I’m expecting a big week in Miami this week after a relatively quiet one in Palm Beach.
The CA Championship over Doral’s Blue Monster course is, for me, where the countdown to Augusta starts. All the world’s top players currently playing will be there along with a massive purse and tons of world ranking points. I expect several of our players to fill their boots.
Heading our current crop of in-form players is Lee Westwood, who quietly crept into the top 10 on his first visit to the Honda Classic at PGA National last week. Lee was nearer 20th when he finished his round on Sunday, but as one diet coke followed another watching on television afterwards, his bank balance got fatter as the wind wrecked plenty of cards.
I had a feeling when I first saw this course that it would be to Lee’s liking and, despite a troublesome knee problem, so it proved. Our three other representatives, Rory McIlroy, Ernie Els and Jeev Milkha Singh played all four rounds and will all be looking forward to this week’s tournament.
There were times at PGA National when it looked like a European Tour event. At one stage on Saturday the only players on the range were all European or South African. Perhaps that’s why we are so strong at the moment while the top ranked Americans on view were no better than 31st and 6oth in the world.
We had another couple of players in West Palm, but both Charl Schwartzel and Ross McGowan didn’t get through pre-qualifying for The Honda. Both got in plenty of practice – Charl at the Bear’s Club and Ross was equally well looked after The Fox Club by our long-time friend Eoghan O’Connell.
Thanks to all concerned and particularly to Jack Nicklaus, who entertained Rory McIlroy to lunch at his Bear’s Club. It was an occasion Rory will remember for a very long time.
My own game got an airing in West Palm because I was invited to play in the Seminole member/guest event and what an array of talent there was on view. Let’s put it this way: it will probably be the last time I take part in an event which not only included Mr. Nicklaus but also The King, Arnold Palmer, and Ernie Els not to mention Lee and several other golfing celebrities.
Now I’m in one of my favourite places in the world for the week. South Beach is always a joy to visit and has to be top of the list for people watching. You certainly see some sights there.
We have a very strong representation at Doral and I will not be in the least bit surprised if one of them collects the pot next Sunday.
