Auntie Pat

Bradley holds aloft the Wanamaker Trophy: Action images

Keegan Bradley, an unlikely winner that deserves enormous credit for a monumental rise to prominence. Ranked 329th at the start of is rookie year, his second win of the season at the USPGA catapulted him a smidgen more than an Alastair Cook 'daddy' hundred, up to 29th. A nephew of tough LPGA legend Pat Bradley it seems as though some of Auntie Pat's grit and determination has rubbed off on him.

Five shots down with three to play and it seemed as though the USPGAs was Dufner's to lose. Some may still assert that the fluffy haired golfer from Ohio blew his chance of a maiden Major, but I see it differently. The closing three holes were a tough proposition at the Atlanta Athletic Club and to finish them two under par was a stellar achievement. That Dufner wavered and had three consecutive bogeys from 15-17 just highlights how well Bradley played in the clutch.

Bradley says that he drew inspiration from watching his Auntie Pat (Bradley), an LPGA Hall of Famer, and insists that he does not want this moment to be the zenith of his career. “I’m not going to let this define my career,” Dufner told reporters. “I have a lot more time to play golf and hopefully I’ll have more time to win majors and use what happened today as a positive". You could argue that history is against him. Ouimet and Ben Curtis the only other two players to win a Major at their first attempt never scaled the same heights again. Then again Keegan is a Bradley, and if Auntie Pat is anything to go by, this is not the last we've heard of the steely eyed American rookie.

Who?

Dufner, Steele, Bradley...no offence but who are you?

The final round of the year's final Major is underway and hand on heart I haven't the faintest idea who any of the front runners are. I have said before that perhaps it's time for the USPGA to re-brand and become a global event. I was therefore extremely impressed by an excellent article crafted by John Huggan of Golf Digest. Huggan argues that for the US to hold three Majors is a fallacy in the age when the game has truly globalised: 'such an out-of-date, anachronistic bias has no place in a game where the very best practitioners today hail from all corners of the globe'.

Geoff Ogilvy seemingly concurs that the USPGA as it stands is at the bottom of the list of priorities for professional golfers in regard to Major championships: 'the lesser among equals'. His solution is to return to the matchplay format abandoned in 1958. Whilst that would be interesting, I prefer Huggan's suggestion of a truly global Major that travels around the world the finest courses each continent has to offer.

"Ooooh I could win a Major" Jason Dufner

As for this year's event I had hoped that one of the European contingent would rise to the challenge and help make it seven Majors in a row for the Euro tour. As it stands Karlsson, Donald and Hansen are making a good fist of it but Dufner at nine under is stating the case for fat putting grips. Glad I got mine yesterday!

The new epicentre of golf

A year ago when Graeme McDowell, clad in the warrior colour of salmon pink, held his putter aloft I did not realise it was a rallying cry to his countrymen. But the leader from Portrush was signalling a revolution and the men of Norn Iron flocked to the cause. Rory McIlroy's meteoric rise was to a degree expected, Darren Clarke's arrival on golf's top table less so. Though headlines were euphoric about young Rory's performance at Congressional, I hope the praise of Clarke will be as lavish.

As the stellar field was dismantled by the elements and the brutal Kent course, there were a host of high profile casualties as Donald, Westwood, McDowell and Poulter all missed the cut. But while our attention was drawn to those who had fallen, I failed to observe fully the exploits of a smiling Irishman who had navigated each of the opening three rounds under par.

Whilst some battled bravely for two or even three rounds, Royal St George eventually claimed victim after victim. Poor Miguel Angel Jimenez suffering severely on the final day, with an outside chance of supplanting Old Tom Morris in the history books within his grasp. But amid the howling wind and lashing rain the broad smile on Darren Clarke's face never wavered, his form never faltered and lady luck played its part saving him from the sand whilst simultaneously halting big Phil Mickelson's charge in its tracks.

I found the four days compelling, enthralling and mesmerising. The only downside is that it reawakened my fear of links courses: when the elements bare their teeth it can be a brutal affair. Darren Clarke well played sir. I do not partake very often but last night I was compelled to toast your success with a pint (or two) of the black stuff.

Blockbuster entertainment: the sequel

McIlroy got the job done (Reuters)

On 11th April at 07:21 I sent Golf Monthly a letter by e-mail. It was the morning after McIlroy's Masters meltdown and I had been moved to put finger to keyboard. Under the title Blockbuster Entertainment, this is what I submitted:

"I'm not sure who is writing the scripts at Augusta, but this year's instalment is worthy of an Oscar nomination.

The fallen hero seeking redemption whips the crowd into a frenzy in a scintillating front nine. The plucky debutant almost has his Day with a stirring late rally. The comeback kid finally finds peace on the greens with an inexplicably long short stick.

There are other sub plots but the romantic ending is reached in a pulsating climax when, on the golden anniversary of Gary Player's inaugural triumph a cool, calm and collected South African seals his first Major win with four consecutive birdies.

But the most gripping, harrowing plotline is a souped up Holywood remake of an Australian classic. This time it is a youthful hero who suffers a unrelenting, brutal encounter. We attempt to mask our eyes but are compelled to watch the carnage unfold through our fingers. I sincerely hope that they are planning a sequel where the magnanimous, precocious talent bounces back and secures a series of Major victories. I'm not one for schmaltz but for once I think we all deserve a happy ending!"

Sadly my letter didn't make it into print, but happily it loils as though this evening I will be granted that happy ending. What makes it truly remarkable is the speed with which this has happened. Bouncing back to finish third the week after was special. Destroying the field at the next Major is incredible. I hope I do not live to regret these words but as I intimated on Thursday McIlroy seems to have matured. His chastening experience at Augusta seems to be a timely injection of resilience. The boy from Northern Ireland has come if age. I look forward to watching him write his name in the history books this evening!

US Open

Westwood and McDowell at Congressional (Getty)

Tough uncompromising course? Check. Ridiculously massive yardage? Check. A list as long as your arm of people who have a real chance of winning it? Check. Looks like it will be an exciting weekend of golf.

According to statistics only Retief Goosen and Tiger Woods have finished inside the top 40 in defending the title and I don't think that Graeme McDowell is going to repeat that feat. His comments in the media this week speak of a man that has struggled with the burden of his first Major win. As a result as long as he remains in contention for repeat honours the media intrusion will be too much of a distraction. I hope that last year's success does not mark the zenith of his career.

McIlroy said he was humbled by his Haiti visit

I would love Lee Westwood to be proudly holding the trophy aloft when the dust settles on Sunday, but I don't think this tournament and this course is for him. Next month at Royal St Georges however...

I also think that while Luke Donald will be in contention that he will not be holding aloft any silverware on the final day. He lost his way with his driving at Wentworth and though he was able to use his wonderful short game and scrambling to remain in contention, Congressional will not be so forgiving. My European Tour tip would be Rory McIlroy. His recent experience in Haiti seems to have levelled him and he will be burning to put right the wrong of his Augusta collapse.He is long off the tee, incredibly accurate with his irons, and given the uncompromising and penal nature of the rough, a premium will be placed on ball control.

Despite supporting the British Isles finest, I have to say I feel this trophy is returning stateside. Stricker, Mickelson, Kuchar and Nick Watney must all be in with a very good chance. However, having seen their recent tongue in cheek 'Golfboys video' I'll be routing for my favourite fantastic four US golfers. If it has to stay on that side of the pond I really hope it's Watson, Fowler, Mahan or Crane that are planting a smacker on the silver come Sunday. Oh, oh, oh...

Where now for Tiger?

Today the Player's Championship will crown a new champion but the main talking point surrounding the 'fifth' Major is Thursday's withdrawal of Tiger Woods. My opinions of Woods are split as I struggle to divorce his skill from his persona. He has failed to live up to his responsibilities as a role model but has delivered such sheer brilliance on course, that these misgivings are almost forgivable. His staunchest supportershave always argued that he would regain his best form. However, the re-emergence of the knee and achilles injuries that have plagued him since Augusta, suggest that their optimism may need review.

The deterioration of his knee, and the attempts he has made to reconstruct his game to protect it, suggest to me that Woods' star is waning. There are enough mental challenges in golf without the added concern on every tee of whether your ligaments are up to the job. To play his best golf, Tiger needs to not only be fit, but also to believe that he is fit. It is this latter point, which may I fear see him limp to the end of his career.

There are some that will be non-plussed if he exits the game but I believe they are allowing their perceptions of the man cloud their recollection of his genius. There is certainly a greater fondness for him on the other side of the pond, but I think that the British public want their heroes to be engaging and entertaining on and off the course. Tiger has never displayed the charisma required to endear himself to the British public.

My own wish is for one last hurrah, followed by a gracious exit. The real pity would be if he whimpered out of the game whilst simultaneously destroying his body. Unfortunately, I fear the culmination of his golf career may be the latter...

Sicknote

Not well today. Nausea, headache and feeling a bit weak and faint. The upshot is off work ill but with so much to get done before the long break over Easter still trying to do what I can. With no golf likely anytime soon I thought I'd blog about my dream fourball and how in recent weeks it has changed.

Seve the Spanish Swashbuckler

When I first started playing the contenders were the greats of the game: Niklaus, Watson, Palmer, Player, Faldo, Woods and of course the irreplaceable Seve Ballesteros. Those were the names I knew and revered. Then as I got into the game more I was exposed to stories of people like Moe Norman, Ben Hogan, Sam Snead and Gene Sarazen. Not to forget the Old and Young Tom Morris', James Braid, Bobby Jones etal.

My choice of the perfect fourball would have been one built on nostalgia or talent. Major Major winners who instead of a trophy cabinet or room would require an opulent mansion to be erected in their honour in order to provide sufficient space to house their magnificent haul of silverware. However, I have a sneaking suspicion the atmosphere may have been a little prickly with a focus on performance over fun. Oh how times have changed. You see when I started playing it was all about how good could I get? How low could I go? Now I just want to have a whole load of fun.

So rather than the usual suspects chosen from the Who's Who of golfing greats I'll plum for a modern day triumvirate who I think would be a great craic on the course. My apologies to Norn Iron legend G-Mac you were as close as a brazilian wax to making the cut. Luke Donald you were also squeezed out though the good humour with which you took the watermelon outfit (Augusta Saturday) ribbing on Twitter put you in a whole new light from the reserved and polite Englishman I pigeonholed you as. Justin Rose was almost a shock choice but my first golf memory is JR pitching in on the 18th to finish fourth as an amateur at the 1998 Open. And what of Lee Westwood? Close but no cigar for the amiable chap from Worksop. Besides I've heard it costs £90,000 a round to play with him! Anyway, enough of the ifs, buts and maybes here are the three golfers I'd most like to play with right now!

Ian Poulter

For starters he will probably dress like a pimp , which will get the banter started in the clubhouse while we munch on pre round bacon butties. He's forthright, passionate and funny. I think he'd be a great craic on the course and I'd like to see his short game close up. He's not as good round the greens as Donald, which I'd make sure I remind him of, but still brilliant. He will probably try and sell me some clobber on the way round, and may well design a limited edition putter headover for the occassion, which will be a nice keepsake. But most importantly when I got peckish mid round I'm sure he'd have a few Mars bars to hand.

Bubba Watson

Hits it a country mile (ok technically about a 1/4 of a country mile but you get the picture), that on it's own has to be seen in the flesh. But also, judging by his interview in Golf World this month he loves to mess about on the golf course. I want to see him bend it over houses and bring it back onto the fairway (perhaps he could give young Rory some tips). That shot in Hawaii, you know the one Driver off the deck 305 yards, hard cut to 10 foot for an eagle. Ledge! He just looks like he loves playing and his pink shafted driver shaft will make for an interesting talking point.

Rory McIlroy

McIlroy tweeted that he had been spotted house hunting

I have been so impressed with how he handled the Augusta disappointment, not to mention the fact that he is a quite brilliant golfer. By my reckoning he is going to be a major force in world golf and I'd like to play with him before he gets there and becomes too serious! Talented, modest, likeable and funny he would be the perfect final addition to my ultimate modern day fourball.

So those are my picks but who would you have? Have I committed the ultimate faux pas and missed someone off.

Epic

There are few words that can effectively summarise the scale of the drama that unfolded in Augusta yesterday, but epic comes close. It was a tale of anguish, courage and passion and those who savoured the thrilling climax last night will probably still be bewildered today. It seemed as though it would be a relative formality, so long as McIlroy held his nerve a solid 70 would theoretically be enough to see him home and dry. However, as precociously talented as the young man from Northern Ireland is, his round yesterday was a Holywood horror story.

The nervy bogey at the first, the missed birdie that followed swiftly afterwards indicated that all was not right. McIlroy's distractors have often cited that his weakness with his putter would be cruelly exposed in the crucible of pressure that comes with Sunday at a Major. The intensity was significantly amplified by the fact he had what seemed to be an unassailable lead. Despite the plaudits that should rightly go to Charl Schwartzel, this will be remembered as the Masters that McIlroy lost.

He was magnaminous in defeat but the pain of what could have been will still be there. Whether it is a scratch or a deeper wound has yet to be seen, but the affect of this scar could well define a career. Similarly to Sergio Garcia, McIlroy is a natural talent, a phenomenal ball striker and tee to green one of the best in the world. Garcia led the 2007 Open by three shots from Stricker and six from the rest of the field. But as he faltered and his lead evaporated he crumbled on 18th green failing to get up and down to win outright and eventually lost the playoff. Whisper it quietly the vbrilliant Spaniard believes he may be cursed, I pray McIlroy does not harbour similar notions.

It was his inexperience that cost him and I would love to know the conversation he had with his caddy on the fringes of 10th fairway. Having suffered a bit of misfortune when his tee shot careered off a tree he successfully steered himself back into play. The sensible option would have been to lay up, attempted to hit a stiff wedge and sink the putt for bogey. Instead he attempted to get to the green and sent his approach way left. What followed will haunt his nightmares for years to come, or will it?

Schwartzel finished with a stunning run of four birdies

If McIlroy puts this experience down to a growing learning curve and a lack of golfing maturity he will surely lessen the future impact of this on his game. Personally, I think had he entered the final day a single shot clear or even just two his mindset may well have been different. He may have lacked such expectancy and had less additional pressure applied by the media. However, in the end it was a scintillating performance by Schwartzel that began and finished in explosive fashion that won the day. Fifty years after Gary Player's inaugural victory it seems a fitting conclusion. As for Rory...I quite fancy his chances at the Open.

The Masters

Will this image be reversed come Sunday?

It has finally arrived. The anticipation is over and now the season opening Major is upon us. I've opted not to have a flutter this year although I'll kick myself if Watney or Kim wins it! Personally I think the big story this year is going to be the return of Tiger Woods. Come Sunday I think he will be in contention and hungry as ever. His game might not be at the same level as it once was but it's arguably in better shape than it was last year when he stunned us all finishing 4th.

I'll be honest, like many I have been disappointed with Tiger, not because off his off course indiscretions but his on course behaviour. But the way he has been talking recently suggests that he is starting to regain his self belief and, possibly more importantly, returning to the core lessons his father taught him. He has also admitted that he has neglected his putting and is starting to inject more effort on that part of his game. From what I remember of prime Tiger was seeing him drop putts from everywhere and if his putter is hot he'll be a tough man to beat at Augusta. In the past six years he hasn't finished outside the top six. I firmly believe he'll make it seven years in 2011.

That said I think his biggest threat will come from American players. Phil Mickelson was breathtaking last week as he destroyed the field to win the Houston Masters and after last years stunning third round I think he'll be hungry for another Masters triumph, Major victory and a return to the World Rankings top five.

Will Bubba add a green jacket to his wardrobe this weekend?

Challenging those two I think will be two young Yanks in the form of Anthony Kim who had a phenomenal Sunday charge last year and was in good nick at Houston and Nick Watney who must have learnt a lot from his nightmare final round at the USPGA last year. Watney also had a great round on Sunday last year and in what looks like gearing up to be an all American affair I think they will be the main four to watch. That said I'll be rooting for Bubba Watson (my favourite American player) and young Ryo Ishikawa an inspirational young man.

However, as a patriot I hold out hope for Westwood, Poulter and McDowell as the most likely British contenders with Harrington flying the flag for Ireland and Karlsson and Kaymer for the rest of Europe. The real shame though is the loss of Thursday and Friday coverage to Sky, thank god for Freesat +. I'll be watching on Friday night with my family, whetting our golf appetite before hitting the course on Saturday morning. Good luck to the Europeans but if it has to be Yank, please lord let it be Watney or Bubba Watson. Hi 5!

Inspirational

Two words. Luke Donald. After opening at the Northern Trust Open with a solid 68, that positioned him at the top of the leaderboard, his entire game deserted him. He was left despondent as his second round crumbled around him. A shot shy of 80 he trudged off desconsolate with a 79 that saw him cut from the weekends action. Based on his twitter posts he then took a medieval flaggelant approach to rediscovering his touch with punishing gym sessions to burn away the frustration (and probably several hundred calories).

Stan Badz / Getty Images

At the Accenture World Matchplay a week later he was a man reborn. At the start of his final with Martin Kaymer he had yet to play the 17th or 18th holes competitively. He had broken the record for the fewest number of holes played by any player on route to the final, 73. Over those 73 holes he had amassed 27 birdies a staggering 37%. He has also become the first player in the tournament's 11 year history to win the event without playing the 18th. An extremely kind Justin Rose tweeted him a description! I find it amusing that one of the many 'twitter haters' a certain @DanTaylor89 had suggested that Mr Donald "hit the ball like a girl and that he should "grow some muscles you pussy", yet these statistics came on a course measuring just under 8,000 yards. I wonder if he's choking on his humble pie this morning?

Since I started playing golf I have been obsessed with short game and putting. It's taken me a while but I have finally got to a place where consistent execution is a reality and I can now focus on nailing my distances and improving my visualisation, club selection and touch. Luke Donald has always been an inspiration in this regard, primarily because he dominates the PPR and scrambling statistics on tour. This week he has given me a masterclass on playing to your strengths and being red hot around the greens. My admiration for him knows no bounds and it is interesting that he and my other golfing idol G-Mac are now tussling it out at the top of the world rankings.

Sword of Damocles

The Greek legend, relating to the court of the tyrant Dionysus II, is a useful illustration of the pressure facing Lee Westwood. The story recounts how Damocles, ever the sycophant, was lauding his masters position of power and authority. Unimpressed, Dionysus offered to switch places with his foolish courtier. While Damocles sat preening himself in the opulent throne, Dionysus ordered that a sword be suspended above it, kept aloft by a single horse hair. It symbolically represented the constant fear and pressure of the king's perilous rule, and soon enough Damocles recognised his folly and moved aside.

It was a rather surreal moment when Tiger Woods slipped off the summit of the World rankings. The writing had been on the wall for some time but that did not lessen the revelation that the all conquering Woods was no longer number one. To coin a biblical phrase "How are the mighty fallen".

With Kaymer now supplanting him in second place the eyes of the golfing world will be transfixed on Torrey Pines where Woods will commence his 2011 riposte. The course is certainly a favourite of his with five wins in five starts dating back to his 2008 US Open triumph. The portents are good for a dramatic fightback.

Westwood's lead in the rankings is significant enough to afford him a gradual return to his scintillating 2009/10 performances. The big question is whether the stunning form of Kaymer and the weight of being the world's best will sit comfortably on his broad shoulders.

McDowell appears to be the dark horse of this tale, slowly stalking his way up the table and having slain Tiger before Christmas and with the US Open in his trophy cabinet, will fancy his chances.

How much of a distraction the 'sword' will prove to Westwood is yet to be seen. What is exciting for golf fans, is the titanic tussle brewing at golf's top table.

Human, humility and hope for us all...

The Hyundai Tournament of Champions seems to be throwing up a whole manner of headlines. Having previously posted Bubba Watson's breathtakingly audacious driver off the deck shot yesterday, two more incidents have created even more headlines. The organisers must be thrilled that the golfing world is currently gripped and enthralled by the exploits of the competitors in Hawaii.

First up is Camilo Villegas' trial by television. The Columbian inadvertently flouted rule 23-1 by removing a bit of grass as his failed chipped rolled back down the slope towards him for the second time. The error reflects the fact that despite amazing prowess golfers are still prone to the occasional blip in shot making and it has stirred a heated discussion regarding how Villegas was punished. A rather excellent article here focuses on the debate. As always Ian Poulter wasn't pulling any punches tweeting "An armchair official tweeted in to get Camilo DQ, what is wrong with people have they got nothing better to do".

For me a disqualification seems a little harsh but under the interpretation of the rules the officials had little other option, it's just a shame that action wasn't taken before the card was handed in, or as Els suggests the rules are modified to address this in the future. As for the eagle-eyed and judicious viewer: a smug snitch or an upstanding bastion of the laws of the game? You decide.

After a slow start Graeme McDowell seems to be settling into the competition and though six shots off the lead I'm sure he'll be pleased with how he is getting on with his new equipment. However, the next story to catch my eye is from a player sitting just one shot behind McDowell in tied 8th. You've got to hand it to Jason Day who laughed off his duffed drive at the 13th. There is most definitely hope for us all as his failed effort travelled just 110 yards. To give the man his dues he then stepped up and hit driver again and made a brilliant recovery par. Perhaps Day had been put off by some Ashes related sledging from Rose who, possibly guiltily, congratulated the Aussie for bouncing back "I'm glad Jason Day laughed after that tee shot on 13 cos I definitely couldn't keep a straight face! :-) helluva par he made!!" If you missed it, see below and enjoy!

New Year, New Gear

Graeme McDowell has a new look for 2011

As you will know from my blog post on New Year's Eve Graeme McDowell was my golfing hero from 2010.

I wasn't at all surprised to see that he had decided to leave Callaway for Srixon. It is a logical step where he will be a higher profile product ambassador and pocket a tidy sum at the same time. Srixon have certainly been trumpeting the arrival of their new signing via their website and social media.

As a regular golf forum reader there had been more than a few who thought G-Mac a tad barmy for switching clubs and ball after such a succesful year. I never really had those concerns and full expected him to retain the three main weapons in his armoury: driver, hybrids and that wand of a putter.

He confirmed my assumption on Twitter shortly after the switch "No change on Callaway FT Tour driver, Odyssey #7 putter and Adams hybrids. Still got the old faithfuls in the bag. Bag set up looks great."

I expected the transition to be seamless and with a steady start in Kapalua with a -2. However, his Twitter post told a different story: a tale of driving and putting woes. "Evening Tweeple (well here in Hawaii anyway). 17 greens today. Drove it awful. New irons were fantastic. Greens had me confused. 2 under".

Is this a tale of ring rust, an off day or heaven forbid the sign of early struggles with the Z-Star XV? Obviously, it's way too early to tell and one tournament (let alone a respectable opening round) does not a season make. I'm not cynical enough to believe it was PR spin to atone for the earlier transgression of hailing the Callaway stalwarts still in the bag. Others might be though...

Stunned in so many ways...

What a crazy 24 hours. The snow has cleared only to be replaced by freezing fog, the ashes is hotting up and the world of golf has seemingly gone crazy. First things first I am mighty frustrated by the weather. I've not hit a ball in anger for far too long and I'm desperate to get back out on the course. I am entered in the Winter League with my playing partner Ian and it looks as though the course will be open for business on Saturday, albeit with sub zero temperatures. I'm hoping to get down the range on Thursday night to loosen up the limbs and rebuild my relationship with my sticks. I have also took some time to revisit my set up. I have a sneaking suspicion that a significant amount of my problem stems from inconsistency in my set-up, most notably my grip. Useful article in Today's Golfer this month on set up and I've been checking each element of my pre shot routine.

Thank goodness there has been some cracking sport on to stop me from going stir crazy. Kevin Pietersen has had a fair amount of stick recently but he really turned on the style in the Second Test. After a monumental 227 in England's mammoth 620/5 dec he then took the prize wicket of Michael Clarke for 80 with the last ball of play on day four. It leaves the Aussies 167 behind with just six second innings wickets remaining. I was a mere nipper the last time we beat the convicts on their own patch and am absolutely loving our new found superiority. Here's hoping the boys can finish the job off tomorrow.

Lee Westwood has been a pretty jovial chap on Twitter that was until the PGA Tour announced Ricky Fowler as Rookie of the Year. The ensuing rant was pretty much bang on the money and has drawn support from across the tweeting golf community.

"Sorry 140 letters is not going to be enough for this rant! Just seen Ricky Fowler has been given rookie of the year! Yes he's had a good year but rory mcilroy 3rd in 2 majors and an absolute demolition of the field at quail hollow! Oh yes and on the winning Ryder cup team! Please! Is this yet another case of protectionism by the pga tour or are they so desperate to win something! Wouldn't have something to do with Rory not joining the tour next year? Maybe the PGA tour just employs the same voting process as FIFA! Come on , fairs fair!"

This all occurred after the unbelievable sight of Tiger Woods crumbling in the Chevron Challenge event. Leading by four shots going into the final day I thought he was a shoe in. But it seems as though the aura of invincibility has well and truly disappeared. Under immense pressure from the scorching hot Graeme McDowell, Tiger was seemingly caught off guard by G-Mac's scintillating start.

Hats off to you Mr McDowell, I have a feeling you will have another shiny trophy for your cabinet when the Sports Personality of the Year Award is announced later this month.

Tiger bares his teeth

An empty course and a lone figure is seen honing his relationship with his new Nike Method 03 putter. Following a brief flirtation with the 01 model at St Andrews that came to an acrimonious end on day 4; the early signs are that this flat stick may spend a little more time in his bag.

We all know what a difficult year the former untouchable World number 1 has had, but judging by his form at the Chevron Challenge the signs are ominous for the golfing community. It appears that Tiger is back.

Ian Poulter has already noted that Tiger Woods has racked up an astonishing -12 on the par 5's at Sherwood CC and when he is at his destructive best, Woods birdies the longer holes for breakfast. The one bit of solace at Chevron for supporters of the European Tour has been Graeme McDowell's steadfast refusal to allow TW to get away and he remains within four shots of the leader. On this evidence and the rather stunning 'swimming pool par' on 13 G-Mac is going to be a Major contender this year.

Swinging over to South Africa and Sun City the current incumbent at the top of the World rankings has also got off to a bit of a flyer. Lee Westwood has quite simply blown the field away at the Nedbank Golf Challenge and leads the field by five shots going into Sunday's final round. A Woods win and anything less than a top two would have seen Westwood enjoy the briefest of stays as world number 1. By all accounts it looks as though that position will be quite volatile this year, which is great for golf and the sports avid following.

Having spent the bulk of my first year dipping my toes in the warm waters of following the European and PGA tours I'm now ready to take the plunge. I'll be paying much closer attention to both competitions this year and from time to time will share my thoughts with you on the blog. I'd be interested to know your thoughts, but I am envisaging a titanic tussle between the top four this year with Mr McDowell featuring as a regular in the plot line.

The big question is who will top the rankings next Christmas? I think this will be the year Westwood silences his critics and gets a major win under his belt, but with Kaymer, Woods, Big Phil and G-Mac in the mix, not to mention Poulter, Casey and the young guns McIlroy, Fowler and possibly even Matteo Mannassero it's going to be one hell of a year for the European Tour!