HSBC Champions

I think I can predict Steve Palmer’s column next Sunday. He recommended Martin Kaymer for this event. The back nine of the fourth day was as exciting as that of the European tour event in Shanghai last week. Tim Clark was the leader in the clubhouse at -11 but there was a chasing pack within two shots of Fowler, Watson, McDowell and Kaymer, as well as the rookie Jap Iwata. Bubba bogeyed the 16th and double bogeyed the 17th and looked out of contention. The final group was McDowell, Kaymer and Iwata. Watson on the 18th bunkered but bless me if  he did not hole out for an eagle. This put the pressure on the final three. They all lagged up and had simple pitches to the green. Iwata landed his near the pin. Kaymer, a renowned pitcher, over-hit his wedge and landed in the water . That’s the end of him. I cannot imagine what was in his head but, as the ball slithered into the drink, I could hear Steve bemoaning his luck. It’s extraordinary what pressure can do to your game. Marcus Siem missed a putt to win last week so German  sportsmen are not as tough mentally as thir reputation. Bubba won the play off over Tim Clark.

It was exhilarating drama and once again the finale of the tourney played out in the early morning of Sunday made for compulsive watching. There is something of the Seve about Bubba. He is a massive hitter, never had a lesson and is a risk taker. His non-PC views may offend some but he’s his own man. The current crop of young American golfers – Spieth, Chappell, Piercy, Herschel, Kirk, tend to be a tad homogeneic so the more colourful ones like Watson and Fowler are all the more attractive for that. Another in that mould is Patrick Reed. As for Kaymer and his over hit chip, it cost me £10 and did not ruin my Sunday, life or finances.. Read this Steve and take note.