Poulter seeks further success
Golf story by sport.co.uk, Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:02:46GMT

Ian Poulter is hoping he can use his fine WGC Accenture Match Play Championship win as a platform for further triumphs in the coming months.He beat fellow Englishman Paul Casey 42 in the event at Tucson, claiming his maiden win in America.The success has propelled into a career-high fifth place in the world rankings and with Tiger Woods continued absence from the game, Poulter is wanting to further increase his stature.His win has almost guaranteed him a place in Colin Montgomeries...

Form of trio impressing Monty
Golf story by sport.co.uk, Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:02:45GMT

European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie has hailed the form of Ian Poulter, Paul Casey and Sergio Garcia following their successes in last weeks Accenture World Match Play in Tucson.England duo Poulter and Casey contested the final with Poulter grabbing a maiden success in America, securing a 4 and 2 victory, and with Garcia falling in the semi-finals, all three have all but guaranteed their places in Montgomeries side.With this years Ryder Cup taking place at Newtowns Celtic Manor Resort at...

Mickelson close to best
Golf story by sport.co.uk, Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:02:43GMT

Phil Mickelson is confident of kick-starting his slow start to the PGA Tour season if he can rediscover his putting stroke at this weeks Phoenix Open.The world number two is currently 44th in the FedEx Cup standings after three indifferent appearances so far this season.Mickelson was expected to shine in 2010 in the absence of Tiger Woods and the way he finished the last season, with victories at the Tour Championship and the HSBC Champions tournament.But ahead of the Phoenix Open...

Kaymer wants home comforts
Golf story by sport.co.uk, Fri, 26 Feb 2010 09:02:41GMT

Martin Kaymer is hoping familiar territory can help him secure victory at the Waste Management Phoenix Open this week.The world number eight knows the course well as he trains there during the winter months and, with knowledge of the Arizona venue under his belt, the German is hoping he can finally find success at his second home.He said: "Some friends of mine have lived here for more than 20 years and four years ago I asked them if I could come...

Johnson holds off Duval surge
Golf story by sport.co.uk, Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:06:21GMT

Home golfer Dustin Johnson successfully defended his Pebble Beach Pro-Am title by sinking a birdie putt on the final green to edge out compatriots JB Holmes and David Duval.Johnson struggled to a two-over par 74 on the final day, but that was just enough to seal victory, with fellow joint overnight leader Paul Goydos fading away due to a miserable 78.Holmes managed a one-under par 71, while Duval came close to ending his lengthy title wait by shooting a superb 69.Duval...

McIlroy to soldier on
Golf story by sport.co.uk, Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:06:19GMT

Rory McIlroy has insisted he will not re-configure his swinging action despite suffering from a continuing back problem.The Northern Irish star went for a scan last week after the injury flared up again in Dubai and is receiving treatment ahead of this weeks WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona.He has suffered from stretched ligaments and the injury has been linked to the movement he makes in his hips. However, McIlroy suggests he will not change his action to counter the issue,...

McDowell eyes Ryder Cup place
Golf story by sport.co.uk, Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:06:17GMT

Graeme McDowell is hoping that a positive showing at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship will help him to gain a place in Colin Montgomeries Ryder Cup team.The Northern Irishman has just over six months to impress the skipper and is desperate to avoid the wildcard route into the team.The 30-year-olds next step begins on Wednesday when he takes on Luke Donald in the opening round at the Arizona course.McDowell is hoping his previous failures at the event are a thing of...

Stricker stunned by McGowan
Golf story by sport.co.uk, Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:06:15GMT

Ross McGowan sprang a major surprise in the first round of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship by beating the top-seed Steve Stricker.The 27-year-old Englishman is only playing at the event because Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are absent and took advantage of his good fortune by grabbing a superb win.He won the contest by sinking a 25-yard putt on the first extra hole and now fancies his chances of grabbing further success at the event in Tucson.He said: "Id say I...

Woods to break his silence
Golf story by sport.co.uk, Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:06:13GMT

Tiger Woods will finally speak about his recent indiscretions and future plans at a media conference in Florida on Friday.The world number one revealed in December that he would take a break from the game in order to save his marriage having admitted to infidelity.He has spent time with his wife Elin after his misdemeanours were unearthed but he is ready to talk about his comeback plans in front of a select audience.A statement from Woods manager, Mark Steinberg, read: "Tiger...

Els slams selfish Woods
Golf story by sport.co.uk, Tue, 23 Feb 2010 09:06:11GMT

Anger is growing about the timing of Tiger Woods first public appearance of the year, with Ernie Els leading the criticism.The world number one is set to make a statement on Friday afternoon in Florida but Els is unhappy that it will deflect attention from this weeks WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona.Woods, who took a break from golf after admitting marital infidelity, is expected to discuss the revelations about his private life that made headlines in November.However, Els said: "Its...