It’s good news for Monty as Casey makes welcome return
WHILE the Tiger’s away the rest will play, and what a statement of intent it was to see Geoff Ogilvy back in the winners’ tent this weekend.
The Australian took the opening PGA Tour event of the season in Hawaii – a great start to what could be a big year for the world No4 who will be looking to add to his solitary major success at the 2006 US Open.
It was also an encouraging start for Paul Casey, who finished 10th in his first full tournament since suffering a rib injury at last year’s Open. It’s great to see him fresh and fit again.
It was also a great weekend for Scotland’s Martin Laird, who followed up his famous maiden PGA Tour victory in Las Vegas last season with a steady fourth place finish having been in contention all week.
This is bound to be noticed by Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie who will have eyes and ears everywhere monitoring the form of some.
The European Tour was back in full swing at the weekend with the solid Charl Schwartzel taking advantage of favourable home conditions to win the Africa Open in East London.
The Tour stays in South Africa this week for the Joburg Open where Anders Hansen defends his title.
Also on show here is a young man I believe we will be hearing a lot more of this year. Edoardo Molinari was the clear winner on the Challenge Tour last year before winning the World Cup for Italy with brother Francesco.
He’s certainly one Monty will be keeping an eye on.