Chris Wood is undoubtedly the leading sportsman in this part of the world.

His achievement in finishing third in this year's Open Championship was magnificent, especially when we consider the quality of the rest of the field.

There were probably a few chuckles last year when he said he wanted to improve on his fifth place finish as an amateur.

How Chris has proved them wrong.

In the past 12 months he has turned professional and produced a series of strong performances on the European Tour, culminating in Sunday's thrilling last round, when he held the clubhouse lead for a period of time.

He also seems to have an ideal temperament for a game which is played largely in the head.

Most of the professionals can play all the shots, but it's those who can play those shots at the key moments who succeed.

And it's a game which, almost uniquely in this day and age, relies on the integrity of the competitors.

Golf makes a mockery of the so-called professional attitude in other sports when almost every opportunity to gain an illegal advantage is taken.

It is a game where players are expected to hold their hands up if they inadvertently break the rules.

This is what makes it a great game and it is why success stories like Chris Wood's are to be applauded.

We are sure Chris Wood will have a fantastic career ahead him, and we will all watch his career with interest.