The good, the bad and the Huggly

Forget that over-hyped Sports Review thingy on the Beeb, the one where they virtually ignore any of the ever-growing number of pastimes not covered by our national broadcasters. These are the awards that really count amongst golf's cognoscenti. Yes folks, despite much public speculation to the contrary, the Huggys are back…the envelopes please.

HEROES OF THE YEAR

No contest this one. To head greenkeeper Jim Mackenzie and his staff must go the gratitude of a golfing continent for the way in which they handled the much-maligned Celtic Manor course during the rain-soaked Ryder Cup.

While they couldn't do anything about the wretched weather - or the stunning mediocrity of the layout - the tees, fairways, greens and bunkers presented by Mackenzie's men were remarkable for their high quality. Outside the ropes may have resembled nothing more than the Somme circa-1917, but inside the playing surfaces were so good the last day of the matches passed with barely a mention of the meteorological Armageddon that had gone before. So, with our thanks, here's a well-deserved Huggy.

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