Ames: Personal crisis affected my golf game

The 41 — year old Ames had an outstanding year in 2004 where he rose to 17th in the World Golf rankings, but struggled this season and is currently ranked 47th.

"This year my wife was diagnosed with lung cancer and for four months of the year, my mind was very much with her and having to look after her was the situation," said Ames, who was in the twin-island republic recently to conduct a coaching clinic. "And obviously having to look after the two boys we have at home, golf was obviously secondary for me at that stage."

He added, "She went in, did the surgery, half of her lung was taken out on the right side and there was no chemo (therapy) or radiation after that so basically it was a matter of getting over her surgery which was a very traumatic surgery." Ames, who joined the tour in 1998, said that as his wife’s health improved so did his performances on the course.

"The last couple months when things have gotten better — she’s gotten a lot healthier — my play started to reflect and show that my mind was back into the game," Ames explained. "So I am looking forward to another 2004, if not a better 2004, for 2006."

Ames had an incredible tour last year, winning his first title by picking up the Cialis Western Open in July and cracking eight Top-10 finishes. By comparison, he has struggled this year, missing the cut in six tournaments while securing just three Top-10 finishes.