PLENTY OF CONTROVERSY AT VALDERRAMA

All that was needed for the last Volvo Masters this weekend was warm sunny weather, a good performance by the defending champion and every player in with a chance of winning. The  decision to send out Justin Rose with only a marker for company was inexplicable, unless Justin himself suggested it. Nothing could be more demotivating, as was proven by his 19-over-par return for the two rounds.

Things got worse on the second day, when, as forecast, the heavens opened up, stranding half the field on a waterlogged course, without the benefit of preferred lies. Scores were bound to escalate before play was abandoned for the day, while the rest of the field enjoyed perfect conditions to play catch-up with their second and third rounds.

So far, no good. Luckily, things were bound to improve and Kjelden, until now considered a mere journeyman, took full advantage to defend a two shot lead and deservedly win from Anthony Wall and Martin Kaymer. The expected battle for the Vardon Trophy never really materialized, as Harrington, who looked decidedly jaded, never really offered a challenge and Westwood, who was in with a chance to win the Volvo Masters and therefore the Vardon Trophy, faded over the last nine holes.  This left Karlsson the winner of the last Order of Merit Table, even though he finished 18 shots behind Kjelden. But Kjelden fully deserved his victory after an incredible opening round of 65 and won’t be viewed as a journey man much longer, as his all-round game showed that all he lacks is a few extra yards off the tee.

Tags: Valderrama Golf, volvo masters