Kaymer is set to take the World No. 2 spot with a WIN in Abu Dhabi

Martin Kaymer only needs to finish in the top 7 in order to take over the No. 2 spot from Tiger Woods. And, by the way he has played the first 3 rounds, he is on course to do just that!

His only criticism of his game after the 3rd round, was that he only birdied TWO of the par 5's! He still carded a 66 and is now leading by 5 strokes going into the final round.
IF, or I should say "after tomorrow" when Kaymer likely takes home the trophy; it will be the first time an all-european top two did so since Faldo & Langher in 1993! A feat that Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer can be proud of indeed! While Westwood just made the halfway cut with a round of par, he stands in a tie for 65th place out of the remaining 70.

An American player struggling to find that top form, was Lefty. After a round of 72, he sits in 39th place on the leaderboard. While a European to watch is Rory McIlroy, he finished with a birdie and an eagle on the day to sit at -13. And David Lynn is close behind at -12.

Another "couch potato" caller leads to the DQ of Padraig Harrington. Harrington was only 1 off the leader after the opening round, when he was DQ'd for signing an incorrect score card. I did not see it however, apparently on the 7th green when he replaced his ball as he began to move his marker, his finger brushed the ball "causing it to move". For all of those who know or have read, the movement of the ball while replacing it is covered under Rule 20-3a and there is no penalty to this HOWEVER, the ball must be replaced. And because the ball was not replaced, this created a breach of said rule and the penalty stroke was accorded. Padraig was aware that his finger brushed the ball, that is not in question. He states that he felt the ball oscilated and did not "move" therefore, he did not do any replacing of the ball.

Now, IF Padraig would have called the Ref over and explained the situation, he would have told the Ref he did not see it move but simply oscilate. There would have been a ruling on the course and he would have continued. He applied the rule "to the best that he could" in the situation at hand. He was addressing the rule and he felt what he did was accurate. Padraig showed complete respect when he was shown footage and agreed the ball moved approx 1 1/2 dimples. He did not fault the ruling but accepted it as part of the sport and the respect shown for such. Harrington showed the class that the sport expects at this high level.

Now, my opinion of the situation is unchanged.......I feel the officials on course and all of the players playing must be the ones who make rulings and play according to such. I do not feel it is up to some BillyBob sitting at home who says "that balled moved a dimple"! This is merely getting unbelievable, when allowing this type of officiating. If that's the case, then I'll watch every tape and the European PGA Tour can PAY ME to officiate! Until then, it should be up to the honor of the PLAYERS and the rulings of the OFFICIALS!

Now, Go Hit Some Balls................