IT was a nice boost for Des Smyth, winning the Smurfit Irish Professional Championship at Slieve Russell for a fifth time.
Yet, by his own admission, it was necessary to look elsewhere for a true measurement of competitive achievement: "The European Tour is where we tour players sit our exams.
Which explains why his memories of the year are dominated by the performances there by two Irish players - Padraig Harrington's victory in the Spanish Open and a dramatic British Open contribution by Paul McGinley.
As Smyth put it: "I felt very much involved, mainly because of knowing the lads so well."
Like the other Irish challengers, Smyth travelled in hope to Club de Campo for what proved to be a rain-disrupted event, only to find himself on an early flight home after missing the cut.
"So, on the Sunday, I could settle down at home in front of the television and watch Padraig dominate the final 36 holes," he recalled.
"It was most impressive. He played like an established pro rather than a rookie, going six strokes clear after the third round and then keeping his nerve in a fine last round of 71. I felt I knew him prior to that event but I've since learned that there's a lot more to Padraig than his golf game. He's had an amazing year.
Two months later Smyth was on the practice ground at Royal Lytham with Paul McGinley, who felt his game wasn't quite right. "It showed me what a determined guy he is when he went out and shot a first round of 69 the following day," said Smyth.
He went on: "Afterwards, both of us went to the practice ground once more. Paul worked with his coach, Bob Torrance, and they must have found something. He was world news the next day.
"I had a late start in the second round so I soon learned what had happened from the TV. He holed in one at the ninth on the way to a 65 and was leading the Open.
"I must have seen that hole-in-one about 10 times - it was on A Question of Sport the other night." Smyth concluded: "Paul's chasing the same star that I chased at his age, only he's probably more determined. I like that in a player. He'll get there alright."
