Kansas.com: Golf

Late birdie gives Sabbatini lead

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 01:43 CDT

South Africa's Rory Sabbatini birdied the final hole for a 7-under 63 and a one-stroke lead over Zach Johnson on Saturday in the Texas Open at San Antonio.

Sabbatini, a four-time tour winner who lives in Southlake outside Dallas, had an eagle and four birdies for a back-nine 29 on the La Cantera Golf Club's Resort Course. Winless since the 2007 Colonial in Fort Worth, he had a 14-under 196 total.

Johnson, the 2007 Masters champion, shot a bogey-free 62, playing the front nine in 5-under 30. He has three PGA Tour victories.

Tim Wilkinson (63), 1997 winner Tim Herron (67) and second-round leader Chris Stroud (69) were 11 under, and Mark Wilson (66), Joe Ogilvie (67), Michael H. Thompson (67), Jeff Overton (67) and Tim Petrovic (68) followed at 10 under.

Longs Drugs Challenge-- South Korea's In-Kyung Kim remained in position for her first LPGA Tour victory, shooting a 3-under 69 in windy conditions to take a one-stroke lead over Angela Stanford in the Longs Drugs Challenge at Danville, Calif.

Creamer fends off tough field for win

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 01:38 CDT

Paula Creamer calmly won her biggest LPGA Tour title yet, holding off a large pack in the 20-player Samsung World Championship at Half Moon Bay, Calif.

Playing near her hometown of Pleasanton, the 22-year-old Creamer beat Song-Hee Kim by a stroke Sunday, closing with a bogey-free 3-under 69 for a 9-under 279 total. Creamer earned $250,000 for her fourth title of the year and eighth overall.

On No. 18, Creamer holed a 5-foot par putt that rolled around the right lip of the cup and in. She dropped her putter, and raised both arms with a huge smile across her face as Kim waited nearby for a possible playoff.

Kim finished with a 68 for her fifth top-five finish of the year.

Two-time defending champion Lorena Ochoa shot a 69 to tie for third at 7 under with Juli Inkster (68), Suzann Pettersen (68) and Angela Stanford (70).

Double bogeys cost Ochoa lead

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 01:38 CDT

Angela Stanford's rare double eagle turned into a huge boost for her to stay near the top of the leaderboard on a day when playing conditions were challenging for everybody.

A pair of double bogeys and a bogey on the 18th cost two-time defending champion Lorena Ochoa, who had a tough back nine after she began the day so well in the second round of the Samsung World Championship at Half Moon Bay, Calif.

Na Yeon Choi of South Korea survived the changing wind and decreasing temperatures to shoot a 1-under 71 on Friday, giving her a 4-under 140 total and a two-stroke lead over Stanford (73), Ochoa (73), Paula Creamer (74) and Song-Hee Kim (73).

Stanford, who briefly got to 6 under, pulled off her double eagle on the par-5, 481-yard fourth hole -- only the second one this year on the LPGA Tour and the 30th in tour history. She hit a 7-wood from 212 yards.

Turning Stone Resort Championship -- Jeff Overton shot a 3-under 69 in blustery conditions to take a one-shot lead over Tag Ridings in the Turning Stone Resort Championship at Verona, N.Y.

Shin in lead at British

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 01:38 CDT

Ji-Yai Shin became a household name back home in South Korea and even somewhat in Japan after she won the Women's British Open in August.

Now, the 20-year-old Shin is interested in raising her profile in the United States -- with regular success on the LPGA Tour.

She shot a 5-under 67 on Thursday to take the first-day lead in the Samsung World Championship, topping Paula Creamer's 68 that featured a birdie on 17 following a bogey on the previous hole.

"Everybody knows me as the British Open champion," Shin said. "In Korea, the players say: 'Don't come back to Korea. Go play in America.' "

Lorena Ochoa and Annika Sorenstam were only 17 minutes into their rounds and on the second fairway as the last twosome to start when the horn sounded and play was suspended for 26 minutes.

GOLF

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 01:40 CDT

Hole in One

Terradyne

Walt Byfield, No. 17 (124 yards), pitching wedge. Witnesses: Jim Copeland, Jim Martin, Bob Loveland.

Tallgrass

Andy Stephens, No. 11 (101 yards), wedge. Witnesses: Wes Garton, Greg Joyce.

Boys Soccer

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 01:41 CDT

Derby 2, Goddard 1

Derby	0 2 -- 2
Goddard	1 0 -- 1

First half--Goddard, Walker (Gronberg). Second half--Derby, Steadman (Taylor); Gilmore (Stegman). Shots--Derby 5-11--16; Goddard 2-2--4. Saves--Derby, Garrison 1-0--1; Goddard, Teran 3-8--11.

North 2, South 1

South	0 1 -- 1
North	1 1 -- 2

First half--North,Guzman (Anima). Second half--North, McGehee (UA); South, Loesing (Gramke). Shots--South 2-2--4; North 2-3--5. Saves--South, Diaz 1-1--2; North, Harshfield 2-1--3.

Girls Golf

Villegas rallies for another victory

DOUG FERGUSON — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 01:38 CDT

A two-putt par to win the Tour Championship in a playoff was worth an extra $1.5 million to Camilo Villegas.

A 7-iron to a scary pin on the 71st hole, under more pressure than he has ever faced?

That was invaluable.

Villegas overcame a five-shot deficit with six birdies on his final 11 holes of regulation -- the last one after going at a dangerous flag on the 17th -- and won the Tour Championship on the first extra hole against Sergio Garcia for his second straight victory.

"Winning is awesome," Villegas said after closing with a 4-under 66.

Kim riding hot streak

DOUG FERGUSON — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 01:38 CDT

Anthony Kim wore a red shirt, fired at flags and made birdies on almost half of his holes.

So much for that Ryder Cup hangover. The way Kim played Thursday in the opening round of the Tour Championship, it was almost as if the Ryder Cup never ended.

Four days after Kim humbled Sergio Garcia, he beat 29 players just as badly at East Lake with a 6-under 64 that gave Kim a four-shot lead over Masters champion Trevor Immelman, Ryder Cup teammate Phil Mickelson and Ernie Els.

"It took me a couple of days to get over that celebration," Kim said of a 16 ½-11 ½ victory over Europe. "Obviously, it's nice when you walk up to a green and you've got a couple of people (saying), 'Nice job at the Ryder Cup. Way to bring the cup back home,' little things like that. I feel like when I'm happy, having a good time, I'm going to make some birdies."

Vijay Singh wasn't feeling it. He only has to complete all four rounds at East Lake to capture the FedEx Cup, and that might have been the best part of his opening round at East Lake -- he finished. But he started poorly, 5 over through 11 holes, before settling for a 73.

Hartman Golf facility breaks ground at WSU

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 01:41 CDT

Construction began Monday on the Hartman Golf Practice facility at Braeburn Golf Course on the Wichita State University campus.

The 1,700 square foot facility, which is scheduled for completion in January, features four all-weather hitting bays that will be equipped with a state-of-the-art video swing analysis system which will provide a breakdown of each student-athlete's swing. The facility will also include a synthetic putting and chipping surface and two retractable bay doors opening up to the Braeburn Driving Range. "a

U.S. team wants to have Azinger back

DOUG FERGUSON — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 01:41 CDT

No one spent more time in the PGA of America hospitality room last month at Oakland Hills than Corey Pavin, presumably to start lobbying to be the next U.S. captain for the Ryder Cup.

The list of candidates has rarely been this short, nor has it been so obvious.

"Zinger in 2010," Phil Mickelson said after the Americans reclaimed possession of the Ryder Cup.

Paul Azinger widened his eyes with what little strength he had left Sunday night when asked if he would consider devoting another two years as Captain America, this time with far more to lose than to gain.

"Zinger in 2010," Justin Leonard added.

Ryder victory for U.S.

DOUG FERGUSON — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 01:41 CDT

U.S. captain Paul Azinger sprinted up the stairs to the clubhouse balcony and grabbed the biggest bottle of champagne he could find to join an American celebration he felt was a long time coming in the Ryder Cup.

They didn't need a miracle putt or an amazing comeback like their last victory in 1999.

They didn't even need Tiger Woods.

Strong as a team and equally mighty on their own, the Americans rode the emotion of a flag-waving crowd and their Kentucky heroes on Sunday to take back the Ryder Cup with a 16 ½-11 ½ victory over Europe.

Kenny Perry, the 48-year-old native son who dreamed of playing a Ryder Cup before a Bluegrass crowd, delivered a 3-and-2 victory that was part of an early push that swung momentum toward the U.S. team.

GOLF

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 01:39 CDT

Penalized two strokes for moving impediments in a hazard, Will MacKenzie lost three shots on 18 to give the Viking Classic lead back to Mark Turnesa in Madison, Miss.

MacKenzie's 8 on the par-5 18th left him tied for second with Brian Gay, two strokes behind Turnesa on the Annandale course.

Derby's Woody Austin was tied for seventh place at 11-under after shooting a 67.

Turnesa, a PGA Tour rookie who also topped the second-round leaderboard, shot a 6-under 66 for a 17-under 199 total. MacKenzie and Gay had 67s.

MacKenzie, who has one tour victory, the Reno-Tahoe Open in 2006, opened with birdies on the first two holes and made the turn at 32. His only stumble before 18 was a bogey on the fourth hole.

Ryder set for thrilling finish

DOUG FERGUSON — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 01:39 CDT

Birdie putts kept falling, one on top of the other, until the Americans finally secured a Saturday lead in the Ryder Cup for the first time since 1995 to set up a final day that finally matters.

The last hour defined the pressure and passion of the Ryder Cup, so intense that players on both teams were emotionally exhausted.

All that remains are 12 singles matches today to determine the winner.

Robert Karlsson concluded a gripping afternoon at Valhalla with his seventh birdie in 10 holes as he and fellow Swede Henrik Stenson scratched out a halve against Phil Mickelson and Hunter Mahan.

The Americans hung on for two key halves to split the afternoon four-ball session, taking a 9-7 lead to finally give them a fighting chance to wrest the 17-inch gold chalice away from Europe.

U.S. ahead after one day at Ryder Cup

DOUG FERGUSON — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 01:39 CDT

Phil Mickelson won as many points as his last two Ryder Cups combined. Justin Leonard had never won a match in any Ryder Cup until two blowout victories at Valhalla.

And the most stunning turnaround Friday might have been all those celebrations.

Finally, the Americans had all the fun.

Boo Weekley revved up the crowd, Anthony Kim set a record for high-fives and the Americans delivered four big comebacks to take a 5 ½-2 ½ lead, their largest margin after the opening day since Europe first was included in the Ryder Cup in 1979.

"We're in a good place," U.S. captain Paul Azinger said. "Who would have thought?"

Past not present

DOUG FERGUSON — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:39 CDT

Paul Azinger had pairings in his pocket and butterflies in his stomach. As the last of his American players headed to the 10th tee for the final practice session Thursday at the Ryder Cup, Azinger acknowledged some nerves for the first time all week at Valhalla.

It was different from being a player. He felt more like a parent sending his child off to college.

Azinger has done all he can to stop Europe's recent dominance in the Ryder Cup. He overhauled the qualifying process to field the best team. He set the course up just like he wanted, with moderate rough that should yield lots of birdies. He tried to convince his players that the past -- Europe has won three straight and five of the last six -- means nothing.

"It's like drawing back a bow string," he said, motioning like an archer. "You pull it back for two years, and now you've got to let it fly. All you can do is hope you've got it pointed in the right direction."

He turned to Phil Mickelson and Anthony Kim to set the right course.

GOLF

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 01:41 CDT

Holes in One

Sierra Hills

Warren Carpenter, No. 2 (109 yds.), pitching wedge. Witnesses: Kent Moxley, Larry Clark, Bill Rainer.

Kent Moxley, No. 14 (109 yds.), 9-iron. Witnesses: Warren Carpenter, Bill Rainer, Larry Clark.

WGA Fall Jamboree

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 01:38 CDT

Saturday and Sunday at Consolver

Tee Times, 8:30--Chris Swyers-Phillip Ruffin; Corey Novascone-Ryan Bina. 8:40--Jeff Martin-Rick Smith; Gary Quinn-Grier Jones II. 8:50--Chris Jakub-Rich High; Jim Mendenhall-Roger Bratland. 9:00--Steve Newman-Todd Bonewell; Mike Holloway-Tracy Chamberlin. 9:10--Brian Schulte-Steven Schulte; Ken Landwehr-Steve Schulte. 9:20--Steve Foulston-Gary Holland; Gene Bowden-Brent Bahner. 9:30--Michael Vogt-John Vogt; Mike Sikes-Mark Sikes. 9:40--Ben York-Bill Quattlebaum; Roy Schoonover-Jeff Schauner. 9:50--Steve Howell-Kramer Howell; Josh Cork-Glen Cork. 10--Eric Johnsen-Robert Wright; Mike Latimer-Clayton Latimer. 10:10--Duane Creekmore-Dave Thomas; Eric Ritzman-Sean Lunsford. 10:20--Jason Brotsky-Cole Johnson; Clark Carrier-Clint Carrier. 10:30--John McLaughlin-Michael McMillin; Floyd Bird-Tim Armstrong. 10:40--Donald Hinote-Tin Truong; Tyson Terhune-Curtis Peterson. 10:50--Ken Kirchner-Bob Henson; Sean Putnam-Jon Putnam.

Stanford sinks putt to seal win at Bell Micro

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 01:38 CDT

Angela Stanford won the Bell Micro LPGA Classic on Sunday for her second career LPGA Tour title, holing a 3 ½-foot par putt on the final hole for a 1-over 73 and a one-stroke victory over China's Shanshan Feng.

"It's been so long," said Stanford, also the 2003 ShopRite LPGA Classic winner.

The 30-year-old Texan, four strokes ahead entering the day after consecutive 67s in the second and third rounds, had an 11-under 277 total on The Crossings course at Magnolia Grove. She earned $210,000.

The 19-year-old Feng birdied the 18th for a 68.

Kim Hall was third at 8 under after a 69, and Hee Young Park (70), Danielle Downey (70) and Katherine Hull (73) followed at 7 under.

Stanford shoots way to four-stroke lead

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:41 CDT

Angela Stanford shot her second straight 5-under 67 on Saturday to take a four-stroke lead in the Bell Micro LPGA Classic in Mobile, Ala.

"I'm having such a good time playing this golf course," said Stanford, who won the 2003 ShopRite LPGA Classic for her lone tour title.

"It's been a while since I've been in this position, and I'm just having so much fun this week that I don't think there's any pressure."

Stanford had seven birdies, including four in a row on the back nine, to reach 12-under 204 on The Crossings course at Magnolia Grove.

Canadian Women's Open winner Katherine Hull was 8 under after a 68, and Angela Park (69) and Shanshan Feng (70) were tied for third at 6 under.

RYDER CUP ON TV

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 01:41 CDT

Thursday: Opening ceremony, 2 p.m., ESPN (Ch. 32)

Friday: 7 a.m.-5 p.m., ESPN

Saturday: 7 a.m.-5 p.m., KSNW (Ch. 3)

Sunday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m., KSNW; closing ceremony, 5 p.m., ESPN