Four To Watch

Gary Orr (Scotland).

Age: 33.

Turned pro: 1988 (plus 1).

European Tour wins: 1 (2000 Victor Chandler British Masters).

Won his first tour title this year when claiming the British Masters recently. Prior to that his best performances were a tied second in the Volvo PGA Championship (1998) and a second place in the TNT Dutch Open last year. A member of Scotland's Dunhill Cup team for the past two years, Orr is beginning to fulfil the promise shown when he graduated to the tour in 1992 at his third attempt. He was named Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year after finishing 30th in the Volvo Order of Merit. It wasn't until 1998 (28th) that he began to deliver on that promise. Leads this year's greens in regulation category.

Philip Price (Wales).

Age: 33.

Turned pro: 1989 (plus 2).

European Tour wins: 1 (1994 Portuguese Open).

Offered an indication that he is ready to shrug off the journeyman tag that has dogged his career since turning professional in 1989 when finishing a magnificent second to Tiger Woods at the recent NEC Invitational at Firestone in the United States. Won the Portuguese Open in 1994 but it wasn't until 1998 that he was able to loose the shackles of mediocrity when finishing 15th in the Order of Merit (36th last year). Credits his stronger mental approach to psychologist Alan Fine. Considering playing in the States next season which may hamper his chances of making the Ryder Cup team.

Pierre Fulke (Sweden).

Age: 29.

Turned pro: 1989.

European Tour wins: 2 (1999 Trophee Lancome, 2000 Scottish PGA title).

Finished 23rd in the Order of Merit in 1994 but it wasn't until 1998 (42nd) that he again began to demonstrate the consistency required to earn a place in the top 50, earning money in 14 of the 21 events in which he played. A late starter, his first love was handball but once he switched sports, the son of a Swedish national swimming champion won junior and senior amateur events. Won his first European tour title in 1999 (Trophee Lancome), finishing 28th in the year end rankings. This season he recovered from a serious wrist injury to win the recent Scottish PGA championship.

Paul McGinley (Ireland).

Age: 33.

Turned pro: 1991 (plus 4).

European Tour wins: 2 (1996 Hohe Brucke Open, 1997 Oki Pro-Am).

His first sporting love was gaelic football but a knee injury demanded that he adopt golf. Played in the 1991 Walker Cup at Portmarnock before turning professional. Made steady progress before enjoying a superb year in 1996 when he won the Austrian Open and the following year captured the Oki Pro-Am -ironically both events are no longer played. Hasn't been outside the top 50 in the Order of Merit since 1996. Won the World Cup with Padraig Harrington in 1997 and last season enjoyed top five finishes in Spain and Dubai. Will qualify for the three World Golf Championship events - top 64 in world rankings - giving him a great opportunity to earn valuable Ryder Cup points. Ready to take his game to the next level.