World Golf News - 18 October 2011

On the US PGA Tour the McGladrey Classic was won by the American Ben Crane after a playoff against compatriot Webb Simpson.After a splendid final round performance that saw Crane carding two sets of four straight birdies in a row for a score of 63 on Sunday, the champion entered a sudden-death playoff against Simpson.

The action unfolded on the second extra hole where Crane narrowly missed a birdie putt. In the end however, this was enough to seal victory as Simpson could only manage a bogey - a moment of triumph for Crane who is soon to be a father.

For his part, Webb Simpson also has reason to celebrate as his second-place finish places him above world number one Luke Donald at the top of the US PGA Tour's money list. Simpson and Donald will face off next week at Disney World in the final official tournament of 2011.

In Europe, the young British golfing sensation Tom Lewis secured his place in professional golf when he won the Portugal Masters on Sunday, earning a full exemption for the 2012 European Tour season.

The 20-year-old golfer wowed fans at his third tournament appearance when he came up from the back to seize victory. Having started the final round four strokes off the pace and with a consisted front nine, the talented young challenger delivered an astounding run of four birdies on the row that began on the 14th hole.

Second place went to Spain's Rafael Cabrera-Bello who had led the tournament briefly early on Sunday. When his ball found water on the 12th hole however, the Spaniard's chances of victory were nipped in the bud. Having weathered the storms of competition that come with a European Tour appearance, Lewis will be a regular fixture with golf fans next season.

Golfweather Editorial