What you missed: Wins, new gear, and Tiger Woods’ son’s impressive golf swing
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From Tour victories and new gear launches to the big news and social media headlines, catch up on the past week in golf.
Branden Grace earns ninth European Tour win at South African Open
Branden Grace held off Louis Oosthuizen during a thrilling final round as he stormed to a three-stroke victory at Randpark Golf Club with a closing nine-under 62.
Oosthuizen had begun the final round with a one stroke lead and wowed the home crowds with a hole-in-one at the eighth, but it was Grace who took advantage at the start of the back nine as he separated himself from the defending champion to get to 21-under-par.
“That was remarkable,” Grace said. “I played flawless golf and I can’t remember the last time the putter was that hot.
“This is the one I really wanted. This means so much to any South African, winning on home soil, the guys get so behind you and it’s such an emotional feeling.
“It’s the first win with the little one here so he’s going to have a photo with the trophy and then it’s a good birthday wish to my Mrs today, she’s a birthday girl today so it’s a good birthday present.”
Cameron Smith captures play-off win for first individual PGA Tour title at Sony Open
Cameron Smith birdie the 72nd hole at the Sony Open to tie the lead with Brendan Steele, and went on win the first individual PGA Tour win of his career with a par on the first play-off hole.
The Australian, whose only other PGA Tour win came at the 2017 Zurich Classic with partner Jonas Blixt, fired a two-under 68 in difficult conditions to get to 11-under and force sudden death, before a two-putt par on the first trip up the 10th was enough to secure victory.
“That’s been one that I’ve wanted to tick off for a long time,” Smith said of his first individual PGA Tour title at Waialae Country Club. “I’ve been out here four or five years now, and to finally say that I have won an event by myself is quite good.
“My first individual win on the PGA TOUR, it’s definitely going to be one I never forget for sure. Given the conditions and how tough it was, I’ll definitely draw back on this in the future for sure.”
Watch out world, Charlie Woods has a pretty impressive golf swing
Charlie Woods already has a golf swing the majority of us can be envious of – not that it should come as too much of a shock considering who his father is.
Tiger Woods was on the bag playing caddie for his 10-year-old son at a 9-hole junior tournament this weekend, where the younger Woods was filmed letting it rip on the range.
It prompted a big response on Twitter, with plenty of people letting their imaginations run wild as they began specualting the force he’ll be out on Tour in years to come.
One of those was Eddie Pepperell, who joked that he’d rather not be around when that time comes.
Michelle Wie announces she’s preganant with first child; Already motivated to make her comeback
Michelle Wie has been plagued with a recurring wrist injury over the past couple of years, forced to take off the rest of the 2019 season off because of it, but is now taking time away from the game for a very different reason.
Wie, who married husband Jonnie West last August, announced last week that they are expecting their first child, a girl, in the summer.
For Wie, knowing that she’s having a girl is already providing her with inspiration to come back to the game.
“I do know, especially now having a baby girl, the motivation to come back is even stronger,” Wie said during a conference call Friday.
“Because I’m having a girl, I want her to see me play, and be a strong woman. That’s really important. I always thought I’d be the person that I’m going to quit when I have kids. Now it’s different.”
Remembering Pete Dye: Influential course designer passes away aged 94
Pete Dye – one of the most influential course designers of his generation, who brought us venues like TPC Sawgrass and Whistling Straits – has died, aged 94.
Dye designed numerous golf courses during a career that began in 1959 alongside his wife, Alice, who died last February at age 91 (they had been married for 68 years).
The Dye portfolio, which spanned over six decades and featured more than 100 courses, included several major and PGA Tour venues, including TPC Sawgrass’ Stadium Course, Kiawah’s Ocean Course, Harbour Town and this year’s Ryder Cup venue, Whistling Straits’ Straits Course, as well as other highly-ranked designs such as The Honors Course and Pete Dye Golf Club.
“Pete made an indelible mark on the world of golf that will never be forgotten,” the statement read. “We will all miss him dearly.”
International Presidents Cup team donate $125,000 to Australian bushfires relief efforts
Sony Open champion Cameron Smith and fellow Australian Marc Leishamn both announced that they would be donating $500 for every birdie this week to the relief fund for the bushfires that have ravaged Australia – including Smith’s uncles house and most of his farm.
Soon after, it was announced that the International Presidents Cup side was donating $125,000 to the cause.
“I want to thank the rest of the International Team for their contributions to the cause and I know all of Australia – and particularly the victims – will be very grateful,” said Marc Leishman.
“These bushfires are an ongoing crisis that continue to cut a devastating path across Australia so support from the global community is crucial. It has been heartening to see the resiliency of the Australian people and to see the firefighters and volunteers from around the world coming together to continue this important fight.
“The scale of the destruction is huge and it will continue to take a team effort from every corner of the globe as we look to the future.”
“The International Team was made to feel at home and felt tremendous support and hospitality from the great people of Australia,” International Captain Ernie Els said. “We hope that our donation can not only have an impact in Australia but will also encourage others to do what they can to help.”
Gear Stories
Last week was rife with equipment launches, so here’s a run down of the biggest news
➤ TaylorMade launch new Sim driver, fairways and irons
➤ Inside PXG’s new 0311 Gen 3 irons
➤ Srixon unveil new Q-Star Tour golf balls
➤ Wilson Staff reveal Tour level D7 Forged Irons
➤ Eddie Pepperell signs multi-year deal with Ping
➤ First Look: Skechers new Go Golf mens collection
