Last year's win in the Target World Championship proved to be a springboard to a very satisfying coming year. My golf has progressed nicely over the past 12 months. Obviously starting off with a win early on in the season on the PGA Tour, at the Honda Classic, gave me a great boost of confidence. I followed up that win with a lot of consistent play both in Europe and in the States, racking up a dozen or more top tens this year.

Any time you win, it's always a highlight, so my victory at the Honda Classic, aside from the Ryder Cup, of course, was the highlight of the year.

America proved to be my most successful territory. It was very comforting, too, to compete and have a chance to win a major this year. That came at Medinah in the US PGA Championship. Although I didn't win, the experience has made me a stronger player.

In Europe, it was slightly disapointing not to win an event, although some strong second place finishes at both Loch Lomond in the Scottish Open in July and at the Volvo Masters right at the end of the year, were definitely encouraging.

What did it all mean as far as my world ranking was concerned? Well I finished at number nine and that's a real achievement to be one of the world's top ten players. But I was number eight just after the Ryder Cup and I actually reached number seven for a couple of weeks, which is pretty exciting. But saying that, I still think there is a lot of room for improvement and I'm going to have to get better and better if I want to challenge Tiger for the number one spot!

The Ryder Cup was definitely the highlight of 2006 for me. It's hard to put into words the emotions and the atmosphere of a Ryder Cup and this year's match at the K Club was even better than when I made my debut two years previously. The Irish supporters were a credit to the game of golf and the whole team came together to produce, arguably, the best European effort ever. Although I would have loved to have played more matches, I'm glad I was able to contribute three points out of three.

My off-season will be very short this year - only two weeks before I Get started again in Maui. My family will be joining me over Christmas in Florida this year which should be a lot of fun.My off-season will be very short this year - only two weeks before I Get started again in Maui. My family will be joining me over Christmas in Florida this year which should be a lot of fun.

As far as my equipment is concerned, I'm currently testing the new MP67 irons and hope to have them in play for the beginning of the season. So, hopefully all will go well with the switch. To be honest, any time I decide to switch irons, it's very easy. Mizuno, in my opinion, make the best irons out there. All of their equipment is first class.

After starting in Maui I'll then be playing the Sony before taking three weeks off. Then I'll hope to be firing on all cylinders when I get back to play in the AT&T.

It's going to be another busy year for me, hopefully filled with numerous wins and, perhaps, a major!

Aside from my busy playing schedule, I'll also be getting married in June 2007, so I'm sure that will keep me busy too. Diane (Antonopoulos), my fiancee, has been great though. She is pretty much taking care of most of the arrangements. Fingers crossed, it's going to be a great, great year!

A happy Christmas to everyone and here's hoping 2007 is going to be peaceful and successful for all of us.