The weather hasn't been too kind for practice purposes, but I'll be gearing up soon for the final push towards a possible Masters invite.

I know I'll have to pull something pretty special out of the hat if I am to catch the eye of Augusta National, but it won't be for the lack of trying if I'm not on the grid for the first major championship of the year.

Rory McIlroy will definitely be there and I have nothing but praise for my fellow Ulsterman.   What he's done since turning pro has been nothing short of remarkable and I'm sure his win in Dubai was the first of many.

Not that anybody should be putting too much pressure on the 19-year-old so all I'll say that he has the game and the mental maturity to go as far in the game as he wants.

It will also be good to have Tiger Woods back after his injury lay-off.  I have no doubt he will be as good as ever.

Congratulations too to Colin Montgomerie on his appointment as captain for the 2010 Ryder Cup.  I am sure he will take to the job as if to the Celtic Manor born.