Round-up of the weekend

It was a tough day on the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond yesterday as Edoardo Molinari secured his maiden tour victory at the Scottish Open.

He began a shot ahead of Darren Clarke and after a final round 74 he eventually won by two shots.

Clarke never really recovered from a double bogey seven on the third and although he battled hard with himself and the conditions Molinari’s lead was never really ender threat.

The good news for Clarke is that his second placed finish means that he secured his place at next week’s Open. If you’re struggling to find accommodation Darren I know a little place you can try.

With his win Edoardo lept to sixth place on the World list for the Ryder Cup making the prospect of teaming up with his brother a real possibility, which I predicted back in January .

A bigger focus on the ladies this week as Paula Creamer claimed her first ever major title in the women’s US Open at Oakmont Country Club.

Creamer dubbed the best player never to have won a major before the event, shook off the dreaded tag as she won by four strokes.

A final round 69 proved more than enough, even if the weather tried to play its part. 23 holes were needed for Creamer on the final day as the third round had to be completed followed severe storms on the Saturday.

Steve Stricker successfully defended his John Deere Classic title holding off man of the moment Paul Goydos on the US Tour.

Starting the final round with a six-stroke lead, the world number four increased his advantage to seven early on, but was then forced to withstand a stirring comeback from Goydos.

Goydos who shot a 59 in the opening round ended with a 66 to Stricker’s 70 and that was enough for the defending champion to win by two shots. However like Clarke, Goydos will be at St Andrews next week thanks to his second placed spot.