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Faltering Reed wins playoff for maiden LIV Golf title

Faltering Reed wins playoff for maiden LIV Golf title

The Advertiser2 days ago
Patrick Reed has overcome final-round stumbles to sink a 10-foot putt for birdie on the first extra hole and win a four-way playoff to land his first LIV Golf victory.
The 2018 Masters champion triumphed from Louis Oosthuizen, Paul Casey and Jinichiro Kozuma at LIV Golf Dallas on Sunday - securing his first professional tournament win in his home state.
"I think the biggest relief is finally winning in my home state," Reed said.
"They popped that news to me that I haven't won in Texas, so to finally get that done meant a lot. Obviously to get my first win here, part of LIV, meant so much to me."
A product of San Antonio, Reed went into the final round at Maridoe Golf Club with a three-shot advantage.
He didn't do himself many favours in trying to wrap up the win until that playoff birdie, suffering through five bogeys over his first nine holes on the way to a three-over-par 75.
Casey shot an even par 72 while Kozuma and Oosthuizen fired matching four-under 68s as Reed matched them with a six under total.
Cameron Smith was the best of the Australians after a closing 68 to tie for 13th, four shots outside the playoff. Marc Leishman (74) was tied 25th while Lucas Herbert (78) tied for 40th and Matt Jones (71) tied 46th.
The Aussies' four-man Ripper GC finished tied seventh in the team competiton but a whopping 36 shots behind the Crushers GC of Casey, Bryson DeChambeau, Charles Howell and Anirbhan Lahiri who won by 11 shots at 18 under.
Reed was glad to have been able to hold his round together just enough to force the playoff.
"I seemed to leave every putt short, and just kind of putting pretty tentative," Reed said.
"Today, even though the score was high compared to where it should have been, it was kind of one of those days that when you don't make putts, any little thing that's off is going to cost you.
"I told myself that hey, the putts have to start falling."
Kozuma and Oosthuizen had actually come all the way back to grab the lead going into the par-4, 528-yard No.18, but each suffered bogeys, opening the door for Reed's heroics.
Four players finished a single shot back in a tie for fifth - Charles Howell III (68), Tom McKibbin (69), Harold Varner III (72) and Tyrrell Hatton (72).
Patrick Reed has overcome final-round stumbles to sink a 10-foot putt for birdie on the first extra hole and win a four-way playoff to land his first LIV Golf victory.
The 2018 Masters champion triumphed from Louis Oosthuizen, Paul Casey and Jinichiro Kozuma at LIV Golf Dallas on Sunday - securing his first professional tournament win in his home state.
"I think the biggest relief is finally winning in my home state," Reed said.
"They popped that news to me that I haven't won in Texas, so to finally get that done meant a lot. Obviously to get my first win here, part of LIV, meant so much to me."
A product of San Antonio, Reed went into the final round at Maridoe Golf Club with a three-shot advantage.
He didn't do himself many favours in trying to wrap up the win until that playoff birdie, suffering through five bogeys over his first nine holes on the way to a three-over-par 75.
Casey shot an even par 72 while Kozuma and Oosthuizen fired matching four-under 68s as Reed matched them with a six under total.
Cameron Smith was the best of the Australians after a closing 68 to tie for 13th, four shots outside the playoff. Marc Leishman (74) was tied 25th while Lucas Herbert (78) tied for 40th and Matt Jones (71) tied 46th.
The Aussies' four-man Ripper GC finished tied seventh in the team competiton but a whopping 36 shots behind the Crushers GC of Casey, Bryson DeChambeau, Charles Howell and Anirbhan Lahiri who won by 11 shots at 18 under.
Reed was glad to have been able to hold his round together just enough to force the playoff.
"I seemed to leave every putt short, and just kind of putting pretty tentative," Reed said.
"Today, even though the score was high compared to where it should have been, it was kind of one of those days that when you don't make putts, any little thing that's off is going to cost you.
"I told myself that hey, the putts have to start falling."
Kozuma and Oosthuizen had actually come all the way back to grab the lead going into the par-4, 528-yard No.18, but each suffered bogeys, opening the door for Reed's heroics.
Four players finished a single shot back in a tie for fifth - Charles Howell III (68), Tom McKibbin (69), Harold Varner III (72) and Tyrrell Hatton (72).
Patrick Reed has overcome final-round stumbles to sink a 10-foot putt for birdie on the first extra hole and win a four-way playoff to land his first LIV Golf victory.
The 2018 Masters champion triumphed from Louis Oosthuizen, Paul Casey and Jinichiro Kozuma at LIV Golf Dallas on Sunday - securing his first professional tournament win in his home state.
"I think the biggest relief is finally winning in my home state," Reed said.
"They popped that news to me that I haven't won in Texas, so to finally get that done meant a lot. Obviously to get my first win here, part of LIV, meant so much to me."
A product of San Antonio, Reed went into the final round at Maridoe Golf Club with a three-shot advantage.
He didn't do himself many favours in trying to wrap up the win until that playoff birdie, suffering through five bogeys over his first nine holes on the way to a three-over-par 75.
Casey shot an even par 72 while Kozuma and Oosthuizen fired matching four-under 68s as Reed matched them with a six under total.
Cameron Smith was the best of the Australians after a closing 68 to tie for 13th, four shots outside the playoff. Marc Leishman (74) was tied 25th while Lucas Herbert (78) tied for 40th and Matt Jones (71) tied 46th.
The Aussies' four-man Ripper GC finished tied seventh in the team competiton but a whopping 36 shots behind the Crushers GC of Casey, Bryson DeChambeau, Charles Howell and Anirbhan Lahiri who won by 11 shots at 18 under.
Reed was glad to have been able to hold his round together just enough to force the playoff.
"I seemed to leave every putt short, and just kind of putting pretty tentative," Reed said.
"Today, even though the score was high compared to where it should have been, it was kind of one of those days that when you don't make putts, any little thing that's off is going to cost you.
"I told myself that hey, the putts have to start falling."
Kozuma and Oosthuizen had actually come all the way back to grab the lead going into the par-4, 528-yard No.18, but each suffered bogeys, opening the door for Reed's heroics.
Four players finished a single shot back in a tie for fifth - Charles Howell III (68), Tom McKibbin (69), Harold Varner III (72) and Tyrrell Hatton (72).
Patrick Reed has overcome final-round stumbles to sink a 10-foot putt for birdie on the first extra hole and win a four-way playoff to land his first LIV Golf victory.
The 2018 Masters champion triumphed from Louis Oosthuizen, Paul Casey and Jinichiro Kozuma at LIV Golf Dallas on Sunday - securing his first professional tournament win in his home state.
"I think the biggest relief is finally winning in my home state," Reed said.
"They popped that news to me that I haven't won in Texas, so to finally get that done meant a lot. Obviously to get my first win here, part of LIV, meant so much to me."
A product of San Antonio, Reed went into the final round at Maridoe Golf Club with a three-shot advantage.
He didn't do himself many favours in trying to wrap up the win until that playoff birdie, suffering through five bogeys over his first nine holes on the way to a three-over-par 75.
Casey shot an even par 72 while Kozuma and Oosthuizen fired matching four-under 68s as Reed matched them with a six under total.
Cameron Smith was the best of the Australians after a closing 68 to tie for 13th, four shots outside the playoff. Marc Leishman (74) was tied 25th while Lucas Herbert (78) tied for 40th and Matt Jones (71) tied 46th.
The Aussies' four-man Ripper GC finished tied seventh in the team competiton but a whopping 36 shots behind the Crushers GC of Casey, Bryson DeChambeau, Charles Howell and Anirbhan Lahiri who won by 11 shots at 18 under.
Reed was glad to have been able to hold his round together just enough to force the playoff.
"I seemed to leave every putt short, and just kind of putting pretty tentative," Reed said.
"Today, even though the score was high compared to where it should have been, it was kind of one of those days that when you don't make putts, any little thing that's off is going to cost you.
"I told myself that hey, the putts have to start falling."
Kozuma and Oosthuizen had actually come all the way back to grab the lead going into the par-4, 528-yard No.18, but each suffered bogeys, opening the door for Reed's heroics.
Four players finished a single shot back in a tie for fifth - Charles Howell III (68), Tom McKibbin (69), Harold Varner III (72) and Tyrrell Hatton (72).
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2 July

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Smith gets key backing as Australia's next coach
Smith gets key backing as Australia's next coach

The Advertiser

time6 hours ago

  • The Advertiser

Smith gets key backing as Australia's next coach

Cameron Smith has put his hand up to be the next Australia coach and two of the best players in the game insist his credentials are unmatched for the role. Australia will embark on a Kangaroo Tour at the end of the year and a new mentor is set to be appointed to replace recently appointed Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga. With Brad Fittler withdrawing his candidacy Smith now heads the list of potential coaches, with Kevin Walters also in the frame. Smith has seen it all, done it all and his 42 State of Origin games for Queensland, 56 Tests for Australia and 430 matches for Melbourne stand as testament to his understanding of the game and its players at every level. "His credentials and resume is probably the best that the game's ever seen, Maroon captain Cameron Munster said. "When he talks, you listen. If you don't know Cameron Smith, you will eventually when he talks to you. He's got that aura about him. He's a bit like Mal. 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It sounds stupid because everyone probably dissects rugby league and makes it this big geometry lesson or some mathematical equation," Munster said. "Realistically it's just simple ... run hard and tackle hard. I know that sounds silly at times, but that's what Smithy's done. "If it was a bigger game, the simpler the game plan. That's all you need to focus on. The big things will happen eventually." Not every player has athletic supremacy. Smith was not the biggest, quickest or strongest, but his knowledge of how to be an elite performer make him stand out. That quality, as a coach, would assist any player find their best performance, including Munster. "He's got a body like an accountant. I don't know how he got through so many games. He's just so durable," Munster said. "He was dominated by most forwards in our defensive sessions at training. He's just a smart man and it's just crazy. "I've been able to play with him in one game in Origin, which I was very thankful for, but I played a fair few Storm games with him. "Sometimes you take it for granted with the way he played and his game management. I'm still trying to learn that. The first couple of years when he left, I probably took it for granted and didn't realise how much I needed to understand the game management side of the game." Cameron Smith has put his hand up to be the next Australia coach and two of the best players in the game insist his credentials are unmatched for the role. Australia will embark on a Kangaroo Tour at the end of the year and a new mentor is set to be appointed to replace recently appointed Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga. With Brad Fittler withdrawing his candidacy Smith now heads the list of potential coaches, with Kevin Walters also in the frame. Smith has seen it all, done it all and his 42 State of Origin games for Queensland, 56 Tests for Australia and 430 matches for Melbourne stand as testament to his understanding of the game and its players at every level. "His credentials and resume is probably the best that the game's ever seen, Maroon captain Cameron Munster said. "When he talks, you listen. If you don't know Cameron Smith, you will eventually when he talks to you. He's got that aura about him. He's a bit like Mal. "I know he's a Queenslander, but he'll pick the best possible squad for the Aussies that he thinks is going to get the job done. "There's no better person than Smithy to get the job." Storm captain Harry Grant made the point that Smith would also make the performances of leading players even better. "He's seen how different people operate over the years but I think what he will do is bring so much knowledge," Grant said. "There is also that element of education and learning for some of the best players in the game that want to keep developing. You think of guys like Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Payne Haas, Nathan Cleary … I'm sure they are going to look at Cam Smith and want to play under him and learn from him." While Smith appeared to play the game like a grand chess master multiple steps ahead of his opponents, Munster said he had a simplicity to his methods that have been the hallmarks of the great coaches like Wayne Bennett and Craig Bellamy. "He just keeps it simple for players. It sounds stupid because everyone probably dissects rugby league and makes it this big geometry lesson or some mathematical equation," Munster said. "Realistically it's just simple ... run hard and tackle hard. I know that sounds silly at times, but that's what Smithy's done. "If it was a bigger game, the simpler the game plan. That's all you need to focus on. The big things will happen eventually." Not every player has athletic supremacy. Smith was not the biggest, quickest or strongest, but his knowledge of how to be an elite performer make him stand out. That quality, as a coach, would assist any player find their best performance, including Munster. "He's got a body like an accountant. I don't know how he got through so many games. He's just so durable," Munster said. "He was dominated by most forwards in our defensive sessions at training. He's just a smart man and it's just crazy. "I've been able to play with him in one game in Origin, which I was very thankful for, but I played a fair few Storm games with him. "Sometimes you take it for granted with the way he played and his game management. I'm still trying to learn that. The first couple of years when he left, I probably took it for granted and didn't realise how much I needed to understand the game management side of the game." Cameron Smith has put his hand up to be the next Australia coach and two of the best players in the game insist his credentials are unmatched for the role. Australia will embark on a Kangaroo Tour at the end of the year and a new mentor is set to be appointed to replace recently appointed Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga. With Brad Fittler withdrawing his candidacy Smith now heads the list of potential coaches, with Kevin Walters also in the frame. Smith has seen it all, done it all and his 42 State of Origin games for Queensland, 56 Tests for Australia and 430 matches for Melbourne stand as testament to his understanding of the game and its players at every level. "His credentials and resume is probably the best that the game's ever seen, Maroon captain Cameron Munster said. "When he talks, you listen. If you don't know Cameron Smith, you will eventually when he talks to you. He's got that aura about him. He's a bit like Mal. "I know he's a Queenslander, but he'll pick the best possible squad for the Aussies that he thinks is going to get the job done. "There's no better person than Smithy to get the job." Storm captain Harry Grant made the point that Smith would also make the performances of leading players even better. "He's seen how different people operate over the years but I think what he will do is bring so much knowledge," Grant said. "There is also that element of education and learning for some of the best players in the game that want to keep developing. You think of guys like Tino Fa'asuamaleaui, Payne Haas, Nathan Cleary … I'm sure they are going to look at Cam Smith and want to play under him and learn from him." While Smith appeared to play the game like a grand chess master multiple steps ahead of his opponents, Munster said he had a simplicity to his methods that have been the hallmarks of the great coaches like Wayne Bennett and Craig Bellamy. "He just keeps it simple for players. It sounds stupid because everyone probably dissects rugby league and makes it this big geometry lesson or some mathematical equation," Munster said. "Realistically it's just simple ... run hard and tackle hard. I know that sounds silly at times, but that's what Smithy's done. "If it was a bigger game, the simpler the game plan. That's all you need to focus on. The big things will happen eventually." Not every player has athletic supremacy. Smith was not the biggest, quickest or strongest, but his knowledge of how to be an elite performer make him stand out. That quality, as a coach, would assist any player find their best performance, including Munster. "He's got a body like an accountant. I don't know how he got through so many games. He's just so durable," Munster said. "He was dominated by most forwards in our defensive sessions at training. He's just a smart man and it's just crazy. "I've been able to play with him in one game in Origin, which I was very thankful for, but I played a fair few Storm games with him. "Sometimes you take it for granted with the way he played and his game management. I'm still trying to learn that. The first couple of years when he left, I probably took it for granted and didn't realise how much I needed to understand the game management side of the game."

Wallabies look to reignite star centre combination
Wallabies look to reignite star centre combination

The Advertiser

time6 hours ago

  • The Advertiser

Wallabies look to reignite star centre combination

While injury clouds hover over a number of Wallabies, Len Ikitau says his centre partnership with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is starting to shine. The Wallabies battled wet conditions at their training session in Newcastle ahead of Sunday's Test against Fiji with the mood in camp dampened by reports key forwards Will Skelton and Rob Valetini are battling calf injuries. While the Wallabies' staff are tight-lipped ahead of the team naming on Friday, it would be a huge blow for the Australians after giant lock Skelton also missed their last clash with Fiji at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which resulted in a shock loss. Valetini, who started at No.8 in that France match, has since been the Wallabies' most consistent performer, winning successive John Eales Medals. Coach Joe Schmidt won't take any chances with the star duo with the countdown on to the first British and Irish Test in Brisbane on July 19. First-choice halfback Jake Gordon is also expected to miss due to his troubling hamstring issue while Reds playmaker Tom Lynagh is still recovering from his hand injury. With the likes of Mark Nawaqanitawase, Carter Gordon and Jordan Petaia not even playing rugby any more and veterans Marika Koroibete and Samu Kerevi overlooked for selection, the Wallabies will field an entirely different starting backline to that which fronted in Saint Etienne. Ikitau missed the World Cup after fracturing his shoulder while Suaalii only crossed from the NRL late last year, with the pair first linking in the centres with a win over England in November. Brumbies gun Ikitau said they were starting to put some polish on their budding combination as Suaalii returned to action following his broken jaw. Other backs in line for a start on Sunday could include fullback Tom Wright, halves Noah Lolesio and Nic White and wingers Max Jorgensen and Harry Potter. "Just playing with any centre in the squad - I've played a lot with Hunter (Paisami) when I played 13 and am starting to get a good combination with Joseph," Ikitau said on Wednesday. "In terms of that, just making sure that we're getting some reps in at training and then just taking it out on the field. "He's a natural footballer and he knows how to play whatever position he gets put in, but for us it's just trying to get combinations in at training and trying to defend together. "It's knowing when he wants the ball ... just making sure that whenever I'm in a position to set the outside guys up, just taking those opportunities when they come." With the Lions showing their ability to play with width as well as their traditional forward-based game in their 54-7 win over the Western Force, Ikitau said facing an unpredicatable Fiji would be an ideal preparation. "Yeah, I think so because you don't know what to expect from Fiji when you play them - anything can happen," Ikitau said. "The Lions, they've got four different countries coming together and playing for the one team so it's just making sure that you're ready for whatever. "And it's no different with the Fiji team this week so just preparing for whatever and just making sure that we're on our game." While injury clouds hover over a number of Wallabies, Len Ikitau says his centre partnership with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is starting to shine. The Wallabies battled wet conditions at their training session in Newcastle ahead of Sunday's Test against Fiji with the mood in camp dampened by reports key forwards Will Skelton and Rob Valetini are battling calf injuries. While the Wallabies' staff are tight-lipped ahead of the team naming on Friday, it would be a huge blow for the Australians after giant lock Skelton also missed their last clash with Fiji at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which resulted in a shock loss. Valetini, who started at No.8 in that France match, has since been the Wallabies' most consistent performer, winning successive John Eales Medals. Coach Joe Schmidt won't take any chances with the star duo with the countdown on to the first British and Irish Test in Brisbane on July 19. First-choice halfback Jake Gordon is also expected to miss due to his troubling hamstring issue while Reds playmaker Tom Lynagh is still recovering from his hand injury. With the likes of Mark Nawaqanitawase, Carter Gordon and Jordan Petaia not even playing rugby any more and veterans Marika Koroibete and Samu Kerevi overlooked for selection, the Wallabies will field an entirely different starting backline to that which fronted in Saint Etienne. Ikitau missed the World Cup after fracturing his shoulder while Suaalii only crossed from the NRL late last year, with the pair first linking in the centres with a win over England in November. Brumbies gun Ikitau said they were starting to put some polish on their budding combination as Suaalii returned to action following his broken jaw. Other backs in line for a start on Sunday could include fullback Tom Wright, halves Noah Lolesio and Nic White and wingers Max Jorgensen and Harry Potter. "Just playing with any centre in the squad - I've played a lot with Hunter (Paisami) when I played 13 and am starting to get a good combination with Joseph," Ikitau said on Wednesday. "In terms of that, just making sure that we're getting some reps in at training and then just taking it out on the field. "He's a natural footballer and he knows how to play whatever position he gets put in, but for us it's just trying to get combinations in at training and trying to defend together. "It's knowing when he wants the ball ... just making sure that whenever I'm in a position to set the outside guys up, just taking those opportunities when they come." With the Lions showing their ability to play with width as well as their traditional forward-based game in their 54-7 win over the Western Force, Ikitau said facing an unpredicatable Fiji would be an ideal preparation. "Yeah, I think so because you don't know what to expect from Fiji when you play them - anything can happen," Ikitau said. "The Lions, they've got four different countries coming together and playing for the one team so it's just making sure that you're ready for whatever. "And it's no different with the Fiji team this week so just preparing for whatever and just making sure that we're on our game." While injury clouds hover over a number of Wallabies, Len Ikitau says his centre partnership with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is starting to shine. The Wallabies battled wet conditions at their training session in Newcastle ahead of Sunday's Test against Fiji with the mood in camp dampened by reports key forwards Will Skelton and Rob Valetini are battling calf injuries. While the Wallabies' staff are tight-lipped ahead of the team naming on Friday, it would be a huge blow for the Australians after giant lock Skelton also missed their last clash with Fiji at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which resulted in a shock loss. Valetini, who started at No.8 in that France match, has since been the Wallabies' most consistent performer, winning successive John Eales Medals. Coach Joe Schmidt won't take any chances with the star duo with the countdown on to the first British and Irish Test in Brisbane on July 19. First-choice halfback Jake Gordon is also expected to miss due to his troubling hamstring issue while Reds playmaker Tom Lynagh is still recovering from his hand injury. With the likes of Mark Nawaqanitawase, Carter Gordon and Jordan Petaia not even playing rugby any more and veterans Marika Koroibete and Samu Kerevi overlooked for selection, the Wallabies will field an entirely different starting backline to that which fronted in Saint Etienne. Ikitau missed the World Cup after fracturing his shoulder while Suaalii only crossed from the NRL late last year, with the pair first linking in the centres with a win over England in November. Brumbies gun Ikitau said they were starting to put some polish on their budding combination as Suaalii returned to action following his broken jaw. Other backs in line for a start on Sunday could include fullback Tom Wright, halves Noah Lolesio and Nic White and wingers Max Jorgensen and Harry Potter. "Just playing with any centre in the squad - I've played a lot with Hunter (Paisami) when I played 13 and am starting to get a good combination with Joseph," Ikitau said on Wednesday. "In terms of that, just making sure that we're getting some reps in at training and then just taking it out on the field. "He's a natural footballer and he knows how to play whatever position he gets put in, but for us it's just trying to get combinations in at training and trying to defend together. "It's knowing when he wants the ball ... just making sure that whenever I'm in a position to set the outside guys up, just taking those opportunities when they come." With the Lions showing their ability to play with width as well as their traditional forward-based game in their 54-7 win over the Western Force, Ikitau said facing an unpredicatable Fiji would be an ideal preparation. "Yeah, I think so because you don't know what to expect from Fiji when you play them - anything can happen," Ikitau said. "The Lions, they've got four different countries coming together and playing for the one team so it's just making sure that you're ready for whatever. "And it's no different with the Fiji team this week so just preparing for whatever and just making sure that we're on our game."

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