World Golf News - 02 November 2010

This week the landscape of professional golf was changed dramatically when Lee Westwood unseated Tiger Woods, becoming the highest ranked golfer in the world. Westwood had been hot on Woods’ tail since the former world number one’s game began to suffer at the same time that controversy struck his personal life. In his usual low-key style, Westwood accepted the title with little showmanship, and seemed elated to have his hard work and determination rewarded. The world number one has seen his form improve dramatically in recent years, after having been in a slump a decade ago.

On the European Tour, Graeme McDowell continued a victorious season when he won the Andalucía Masters, played at Spain’s famous Valderrama golf resort. In a final round that saw fellow-Briton Damien McGrain overtake McDowell on the back nine before being taken out of contention, the champion maintained his composure and weathered a difficult day’s play to lift the trophy. Finishing the final round with a four over par 74, McDowell was nonetheless satisfied with his victory which could put him in the top spot when the European Order of Merit is finalised later this month.

On the US PGA Tour, which saw its first championship played in Southeast Asia at the weekend, American Ben Crane won the CIMB Asia Pacific Classic with England’s Brian Davis in close contention. The championship was co-sanctioned with the Asia Tour, a further indication of how popular the game of golf has become in that part of the world. In the final round Crane played consistently on the front nine, but the back nine posed a serious challenge as he bogeyed the 12th, 13th and 14th holes. However, an eagle on the 15th put him back in contention and thrilled fans who had taken a liking to the mild-mannered American. In the end, Crane was victorious, saying he was proud to be the first-ever winner of the co-sanctioned tournament.