A few months ago if you took a poll of every golfer in the country to name our next Major winner (before Ogilvy's win at Winged Foot) you would have got two names. Adam Scott and Stuart Appleby.

This week is Appleby's 40 straight major and he has only been close (inside top 10) once at the British a few years ago.

Commentators here say that Stuart's too technical on the course and gets in his own way- I think they're pretty right.

Don't let Pampling's very structured swing fool you- he is a "player" and he is long off the tee.

Now that the Aussies have finally cracked a Major after 11 years I think the floodgates will open for a few of the others.

Here's a long range tip- keep your eye on Andrew Buckle. A super talented young player from Queensland. A year ago he was playing pro ams and the Aus PGA Von Nida tour- which is about the equivalent of the hooters tour over there. In just twelve months he has cleaned up in Asia, won on Nationwide Tour and has the game to go a long way in your parts.

I like the Aussie thinking and Pampling's game for this course, but Appleby seems more ready for winning than Pampling in my opinion. I would not count Adam Scott out either. Then, there's always Oglivy.

I think right now the best players from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa could beat the Ryder Cup teams. I think Team USA will be in trouble in the next President's Cup.

We are in two minds about Tiger. At the very least this week he'll have to face some opposition in the first two rounds- unlike at Royal Liverpool where he was paired with Faldo,who played like an old man for the first two days, and Garcia who dressed, and played, like an old woman on Sunday.

Also unlike at Hoylake he may even have to take the cover off his driver..and that's when things can get a little unpredictable.

Having said that if Tiger does manage to hit a few fairways, sink a few putts and get his score to 6 or 7 under by Friday lunchtime it will be pretty much game over as most of the field will be thinking "how am I going to get it to ten under and beat this guy!"

Down here at our office we are punting on a big piece of Australian sporting history being created. Our money is going all up; Each way for the win and place ,and for the Leading Aussie, on Rod Pampling from Queensland.

Two Australian Major Championship winners in the one calendar year. It's never been done and all the signs are there for Pampling to join golf's elite with his first Major Championship win.

Pampling is a very highly regarded player in these parts and much underated at your end. He has been playing well in the majors for a few years now and, like Ogilvy earlier in the year, his form this season suggests something big is next.

Best Cinderella Story side bet: Stewart Cink. Great all round game-great value each way bet and will win a Major Championship sometime in the next few years, although I've blown a bit of dosh by saying that for a few years now. Bit like Monty- but I won't go there.

Cheers

Dave

There's a big difference between "closing" out a tournament and coming from behind to win. "Closing" implies you have the lead. Tiger "closed" out at the Buick and the Open Championship… because he had the lead. He couldn't "close" the Western because he never took the lead.

I just hear all the talk of missed opportunities. Tiger even felt like the 70 should have been a 67 or 68.

Tiger didn't seem to be that pleased with his Sunday performance, and that counts for something.

Winner - Tiger (12 under). He is hitting the ball really well and has the short game to make up for the wayward drives that may come up.

Surprise - Kenny Perry. He has been getting better and better lately and has the game for this course. The greens are simply not that difficult. I also like Weir, Immelman, and Appleby to do well.

Biggest Disappointment - Retief seems to be struggling lately and will miss the cut.

Largest Surprise - Ryder Cup (Z. Johnson, JJ Henry, Glover) youngsters will do fine. Ryder cup (Love, Couples, Verplank) experienced players will falter.

By faltering, Jonathan isn't saying Tiger will shoot an 85 on Sunday. Jonathan is just saying that Tiger won't close the deal like usual. At least I think that's what he is saying.

I don't mean to put words in Jonathan's mouth.