Golf set for 'Magnificent Seven'

2005-03-16 12:30

Paris - The 2005 season began with dreams that the 'Big Three' - Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh and Ernie Els - would create a vintage season.

Eleven tournaments into the year and the Masters still four weeks away, international golf is witnessing the arrival of the 'Magnificent Seven'.

Seven of the world's top ten ranked players have all won this season, three of them multiple winners - Woods, Phil Mickelson and Els.

For the first time since their creation, the often criticised world golf rankings are finally reflecting the sport's pecking order.

Even the three players in the Top Ten who have not won, are not exactly having a poor start to the season.

Spain's Sergio Garcia, who has slipped down to eighth place after Padraig Harrington's maiden US Tour win last weekend, has had two top ten finishes in the four tournaments he has played.

Retief Goosen has also only played four US tournaments but a third in the WGC World Match Play and an eighth at the Ford championship has seen him collect over $800 000 in prize money.

American Stewart Cink, ranked 10 in the world, has had three fifth place finishes in his six outings to date.

But it is the early season form of Woods, Mickelson, Els, Singh and Harrington that is likely to send the black market price for Masters' tickets to an all-time high.

Harrington's win at the Honda Classic finally ended his drought on the US Tour and has dramatically boosted the Irishman's confidence.

The 33-year-old, who has had to settle for second place 26 times since turning pro, edged out Singh in a playoff to become the first Irish winner on the US Tour.

"When you have a win that maybe somebody gives it to you a little bit, it's nice when somebody does that, considering how many times I've been close and it's been taken away from me," said Harrington.

Els' back-to-back wins on the European Tour were a clear warning to everyone that he has completely got over his heartbreak misses at the majors last season.

At Dubai he grabbed victory with an eagle on the 72nd holes.

His victory at the Qatar Masters was even more impressive.

After a lacklustre first round 73 on Thursday he reeled off a spectacular last round seven-under par 65 to overturn a five-shot deficit and pocket the $250 000 first prize.

"I wanted to give myself a low score and as it turned out I shot low," said Els.

"I really feel good because I am happy with my rhythm and I am in a good position at the top of the backswing.

"When that happens, I can freewheel it and go for the ball. My iron play is a lot better and I can't wait to get to America where I play Bay Hill, the TPC and take a week off before the Masters."

- AFP