Power Rankings: ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf ~ Global Golf News

Golf Insurance Matters

The latest article in our how to series turns the spotlight on some of the unexpected things that can happen at the driving range – from ricochets to self-inflicted injuries – and why it pays to be insured. With winter closing in and less daylight hours in which to hit the course the best place to keep swinging is at the driving range. The driving range is a great hangout for golfers of all skill levels and abilities. Given that your local driving range could be filled with hackers and heroes it’s not impossible that an innocent trip to whack some balls could end in disaster, injury or a sizeable legal bill.

La Reservae Golf Club, Costa Del Sol

A new course designed by Cabell B. Robinson, La Reserva Club De Golf had only recently opened but I would never have guessed. On arrival it was obvious the course was in perfect condition. The opening hole at La Reserva is a straight par four with well designed bunkers and an attractive green – a good, if understated opener, but on the 2nd tee, however, the front nine opens up before you and you get an idea of the challenge that lies ahead. Set out in a small valley with wonderful changes in elevation, attractive contours and great scenery, the next eight holes weave back in forth in fantastic fashion.

Lie of the Land

A caddie at The Old Course at St Andrews, Turnberry or Troon would tell you that it takes time to get to know the subtleties and nuances of links land and learn the bounce of the ball. Often slopes and natural features can funnel the ball towards the hole, squeeze extra yards from a drive or prevent a ball from going in a hazard.

Thorpenes Golf Club

TA Hotel Collection, owners of Thorpeness Hotel and Golf Club in Suffolk, are seeking to attract more golf tourists to the county with the launch of a new trail combining real ale tours and classic seaside golf courses. Thorpeness Golf Club is already one of Southern England’s leading stay-and-play golf break destinations thanks to its 36-bedroom hotel, James Braid designed 18-hole course and location in the picture-perfect holiday village of Thorpeness; a Suffolk tourist hot-spot.

Monday, November 18, 2013

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Power Rankings: ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf

If you've been curious how the return of golf in the Olympics in 2016 will unfold, this week's ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf will provide a solid taste. The biennial competition will still declare a champion team of two representing their country, but the emphasis in the 57th edition of this event is on the individual competition over 72 holes.

Sixty golfers qualified via a series of updated criteria. Just one-eighth of the $8 million purse is reserved for the team component of which 26 partnerships will be chasing. Eight countries are represented by only one golfer and will not compete for the team prize.

The famed Royal Melbourne Golf Club in Australia hosts for the fourth time. For this competition, the Composite Course will be played just as it was for the Presidents Cup and the Talisker Masters. It features 12 holes from the West Course and six holes from the East. The amalgamation tops out at 7,046 yards and plays as a par 35-36=71.

Rain cannot be ruled out during any of the four days scheduled. Clouds are expected to prevent the temperature from hitting 70 degrees. Winds will be light to moderate.

The rankings below reflect the unique format of the World Cup.

Power Rankings: World Cup -- singles

Rank	Player		Comment
		Adam SCOTT	Third appearance; first since 2002. Returned from six-week break to win first two legs of the Aussie Triple Crown by an aggregate six shots.
		Jason DAY	Event debut. Remains committed despite loss of eight family members to Typhoon Haiyan. Emotional component could fuel special week at home.
		Matt KUCHAR	Won (with Gary Woodland) in his debut in 2011. Chased a T7 at The McGladrey Classic with a solo second at Royal Melbourne on Sunday.
		Ryo ISHIKAWA	Event debut. Played 2011 Presidents Cup. A T2 in Japan last week is his fifth top 10 in eight starts dating back to the Web.com Tour Finals.
		Victor DUBUISSON	Event debut. Finished sixth in the Race to Dubai on the strength of a torrid finish. Won in Turkey and then placed third at the DP World.
		Miguel Angel JIMENEZ	Making field-high 14th appearance. In 18 starts following broken leg in January, posted five top 10s, including T8 at Race to Dubai finale.
		Graeme McDOWELL	Fourth consecutive appearance. Ended recent slump with a solo third at the WGC-HSBC Champions. Tied for 17th in Dubai on Sunday.
		Francesco MOLINARI	Sixth appearance; 2009 champ. Solo 13th at the DP World Tour Championship. No worse than a T25 in his last five starts.
		Hideto TANIHARA	Third appearance. Fresh off a one-shot win (over teammate Ryo Ishikawa) on the Japan Golf Tour. Top 15s in his last three starts.
		Vijay SINGH	Third appearance (2001, 2002). Since a solo second at Frys.com, he's added a T23 at the Shriners and a solo third at the Talisker Masters.

Power Rankings: World Cup -- teams

Rank	Country	Players	Comment
	Australia		With Adam Scott's current form, Jason Day's recent tragedy and the home crowd supporting, it's their trophy to lose.
	Japan		Both Ryo Ishikawa and Hideto Tanihara are in fantastic form. Will be attempting to give Japan its third title in the event (1957, 2002).
	United States		Defending champion Matt Kuchar joins forces with first-timer Kevin Streelman. Americans won the last time Royal Melbourne hosted (1988).
	Sweden		Peter Hanson has two top 10s in his last three starts. First-timer Jonas Blixt quietly placed 12th at the DP World Tour Championship.
	Italy		Francesco Molinari teams with first-timer Matteo Manassero. Remainder of the top 10 (in order): France, Ireland, Spain, Thailand, Germany.