Local Golfers Dominate the Weekend

Ernie Els had an impressive showing at the U.S. Open two weeks ago. A final round of 69, one of the low rounds of the day, gave him a fourth place finish. Els took that solid play into this weekend’s BMW International Open in Munich as the Jupiter resident recorded his first win of the season.

The Jupiter resident shot rounds of 63, 69, 69, and 69 to record the wire-to-wire victory at the European Tour event. It was his 28th European Tour title and came just one week after his first top 10 finish of the year at Merion.

The win was also the first by a South African born player in the 25 year history of the event. Entering the weekend with a one shot lead, Els entered the final round in a three way tie at the top. As the other two golfers faltered, Els continued his solid and consistent play to earn the one shot victory.

Also competing in the Eurpoean Tour event was Loxahatchee River resident Dustin Johnson. Johnson fired his second 66 of the week on Sunday to finish in a tie for 18th.  

Ken Duke Earns His First PGA Tour Title

The Travelers Championship is quickly earning a reputation for producing first time Tour winners. The event, which is played the week after the U.S. Open, had produced five first time tour winners in the last seven years. J.J. Henry, Hunter Mahan, Bubba Watson, Hobe Sound resident Freddie Jacobsen and Marc Leishman have all recorded their maiden win at the TPC River Highlands course. Ken Duke can now add his name to the list, making it six in eight years.

The Palm City resident outlasted the likes of major winners Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson for the win. Playing the par 4 18th for the third time on the day, Duke stuck his approach shot to two feet to set up the winning tap in.

Duke became the oldest first time winner at the age of 44 when he beat Chris Stoud on the second playoff hole. It was Duke’s 187th start on Tour and he needed 74 holes to record his first victory.