News
Donald Decimates Match Play Field
By Scott MacLeod, via Flagstick Golf Magazine (www.flagstick.com)
He might have graced the 18th fairway at The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain in practice rounds but that was the last time Luke Donald would see the hole all week at the World Golf Championships – Accenture Match Play Championship.
Donald looked focused and fearless all week long as you mowed down one opponent after another. He even saved a little gas for the final where he faced down the new World #1 ranked player, Martin Kaymer, and disposed of him by a count of 3&2.
The Englishman kicked off his final day with an impressive opening run that saw him get to three up on his German opponent after just five holes.
“The Germanator” had no plans to lie down and by the time they had reached the turn the match was back to all square. That would be the extent of his fight though as he was not able to win another hole while Donald captured the 11th, 12th, and 15th to create enough of a lead to make the last two holes unnecessary.
Even after squandering the lead Donald showed great resolve from that point on. Asked what his mindset was as they drew even he responded, “I felt like even though I squandered a couple holes, three putting 6 and messing up 9 I never got behind. I still had that momentum that not one of my opponents had gotten ahead of me and I just wanted to make sure that stayed the same today. Making a couple birdies to finish it off was very satisfying.”
“I played nicely this week,” said Donald after the match in a huge understatement. He only required 73 holes total to win the championship, besting Tiger Woods’ previous mark of 77 holes.
In his march to the top spot Donald took down an impressive array of players including 2010 PGA Tour money leader Matt Kuchar. Donald won that match by a score of 6&5 after being 7up through ten holes. His other victims, in order, included Charley Hoffman, Eduardo Molinari, Matteo Mannasero, and Ryan Moore.
It is the first big win for Donald, a Northwestern grad who many figured would have multiple PGA Tour titles by now, and even a major or two. This was his first win in the United States in five years.
He now moves to the #3 spot in the Official World Golf Rankings. His previous high was the #6 position.
The action was a little tighter in the consolation final where Matt Kuchar took down Bubba Watson by a tally of 1up.
Meanwhile, down in Mexico, Johnson Wagner earned a PGA Tour title of his own.
The opposite field Mayakoba Golf Classic concluded with a one-hole playoff where Johnson defeated Spencer Levin with a par. Johnson’s only other Tour win was at the 2008 Shell Houston Open.
Champions Tour regular John Cook finished in third place alone.
This report provided to GolfWRX.com by Canada’s Flagstick Golf Magazine, www.flagstick.com
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Morning 9: 58 on the Korn Ferry Tour | Rory on possible return to policy board
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Tour Photo Galleries
Photos from the 2024 Zurich Classic of New Orleans
GolfWRX is live on site this week at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans for the PGA Tour’s one-and-only two-man team event.
As usual, general galleries, WITBs, and pullout albums — including some pretty spicy custom putters and headcovers — await your viewing.
Be sure to check back for more photos from the Big Easy, as we’ll continue to update this page with additional galleries throughout the week.
General Albums
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Monday #2
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #1
- 2024 Zurich Classic – Tuesday #2
WITB Albums
- Alex Fitzpatrick – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Austin Cook – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Alejandro Tosti – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Davis Riley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- MJ Daffue – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Nate Lashley – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- James Nicholas – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Kevin Streelman – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rasmus Hojgaard – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Tom Whitney – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- SangMoon Bae – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Daniel Berger – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Rory McIlroy – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Russ Cochrane – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Aldrich Potgieter – WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Steve Stricker WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Drew Brees WITB (Legendary New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints QB) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Thriston Lawrence WITB – 2024 Zurich Classic
Pullout Albums
- MJ Daffue’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Cameron putters – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Swag covers ( a few custom for Nick Hardy) – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Custom Bettinardi covers for Matt and Alex Fitzpatrick – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Doug Ghim’s custom Cameron putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
- Patrick Cantlay spotted testing a Scotty Cameron blade putter – 2024 Zurich Classic
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