World Golf News - 07 December 2010

In the United States, former world number one Tiger Woods suffered a sudden and embarrassing defeat at the hands of Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell. On the final day of the World Challenge, the tournament hosted each year by Woods himself, Tiger seemed poised for victory. With a four stroke lead after the front nine all eyes were on Woods to card his first victory since 2009.

McDowell, however, took no prisoners as he came up from the back to force a playoff in which he beat Woods on the first hole. With two twenty foot putts in succession, McDowell’s accuracy and hunger to win proved more than a match for Woods who is still recovering from a golf slump that coincided with his divorce.

In South Africa, the prestigious Nedbank Golf Challenge took place at the Gary Player Country Club in fine summer weather. The field was made up of twelve invited players from the top tier of international golf who provided fans with a spectacular weekend’s entertainment. On the final day it was world number one Lee Westwood who lifted the trophy, reaffirming his place at the top of international golf. South Africa’s Tim Clark came in eight strokes behind with his blend of local knowledge and consistent technique assuring him a firm second place.

In awards news, the US PGA announced its ‘Player of the Year’ on Monday. Amid speculation as to who the winner would be, it was announced that the American Jim Furyk had been awarded this prestigious title, beating fellow contender Ernie Els of South Africa. The Rookie of the Year award went to Rickie Fowler, 21, also of the United States. Fowler is the youngest player to receive the award since Tiger Woods won it in 1996 at the age of 20.