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It was supposed to have been a big year for . He'd made subtle swing changes and heading into the meat of the season he was wondering whether he could challenge for a first major and secure a third successive place in a .

Critics were still wondering why his best rounds were coming after he had played himself out of contention, others were saying he would never have what it takes to win a big one.

But Donald was upbeat and ploughing on with optimism. 2008 had begun pretty well with third place and runners up finishes recorded on the PGA Tour by the beginning of March.

Not much happened for a while after that, but at he was encouraged, feeling that the alterations to his action were falling into place.

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Tiger Woods apart, professional golfers are professional losers. Their defeats far outweigh their victories.

Actually, this even applies to Woods's career, but the great man has won 10 of his last 13 tournaments so who knows what his career stats will be if he successfully returns from his knee surgery.

So, let's leave Woods out of this one because for every other player a crucial part of the touring psyche is coping with failure. Leading players turn up at events with the express intention of trying to win, yet only on rare occasions do they fulfil the objective.

Of course, in professional golf defeat (especially a narrow loss) is well remunerated, but this isn't the point. Just ask or , both of whom have been straining without success to break through as Tour winners.

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As to the 13-month Race to Dubai, spare a thought for those who are still trying to secure the right to join the European Tour's lucrative 2009 gravy train.

This week some of the most dramatic golf of the year will be played at the at the in Southern Spain. There are 156 players seeking one of the top 30 spots that give them playing privileges for the new season that began with Garcia's win in Shanghai last week.

It is a tortuous process for an eclectic mix of waning Tour stalwarts and tender, youthful hopefuls. Some have forked out their Β£1,250 entry fee to try to restore careers that have fallen into decline while young bucks are seeking to launch themselves to a new potentially highly profitable level.

The examination could not be tougher. It is not a mere 72 holes - the staple diet of the pro game. Four rounds have to be endured simply to make the cut. Thereafter the top 70 and ties face two more rounds trying to secure that precious top 30 berth.

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The absurdity of was highlighted by as he hurried away from Valderrama.

The tall Swede effectively had a 45-minute close season to reflect on being crowned European golf's biggest earner in the 2007-8 season.

Karlsson was flying from Malaga to Paris where he faced a three-quarters of an hour cab ride to .

This was the minuscule in-between bit because from the he would then embark on the first journey of the new campaign.

Thankfully this is the last time the European Tour seasons will be run in this way. Karlsson's flight to Shanghai takes him to , which heralds the start of the inaugural .

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