Golf News: Lonard Wins Australian PGA

Sydney professional Peter Lonard today won his third Australian PGA championship in six years at the Hyatt Resort at Coolum.

Lonard closed with a seven-under 65 for a 20 under total to beat New Zealand's David Smail (68) by three shots.

Tied for third were West Australian Greg Chalmers, who had a sizzling final round of 65, which included six straight birdies on the back nine, Victorian Scott Laycock and promising West Australian Michael Sim all on 15-under.

World No.6 Adam Scott finished six shots behind Lonard after a gallant four-under 68 in a tie for sixth.

South African overnight leader Rory Sabbatini dropped away to finish tied eighth several shots behind Lonard...

Read the full golf news story

My thoughts

I was really pleased for Peter who had a horror year on the US PGA tour and in his interview after winning suggested he was ready to give up the game a few months earlier. He just loves coming back to Australia and always seems to find his game down under. Congratulations Peter!

I was disappointed with Adam Scott's week (or should I say 3rd round) and I hope he bounces back from this.

Australian PGA - Day 3 Wrap

South African golfer Rory Sabbatini snatched a birdie on the 18th hole to grab a one-shot lead on 14 under on the third day of the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum.

Five other players - American Jason Gore, South Australian left-hander Adam Bland, West Australian Michael Sim, Kiwi David Smail and two-time PGA winner Peter Lonard were all tied for second on 13-under.

Adam Scott - who took a triple bogey eight at his 12th hole - showed great courage to finish with three birdies late in his round to still be a chance on 10-under.

Defending champion Nick O'Hern also put himself back in the tournament with a seven-under 65 to be five shots back and not completely out of contention...

Read the complete golf news story

Australian PGA - Day 2 Wrap

World number six Adam Scott moved past countryman Peter Lonard and South Africa's Rory Sabbatini to claim a two-shot lead during the second round of the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

Scott was on 6-under-par through 16 holes to reach 11-under for the tournament after picking up several shots on his first-round 67.

Scott was currently two shots ahead of Sabbatini, who carded a fine 5-under round of 67 while Lonard shot a 69 as the pair reached 9-under.

American JB Holmes was tied for second place on 9-under through 14 holes.

Little-known Cameron Percy shot a 66, the round of the day, and to grab a three-way share of fifth place alongside Scott Laycock and New Zealand's David Smail.

Percy's score featured nine birdies and three bogeys.

Overnight leader Michael Sim dropped back to 6-under after a disastrous 1-over 73 second round...

Read complete golf news story

Australian PGA - Day 2 Wrap

World number six Adam Scott moved past countryman Peter Lonard and South Africa's Rory Sabbatini to claim a two-shot lead during the second round of the Australian PGA Championship at Coolum on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

Scott was on 6-under-par through 16 holes to reach 11-under for the tournament after picking up several shots on his first-round 67.

Scott was currently two shots ahead of Sabbatini, who carded a fine 5-under round of 67 while Lonard shot a 69 as the pair reached 9-under.

American JB Holmes was tied for second place on 9-under through 14 holes.

Little-known Cameron Percy shot a 66, the round of the day, and to grab a three-way share of fifth place alongside Scott Laycock and New Zealand's David Smail.

Percy's score featured nine birdies and three bogeys.

Overnight leader Michael Sim dropped back to 6-under after a disastrous 1-over 73 second round...

Read complete golf news story

Australian PGA preview

The hottest field in golf this summer is ready to set the course alight in Coolum with Stuart Appleby, Richard Green, John Senden, Peter Lonard, Brett Rumford, Mark Hensby, Nathan Green and Stephen Leaney all confirming their entry in the $1.4 million Cadbury Schweppes Australian PGA Championship.

The cream of Australian golfing talent will join world top ten players Adam Scott and South African Rory Sabbatini in December to compete for one of this country’s most sought after trophies, the Joe Kirkwood Cup.

“Australian golfers are amongst the best in the world and to have so many of our top players returning home to support our event is fantastic,” said Max Garske, the PGA’s CEO. “We’ve got an incredible contingent of Australian players entered, as well as two of the world’s top ten players so it’s no doubt going to be the tournament to watch over the summer.”

Leading the charge will be Stuart Appleby. His results this year include a second to fellow Aussie Adam Scott at the Shell Houston Open in April and as one of Australian’s most successful golf exports he will be chasing his maiden Australian PGA Championship victory...

Read the complete golf news story

My tip
I think that an Aussie will win (I know that is not really much of a tip) and my gut says that it will be a slight outsider like Richard Green or Peter Lonard. However I would put money on Rory Sabbatini being close to the lead on the final day.

Tell me what you think - leave a comment