Everyone has their tales to tell. Winning the US Open takes guts and skill but getting over the finishing line is harder than it seems, writes our correspondent.

Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell vowed to come out with all guns blazing after forgotten man Stewart Cink put a damper on their Ryder Cup party.

Vice-captain Paul McGinley believes Europe can shoot down Corey Pavin’s long-hitting US bomber squadron and win back the Ryder Cup.

Padraig Harrington was in great form ahead of a tournament that could turn a mediocre season into one of his best ever.

With permission from Tiger Woods, a win in the Tour Championship would be worth $11.35m to the Dubliner - $1.35 for the title and another $10m for winning the FedExCup (tee times - points standings).

Reflecting on his black and white season, he said: "It was possible it was going to be one of those years you just have to write off. But the FedExCup has given me the opportunity to change that around. We're still going; it's still in the balance. As I said, if I can get that win, it would turn the year into a very successful one." 

Harrington is bursting to win again but he's also sounding very relaxed.

Open champion Stewart Cink toasted his Irish links by filling the Claret Jug with .... Guinness.

The American, 36, reckons he found something in his swing during a five-day golfing trip to Ireland the week before he conquered Tom Watson to take the Claret Jug.

Writing on Twitter, Cink asked: "Any guesses as to which beverage will be first to be consumed from the Jug? There really was no question http://yfrog.com/b8bejj.

And he's promised to come back next year before he heads across the Irish Sea to defend the title at St Andrews.

Cink said: "We played at Lahinch, Ballybunion, and we stayed at Doonbeg, all of which were fantastic. The only other time I've ever come over early and played links golf for preparation was in 2007, where I finished sixth at Carnoustie.

Australia’s Geoff Ogilvy sprinkled a little more magic on Rory McIlroy’s WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship performance when he defeated England’s Paul Casey by 4 and 3 in the 36-hole final at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Club near Tucson.