There is no doubting the huge impact the COVID-19 pandemic had and continues to have on our lives. This is ongoing in 2021 and everyone is eager for the world's governments to find a way back to normal life for all. While all parts of daily life have been impacted by COVID, sports has been one area that has seen much disruption.
Justin Thomas got off to a fast start in defence of his US PGA Tour Tournament of Champions title. The world number three shares the lead with Harris English on eight-under-par after a flawless opening round that included eight birdies.
Andy Sullivan cruised into a three-shot lead at the halfway point of the Golf in Dubai Championship presented by DP World, where the Englishman's 17 under total came close to breaking a new European Tour record for lowest 36-hole score.
As the sun set on a sensational ten days in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Denmark’s Emily Kristine Pedersen completed the ‘Saudi Sweep’ of titles, adding to her season’s trophy haul with victory in both the team and individual standings at the inaugural Saudi Ladies Team International.
Kim Sei-Young extended her lead to two shots at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship with an impressive three-under-par third round of 67. Canada's Brooke Henderson and two-time major winner Anna Nordqvist from Sweden share second place with seven-time major winner Inbee Park a further shot back. "I wouldn't say I'm nervous, but I am excited,” Kim said.
Emily Kristine Pedersen sealed her second career LET title at the 2020 Tipsport Czech Ladies Open at Beroun Golf Club, closing with a dramatic 80ft eagle putt on the 18th hole to win by four-shots at 17-under-par from Austria’s Christine Wolf. The scores suggest it was a procession, it was anything but. By the 12th it was down to three, as Austria’s Cristine Wolf came knocking.
Sophia Popov continued her love for Royal Troon as she opened up a commanding three-stroke lead heading into the final round of the AIG Women’s Open. American duo Austin Ernst and Lindsey Weaver, helped by a miraculous chip in for par at the 12th, are two shots further back in a tie for fourth place at one-over-par, alongside another German, Caroline Masson.
Andy Sullivan took a one shot lead after round two of the English Championship, firing a nine-under par round of 62 as the sun shone on Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel and Country Club. South African Dean Burmester matched Sullivan’s back nine 28 in a round of 63 that left him a shot off the lead alongside another Englishman in Laurie Canter, who recorded a 65.
Charley Hull crushed local girl and event organiser Liz Young’s dreams of a home course victory when she holed a 15-foot birdie putt at the first extra. Sadly there were no spectators at Brokenhurst Manor Golf Club in the New Forest to witness the exciting climax to the first Rose Ladies Series event.
Italy has just gone into lockdown and around the world sports events are starting to be impacted by the Coronavirus crisis. All golf events cancelled to date have been mainly in Asia but now Europe and the USA are beginning to take action to stem the spread of the virus. The Masters is only a month away, and the signs are not promising.
Master Craftsman Scotty Cameron has produced a reboot of his classic designs to produce eight new blade and mid-mallet setups precision milled putters. Retaining the classic Scotty Cameron look the putters look to deliver a tour level performance to the retail market.
The Sanderson Farms Championship from the Country Club of Jackson delivered another first-time winner when Sebastian Munoz saw off 2019 Rookie of the Year, Sungjae Im, on the first hole of a playoff. It was the Columbian’s first tour victory and follows the win by Joaquin Niemann of Chile at last week’s win at the A Military Tribute at the Greenbrier.
