Ewen Murray reflects on Francesco's form, changes for Tiger and why the PGA Tour needs a rethink.
Ewen discusses golf's talking points from Singapore
Hello to you all from the Far East.
This week, we have swapped Shanghai for Singapore where the Barclays gets underway boasting a prize fund of six million dollars.
Before leaving the subject of Shanghai, what about that shoot out between Ryder Cup players, Lee Westwood and the eventual winner Francesco Molinari? Both produced performances from the top drawer and quite simply, between them they blew a world-class field away.
Lee Westwood played some of his best golf of his career. Despite spasmodic appearances during the last three months owing to his calf injury, Westwood had lost little sharpness and displayed a long game that was dependable, consistent and at times exceptional. His putting average over the four days was just over 27 putts per round. Why did he not win?
There are times when you come second, it is not your fault and this was one of these occasions.
Francesco had won only one event, the Italian Open of 2006. Given the way he plays, many would say he has underachieved and they would be accurate. Each week, we say Francesco has hit the ball beautifully and it's followed by, once again he comes up short.
The difference last week was on the greens. His average was two-and-a-half putts a round less than Westwood and in his opening round 65 Molinari limited himself to just 22 putts. These stats are a long way from his normal ones and should he continue to show this form on the greens, his next win will not be far away.
Ten shots ahead of third, with Lee nine in front, Shanghai belonged to them. They were in a class of their own. The consolation for Westwood is that he extended his lead at the top of the world rankings and got much closer in the Race to Dubai. Lee's defence of that title will be his next appearance in two weeks time.
By strange coincidence, Francesco was unsure he would play in the Barclays Singapore Open before last week's impressive win, now he is one of the favourites to take the title on Sunday. Could be a bit like waiting on the bus, if you get my drift.
Changes
Tiger Woods returned to Asia last week and there have been some significant changes to his swing under the tutorship of young Canadian coach, Sean Folley.
His shoulder plane on the way back is steeper which in turn has given him a more upright swing plane. His follow through is shallower. He had his moments, but his short irons were not up to his normal quality.
Because of that, more pressure was applied to his putting which is not as sharp as when he was tearing up records left right and centre. One thing Tiger can never be accused of is his will to do the very best he can. Despite being on the fringe of things all week, he still finished in a tie for 6th.
Lee Westwood will know more than anyone else that if he can stay ahead of Woods next season, he will still be the world number one this time next year. Tiger has flown to Australia to defend the title he won there last year and all four days from Down Under are on
Sky Sports this week.
Last Sunday he ended his first year without a win since turning professional back in 1996. My feeling is, he won't be quiet for much longer.
Tropical
My colleague and I, Richard Boxall left the Peoples Republic of China over Guangzhou with Hong Kong to the East and Hanoi to the West. The five-and-a-half hour flight took us south skirting Cambodia and Vietnam and arriving in Singapore which sits just above the Equator line.
It's a tropical climate which at this time of the year is subject to some heavy storms and with 204 players this week over two courses, I have a feeling there may be a bit of stopping and re-starting.
The main course at Sentosa Island is the Serapong lay-out where England's Ian Poulter won so impressively last year. At 7,300 yards, the wet fairways will have it playing long.
It meanders alongside the harbor mouth and on the other side of the water, you will see the cargos from around the world unloaded onto the mainland. The Tanjong course is nearly 700 yards shorter and has a more inland feel to it and there could be some low scores.
At this time of the season so many players have different agendas. A few are working to keep their cards for next year. Surprisingly Scotland's Alistair Forsyth is one of these.
With only two events to count for a much coveted place in the Dubai World Championship, a whole host of players are here who occupy places between 50 and 70 in the Race to Dubai. Only the top 60 make it to the desert.
The excellent Richie Ramsey who enjoyed a joint third place in Shanghai moved from 65 at the start of last week to a lofty 39th. With huge prize money, significant moves can be made.
The two Danes, Thomas Bjorn and Soren Hansen are precariously placed at 53rd and 59th respectively. Just outside the magic 60 are Ireland's Shane Lowry and Bradley Dredge of Wales. Ross McGowan is another that needs a good performance this week.
The top 15 at the end of the year are guaranteed entry into next years Open, US Open and US PGA. Alvaro Quiros is in 15th place right now with young Rhys Davies in 17th. These cameos are all tournaments within the event and it adds much to the Barclays Singapore Open.
I had a wander down the range on Tuesday and it was 34 degrees Celsius with humidity at just over 80% so fitness will play a big part this week.
Darren Clarke, who is now settled back in his homeland, was pleased with his game and the defending champion, Ian Poulter was sporting a new Cobra driver painted beautifully in dazzling white! I'm not sure if Ian will be using it, but it and he cut dashing figures on the practice ground.
The more I see of "Poults" the more I like him. There is a refreshing honesty about him and he tells it as he sees it. He played well last week for much of the tournament, but he was penalised severely for any minor mistakes. This is a time of the year where more often than not, he produces his best golf. He may be the one to watch.
Route
I read with interest the decision of Rory McIlroy to not take up his full card in America. Also following down that route are Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood.
The fact that the European Tour membership now requires a player to commit to 13 events a year has nothing to do with that. The fact that Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer are in the world's top three has much to do with it.
No longer are our top stars forced to go west to earn world ranking points. If they play in the four majors, the four World Golf Championships and the platinum events in Europe and Asia, they can then pick and choose what tournaments they want to play elsewhere without having to play the stipulated amount to preserve their USPGA Tour card, a bit like the Meerkat that.. simples!
With the extensive travel modern day players face, a little over 20 events a season is about the correct number. However, I can't help feeling their decision is a blow to PGA Tour commissioner, Mr. Tim Finchem and I believe he has a busy time ahead.
There are no flamboyant or flair players Stateside except perhaps Rickie Fowler and he has yet to win. Mickelson, Furyk, Stricker, Toms and Verplank have been the mainstays of the Tour over the last two decades and they are all now on the wrong side of 40. Tiger's schedule has always been minimal and it remains to be seen if he can find the form he has lost during his dark period.
At home we have Matteo Manassero, Rory, Martin, The Molinaris and Ross Fisher, all young and talented and up to now, very successful. If they don't have to go searching for ranking points, why should they uproot and go to America?
I suspect the PGA Tour will look strongly at their rules this winter and I would not be surprised if they drop the number of events a player has to play to retain membership.
A Tour without the best players on a regular basis will be hard to sell to television in America, and that is where much of the Tour's revenue comes from.
That's about all I have to report this week, not much I know, but maybe next week when we move to Hong Kong there will be something to get our teeth into. Enjoy the golf from here and The Australian Masters. I hope it's not too cold at home!
