The Monday Mulligan: the week that was in golf …

themondaymulligan
May 8, 2023
5 min read

Another week with a debut winner along with some big names getting back to the grind as their consistent seasons continued to march on. Some exciting finishes as the race to the end of the season heats up and everyone makes a mad dash to secure Ryder Cup positions, a win or improve their playing rights for 2024.

It was Wyndham Clark who steadied the ship in his fourth round to run away and take out his first win on the PGA Tour. Clark, who was solid for his opening three rounds, got off to a shaky start on his Sunday where he hit his first drive of the day into the gallery and subsequently lost the lead to Xander Schauffele not long after. By his own admission, such a start in the past would have derailed his whole round. However, after almost quitting the tour on several occasions due to the emotional drain and pressure, a change in perspective led to a change in result for Clark. The win launches him to fifth on the FedEx Cup standings and a renewed outlook on his future on tour. Other big stories out of the week at Quail Hollow were key Ryder Cup contenders in the top 10 including Schauffele, English, Homa, Hatton and Fleetwood. Other big names were Adam Scott who finished T5 and Rickie Fowler who continued his march up the OWGR as he finished T14. A big week of results on a tough course.

Wyndham Clark breaks through for his first PGA Tour victory

Photo courtesy of pga.com

For the first time in the history of the event, Thailand took out the Hanwha Lifeplus International Crown played at TPC Harding Park on the weekend. In a remarkable comeback where Thailand had only won 10 matches in its past three years, Ariya Jutanugarn, Moriya Jutanugarn, Patty Tavatanakit and Atthaya Thitikul dominated the field to win 11 of their 12 matches and storm to victory. On Sunday, the Thailand ladies did it with ease, taking out all three of their finals matches. In a clinical display during a unique format on the LPGA Tour, it was worth a watch with some fantastic team golf on display.

Thailand takes out the Hanwha Lifeplus International Crown Photo

Photo courtesy of lpga.com

The DP World Tour put on a fantastic event with a thrilling finish where Adrian Meronk won his third Title on Tour and boosted his chances of representing Europe in the upcoming Ryder Cup which will also be played at the Marco Simone GC in Rome. It was a tense back nine where Meronk held his nerve to birdie two of the last three holes, finish at 13-under and win by one shot over Romain Langasque. It was the type of composure on display which would have caught the eye of Ryder Cup selectors as Meronk moved up to fourth in the Race to Dubai Standings. Other notable performances in Rome were Victor Perez with another top-ten performance, Nicolai Hojgaard storming home with a final round 6-under to finish T5 whilst his brother finished in a respectable T23. With events and points on offer in the coming weeks, the DP World Tour is one to watch as we close in on the Ryder Cup given that it is Europeans who will enter as the underdogs when it comes to the teams combined OWGR when compared to their American opponents.

Adrian Meronk wins his Third DP World Tour Title

Photo courtesy of pgatour.com

It was a superhero effort by Korea’s Chanmin Jung on the Asian Tour as he secured his first win after three years as a professional. Earning himself the nickname ‘The Korean Hulk’ due to his strength, size and driving distance, Chanmin Jung finished the PGA Tour of Korea last year as the longest hitter on tour. However, with only two top-ten performances in his domestic efforts, this result could be viewed as unexpected. Jung got off to a strong start in Seoul and went wire-to-wire to give himself a comfortable 6-shot victory as he finished with a fourth round 66. Jung played to his strengths, demonstrating confidence in his driver and using it on nine holes during his final round which steered him to victory. The 23-year-old took home a prize of US$222,222 which will boost his season alongside some improved playing rights on tour.

Korea’s Chanmin Jung wins the GS Caltex Maekyung Open

Photo courtesy of asiantour.com

It was another Australian Golfer in the winner’s circle this week on the Epson Tour as Gabriela Ruffels took out her second win for the season. The Garden City Charity Classic at Buffalo Dunes was the scene for the young Aussie to go top of the table in the Race for the Card as she continues a strong season, having only missed one cut. Ruffels stormed to a 6-shot advantage ahead of the final round after she broke the 36-hole scoring record on the Epson Tour which has stood for 20 years. It was hers to lose, however the 23-year-old maintained her composure, shooting a one under 71 to get to 19-under and win by four shots. The win is a major step in Ruffels fight to secure an LPGA Tour card by seasons end. Another exciting prospect for Australian Golf.

Gabbi Ruffels takes out her second win on the Epson Tour

Photo courtesy of golf.org.au

Up ahead …

The DP World Tour heads to Belgium this week for the Soudal Open where there are more than just points and prizemoney on offer. The Ryder Cup is just around the corner and the race for automatic entry is heating up with plenty of big names still hoping to get the nod before relying on Captains picks.

The Liv Golf League is off to the Cedar Ridge Country Club in Tulsa this weekend where 4Aces GC will be hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table whilst Talor Gooch will be hoping to continue his rich vein of form after becoming the first golfer on the Liv Tour to go back-to-back.

The PGA Tour is off to the AT&T Byron Nelson in Texas where KH Lee will be the defending champion and the field will compete for the $9.5 million purse.

Aussie Minjee Lee will be defending her 2022 title at the Cognizant Founders Club at the Upper Montclair Country Club. 500 points are on offer and a purse of $3 million for the strong field taking part in the LPGA Tour this week.

That’s all for now from the week of golf. As always, if you have suggestions, preferences or feedback on these articles, please send them in.

Play well,

TMM