Golf

Tiger Woods' cubs Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler roaring into 2023

It has been an astonishing period dominated by an exclusive few. Gone are the days, it seems, when a host of lesser lights might occupy the upper echelons of leaderboards.

To stand in those positions in the current era you have to be among the very best. In other words, an exclusive club where it helps if your name is Scheffler, McIlroy or Jon Rahm.

BBC reports Scheffler's successful title defence at the elevated $20m (£16.5m) WM Phoenix Open occurred during a run since last October where the American has not finished worse than 11th.

Australian golfer dies aged 72 following 'health complications'

Newton lost a play-off to Tom Watson at The Open in 1975 and finished joint second behind Seve Ballesteros at the 1980 Masters.

His career was ended at 33 when he lost his right arm and eye after being hit by a spinning propeller as he prepared to board a plane.

Newton went on to become a commentator and golf course designer.

In recent years he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Tiger puts his green jacket up for grabs

The Masters, which Woods won in magical fashion for a fifth time a year ago to claim his first major since 2008, has been postponed until November because of the coronavirus pandemic which has shut down world sport on an unprecedented scale.

Like his rivals, Woods, 44, has been kicking his heels at home, waiting for the day the PGA Tour can restart.

While he has enjoyed the family time, including 2,000-piece jigsaw puzzles and cup cakes, Woods admits being "wired" to play but not preparing for Augusta's first tee has been difficult.

Golf teams test out Pacific Games venue

New Caledonia and American Samoa teams are taking part at Fagalii Golf Course, Apia, with the Samoan squad also competing as its final trial before selections are made for the Games.

The Samoa Open, played over three days, sees professional and seniors compete for a total of AUD$95,000 in prize money. It is also a test event for the Pacific Games.

With ten days before the Games open, David Barker, the technical delegate for Golf, said the course has already improved in the past week, with more regular mowing to make for faster greens.

Tiger Woods wins in Match Play return

Jordan Spieth found some success with a tie.

The most unpredictable tournament in golf began Wednesday (Thursday NZ time) with only a few surprises as only four of the top 16 seeds in group play failed to win their opening match at Austin Country Club.

Woods, a three-time winner of this World Golf Championships, had not played since losing in the opening round in 2013. He had a wild time with Aaron Wise until putting him away on the 17th hole.

"The way we were playing today, we're very thankful it's not stroke-play," Woods said with a laugh.

Tiger Woods breaks five-year title drought

The 14-times major winner took a three shot lead into today's final round and carded a one over par 67 to finish on 11 under for the tournament and seal a two stroke victory over compatriot Billy Horschel.

It's 42-year-old Wood's 80th PGA Tour victory and first since 2013.

The victory moves him to second on the all-time PGA winners list behind Sam Snead (82).

Woods spent 10 months on the sidelines last year while recovering from spinal fusion surgery and only started to make full golf swings in mid-October.

Rain fails to disrupt golf at Mini Games

Each carding rounds of 75, Kristine Seko (PNG) and Emilie Ricaud (NCL) have a one-stroke lead over the next two players Mathilde Guepy (NCL) and Rotana Howard (COK) with no more than one stroke separating each of the top 17 placings in a field of 22.

With three days to go, the field is as tight as would be expected and day 2 will prove interesting to see if a break can be made by any of those at the top of the leaders’ board.

Tiger Woods cleared to play golf

Woods – a 14-time major champion – has not played a competitive tournament since withdrawing from the Dubai Desert Classic in February after suffering another injury setback.

But the 41-year-old is close to a comeback after his agent – Mark Steinberg – said Woods met with the doctor who performed his fusion surgery for a check-up and received a positive update last week, though there is no timeframe on his return.

"He got a nice report and is allowed to proceed. He can do as much as he needs to do," Steinberg told ESPN.

Tiger Woods allowed by doctors to start chipping

The 14-time major champion has endured a tumultuous year mired by injury and a DUI arrest that prompted treatment for his use of prescription pain medication. But Woods is back in the news for a positive reason, announcing that the doctors allowed him to chip around greens.

Dr. gave me the ok to start pitching pic.twitter.com/tboq1L3Xdn

— Tiger Woods (@TigerWoods) August 31, 2017

Vijay Singh back for Fiji International

The Lautoka-born major winner says playing in the Fiji International each year is important to him and he always works his schedule to ensure he can return home.

"I really enjoy playing in front of a home crowd, which is something I did not have the opportunity to do before the Fiji International," he said.

"Everyone welcomes me so warmly and shows me so much support yet is respectful of my preparations, Fijian fans are great."

The 54-year-old Singh has been working on the redevelopment of the Natadola Bay course since the day after the 2016 tournament ended.