Undershirt range gives you that Luke Donald look

We review the Equmen undershirts, designed to help posture and give you that text book Luke Donald look.

Earlier this year I decided that my old golf swing wasn't cutting it any more. While producing half-decent results I'd been told by a couple of physiotherapists that I'll have back problems if I didn't change things.

The result was a few lessons over the past winter, with a heavy focus on posture. So it was a pleasant surprise when the guys from Equmen asked me to check out their new range of golfing undershirts.

Australia’s Best Public Access Courses, 2012 edition

Amid the Australian Open and Presidents Cup fanfare, the 2012 edition of the Australian Golf Course Guide was published and it includes its annual "best Australian golf courses" list.

As well as the "Best Design", "Best Stay and Play" and "Best Aesthetics" categories, AusGolf released their 2012 list of Australia's Best Public Access Courses which features a new golf course in the number two position.

Like last year, Barnbougle Dunes occupies the top position, but this year its sister course was eligible and Lost Farm has shot straight into the number two slot, just ahead of The Dunes on the Mornington Peninsula.

Ogilvy and Allenby in public stoush

Allenby and Ogilvy involved in public, heated argument.

FoxSports are reporting that Geoff Ogilvy and Robert Allenby took part in a fiery public argument a week following the Presidents Cup.

The problems started when Robert Allenby commented on the criticism he received following his poor performance at the Presidents Cup. He appeared to shift much of the blame for his winless showing at Royal Melbourne onto his playing partners.

"Everyone's making me look like I'm playing like shit and then it starts wearing on your mind a little bit, maybe you are," Allenby said last week.

Chalmers wins in sudden-death

Greg Chalmers has won the Australian PGA Championship, beating Robert Allenby and Marcus Fraser in sudden-death playoff.

Teeing off on the final day of the Australian PGA Championship a Coolum, Greg Chalmers was five shots behind the leaders and by his own admission, too far behind to win.

"I was a little surprised that 12 under ended up getting into the playoff I thought at the time that would be a nice top three or five tournament."

Chalmers found himself clubhouse leader early this afternoon with birdies on 16 and 17, followed by a great par-saving putt on the final hole to finish 12-under par for the tournament.

There was drama to come.

Video: Final round highlights of Australian PGA Championship

What they said: Chalmers, Allenby and Fraser

Here are a few snippets from the post-round interviews from the three golfers in today's sudden-death playoff at the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum. Robert Allenby, Marcus Fraser and starting with the eventual winner, Greg Chalmers.

Greg Chalmers:

"I’m thrilled, to have two Australian Opens and now an Australian PGA, the Australian PGA with I think our longest history and the names on here, to have a little piece of that history is what it is all about, and I have got that now and that is just fantastic."

"I remember it wasn’t until Tuesday, I rang my wife and said “do you believe I’ve won two Australian Opens”.  It bears thinking about, I know you asked me what would your legacy be or something like that and I think it is too early to have that closed up."

Video: Coolum golfers Zero in

Bit of Friday fun courtesy of the golfers up at Coolum this week, and a well known drink.

Rickie arrives in Australia, with only 10 caps

Young gun Rickie Fowler is back on Australian soil to play in the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum. And he has only arrived with 10 caps.

If you're not sure who Rickie Fowler is you obviously haven't seen him play the final day of a golf tournament. He's the guy that has made wide brimmed caps fashionable on the golf course and has young fans dressed from head to toe in orange clothing - a mode Fowler chooses in honour of his Oklahoma State University colours. Hey, it's one less decision on Sunday morning.

Rickie Fowler is here to play in the Australian PGA Championship beginning at Coolum today and at only 22, Fowler is considered the next big thing in American golf. 

Live Scores for Australian PGA Championship

If you're looking for live scores for this week's Australian PGA Championship then look no further.

Australian PGA Championship Live Scores

Can Day and Allenby regain their mojo?

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Day and Allenby take to Coolum looking to get their mojo back.

One of the premier talking points of the Presidents Cup was the poor form of Robert Allenby. Playing as a captain's pick on his home course, he was supposed to be a formidable opponent for the Americans. But Allenby failed to win a match during the event and left Royal Melbourne with very little confidence in his golf game.

Jason Day didn't exactly set Royal Melbourne alight either. His 5 and 3 defeat at the hands of Hunter Mahan on Sunday probably flattered Day who barely got his game together all week.

Both players are in the field for this week's Australian PGA Championship at Coolum and will be keen to make amends for the poor performances at The Presidents Cup and finish the year on a high.

Classy field for Australian PGA Championship

British Open champ joins the field for this week's Australian PGA Championship.

After an Australian Open that boasted a world class field, and a majestic week of golf at The Presidents Cup in Melbourne, it should be no surprise to hear that this week's Australian PGA Championship at Coolum is shaping to be the best in decades.

The Australian PGA Championship has officially been held since 1905 with many great names featuring on the Joe Kirkwood Cup including Seve Ballesteros, Peter Thomson, Greg Norman, Gary Player and Carnegie Clark.

The event is a favourite among the golfers which is staged in the laid-back surrounds at Hyatt Regency Coolum where families and friends all stay on course.

The list of international players looking to add their name to the trophy this week include British Open Champion Darren Clark, Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson, YE Yang and KT Kim. Clark has already said he loves the golf course after flying in earlier in the week.

"I played the back nine yesterday and I was very impressed with it. It's not the longest course, but the way they've got it set up dictates you don't hit a driver everywhere," he said.

"It's nice that the premiums are on accuracy as opposed to just bombing it everywhere. It's different, but I was very impressed with it."

There is the regular local contingent of players teeing off at Coolum too and it will be interesting to see how Robert Allenby and Jason Day back up after playing poorly at the final day of the Presidents Cup.

Full Australian PGA Championship field

Online golf club provides handicaps for social golfers

In the midst of the maelstrom that was Presidents Cup week, an online social golf club was launched to cater for golfers who aren't golf club members.

It is no surprise to hear that many golfers just can't afford to join a golf club. In the larger Australian cities, affordable, convenient golf club memberships can be hard to come by. Even if you have the cash, it is not always easy to justify the joining fees when you barely have time to clean your clubs, let alone play 18 holes of golf each week.

It becomes a Catch-22 situation when you consider the best way to measure your game against other golfers, a handicap. Until now, the only way you can get a certified handicap was to join a golf club. Finally Golf Australia have recognised the problem, and launched an online social golf club to cater for those golfers who aren't members of golf clubs.

TV Times for Australian PGA Championship

TV Times for Australian PGA Championship at Coolum


Network Ten will be showing most of the Australian PGA championship from Coolum this week with One HD bearing the load on Thursday and Friday, and then Ten taking over on the weekend.

OneHD and Network Ten TV times

Thursday November 24, 1:00pm - 6:00pm

Friday November 25, 1:00pm - 6:00pm

Saturday November 26, 12:00pm - 5.00pm

Sunday November 27, 12:00pm - 5.00pm

It's a great field this week, so get watching.

If I come across a live stream from Network Ten, I'll let you know.

2011 Presidents Cup: Final day highlights video

2011 Presidents Cup: Weekend photos

Greg Norman gives me the death stare.

Americans triumph at Presidents Cup

The International Team gave it everything on the final day of the Presidents Cup, but the four point deficit was too much to overcome.

A majestic week for Australian golf has finished with the American's winning the 2011 Presidents cup at Royal Melbourne. The American team showed how much better they were than the losing one that lost here in 1998, by mastering Royal Melbourne in only a few practise rounds.

The final score was 19 - 15 in favour of the Americans after both teams split the singles match winning six games each. 

2011 Presidents Cup: Sunday singles matches

Here are the match-up's for today's Sunday singles matches. The USA lead the Internationals 13 - 9 with 12 single matches to be played.

                                    International         USA
Match 23 – 10:30 a.m. K.T. Kim vs Webb Simpson
Match 24 – 10:42 a.m. Charl Schwartzel vs Dustin Johnson
Match 25 – 10:54 a.m. Ryo Ishikawa vs Bubba Watson
Match 26 – 11:06 a.m. Geoff Ogilvy vs Bill Haas
Match 27 – 11:18 a.m. Jason Day vs Hunter Mahan
Match 28 – 11:30 a.m. K.J. Choi vs Nick Watney
Match 29 – 11:42 a.m. Adam Scott vs Phil Mickelson
Match 30 – 11:54 a.m. Retief Goosen vs Matt Kuchar
Match 31 – 12:06 p.m. Ernie Els vs Jim Furyk
Match 32 – 12:18 p.m. Robert Allenby vs David Toms
Match 33 – 12:30 p.m. Aaron Baddeley vs Tiger Woods
Match 34 – 12:42 p.m. Y.E. Yang vs Steve Stricker

Late rally masks Norman's poor choices

Greg Norman may wish he could change a few of his decisions at the 2011 Presidents Cup, and not just with his captain's picks.

Greg Norman is not the type of golfer to have any regrets. If he did, the weight may be heavier than a late afternoon thunderstorm at Royal Melbourne, after going through two divorces and a multitude of heartbreaking losses at major tournaments.

When the local duo of Robert Allenby and Aaron Baddeley were chosen as Norman's picks to complete the Presidents Cup International Team, most assumed their intimate knowledge of the tough Royal Melbourne golf course would see them racking up points like Phil "The Power" Taylor. Both players have been streaky at best with only Baddeley's Friday afternoon putting giving him a moment's grace.

That's KT Kim

Before the start of The Presidents Cup, most international golf fans were asking, "Who is KT Kim? Well, now we know.

In an interview before the Presidents Cup began, YE Yang proclaimed KT Kim is the best Korean golfer. Largely unknown outside of Korea and Japan Tour, the comment was met with some scepticism but the young Korean has shown Yang knows his golf. 

Kim played some of the best golf we've seen from any of the International players this week in his match with YE Yang against the more fancied Tiger Woods and Dustin Johnson. He made a clutch five foot putt on the final hole to ensure a much needed one hole victory for the International Team.

The first Korean player to win the Japan Tour order of merit in 2010, Kim had some great appearances on the US PGA Tour this year. He finished top-10 at the Bridgestone Invitational and the Wyndham Championship, as well as good showings at three of the four major championships.

Kim took a few days to adjust to the sandbelt course and his status in the International team, but now we all know who he is, not just YE Yang. He will no doubt be the face of the 2015 Presidents Cup in South Korea.

2011 Presidents Cup: Saturday quotes and photos

"Today he believed unbelievable"
- Ernie Els describing Ryo Ishikawa's self-belief. We think.

"This game, it's so difficult for me and him bumper to bumper but definitely."
- The always well-spoken Bubba Watson on his great form with fellow team member, Webb Simpson.

"... match play is such a fiddly game. You can play well and lose and you can play bad and win."
- Robert Allenby ignores all of the putts he missed in the morning foursomes match with Geoff Ogilvy.

"It's tough to get these speeds down when you play three days and three different speeds."
- Dustin Johnson sums up the conditions at Royal Melbourne over the last three days.

Americans at home in tough Aussie conditions

You could be forgiven for thinking it was the American Team who look more comfortable in trying conditions at Royal Melbourne.

On the International team bus this morning, Norman said players were excited to see the conditions had turned nasty and most agreed it would be difficult for the US Team. The Internationals wanted Royal Melbourne to play hard for the Friday four-ball's to try and erase the two point deficit from the Thursday foursomes.

Instead, they've found themselves in the same position they were on Thursday evening, two points down.

Bazza laughs off being hit by Baddeley's ball

Blustery conditions across Royal Melbourne meant for wild golf as one spectator found out the hard way.

The Presidents Cup match featuring Aaron Badddley, Jason Day, Tiger Woods and Dustin Johnson was getting very tense as they approached the 17th hole. With the Internationals one hole in front, Aaron Baddeley blasted a wild tee shot that bounced off the face of a spectator and back on to the fairway.

It was just the lucky break the International team needed, but not so lucky for 60-year old Barry McCarthy of Mount Eliza.

"I had just said that I was in the right position to get hit by a ball. I kid you not, about thirty seconds beforehand I said that, and then 'bang', I did,", Barry said.

Top 10 Presidents Cup shots

Courtesy of the Presidents Cup website, here is a compilation of the best Presidents Cup shots.

2011 Presidents Cup: Friday Fourball pairings

Match 1: Watson/Simpson v Els/Ishikawa
Match 2: Day/Baddeley v Woods/Johnson
Match 3: Mickelson/Furyk v Scott/Kim
Match 4; Ogilvy/Choi v Haas/Watney
Match 5: Stricker/Kuchar v Yang/Allenby
Match 6: Schwartzel/Goosen v Toms/Mahan

2011 Presidents Cup: Thursday photos

The opening day of the Presidents Cup had plenty of colour around the Royal Melbourne golf course. 

The International Team must be feeling a little miffed after finishing the day behind the Americans 4 - 2. Earlier in the day, the International Team raced to an early lead in most matches but only Adam Scott and KJ Choi finished with a win, a record 7 and 6 victory over Woods and Stricker. The largest margin in Presidents Cup history.

The predominantly sombre feel around the course has replaced the buzz that surrounded Royal Melbourne earlier in the day, and Aussie Golfer got around to take a few pics away from the action.

Video: Presidents Cup merchandise tent

I got to head through the massive merchandise tent at the 2011 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne today and thought I'd give everyone a taste of the heavenly place it is.

Presidents Cup Day 1 Foursomes: Thoughts and predictions

The excitement and atmosphere has just reached a new level at Royal Melbourne, after the announcement of the pairings for the opening day's foursomes of the 2011 Presidents Cup.

The opening USA pairing of Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson. Photo: Richard Fellner/Inside Golf

Let's check out each of the six matches, and make a few silly predictions on how they might pan out. 

Match 1 (1:05pm): Els/Ishikawa v Watson/Simpson

When Greg Norman announced the opening pair of Ernie Els and Ryo Ishikawa, there was an audible gasp from Fred Couples. Explaining later, it wasn't in shock but more excitement as he appreciated how good that pair will be.

Ryo Ishikawa arrived late to Melbourne and had course record holder Els, (12-under 60, Heineken Classic 2004) showing him around the Royal Melbourne fairways today. As good as this pairing may be, Watson and Simpson wanted to be paired together and wanted to lead the USA Team out. They might get the point against a rusty Els and young Ishikawa combination. 

Prediction: USA 3up

Presidents Cup: Day 1 foursomes matches

The Presidents Cup pairings for the Day 1 Foursomes have been announced by team captains Greg Norman and Fred Couples. 

As defending champions, Team USA deferred the right to choose first and Greg Norman chose Ernie Els and Ryo Ishikawa to lead the way for the International Team. they will face off against Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson in Match 1 starting at 1:05pm tomorrow at Royal Melbourne.

Presidents Cup Day 1 pairings:
Match 1 (1:05pm): Els/Ishikawa v Watson/Simpson
Match 2: (1:17pm) Ogilvy/Schwartzel v Haas/Watney
Match 3: (1:29pm) Day/Baddeley v Johnson/Kuchar
Match 4: (1:41pm) Goosen/Allenby v Mickelson/Furyk
Match 5: (1:53pm) Yang/Kim v Mahan/Toms
Match 6: (2:05pm) Scott/Choi v Woods/Stricker

Personally, I think Match 3 is the highlight. Young Aussie's Jason Day and Aaron Baddeley have been pitted against the US guns Matt Kuchar and Dustin Johnson, both top-10 ranked golfers.

All the talk though will be about Match 6, where Adam Scott and KJ Choi will play against the always tough Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods pair.

It will be the first time Adam Scott's caddy Steve Williams will play in the same group as Tiger Woods since Williams' controversial comments a few weeks ago. The 'dream' match-up was not contrived according to both team captain's, but Couples did have the opportunity to avoid the confrontation with the second pick for Match 5. Both captain's agreed that if the match-up was going to happen this week, it would be best for it to happen as early as possible.

2011 Presidents Cup: Who is K.T.Kim?

If you look down the list of International Team players, you may be asking, who is K.T.Kim?

It is arguable who is the most recognisable golfer across the 24 players in this week's Presidents Cup, but K.T.Kim won't be in the argument.

Kim is the most unknown, unrecognisable golfer in the Presidents Cup but he will play a huge role in attempting to secure a win for the International Team at Royal Melbourne this week.

On phones, cameras and backpacks at the Presidents Cup

I've had a load of people asking about the mobile phone and camera policy at the Presidents Cup this week. Here are the official word from The Presidents Cup organisers.

Mobile phones are permitted on course in designated areas

The Presidents Cup will permit fans to bring their mobile phones into the tournament as part of The Presidents Cup mobile device policy.

Dos and Don’ts for mobile phone use at The Presidents Cup:

• Phones must be in silent mode at all times.

• Phone calls may be placed or received in event-approved designated areas only (see on-site signage).

Presidents Cup Live Scores

Click here for live scores of the 2011 Presidents Cup.

Bus mishap bonding session for International Team

The Presidents Cup International Team found themselves in a team building exercise, bus mishap last night.

Jason Day and Greg Norman on the streets of Melbourne getting the team bus back onto the street.

Greg Norman organised a team dinner in the Melbourne CBD last night to bring all players a little closer together, but it turned out to be more of a team building exercise when the team bus got wedged on a curb on the way back from the restaurant.

All players had to get off the bus, and Greg Norman and KJ Choi managed to direct the bus back off the curb and down a narrow lane. Geoff Ogilvy said it was the sort of thing all players involved will remember and laugh about for years.

KJ Choi directs the bus while team captain Greg Norman ponders Thursday's pairings.

Geoff Ogilvy tweeted this photo not long before the incident:

2011 Presidents Cup: Tuesday quotes and photos

"I almost took it personally last time" 

- Ernie Els when asked losing the Presidents Cup so many times.

"We had a great Sunday night. I went to the plane straight from the casino"

- Els on his memories from The Presidents Cup in 1998, the only time the International Team have been victorious.

Presidents Cup formats explained

The Presidents Cup consists of a series of team and singles matches across four days of golf between the USA and an International Team. Each match is worth one point with matchplay scoring in place.

A total of 34 points are awarded across four days of The Presidents Cup, 17.5 points needed to win the trophy.

Here is a quick run down on the golf formats played this week: Foursomes, fourball and singles matchplay.

Welcome to Presidents Cup week

Aussie Golfer will be part of the working media at the Presidents Cup this week, and aiming to bring as much of the atmosphere to the website as possible.

As usual, we will aim to provide slightly different coverage than what you'll get in the mainstream publications, bringing the golf back to the every man, so to speak.

Keep in touch on Twitter or via the Aussie Golfer Facebook page and let us know what you'd like to see or know as the week progresses. It's going to be huge.

We're going to be devastated if the Americans win again, we're sick of losing this event. Go Internationals!

P.S. We need a better name for this team. I.N.T.E.R.N.A.T.I.O.N.A.L.S!, just doesn't have the same ring to it as U.S.A.!

Presidents Cup TV Times: FoxSports and Channel Nine

Australian TV Times for Presidents Cup

Channel 9 and FoxSports will be broadcasting live from the 2011 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne this week.

The Channel 9 coverage will be hosted by the ubiquitous Eddie McGuire alongside Mark Nicholas. The commentary team also includes Ian Baker-Finch, Jack Newton and Wayne Grady.

Also reporting are James Brayshaw, Ken Sutcliffe, and Tim Sheridan.

Channel Nine Presidents Cup TV times

Thursday November 17, 12.30pm - 5.30pm

Friday November 18, 11.30am - 5.30pm

Saturday November 19, 9.00am - 5.30pm

Sunday November 20, 10.00am - 5.30pm

FoxSports has much more coverage, with repeat highlights later in the day and plenty of archive material during the week. 

They kick things off on Wednesday afternoon with a live broadcast of the Presidents Cup opening ceremony and have long hours of live coverage the following four days.

FoxSports Presidents Cup TV times

Wednesday November 16, 4.00pm - 5.00pm (Opening Ceremony)

Thursday November 17, 1.00pm - 6.00pm

Friday November 18, 9.30am - 4.00pm

Saturday November 19, 7.00am - 6.00pm

Sunday November 20, 10.30am - 6.00pm

Video: Daly's Tin Cup moment at the Australian Open

I only post this to fulfil a quest. Someone challenged me to find this video.

Here's some fan footage of John Daly hitting ball after ball into the water on the 11th at The Lakes last Thursday. The ocker Aussies who provide commentary this is kinda funny, including the harsh, but incredibly sensible "go left ya d*#k".

To me, the whole incident is lost in the memory of seeing Jason Day in Australia for the first time as a professional, Tiger mount a challenge and watching Greg Chalmers win the Australian Open for a second time.

Honest Chalmers wins Australian Open

Greg Chalmers beat the classiest Australian Open field in many years to win the Stonehaven Cup for a second time.

For most of the week, very few people paid much attention to Greg "Snake" Chalmers making his way up the leaderboard at the Australian Open at The Lakes in Sydney. By his own admission, this suited the incredibly likeable left-hander and managed to make enough birdies to hold off a fast finishing John Senden by a shot.

"I thought coming into the week the focus was on a whole bunch of different players for different reasons. I wasn’t one of them. I felt like my game was in good shape. I thought the back nine on Friday was important. I was two over the time and I played it in two under to get back to five under for the tournament.", Chalmers said in his post-round interview.

Video: Australian Open final round highlights

Courtesy of FoxSports, here's the wrap and the highlights from the final round of the 2011 Australian Open at The Lakes golf course in Sydney.

Senden wants second Australian Open title

Senden looking for second Australian Open

John Senden is aiming for his second Australian Open after a third round nine-under-par 63, a new course record for the newly redesigned Lakes golf course. Senden finished the day on 12-under par for the tournament.

A chasing pack of players is lead by Jason Day one shot back at 11-under par. Celebrating his 24th birthday, the new favourite of Australian galleries shot a third round 68 to position himself nicely ahead of today's final round. Any let up by Senden and 

Senden was a favourite among experts before the tournament began thanks to some good form in the latter end of the PGA Tour.

"It has been great. I’ve had a good season in America and finished up well in the Fed Ex Cup. I had a good run of tournaments through Malaysia and also in Shanghai last week where I finished 19th. I was playing solid. I like to come home and play my way into these events.", Senden said after his round yesterday.

Senden has played great golf since missing out on selection for the Presidents Cup and will be keen to make amends for that disappointment with a second Stonehaven Cup win.

"It (not being selected in the team) was a disappointment. I was never really in the run for it until Fed Ex Cup time. There were a lot of guys in front of me like Robert and Aaron and Vijay. Sabbatini was in there. When I played well at the BMW Championship, I felt if I had won that I would have played my way onto the team with the points. Coming second did not quite get me there." Senden said.

"We look at Greg as our idol. Hopefully they can get it done next week. I am disappointed that I am not there."

Who else can win?

The O'Hern/Chalmers pairing

Keep a close eye on the Western Australian pairing in Greg Chalmers and Nick O'Hern. Both will feel very comfortable playing with each other and could provide a good base for a shot at Senden's lead. I'd be very surprised if one of these guys doesn't get a look at the lead at some point today.

Watney lurks

Watching Nick Watney over the previous three days gave me the impression his game hasn't quite clicked yet. Even so, he sits three shots behind Senden at 3-under par and is a big chance today. If conditions stay fine, Watney could snatch the Stonehaven Cup.

Tiger back on top of the leaderboard

We may possibly look back on today's round by Tiger Woods as the day he truly returned to form.

Tiger Woods' putter ran hot today as he knocked in 29 putts for the second day in a row and finished with a 5-under par 67 to sit atop the leaderboard. And it has been a very long time since we have seen that.

While Woods ran up two bogey's in his round, something he didn't do at all yesterday, his iron play was strong enough to leave him with birdie putts for most of the day.

Here are a few grabs from his post-round media conference.

"I played well today. I could have been a little lower on my first nine holes. I parred a couple of the par fives. Basically I felt that I never really missed a shot. Even though I shot five under today it felt like it could easily been eight or nine deep."

On being on top of the leaderboard again;

"The headlines tell the whole story, don’t they. They know all…It is one of those things, just being patient. I’m playing like I explained to you guys yesterday, I’m playing like I am playing at home. It has finally come to the golf course in a tournament setting. I have been hitting it like this at home but it hasn’t come out in a tournament setting yet. That’s the best progression. I have been through swing changes before. That’s what’s happened. It takes a little time but once it starts coming the confidence starts building."

On having the crowds excited again;

"It feels great. To have everyone so fired up. Jason is playing well too at the same time. We have an Aussie here. We certainly had the crowds cheering, which was great. The second part of the question, what was the last time, it was probably Sunday at Augusta." 

"I’ll tell you what, it was great. Starting from Wednesday early morning they were great. Yesterday and today, playing with two Aussies, that helps. Everyone is kind of into it. On top of that, Jason and I both played well. The crowds were just rooting for me. Jason was doing great. It was a fun atmosphere to be part of." 

O'Malley closes his eyes, and shoots 66

As Tiger roars were heard across The Lakes this morning, one veteran of Australian golf was quietly assembling an even better round of golf.

Peter O'Malley shot a 6-under par 66 in the second round at the Australian Open today and finds himself near the top of the leaderboard. 

Tournament victories have always been rare for the talented O'Malley thanks largely to putting woes that have plagued his career and has recently taken to closing his eyes over some putts.

O'Malley sat down in the press tent soon after his bogey-free round and chatted about the day. 

Here are a few excerpts starting with a comment about the length of time since seeing O'Malley on top of a leaderboard.

2011 Australian Open: Round 1 winners and losers

Let's take a quick look at the winners and losers from the first round of the 2011 Australian Open.

Winners

Jarrod Lyle

Lyle freely admits nothing went right for him on the golf course this year but he turned it around today with a 7-under par 65 to hold the lead after the first round.

Tiger Woods

Woods produced a nice round of 4-under par today without playing very well at all. The old Tiger used to have these sorts of rounds all the time. Look out.

2011 Australian Open: Lyle fires early, Watney strikes late

Guest post by Andrew of From the Fairways Golf

An early morning -7 (65) from Jarrod Lyle has given the Australian the clubhouse lead after the opening round of the 2011 Emirates Australian Open.

It was an impressive start to the tournament by Lyle who took advantage of calm conditions to shoot 5 birdies and an eagle on the par-5, 14th which saw him hit a 7 iron to 3 feet.

The highest ranked golfer in the field, Dustin Johnson opened with a bogey on the par-4 10th but five consecutive birdies through 12 - 17 helped the American to turn at 3-under after bogeying the 18th (his 9th hole). Three birdies on the front nine (his back nine) helped the world #5 to finish with a 6-under par, 66.

PGA of Australia issues statement on John Daly

This has just been released by Brian Thorburn, CEO of the PGA of Australia, concerning the incident involving John Daly this afternoon.

“The PGA Tour of Australasia confirms that no appearance fees were payable to John Daly for his appearance at the Emirates Australian Open or for his planned appearance at the Australian PGA Championship. This afternoon’s actions by Daly in withdrawing from the course constitute a breach of the PGA Tour of Australasia’s regulations and will be referred to the disciplinary committee as soon as practically possible. In view of that breach and a similar instance in Europe recently the PGA Tour of Australasia has withdrawn its offer to John Daly to play at the Australian PGA Championship.” 

“The PGA does not need this kind of behaviour tarnishing the achievements of other players and the reputation of our tournaments. John is not welcome at Coolum.” 

Tin Cup Daly overshadows first round of Australian Open

A great opening round by Jarrod Lyle, an incredible albatross by Adam Scott and a return to form for Tiger Woods has all been overshadowed by the always controversial, John Daly.

John Daly wasn't playing his best golf over the opening nine holes of the first round of the 2011 Australian Open at The Lakes in Sydney.

He had a double-bogey on the 9th and carded a triple-bogey on the par-4 10th after being penalised for hitting the wrong ball in the bunker. He reportedly hit a practice ball which was lying in the bunker which had come from the practice range running parallel to the 10th.

On the next hole, he then hit every ball he had in his bag into the water on the par-5 11th hole, walked off the course with his son beside him, got into a car and drove off.

Reportedly, a photographer looking for a photo of Daly leaving the course had his camera shoved out of his hand by Daly's girlfriend, although unconfirmed reports suggest she may have been knocked by the camera.

Director of the Australian Open, Trevor Herden has said Daly's appearance fees will be withheld and sanctions would be imposed by the PGA Tour of Australasia. 

"I would say this is the last time we see John Daly, I think they've just about had enough of him", Herden said.

Daly's only response so far was via his Twitter account where he offered up this 'explanation';

"when u run out of balls u run out of balls. yes, I shook my player's partners hands & signed my card w/rules official."

After a huge build up to the start of three massive weeks of Australian golf which included Tiger Woods back in the country and the controversy surrounding his former caddies comments, it is hard to believe that the opening round could be overshadowed by anything. Then again, with Daly in the field, anything is possible.

Last year I walked the course close to John Daly's entourage and as happy as they were off course, the stress and tension in the group was palpable once Daly was on course. Something I'm not sure even the most relaxed golfer needs following him around.

I honestly believe John Daly's a good guy. Every person who knows him at all seems to think so too. 

But the man obviously has a temper problem which no one can deny. It has denied him, and us, the sight of one of the most naturally gifted golfers on too many occasions.

Video: Adam Scott and the albatross

Miss the albatross by Adam Scott? Here it is.

If you missed the news, Adam Scott provided the golf highlight of the opening round of the 2011 Australian Open today by nailing a 199 metre 6-iron into the hole on the par-5 8th hole at The Lakes.

If you also missed the footage, here it is, courtesy of the always superb FoxSports.

2011 Australian Open: Live scores and streams

Looking for a live leaderboard for the 2011 Australian Open at The Lakes in Sydney? 

Look no further, the PGA of Australia have all the Official Australian Open Live Scores.

I'd also recommend the PGA of Australasia iPhone app too. Live scores and golf news straight to your phone.

If you're looking for a live internet stream of the Australian Open golf, Network Ten have coverage on their website from 12:30pm each day. I'm guessing it's only if you're within Australia though.

2011 Australian Open: Best bets and dark horses

Rather than trying to pick the winner, here are a few smarter bets and a few long shots for the Australian Open starting tomorrow.

If you know my golf betting style, you'll know that picking a winner isn't the way I like to go. Especially given the strong field at this week's Australian Open at The Lakes in Sydney.

It is the Top-25's and Top-10's that are worth keeping an eye on and there are a few golfers flying under the radar this week who you should be watching out for.

Who will win the Australian Open?

Having the best Australian Open field in years, doesn't make picking a winner very easy.

I've been asked a number of times who I think will win the Australian Open this week but with the strongest field in a very long time, it's not easy to have any real confident answer.I'll humour you all and throw out my picks anyway followed by a few good bets and some dark-horses to win if you really want to have some fun and win big. A few comments first.

Video: Adam Scott aiming for #1

Adam Scott spoke ahead of The Australian Open this morning about Steve Williams and the number one world ranking.

Adam Scott has said the controversy surrounding the comments by caddie Steve Williams earlier in the week are firmly behind him. He has said his part, Williams is part of his team and he just wants to move on.

He also comments on a desire to attain the world number one position despite Greg Norman suggesting Australia's greatest chance is Jason Day. Here is excerpts from today's press conference courtesy of FoxSports.

2011 Australian Open: Round 1 tee times

Australia's best golfer Jason Day has been paired with his childhood hero Tiger Woods for the first time.

The draw for the round 1 tee times has been released for the Australian Open which kicks off on Thursday and Jason Day will be playing with Tiger Woods for the first time.

At his press conference on Tuesday, Day said he hoped he would one day be paired with his childhood hero although would not be intimidated by Woods' presence. Joining them in the group will be Robert Allenby who will be keen to outshine the two of them.

The marquee groups:
7:15am (10th) Geoff Ogilvy, Bill Haas, Bubba Watson
7:25am (10th) Dustin Johnson, Greg Norman, Aaron Baddeley
7:35am (10th) Fred Couples, John Cook, Peter Senior

12:00 (1st) Matt Kuchar, Adam Scott, John Senden
12:10 (1st)  Tiger Woods, Jason Day, Robert Allenby
12:20 (1st)  Stuart Appleby Nick Watney Kyle Stanley
12:30 (1st)  Hunter Mahan Craig Parry John Daly

Kinda wish my club had 10 minute interval tee times.

Click here for the Australian Open round 1 pairings and tee times.

"You can tell you are in a bunker here": Dustin Johnson

The lanky, long-hitting Dustin Johnson arrived in Australia for the first time sitting at number 5 in the world and at ease with questions about bunkers on the sandy Lakes layout.

The press conference for Dustin Johnson followed the one featuring Tiger Woods but despite Johnson now ranked over 50 places higher than Woods in the World Golf Rankings, the media scrum had their Tiger story and were non-existent.

The inevitable question started things off, how was Johnson liking the country;

Yes, my first time down to Australia. It is a beautiful city. I have not seen much. I have walked around down town a little bit. We have a great hotel we are staying at, the the golf course out here is fantastic.

On using his driver this week, it sounds like he won't be doing much else;

Woods and Warne go clubbing

Ok, I feel a little like I've sold out here but here is the news report covering Tiger Woods' appearance at the opening of Shane Warne's new club in Melbourne last night.

It is all a little slick and grimy. And that's only Warney's hair and make-up.

2011 Australian Open: Pro-am draw released

If you can't make it to the Thursday to Sunday action of the Australian Open at The Lakes this week, perhaps tomorrow's pro-am event is an option.

The draw for tomorrow's Australian Open pro-am draw (Wednesday November 9, 7am and 1pm shotgun start) has been released featuring some of the best golfers at this week's tournament, paired up with loads of sponsors, celebrities and wealthy businessmen. 

It is often a fun day out on course and a chance to get a little closer to the world's best golfers before the larger galleries arrive later in the week. Check out the Australian Open pro-am draw that has been released and if you like what you see, you can grab yourself a $25 ticket through Ticketek or at the gate tomorrow.

Marquee pro-am groups - 1pm shot-gun start

Grp TEE
1 1 ADAM SCOTT
2 1 DUSTIN JOHNSON
15 10 MATT KUCHAR
16 10 JASON DAY
26 18 ROBERT ALLENBY

27 18 FRED COUPLES

Williams no racist: Woods

Woods gives his thoughts on the recent comments made by Steve Williams but refuses to brand him a racist.

By now you've all probably heard about the controversy surrounding Steve Williams comments at an "off the record" caddies party awards night. The event is held every year as a laugh and giggle to wrap up the year.

Geoff Ogilvy was in attendance for the event and he remarked it was a very in-house event that most people assumed would be off-the-record. According to Ogilvy, who was speaking at a golf forum held at Bonnie Doon Golf Glub last night, everyone was fair game and there was a lot said that could be considered much worse that what Steve Williams said.

And what did Williams say? 

2011 Australian Open: Know your Americans

If you don't know your Bubba's from your Johnson's, here is a guide to the best of the American golfers in Australian Open field this week.

Thanks largely to the Presidents Cup scheduled for Melbourne next week, eight of the 12 golfers from Team USA are playing The Lakes in Sydney this week at the Australian Open. While these guys are some of the best in the world, PGA Tour broadcast times and a lack of golf press coverage in Australia, means many golf fans may be a little unsure of who they are.

Emirates Australian Open on TV

TV Times for Emirates Australian Open

If you can't get to The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney this week, Network 10 will be covering the Australian Open all week, with live coverage each day from 12 - 5pm.

November 10 - 13, 2011

Thursday 12.00pm - 5.00pm

Friday 12.00pm - 5.00pm

Saturday 12.00pm - 5.00pm

Sunday 12.00pm - 5.00pm

Woods, and many better golfers set for Australian Open

If you don't get out to watch the Australian Open this week, you never will.

You know there is a big golf tournament ahead when Australian newspapers dedicate more than one story to it per day. What is surprising about this week is the tournament is an Australian one, the Australian Open, with the best field of golfers competing in many, many years.

Michael Jordan cancels Presidents Cup trip to Australia

Michael Jordan has been replaced by John Cook as US Team assistant captain for the Presidents Cup.

Michael Jordan was originally named as an assistant captain to Fred Couples for the Presidents Cup in Melbourne in a few weeks. He will no longer make the trip and John Cook will take his place.

The NBA lockout is the cause of the change in travel plans, and Jordan issued this statement in regards to the matter.

Eight Ausses in HSBC Champions event

Get in the mood for a huge few weeks ahead of Australian golf, by watching the WGC HSBC Champions event on TV this weekend.

Lee Westwood, Adam Scott, Francesco Molinari, Keegan Bradley and Rory McIlroy launch the start of this week's HSBC Champions event. (Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images)

It is true that the big Australian golf tournaments start next week, but there is World Golf Championship event on this week in China, which means perfect TV viewing times for Australian golf fans.

HSBC Champions TV Times in Australia

Thursday - Sunday 2 - 6pm on FoxSports2

The HSBC Champions event is the final WGC tournament of the year. Each tournament features has a small field featuring the world's best players who have qualified through the many golf tours around the world. The WGC events were established to bring all the world's golf tours together, a world golf tour of sorts. Unfortunately, the HSBC Champions tournament is the only one of the four being held outside of the USA.

A great field of 78 players are starting this week and seven Aussies are in the field.

Braithe Anasta set for NSW PGA Championship

The NSW PGA Championship continues the Australasian PGA Tour at the Wollongong Golf Club this weekend.

If you're neat The Gong this week, there's plenty of great golfers in the field such as Craig Parry, last week's WA Open winner Roahn Blizard, OneAsia order of merit leader Andre Stolz and last year's winner, Steven Bowditch.

There is also a celebrity golfer in the field, Sydney Roosters captain Braithe Anasta.

Anasta plays off a handicap of +1 at his home club of St.Michael's after playing daily since footy season finished. He has made no secret of his desire to become a professional golfer as he played in plenty of junior tournaments alongside Aaron Baddeley and Adam Scott, but could never quite compete with the best players.

There is no doubt he can perform under pressure on the footy field, we'll know this weekend if he is capable on the golf course too.

Nitties is one hard-luck Aussie sports story of the year

When 2011 is done and dusted, James Nitties will be high in the lists of hard-luck sports stories of the year.

Just under two weeks ago, James Nitties had finished his second round in the penultimate tournament of the Nationwide Tour, the feeder tour for the far more lucrative US PGA Tour. He was one shot off the lead and looking at a good pay check for the week if he continued his form over the weekend.

Unfortunately, he slept through his alarm and missed his 12:40pm tee time the next day, ending his tournament with nothing to show for it.

Had he continued to play and all but assured himself of at least $6000 in prize money, he would have a ticket back to the PGA Tour this year. Instead, he played poorly in the final event last weekend and finished the year in 26th position on the Nationwide Tour money list. A mere $5341 short of the Top-25 needed to play in the big time next year.