Marshall Claims Lyle's World Hickory Open Title

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Martin Dempster reports that Sandy Lyle was unable to defend his World Hickory Open title, so Englishman Andrew Marshall gladly took the title with rounds of 67-76 at Carnoustie's Buddon and Championship courses.

Dempster writes:

After finishing as runner-up to Lyle 12 months ago, Marshall, who is attached to Dereham in Norfolk, went one better as he followed an opening 67 on the Buddon course at Carnoustie with a 76 on the Championship layout in the Angus town.

He finished a shot ahead of American amateur Cliff Martin (69-75), with Carnoustie’s Fraser Mann (71-75) two shots further back in third in an event that featured 120 players from 18 different countries.

“The scoring was pretty good and I’d say that was down to two or three things,” said Lionel Freedman, the event’s brainchild and chairman. “The quality of the players, first and foremost, and also the quality of the courses, which were both in superb condition, while we were blessed with very good weather on this occasion, too.”

Next year's event is at Panmure.

Special shoutout to all who played, including fifth place finisher Alistair Good, professional at Gullane.

 

Lydia Ko Notches 10th Win With Heavy Heart

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Here is the summary from LPGA communications after Lydia Ko won the Fubon Taiwan Championship by nine, her tenth LPGA Tour win coming at nearly 3 1/2 years younger than Nancy Lopez's 10th win.

The victory returns the 18-year-old to the No. 1 ranking and the top spot on a list of incredible players under the age of 25.

Ko did it playing with a heavy heart after learning of the death of Patsy Hankins, New Zealand Golf President who was also one of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club's first female members.

Ko dedicated the win to former New Zealand Golf President Patsy Hankins who passed away earlier this week and someone Ko considers a mentor in her junior days.

“And I think I was really playing for Patsy this week,” said Ko. “I think just hearing that on Friday morning broke my heart. She was such a huge factor into my life in my junior golf. To hear that she had passed away was very hard to hear that before you’re entering a round. But kind of just played for her the last three days, and I’m so happy that I can bring this win to her and her family.”

Ko had posted this tribute to Instagram earlier this week:

And this selfie, thanking the sponsor right off the bat.

Ben Crane Cites Scripture, Writings Of Davis Love In Self-DQ

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If only the feelings of guilt weighing on Ben Crane were as strong when self-reflecting on his daily golf course rudeness, better known as his glacial pace of play!

At least in disqualifying himself over a hazard grounding only he witnessed, Crane has indicated he is capable of feeling guilty. Just not about being the least considerate golfer on the PGA Tour.

It's a start!

Regarding his Shriners Hospital Open DQ, Crane cites the biblical interpretations of Davis Love on playersdevotional.com.

 The writings of Captain Love, should Ben Crane ever decide to take them to heart in the slow play department.