IT USED to be that the climax to a European Tour season involved no more than moving from one part of Spain to another. How times have changed.
Paul Casey has flown from China to America to see if he is fit enough to play in Dubai next week, while Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy have moved on from Shanghai to Hong Kong to continue their fight for the number one spot. And that is not all. Others are venturing all the way to Melbourne to try to save their tour careers.
It was only last month it was announced the JBWere Masters – what used to be the Australian Masters – featuring Tiger Woods, was part of the tour schedule. That threw a lifeline to the likes of former Ryder Cup Scot Andrew Coltart.
The top 115 on the money list earn cards for next season’s circuit and, with only four rounds left, Coltart lies 122nd.
In Hong Kong, meanwhile, the same pressure is on a group of players including 2004 PGA champion Scott Drummond, Spaniard Pablo Martin and 21-year-old Oliver Fisher.
Drummond earned a five-year exemption by winning the first prize of nearly £420,000 at Wentworth in 2004 but the 35-year-old Scot made the cut in only three of 25 events last year and, in spite of much better form this season, stands 136th on the order of merit.
Darren Clarke, meanwhile, is also in Hong Kong trying to move up three places into the leading 60 and so grab a place in the season-ending Dubai world championship.
Newburgh Golf Club members Dave Bingham and Ronnie Toal had aces while playing in the club’s winter stroke-play competition.
Bingham aced the 182yd 17th hole using a three wood. He was partnered by Ron Wilson and Dave Philip.
In the afternoon Toal aced the 188yd fifth hole using a five iron.
He was partnered by Martin Hirst and Brian Bell.
Hopeman senior member Albert McKenzie aced his tee shot using a seven iron at his home course's 120yd 15th hole. He was partnered by Bryan Main.