All year has been like a round the world trip and the journey hasn’t ended yet.  I set off on this particular journey to China via Dubai where I spent four very splendid days in the company of Freddie Flintoff, who is recovering from his recent operation.

Fred’s family also enjoy the United Arab Emirates so they are all having a good time.   Jumeirah Hotels have made him a Diamond member which gives him access to all their gyms, beach clubs, kids’ clubs, restaurants etc.,.etc.,.  The only other person with such privileges is a certain Roger Federer.

Fred told me to tell Darren Clarke that the gym he goes to in Dubai would be perfect for him because the attendants mop your brow, open water bottles and generally pamper you.  The thing that might appeal to Darren is that they would even lift the weights for you if you asked them.

From Dubai to Singapore which, for me, is one of the world’s greatest cities.  Everything about the place is special and they have a course to match now at Sentosa where Charl Schwartzel distinguished himself with a top 5 finish.

The Barclays Singapore Open is one of my favourite tournaments of the year, not least because it has absolutely superb sponsors.  The way they look after players, guests and spectators is second to none.

Now I’m off to the airport again for the HSBC in Shanghai which promises to be another great tournament.   Hopefully we will be celebrating a winner in what is likely to be a very high class field with seven of the world’s top 10 scheduled.

Finally, congratulations to Darren Fichardt for winning again in South Africa - something he hasn’t stopped doing since he joined us earlier this year.   I’m sure he’ll be ready to do battle again on the European Tour next season.