Rory McIlroy observers expect the former world No 1 to sweep back to the top with a dominant display in 2016. He may well do so but the Co Down man has his work cut out on the evidence of Jordan Spieth's impressive victory in the Hyundai Tournament of Champions in Hawaii.
Grame McDowell’s closing 62 in Kapalua gave new sponsors Srixon/Cleveland massive worldwide exposure.Graeme McDowell is golf’s new Mastermind after a thrilling closing 62 in Hawaii answered a series of questions about his status in the game and left him poised to overtake Phil Mickelson as world No 4.
Flying high: Graeme McDowell celebrates his closing 62 with a well-deserved beer.Graeme McDowell headed to Hawaii last week determined to prove that his rise to world No 5 was no flash in the pan.
The result? Third place in the Hyundai Tournament of Champions following a course record-equalling, 11-under par 62 in the final round that sees him threaten to overtake Phil Mickelson at world No 4.
When Graeme McDowell beat Tiger Woods in a play-off for the Chevron World Challenge four weeks ago, he jumped four places to a career high seventh in the world.
But while he hasn’t hit an official shot in anger since then, he’s moved up another two places in the rankings, finishing the year at world No 6 before jumping one place to a career best of world No 5 in the first world ranking of 2011.
