Golf Monthly news digest

Tiger gets back to work

Tiger Woods will take on the worlds best this weekend at the Wachovia Championship in his first competitive round of golf since the Masters. It will be an emotional time though as it marks the first anniversary of his father's death.

Yesterday Woods was joined for a friendly round in the pro-am by another sporting superstar, Michael Jordan (pictured). The pair, unsurprisingly, attracted huge crowds.

Vijay to play BMW PGA Championship

World number seven Vijay Singh has confirmed his place in the PGA Championship at Wentworth at the end of this month. As a two-time winner on the US PGA Tour this year, the Fijian may well become the first player to win on both sides of the Atlantic. This is the first time Vijay will have played the West Course at Wentworth since fellow globetrotter, Ernie Els modified the layout.

Carnoustie set to break record

Carnoustie, host to this year's Open Championship, will break the record for longest course in Open history. At a massive 7,421 yards it is 60 yards longer than in 1999 where it first earned the moniker "Car-Nasty". It is also just 140 yards shy of being the longest course in Major Championship history.

Ireland still enjoying Ryder Cup effects

A recent report has shown that almost £100m was injected into the Irish economy as a result of last year's Ryder Cup. The K Club hosted 260,000 spectators, who on average spent more than £230 each. Visitors from across the Atlantic also stayed on average for 4.7 days in addition to the three days of competition. The total figure represents a 32% increase since the 2002 Ryder Cup at The Belfry.

Annika knocked off top spot

Lorena Ochoa, of Mexico, has overtaken Annika Sorenstam at the top of the Women?s World Rankings. Sorenstam had been in pole position since the rankings were introduced in February 2006. Also in the ladies game British teenager Kiran Matharu will play her first tournament as an official member of the Ladies European Tour at this week's Tenerife Open.

Backstrom breaks course record

Joakim Backstrom has broken the Castello di Tolcinasco course record at the Italian Open today. The 10-under-par 62, made up of two eagles and six birdies was one better than the existing record. Backstrom has a three-shot lead over England?s James Heath.