Padraig Harrington became seriously competitive once more when shooting a closing 67 at Wentworth yesterday to finish tied 17th for £19,400 on six under par.
It was the most significant improvement by the four Irish survivors and emphasised the degree to which he has succeeded in closing the door on events at The Belfry two weeks ago.
"Having come into the Benson and Hedges in good form, I feel I have lost not only that week, but most of the last two weeks as well," he said afterwards. "I haven't been mentally sharp, but halfway through the second round on Saturday things began to change for the better."
Meanwhile, Paul McGinley expressed sadness at the manner in which Mark James attacked Nick Faldo in his soon-to-be-published book, Into the Bear Pit, which is currently being serialised in the Daily Mail. "I think it is sad that the chairman of the Players' Committee of the European Tour should treat the best player Europe has produced, with such contempt," he said.
He went on: "As someone who represents us, I regret that Mark James should have decided to write a book and launch such a vicious, personal attack on Faldo. It is uncalled for and not something I would expect from the immediate past Ryder Cup captain and I intend to make my views known to him when I see him."
While other players, including James's successor, Sam Torrance, were keeping a judicious silence, it is much to McGinley's credit that he had the courage to make his views public. Essentially, the attack on Faldo alleged that he had undermined the morale of last year's Ryder Cup team by criticising the decision of Colin Montgomerie not to compete regularly in the US.
As to his own performance: McGinley shot a closing 71 to improve to five-under-overall for a share of 20th place and £16,750, despite a double-bogey at the 15th, where he paid heavily for a visit to the rough. However, he now receives an extra bonus with an exemption into this year's British Open because of his Order of Merit standing.
"I made 16 birdies over the four rounds which means that I gave 11 shots back to the course," he said. "That can't be good. But on the other hand, I have to be pleased at having such a good finish while producing my worst performance of the season so far."
Des Smyth was thrilled with a closing 68. With his 16-year-old son Gregory caddying for him, the Baltray man emphasised his liking for a course where he was runner-up to Rodger Davis in this championship in 1986.
After collecting £14,475 for a share of 26th place - easily his best cheque of the season so far, he said with a smile: "It's badly needed. I have to keep this card (player's)."
