Sunday 27 November 2016

SOREN KJELDSEN HELPS DENMARK BECOME WORLD CHAMPIONS


So happy for Soren who today became a World Champion. Many of you might not know this but when he was coached by Colin Smith (one of our previous PGA coaches) he was coached and practiced up at our range. He is a really nice guy who deserves this and it's another thing that keeps Strathmore's name associated with success. I first met him when he was up hitting balls and every time I have met him since he always has the time for a quick chat, even once mid round in the Dunhill ! I sent him a congratulatory message and just like the true Gentleman he is here is his reply.


Denmark won the ISPS HANDA World Cup of Golf for the first time as Søren Kjeldsen and Thorbjørn Olesen claimed a thrilling four-shot victory at Kingston Heath Golf Club, Melbourne, Australia.
The Danes had been a dominant force all week, with a stunning round of 60 in the four-balls on Friday helping them carry a four-shot lead into a final day where they played the same format.
They did not have it all their own way, however, and the lead was cut to one shot on the back nine as the United States and China both kept applying pressure, whilst France and Sweden made late surges.
But a run of five birdies in six holes from the tenth reasserted the Danes’ dominance, and Kjeldsen and Olesen ultimately ran out comfortable victors after finishing on 20 under par with a closing better-ball round of 66.
The French pair of Victor Dubuisson and Romian Langasque shared second place alongside China – represented by Wu Ashun and Li Haotong – and the United States duo of Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker.
Alex Noren and David Lingmerth combined for a brilliant closing 62 to finish shots five back for Sweden in fifth place.
The win completes excellent seasons for Kjeldsen and Olesen, with both finishing in the top 20 of the Race to Dubai Rankings presented by Rolex and the latter extending his streak of winning seasons on the European Tour to three with victory at the Turkish Airlines Open.
Denmark’s previous best finish at the World Cup of Golf had been in 2001, when Thomas Bjørn and Soren Hansen finished in a tie for second after losing in a play-off.
For Kjeldsen it was a first victory in his sixth outing, while Olesen was making his third appearance.
Ireland (277) finished best of the four home countries with England (279) next and Scotland (282) tied for 19th place. Wales finished on 283 after a very good last better-ball round.
Key quotes
Soren Kjeldsen:
 “To win this beautiful trophy is amazing, and I think what’s so special about it is that we don’t get to lift a trophy with another player very often. So to experience that team feeling makes it even more special than an individual event.
"We have both had good years and we finish them off like this, so obviously that builds the confidence hugely and is an incredible end to the season.”
Thorbjorn Olesen: “I had the feeling every time on the green that I really wanted to hole the putt, not just for me but for my partner too.  Then all of a sudden on the back nine, they just started rolling in. It was not just for me, it was for Soren and me and our caddies and our country.
"That’s very special. When you hole a putt and you can fist pump with your partner and your caddies, it makes it a lot more fun. It was a real four-man team this week. I thought both of our caddies did a tremendous job this week keeping us calm, and allowing us to play our game.”

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