General / Paul Krishnamurty / 18 December 2007 /

Our columnist and pro-punter Paul Krishnamurty picks out the highlights of the golfing year...

What was your highlight of 2007?

No question, Padraig Harrington winning the Open for three reasons. Firstly, because it ended the inexplicable eight year drought for Europeans in Major Championships. Secondly, because it represented a fitting career pinnacle for the most consistent European performer of recent years. And finally, because I initially tipped Harrington for Carnoustie several months before the event, and enjoyed one of my best betting results of the year.

Who was your player of 2007?

The answer is surely Tiger, but for a change I'm going for Justin Rose. I'd be amazed if anyone could have predicted Justin's rapid progress over the last year, particularly winning the Order of Merit from just 12 events. This time last year Rose was barely among the ten most fancied Europeans in the big events. Now he's the highest ranked European, and arguably the man to beat outside Woods and Mickelson.

...and your failure of the year?

Sergio Garcia. Everyone will remember Sergio's final day misery at Carnoustie, grabbing defeat from the jaws of victory when presented with his best opportunity yet to win a Major. But in fact, Carnoustie represented the highlight of an otherwise miserable year which culminated in Sergio putting the ball into the water from a green out of frustration at Valderrama. Its a sorry sight to witness a player with such a magnificent long game losing the plot because he can't putt to even a decent amateur standard.

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

Ernie Els to answer his critics, bounce back to his best form and win a fourth Major championship. As it stands, the history books will look fondly upon Ernie with his three Majors and seven World Matchplays but he is still in danger of being remembered as a bridesmaid rather than one of the game's legends. In particular, a Green Jacket at Augusta would be richly deserved after so many near-misses.

And who are the players to watch next year?

Britain: Rory Mcllroy. There's always a fear that a young player with Rory's reputation will struggle to live up to the hype. Mcllroy is just 18, and its worth remembering that even Tiger didn't turn professional until he was 20. However, there is no doubt Rory is the real deal, and many believe he is better now than Woods at the equivalent age. I expect to see him winning a tournament in his first full season, and wouldn't be surprised if he managed to qualify for the Ryder Cup.

Rest of the world: Camilo Villegas. Of the numerous promising 20-somethings in the game, the Colombian looks the most ready to step up to the next level. A strong finish to his season in the Fedex Cup play-offs once again confirmed his tendency to produce his best golf on tough courses. This quality makes him a decent outside bet in the Majors, and surely that breakthrough PGA Tour win is just around the corner.

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