The 93rd PGA Championship is poised to have a fascinating climax, but an apathetic media doesn't seem to think so.

Well, here we are. The Sunday of the 93rd PGA Championship, the final chance of Major Glory for the world best players in 2011. However, the protagonists of this final round are unexpected to say the least.

28 year old Brendan Steele, the winner of this years Valero Texas Open, is one of only two players to have shot every round in the 60s, and has the 54 hole lead going into the final round alongside the aptly named Jason Dufner. The 34 year old Dufner, born in Cleveland, Ohio, looked completely unflappable as he, in the words of Graeme McDowell, 'sauntered' around the course. Dufner, who has drawn attention for his pre shot 'waggle' is a solid swinger, and his round of 68 was a strong retort to those who suspected that he would collapse under the pressure of a Major Championship. The same can be said for the talented Keegan Bradley, who won the Byron Nelson at the end of May. After a double bogey start, many observers fancied that the 25 year old would fall away out of all relevancy in this Championship. However, he battled back strongly and completed a fantastic round of 69 to keep him right in the hunt. This group of apparently unherelded Americans are ahead of veterans Scott Verplank and Steve Stricker, with the likes of Adam Scott, Masters Champion, Charl Schwartzel, 2001 PGA Champion David Toms, Lee Westwood and Luke Donald all with an outside chance of lifting the Wanamaker Trophy this evening.

Brendan Steele could be on a walk to destiny

You would have thought that this collection of interesting plotlines would have provided the mainstream golfing media with plenty of creative ammunition going into the final day of this PGA Championship. But apparently they disagree.

Golfing Journalists and commentators, European and American like, constantly belittled the 'quality' of Leaderboard yesterday. Declaring it the 'Worst Major leaderboard ever' and that this Championship was a 'snoozefest'. The television coverage from CBS was at best sluggish, and the attitude from almost everyone involved with the golfing media was disrespectful to the players at the summit of this leaderboard who have tackled this supremely difficult and controversial Atlanta Athletic Club setup in admirable fashion. Yes, this leaderboard may 'lack' the 'star power' that often helps to bring in higher television audiences, so the Producers at CBS can at least be excused for being slightly dissapointed. But the leaderboard is what it is, and the commentators and producers have to sell the quality of golf and the players that are involed in it. For certain journalists to comment that this leaderboard is the 'golf writers worst nightmare' is a completely pathetic and disrespectful attitude to take from indviduals paid to write about the professional game. Yes, the names at the top maybe aren't what the journalists want to write about, but it is up to them to use their creative talents to market the excellent product that these players have and will continue to offer us. Golf is as competitive as it has ever been, there are so many great young players these days not afraid to win, and the 'writers' should stop being lazy, do their research into new names and uncover the fascinating stories beyond these relatively unknown players.

Jason Dufner has earned a new legion of fans this week

If they can't come up with anything interesting about these contenders then they are simply in the wrong line of work, because this leaderboard is packed with fantastic plotlines.

Keegan Bradley is living the dream

The United States has its best chance in a while to end its Major drought. The players at the top aren't the big stars that were expected to end it, but represent an increasing new breed of talent. Brendan Steele, won his first PGA Tour event earlier this year in Texas, one of 10 rookies so far in 2011 to do so. At 28, he has taken a while to finally establish himself on the PGA Tour, but a win for Steele, a 2010 Nationwide Tour Graduate, would offer great encouragement to American Golf, which has been so unfairly betlittled in recent years by the media. A similar story for Keegan Bradley, who at 3 years Steele's junior, won his rookie title at the Byron Nelson. Bradley has a great personality, is highly likeable, and genuinely believes that he is living the dream out on Tour. The nephew of 6 time LPGA Tour Major winner, Pat Bradley, a win for Keegan would be a remarkable story for the Bradley family, and a new American star would be born. Jason Dufner is the senior of this trio, at 34 and so far without a win on the PGA Tour. Dufner has battled twice on the Nationwide in order to establish himself on the PGA Tour and has become a solid contender in recent times. He came close to a win at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, only a playoff defeat to Mark Wilson prevented Dufner from claiming his first Tour title. The known friend of Vijay Singh, has a great swing and an apparently unflappable demeanour and will be hard to beat today in Atlanta. Further back you have stories of a completely different nature. Scott Verplank and Steve Stricker, two veterans looking to claim their first Major Championship. Verplank, one of the most decorated amateurs during the 1980s, famousely won on the PGA Tour at the Western Open as an amateur in 1985. Scott has almost had two different careers, having won a futher event in 1988 before a 12 year drought saw him win the Reno-Tahoe Open in 2000. Verplank, a twice Ryder Cup player, was certainly capable of winning more tournaments, but has been held back by his diabetes, for which he wears an insulin pump during play, and wrist problems. At 47, a win for Scott Verplank, one of the most liakable and inspirational players on the Tour would be a fairytale victory. The same can be said for Steve Stricker, who has battled back from the lowest reaches of the game to win the Comeback Player of the Year Award on two occasions. Steve has won 8 times in his 40s and a Major Championship victory would represent the pinacle of what has been a truly remarkable career for this popular and often emotional Wisconsin man who was favoured by many to contend this week. 

Verplank looking at a fairytale win?

Those are the Major stories, but do not discount David Toms, 10 years on after his PGA win here at Atlanta Athletic Club, has quite remarkably shown that the saying horses for courses is relevant in the modern game, and it would be another popular and historic achievement for the 45 year old, who has enjoyed a career renaissance in 2011. Adam Scott, with Stevie Williams on the bag, is looking to win a Major that his talents so merit and complete a Bridgestone-PGA double that only Tiger Woods has previously achieved. The Masters Champion, Charl Schwartzel will be looking to upstage the Americans for a second Major within the calender year, along with Lee Westwood and Luke Donald, the worlds two leading players, both 6 shots behind the lead going into the final round looking to stage a remarkable come from behind win.

Boring? Mundane? A Golf writers nightmare? Everything this 93rd PGA Championship is not, and shouldn't be, as it will be a truly fascinating climax. I just wish the blinkered media would accept that.

Enjoy the final round of the 2011 Major Championship season!

Tiger leaves Atlanta early a broken figure, as he looks to find a solution on how to put together the broken pieces of his game.

36 holes into what has been a fascinating 93rd PGA Championship. From Steve Stricker's brilliant opening round of 63, Rory McIlroy's injured wrist and his subsequent decision to play through the pain barrier, and the collection of unexpected names at the halfway summit, there have been many intriguing stories at this PGA. However, none more so have been generated more intrigue and questions than that of Tiger Woods' disastrous performance in Atlanta.

Tiger has produced his most humbling performance ever in a Major Championship. After a fine start on Thursday under the sweltering Atlanta sun, where he birdied 3 of his first 5 holes, Woods completely imploded. Double Bogey's on 15 and 18 (his 6th and 9th holes) set him on course to a truly humilating front nine, where he looked have completely no control on the golf ball, as he came home in a +5 total of 40. Thursday's round of 77 was the highest Tiger has ever shot in a 1st round of any Major Championship, and his highest ever in the PGA. He frustratedly stated that after his fine start:  "I figured I could let it go and play through instinct and feel, but screwed up the whole round," He went on to say "I'm not at that point yet. I started fighting it and couldn't get it back. It's very frustrating."

Tiger cut a broken figure in Atlanta

With the 36 hole Cut likely to fall at +4, Tiger would have known that a 67 was the minimum 2nd round that he required. He got closer to that number than he did on the previous day, but it was a mere 73. A 3 over round which included two double bogey's, four birdies and a further 3 birdies. But even more noteworthy than the inconsistent scores was the manner he created them. Missing fairways left and right on occasions, finding a total of 22 bunkers during his 36 holes played, and a further four water hazards, this was a Tiger with absolutely no control of his game. Many will cite his lack of match practice and his swing changes not being fully embedded, but at the moment the simple fundamentals which we all have to adhere to in order to play at our best, are not been implemented by Tiger at the moment. Thankfully for him, he has an unimaginable level of talent and was still able to pull some shots off. But at the moment, in his current state of mind and game he will not be able to progress.

Where does he go from here?

 Tiger will be heading back to Florida with an even more shattered level of confidence with the weight of a 36 hole total of +10 on his mind wondering where he goes from here. That will also be the question amongst the golf commentators, journalists and fans. Some have simply stated that Tiger is "finished", "toasted", "done", while many others are looking at a more pragmatic solution to his problems. With the regular PGA Tour season coming to a close, and Tiger not in a position to play in the FedEX Cup Playoff events beginning later this month, some have argued that Tiger should play some European Tour events to find his game and confidence. An interesting idea, but of course he won't even consider to do this. At the moment his next confirmed event is the Australian Open on November 10th-13th, and he is also exempt to play the HSBC Champions Event in Shanghai the week before. That's 2 months away from now, but will he be seen in the States before his usual new year appearance at Torrey Pines in late January? His agent Mark Steinberg said today that playing in one of the PGA Tour's 'Fall Series' events is something that they will look into. He has 41 days to enter the first of these events, the Justin Timberlake Shriners Open, so ample thinking time. Personally, I don't think the American golf fans can expect to see Woods in one of their competitions until 2012.

Davis Love III must be wondering where Tiger's game will be in 2012

 On the subject of the United States, the Presidents Cup takes place at Royal Melbourne the week after the Australian Open, which Woods is entered in. Will US Captain Fred Couples, a known friend of Tiger, give the broken 35 year old a place on his team? Couples has stated all year that he will exercise one of his Captain picks in the favour of Woods, but surely some doubt has to enter the 1992 Masters Champion's head of picking a player so evidently short of all confidence and any form. Although it may seem against sensible logic, Couples will likely keep to his word and offer Tiger a place on the team. Of course, whether Woods actually accepts that offer is another issue altogether, and would depend largely on how his game feels.

The problems for Woods are both technical and physcological. This is a man who during the last 20 months has seen his aura of invinciblity on both the golf course and personal life destroyed. Yes, largely at his own hands, but that must have left deep scars to Tigers formerly indestructible self belief. Trying to embed his latest swing changes while overcoming his injury problems has also been an unenviable task. He still hasn't found this new swing, and that is why I don't believe that Tournament play in the spotlight is the best thing for him at the moment. He came back too early from injury at the Players and he has now come back too early for his golf game at the Bridgestone and PGA, and he must surely be considering now to shut down for the rest of the year. Some may call that cowardly, and that he needs the game time to find his ability to play back again, but I believe that Tiger needs to spend the winter at home, on the range, playing fun practice rounds trying to restore the sound fundamentals in his golf game that any player needs to perform at their potential best. Now he is fully fit from injury, and Tiger did on Friday evening cite that as the one positive from this past fortnight, Woods can spend this fall and winter working on his game and preparing for a full comeback next year rather than resting injuries or overcoming a divorce. The fitness was the key question for Woods this fortnight, and it is the one thing that has passed the test, and he should, and will take heart from that fact.

Tiger needs to come out for 2012 fresh and ready to compete for Championships again. Augusta will be his target, he has almost 8 months to prepare for that. It'll be up to him on what the best strategy to achieve that will be. We have all cited our theories on what he should do, but ultimately the decision falls upon him on the best way to ready himself for the next season, as 2012 will really be the make or break year for Tiger Woods.

The PGA Championship is often referred to as 'Glory's Last Shot', a slogan that now for Lee Westwood has ever more added poignancy

The eyes of the golfing world will follow upon Atlanta, Georgia this week, specifically the Atlanta Athletic Club, as the 93rd PGA Championship, the final major of the golfing season, moves into town.

The headlines going into this week will focus on the continuing aftermath to the rather acrimonious split of Tiger Woods and Steve Williams. The chances of Rory McIlroy will also be closely scrutinised upon, as he looks to capatalise on his strong performance at the Bridgestone Invitational, into a quickfire 2nd Major title, following his historic US Open triumph at Congressional. And finally, also the chances of the aforementioned Woods, looking to mark his comeback with a dramatic and shock 5th PGA title, and a 15th Major Championship win. But to many, especially on the European and British side of the 'pond', the saga of Lee Westwood's quest to be crowned a Major Champion will be the greatest focus this week.

Westwood found success early in his career

The PGA Championship has in recent times developed the nickname of 'Glory's Last Shot', a play on the fact that it will be a golfers final chance of Major glory before the following years Masters Tournament in April. However, for Lee Westwood, that slogan is starting to develop an ironic poignancy, as he begins to enter the late Summer of his career. Westwood has rightly earned his place as one of the worlds most successful and consistent golfers. 21 European Tour titles, two Order of Merit titles, including the inaugural Race to Dubai in 2009, attest to that fact. Also include his impressive Ryder Cup record, and his attainment of the World Number One position in the October of 2010, the first Englishmen since Nick Faldo to reach the summit. Westwood has to be seen as one of the most consistent forces in the last decade of the game. Yes, he went through his tough times, where he fell towards the lowly position of 200th in the world in 2002. But he has bounced back, and during the last 3 years, has undoubtedly been the worlds best, most consistent player. But what is missing in Westwoods impressive list of achievements, is the one thing that cements a player in history. A Major Championship. 

The King of Dubai in 2009

He has come very close in recent times, frustratingly close in fact. The closest occasions were undoubtedly at Turnberry in 2009 and at Augusta 9 months later. On the Ayrshire Coast, an event that will be forever remembered for Tom Watson's near fairytale victory, Westwood 3 putted the 72nd to miss the resulting playoff by 1 shot. Yes, the records will say his best finish so far in an Open was the 2nd to Louis Oosthuizen at St Andrews last year, but that was a very distant second. At Augusta last year, having played brilliantly all week, Lee went into Masters Sunday with a 1 stroke lead, but was overtaken by an inspired Phil Mickelson, who went on to claim an emotional third Green Jacket. Some would say that Westwood just hasn't quite had the luck or the breaks required yet to claim a Major Championship But the Worksop man realises there is more to it than that as he looks ahead to this weeks PGA in order to remove the title that has been planted up on him. As the best player yet to have won a Major Championship.

Congratulating Mickelson at Augusta in 2010

That title belonged to Davis Love III in the early 90s, then onto Phil Mickelson until 2004, and since then it has been thrown about between Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood. With Monty's career all but finished, Westwood's age and consistency has seen him take that 'title' ahead of Garcia. Is Lee willing to take it to heart that so far he has been 'unluckly' and that his time will come? No, this 38 year old realises that he has to make his own luck. In comments to the Guardian, Westwood said: "I'm sure you need breaks in any tournaments, not just majors, but I think if you get to a certain level and play well enough then you can eradicate luck to a certain extent."
Lee has went out his way to achieve an even greater level of play in order to give himself that chance this week in Atlanta.


Following his dissapointing missed cut at the Open in July, during which he led the greens in regulation stats, Westwood went out his way to find a method of improving his fortunes with the putter. Working with famed sports physcologist Dr Bob Rotella, who has given great help to many players, Westwood's attitude was in a far better place at the WGC in Akron. Since working recently with Rotella, Lee seems more settled with his game than he was a month ago, and that is an ominous sign to those in this weeks PGA field. Confidently telling the Independent's James Corrigan, Lee noted that: "This weekend is the best I have ever played tee to green," he said, after a final round of 65: "It was that good. I could have been standing here with two 62s."
Westwood is going into this weeks PGA Championship a much more confident and dangerous player than the one who turned up in Kent last month.

"I could have had two 62s" A confident Lee Westwood heads to Atlanta

But of course, it must be stated, that even if Westwood does not lift the Wanamaker Trophy this Sunday, he'll still have more chances. At 38 he still has many good years ahead, as his good friend Darren Clarke proved last month at 42, you can still win at that stage of your career. However, as much as he still has potential for another 6 or 7 years of consistently superb golf, if he does not win one soon, it will very soon be 4 years left, then 2 years, and before you realise it, your time is up. The clock is slowly ticking for Lee, but even if he doesn't win a Major, his career will still be nothing but stellar. Could the likes of Todd Hamilton, Rich Beem or Larry Mize claim to have had better careers than Lee? Of course they realistically couldn't, but a Major would be the perfect icing to add on to the already tasty cake, that is the career of Lee Westwood.

A confident and calm Westwood moves into Atlanta, with one goal in mind, and I think that he might just go on and do it.

Adam Scott cruises to a 4 shot win at Firestone, and a new chapter in his career has begun

Adam Scott, who has won the WGC Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone, after completing a truly spectacular week, with a sparkling and dominant final round of 65, claiming the Championship by 4 shots and a wire to wire win, has finally opened a new chapter in his career.

Striding towards a 4 shot win

Adam was touted as the next 'big thing' in the game after he burst onto the European Tour circuit 10 years ago. His spell in 2001-2002 during which he won the Alfred Dunhill Championship, Qatar Masters and the Gleneagles Scottish PGA Championship by an incredible 10 shots, was a run of form from a 22 year old that was nearly unprecendented in modern European Tour history. He was labelled as a 'Tiger Woods clone' at the time. Not just for this talents and success, but with the way he went about it. His swing appeared to the eye, as being highly similar to Tiger's Butch Harmon design, and his demeanour was robotic. But Adam's stoic demenour wasn't an example of of him being aloof, but merely shy. Success continued to follow Adam as he ventured onto the PGA Tour, claiming his first title in 2003 at the Deutsche Bank Championship, before following it up the following Spring by winning after an impressive up and down from 100 yards at the 18th, the Players Championship. Adam was at 24 years old, a multiple winner on both the worlds major Tours, and the holder of a Championship, that is viewed by many as being the 5th most prestigious in Golf. The success continued with a further four PGA Tour titles collected within the next 3 years, alongside top ten finishes at the 2006 Open and PGA Championship's led to a career high ranking of 3rd in the January of 2007. However, the Summer of 2008 brought about a decline that saw Adam fall from 3rd to 34th in the world. With the deterioration of his putting, Scott lost all confidence and drifted away out of relevancy, labelled by the golfing media as yet another 'underachiever'.

2004 Players Champion at Sawgrass

This victory at Firestone marks a complete turnaround in Scott's game, which began with victory at the 2010 Valero Texas Open, and included his close second place finish at Augusta National earlier this year. That performance at this years Masters allowed Adam to fully demonstrate his touch with the controversial broomhandle putter. Adam led with 3 holes to play, only for a unprecedented finish from Charl Schwartzel, snatched the Green Jacket away from the popular Aussie. This long putter has given Scott a new lease of life, and having used it masterfully at Augusta, has stuck by it over an average Summer period, and boy, has he earned the rewards.

Adam's performance at Firestone will rank up there with the very best of the year. Not quite Rory McIlroy at Congressional, but not that far from it. His ball striking from tee to green was as solid as ever. He tightened up his swing at the start of the year, and his driving was even better than usual. A fact illustrated by his ranking of 15th in Accuracy and 5th in Distance at Firestone, a very impressive set of figures off the tee. An average of 26.5 putts for the week allowed him to take advantage of the many birdie chances he offered himself, and also minimised the damage from any mistakes during the week. He has adapted to the long putter as well as, if not better, than anyone I've ever seen. You can almost see the confidence flowing through his body, brushing 8 footers confidently in for par when he had to, something that 18 months ago would seem unthinkable. It has turned Adam Scott into a complete golfer. A winning Golfer. Many, including myself, have questioned whether Adam has an edge to go on and win big Championship's down the stretch. However, as he showed at Augusta, he can cope with the pressure a Major Championship, and the win at Firestone will have validated all claims that Adam Scott can go on and win one of the big four. He is more than capable than going on to have have a  golden decade.

Adam Scott - 2011 WGC Bridgestone Invitational Champion

This WGC title marks the opening of a new chapter in the career of Adam Scott. Now into his 30s, with the experienced Steve Williams now by his side, who decided to pedal his own obnoxious agenda and made attacks towards Tiger Woods after being stupidly asked by CBS's David Feherty for a post tournament interview. Adam now has all of the ingredients within his game and backrground to have a golden decade in his 30s, similar to that of Phil Mickelson, Retief Goosen and Davis Love III, who all went onto win their Major's in the middle period of their careers. Adam is more than capable of going ahead and achieving similar things and become a Major Champion. However without dwelling on him for too long, I must mention Williams, whose outburst has criminally stolen the headlines from Adam. His comments were selfish, arrogant and poorly timed, without any thought for his new player. Ultimately, for all of his disdainful qualities, Steve Williams is a very able caddie, as illustrated by his great work alongside a rejuvenated Raymond Floyd in the 1990s before his historic and now infamous 13 year tenure alongside Tiger Woods. He will say the right things to Adam during a highly pressured round, and it must give the Australian an extra bit of confidence having someone so successful by his side.

What's up Gents? Had a little falling out have we? Dear, dear.

Ishikawa impressed

As for the field that Adam Scott defeated? Many positives can be taken away by these talented players. Rickie Fowler, coming off of his impressive performance at the Open Championship, shot a final round 66 that gave the young American his first 2nd place in a WGC. Rickie still hasn't won yet on Tour, but he is coming ever closer. He is performing well in final rounds, as illustrated at Sandwich and now at Firestone, and will win his first title soon. It could even be a big one for the talented 22 year old. Fowler was tied in second alongside world number one Luke Donald, who coming off from his missed cut at the Open, was looking for a good week moving into Atlanta. This was the perfect warmup for Luke (who remember won at Castle Stuart the weeek before the Open) and you would have to fancy that Donald will be a factor next Sunday at the PGA. Ryo Ishikawa gave his best showing in the United States, and perhaps most intriguingly, his tie for 4th earns him enough non member money, that he could take up temporary membership on the PGA Tour. That would be a very welcome move with the American golfing public, and one that Ryo needs to make sooner rather than later if he is to further develop his incredibly talented skills. Finally what about the story coming into the week, Tiger Woods? Well, a tie for 37th this place is world class compared to his efforts here 12 months ago, and his game at times looked very good. He drove the ball well on occasions, his distance control with his mid to short irons was exemplary, and he even made some putts infrequently. However, these factors rarely came together, but ultimately it has to be viewed as a successful comeback. The leg looked strong, he completed 4 rounds and played pretty well given the circumstances. Whether he goes on to contend in Atlanta is another question, it might have come a week too soon, but what we do know from this week is that Tiger is capable of remaining a factor in the game for some time yet.

Rickie Fowler is getting closer to that first win

It was a wonderful week, which included great golf, dramatic stories coming in, controversy to close it out, but ultimately, one deserving champion in Adam Scott. Who might even go on from here and contend for a unique double that only Woods, the player a young Adam was often compared to, has achieved.

See you at the PGA!

As a frustrated Tiger falls behind, Adam Scott remains one step ahead at Firestone

Tiger Woods cut a slightly frustrated figure after he completed and signed for his 3rd round total of 72. A round which included 2 birdies and 4 bogey's, and left Woods with a +1 total through 72 holes, and a tie for 38th place.

Tiger cut a frustated figure on Saturday as he awaits for his game to come together

Speaking after his early start alongside Bubba Watson and Ian Poulter, who shot a disastrous 80, Woods reflected on the issues he is having in adapting his new game born on the driving range, onto the golf course in tournament play. "I'm trying to get used to my new setup, my new lines," said Woods, who will partner South African, Hennie Otto, ranked 198th in the world on Sunday. He went on to say: "I'm used to curving the ball a lot more. Now I hit it straighter. … I've had reps, but not in tournament play. When I get in tournament play, I fall into my old patterns."
Woods, understandably frustrated with how things having quite clicked so far, must be internally content going into next week that he is close to putting it all together. He is very close. Compare this performance to that of Tiger 12 months ago, when he completed Sunday lunchtime with a 4 round total of +18 and tie for 78th place. Tiger has on occasions this week, driven the ball well, controlled his irons perfectly, and at times, he has even made crucial putts. The one drawback being, these ingredients have rarely come together. When they finally click together, and it might even be tomorrow, we will see a Tiger Woods who can go into Atlanta Athletic Club, viewed as a genuine contender to win his 5th PGA Championship.

Adam Scott alongside Steve Williams leads the WGC

As for the summit of this very fine Championship, irony lovers will be clapping their hands in glee, as Adam Scott, alongside jilted former caddie of Woods, Steve Williams, remains one step ahead of the pack at Firestone. Scott's fantastic 3rd round of 66, which was compiled massively during a fantastic back nine burst of form in which he birdied 4 of 5 holes, as he swiftly outperformed the performances of his Friday co leading playing partners, Ryan Moore and Rickie Fowler. However, Fowler after a shaky start, came together after a holed approach shot at the 13th, his second such effort of the week. That eagle brought him back to where he started, and he subsequently went on to birdie the last which got him under par the day, and left him only 3 back of the lead going into Sunday. But Adam Scott will be a tough man to overcome. The sweet swinging Aussie, long labelled the games next greatest star following his impresssive victory at the 2004 Players Championship, has in recent times been given the unwanted tag of an underachiever. A label that a victory at Firestone would goal long way to removing, seems very achievable for Scott. The Australian, now allied alongside the extensive experience of Steve Williams, who clearly has an edge and is used to the emotions that go around trying to achieve a victory, arguably an aspect that Scott has lacked on occasions,  can now find real confidence within his game, with his putting problems resolved. Yes it may be ugly, and yes it may seem unethical, but the long putter has brought Adam results, illustrated with his close 2nd place finish at Augusta. A win tomorrow would further justify Adam's usage of the broomhandle, and he could even take that confidence into Atlanta, and attempt to win a magic double that only a certain Mr Woods has achieved.

Ryo Ishikawa on a walk towards history

Adam Scott, will have to work for this win on Sunday, as an international, youthful and talented chasing pack lurks just behind ready to pounce on any mistakes that the Aussie makes. 19 year old Japanese superstar, Ryo Ishikawa, who despite all of the billing he has received, has never really contended outwith his own country, will partner Scott in the final round. Ryo, known this year for his incredible gesture of donating every $ he makes this year to the Japanese Tsunami Relief Fund, undoubtedly compiled his best ball striking round ever in the States on Saturday. A victory for Ryo on Sunday would make him the youngest winner of a PGA Tour sanctioned event since Johnny McDermott  won the 1911 US Open, aged 19 years and 10 months. One of a series of many fascinating plotlines going into the final round.

Jason Day looking to upstage Scott

The talented young American Keegan Bradley, in his rookie season, has a smooth swing and a solid temperment, and a victory at Firestone, would mark an incredible rise in the game since his Byron Nelson win back in May. Scotland's Martin Laird, who got married last week and is spending his honeymoon contending at Firestone (I'd do the same) could continue the run of European success in the bigger events of the game, and earn Scotland, its first ever WGC Championship.  Jason Day will be looking to overhaul his fellow Aussie, and cap off his great form this year in the Majors with a win at Firestone, which would continue his meterioric rise through the game. Jason has risen from 38th to 8th this year, and a win this week would be the near perfect way to top that progress off. World Number One, Luke Donald looks threatening sitting 3 shots behind, after a fantastic round of 64, the joint best of the day. Luke is trying to bounce back from his dissapointing performance at Royal St Georges, and a win on Sunday would be a perfect confidence boost, as he looks forward to the PGA and his assualt at both the Fed EX Cup and Race to Dubai crowns. Rory McIlroy will also be looking to make a run tomorrow. Having been frustrated with his putting all week, Rory, who has found the headlines  due to his playing intentions for 2012, will be looking to post a very low number at Firestone, one of his favourite courses on Sunday. However, he will require something similar to his performance last year at Quail Hollow when his final day 62 saw him leap ahead of the pack and claim his first PGA Tour title. That what's required for Rory, and he is certainly capable of achieving it, as he looks to turn the headlines from his personal life onto his golf.

Sweet Honeymoon so far for Martin Laird

It's going to be a fascinating, unpredictable final day of this WGC Bridgestone Invitational, and I for one can't wait to see what transpires at Firestone!

Enjoy.

Youthful faces at the summit, the favoured players have ground to make, and where's Tiger? The New Breed has made this a real World Golf Championship

Well, here we are. Midway into the WGC Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club in Akron Ohio, and we are left with a truly fascinating and intriguing leaderboard going into the final 36 holes. However, the headline makers from earlier in the week, and the favourites coming in, have been overshadowed by the surge of a truly international and youthful pack of 2nd day leaders.

At the summit of the 76 players who teed it up at Firestone this week, we have at the top a posse of four. Our own golfing Rat Pack if you like. First day leader Adam Scott, coming off his bogey free round of 62 from Thursday, held it together to hold his position with an even par 70. Adam, longtime noted as one of the sweetest swingers in the game has continued his career resurgence during 2011, having finally found the secret to his long maligned putting problems. The long putter, may look ugly, and there are even convincing arguments for it to be removed from the game altogether, but there is no question that Adam Scott has found the feel of it and it is paying dividends within his game. Adam combined with the experience of Stevie Williams, and with his new found putting brilliance, added to his already exemplary long game, will stick around in contention throughout the weekend.

Adam Scott with Steve Williams on Friday

He was joined at the top on Friday by the sharp dressed, former decorated Amateur Champion, Ryan Moore whose excellent second consecutive round of 66, included 7 birdies and 3 bogeys, which illustrated that although consistency may not be his greatest facet, Moore's putting prowess offers him the ability to convert the birdie chances that Firestone can offer you. He was joined as the morning star by his fellow countryman, Rickie Fowler. The extremely talented Fowler, produced an excellent round of 64 on Friday morning, which was highlighted by a holed approach shot from 109 yards on the 3rd. Rickie displayed fantastic form at Royal St Georges last month, when his excellent shot making skills kept him right in contention at the Open Championship until the back nine on Sunday. The Oklahoma State University alumnus has been long labelled as the next start of American golf. Still without a Tour victory to his name, a win this weekend for Rickie would dispell doubts of his ability to hold on for a clutch win.

Rickie Fowler looking for his first win

Those three protagonists will take to the course as the final trio in Saturday's third round, which has been brought significantly forward in order to avoid disruption from expected thunderstorms. However, the not to be forgotten Keegan Bradley is also tied for the lead going into 'moving day,' and coming off his recent rookie season title at the Byron Nelson, Keegan has the tools in his locker to stick in contention over the weekend and shouldn't be discounted as a potential champion come Sunday.

These four leaders, outwith Scott who is at the positively ancient age of 31, are all in their 20s and hungry for success.They are also very representative of the majority of the chasing pack. This chasing pack headlined by the talented Scot, Martin Laird, winner of the Anrold Palmer Invitational in March, and the exceptional Aussie, Jason Day, who has finished 2nd at both the Masters and US Open this year, are all part of the youthful international flavour that has so far dominated this Bridgestone Invitational. The likes of Japanese superstar, Ryo Ishikawa, whose image has been transformed following a ruthless headshave, and the young US stars, Brandt Snedeker and Gary Woodland, continue the young scene at the top. Rory McIlroy, who made the headlines earlier in the week with his declared 2012 playing intentions, is quietly 4 shots back, even after suffering a frustratingly cold putter. Indeed, Robert Karlsson and Fredrik Jacobsen are the exceptions, and must feel middle aged on the leaderboard, but this group of players generally emphasise a fascinating and now changed face of the game.

10 years ago the game was obviously dominated by Tiger Woods, along with the likes of Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Retief Goosen who were fighting for relative scraps of success. Now that has completely changed. We have a game, arguably more exciting, without a dominant force. Full of young, powerful international stars all capable of lifting a WGC, or indeed, a Major title. This leaderboard is a representation of that shift in the makeup in golf, which has been seen when looking at recent Major Championship winners, and the World Golf Rankings. Yes, this has been known and obvious for some time, but this fortnight, including the upcoming PGA, could finally make it sink in to some people, that the 'New Breed' has taken over.

Tiger - Swinging Well

But of course, I couldn't have written this piece without mentioning the returning performance of Tiger Woods. Rounds of 68 and 71 leave him 7 shots behind and in tied 36th place. You need to break those scores down to truly analyse his performance so far, and it is then that you realise that this has been a great comeback for him. He is driving the ball excellently. He has missed fairways, but few have been massive wides, and they are nowhere as bad as the swings we saw during his truly humbling +18 total here 12 months ago. It must also be remembered that the fairways at Firestone are not exactly the widest, so statistics can be misleading. As Tiger said following his round of 71 on Friday: "I know my statistics don't show it but I am driving the ball so much better. My start lines are so much tighter and the shape of my shots is so much tighter,'' Declaring obvious confidence in his progress, he went on to say. "I'm so close to putting the ball on a string. So it's coming."
His iron shots have been generally very solid, and impressively he found his distance control in the second round. The putter, which was hot on day one, was lukewarm on Friday and that killed any chance he had of shooting a second consecutive round under par. However, outwith finding consistency, which will come with time following his 12 week layoff, this has been an impressive performance from Tiger. Expect a strong weekend from the 14 times Major Champion, as he goes into next weeks PGA Championship, looking for a 15th, and surely a contender.

It's going to be an exciting weekend at Firestone!

As the WGC Bridgestone Invitational gets underway, Rory McIlroy's playing intentions for 2012 are a welcome boost to the PGA Tour

With all of the talk going into this weeks WGC Bridgestone Invitational concerning the long awaited return to the game of Tiger Woods, it would seem unthinkable that someone in the field could also find themselves a favourite of the headlines given those circumstances. Well, it happened. Step forward Rory McIlroy.

Rory, the only player in golf capable of competing with Tiger these days in the headlines, in his Press Conference yesterday declared that he is strongly considering taking up full membership of the PGA Tour in 2012. McIlroy told attending journalists: "I'm leaning towards taking my card here again - I'm comfortable in this country and I feel my game suits the courses."

He went on to reference his particularly favourite venues on the US circuit. "You play the MatchPlay, Honda, Doral, Masters. You have your favourite events, and most of my favourite events seem to be on this side of the pond."

As for his favourite courses? Well, Quail Hollow (where he claimed his first PGA Tour title in 2010) Muirfield Village, Augusta National and this weeks venue, Firestone, are all to the liking of the 22 year old.

Celebration at Quail Hollow in 2010

Okay, he still doesn't like the TPC at Sawgrass, but yesterday's comments, although not unexpected to many in his closest circle,  do come as a surprise 12 months on after declaring that he "missed Europe" and that he found the US circuit (which he experimented with in 2010) "tiring and not for me." So why the sudden change of heart Rory?

It was my opinion that Rory went to the States too early. Having just just turned 21 and with only one professional title, the 09 Dubai Desert Classic, to declare in his curriculum vitae, it could be argued that McIlroy was too inexperienced to tackle the often lonely life of a European player on the PGA Tour. Sure, he had a great success in his rookie season, winning the Wells Fargo Championship with a closing 62 at the Quail HollowClub, often touted as one of the best and toughest courses on Tour. In fact it's stature is so great, it will host the PGA Championship in 6 years time. That closing 62 to win was one of the finest round witnessed in recent memory on the PGA Tour and offered him a whole new level of following in the US.




But that succesful taste of the PGA Tour for Rory wasn't enough to intice him for a second season in 2011. However, less than a year from that call to quit, he has made a u-turn that even a Prime Minister or President would be impressed by. What has changed in his life and game for him to make this turnaround?

Rory has courted recent controversy

His incredible victory in June at Congressional, when he claimed the US Open by a remarkable 8 shots with a record low score of -16, put Rory into a completely different level of status, and not only that, but in his own self belief. Rory has quickly become the focus in Golf. Yes Tiger has largely retained that this week, but Rory has been the dominant golfing figure within the media now since Augusta. With the US Open title firmly in his cabinet, Rory has a whole new position in the game, and perhaps he feels he is now free to make his own decisions for his own game now. This new assertive attitude especially towards the media is a result of the events of Augusta National this year and its aftermath. Some of his comments have left a sour taste. Notably his online row with respected commentator Jay Townsend, and his seemingly petulant words regarding the Open. But we shouldn't focus too hard on these mishaps. He is a young man trying to deal with his new position in the game. Mistakes are easily made in the heat of the moment. Lets just hope he recieves suitable advice from his team. But clearly the US style golf courses and conditions suit him, so he has every right to make that call. He has also recently split up from his long term girlfriend, Holly Sweeney. Strains on their relationship last year was a factor in Rory calling time on his PGA Tour career. With his personal life a little more settled, he doesn't have any real ties to Europe or Northern Ireland, so setting up base in Florida wold be ideal for the free spirited McIlroy. He has also seen the success of good friend Graeme McDowell in the US, and it seems likely that Rory will inevitably live close to his friend. perhaps also taking up membership at the terrific Lake Nona Club.

Tiger and Rory - Coming to a PGA Tour event near you?

Ultimately, Rory McIlroy's declaration is a massive boost for the PGA Tour, going into what is a crucial year for them. Television contracts with CBS and NBC are all up for renewal, and with Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem, now able to claim Rory as part of his brand, the contract on offer will be even more lucrative. McIlroy's victory at Congressional, has relatively speaking, given him a cult and Hollywood (no pun intended) status amongst the American Golfing Public. This sudden rush of delight within the Tour's executives was embodied yesterday in Andy Pazder, the executive vice president of the Tour, who commented: "Rory is an immense talent, a personable young man and would be an asset to the Tour. We are ecstatic about it. For a player to win the US Open by eight shots certainly captivated the fans in the US and around the world. So to have him as a member next year is very important."

The presence of Rory McIlroy alongside the return of Tiger Woods, could offer some incredible plotlines and coverage and would restore the PGA Tour, which has been bashed in many circles in recent times, as the Number 1 ticket in Golf.

Say what you will about this more outspoken and direct Rory McIlroy we have seen in recent weeks. We must remember that he is a very young man, trying to deal with the problems (allbeit welcome problems) that fame and success brings. I haven't agreed with a few of his comments, but lets just give him time to adjust into his new role in the game as arguably the second biggest star in golf, behind Woods, the man he hopes to contend against next season on the PGA Tour.

It will be a fascinating watch.

Tiger returns to tried and tested territory at Firestone, still the biggest draw in Golf.

If you were to sit down and take a brief moment to read the history of the World Golf Championships, one name would stand out immediately to you. Tiger Woods. His 16 wins in the brief history of the WGC's represent his dominance of the game throughout most of the last decade, since the first Accenture World Matchplay was incepted in 1999. If you were to break down his record even further, you would notice a quite unbelievable statistic for the Bridgestone Invitational, this weeks event, at Firestone. Tiger has won an incredible 7 times from 11 appearances.

Woods holding the title in 2009

It makes perfect sense then that Tiger makes his return to competitive Golf this week to tackle the tough 7400 yard Par 70 challenge at Firestone, historically one of his most treasured hunting grounds. Just as he did at Augusta in 2010 when returning from his 5 month layoff after the 'scandal' hit the headlines. Firestone, like Augusta, offers him comfort, familiarity and personal security. Not to mention that a World Golf Championship event,  guarentees him four competitive rounds under his belt going into next weeks PGA Championship, the final mjaor of the year. There is little doubt that if Tiger didn't come back for the PGA, we would not have seen him on Tour till 2012. The comfort factor for Woods going into this week, will be even stronger with the news that he will partner the Open Champion, his good friend, Darren Clarke, for the first two rounds. Is it a case of the Tour simply pandering to Woods? Maybe it is, but ultimately it is a pairing that both players will relish. Clarke said of Tiger yesterday at his Press Conference: "He's a good friend of mine and it's fantastic for all of world golf to see Tiger Woods back playing again. I think it's wonderful to see him back." The words of Clarke, to cynics, may seem simply diplomatic towards one of the most dominant figures in the history of the sport, but there is a genuine feeling of goodwill and friendship between the two of them since their days of working with Butch Harmon back in the mid 1990s. Woods will have got a kick out of seeing Darren win the Open under the circumstances he did, as much as anyone else, and this will be a dream pairing for the two of them.

Clarke and Woods together. The Open Champion said of Tiger yesterday "He is a good friend"

Undoubtedly all of the ingredients for a strong and positive week are there for Tiger, but there is one factor that in the eyes of many, could hold him back from success either this week or the PGA. And that is himself.

We have no real idea of what shape Tiger is in physically, other than from listening to his confident and positive words. But then again, didn't he say exactly the same before the Players Championship in May? Before he went on to aggravate his injury from Augusta, on his opening drive, which resulted in a disastrous 42 for his front nine before a withdrawal and his absence for the following 3 months, missing two Majors in the process. Tiger does sound in an especially confident mood though. Asked yesterday when was the last time he felt so good physically, he replied in a typical bluntly put Woods fashion: "Years. Years, plural. Just plural." But there is a sharp difference between hitting shots in practice (which he has done now for 3 weeks) and hitting them in the heat of tournament play. As Phil Mickelson once said. "we hit it 10% harder in a tournament than we do in practice". On this occasion however, unlike in previous years, Tiger appears to have taken his Doctors' advice. Having decided against playing at last weeks Greenbrier Classic, won by Scott Stallings, on the basis that his Medical Advisors noted that an extra week off going into Firestone, would be the ideal preparation physically. It does show that this is a Tiger wary of his injuries, and the damage he could contune to inflict, unlike in the Summer of 2008 and earlier this Spring, Tiger now listens to sound advice. That will stand him in good stead going into the future, and in his quest to break Jack Nicklaus' 18 Major Championship record, which his chances of achieving, rests largely on his physical condition. Ultimately, there will still be doubts about the strength of his knee and achilles to sustain the challenges of the present and future. We will know a lot more on Sunday evening after the champion has been crowned, but until then doubts over Tiger's physical condition will persist.  

Tiger with his long term friend and interim caddy, Bryon Bell

There is also the question of Tiger's golf game under the controversial and much criticised, Sean Foley. When we last saw Woods properly at Augusta National, from tee to green, it was the Tiger of old. His front nine performance on Sunday, was a flashback to his charges from a decade ago. Everything from the remarkable shots, notably his 2nd into the Par 5, 8th, to his mannerisms and celebrations to the reactions of the Augusta patrons. It was Tiger, alas 2000-2001. The one thing that let him down that week was the putter, for a long time his most powerful ally on the course. Say what you will about Sean Foley and the swing changes Tiger has undergone since his disastrous +18 total at Firestone 12 months ago. I for one have had my doubts over the changes Tiger has made to his game, but there is little doubt that during this years Masters, Tiger finally clicked with his new swing, and a repeat of that performance, even though it's hard to ask of him, either this week, or at the PGA will see him contend.

Tiger with Coach, Sean Foley yesterday

Amongst all of the uncertainty surrounding Tiger's game, fitness and future, one thing is for certain, he is still the biggest draw in golf. When the news broke on Twitter last Thursday of his return, the golf tweeters were sent into a frenzy. Fans, journalists and players alike were excited about his about return to the game, and the number one topic in golf went from Rory and his Twitter spat with commentator Jay Townsend, or how many pints Darren Clarke drunk after the Open, to one individual, Tiger Woods.

The ratings will go up worldwide this week as we witness the return of Tiger. It'll be a fresh Tiger, returning to a game, that in his own words, "has changed".  Alongside him, will be his friend from College, Byron Bell (whose legs are so white, I'd swear he has spent his entire life in the Highlands of Scotland) on the bag following the acrimonious split with caddy of 13 years, Stevie Williams. The questions for Tiger are all there, and they won't all be answered this week, but by Sunday night, we will know a lot more about this new, settled, Tiger, and his future. But for now, lets just sit back and witness the return of one of the most dominant figures in sport, and who knows, he might even defy all logic and contend on Sunday against the young stars of today at the Bridgestone Invitational. What a story that would be.

Enjoy the week!