It was his highest finish in a major and if he was never quite in contention for the title, he should learn from the Phil Mickelson reinvention.What Mickelson said to himself at the start of the season was that saving half a shot to a shot a round would take him from contender to the champion he became at Augusta. Making the cut at the US Open was a start, and then he finished second and 10th at the European and Scottish Opens.At Troon, Westwood had the best weekend of anyone, with rounds of 68 and 67 to finish fourth. The Americans, indeed, sometimes have the problem of not fitting in all their major winners. Todd Hamilton, the new owner of the Claret Jug, moved up to 15th in the US team standings but may have to rely on being selected as a wild card by Hal Sutton. John Daly, winner in majors in the Ryder Cup years of 1991 and '95, has never played against Europe.Of course, an argument based on Europe not having major winners being a good thing can only go so far. That there have not been regular major contenders from this side of the Atlantic is a concern, with no triumphs since Lawrie's at Carnoustie.Westwood used to think he had much work still to do in order to win a major.

As recently as the beginning of June, the Worksop man still felt he needed a further overhaul of his game. "I thought Lee Westwood emphasised that he will win a major championship," Langer said. Langer's more immediate concern is the Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills, in Detroit, in less than two months' time. Whether the events at Troon are particularly relevant are, as always, debatable. The Ryder Cup is very different from individual major championships.In each of the 1995, '97 and 2002 seasons, Europe arrived at the Ryder Cup without a reigning major champion and yet won each time. It is less than 12 months since he burst out of his slump with wins in Germany and at the Dunhill Links.But he stalled at the start of this season and it took the combined efforts of David Leadbetter, his coach, and Andrew "Chubby" Chandler, his manager, to persuade Westwood that his hard work would bring the right results.

In 1999, Jose Maria Olazabal and Paul Lawrie were the Masters and Open champions respectively but America won at Brookline.Team spirit, 18-hole matchplay; the challenge of a Ryder Cup is entirely different. Also, last week the pin positions were more severe.After listening to the arguments of Woods and Els (the South African is more concerned about tackling the issue of long putters), Dawson remains cautious. "Modern equipment is something we need to pay attention to, but getting it right is more important than rushing to judgement We only get one chance at this. We can't go on tinkering for ever.''In the meantime, golf should be looking to open a first-class book of Postage Stamps.. Bernhard Langer, at home in Florida receiving treatment on his injured wrist, spent most of last week in front of the television watching The Open Championship And he liked what he saw from Royal Troon. I have no problem with club technology because it makes it more enjoyable for all golfers, not just professionals. Why shouldn't we employ new methods to make it easier for the average players? The length problem can be solved by putting restrictions on balls, so that no matter what is done with the clubs, the balls cannot be hit as far as the best Tour players hit them today.

I've been lobbying the ruling bodies to mandate this before things get out of hand.''In an attempt to defend the reputation of Shinnecock Hills at the US Open, the USGA left themselves open to ridicule when a combination of conditions and pin placements made putting a lottery and there were very few ticket-holders. Royal Troon, on the other hand, was regarded as scrupulously fair, although the winning score of 10 under par was two strokes worse than Justin Leonard's aggregate seven years ago On that occasion, Troon was becalmed. Metal allows the manufacturers much more scope, particularly in enlarging the club face, providing a wider "sweet spot''.Arnold Palmer, who has designed courses all over the world, is not opposed to modern clubs but says the authorities should look at the design of golf balls. "The increased strength and stature of today's generation has made length a controversial focus,'' Palmer said. "Great concern has been expressed that many courses aren't long enough to test all sides of the players' games. With more and more land required, the worry is that established courses are in danger of becoming obsolete. The change from wooden clubs to steel, carbon, titanium or even Kevlar was inevitable.