2011 was a year to remember for Northern Ireland - golf or non-golf fans alike. After Graeme McDowell's successes last year when he won the US Open and beat Tiger Woods in his own tournament, Ulster fans were given an even bigger treat this year.
Firstly, the rise of Rory McIlroy as golf's newest star, a star to replace one that had fallen from great heights due to personal issues on the field. McIlroy's talent had never been doubted since he first burst onto the scene as an amateur and this year, his talent was finally clear to see in golf's biggest shows of the year.
He should have won the first Major of the year, the Masters at Augusta. He dominated the first three days but then threw it all away on the fourth day in one of the worst collapses ever seen by any sportsman.
But McIlroy unfazed and having learnt his lessons from Augusta, came back to win his first major, the US Open at Congressional. Again, he dominated from the start but this time he dominated till the finish with a US Open record low score of 268 (16-under).
With that win, Rory established himself as a star amongst US sports fans and writers. His relationship with tennis no. 1, Caroline Wozniacki definitely further strengthened his standing amongst ESPN's Sportscenter crew.
McIlroy's year was cut short by injury and he would struggle at the Open and PGA Championship later that year. Nevertheless, once he's back on form, he'll be back charging towards becoming the no.1 golfer in the world - and at 22, he has plenty of time ahead.
That title of no.1 golfer in the world went to Luke Donald who was clearly the best golfer in the world by topping the money-earning charts on both sides of the Atlantic. The Englishman won the WGC-Accenture Matchplay World Championship, his biggest win yet and backed that up by winning the European tour's flagship event at Wentworth, as well as consistently high finishes this year.
Now I did mention that this was a year for Northern Ireland. Yes, while McIlroy did struggle at the Open at a Royal St George's, his compatriot, the ever popular, Darren Clarke didn't and pulled off undoubtedly one of the most popular victories on tour you'd ever see.
Darren Clarke's off-course struggles have been well documented and many sympathies were sent to him when his first wife, Heather died on the ever of the 2006 Ryder Cup. That he came back to that Europe side and played out of his skin to help them retain the Ryder Cup has gone down in sport folklore as a story of true determination and grit against adverse circumstances.
Thus, it was quite fitting that Darren Clarke would finally win the one Major he'd always wanted to win. And the celebrations were quite apt as well for the blunt and down-to-earth Ulsterman.
The 2011 year of golf would also witness a comeback of all sorts for a fallen star. Yes, it may have been a bit of an invitational tournament but a win is a win especially if you were Tiger Woods and hadn't won in 2 years and seen your standing on and off the golf course fall down like a pack of cards. Furthermore, it was against a high-quality field and golf needs Tiger Woods to do well much as we enjoy watching the likes of McIlroy, Clarke, Donald, Westwood, Schwartzel & Kaymer do well.
The other story of the year was caddie, Steve Williams' behaviour off the field. The Kiwi certainly made the headlines albeit mostly for the wrong reasons, i.e. his reaction to taking his first win with Adam Scott and his racist comments towards Tiger probably after he had had a few drinks at a function.
Whilst I believe Stevie may have gotten the raw end of a deal with Tiger, perhaps his behaviour was a bit over the top and was seen to be beating about the bush well after its shoots had been completely chopped off .
So to another golden year of golf to come. It has to be said that men's golf currently is a bit like men's tennis and is entering a highly competitive age. Perhaps with Tiger and Rory yet to come back to their best, 2012 will be even better especially with a Ryder Cup on the horizon.
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