Wednesday 25 May 2016 07:59, UK
Richard Boxall reflects on Rory McIlroy's victory at the Irish Open and explains why he is disappointed by the strength of the field at this week's BMW PGA Championship.
It was a great week at the K Club for the Irish Open, where Rory McIlroy's victory on home soil sets him up nicely for the summer.
He has been in contention pretty much every time he has played this season and in the five European Tour events before that he'd not finished any worse than 10th. For most people that's a good career, let alone a good season!
Everyone has been going on about his shot at the 18th where his approach left him two feet for eagle, but personally for me the one on 16 was the best by an absolute mile.
If he had leaked it slightly to the right it would have been a six and almost certainly cost him the tournament, but he went for the brave choice and pulled off and absolute gem. He really did execute it fantastically.
The other player I was really happy for last week was Matthew Southgate, who made a huge move up the Race to Dubai rankings with such a mature performance. It was fantastic to watch his emotion on that last green and it meant so much to him finishing as high as he did.
He has gone through so much both on and off the course, but he can start planning the rest of his year now having all-but sorted his card for next season. For him to shoot 68 in the last round, having not really been in that position before, is a remarkable achievement.
I had a fair few meals with him in Morocco the other week and he's a friendly, confident lad. He showed on Sunday what a gutsy player he is and I'm delighted for him, as he certainly has a bright future.
Bradley Dredge came close last week in finish second, but I think he might go and pick up a win this year. He made a big move up the R2D standings with what was a fine performance.
"There's only 11 of the world's top 50 in action this week, which really opens the door for someone slightly below the rankings to move up the ladder."
He went in to oblivion in his career and now he's coming back fighting, so he'll be one of a number of players to look out for at Wentworth this week.
Big week ahead
This is the European Tour's flagship event and it's a fantastic tournament, so it's a little disappointing that it's not being supported better.
At the end of the day it's down to the players to govern their busy schedules, which they'll work out long in advance, and I know the top players have to drop some events out of their plans.
It would have been great to see the big names like Sergio Garcia or Rory McIlroy playing, particularly after they both won last Sunday, but it is what it is.
Justin Rose is genuinely injured and it's a shame that he has to miss out, but it's great that the Masters champion Danny Willett is here and involved.
Willett just couldn't roll any putts in last week in Ireland, but he took four weeks off after winning at Augusta and was always going to eventually run out of steam a little bit.
Shane Lowry's here too having had a bit of an off week last time out, but also has the potential to do well. He has a good record here with a tied-sixth finish and last year and went even closer the year before.
There's only 11 of the world's top 50 in action this week, which really opens the door for someone slightly below the rankings to move up the ladder.
In my eyes this event ranks up there near the very top and just under the WGCs, so it's a great chance for someone to pick up some real stature and world ranking points with victory.
Byeong Hun An did it last year, and the likes of Eddie Pepperell, Andrew Johnston or James Morrison could do the same this week.
It's so hard to pick a winner, but wouldn't it be great to see one of the new or up and coming Englishman go on and take the title?
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