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It was as unintentional as it was inappropriate when Ian Poulter was forced to add an unlucky penalty stroke as he prepared to putt for birdie on the second hole of a sudden-death play-off.

The Englishman had accidentally dropped his ball on the coin he uses as a ball marker and the fact that it flipped over and changed position made him liable to the penalty shot that made victory in the season-ending Dubai World Championship a formality for

An anti-climactic end to an otherwise thrilling final day of the European Tour season and the incident re-opened the debate on the arcane nature of

Was it a penalty inappropriate to the crime? Yes, undoubtedly, because there was no intentional breach of the rules, but is this apparent injustice a price worth paying to ensure the game remains the cleanest sport out there?

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Every year at the beginning of December a group of golf journalists are invited to lunch by the and we are expected to sing for our sustenance by deciding the Tour's Golfer of the Year.

It is always a convivial gathering, spiced by lively debate stirring memories of the fine golf we have witnessed over the previous 11 months, but more often than not the decision-making process is completed somewhere between the starter and the main course.

The swift selection process is not a dereliction of duty, it is simply that one outstanding candidate invariably emerges from the discussion. Indeed, there is often no need for any chat at all as it is immediately obvious to whom the accolade should go and we can raise a glass to the winner with a clear conscience.

It didn't take too long to nominate Lee Westwood last year and Padraig Harrington was the obvious choice in 2008 and 2007. But this time? Well, let's just hope the cheeseboard is well stocked because we may be arguing for quite some time.

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The sporting awards season is fast approaching and European golf is entitled to expect plenty of recognition for what has been an extraordinary year of success.

However, there are some achievements that are in danger of being ignored - certainly if the Sunday Times Sportswoman of the Year nominees are anything to go by.

The six finalists were published on page 14 of the paper's sports section on 14 November and I'm sure heptathlete Jessica Ennis, gymnast Beth Tweddle, cyclist Emma Pooley, swimmer Fran Halsall, rugby union's Maggie Alphonsi and skeleton Olympic gold medallist Amy Williams are all well worth their place on the short-list.

But no room for ?

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Standing in the early morning checkout queue in our Shanghai hotel was European Tour boss George O'Grady. Another week done, another one beginning. Next stop Singapore.

And one couldn't help feel that he wouldn't need a plane to make the journey. He could do it by his own propulsion - or at the very least through the forces of the body he runs because the European Tour is flying.

Hot on the heels of its players claiming of the year came the news that .

The exciting Northern Ireland youngster is rather than to follow the spikemarks of among others Luke Donald, Justin Rose, Paul Casey and Ian Poulter who make the US their home.

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