There were a few cynics who thought Lee Westwood’s tenure as the world No.1 would rival that of former Open champion Tom Lehman, who spent just one week in that position. Those doubters look like having to eat their words for quite some time as Lee takes in the situation with ever growing stature and confidence.

The reception he receives wherever he goes seems to signal that not just the golfing public have taken his succession to the throne Tiger Woods sat on for so long with enormous enthusiasm and popularity.

Now it seems Lee is also a contender in the top annual sports awards race in Britain because his name is currently being bracketed with that of the BBC’s sports personality of the year.   I may be biased, but I believe it would be thoroughly deserved.   It’s not often we get an English No.1.

We’ll see what happens there, but another thing I am sure about is that Chris Wood is very close to be being a very good player.  Chris has settled in well on the professional circuit and the more experience and knowledge he gains the better he looks.  He is also capable of going low as his first round in Singapore showed.

Talking of that part of the world brings me to Barclays, one of golf’s greatest supporters.  Unfortunately they were let down in Singapore because of the problems caused by having to accommodate three Tours at a difficult slot in the schedule because of the rainy season. The Tours need to get their heads together on this one because Barclays deserve better.

Talking of Tours brings me to the  USPGA where Lee and Rory McIlroy will not be taking up their cards and now have to get their heads round which three tournaments, outside the majors and WGC events, they will play in to make up their maximum of 10.

Lee will take in Honda, Houston and defend Memphis while Rory will also be at Honda.  His other two will be his defence in Quail Hollow and The Memorial which will be a good warm up for the US Open.