One thing that has been punishing Chris Wood this season in various tournaments has been his final round.

Promising positions have disappeared, but hopefully that trend was laid to rest in Ireland when Chris produced his best finish of the season – third behind England’s Ross Fisher to equal his same position at the Italian Open.

The Italian job spurred Chris to some more top ten finishes and that’s what I expect again from the tall Bristolian.   It won’t be long before he is opening his European Tour account and sooner rather than later.

Ireland was also a happy hunting ground for two of its favourite golfing sons.  Darren Clarke continued his recent impressive run of form with 12th place while Paul McGinley was only two places worse off after a season which has had more than its fair share of injuries.

The pair have been back in the spotlight quite a bit recently after both were announced among the vice captains for Colin Montgomerie’s European Ryder Cup team.  Monty has chosen very wisely and has proved to many already that he will be a strong leader.

The focus this week will be on Akron, Ohio, because many of our top players have qualified for the Bridgestone Invitational at the impressive Firestone Country Club.   I expect another strong showing from the Europeans although the big danger could come from American Bubba Watson, who contacts tell me is putting unbelievably well.