Players to Watch; OHL Classic at Mayakoba

There's an argument that of the six tournaments comprising the new prelude of the 2013-14 season, the OHL Classic at Mayakoba benefits the most.

All are improved as a result of the revamped wraparound schedule, and the annual stop at El Camaleon Golf Club in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, was already included in the tournaments that contribute to the FedExCup, but it's always big news when an additional event is rewarded a home as a stand-alone event no matter when.

As you'd expect with considerable enhancements, this year's field of 132 is arguably the best in the seven-year history of the event. It will be competing on what was the hardest golf course (of eight) measuring less than 7,000 yards in 2012. El Camaleon is a par 36-35=71 that can top out at 6,987 yards. It averaged 71.651 in 2012 to clinch its second consecutive year as the fifth-most difficult par 71 on the schedule.

eGolf Tour Florida: Bray & Varner Lead at Stonegate Classic

On a cold and windy day in Central Florida, Dustin Bray and Harold Varner III opened the Stonegate Classic with matching 2-under par rounds of 70 to share the lead after round one of play.

Bray, who has four wins to his name on the Charlotte based eGolf Tour series, is making his Florida series debut this week at the Stonegate Classic. From 2007-2009 he spent time on the Web.com Tour where he would post five top-10 finishes.

The former University of North Carolina Tarheel opened his round with a birdie on the par-4, second before posting bogeys on Nos. 7 and 8 making the turn at 37.

Second Stage of Web.com Tour Q-School Opens this Week

Nearly 480 golfers from around the world continue their pursuit of a Web.com Tour card this week (Nov. 12-15) and next (Nov. 19-22) at the Second Stage of the first-ever Web.com Tour Qualifying Tournament. Second Stage consists of 72-hole qualifiers held at six sites in California, Florida and Texas.

Approximately 144 players will advance from Second Stage to the Final Stage, which will be played Dec. 12-17 (six rounds/108 holes) at PGA West in La Quinta, Calif. on both the Stadium and Nicklaus Tournament courses.

Every player who is eligible for the Final Stage will gain access to the Web.com Tour in 2014, with one’s priority ranking position based on his finish at PGA West.

Chris Kirk wins McGladrey Classic

Chris Kirk, A former resident of Sea Island, GA. who still keeps a house here, shot a final-round 66 to win by one Sunday at The McGladrey Classic.

Kirk, who had never played particularly well at Sea Island Golf Club, until it mattered the most. Gave the home town supporters something to cheer about last Sunday afternoon.

This victory, Kirk's second PGA Tour title was his first since 2011. Though the location made it even more special.

"To come here to Sea Island, which is a place that I love and cherish so much, and Davis (Love’s) tournament, it just an unbelievable thing," Kirk said. "Davis was kind of my guy when I was 12 and 13, really starting to play golf. He was my favorite player, and he's turned from being my idol to sort of a mentor and good friend. So I'm a very lucky person to be in that situation, and to win his tournament really means a lot to me."

eGolf Tour Florida: David Chung goes Low to Capture Orange Tree Open

David Chung went low today in the eGolf Tour Florida series inaugural Orange Tree Open's final round carding a 7-under 65 to claim the title by three strokes over 36-hole leader David Tepe.

Chung, a native of Fayatteville, NC and former No. 1 amateur golfer in the world (2011), was also a member of the victorious U.S. Palmer Cup team in 2010 where he went 4-0-0.

While attending Stanford as a junior, Chung won the 2009 North and South Amateur, 2010 Porter Cup, and the 2010 Western Amateur. He finished runner-up at the 2010 U.S. Amateur to Peter Uihlein. Earning himself invitations to the 2011 Masters Tournament (MC) and the 2011 U.S. Open (MC).

Players to Watch; McGladrey Classic

The PGA Tour makes its U.S. finale this week in 2013 at The McGladrey Classic in St. Simons Island, Ga. It's the fourth edition of the event, though the first time that FedExCup points are up for grabs.

The total prize money is up $1.5 million to $5.5 million, $990,000 of which will go to the winner, who will also receive exemptions into the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, the Masters Tournament, THE PLAYERS Championship and the PGA Championship if not already eligible for those events.

At just 7,005 yards, the Seaside Course at Sea Island Resort is one of the shorter courses the golfers will play in a season. Playing as the easiest par-70 course in 2012, Seaside also ranked inside the top-5 easiest in driving accuracy and greens in regulation with respective averages of 9.87 (of 14) fairways hit (70.47 percent) and 13.63 GIR (75.72 percent) per round.

Eddie Garrison Finishes Fifth in first Golf Galaxy Tour Event

Pro Golf Insider's own Sr. Writer Eddie Garrison teed it up this weekend on the Golf Galaxy Tour in The Pensacola Fall Classic which took place at Scenic Hills Country Club in Pensacola, Fla.

Having played on the Golfweek, Miller Lite and Five Flags Golf Tours, Garrison finished second on the Five Flags Golf Tour's money list in 2012, and has three top-5 along with six top-10 finishes on his resume since 2011.

Unusually windy and colder than normal the first part of November in Pensacola, Garrison overcame an early 10 (yes a 10) at the par-5 second at Scenic Hills to make the turn at 44. Not a bad score considering that monster on No. 2.

"I felt pretty good about the way I bounced back after taking such a big number so early in the round", said Garrison after his round. "It's tough to keep looking down on your card and seeing that number. Luckily, it was early on in the round and I was able to settle in and make up for it."

Settle in he did as he went on to par his next five holes in a row to aid in that opening nine, 44.

eGolf Tour Florida: David Tepe Grabs Lead After Round Two

Another tough test in round two at the eGolf Tour's inaugural Orange Tree Open, that saw no golfer on the course break 70 today.

Liberty Township, OH. native David Tepe carded an even par 72 round today to take the lead heading into the final round by two strokes over first round leader Peter Campbell and a three stroke lead over Christian Brand.

Tepe, who struggled on the front nine making the turn at 2-over 38, which included a bogey to open his round, followed by a double bogey on the oar-4, 6th -- Was able to right the ship and card three birdies to only one bogey on his inward nine.

A birdie on the closing hole may be just what Tepe needed to carry some good thoughts and momentum into tomorrow's final round.

Campbell, who is making his second start on the Golf Tour event since 2011, teeing it up in nine tournaments that season, held the over night lead from round number one also struggled on his opening nine. Carding two bogey and doubling the par-3, 5th to make the turn at 3-over, 39.

eGolf Tour Florida: Peter Campbell Battled Tough Conditions to Lead After One

The second event of the eGolf Tour's Florida series saw the players battling tough and windy conditions in round one of the Orange Tree Open, where Canadian Peter Campbell came through for the 18 hole lead after carding an opening round 3-under 69 for the overnight lead.

Coming off an 11th place finish in last week's Lee Westwood Golf School Open, Campbell was able to put together a bogey-free round besting the field with his 69 on Monday.

Carding all pars on his opening nine, his first birdie did not come until the par-4 12th, getting him to red numbers for the first time in his opening round.

Back-to-back birdies on Nos. 15 and 16 would be good enough for the lead as everyone struggled in the conditions. Where only two players would finish under par in round one.

Dustin Johnson wins HSBC-Champions

Dustin Johnson produced a run of three birdies and an eagle in five holes to secure the 8.5 million-dollar WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai.

Johnson finished on a tournament record 24-under par of 264, three ahead of England's Ian Poulter and four ahead of Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell after a pulsating final day's play captivated huge galleries at Sheshan Golf Club.

''It's the biggest win I've had in my career so far,'' he said. ''Those guys put a lot of pressure on me. I'm really proud of the way I handled myself.''

The leading trio all shot final rounds of six-under par 66, going head-to-head in a display of golf of the highest quality.

Dustin Johnson goes low for Five Shot Lead

Dustin Johnson tied the course record with a 9-under 63, four shots better than anyone else in round two on Friday, and built a five-shot lead in the HSBC Champions over Bubba Watson, Boo Weekley and first round leader, Rory McIlroy.

The long hitting Johnson began his round by tearing off six birdies in his first seven holes. Quickly going deep and getting his round to 6-under par.

His only blemish came at the par-4, 10th where he carded his rounds loan bogey.

Back-to-back birdies made that stroke up on Nos. 13 and 14 -- Adding two more circles to his card on No. 16 and finished it out with yet another birdie on the final hole.

eGolf Tour Florida: Varner holds off Brand for Victory

Harold Varner III held off Christian Brand during Thursday's final round of the eGolf Professional Tour's Florida series at the Lee Westwood Golf School Open, held at Errol Estate Golf and Country Club. Carding a final round 6-under 64 to finish off his week at 15-under to win the series' inaugural event by two strokes.

Varner, who held the 36 lead got off to a hot start in his final round, opening with back-to-back birdies on his opening two holes. Followed by two more birdies on Nos. 4 and 5 to card birdies on four of his first five holes.

His hot start saw his score quickly go to 4-under on his round and 12-under for the tournament.

One of three bogeys on his round came at the par-4, 7th, before carding another bogey on No. 9 to make the turn in 31, and 11-under overall.

Not to be out done, Brand opened his final round carding three birdies on his opening nine. Including back-to-back birdies on Nos. 2 and 3 to keep the pressure on Varner the entire round.

McIlroy Leads HSBC-Champions by Two after Opening 65

Rory McIlroy looked to be in old form as he opened the HSBC-Champions in Shanghai, China with a nearly blemish free 7-under 65 to take the lead by two heading into round two over Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and Jamie Donaldson.

This marked the first time since his last win in Dubai last November he has held the outright lead after any round of a tournament.

The timing for McIlroy could not be more crucial and come at a better time for the Northern Irishmen.

Not only has he failed to win a tournament, he also sits at No. 62 in the Race to Dubai with only two tournaments remaining to get into the top 60. Qualifying him for the season-ending World Tour Championship in Dubai.

eGolf Tour Florida: Harold Varner Shoots 63 to grab 36 Hole Lead

Harold Varner III bested everyone in round two of the Lee Westwood Golf School Open carding a tournament best a 7-under 63, to take the 36 hole lead over Tommy Gibson (-6) Andrew Pope (-5) and Christian Brand (-4).

Varner, a former East Carolina Pirate was the first golfer in ECU's history to be named Conference USA Golfer of the Year in 2021. The Gastonia, N.C. native was also a three-time All-Conference selection (2010 Second Team, 2011, 2012 First Team). Also setting the ECU record for lowest career scoring average with 72.28.

The 23-year old teed it up in 18 events on the eGolf Tour making the cut in 15 events, with his best finishes coming at The Founders Club Classic at St. James, Mimosa Hills Open and Mid Pines Classic, finishing second at all three events. While earning $52,293 for the year.

Players to Watch; WGC-HSBC Champions

For the second week in a row the PGA Tour is holding a no cut, FedEx Cup points event in Asia, as it prepares to tee off at the World Golf Championship HSBC Champions at the Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai, China.

Coming off of a one year absence, Sheshan International is back on the roster for this event, on it's par-72, 7,266 yard course.

Martin Kaymer is the defending champion (2011) when this event was held at this venue. Posting a tournament record 20-under par. Equaled only by David Howell in 2005. The 2012 champion, Ian Poulter won by two strokes at Mission Hills.

In 2009 the course favored the long ball players as the course was over-seeded with Rye grass. Four years later, the course has matured and provides an all-around test for the golfers this week.

eGolf Tour Florida: Jay Mulieri Leads with Opening Round 65

The inaugural event on the eGolf Professional Tour's Florida series got underway today at the Lee Westwood Golf School Open hosted by the Errol Estate Country Club in Apopka, Florida.

Jay Mulieri opened with a 5-under 65 to take the lead by two after round one over Stephen Markovitz, Christian Brand and Peter Campbell.

The Silver Spring, MD. native and former Loyola Greyhound opened his tournament with front nine score of 31. Including two birdies and an eagle on the par-4, 5th.

A bogey to begin his inward nine, Mulieri would get that stroke back on the par-4, 13th -- Only to give it right back to the course with a bogey on his next hole.

Back-to-back birdies on Nos. 16 and 17 would see him get to 5-under on his round, ultimately carding his opening round score of 65 for the 18 hole lead.

Ryan Moore bests Gary Woodland in Playoff for CIMB Title

After an overnight thunderstorm pushed the sudden-death playoff to a Monday finish, Ryan Moore birdied the first hole of the playoff to best Gary Woodland for the CIMB Classic title.

Both players finishing regulation at 14-under par, had the night to sleep on dreams of winning their third PGA Tour titles.

Moore, having to save par on his final hole on Sunday to force the playoff with Woodland, after hitting an awkward wedge shot from some 60-yards from the green. Though he pulled it off with his approach landing no more than seven feet from the cup.

During the sudden-death playoff, the following day, Moore was faced with a similar shot [yardage] on the same hole. An 8-iron to approach to the green he would stick five feet from the hole leading to his birdie putt and the victory.

''I had a great opportunity there on 18 with my third shot and it was just an absolute perfect number,'' he said. ''It was coincidentally the exact shot I was working on on the range.''

PGA Tour for Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat?

After coming within a shot of making a playoff at the CIMB Classic, the question is now: Will Thailand'sKiradech Aphibarnrat continue to pursue his goal of a PGA TOUR card?

If he wants it, the big 24-year-old has a spot in The McGladrey Classic in two weeks at Sea Island, Ga.

Aphibarnrat missed a birdie putt that would have put in a playoff Monday at the CIMB Classic. Instead, he finished tied for third with Chris Stroud, earning over $400,000 and virtually securing the No. 1 spot on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

Aphibarnrat, a non-TOUR member, would have earned 163 FedExCup points would his finish. He can still play 
The McGladrey Classic and hope for another top-10 (which assures another start) or finish high enough to score enough FedExCup points to earn Special Temporary Status.

Such status would give him unlimited sponsor exemptions into PGA TOUR events, making it much easier to earn full membership. 

"I think the schedule will change right now," Aphibarnrat said. "If I have my chance even like just 1 percent, I will try and do it."

Monday Playoff for Woodland & Moore at CIMB

Gary Woodland and Ryan Moore both finished at 14-under par at the CIMB Classic in Kuala Lumpor, Malaysia. Forcing a playoff to see who will be crowned champion at the Kuala Lumpor Golf and Country Club.

The final round of the championship was delayed twice from inclement weather, saw darkness creep in on play and was suspended due to the darkness. Meaning the sudden death playoff between Woodland and Moore will have to wait.

The playoff will begin at 7:30 p.m. (EST) in the United States.

With a one-shot lead, looking for his second victory in 12 weeks, Woodland saw Moore convert a birdie on the par-4 16th to draw even with him.

Keegan Bradley Leads CIMB Classic by Four

Keegan Bradley carded a nearly blemish free 6-under 66 in round two of the CIMB Classic to take the lead heading into the weekend by four strokes over Ryan Moore.

Bradley, a three-time PGA Tour winner has shown that accuracy off the tee will set you up to go deep at the Kuala Lumpur Country Club.

Through two rounds of play, Bradley has hit 24 of 28 fairways (85.71%) to lead the field in driving accuracy.

Taking advantage of his driving accuracy, the Woodstock, VT. native has carded only one bogey through 36 holes, and is leading the event in birdies (14) as well as bogeys (1). Often finding a nice distraction during his round to think of how is beloved Redsox are doing in the World Series on the other side of the planet.