Golf News November 14th, 2008

British Open to move to ESPN

All four rounds of the British Open will air live on ESPN starting in 2010.

ESPN and the tournament’s organizer, Royal & Ancient Golf, agreed to an eight-year contract, they announced Thursday. The deal also includes digital coverage and expanded rights for ESPN International.

Same-day highlights will air on ESPN’s broadcast partner, ABC, over the weekend. Through the 2009 event, British Open coverage is split between TNT and ABC.

“It is all important to The R&A that we preserve the traditions of The Open Championship while at the same time ensuring that golf fans are able to enjoy modern state-of-the-art coverage of the event,” chief executive Peter Dawson said.

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Ochoa Shoots 73 In Hometown Tournament

Lorena Ochoa struggled Thursday in the first round in her own Lorena Ochoa Invitational, shooting a 1-over 73 on her home course to drop five strokes behind Annika Sorenstam and the other leaders.

“I can’t say I’m happy because I’m not, but I’m feel like I can get closer. I hope to do it tomorrow,” said Ochoa, who took up the game 21 years ago at Guadalajara Country Club. “It’s a good pressure to play here, to feel the good vibes, and the love of my fans. I feel motivated because I know that we have three more days to play.”

LPGA Championship winner Yani Tseng, No. 2 in the world behind Ochoa and ahead of Sorenstam, topped the leaderboard at 68 along with Sorenstam, Angela Stanford, Karen Stupples, Seon Hwa Lee, Nicole Castrale, Hee-Won Han and Brittany Lang.

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No. 2 Garcia now aims at major win, Tiger

Sergio Garcia’s playoff victory over Oliver Wilson in the HSBC Champions gave the Spaniard a career-high No. 2 world ranking.

He also has some unfinished business after passing Phil Mickelson in the rankings – winning his first major and, even more difficult, challenging Tiger Woods for No. 1.

“I think my next goal is trying to win a major,” Garcia said Monday after making a 7-foot birdie on the second playoff hole – the par-5 18th – after Wilson missed a 10-footer. “Well, we’ve been trying for quite a while.

“Attacking No. 1 probably depends a little bit on how much he takes off and if I keep playing well,” Garcia added. “It’s possible, mainly because he’s been injured. … I’ve never been this close to No. 1, so it’s exciting to be there.”

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