February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By John Manley
Padraig Harrington smoked the course in Sun City, South Africa, with an 11-under-par 61 in the third round of the Nedbank Golf Challenge, but he couldn’t maintain the momentum in round four. He shot 73 and settled for sixth place at 276 (70-72-61-73).
Harrington, this year’s Volvo Masters champion Padraig, last week won the Irish Golf Writers Association award as the nation’s best professional in 2001.
At Sun City, Darren Clarke took himself out of contention with a first-round 75. He recovered on Friday, shooting 68, but his next two rounds were about as dismal as the first. Clarke placed 11th at 293 (75-68-74-76).
Sergio Garcia won the tournament over Ernie Els in a playoff after both finished 72 holes at 268.
Hong Kong Open
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Paul McGinley began fast at the Hong Kong Golf Club, but was betrayed by a third-round 74. He placed in a tie for 26th place at 273 (65-66-74-68). Jose Maria Olazabal’s 262 won the championship.
European Q School
None of the Irish aspirants in Sotogrande, Spain gained or regained their Tour cards for 2002. The low 36 scores advanced to next year’s Tour. The four who tied for 33rd place shot 427 for 108 holes. David Higgins finished 57th at even-par 432 (72-71-71-75-71-72). Former Ryder Cupper Philip Walton was one stroke behind Higgins at 433 (74-74-74-65-75-71).
A cut was in effect after 72 holes, which eliminated Paddy Gribben and Gary Murphy. Gribben was three over par at 291 (72-74-73-72), while Murphy shot 294 (74-74-72-74). A score of 289 was required in order to advance to the final two rounds.