Paul Takes Short Cut On Long Journey
Paul McGinley is planning to go a long way this season thanks to a lot of work on his short game. The results of Paul’s work with short game specialists Dave Pelz and Stan Utley have already been seen and came close to bringing a win for the Dubliner last weekend. Why Paul tried to put a negative spin on what happened at the Dubai Desert Classic heaven only knows because he earned 27 world ranking points and was only beaten by an old pro who had not forgotten how to win.

I can only see positives for the Ryder Cup hero after his second place finish in the desert because he appears to have turned his game around completely from what it was 12 months ago.   Now he’s moved from 159 to 101 in the world and set himself up to push for a place in Bernhard Langer’s side next September.

Talking of the push for Ryder Cup places, then I will be very surprised if David Howell is not at least close to qualifying.   His third place finish alongside world No.3 Ernie Els was a fine achievement - equalled by his closing 67 which outscored his playing partner, a certain Tiger Woods. David is swinging better than he has ever done which is in no small way due to the input of his coach, former Tour player Clive Tucker.   In 90th position this morning, the world’s top 50 is definitely within reach.

That’s where Lee Westwood wants to be after his next outing in Bay Hill.  A good finish there will gain him entry to the Players’ Championship and The Masters.

Most of our guys did exceptionally well in Dubai with Paul Casey once again showing that he will be a welcome addition to the Ryder Cup team.  He slipped out of contention on the last day, but still had the determination to finish birdie-birdie to claim a top 10 place.
Simon Dyson, Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel and Mark Foster also impressed so there is a rich vein of form running through our squad promising many happy days ahead.