Bulldogs To Open In The Carmel Cup

Seniors Jaime Lopez Rivarola (left) and
Greyson Sigg will lead the Bulldogs this season.

The Georgia men’s golf team will open the fall portion of the 2016-17 schedule this weekend in The Carmel Cup in Pebble Beach, Calif.

The Bulldogs are slated to play 54 holes Friday through Sunday at Pebble Beach Golf Links. The course has been set up as a par-72 covering 6,828 yards.

Haack will use a lineup of seniors Jaime Lopez Rivarola and Greyson Sigg, junior Zach Healy, sophomore Tye Waller, and freshmen Will Chandler and Spencer Ralston. The tournament format consists of six players with five counting (as opposed to the typical five players with four counting). Sigg had three individual wins and Healy one a year ago as they were the only Bulldogs to see action in every tournament.

The Bulldogs, who won The Carmel Cup in 2014, are ranked No. 9 in the first Bushnell Golfweek Coaches Poll of the season. Joining the Bulldogs in the tournament will be No. 4 Oklahoma State, No. 5 Vanderbilt, No. 10 Oklahoma, No. 20 Arkansas, Texas Tech, Ohio State and TCU.

“We’re very excited to get the season under way,” said Coach Chris Haack, who begins his 21st season overseeing the Bulldogs. “The fall tournaments give us the opportunity to knock off some rust, see where our games are, and start finding out what our team’s identity will be. And that’s not even mentioning how honored we are to playing at Pebble Beach, one of the most famous facilities in golf. It’s going to be a real test for our guys.”

Haack’s squad will have five fall tournaments. After The Carmel Cup, the Bulldogs will play in The Franklin American Mortgage Intercollegiate at The Grove Sept. 18-20 in Nashville, Tenn.; the Nike Invitational Oct. 2-4 in Fort Worth, Texas; the Cypress Point Classic Oct. 31-Nov. 1 in Monterey, Calif.; and the Ka’anapali Collegiate Classic Nov. 4-6 in Maui, Hawaii.

• Seven Bulldogs will be in action this week in the Deutsche Bank Championship as the playoffs leading to the Tour Championship in Atlanta in September continue.

Kevin Kisner enters the Deutsche Bank Championship as the highest-rated Bulldog in the FedExCup Standings at No. 12. Bubba Watson is No. 19, followed by No. 41 Harris English, No. 67 Brian Harman, No. 75 Chris Kirk, No. 78 Russell Henley and No. 82 Hudson Swafford.

The top 70 after this weekend will advance to the BMW Championship, and 30 players will tee it up at the Tour Championship. The top five at the season finale control their own destiny. They can clinch the FedExCup with a victory at East Lake Golf Club.

• Nicholas Reach and Sepp Straka will be playing this week in the Mackenzie Tour's Cape Breton Open in Nova Scotia.

• The 18th annual Bulldog Open at the UGA Golf Course will take place Friday, Sept. 30. The cost for a four-man team is $1,300. For more information, contact Denise at dsaliba@sports.uga.edu or 706-369-6066.

Bulldogs To Open In The Carmel Cup

Seniors Jaime Lopez Rivarola (left) and
Greyson Sigg will lead the Bulldogs this season.

The Georgia men’s golf team will open the fall portion of the 2016-17 schedule this weekend in The Carmel Cup in Pebble Beach, Calif.

The Bulldogs are slated to play 54 holes Friday through Sunday at Pebble Beach Golf Links. The course has been set up as a par-72 covering 6,828 yards.

Haack will use a lineup of seniors Jaime Lopez Rivarola and Greyson Sigg, junior Zach Healy, sophomore Tye Waller, and freshmen Will Chandler and Spencer Ralston. The tournament format consists of six players with five counting (as opposed to the typical five players with four counting). Sigg had three individual wins and Healy one a year ago as they were the only Bulldogs to see action in every tournament.

The Bulldogs, who won The Carmel Cup in 2014, are ranked No. 9 in the first Bushnell Golfweek Coaches Poll of the season. Joining the Bulldogs in the tournament will be No. 4 Oklahoma State, No. 5 Vanderbilt, No. 10 Oklahoma, No. 20 Arkansas, Texas Tech, Ohio State and TCU.

“We’re very excited to get the season under way,” said Coach Chris Haack, who begins his 21st season overseeing the Bulldogs. “The fall tournaments give us the opportunity to knock off some rust, see where our games are, and start finding out what our team’s identity will be. And that’s not even mentioning how honored we are to playing at Pebble Beach, one of the most famous facilities in golf. It’s going to be a real test for our guys.”

Haack’s 21st squad will have five fall tournaments. After The Carmel Cup, the Bulldogs will play in The Franklin American Mortgage Intercollegiate at The Grove Sept. 18-20 in Nashville, Tenn.; the Nike Invitational Oct. 2-4 in Fort Worth, Texas; the Cypress Point Classic Oct. 31-Nov. 1 in Monterey, Calif.; and the Ka’anapali Collegiate Classic Nov. 4-6 in Maui, Hawaii.

• Seven Bulldogs will be in action this week in the Deutsche Bank Championship as the playoffs leading to the Tour Championship in Atlanta in September continue.

Kevin Kisner enters the Deutsche Bank Championship as the highest-rated Bulldog in the FedExCup Standings at No. 12. Bubba Watson is No. 19, followed by No. 41 Harris English, No. 67 Brian Harman, No. 75 Chris Kirk, No. 78 Russell Henley and No. 82 Hudson Swafford.

The top 70 after this weekend will advance to the BMW Championship, and 30 players will tee it up at the Tour Championship. The top five at the season finale control their own destiny. They can clinch the FedExCup with a victory at East Lake Golf Club.

• The 18th annual Bulldog Open at the UGA Golf Course will take place Friday, Sept. 30. The cost for a four-man team is $1,300. For more information, contact Denise at dsaliba@sports.uga.edu or 706-369-6066.

Barclays Field Includes 7 Bulldogs

Chris Kirk, Brian Harman, Hudson Swafford, Russell Henley, Harris English, Kevin Kisner and Bubba Watson will be in action this week in The Barclays at Bethpage Black. The event will kick off the four-tournament playoff series that culminates with the Tour Championship in Atlanta in September.

Kisner enters The Barclays as the highest-rated Bulldog in the FedExCup Standings at No. 11. Watson is No. 24, followed by No. 35 English, No. 60 Kirk, No. 83 Henley, No. 88 Harman and No. 90 Swafford.

All 125 players are eligible for this week's The Barclays. The field will be pared to the top 100 in the FedExCup for the Deutsche Bank Championship. The top 70 advance to the BMW Championship, and 30 players will tee it up at the Tour Championship. The top five at the season finale control their own destiny. They can clinch the FedExCup with a victory at East Lake Golf Club.

• The Web.com Tour's WinCo Foods Portland Open at Pumpkin Ridge will feature Bryden Macpherson, Keith Mitchell and Adam Mitchell. This will serve as the final regular-season event for the Web.com Tour. The first 25 of 50 PGA Tour cards for the 2016-17 season will be awarded at the conclusion of this week based on the Web.com Tour money list. Keith Mitchell is No. 65, Macpherson is No. 112 and Adam Mitchell is No. 146.

• The 18th annual Bulldog Open at the UGA Golf Course will take place Friday, Sept. 30. The cost for a four-man team is $1,300. For more information, contact Denise at dsaliba@sports.uga.edu or 706-369-6066.

Barclays Field Includes 7 Bulldogs

Chris Kirk, Brian Harman, Hudson Swafford, Russell Henley, Harris English, Kevin Kisner and Bubba Watson will be in action this week in The Barclays at Bethpage Black.

• The Web.com Tour's WinCo Foods Portland Open at Pumpkin Ridge will feature Bryden Macpherson, Keith Mitchell and Adam Mitchell. This will serve as the final regular-season event for the Web.com Tour. The first 25 of 50 PGA Tour cards for the 2016-17 season will be awarded at the conclusion of this week based on the Web.com Tour money list. Keith Mitchell is No. 65, Macpherson is No. 112 and Adam Mitchell is No. 146.

• The 18th annual Bulldog Open at the UGA Golf Course will take place Friday, Sept. 30. The cost for a four-man team is $1,300. For more information, contact Denise at dsaliba@sports.uga.edu or 706-369-6066.

Watson Finishes Eighth In Olympic Golf

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil --- Former Georgia standout Bubba Watson came in eighth in men’s golf at the Olympics on Sunday.

The two-time Masters champion, who played for the Bulldogs in 2000 and 2001, wound up at 7-under-par 277. He closed the tournament with a 1-under 70 on Sunday.

Great Britain’s Justin Rose claimed the gold medal with a score of 16-under 268, followed by Sweden’s Henrik Stenson (14-under 270) and American Matt Kuchar (13-under 271).

Golf was being contested at the Olympics for the first time since 1904. 

Watson Stands Fourth With One Round To Go

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil --- Former Georgia All-American Bubba Watson climbed into medal contention during the third round of men’s golf at the Olympics on Saturday.

Watson, a Bulldog in 2000 and 2001, fired a 4-under 71 on Saturday to move to 6-under 207 for the Games. With one round remaining Sunday, Great Britain’s Justin Rose is first at 12-under 201, followed by Sweden’s Henrick

Golf is being contested at the Olympics for the first time since 1904. As with all of the events at the Olympics, medals will be awarded to the top three finishers on Sunday.

Stenson at 11-under 202 and Australia’s Marcus Fraser at 9-under 204.

Watson birdied four of his first five holes on Saturday and added another birdie on No. 10 to move to 5-under for his round. He closed with bogeys on Nos. 14 and 15 and a birdie on the 17th.

Watson described his bogey on No. 14 as “hilarious” and “a freak thing” after he putted a 35-foot try just a couple of feet.

“I fixed my ball mark, walked around the hole, looked at my book and took a couple of practice strokes,” Watson said. “When I got over it, some mud came off the putter. I thought it was a bee or something, so I tried to stop the stroke, but I didn’t stop it quick enough. I knew the line so I went up and hit it again.

“It was one of those freak things you have to laugh off and keep going. That will be talked about for years. … What can you do? You just keep going. Hey, I’m at the Olympics. First or dead last or no matter what, I’m an Olympian and this is an amazing feeling.”

Watson trailed by 10 after the first round and by eight after the second.

Laughing off the duffed putt, Watson said he planning to watch Olympic badminton on Saturday evening.

“This is a dream of a lifetime,” he said. “I'm hanging with the athletes. I mean, golf just gets in my way. I want to go watch the other sports. Go hang in the cafeteria and try to meet other athletes and feel like I'm a superstar like them. I'm giddy when I see other athletes that I know, like Michael Phelps. What a thrill and an honor. When you see these people winning gold medals and their dedication, their drive and their focus, I mean, it's impressive.”

Watson Stands 18th With Two Rounds To Go

Bubba Watson eagled
No. 3 on Friday.

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Former Georgia All-American Bubba Watson soared up the leaderboard during the second round of men’s golf at the Olympics on Friday.

Watson, who played for the Bulldogs in 2000 and 2001, fired a 4-under 67 in the second round on the Olympic Golf Course. Watson had an eagle and six birdies along with four bogeys in Friday’s round. His eagle came on the par-4 third hole as he spun back a wedge approach. Watson birdied his last three holes.

Watson opened the day in 42nd place, but now he stands 18th at 2-under 140. Australia’s Marcus Fraser holds the 36-hole lead at 10-under 132, followed by Belgium’s Thomas Pieters (9-under 133) and Sweden’s Henrik Stenson (8-under 134).

The no-cut stroke-play event will continue on Saturday and will conclude on Sunday. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers.

Golf is being contested at the Olympics for the first time since 1904.

Watson Opens Olympics With 2-Over 73

Bubba Watson watches a tee shot during
the first round of the Olympics on Thursday.

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Former Georgia All-American Bubba Watson fired a 2-over-par 73 in the first round of men’s golf in the Olympics on Thursday.

Playing the par-71, 7,128-yard track at the Olympic Golf Course, Watson registered three birdies, three bogeys and one double bogey. 

Australia’s Marcus Fraser opened at 8-under 63 to snare the first-round lead. Canada’s Graham DeLaet and Sweden’s Henrik Stenson signed for 5-under 66s.

The no-cut stroke-play event will continue on Friday when Watson tees off 10:09 a.m. with Germany’s Martin Kaymer and India’s Anirban Lahiri. The tournament will conclude on Sunday.

Golf is being contested at the Olympics for the first time since 1904.

Watson, who played for the Bulldogs in 2000 and 2001, is staying in the Athletes Village in Rio and has attended several sporting events, including swimming and diving. And in true Watson fashion, he has posted many photos on social media.

“I want to live the experience, I want to hang out there, meet the other athletes and enjoy my time as an Olympian,” Watson said. “We’ve got golf to play, we’re trying to win a medal. But at the same time we want to be a true Olympian and be a fan of other sports and cheer on other athletes and be part of it. I’m trying to take it all in, do everything and see the sights.”

Watson Sets Sights On Olympic Gold

Bubba Watson watches his tee shot
during a practice round in Brazil on Tuesday.

Bubba Watson will begin his quest for an Olympic medal on Thursday as golf returns to the Games in Brazil.

Watson will be paired with Germany's Martin Kaymer and India's Anirban Lahiri Thursday and Friday. They will tee off at 8:14 a.m. Thursday and 10:09 a.m. Friday. Play will continue Saturday and Sunday.

Golf hasn't been contested at the Olympics since 1904. Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to the top three finishers.

“I want to live the experience, I want to hang out there, meet the other athletes and enjoy my time as an Olympian,” Watson said. “We’ve got golf to play, we’re trying to win a medal. But at the same time we want to be a true Olympian and be a fan of other sports and cheer on other athletes and be part of it. I’m trying to take it all in, do everything and see the sights.”

Larkin, Ralston To Play In U.S. Amateur

Two Bulldogs will be in action in the United States Amateur next week at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Rising sophomore Jack Larkin Jr. and incoming freshman Spencer Ralston will be competing in the U.S. Amateur, which will take place Aug. 17-21.

Larkin won the qualifying tournament at Trophy Club Country Club in Texas as he fired a 136. Ralston placed fourth at the Newnan Country Club with a 139.

Rising senior Greyson Sigg finished as the first alternate with a 142 at Oldfield Club in South Carolina.

• Speaking of Larkin, our friends from Channel 2's Bulldogs Gameweek caught up with Jack Sr. and Jack Jr. at the Georgia Amateur Championship. You can watch that report here.

• Watch your mailbox for information on the 18th annual Bulldog Open at the UGA Golf Course. The event will take place Friday, Sept. 30. The cost for a four-man team is $1,300. For more information, contact Denise at dsaliba@sports.uga.edu or 706-369-6066.

• Erik Compton, Lee McCoy, Brendon Todd, Bubba Watson, Hudson Swafford, Brian Harman and Russell Henley will be competing in this week's Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Connecticut. Watson is the defending champion and is back to defend his title before the Olympics.

• The Web.com Tour stop this week is the Digital Ally Open at Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate in Kansas. The field includes Keith Mitchell and Bryden Macpherson, while Adam Mitchell is an alternate.

• Nicholas Reach will be playing in the Mackenzie Tour's ATB Financial Classic at Country Hills Golf Club in Calgary.

Larkin, Ralston To Play In U.S. Amateur

Two Bulldogs will be in action in the United States Amateur next week at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.

Rising sophomore Jack Larkin Jr. and incoming freshman Spencer Ralston will be competing in the U.S. Amateur, which will take place Aug. 17-21.

Larkin won the qualifying tournament at Trophy Club Country Club in Texas as he fired a 136. Ralston placed fourth at the Newnan Country Club with a 139.

Rising senior Greyson Sigg finished as the first alternate with a 142 at Oldfield Club in South Carolina.

• Speaking of Larkin, our friends from Channel 2's Bulldogs Gameweek caught up with Jack Sr. and Jack Jr. at the Georgia Amateur Championship. You can watch that report here.

• Watch your mailbox for information on the 18th annual Bulldog Open at the UGA Golf Course. The event will take place Friday, Sept. 30. The cost for a four-man team is $1,300. For more information, contact Denise at dsaliba@sports.uga.edu or 706-369-6066.

• Erik Compton, Lee McCoy, Brendon Todd, Bubba Watson, Hudson Swafford, Brian Harman and Russell Henley will be competing in this week's Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands in Connecticut. Watson is the defending champion and is back to defend his title before the Olympics.

• The Web.com Tour stop this week is the Digital Ally Open at Nicklaus Golf Club at LionsGate in Kansas. The field includes Keith Mitchell and Bryden Macpherson, while Adam Mitchell is an alternate.

• Nicholas Reach will be playing in the Mackenzie Tour's ATB Financial Classic at Country Hills Golf Club in Calgary.