Third Round Commercialbank Qatar Masters

Thomas Bjorn wrestled the lead from Markus Brier in the third round of the Commerbank Qatar Masters. Martin Kaymer broke 70 for the first time in his last seven rounds at Doha GC. It might be time for him to skip this event in the future. However, he will pick up some world ranking points in his bid to be world’s number one as Lee Westwood missed the cut.

1          BJÖRN, Thomas                     -11

2          BRIER, Markus                      -10

3          KARLSSON, Robert             -8

4          AIKEN, Thomas                     -7

 T5       QUIROS, Alvaro                    -6

T5        FINCH, Richard                     -6

Notables

T7        OOSTHUIZEN, Louis           -5

T28      KAYMER, Martin                  -1

T47      POULTER, Ian                       +1

T55      DALY, John                           +2

T67      STRICKER, Steve                 +4

Sword fight

You probably have already seen the attack ad that Callaway launched after failing to match TalorMade’s driver buzz.

Now there are pictures emerging with claims that there is a "design" flaw in the TM R11. A side effect to having a white head is the potential for a shadow to appear across the top of the head. I don’t know if you call this a flaw, but I'm certain Callaway won’t dispute it.

More importantly, no word yet on whether seeing the shadow means an early spring.

Just another manic monday

The PGA is reporting that they are looking at a Monday finish for the Waste Management Phoenix Open. The four hour delay on Thursday and the two hour delay on Friday due to early morning frost has left the choice no choice but to finish on Monday. Furthermore, the Super Bowl was also part of the equation since the PGA wants no part of going head to head with the NFL.

Ping hooks up Mark Wilson

Mark Wilson, a Ping staff player, asked Ping to hook him with some Packer colors for his visor this week. Ping obliged to the on the fly request. Thanks to PGAtour.com for the pic.

Goosen Slips; Westwood sent packing

Round Two: Qatar Masters

With two rounds in the books, Markus Brier of Austria is the clubhouse leader at – 7. First round leader Goosen finds himself three shots back at – 4.

Notables:

Robert Karlsson            - 5

Louis Oosthuizen            -2

Ian Poulter                        -1

Steve Stricker                         +3

Martin Kaymer            +3

Missed Cut:

Lee Westwood            +4

Paul Casey                        +5

Further News:

Martine Kaymer was named European golfer of the month for January

Haas continues hot hand; Phil lurking

First Round: Waste Management Phoenix Open

Bill Haas said in his post round interview that he "wanted to prove that [he] belonged" in the featured pairing with Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson. Haas first played with the pair of lefties during the final round of last week's Farmers Insurance Open, but he faded fast and barely made the television coverage. Yesterday, Haas' 6 under sixty six was low man in the group. Mickelson had a solid start as well with a 4 under sixty seven.

Tom Gillis        -6

Bill Haas          -6

Tom Lehman   -6

Jason Bohn     -6

The “Storm Trooper” of drivers is unofficial winner

Viewed from a distance and under enough snow to choke a horse, it seems the new R11 driver from TaylorMade has created the most buzz from this year’s PGA merchandise show. Working off player feedback, Taylormade incorporated three distinct technologies into the driver. Flight Controlled Technology (FCT) allows players to increase or decrease the driver’s loft. With an Adjustable Sole Plate (ASP), players can change the set up to a draw, fade, or neutral setting. Moveable Weight Technology furthers allows player to encourage a draw or fade my moving weight to either the heel or toe of the driver. Put a white shaft in this baby and you are all set.