The Ambassador

You came very close at the 2012 US Open. How did that day unfold for you?

I had a very good year in all of the Majors in 2012. Of course I came closest to repeating my 2010 victory at the 2012 US Open at Olympic Club in San Francisco, where I finished second to Webb Simpson. I had a putt on the 18th hole on Sunday to take it to a play-off but I didn't make it. It was obviously disappointing to come so close but I took my hat off to Webb, he was fantastic on Sunday and deserved his win. Hopefully I will taste victory again in the future in another Major.

What are your targets for 2014 and how do you like your chances at the Masters Tournament, an event in which you haven’t been as successful in as others?

I'm constantly looking to improve my game, to help me to continue to contend in the biggest events on the world stage. One of my big targets for next year is of course to make the Ryder Cup team for Gleneagles. I also want to do well in all of the Majors and I'm exciting about going to Pinehurst for the US Open, Hoylake for the Open and Valhalla for the PGA.

Although my game is not naturally suited to Augusta I finished 12th there in 2012 and I feel like I learn a little more every time I play there. It's a fantastic place, somewhere every golf fan should try to visit if they can.

You’ve been playing here in China for a while now – and most of our readers will remember you contending at the 2010 Hong Kong Open, which was won by Ian Poulter. Everyone knows golf is booming, but is it booming in the right way and what are your thoughts on Guan Tianlang?

Golf is certainly rapidly growing all over Asia. I have been playing in the region for many years now and enjoy the time I spend there. I've just had another close call at the WGC-HSBC at Sheshan in Shanghai, where I finished third to the winner, Dustin Johnson, and runner-up Ian Poulter. It's amazing to see so many Asian players coming through, especially the young guys like Guan. I'm sure we will see a change in the top players over the coming years as more young guys from the region start to make an impact in the professional ranks and take on the Europeans and Americans. The interest levels amongst the fans seems to grow every year as well. I always appreciate the support I receive when I play in China.