American Russell Henley came out on top in a four-way play-off to deprive Rory McIlroy of victory as the Honda Classic lived up to its name last night.

Rory McIlroy insisted he’s still got “plenty of time” to get his game together for the Masters after warming up for his Honda Classic defence by playing speed golf with Tiger Woods.

Tiger Woods produced his best round of golf in over two years on Sunday and said it is just a matter of time before he wins on the PGA Tour again.

GRAEME McDOWELL is riding such a tidal wave of confidence now that not even the prospect of a four-day battle with the Blue Monster seems like a frightening prospect.

IRELAND’s big three of Pádraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell will be hoping for a lot better when they move on from Palm Beach Gardens and the Honda Classic to Doral and the famous Blue Monster course for this week’s WGC-CA tournament, the second of the year’s four world championships.

Padraig Harrington admits any player with aspirations of winning the 2010 Honda Classic at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, will have to conquer a “big tough golf course”.

BALLYBUNION, one of the world’s finest links courses, will be the ideal home to the 13th AIB Irish Seniors Open which begins on Friday.

Citywest Group, which includes Citywest Hotel, Weston Executive Airport, Finnstown Country House Hotel and the PGA National at Palmerstown House, has been re-branded The Mansfield Group.

Gil Morgan fired a five-under-par 66 to lead by a shot rom Peter Jacobsen after the opening round of the Senior PGA Championship, the first Major of the year on the Champions Tour.

CHRISTY O’CONNOR JNR is still determined to captain Europe to Ryder Cup glory at the K Club in 2006. But the hero of the Belfry in 1985 expressed amazement yesterday at US claims that they will be the underdogs when the matches come to Ireland.

There looks every chance of the final major of the season – the United States PGA championship – being won by a record score at Oak Hill this weekend. A record high score, that is.