A word from the pro… 
 
The recent weather has meant no golf is being played but that doesn’t mean I haven’t got my golf fix recently. The PGA Tour has visited some iconic venues recently in Pebble Beach for the Pro-Am and Riviera for the Tiger Woods hosted, Genesis invitational.  
 
Watching the players struggle on the treacherous Poa annua greens has made me feel much better about my own game and shows they are human. But what is very interesting to watch is how they navigate their way around such difficult layouts. Add into that the firm fast greens and windy conditions (especially at Pebble), it really is a test for the best players in the world.  
 
Rory McIlroy went into the Genesis as the nearly crowned world number one and over the first three days, he showed everyone he deserves to be there. He was sat in a tie for the top spot with Australian, Adam Scott and American, Matt Kuchar on ten-under-par but a final round of +2 derailed is chances.  
 
The man of the day was Adam Scott. Scott has arguably the best swing in golf and it stood up extremely well against a late flurry of competition towards the end of the day, but he eventually closed out a two-shot victory on eleven-under-par.  
 
This bodes very well for the popular Australian going into the US Masters, who has a good record around Augusta which includes his superb win in 2013.  
 
Although I think Scott will do well in April, my tip for the first major of the year has to be Rory McIlroy. He is showing maturity to his game and last year he was definitely deserving of his number one spot. Watch this space.