BMW PGA Championship

May 22nd, 2009

Whilst the focus of this week’s Tour Blog is, of course, the BMW PGA Championship we could hardly let last week’s amazing climax to the 3 Irish Open pass by without comment. It’s not every week that an amateur golfer, making his debut appearance on the European Tour, walks away with the trophy. But that’s exactly what happened in Baltray this past weekend. Not only that but the amateur in question chose a full bag of Titleist equipment including the Pro V1x to claim what can only be described as an historic victory. Incredible stuff!!

Talking of history, this week’s BMW PGA Championship comes from a venue that has seen its fair share of historic moments over the years; the magnificent West Course at Wentworth Golf Club, Surrey, England. The Harry Colt designed course has seen a number of alterations in recent years and, at 7300 yards, is a stiff test for even the world’s best players. That said, with a €4.5 million prize fund, and one of the most prestigious titles on the European Tour calendar on offer, every player in the field will want to bring their A-game to the event and write their name in the history books. A world class field has assembled for the event and, as you would expect, Titleist has strong representation with the following brand ambassadors all in the hunt for PGA Championship glory.

Click here to view the slideshow

Victory at this week’s championship is, of course, the aim for every player in the field. However, a victory around Wentworth would be particularly poignant for Ross Fisher. The big-hitting Englishman is a long time member of the club and has played literally hundreds of rounds on Wentworth’s West Course. Ross will certainly have strong support from the local fans and was understandably excited about teeing it up around his home course this week. Ross’ excitement will have been further fuelled by an opening round 68 (-4) which puts him right into title contention. A faultless, bogey free round was punctuated by a grandstand finish with a birdie three at the par four 17th being swiftly followed by a stunning eagle three at the par five 18th (much to the delight of his supporters).

We thought you’d appreciate a look at Ross’ custom Scotty Cameron putter and headcover. His Newport 2 GSS features custom R.F stamping and his headcover….well take a look at the slideshow and see for yourself. Cool is the only word to describe it!!!

The Scotty Cameron Studio Select Kombi putter has continued to draw interest this week. We told you a couple of weeks ago that Brett Rumford was the first player to put the Kombi in play on the European Tour and he has now been followed by fellow Aussie Peter O’Malley. Peter is ‘gaming’ a Kombi Mid at Wentworth for the first time this week following successful testing. Also testing the Kombi for the first time at Wentworth was Madeira Islands Open winner Tano Goya. The young Argentinian took away a 32.5” Kombi fitted with 20g weights (heel and toe) and distinctive Scotty Cameron Custom Shop grip in pink.

Other builds to take place this week aboard the Titleist Tour Support Vehicle (TTSV) included new 909 metals for Northern Ireland’s Michael Hoey and a new 909 fairway for the aforementioned Brett Rumford. Hoey was keen to test some new options in the 909 metals and is one of the first players out on Tour to be fitted for Mitsubishi Rayon’s latest shaft offering, the Diamana Blue Kai’Li which features some rather distinctive, Hawaii inspired, floral graphics. Brett on the other hand felt that he needed a stronger ball flight from his low lofted fairway and, after some work on the range, a new 909F3 was assembled with a Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana Whiteboard 83 X-flex shaft. The heavier weight and low launch characteristics of the Diamana Whiteboard shaft delivered the more powerful, boring flight that Brett was looking for and he has taken away the club for further testing. Full specifications for both Brett and Michael are listed below:

Michael Hoey

> Model: 909F2
> Loft: 15.5°
> Shaft: Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana Blue Kai’Li 70 X-Stiff
> Length: 42.75”
> Grip: Golf Pride DD2 60 Round (Yellow)
> Swingweight: D5

> Model: 909H
> Loft: 19°
> Shaft: Fujikura Speeder 904HB X-Stiff
> Length: 40.25”
> Grip: Golf Pride DD2 60 Round (Yellow)
> Swingweight: D5

Brett Rumford

> Model: 909F3
> Loft: 15°
> Shaft: Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana Whiteboard 83 X-Stiff
> Length: 42.75”
> Grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord 58
> Swingweight: D3

A number of the European Tour’s big guns are off to a fine start at Wentworth but, with the leaderboard tightly packed, it is certainly too early to pick a winner. That said, if you are looking for someone with the pedigree to come through and take the title, then 2008 Harry Vardon Trophy winner Robert Karlsson would certainly fit the bill. Titleist Ambassador Karlsson was a multiple winner on the European Tour in 2008 as he claimed his first order of merit title and, despite a comparatively quiet 2009 thus far, surely has all the credentials needed to capture such a prestigious title. How about Karlsson battling it out with local hero Fisher down the stretch? Now that would be entertaining!! Of course, we’ll have to wait and see what transpires but the championship is certainly shaping up for an enthralling climax.

Next week the European Tour makes the short trip to from Surrey to Kent for the European Open at The London Golf Club. Last year’s event saw Ross Fisher dominate the field with a superb display of power and precision that saw him win in wire-to-wire fashion by seven strokes. Ross will again be in the field for the event but will doubtless face stiff competition in defence of his title. Masters champion and Titleist Pro V1x loyalist Angel Cabrera is just one of a number of big names that will have realistic aspirations of claiming European Open glory.

The Titleist Tour Blog will be back inside the ropes at the European Open and will have all the latest news in next week’s post.

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