Tuesday 23 February 2016 13:47, UK
From Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth struggling to find top form to Bubba Watson showing signs of his best, we look back at the main talking points from this week's Northern Trust Open.
Consistency key for Rory
If McIlroy could have produced four solid rounds rather than three in each of his early-season appearances, it's more than possible that the world No 3 would already be a three-time champion in 2016.
A sloppy second round in Abu Dhabi and a blip in the middle of his Dubai Desert Classic defence cost McIlroy a Desert Swing victory, while it was a disappointing final round in California that ended his Riviera hopes.
His Northern Trust debut and first PGA Tour appearance of the year was going to plan when an eagle at the par-five first on Sunday moved him in to a share of the lead, only for McIlroy's game to fall apart as the round progressed.
Three bogeys in a four-hole stretch saw McIlroy begin his slide down the leaderboard, while four more dropped shots along the back nine left the Northern Irishman card a four-over 75.
McIlroy was clearly frustrated with his performance when speaking to the media afterwards, but knows he has the chance to immediately bounce back when he features at this week's Honda Classic.
Golf's 'big five'?
While attention surrounds young guns Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, Jason Day and Rickie Fowler, Bubba Watson continues to show he's very much among the world's best.
The 37-year-old's hard-fought victory makes Watson the first multiple winner on the PGA Tour this season and sees him leapfrog two places and back in to the world's top four.
Watson showed the calmness under pressure sometimes lacking from his game to finish brightly, posting back-to-back birdies from the 16th and nudging a tap-in par at the last to claim the title.
The victory is Watson's second in six starts and, aside from an off-key week at Pebble Beach, the American has looked in fine form so far this season.
The recent run of results, combined with an increased mental toughness, will give the two-time Masters champion plenty of encouragement in the run-up to first major of the year. Could we see Watson win a third Green Jacket in 2016?
Stutter from Spieth
Spieth may still sit top of the world rankings, but the 22-year-old is still some way from showing any signs of replicating last year's tournament-winning performances.
The world No 1 found himself 16 shots off the pace after carding his highest first round score as a professional, with a much-improved 68 on Friday not enough to avoid a first missed cut since September.
Wayward driving and iron play around Riviera regularly left Spieth out of position, with the two-time major champion also struggling with his usually red-hot putter.
Friday's performance, though, just like the week before at Pebble Beach when he narrowly reached the final round, was an example where Spieth performed better with the pressure off and the damage already done.
The last time Spieth suffered an early exit in a tournament, the Masters champion was back within the winner's circle two events later. Although he needs to improve, you wouldn't bet against him doing something similar again.
Scott's putting strength
Although it wasn't quite enough to secure a first worldwide victory since 2014, Adam Scott is evidently making great strides in his first full season back using a conventional putter.
Scott reverted away from the broom-handled club in October and at times produced magic-like putting in California to move up the leaderboard.
The Australian's flat stick was red-hot during the early stages on Sunday, making more than 100 feet of putts over the first four holes, but Scott couldn't quite continue that through the remainder of his round.
Having sank a 35-footer to eagle the first, the former major winner followed a 15-foot par save at the next by drilling in birdies from 30 and 20 feet at three and four to force his way in to a share of the lead.
A chip-in gain at the last still wasn't quite enough to force a play-off, but a four-under 67 and a tied-second should provide plenty of moments to take in to the Florida Swing.
A great setting
Riviera Country Club once again proved to be popular venue among the players to round off the West Coast Swing.
McIlroy enjoyed his debut so much he has already confirmed he plans to make the event a regular part of his schedule, while Spieth had already admitted it's one his favourite courses to visit.
The course is ranked third behind only Augusta and RBC Heritage venue Harbour Town in the list of the PGA Tour pros' favourite courses, with its glorious weather and great location helping to create another fine week's entertainment.
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