WHEN the world number one speaks, the world listens. Lee Westwood was given a reminder of the perks of his ranking position when his strong views on the PGA Tour rookie of the year award resonated around the globe.

Westwood was less than impressed Rory McIlroy was overlooked in favour of Rickie Fowler, despite the Northern Irish youngster winning at Quail Hollow, finishing third at the Open and the PGA Championship and playing a key role at the Ryder Cup.

His comments were reported around the planet and created a fair amount of debate. I am with Lee on this one as McIlroy has been exceptional.

I take nothing away from Fowler. He also has enjoyed a fine season, moving from outside the top 200 to 17th in the world, and also performing in the Ryder Cup.

I think it looks a little like sour grapes from the PGA Tour, with McIlroy deciding to return to this side of the Atlantic. The only counter is the fact McIlroy spent three years on the European Tour, which may have swayed their thinking, but it should not have.

I suspect our counterparts in the United States see the strength of European golf and perhaps do not want to fuel it further by giving one of our players such a prestigious award.

European dominance was hammered home at the weekend with Westwood destroying the course and the field at Sun City in South Africa while Graeme McDowell capped a remarkable season by seeing off Tiger Woods in the Chevron World Challenge.