Inside The Ropes

TOUR NEWS

Smith hoped his Sony Open victory would bring “a bit of joy to Australia”

Emotional Aussie Smith wins in Hawaii to aid bushfi re relief eff ort

Cameron Smith won his first individual PGA Tour event at the Sony Open in Hawaii, with a par on the opening hole of a play-off securing victory against American Brendan Steele. The win was all the more significant for the Australian given the deadly bushfires that have been ravaging his home country for months. Speaking at the trophy ceremony, Smith talked emotionally about what it meant to him: “I might tear up here, but I just hope this brings a bit of joy to Australia. I know we’re going through some tough times, but keep in there. We’re all trying to raise money for you. We all love you.”

GOOD MONTH/BAD MONTH

Sandy Lyle The former Open and Masters Champion received the 2019 PGA Recognition Award for his outstanding contribution to golf.

Catriona Matthew The 2019 Solheim Cup-winning captain was awarded an OBE in the New Year’s Honours List. She will captain the European side again in 2021. Jordan Spieth Looking to kick off 2020 in style, Spieth had to withdrew from the Sony Open in Hawaii because of illness.

Martin Trainer Since winning in Puerto Rico in 2019, Trainer has missed 18 cuts from 23 events. He finished last at the Tournament of Champions, where there was no cut. He shot 18-over-par for the four rounds.

The 26-year-old’s family has been greatly impacted by the fires. His uncle, Warren, recently re-visited his evacuated property to find only a shed standing. Smith joined several other Australian players including Marc Leishman and Matt Jones in donating money to the cause. The International Presidents Cup team also contributed $125,000 to the relief effort. Speaking in Hawaii, Leishman said: “I want to thank the rest of the International Team for their contributions to the cause and I know all of Australia –and particularly the victims –will be very grateful. But the scale of the destruction is huge and it will continue to take a team effort from every corner of the globe as we look to the future.” In a time of devastation and tragedy, it’s good to see the world of golf coming together to give something back. Words: Sam Tremlett Photography: Getty Images

INSIDE THE ROPES

3 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT

Marcus Armitage

1The 32-year-old qualified for the 2020 Open courtesy of a thirdplace finish in the South African Open. It was his best result in a European Tour event and it came just two months after he secured a card via Q-School.

2When he was young, his father came home with a set of clubs that were given to him as payment for a debt. They gathered dust in the garage before one day Armitage decided to fire a shot into a field on the family farm. He left school at 13 after his mum died and from that moment onwards spent all his time practising. He got his handicap down to +1 before he received a single lesson.

3In 2018, Armitage qualified for The Open. Ten days before, he went indoor skydiving and ripped his shoulder out of its socket. He saw a Challenge Tour physio, who told him: “You’re not playing in The Open next week.” He said, “Yes I am, you watch me.” He played with a half swing and missed the cut, despite shooting 69 in the second round.

NEWS WRAP

Adidas Golf has signed talented Danish twins Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard to apparel, footwear and accessories contracts. The latter won the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open at the end of 2019.

94

Iconic architect Pete Dye has passed away aged 94. His most famous designs include TPC Sawgrass and Whistling Straits.

SOCIAL CORNER

SHOT O F THE MONTH

During the final round of the South African Open, Louis Oosthuizen holed his tee shot at the par-3 8th to move into the lead. He finished 2nd.

QUOTE O F THE MONTH

“TWO MORE

HOLES AND W E

CAN GET A

MAI TAI”

Patrick Cantlay was looking forward to a drink after the final round of the Tournament of Champions.

BET O F THE M O N T H