Ewen Murray assesses changes at Wentworth and his early contenders for a wide open US Open
All change at Wentworth - and at the top of the rankings
It's been a busy six weeks in the golfing world and I hope you have enjoyed the action from all parts of the globe.
First of all, the Players' from Sawgrass, and once again this challenge proved to be exactly that, despite some of the world's top stars being absent. From there we went to southern Spain and the Volvo Matchplay where Ian Poulter halved his first two games before going on to become champion.
Is that right, or wrong? I rather liked the fact that a player could half or lose an earlier match, yet go on to win the championship. Many would disagree, but there is no question the round robin format added to the event and I think this new innovation is here to stay.
Thirty-six holes a day seems like from yesteryear. Wentworth and the BMW championship has moved nicely into the slot behind the years four major events, taking over from the Players. The venue, the quality and dressing of the PGA has seamlessly moved it into the best event outside of the majors because of the top-drawer field and played over a marvellous renovation of one of our top courses in the United Kingdom.
Over the four days at Wentworth, we enjoyed record crowds - over 80,000 during the four rounds - and we had the four major winners alongside 11 of our heroes from Celtic Manor last October. The only downside was the minority of players saying Wentworth was not the done deal as far as the revamp was concerned. I have looked at that from a player's point of view and with one or two tweaks, I can't see a problem.
The first seven holes are wonderful. Yes they have been renovated but they are in keeping with the Harry Colt design of days gone by. The first talking point is the eighth green. It is a little too raised and that is not in keeping with Wentworth, but it is a small criticism. Nine, 10 and 11 are good but maybe the 12th green is too small a target for a long par four. Holes 13 and 14 are fine, but the entrance to 15 is too narrow given the tough par four it is.
I don't like the front bunker at 16 because it takes the view of the green away from the player. I have no disagreement with blind holes if the terrain dictates that, but I don't think one should design that. It would be easy to change and with virtually no cost.
The 17th is one of England's iconic par fives. I like the fall-off area by the right of the green. It makes for a hugely difficult pitch to a green that is well above you. I don't agree with the fall-off area at the left. I would prefer the bank to be restored so as a brave and bold shot hit towards the out of bounds is rewarded by rolling into the target and it would yield eagles which were sadly missing during the championship.
Magnificent
The 18th is nearly right. The green is a huge improvement from last year, but I would question the right hand bunker off the tee. That is where the golfer wants to hit his tee shot so as he can shorten the second. I've always believed that the dip at 280 yards to 330 yards should be filled in and the fairway shaped from left to right. This is a made for par four and today's green is designed to receive a five or a six iron from a flat lie.
Wentworth made a brave and bold decision to move their course into the modern era and in employing Ernie Els, they picked the right man. All but five per cent of what the three time major champion has done is magnificent.
When you think of the massive reconstruction of this course that is a creditable achievement. Any revamp will need the odd change here and there, but the changes needed are minor and some refinement would make this course what it deserves to be - one of the world's finest.
The PGA was a resounding success and it will continue to improve in the years ahead. Should no-one at Wentworth believe in my changes, they have every right. The play-off between two players consisted of the top two players in the world.
Celtic Manor awakened from its winter slumber after an amazing four days in October. The Wales Open provided a wonderful tournament despite an average field. I thought the Manor was a decent course on first sight, but it has grown on me and it's last four holes can be described as sporty. So much can happen there and so much did! Eagles at 15, doubles at 16, two holes-in-one by the same player at 17 and then everything from an eagle to a triple on 18!
Many thought Celtic Manor was only built for the 2010 Ryder Cup, but it has a fabulous future and will host many more top class events the future, of that I'm sure.
So to the year's second major at the Congressional Club on the outskirts of Washington DC. It will be hot and humid around a course that has been stretched to over 7,600 yards. The last time we were here for the US Open was back in 1997 when Ernie Els pipped our own Colin Montgomerie by a solitary shot.
Extensive
Colin, heading towards the autumn of his career, is our guest on
Sky Sports during a week that offers extensive coverage from the nation's capital. Monty, is good value. He can be feisty on the course but he is calmness personified off it and you and I will look forward to his company during four days of what I'm sure will be sheer drama.
My contenders - I should point out to you so you can avoid them - are, Dustin Johnson at 33/1 and my outsider is Sweden's Peter Hanson at 125/1. I've watched Peter now for four or five seasons and I feel his time is close. He is a late developer and has a game with few weaknesses. Each year he has made progress and I feel he has a game suited to the requirements of a US Open champion.
I look forward to the company of Monty and Butch Harmon during the week of congressional. Their enthusiasm is infectious and with nine hours coverage on each of the first two days, I know you won't be able to watch all of it, but it's there when you want it with regular updates for all those joining us when they can.
There's nothing like a major. Our live action starts at 3pm on Thursday and Friday and we shall all look forward to your company.
As I write, Luke Donald is number one having dethroned Lee Westood, Kaymer is at three, Steve Stricker is climbing again while defending US Open champion Graeme McDowell is searching for his best form.
Sergio Garcia is showing signs of finding his exquisite touch once again, Phil Mickelson needs a US Open to go with his PGA and Masters titles, while Casey may surprise everyone and take his place in the oval office.
America's hopes include Bubba Watson and Dustin along with Matt Kuchar, but Poults may continue his form from Spain and fulfil his promises. The next major is truly open...
