World Golf News - 28 June 2010

In the United States, Bubba Watson won the Traveler's Championship, held at TPC River Highlands in the gentile setting of Cromwell, Connecticut in a playoff against Corey Pavin and Scott Verplank. Having started the final round six strokes off the lead, Watson played an impressive eighteen holes to put himself in contention. Victory came in the form of a short putt for par, which Watson carefully holed to take the trophy. This is Watson's first victory on the US PGA tour, having tied for second at the Bob Hope Classic earlier this year. The long-hitting American, known for the pink shaft on his driver, has seen his accuracy improve this year, and may be well-positioned to claim further victories in the future.

On the European Tour, the BMW International Open was won by David Horsey of the United Kingdom. In a final round dominated by British players, Horsey carded a five under par 67 to win the championship, one shot ahead of countryman Ross Fisher. The Welshman Bradley Dregde, who had lead on the third day, failed to maintain his lead and tied for third place along with four other players. South Africa's Ernie Els missed the cut. The International Open was Horsey's maiden victory on the tour, another in a series of first-time champions that have been seen this year.

On the Champions Tour, the Dick's Sporting Goods Open was won by the American Loren Roberts. In hot summer weather in New York State, Roberts finished one stroke ahead of Fred Funk after making birdie at the eighteenth. Nick Price of Zimbabwe tied for third with New York local Wayne Levi. This is Roberts' twelfth victory on the Champions Tour, having come up from five strokes off the lead over eight holes to claim victory.

In women's golf, Cristie Kerr of the United States surpassed Japan's Ai Miyazato as world number one when she won the LPGA Championship by an astounding twelve stroke lead. Carving up the course at Locust Hill Country Club in Pittsford, New York, Kerr started the final round with an eight stroke lead and bettered it by four to become the first American ranked world number one on the LPGA. In contrast to the PGA Tour which is heavily American-dominated, the Women's Tour was originally dominated by Annika Sorenstam of Sweden when rankings were introduced in 2006. Following her retirement, the top spot has been claimed mostly by Asian players. This victory will confirm Kerr's place in the top tier of Women's golf.

Ed.