Having struggled by his own high standards this season, the South African teamed up with Gregor Jamieson who is based at Lake Nona, and was soon back in the winner's enclosure at the China Masters a fortnight ago. After nine years "ying solo, perhaps a change has been as good as a rest.

AZINGER TIPPED TO TAKE OVER FROM LEHMAN Nothing official as yet, but it seems that Paul Azinger is the nearest thing to a racing certainty to be offered the job of USA captain for the Ryder Cup matches at Valhalla, Kentucky in 2008.

With Nick Faldo already appointed as Europe captain, Azinger confirmed that he spoke to the PGA of America about the captaincy, but that he didn't regard the meeting as a formal interview.

Watch this space.

LOW START CAN QUICKLY LEAD TO FRUSTRATION Justin Rose was probably frustrated with his eventual fourth place "nish at last weekend's Funai Classic in Florida, especially given that he had opened up with a 12-under-par 60 in the "rst round.

In fact, Rose, who is planning to concentrate more on playing in Europe next season in an effort to qualify for the 2008 Ryder Cup team, had an eminently makeable putt for a 59.

However, his disappointment was nothing compared to that of Pat Perez who also carded a 60 in the "rst round of last January's Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.

Perez went on to "nish 73rd.