KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Determined to end a two-year title drought, Lee Westwood shot a 7-under 65 Thursday to take the lead at storm-affected Malaysian Open.

Westwood had a bogey at his first hole but birdied four of his closing five to take a one-shot lead ahead of Nicolas Colsaerts of Belgium before play was suspended because of the risk of lightning.

A tropical downpour in the afternoon had previously halted play for more than an hour, and 45 players in the 156-man field will have to complete their first round on Friday.

The 36th-ranked Westwood is coming off a seventh-place finish at the Masters last weekend – his best so far this year – and is looking to repeat his Malaysian Open victory from 1997.

“I didn’t make the best of starts bogeying … the first hole, but fortunately that didn’t set the tone,” Westwood said. “I hit it really well and hit it close a lot. I had to be patient because I was hitting good putts and they weren’t going in (until) I holed one from about eight feet on my 16th.”

Colsaerts recovered from a neck injury that forced him out of the Houston Open earlier this month and carded a 66. Northern Ireland’s Michael Hoey and Portugal’s Ricardo Santos were a stroke further back in the co-sanctioned European and Asian Tour event.

Colsaerts, a former Ryder Cup player who has slipped to 131st in the world, had eight birdies and two bogeys in his round.

“I’ve felt I’ve played pretty well since early in the season, but there’s always been a stretch of holes where I’ve shot myself in the foot for some reason,” Colsaerts said. “I’ve missed good opportunities to have good weeks. So the plan is to come back here to get some momentum and confidence back.”

Defending champion Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand shot a 71 and 2012 winner Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa had a 72.

REUNION, Fla. – Toronto native Christian Westhorpe and Michigan’s Clark Klaasen shared the lead at 2-under par before play was called due to darkness at PGA Tour Canada’s Florida Qualifying Tournament on Tuesday. Play is scheduled to resume Thursday morning at 8 a.m., with 66 players still left to begin their second round.

After Tuesday’s thunderstorms and rain delayed play, Wednesday saw all but 23 players return to complete their first round. With windy conditions testing players each of the first two days, just four players were under par for the tournament midway through the second round at the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Reunion Resort, each of whom had yet to tee off in Round 2.

One shot behind Westhorpe and Klaasen were Baddeck, N.S.’s Peter Campbell, who completed his first round Tuesday and did not play at all Wednesday, and South Carolina’s Colby Wilson. Both players shot 1-under 71 in the first round.

“You know the course is going to be tough going in,” said Klaasen, who completed his first round Wednesday morning. “You know you’re going to make mistakes, and that everyone else is going to make mistakes too. A lot of holes I just tried to play for par and ended up making some birdies that way.”

Klaasen, a 27-year old Duke University grad, said the challenge of dealing with delays is just part of playing as a professional, and that there’s still plenty of golf to be played even with two days of competition having already passed.

“You have to be ready to go play at any time. It’s a new tournament each day, and there’s still a lot of golf to be played. My coach is caddying for me this week and we’re just going to try and keep a positive attitude and play smart golf,” said Klaasen.

The top 18 players this week will earn exempt status on PGA Tour Canada for 2014, with the rest of the top 40 plus ties earning conditional status.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – Jason Day has a cast on his left hand to immobilize his injured thumb and isn’t expected to return to competition until The Players Championship in three weeks.

Day’s agent, Bud Martin, says the cast was put on Wednesday as a precaution.

Day injured his thumb while winning the Match Play Championship in late February. He took six weeks off before playing at the Masters, where he barely made the cut.

Martin says the inflammation is deep and easily irritated by simple tasks. He’s expected to wear the cast for two weeks.

Day withdrew this week from the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head Island, S.C.

Players Championship changes to 3-hole playoff

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – The Players Championship is changing this year to a three-hole aggregate playoff involving the closing stretch at the TPC Sawgrass.

PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem announced the new format Wednesday.

The Players Championship previously was a sudden-death playoff that began on the par-3 17th hole, famous for having an island green. Starting this year, a playoff would take place on the par-5 16th hole, the 17th, and the par-4 18th. If players are still tied, it would go to sudden death starting on the 17th.

The Players Championship is May 8-11. It becomes the only regular PGA Tour event to use a playoff format that is not sudden death.

Proving it’s not just their play on the course, but what they do off the course that makes them good, 10 PGA Tour members gathered in Hilton Head, S.C. to launch #RBCGolf4Kids, a new online challenge designed to raise money and awareness for several children’s charities.

#RBCGolf4Kids invites Team RBC golfers and the public to engage in a fun social media challenge. By sharing a unique player hashtag on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook or at www.RBCmakeyourmark.com, fans can help their favourite player win a share of the $300,000 donation from RBC, for his or her charity of choice.

“This friendly competition off the course will require social media prowess in addition to top notch golf skills. You’ve heard of paying it forward, this is Team RBC playing it forward,” said Jane Broderick, chief brand and communications officer, RBC. “With some of the game’s most charitable golfers on our team, we know they are equally as committed as we are to making a difference in the lives of kids.”

Golfers will compete in a series of entertaining weekly challenges – such as sharing their best Throwback Thursday (#TBT) photo or crazy trick shot video – and will challenge each other and fans to do the same. The ultimate winner will be determined by the player whose hashtag is used the most. The challenge launches today, just two days before the RBC Heritage and will wrap up at the RBC Canadian Open, during the week of July 21 at the Royal Golf Club in Montreal.

“I’m proud to be part of this unique program to support Blessings in a Backpack and all of the other incredible organizations that work tirelessly to help children,” enthused Morgan Pressel, LPGA golfer and member of Team RBC. “I’m determined to make a difference and can’t wait to take on my teammates in what promises to be one of the most heated competitions this summer.”

“We’re always delighted to see our sponsors and players engage in new campaigns to raise awareness and funds – like #RBCGolf4Kids – as golf has been intrinsically linked to philanthropy for decades,” said Ty Votaw, EVP & chief global communications officer of the PGA Tour. “The PGA Tour and its tournaments recently surpassed the $2 billion milestone in all-time charitable giving and we’re pleased to continue that legacy with this innovative competition.”

With charities from around the world as potential benefactors, these are the organizations Team RBC is supporting:

Waterloo, Ont. – Three past LPGA Tour champions have confirmed they will  join the field for the third annual Manulife Financial LPGA Classic at Grey Silo Golf Course from June 4-8, 2014.

“We are thrilled that these top golfers are returning to play in the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic,” said Marianne Harrison, President and CEO, Manulife Canada. “The tournament is heating up and we can’t wait for the same level of excitement from years past. Hope to see you there!”

Michelle Wie is one of women’s golf most recognizable faces. She turned pro just shy of her 16^th birthday and is a two-time winner on the LPGA Tour. Her most recent victory came in 2010 at the Canadian Women’s Open and she will look to recapture some of that magic she found in Canada in this year’s running of the Manulife Financial LPGA Classic. Wie has been in the top 16 in all six of her starts this season, most recently falling behind Lexi Thompson at the Kraft Nabisco Championship for second place. She currently sits 24^th in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.

Two-time LPGA Tour winner Lydia Ko is still looking to capture her first LPGA victory as a member of the Tour. Ko won both the 2012 and 2013 Canadian Women’s Open, as an amateur and non-member. Ko turned professional in October 2013 and was granted membership for the 2014 season by LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. Two months after turning professional, Ko won her first event as a pro at the Swinging Skirts World Ladies Masters on the Korean Ladies Professional Golf Association Tour (KLPGA). Currently, Ko sits in the number four spot in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.

Natalie Gulbis leapt into the media spotlight in 2005 as one of the most popular female golfers in the United States. Her popularity hasn’t lost any steam over the years as Gulbis has an impressive 189,000 followers on Twitter, and proudly supports the Boys & Girls Club of America. In 2013, Gulbis competed in 20 events, making 17 cuts with one top-10 finish. Gulbis recorded a season-best tie for ninth at the RICOH Women’s British Open, and currently sits 131 in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings.

“We have the best fans in the world; they are dedicated, and extremely supportive,” Richard Kuypers, Manulife Financial LPGA Classic Tournament Director. “Michelle, Lydia, and Natalie are scheduled to compete in Waterloo. Our fans will have a lot to cheer for in 2014!”

For more information, including ticketing and volunteer opportunities, visit www.manulifeclassic.ca.

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Bubba Watson decided to keep his post-Masters victory more low key this year. Instead of going to New York for a media tour, he headed home to Orlando, Fla., and kept plans for a five-day vacation with his wife.

Bubba being Bubba, there had to be a wrinkle.

Before leaving Tuesday morning for The Greenbrier resort in West Virginia, Watson decided to pay an unannounced visit to the Golf Channel studio and wanted to keep it a surprise.

“True Bubba style,” manager Jens Beck said. “He has a good relationship with all those guys. But even when we left his house this morning, he started to get into his car. I said, `Bubba, we can’t be taking your car if we want this to be a surprise.’ So we all got into my little rental car so they wouldn’t spot us when we pulled up.”

The video shows Watson winding his way down the hallway and into the studio. You can watch it below.

Beck said Watson’s wife and the wife of Golf Channel president Mike McCarley are friends, and not even the top man at the network was aware of the plans.

Watson also did “CBS This Morning” via satellite from his home.

His “media” tour actually began with a selfie. In a move that was sure to thrill is Southern fan base, Watson finished up his obligations Sunday night at Augusta National and then tweeted a picture of his crew having a late-night dinner at The Waffle House.

Champ dinner @WaffleHouse! #hashbrowns #covered pic.twitter.com/rXuaHtXqj5

— bubba watson (@bubbawatson) April 14, 2014

Watson planned to spend the rest of the week in West Virginia, and then Beck said he would try to carve out time to return to the University of Georgia and to his home in the Florida Panhandle to let fans in both spots join the celebration.

He was not sure where Watson was playing next.

Watson had just become a father before he won the Masters in 2012. After playing in New Orleans, he skipped the Wells Fargo Championship and The Players Championship so he could have a full month at home.

FINAL WORD: “Freak show. I can’t describe it any other way.” Ted Scott, the caddie for Masters champion Bubba Watson, asked to give his definition of “Bubba golf.”

REUNION, Fla. – With thunderstorms and heavy rainfall rolling through central Florida, round one of PGA Tour Canada’s Florida Qualifying Tournament was suspended for the remainder of the day on Tuesday and will resume Wednesday morning at 9 a.m. local time.

Play was initially suspended due to a dangerous weather situation at 1:33 p.m., and called for the rest of the day at 4 p.m. Just 23 players completed round one before play was suspended, with 10 groups left to tee off.

Tee times for round two will be announced later on Wednesday.

Before play was suspended, Baddeck, N.S.’s Peter Campbell battled through tough conditions to post a 1-under 71, the best score in the clubhouse of all 23 players to complete 18 holes on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course at Reunion Resort.

“I hit it pretty well for the most part. The winds were pretty strong out there,” said Campbell, who carded four birdies and three bogeys. “It made a tough course even tougher.”

The 31-year old was the medalist at one of the NEC Series – PGA Tour Latinoamérica’s Qualifying Tournaments earlier this year, and is coming off a runner up finish at the Mundo Maya Open, a career-best on that Tour.

“You always like to get in contention and give yourself a chance to get win. I was right there on the back nine and just made a couple of mistakes coming in,” said Campbell. “I’m pretty happy and looking to build on it this week.”

The Cape Breton Islander made three cuts in nine starts on PGA Tour Canada in 2013, with a season-best tie for 21st finish at the Cape Breton Celtic Classic presented by PC Financial.

DADE CITY, Fla. – Adam Svensson of Surrey, B.C. has led the NCAA Div. II No. 1 ranked Barry Buccaneers to the Sunshine State Conference Championship title on Tuesday, taking home medalist honours in the process.

Svensson, 20, opened with two rounds of 70, leaving him at 4-under par – one stroke ahead of the pack heading into Tuesday’s final round. The Barry University sophomore came out firing, shooting a 3-under 69 – his best round of the tournament. He finished at 7-under par, two strokes ahead of runner-up Joey Savoie of St. Leo University.

This marks the seventh win of the season for Svensson. He continues to make his case for this year’s Jack Nicklaus award, given to the top golfer in his division. Svensson is also climbing up the World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR), he currently sits at No. 34.

Collectively, the Buccaneers finished at 17-under par for a convincing 18-stroke win over runner-up Leo University. They will tee-it-up for their second-last tournament on May 5^th at the NCAA South Super Regional in Savannah, Ga.

For the full leaderboard, click here

A s golfers, we’re reminded to enjoy every round as if it were our last. My reminder hit home with the loss of one of my lifelong friends in
January – Rick Sovereign – following his long and courageous battle with prostate cancer.

Rick was an accomplished golfer in both his amateur and professional careers. He worked at his game with relentless passion. Beyond his ball striking ability, I admired the way he treated everyone, as well as the camaraderie he inspired. He mentored countless people and was generous with his time. He made everyone he played with feel welcome and reminded us of the things in golf, and in life, that we too often take for granted.

He was as fierce a competitor as he was a consummate gentleman and exceptional human being. Canadian golf coach Ralph Bauer shared a sentiment with me that defined Rick’s influence: “Outside of my immediate family, I can’t think of anyone who’s had a greater impact on my life.”

The times Rick and I shared golfing are among my fondest memories. Like anyone who’s had the opportunity to play with a professional, I can appreciate those with a mastery of the game. Rick would give me 10 shots, five a side, each time we played. I lost most of those matches, but I gained something much more valuable.

Rick taught me what the game of golf really stood for. He was a far better player than I will ever be, but never arrogant about his ability. He challenged me to enjoy the experience regardless of outcome. He would talk about golf’s intangibles, the memorable moments, the beauty of the setting, and the challenge it represented. Any golfer can relate.

I hope every golfer has someone like Rick in their life. Someone who encourages us to enjoy the game for what it is. Someone who is thankful for the people that golf brings to our lives. Someone who reminds us why we love to play this game.

Before his passing, Rick demanded that his closest friends honour his memory by remembering to love the game for what it is. He challenged us to enjoy each round as if it were our last. Like our $5 matches, I look forward to the challenge.

Pursuit of a Dream

As the crowd followed the youthful champion seeking autographs, an older man stood in solitude against the setting sun.

His gaze into space was one of quiet reflection, leaving one to wonder what paths he had chosen.

His calloused hands were an example of maximum effort, and a symbol of sacrifices made along the way.

Deep wrinkles against a tanned face, were also a testament to the many hours dedicated to the dream.

Ultimately, age and disease would take their toll, on a once able body.

At first glance this was an image of despair, and that of a dying dream.

But upon closer examination there was a subtle smile, the type reserved for the satisfaction of being true to oneself.

One gets the feeling that the outcome didn’t matter, and a dream pursued is a dream fulfilled.

Rick Sovereign – 1991

(Originally published in the April 2014 edition of Golf Canada magazine)

The 2013 flooding of the Greater Calgary Area had the city fighting to get back on its feet. Among the thousands of citizens and local businesses affected include the top-ranked facilities at the Golf Canada Calgary Centre.

Following three days of flooding, insurance agents estimated the damage to the 15 acre property at $2.3 million. The driving range was fully submerged. The mini-putt course was deemed unrecoverable. The 500 square foot irrigation was destroyed. The list goes on.

Much like the rest of the city, the folks at Golf Canada’s Calgary Centre showed their resilience turned this disaster into an opportunity.

With the help of volunteers and CDT International, the Calgary Centre staff focused their efforts towards following an emergency disaster restoration plan.

Chad Rusnak, Director of Golf Operations at the Calgary Centre, is optimistic about the revival process and is eager to begin servicing the golf community again.

“Calgary golfers are flocking to the range to get a jump start in preparation for the 2014 golf season and you cannot put into words how delighted we are to see the return,” said Rusnak. “It truly is exciting to welcome our customers back and share the newly renovated clubhouse and our recent flood diverted traffic of loyal facility patrons.”

Still buried in paperwork, Rusnak and his team are hoping to have the revamped facility fully operational for the summer season. Currently, the driving range and pro shop are open for business, with the 9-hole, par-3 course set to open in the couple weeks.

“The golf centre plans to honour and provide a credit to all 2013 registrants in our leagues and Girls’ Club based on a pro-rated registration fee to off-set the shortened season in 2013,” stated Rusnak. “We intend to address and pay added attention to re-instating the standards and conditions of the golf course.”

As the healing from the 2013 floods continue, the team at the Calgary Centre is planning a  grand re-opening of the facility in early May – another example of Calgarians showing their resilience in what has been an extraordinary past year.

Visit the Golf Canada Calgary Centre online at golfcanadacentre.ca.