We round up this week's movers and shakers in the Road to Rio...
The Men
Marc Leishman of Australia and South AfricanJaco Van Zyl have both been propelled into the reckoning for places in the Olympic Games golf competition in Rio de Janeiro.
With Adam Scott, Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel asking not to be considered for Rio, the potential beneficiaries are Leishman and Van Zyl. Leishman enters the Rankings in 16th place, behind number one and compatriotJason Day.
A delighted Van Zyl is 27th, 17 places behind the leading South African, recent Hilton Head championBranden Grace, who continued his upward progress into tenth.
Yuta Ikedaof Japan produced a masterclass performance in front of his home fans to win the Panasonic Open Golf Championship by three shots after closing with a six under par 65. That success enabled the 30 year old to take his place in the Olympic Rankings at number 33 alongsideHideki Matsuyama(11th) withShingo Katayamadropping out of the top 60.
Charley Hoffmanheld off Patrick Reed on the US PGA Tour to claim the Valero Texas Open while KoreanSoomin Leewon the Shenzhen International on the European Tour. Neither player figures on the Olympic Rankings but are moving in the right direction.
Quotes
Jaco Van Zyl
“It’s a great privilege and an honour to be able to represent my country on such a big stage. It will be very special for me to be able to look back one day and remember participating in the Olympics. Initially, I thought my chances of playing were slim, but when it became clear that I could play, I made sure I did all the paperwork.”
Charley Hoffman
“I pride myself that I play this game to get into contention. Just the way you react and be able to maintain composure. To be able to close the door like I did, it’s a very good, gratifying feeling.”
Soomin Lee
“I'm really happy and really excited. This is really good for me and really good for my golf life.”
The Women
Haru Nomurajoined her compatriotYuta Ikedain the winners’ circle in an impressive weekend for Japanese professional golf.
Nomura recorded a nine under par total of 279 for a four shot victory in the Swinging Skirts LPGA Classic Presented by CTBC to jump four spots on the Road to Rio, from 18th to 14th in the Rankings. Japan’s other Olympic contender,Shiho Oyama, is currently 20th, having replacedMika Miyazatoin the Rankings.
Denmark’sNanna Koerstz Madsenenters the Rankings in 37th, taking the place of Emily Kristine Pedersen.
There was no change at the top of the Rankings with tied sixth finishes forLydia KoandLexi Thompson, which keep them at number one and three respectively, with KoreanInbee Parkin second position.
Quotes
Haru Nomura
“When I came into this year, I had two goals - to win an LPGA tournament and also win a major tournament. Now I've won two tournaments on the LPGA this year, so I think my goal now is to win a major.”
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