Bjorn and Smyth receive tour awards

The European Tour have come up with a timely reminder that Tiger Woods does not always have his own way.

The European Tour have come up with a timely reminder that Tiger Woods does not always have his own way.

On the eve of the Masters and Woods' bid for a clean sweep of the four majors, Dane Thomas Bjorn has been named the tour's Asprey and Garrard golfer of the month for March - for his victory over Woods.

Bjorn, who wins a stg£1,000 charity donation for the Golf Foundation, played all four rounds with the world number one in the Dubai Desert Classic and beat him by two shots when Woods took a double-bogey seven on the final hole.

It was also decided to make a special award to Ireland's Des Smyth, whose victory in the Madeira Island Open at 48 years and 34 days old made him the oldest winner in tour history.

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Also considered for the monthly award were Tony Johnstone, Darren Fichardt and Angel Cabrera for their tour wins in Qatar, Brazil and Argentina respectively, Jesper Parnevik for capturing the Honda Classic in Florida and Bernhard Langer for his third place at the Players Championship and election to the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Edward Asprey, corporate director of Asprey and Garrard, said: "Thomas' effort against Tiger Woods was quite phenomenal and, as the panel pointed out, he stood head-to-head, shoulder-to-shoulder, toe-to-toe with Tiger for four terrific rounds, during which he conducted himself quite superbly both on and off the course." PA