World Golf News - 22 November 2010

Ian Poulter of the United Kingdom enjoyed a late season boost when a win in cold weather at the Hong Kong Open propelled him back into the top 10 of international golf. In a championship that saw him neck to neck with compatriot Simon Dyson on the fourth day of play, Poulter kept his nerve to the last hole to lift the trophy.

Having started the day with a two stroke lead, Poulter was surprised by Dyson’s birdie at the seventh that briefly turned the tables on him. Dyson’s success was short-lived however; with a bogey at the eighth which was no match for Poulter’s string of birdies that culminated in an eagle at the thirteenth, practically assuring his victory. Poulter had fallen out of the world top 10 after being ranked number five earlier this year. This late victory in Hong Kong should serve as inspiration for the talented Briton as he prepares for next season.

In the United States, American golfers Jim Furyk and Matt Kuchar won several accolades at the US PGA Tour’s annual awards ceremony. In a year that saw world number one Tiger Woods slip below the championship radar, Furyk’s three wins during the course of the season earned him the PGA Player of the Year Award. Kuchar topped the money list with a prize money total just shy of five million dollars, and also had the best scoring average. Kuchar was particularly proud of his achievement, recalling how different he had felt just a few years ago when he was struggling to retain his tour card.

With the US PGA Tour complete, golf fans will be turning their attention to Europe where the Race to Dubai is due to kick off next week. Speculation about the probable winner is rife, with Hong Kong Open champion Ian Poulter predicting a victory for Graeme McDowell over Germany’s Martin Kaymer. Full coverage of the event will appear next week.