There we go then, the thirteenth season of my professional career has come to a close with a bogey at the last, for a seventy two, one over par and a twenty fifth place finish at the Volvo Masters. The week promised so much more at one point but like the rest of the year things did not turn out how I would have wished. My end of year report would say 'could do better'.

But then that is golf I guess, nobody has a divine right to be at the top all the time, take the winner of the Order of Merit Robert Karlsson, only five years ago he was struggling to retain his tour card, now he is Europe's number one player.

Golf unlike any other sport I think lends itself to ups and downs and after the terrible low of last year I guess 45th in the Order of Merit should be looked upon as a step back up the ladder, now I would rather have made a leap rather than a step but that's just the way it is. I tried my best and as Old Man John would say that's all you can do my boy.

I think it would be a good time to break the year down into some numbers

Tournaments played, 27.

Injuries, not one single one thank goodness which is all I would have wished for at the start of the year.

Top tens, only four.

Play offs, at least there was one.

Victories, unfortunately none.

Rounds played with 13 clubs, 4.

Reason for playing 4 rounds with 13 clubs, one, the Jockey.

Number of times I have mentioned the time we carried 13 clubs for 4 days since the incident, 967. Now 968.

Best round of the year, 64 to make the play off in Portugal.

Most disappointing finish, triple bogey triple bogey at Carnoustie. I could have cried but I am over it now, have not even given it a thought, it is forgotten, honestly, where was it? When? Don't Know what you're on about. It's Done, Dusted.

Most disappointing finish of the year, triple bogey triple bogey at Carnoust.........., God damn it there it is again. Sorry.

Best drive of the year, the one down the M6 listening to my tally of twelve over par move up the leader board on the last day of the Open to finish seventh.

Worst drive of the year, the one back to St Andrews after finishing seven seven at Carnoustie. Christ here I go again, sorry.

Best line from a Pro-am partner, a lovely Irish lady named Rosa, on the 7th hole in Portugal, addressing the Jockey and myself in her Irish lilt, 'Now, do you two even like each other?".

And the funniest moment for me had to be the Jockey being sent to Jail. Sorry pal.

Now I know I give my team a bit of grief on this blog but you know it is only in jest and I guess now would be a good time to say thanks to the Jockey for putting up with me this year, also to Dr Dale and Jack the Back for keeping me fit -  excellent job guys. Paul Hoskins (or Muppet, if you recall) also helped to keep me in shape in the gym, and of course Jamie Gough (DJ) for being patient enough to be able to work with me.

To my friends and family thanks for all your support on and of the course and to all of you out there that read this, I thank you for taking an interest.

One final note next week we start the 2009 European Tour  in China a bit strange but it could be worse, we could have started in Scotland at Carnoustie, Did I ever tell you about the time I...............