If Ernie Els's split from his longtime caddie Ricky Roberts made a paragraph or two in the wake of the Ryder Cup post mortem, there have been one or two other significant partnership changes.

In an effort to reinvigorate a modest season to date, Els has decided to take up with Sam Torrance's former caddie, the veteran Malcolm Mason who had been working at the exclusive Queenwood club where Darren Clarke is a member, while Ken Conboy parted company with Graeme McDowell to rejoin his old boss Thomas Bjorn.

The musical chairs left McDowell without a porter but, you guessed it, he will now have Roberts on the bag for this week's Dunhill Links Championship.

HARRINGTON ALWAYS HAD LONG HAUL IN MIND

In terms of individual results it turned out to be a disappointing Ryder Cup for Padraig Harrington, however, Ian Woosnam had no doubts about him as Harrington, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia were the only three Europeans to play in all "ve games.

A half point, including a 4&3 singles defeat by Scott Verplank, was a poor return, but it appears that Harrington was always likely to be given the anchor role on Sunday.

"I'd made my feelings clear at all stages that that was what I wanted. If I got to a situation where there was going to be real tension, I felt like I would have an advantage. Woosie put me there, I didn't have to ask."

WESTWOOD MAKES IT 10 NOT OUT

Although no American player has come through five games in one Ryder Cup match unbeaten since Larry Nelson in 1979, no fewer than seven Europeans have managed the feat in that time.

Jose Maria Olazabal was the first in 1989, followed by Seve Ballesteros in '91, Ian Woosnam in '93, Colin Montgomerie in 2002, Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood in '04, and Westwood again at the K Club. Westwood is now the first Europe player to complete all 10 games unbeaten in two successive matches.

FROM TIRESOME TO TEDIOUS FOR RILEY

Chris Riley, who told his captain Hal Sutton he was too tired to play on the Saturday afternoon at Oakland Hills two years ago, was asked last weekend during the Texas Open if he had any motivation to play in another Ryder Cup. "You know what, there really isn't. I know that's sad."

Enough said.