posted Nov 3, 2008

Nice article Subpar,

My highlights for 08 were Harringtons 2 Majors. As an Irish buachaill like yourself the manner of his victories was inspirational and filled me with pride.

In 08 I expect Garcia to grab a Major once he gets his putting together. Also look out for Villegas- seen an interview with him on Sky the other night and he seems to have a great head on his shoulders. Expect big things from him in the coming years.

Have to disagree with you on Els, I think he's going backwards. Can't see him doing anything next year, he's too interested in his wine business.

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posted Nov 3, 2008

Not a great year for the South Africans on the European tour although James Kingston and Charl Schwartzel both did reasonably well.

The big two of Ernie and Retief had poor years on both tours by their high standards, Ernie obviously had more important family issues on to contend with.

The outstanding achievement of Trevor Immelman at the Masters was the high point from a South African point of view and continue’s our success in the Majors.

On the PGA tour besides Immelman, Rory Sabbatini had a reasonable year while Tim Clark went in the opposite direction.

In 2009

I would love to see another South African win a Major, with a back to form Goosen being our best possibility.

My other wishes would be a first Major win for Sergio, Lee Westwood & Darren Clarke

If not them Jim Furyk or Angel Cabrera would be a consolation.

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posted Nov 3, 2008

On the pro front, I'd like Martin Laird to do well in the US, and get the recognition he deserves.

On the amateur front, I'd like better media coverage of amateur events than at present.

On a personal front, my handicap is higher now than it's been since I was 14 (and that's a really really long time). I'd really like to get back below 7 again. I've been playing quite well too - my medal scores have been absolutely the worst score I could have had playing that well.

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posted Nov 3, 2008

Highlight of 2008 - Harrington's 2nd to the 17th to clinch The Open, what a shot.

Hope for 2009 - that Rory McIllroy can learn to play tour golf and keep double and triple bogeys off his card. If he does he will win for sure given the number of birdies and eagles he has in most rounds.

As you can see there is an Irish slant to all this ..

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posted Nov 4, 2008

I hope that in the 2009 we see the emergence as a top player of Oliver Fisher and a first win for Rory McIlroy.
If he plays a good number events I think Robert Allenby is the darkhorse to win this Dubai thing. He is a great player and very consistent.
Players who I think will have a good year in '09 and challenge for majors are Woods (well duh), Mickelson, Ross Fisher, Kim and a return to form for Davis Love III who has played well as of late.
Finally I'd love to see a win for Olazabal in 2009. The signs in his last two tournaments were promising and if he can stay fit and rediscover some of his best form he is still potentially one of Europes best players.

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posted Nov 5, 2008

Highlight- Weirdly, my highlight is not a tournament win, it was chris wood in the open, really good o see him get going on the tour aswell.

hope- Tiger to get back up to full strength, but mainly for an englishman to win a major.

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posted Nov 5, 2008

I thought the highlights of the year were the emergence of Martin Kaymer as a truly world class player and Sergio finally getting over his putting woes.

Most disappointing thing was the demise of Monty. Hopefully he can resurect his game but if not I would prefer him to retire rather than be a shadow of his former self.

I believe that we will see a new order emerge next year with the likes of Kaymer, Villegas, Kim and Garcia at the head.

One more point; The TV coverage on both the BBC and Sky is absolutly unbeatable. Cant wait for next season to begin.

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posted Nov 10, 2008

I glad someone Mention Monty unlike Subpar. I totally agree with you Johnedrich to hope Monty does pick up again (Think he should promise at Valdaramma) but if he cannot get to his best again, I would rather he enjoy his golf rather then retire. This season has seen him be very stroppy. If he stops being Stroppy golf would be more fun with him!!

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