PGA Tour
Shriners Hospital for Children Open
TPC Summerlin
Las Vegas, Nevada
During this part of the new PGA Tour season, aspiring pros and unknowns have big opportunities to secure victories, FedEx Cup points, and exemptions, as many of the bigger names are taking the time off for fall and winter.
Now is the time to cash in and take advantage.
That’s just what Ben Martin did this past weekend. The young Clemson graduate and 2010 built up a four shot lead by the 10th hole on Sunday. But nerves caused an errant shot U.S. Amateur runner-up on the 11th tee, resulting in a stuck position behind a tree. Combined with Martin’s bogey at #11, Kevin Streelman rattled off five birdies to overtake Martin and capture the lead.
In an “awesome way to finish,” according to Martin, he finished the final four holes in four-under-par to secure a two-shot margin of victory.
Win the win Martin punched his ticket to the Masters for the first time as a professional. He had played in the Masters as an amateur in 2010. Marin also takes the very early FedEx Cup points race lead, but the playoffs will not start for nearly a year from now so much can happen between now and then.
Three players tied for fourth place, four shots back: Brooks Koepka, Jimmy Walker, Webb Simpson.
European Tour
World Match Play Championship
Ash, England
In 2012 Mikko Ilonen was ranked 334th in the world. On Sunday, he defeated the #1 seed and top five player Henrik Stenson in the World Match Play Championship.
Ilonen was one down after four holes, but eventually won the match 3&1 (three up with one to play).
I didn’t make any mistakes this afternoon against Henrik,” said Ilonen. “(I) felt like I had a good chance to beat him and I did.”
