Golf, by TourMiss

Augusta National Chairman Billy Payne indicated while ‘evaluating’ Ernie Els’ claim for a ‘Special Invitation’ the club ruled against the South African appearing in the 2012 Masters. Els ended a run of 18 straight Masters appearances dating back to 1994 when the South African failed to qualify for this year’s Masters. The triple Major champion slipped to No. 58 in the World Rankings and outside the top-50 to be assured of Augusta entry. But while Japan’s ...

Four time Augusta National winner Tiger Woods declared Rory McIlroy has all the hallmarks of being a great champion. More details later.

Reigning Masters champion, Charl Schwartzel has a surprise install for his fellow Augusta National winning heroes at this year’s traditional Tuesday evening ‘Champions Dinner’. It’s customary for the current Masters winner to select the menu for the evening. In 2001, then Master champion Vijay Singh selected a Thai based meal and arranged for the staff of his favourtie Thai restaurant in Atlanta to travel south-east to Augusta to prepare the meal within the clubhouse of ...

In one of his frankest ever admissions Rory McIlroy confessed he ‘choked’ and then ‘cried’ in losing the Masters earlier this year.  For three days, McIlroy dominated this year’s first Major Championship shooting an opening round 65 to become the youngest-ever player to lead the Masters. He then posted a second day 69 to lead by two and stormed his way to a  confident four shot on day three recording a 70 for a 12-under par total, and with only a round to play. History ...

The European Tour is set to confirm shortly the 2012 Irish Open will be returning the Dublin. For the past two years the event has been staged at the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club in the south-east of the country. But in announcing last Sunday the Race to Dubai will be end in Dubai for the next three years, and with a $US 8m prize purse, European Tour CEO, George O’Grady indicated ‘an exciting new package’ was being put together to bring Ireland’s premier event back to Dubin.   O’Grady, ...

Eight-time European No. 1 Colin Montgomerie is in awe of Luke Donald becoming the first-ever player to win the money title on both sides of the Atlantic. Donald wrapped-up the PGA Tour No. 1 title in sensational manner posting a final round to win the final event of the year. This week Donald, who turns 34 on the eve of this week’s season-ending Dubai World Championship, will attempt to become the first player ever in the history to also win the European No. 1 in the same season. Donald will ...

It’s been 17 years since Daniel Chopra first captured the Isklander Johor Open title and now the Swede is in prime position to win again by forging his way four strokes clear of the field. The Swedish-born Chopra, who turns 38 two days before Christmas, returned to the cours at 7.20am local time Friday and forced his way into a share of second in ending his first round with a 64. Chopra, who is easily recognised with his bleach-blond hair, then went straight back out to record a 65 on the rain-soaked ...