2016 - Week 1 Winners

In the opening golfing week of 2016, Brandon Stone (ranked 27th by Golf Predictor) won The BMW South African Open Championship on the European PGA Tour. The 22 year old South African won his maiden title at his home open in only his 26th European Tour event. Stone made it hard on himself, losing a five shot lead early in the round before showing great character to bounce back and win by two. The young man was understandably emotional afterwards, as was his family who had to endure the roller-coaster of a final day with him! Our top ranked player, Branden Grace, finished in tied fourth and we had six of the top eighteen plus ties (6/20) in total.

Jordan Spieth (ranked 1st by Golf Predictor) won the Hyundai Tournament of Champions. The 22 year old American ran away with the title to tie Tiger Woods' modern record of seven wins before the age of 23. Spieth played some imperious golf to reach -30 and win by eight shots over the defending champion Patrick Reed. I'm sure his fellow pros noticed his continuing great form and are suitably worried for the year ahead! Including the winner, we had nine of the top fifteen plus ties (9/17) in this restricted field event.