It was a relatively quiet weekend in terms of drama around the golf world with a pair of veteran golfers cruising to victory on both the European Tour and the LPGA Tour. However, there was at least one surprise with a veteran golfer emerging seemingly out of nowhere to take the crown at the OHL Classic at Mayakoba. Here is a recap of the events from around the golf world this past weekend.
OHL Classic at Mayakoba
PGA Tour
Considering how long Pat Perez had played since his last PGA Tour victory, it’s safe to say that nobody expected what we saw from him a the OHL Classic at Mayakoba this past weekend. Perez had gone seven years without winning a PGA Tour event when he posted a four-under-par 67 in the final round to win the OHL Classic on Sunday. It was only his third tournament back since he was sidelined for eight months by a shoulder injury and he was dealing with a bad back as well. However, Perez showed no ill effects from the injuries over the weekend as he posted a 263 to finish 21-under-par for the tournament. Perez credited his aggressive style as one of the biggest reasons why he managed to get the job done and he certainly looked confident on his way to the big win. Meanwhile, Gary Woodland finished two strokes back at 19-under for the runner-up finish with Russell Knox placing third while Kevin Streelman, Chez Reavie and Scott Piercy tied for fourth at 17-under-par.
Next up for the PGA Tour is The RSM Classic from Sea Island, Georgia this week. We’ll see if any of the big boys come out and play as we haven’t seen guys like Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson to start the year.
Top 10 Scores From The OHL Classic at Mayakoba
Pat Perez -21
Gary Woodland -19
Russell Knox -18
Kevin Streelman -17
Chez Reavie -17
Scott Piercy -17
Charless Howell III -16
Thomas Kirk -16
Luke List -16
Adam Hadwin -14
Nedbank Golf Challenge Hosted by Gary Player
European Tour
There were no surprises on the European Tour as Alex Noren cruised to a six-stroke victory at the Nedbank Golf Challenge Hosted by Gary Player. Noren posted a 63 in the final round to finish 14-under-par and blow away his competition in an event that truly lacked any drama at all on the final day. Noren earned his fourth European Tour title of the season and moved up to third on the tour’s Race to Dubai in the process. Meanwhile, Jeunghun Wang placed third at eight-under, while Ricardo Gouveia, Alejandro Canizares, Victor Dubuisson, Branden Grace and Andrew Sullivan all tied for third at seven-under-par.
One player who disappointed a little bit was Henrik Stenson, who finished eighth overall. Although a Top 10 result is still positive, he was a really popular play in DFS that didn’t quite pan out.
Next up for the European Tour is the DP World Tour Championship, Dubai this week.
Top 10 Scores From The Nedbank Golf Challenge
Alex Noren -14
Leunghun Wang -8
Alejandro Canizares -7
Victor Dubuisson -7
Ricardo Gouveia -7
Branden Grace -7
Andy Sullivan -7
Henrik Stenson -6
Louis Oosthuizen -5
Jaco Van Zyl -4
Citibanamex Lorena Ochoa Invitational
LPGA Tour
Carlota Ciganda capped off an impressive rally to edge out her competition at the Citibanamex Lorena Ochoa Invitational on Sunday. Ciganda fired a four-under 68 at the Club de Golf Mexico to clinch a two-stroke victory over a strong field of competition. Ciganda’s win was her second in four starts after she won the LPGA KEB-Hana Bank Championship a month ago in South Korea. Jodi Ewart Shadoff, Angela Stanford, Karine Icher, Sarah Jane Smith and Austin Ernst all tied for a runner-up finish at 11-under, while Chella Choi, Marina Alex and Candie Kung finished at 10-under.
One of the most disappointing performances of the week was Brooke M. Henderson, who finished 20th. Many thought she’d have a good chance to win with no Lydia Ko in the field. Typically, when Ko plays, she’s the favorite at the event.
Next up for the LPGA Tour is the CME Group Tour Championship this week from Naples, Florida.
Top 10 Scores From The Citibanamex Lorena Ochoa Invitational
Carlota Ciganda -13
Jodi Ewart Shadoff -11
Angela Stanford -11
Karine Icher -11
Sarah Jane Smith -11
Austin Ernst -11
Marina Alex -10
Candie Kung -10
Chella Choi -10
Mi Jung Hur -9
Jing Yan -8
