Betfair Official Blog

Looking back, looking forward: Tareq Quiroz

Click here to view market

Kaymer, Garcia and Stricker make TQ's list but who wins which award?

What was your highlight of 2007?

2007 was a landmark year for many but the moment that defined the year for me was Angel Cabrera lifting the US Open trophy. On a course that required straight hitting and massive amounts of patience, nobody gave the often wayward Argentine much of a chance. He defied his critics and deserves all the plaudits he gets for what was a fabulous performance from the kind of swashbuckling hero this sport needs.

Who was your player of 2007?

There are plenty of contenders for player of the year but my vote goes to Steve Stricker. I have a lot of respect for Stricker's determination to get back to the top level of golf and 2007 was a great year for the likeable guy from Wisconsin. A couple of years ago he looked finished, but he has come back better than ever before. A meteoric rise to number four in the world is nothing less than his great play in 2007 deserved.

...and your failure of the year?

Golf is full of sporting catastrophes but you can't get away from the final hole disasters. Garcia in the Open cost me money and left me flat as I just know that the sooner he gets one major he will get a few more. I still believe in Sergio and '08 can be his year. Carnoustie is tough and you can be forgiven but Leopard Creek's Par 5 18th is not and Els cannot be forgiven. In the middle of the fairway and a two shot lead, how can any professional golfer take a triple bogey eight. He is too good not to be back but you can't get away from the fact that it will be in the back of his and every golf punter's mind for evermore.

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

t would be great to see Darren Clarke back to his best and to lead Europe to another Ryder Cup triumph. I have real belief that that he will rebuild his game and come back to the top. Darren is a fans favourite and I can see him winning a tournament early in 08 that will set him off on a good run that will culminate in victory in Kentucky.

And who are the players to watch?
British: Oliver Wilson. The more I see of Wilson the more I am sure that he will be a force to be reckoned with on the European Tour. He has a solid all-round game and will be a danger on courses that demand pin-point iron play. He is an outside bet to make the Ryder Cup team and if given the chance I would take him against Rory McIlroy in an Order of Merit matchbet.

Rest of the World: The man to follow on the European Tour this year is Martin Kaymer. The young German star will be a multiple winner on tour this season and will comfortably make the Ryder Cup team. There are a lot of up-and-coming youngsters in world golf but for me he is the best. Martin was unlucky not to secure a victory last season and I am sure his followers will not be disappointed this year. He hits the ball miles, has great irons and a temperament that will see him reach the very top of golf in years to come.