BEST AND WORST OF THE 100th USPGA

HIGHS

ATMOSPHERE

THEY didn’t disclose how many tickets they sold but there must have been at least 75,000 each day, and what an atmosphere they created. Never mind that it was so hot Tiger Woods wasn’t the only one who wanted to change his shirt every five minutes — they’re so starved of top-class golf in the Gateway City they were determined to celebrate in the sun. A baseball city became a golf one.

TIGER WOODS

I FEARED for Woods after the first two holes on Thursday. All that expectation and he was three over almost before he’d begun. But he’s been the talisman that has sparked wild scenes this summer, from Long Island to Carnoustie and now to the Mid-West. Imagine standing for three hours in the baking heat — as some fans did by the side of several fairways — just for a look and a picture as Tiger walked by. Now that’s what you call star power.

MATT WALLACE

I COULDN’T believe he got stick on American television for throwing his ball to the crowd after his marvellous hole-in-one at the 16th on Saturday. Sir Nick Faldo and his cohorts thought he should have kept it for his trophy cabinet. Playing in his first PGA, the 28-year-old Londoner (above) was clearly revelling in the moment and wanted to share it with the fans whose raucous acclaim had helped make it so special. That’s what you call giving back, and I’ve got a feeling we might be seeing a lot more of the ambitious, two-time winner this season over the coming years.

LOWS

BELLERIVE... OH DEAR!

THE 100th PGA and the best venue they could take it to on such a landmark occasion was a bland country club layout that gave no chance to any pro who couldn’t fly the ball 300 yards through the air? After all the joy and creativity shown at Carnoustie, it was quite a comedown.

JARROD LYLE’S PASSING

IT was impossible not to feel upset that someone who clearly offered so much and battled so hard to beat leukaemia could lose his life at just 36. The sight of the big Australian (right) with his arm round one of his children emphasised that life is sometimes utterly cruel.

NO BRITISH WINS

IT’S A comment on how good they are, rather than a criticism, that a sense of deflation descended that another major passed without a British success. We saw with Georgia Hall’s women’s Open win the joy that follows a major victory. None of the men demonstrated the same killer instinct.