"I`m close"

That was the message Rory Mcilroy had been preaching for the last few weeks and last weekend he played sublime to take the Bay Hill event at Arnie’s place. A final round 64 was as low as he could have scored, as he played and finally putted sublime in the final round to skip past a strong field that didn`t even include any of the world’s top 5 players. Yet it felt like it had them, as a certain Mr Woods happened to be playing there and with 3 holes to go, the 10 deep crowd following Tiger all week were well and truly hoping for a Woods win. But an errant tee shot on the easiest hole at Bay Hill (16) meant there would be no ninth victory. Others in contention including Stenson, Rose and DeChambeau all had a sniff until Rors hit top gear down the stretch with 5 birdies in the last 6 holes. When he is in this mood, McIlroy is virtually unstoppable! He is at his best when he just plays naturally and thinks of nothing, a style we could all learn from. Perhaps this is what Brad Faxon has been advising Rory to get back to on the greens? At the other end, almost the darkside, the runner up Bryson DeChambeau, with irons that are all the same length, balls checked in salt water for roundness and air density factored into every shot is off the scale scientifically. How the caddie copes, I don’t know? He must spend his bonus`s on shares in paracetamol.

It seems many are timing their run perfectly for the season’s first Major Championship. It just leaves Open Champion Jordan Speith to catch fire with his putter again and all the biggest names will then be slugging it out for the green jacket and Masters glory in a couple of weeks’ time.

It`s another WGC event this week, so a good field will be assembled. Playing match play will give the players a chance to try the odd shot they may have been working on and it won`t cost too much if it doesn`t come off unlike in a stroke play event. This is a birdie making fest so pick the streaky player if you fancy a flutter. Maybe a Tyrell Hatton, Charley Hoffman or Marc Leishman possibly?

If you like a little wager, remember to have a pick on our Masters draw. £5.00 gets you a player in field and there are multiple ways to win, even if you pick one of the outsiders.