classic and another chance at his first PGA Tour title.

Martin was poised to match that score until he came up short on the 18th green, chipped to just inside 5 feet and missed the par putt. He had a 65.

They were at 14-under 198 in the final PGA Tour event of the year, and it was far from a two-man race.

Ten players were within two shots of the lead, a group that included Sahith Theegala (68), Brian Harman (64) and even Harry Higgs, who was atop the leaderboard at the start of the day and had a 25-foot birdie putt on the final hole for a 70.

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Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022

David Lingmerth, of Sweden, watches his drive down the second fairway during the third round of the RSM Classic golf tournament, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in St. Simons Island, Ga. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

David Lingmerth, of Sweden, watches his drive down the second fairway during the third round of the RSM Classic golf tournament, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, in St. Simons Island, Ga. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)

Leona Maguire makes up 7 shots to tie Lydia Ko for LPGA lead

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Leona Maguire makes up 7 shots to tie Lydia Ko for LPGA lead

The Associated Press 3 minute read Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022

NAPLES, Fla. (AP) — Leona Maguire of Ireland had four straight birdies around the turn and added a pair of birdies late for a 9-under 63, allowing her to catch Lydia Ko in the CME Group Tour Championship and set up a duel for the richest prize in women's golf.

At stake on Sunday at Tiburon Golf Club is $2 million to the winner.

Maguire, one of 11 first-time winners on the LPGA Tour this year, is too far back in the points race to win LPGA player of the year, though $2 million in a single day would make up for that. That would be nearly twice what Maguire has made in 23 previous events.

Ko had a five-shot lead to start the third round — seven shots ahead of Maguire — and made a mixture of birdies and bogeys that stalled her round. She fell one shot behind Maguire until chipping to tap-in range on the par-5 17th. She finished with a 70.

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Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022

Gemma Dryburgh, of Scotland, watches her shot from the third tee during the third round of the LPGA CME Group Tour Championship golf tournament, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at the Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Gemma Dryburgh, of Scotland, watches her shot from the third tee during the third round of the LPGA CME Group Tour Championship golf tournament, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, at the Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Lydia Ko takes step toward $2 million prize at LPGA finale

The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Lydia Ko takes step toward $2 million prize at LPGA finale

The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022

NAPLES, Fla. (AP) — Lydia Ko began her quest for the largest prize in women's golf history by hitting a tree and making bogey on a par 5. The rest of Thursday in the CME Group Tour Championship couldn't have gone better.

Ko responded with eight birdies, including four in a row late in the round at Tiburon Golf Club, that sent her to a 7-under 65 and a one-shot lead in the LPGA Tour season finale.

So much as at stake this week, even beyond the $2 million prize to the winner.

Ko has a one-point lead in the race for LPGA Tour player of the year. She would appear to be a lock to win the Vare Trophy for the lowest scoring average. Both are worth a point in her bid to qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame.

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Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022

Atthaya Thitikul, of Thailand, hits her second shot from the first fairway during the first round of the LPGA CME Group Tour Championship golf tournament, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, at the Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Atthaya Thitikul, of Thailand, hits her second shot from the first fairway during the first round of the LPGA CME Group Tour Championship golf tournament, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, at the Tiburón Golf Club in Naples, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Canada’s Brooke Henderson plans to play in LPGA season finale despite injured back

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Canada’s Brooke Henderson plans to play in LPGA season finale despite injured back

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022

NAPLES, Fla. - Canada's Brooke Henderson is planning to tough it out for the final event of the LPGA Tour season.

Henderson offered no explanation when she withdrew from the Pelican Women’s Championship on Saturday.

But the native of Smiths Falls, Ont., said on Tuesday that it was an upper-back injury.

She issued a statement explaining the withdrawal and saying she planned to rest as much as possible but still compete in the CME Group Tour Championship.

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Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022

Brooke Henderson, of Canada, tees off on the ninth hole during the first round of the LPGA Pelican Women's Championship golf tournament at Pelican Golf Club, on November 11, 2022, in Belleair, Fla. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Phelan M. Ebenhack

Brooke Henderson, of Canada, tees off on the ninth hole during the first round of the LPGA Pelican Women's Championship golf tournament at Pelican Golf Club, on November 11, 2022, in Belleair, Fla. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Phelan M. Ebenhack

Canada’s Brooke Rivers hopes to elevate golf game at Wake Forest

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Canada’s Brooke Rivers hopes to elevate golf game at Wake Forest

John Chidley-Hill, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Monday, Nov. 14, 2022

Canada's Brooke Rivers is ready to take the next step in her golf career by following in Arnold Palmer's footsteps.

Rivers has declared her intention to play for Wake Forest University in the new school year, Palmer's alma mater. The decision isn't just based on Palmer's legacy, but the contemporary reality that the Demon Deacons are the No. 2 ranked women's golf program in the NCAA.

"I'm very excited to be going to such a top golf school, I will be around girls that are very competitive, and I'll be able to learn from them and grow my golf game by learning from them," said Rivers. "I will also be able to play in really high rank tournaments, which again, will expose me to play against really good competition, to better myself."

Rivers, who was born in Brampton, Ont., and raised in Turks and Caicos, signed on at Wake Forest on Friday along with American Macy Pate. The Canadian said the legacy of Palmer, one of the greatest golfers of all time, was just one of the reasons why she wanted to play for Wake Forest.

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Monday, Nov. 14, 2022

Canadian golfer Brooke Rivers lines up a putt during a tournament in Bromont, Que., June 29, 2022. Rivers has signed on with Wake Forest to start her NCAA career.THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Bernard Brault/PGA of Canada **MANDATORY CREDIT**

Canadian golfer Brooke Rivers lines up a putt during a tournament in Bromont, Que., June 29, 2022. Rivers has signed on with Wake Forest to start her NCAA career.THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Bernard Brault/PGA of Canada **MANDATORY CREDIT**

Alker claims Schwab Cup by finishing 3rd behind Harrington, Ames finishes in a tie for fourth

John Marshall, The Associated Press 4 minute read Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022

PHOENIX (AP) — Steven Alker played golf around the world on whatever tour would have him.

He started at home in New Zealand in 1989, had stints on the PGA Tour, in Europe, Asia, Canada, minor league circuits — anywhere he could keep alive the dream of playing professional golf.

Alker's circuitous path reached a pinnacle on the PGA Tour Champions, where a late-career mulligan allowed him to transform from journeyman to champion.

Alker shot 3-under 68 to finish third behind record-setting Padraig Harrington in the Charles Schwab Cup Championship on Sunday to claim the season-long Schwab Cup.

Nelly Korda rallies to win Pelican and returns to No. 1

The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Nelly Korda rallies to win Pelican and returns to No. 1

The Associated Press 4 minute read Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022

BELLEAIR, Fla. (AP) — A year Nelly Korda would like to forget is ending with the American star in a familiar position as the No. 1 player in women's golf.

Locked in a battle with Lexi Thompson along the back nine, Korda pulled ahead with birdies on the 16th and 17th hole and held on for a 6-under 64 for a one-shot victory Sunday in the Pelican Women's Championship.

Hamilton's Alena Sharp (69) finished 12 shots back.

Korda won at Pelican Golf Club for the second straight year, this one elevating her past Thai teenager Atthaya Thitikul to reclaim the No. 1 ranking.

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Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022

Maria Fassi, of Mexico, reacts to her tee shot on the third hole during the final round of the LPGA Pelican Women's Championship golf tournament at Pelican Golf Club, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, in Belleair, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Maria Fassi, of Mexico, reacts to her tee shot on the third hole during the final round of the LPGA Pelican Women's Championship golf tournament at Pelican Golf Club, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, in Belleair, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)

Finau sails to 4-shot victory in Houston, 3rd win of year

The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Finau sails to 4-shot victory in Houston, 3rd win of year

The Associated Press 4 minute read Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022

HOUSTON (AP) — Winning use to come hard for Tony Finau. Now he's making it look easy.

Staked to a four-shot lead Sunday in the Houston Open, Finau stretched it to eight shots on the back nine and sailed to his third PGA Tour victory of the year. With three bogeys that only affected the margin, he closed with a 1-under 69 and won by four.

Adam Hadwin (68) of Abbotsford, B.C., was nine shots off the lead.

Finau won only once in his first 185 tournaments upon joining the PGA Tour. Now he has four in the last 30 tournaments, including three in this calendar year.

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Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022

Ben Taylor reacts as his putt goes wide of the cup on the ninth green during the final round of the Houston Open golf tournament, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Ben Taylor reacts as his putt goes wide of the cup on the ninth green during the final round of the Houston Open golf tournament, Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Finau handles the wind, keeps Houston Open lead at 4

The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Finau handles the wind, keeps Houston Open lead at 4

The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022

HOUSTON (AP) — Tony Finau had his highest score of the week and it felt as though it was his best in a cold wind Saturday. He kept bogeys off his card, had a 2-under 68 and kept his lead at four shots going into the final round of the Houston Open.

Finau had such control at Memorial Park that he hit every fairway and missed only two greens on a day when the average score was 71.2 and only one of the three par-5s played to an average score over par.

Most satisfying was the 10-foot par putt he made on the 18th hole after a rare miss into the bunker. The bogey-free round kept his distance from Ben Taylor of England and allowed Finau to tie the 54-hole tournament record.

He was at 15-under 195, the same score Curtis Strange had in 1980.

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Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022

Justin Rose reacts as he watches his putt miss the cup on the 18th green during the third round of the Houston Open golf tournament, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

Justin Rose reacts as he watches his putt miss the cup on the 18th green during the third round of the Houston Open golf tournament, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)

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