The Volvo PGA Championship was the preserve of Colin Montgomerie from 1998 to 2000, the Scot winning three consecutive titles. For him to record a fourth success when the tournament begins at Wentworth today would constitute a minor miracle given his physical disposition.
Montgomerie managed just five holes in yesterday's practice round before summoning a buggy to whisk him back to the clubhouse, the source of his distress the continuing back pain that has dogged him in recent months. He claims that he will tee it up this morning but his resolve may disintegrate if there is no respite from the pain.
The level of discomfort can be gleaned from his nocturnal adventure last Sunday, when he was aware that the following morning he would have to go head-to-head with Tiger Woods in the final round of the Deutsche Bank German Open. As it turned out, he only conceded defeat to the American on the third play-off hole.
Montgomerie explained: "I was proud of the way I competed considering I had no sleep whatsoever on Sunday night, not a wink. I knew that I had to keep mobile and was worried that if I fell asleep I would wake up stiff. It happened once before at the Volvo Masters in Spain.
"I didn't even go to bed. I kept moving about the room watching DVDs until 6 a.m. when the sun came up, and I went to the course at 7 a.m. I practised for two and a half hours to try and get loose. Seventy two holes was the limit for me; 75 was three too many."
Montgomerie's back went into spasm on the Monday night and on yesterday's evidence hadn't improved a great deal in the interim. He is seeing a chiropractor, an osteopath and attended another specialist yesterday afternoon. His desire for a late tee time was not facilitated (8.30 a.m.), so one presumes the DVD player got another rattle last night.
That fate has conspired against former PGA winners this week was given further credence when the defending champion, Scotland's Andrew Oldcorn missed Tuesday night's European Tour dinner and a scheduled press conference yesterday due to illness.
Suffering from a "thumping headache and an upset stomach," he was prescribed tablets and ordered back to the hotel.
Despite blustery winds and intermittent showers, the consensus of opinion was that the West Course at Wentworth was in good condition, a little softer than expected at this time of year, rendering it longer but the greens more receptive. Changes have been made to the 13th and 15th holes, but the prevailing gale yesterday meant they could be reached with a drive and a nine iron.
Historical evidence suggests that Darren Clarke should lead a sizeable Irish challenge. He has twice finished tied-second at Wentworth in the last five years (1997 and 2000), although the fact that he is in the process of moving house (roughly a mile down the road) may prove a distraction.
Paul McGinley returns to the competitive arena having missed the German Open in favour of a week off and a trip to Monaco.
Padraig Harrington's recent form, tied third at the International Open and tied 12th in Germany last week, suggests that a victory this week is not an unreasonable expectation. Des Smyth, Eamonn Darcy, Ronan Rafferty, John Dwyer, Yorkshire-born Irish passport holder Robert Giles and Scottish-born, Royal Dublin-based Neil Manchip complete a greenish hue to the proceedings.
There was disappointing news for Irish golf fans when Jose Maria Olazabal confirmed that he would play neither the Murphy's Irish Open nor the Smurfit European Open, instead taking a three-week mid-season break for the first time in many years.
He tried to soften the blow by adding: "I love the country, I love the people but I am going to play two tournaments in Ireland anyway. I need the break."
Olazabal, refreshed from a week's sabbatical, should contend strongly at Wentworth, although the list of potential champions illustrates the quality of the field. Retief Goosen, Angel Cabrera, Michael Campbell, Thomas Bjorn and the in-form Justin Rose all present strong credentials. Nick Faldo too has an excellent record at Wentworth.
The only problem is, who'd want to be a Volvo PGA champion these days?
8.10 (1) P McGinley (Ire), T Bjorn (Den), N Faldo (Eng).
8.30 (1) M Campbell (NZ), A Scott (Aus), C Montgomerie (Scot).
9.35 (1) D Smyth (Ire), R Russell (Scot), N O'Hern (Aus).
10.15 (1) J Dwyer (Ire), P Golding (Eng), S Dyson (Eng).
11.0 (1) N Manchip (Scot), P Eales (Eng), M Lafeber (Hol).
11.10 (1) R Giles (Ire), M Foster (Eng), S Tinning (Den).
12.45 (1) P Harrington (Ire), R Goosen (SA), A Oldcorn (Scot).
12.55 (1) JM Olazabal (Sp), A Cabrera (Arg), D Clarke (N Ire).
14.30 (1) E Darcy (Ire), W Bennett (Eng), J Bickerton (Eng).
15.20 (1) B Rumford (Aus), R Rafferty (N Ire), G Evans (Eng).
