Third in the US Open and second in the WGC Bridgestone so if there is such a thing as natural progression in golf, get your money on Lee Westwood for the US PGA Championship this week.

Consistency has been the key for Lee hurtling up the world rankings to number 12 and topping both the European Order of Merit and Ryder Cup tables.    Lee's grandparents were hardly born the last time an Englishman claimed the last of the season's four majors, but his popularity with the punters is hugely justified.  They know they'll get value for money from the 35-year-old. The rough at Oakland Hills may be more penal than it was at Firestone, but that shouldn't bother Lee to much because he isn't often in it.  You can be sure that the winner will come from the list of the 10 players who hit most fairways through the four days.

Lee wasn't our only player who enjoyed a terrific week in Ohio because his good pal and Ryder Cup partner Darren Clarke was also a top 10 performer.  His 6th place will have given him plenty of confidence that he will justify the invitation to compete in his first grand slam event of the season. Another strong week in America may also give Darren a chance to get in the Ryder Cup team either automatically or as one of captain Nick Faldo's picks.   Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson know just how lethal our pair can be together.

Talking of captains, it was a sad day for English cricket that Michael Vaughan decided to step down as leader of the national team after a record-breaking career. Michael was a leader in every respect of the word, a true national hero who I am sure still has a lot to offer England.   I wouldn't bet against him facing the Aussies next summer after making a stack of runs for Yorkshire.