Great year for NI golf marred only by the death of Seve
Editorial Department • Published 8 Dec 2011 13:00
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Review of the Golfing Year
As 2011 comes to an end, we look back over a remarkable year in golf, including: Masters misery for McIlroy, dominance by Luke Donald, Rory's return at the US Open, Darren Clarke dazzling at The Open and debut delight for Keegan Bradley in the US PGA Championship.
Rory led from the first tee at Augusta, but went into meltdown during the final nine-holes of the tournament. This resulted in a charge from heavyweights Tiger Woods, Adam Scott and Luke Donald.
However, it was relative underdog, Charl Schwartzel who took the green jacket after closing out with four straight birdies.
At the BMW PGA Championship in May, Lee Westwood and Donald went down to the wire to decide who would be World Number One. After one extra hole, Donald's dogged determination saw him take the title.
His dominance continued and having topped the American money list, he is the first man ever to have the opportunity to finish the year topping the European money list as well.
No matter what the outcome, McIlroy's performance was always going to be scrutinised at the US Open in June.
A remarkable return from Rory saw him take the title at Congressional CC by eight shots.
The luck of the Irish continued at Royal St George's where Darren Clarke delighted fans by winning the Claret Jug.
The final major of the year didn't disappoint in the wake of the rollercoaster events preceding it. Making his first appearance in any major, Keegan Bradley not only took the title, but also the dubious accolade of being the first golfer to win a major using a belly-putter.
Last weekend saw the emergence of Tiger's comeback, triumphing in his own tournament, The Chevron.
Rory did the business again in great style in Hong Kong, much to the delight of the European Tour as their flagship event the Race to Dubai will now go to the wire this weekend .
Finally Lee Westwood duly obliged in The Ned bank Challenge for the second year in a row-hope you all invested wisely.
Off the course, Tiger created headlines by sacking long-term caddy, Steve Williams, but ultimately, 2011 will forever be remembered as the year that golf said its sad farewell to a legend, Seve Ballesteros.
Race To Dubai
The Race to Dubai will reach a dramatic climax on the Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates after McIlroy kept alive his hopes of finishing as the top player in Europe with a stunning win at the UBS Hong Kong Open last weekend
Rory still needs to win the Dubai World Championship this week, while also hoping that Donald finishes outside the top nine, if he is to perform what would be one of the great comebacks in European golf by winning The Race to Dubai.
Prediction: Westwood to win again, with Louis Oosthuizen a good each-way alternative.
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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 08 Dec 11
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