Times wires
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Gasparilla Invitational
What: Amateur tournament
When/where: Friday-Sunday (tee times 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.); Palma Ceia Golf Club, Tampa
Defending champ: Peter Dachisen
Info: gasparillainvitational.blogspot.com, (813) 253-3101
Going for No. 4
Yani Tseng is the hottest golfer few fans have heard about. The Taiwan native has won three consecutive tournaments and is No. 1 in the world entering this week's HSBC Women's Champions in Singapore. The 22-year-old began 2011 at No. 5, then reached No. 1 by winning the Australian Women's Open and Australia Ladies Masters (part of the Ladies European Tour). Last week, she won the LPGA Thailand. "I just worked a little bit on my swing with my coach and got my body stronger," said Tseng, who studied English during the offseason. "I just try to relax. And I know the more relaxed I am, the better I play." The HSBC's field of 63 includes all of 2010's major champions and LPGA tournament winners."
Match Play change
The Match Play Championship, which began Wednesday, has tweaked its format. Instead of the semifinals Saturday afternoon and a 36-hole championship on Sunday, the semifinals are Sunday morning followed by an 18-hole final. Still in place is the consolation match. Tournament organizers like the consolation match because of the difference in money, world ranking points, FedEx Cup points and, every other year, Ryder Cup points.
This week on tour
PGA: WGC Match Play Championship, Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, Marana, Ariz. TV: Today-Friday, 2 p.m., Golf Channel; Saturday, noon-2, Golf Channel, and 2 p.m., Ch. 8; Sunday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Golf Channel, and 2 p.m., Ch. 8
PGA: Mayakoba Classic, El Camaleon Golf Club, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico TV: Today-Saturday, 6:30 p.m., Golf Channel; Sunday, 7 p.m., Golf Channel
LPGA: HSBC Women's Champions, Tanah Merah Country Club, Garden Course, Singapore TV: Today-Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Golf Channel; Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon, Golf Channel; Sunday, 2 p.m., Golf Channel