“Roller-coaster” is a term much used by the Sky Sports golf commentary team, but last Sunday, it really was appropriate. It is often said about the Majors that they are usually won or lost over the back nine holes of the final round. Last Sunday at Valderrama was no exception, proving that the Volvo Masters is up there with the four Majors. Justin Rose’s 4 shot lead going into the last round looked invincible, especially when the margin was still in his favour after 9 holes. However, all three rounds had seen Justin flounder over several holes, only to bring off brilliant recoveries to maintain his advantage. The back nine was no exception, as he double-bogied the 11th and bogied the 13th to fall back into the pack. The pressure on Rose and Harrington was enormous, as both were playing for two prizes – the Volvo Masters tournament itself and the Vardon Trophy, awarded to the leader of the order of merit. Prior to the Volvo Masters, the European Tour’s flagship tournament, the leader of the O.M. was Ernie Els, who was unfortunately absent due to a previous commitment to the Singapore Open, so it was doubly appropriate that several regular members of the European Tour were in with a shout of overtaking “the Big Easy”. Although Rose and Harrington were closest to Els, both had to finish at least in the top three to win the Order of Merit and save the European Tour from the embarassment of it’s most coveted title being won by an absentee. Eventually, it was Harrington who faded on the final day and Rose who bravely overcame his setbacks to birdie the dreaded 17th hole and join Dyson and Kjesden in a sudden-death play-off which he won on the 2nd play-off hole (the 10th) with a birdie.
These three were the only players to finish under par on Europe’s best golf course, difficult at the best of times, but set up for this event to present the most severe test possible, exacerbated by strong cold winds. Valderrama is a perfect example of how a golf course can be designed and set up to test the world’s best golfers without resorting to length for it’s own sake. Justin Rose’s win confirms him as England’s best golfer and a victory in one or more of the Majors can’t be far away for this likeable and modest golfer. |
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