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Looking back, looking forward: Craig Dutton

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Betfair Blogger selects his heroes and villains of 2007...

What was your highlight of 2007?

A year which has seen less press coverage for the sport than many. If ever a DVD were made, it could be truthfully titled, 'The Forgotten Year'. There was still good action all around, and the quality of fare the tour produces is still as entertaining as ever, I would argue. Perhaps not the newsworthy characters golf needs, though. For me, Garcia and Harrington duelling out the Open. How rare it was to see two Europeans in such an advanced stage of a Major in recent years, though it is becoming more and more commonplace. Something for Europe to be proud of.

Who was your player of 2007?

Tiger Woods. Showed nothing this year we didn't know he wasn't capable of. Has not scythed through fields in the clinical manner of some years past. Nonetheless, undoubtedly still the best player on the planet. More importantly for Woods, the chasing pack do not look to be getting any closer. I think they'll have to rely on Woods falling back.

...and your failure of the year?

Ernie Els and THE capitulation. So fresh in the mind that Els is probably standing in the shower scrubbing relentlessly as we speak. WIthout sounding arrogant, I'm sure Els has been more upset with other tournament failures in his storied career - losing to Todd Hamilton in the Open play-off a prime example. He will know in his heart, however, that a player of his ability really let that one slide.

Looking ahead, what's your golfing wish for 2008?

First of all, a healthy, speedy recovery for Trevor Immelman, facing a lengthy period away from the greens after the removal of a growth on his diaphragm. A player who can display such consistency that many of his peers would dare to dream of. More importantly, a wife and child to look after. As a sport, I'd like to see Montgomerie recapture the form which it seems is behind him. For one reason or another, an in-form Monty is THE man who makes me want to watch. He has something of the devil in him, I think. And for me personally, a profitable year's trading. A wish that not only requires a well, but a fully fledged reservoir.

And who are the players to watch?
British: Montgomerie. Has one more great year in him, in my opinion, and already displayed he has not lost the winning knack this year. A player the whole golfing world would undoubtedly like to see finally win a Major. A big ask, but what a fairytale it would be. Also a mention for McIlroy, who can be the next big thing in British Golf. If he has the desire, if he has the mental strength and if he has the patience.

Rest of the world: Boo Weekley. Had the best year of his career in 2007, after a wayward few years. Undoubtedly improving, and it would take a brave man to suggest his ascension through the world rankings will slow, ruling me out. At 34, he is still young to win big tournaments, and I think he has the raw ability to win a Major in years to come. Converting that to actual victory is unbelievably complex, as hundreds of promising golfers have found. Will be winning in 2008.