Ewen Murray looks back at the European Tour's Desert Swing
Wednesday 10 February 2016 14:59, UK
The European Tour's 'Desert Swing' never fails to deliver and this year's edition produced superb golf over three top class courses from some of the world's finest players.
This three-tournament stretch is the perfect way to get the season started, as the weather is splendid, the practice facilities are state of the art and wherever professionals play this year, they will not find courses in better condition.
The fields are strong, so there's a plethora of world ranking points are on offer and for a European in Ryder Cup year, surely makes it a must-play section of the season.
Obviously not all would agree, but I find Paul Casey's decision not to join the European Tour, therefore making him not eligible for Ryder Cup selection, mystifying. The chief executive of the Tour, the impressive Keith Pelly, has made it so easy for our dual members based in America to manage playing on both Tours. Casey will have his own priorities and reasons for his decision, but I believe it is one he will regret in the future.
Sergio Garcia played in just one of the three Middle East events as did Justin Rose, yet the latter will tee it up in the Pebble Beach Pro-Am this week in California. Of course it's their right to plan their schedule over what is a long season and I guess everyone is different.
Special performances
Starting in Abu Dhabi, the HSBC is an event that continues to grow as the years tick by. Giles Morgan, the man responsible for the Abu Dhabi event and the HSBC World Championship in Shanghai, has no equal in his field. His events ooze class and style.
Rickie Fowler's thrilling victory got the Desert Swing off to a grand start, while the nail-biting finish where the American edged out Thomas Pieters and Rory McIlroy was a joy to watch.
"Willett and Sullivan to lead Europe in the opening match at Hazeltine in September? It might just be a strong possibility."
In Qatar, Branden Grace became the first successful defender of the Mother of Pearl trophy over the Doha Golf Course. His composure over the closing holes was admirable and it confirmed why so many believe he will have a major tucked away before long. His closing birdie four was textbook, with two shots out of the top drawer from a player who has total belief in what he is doing.
I walked nine holes in the Pro-Am with 12-year-old Shergo Kurdi, a lad I have known since he was five and based at the Windlesham Golf Club. He partnered Branden and the South African gave much of his time to his young charge. Over the course of the five hours, Shergo would have gleaned much from this hugely impressive South African and no doubt that will help him in years to come.
Much is talked about the help of caddies these days. In Zak Rasego, Grace has a bagman who is on the same wavelength as him. No fuss or wasting time, he'd make the decision quickly and carry it out efficiently. I've known Zak for a long time. He grew up in a village close to Sun City in the Republic's North Western Province and, having learned his trade there, he has come a long way.
Zak won The Open with Louis Oosthuizen at St Andrews in 2010 and he may not have to wait too long before he plays a part in major No 2. In five events this season, Grace has yet to finish outside the top 10 and my belief is that he will be inside the world's top 10 come the end of the year.
Dubai was the forefather of the Swing, with the first Desert Classic being played at the Emirates GC in 1989. The landscape has changed dramatically in the last quarter of a century and the event has grown with that.
It was a sad start to the tournament when news of the death of caddie Dave Renwick broke on the eve of the tournament. I grew up with Dave in our villages of Currie and East Calder, a few miles to the West of Edinburgh. As we flew the nest and went our separate ways, we lost touch, but not for long. After a spell on the North Sea oil rigs, the call of golf was too strong for Dave to ignore.
Back on the fairways, he caddied for some wonderful players and they flourished alongside the no-nonsense Renwick. Jose Maria Olazabal won the '94 Masters with him. He and Steve Elkington broke Colin Montgomerie's resolve in the PGA of '95 at Riviera and Vijay Singh enjoyed two of his major victories alongside him.
Blessed with a quick wit and dry humour, David will be missed, but as the somber mood slowly dissolves, many happy memories of a worthy life will stay with all of those who were privileged to know him.
Week to remember
There has been much talk of a new era emerging in our game and further evidence of that was presented in Dubai, with this year's Desert Classic one of the best events in the European Tour's 44-year history.
The irrepressible Andy Sullivan continued from where he left off last year. Rafa Cabrera-Bello, who I believe will be a late developer and become a more regular winner in the years ahead, came close, but the week belonged to the champion, Sheffield's Danny Willett.
After his 65 in round two, Danny joined me for a spell in the Sky Sports commentary box. When he left, one sensed his full commitment, his belief, his confidence and his vision for the year. During the final round, we saw his full range of talent.
The first nine produced some of the finest iron play I've seen, the back nine didn't. Hanging on by the skin of his teeth, he kept his challengers at bay with a marvellous display of street fighting qualities, something all of the great players possess. His closing 15-foot birdie putt never looked like missing and it was a triumph I suspect he is quite rightly proud of.
So many played a part in what was a sparkling Sunday in the desert. It was sport at its very best. Leaving the course, I thought to myself - Willett and Sullivan to lead Europe in the opening match at Hazeltine in September? It might just be a strong possibility.
For me, it's time to leave the European Tour for a spell in America. The week after next is the Honda Classic from West Palm Beach and that's followed by two World Golf Championship events. The first of those is in Miami, with the latter in Austin, Texas, home to my knowledgeable co-commentator, Rich Beem.
We will take you through these events in the build-up to the year's first major at Augusta National. The very mention of The Masters sets the pulses racing and for so many in Northern Europe, it heralds the start of your season. I hope it's a good one for you.
