Europe look to be in great shape

AND so at long last, the 2005 golf season has come to an end.

Retief Goosen’s win in the South African Open over his compatriot Ernie Els brought the curtain down on a year that will have very happy memories for several Irishmen.

Paul McGinley for his Volvo Masters triumph and dramatic rise from 68th to 21st in the world rankings and Pádraig Harrington and Des Smyth for their two victories each on the US Tour and Champions Tour.