A stunning final round of 62 at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions has put Graeme McDowell in with a chance of climbing into the top four in the world rankings.
The Northern Irishman demonstrated his world-class qualities as he donned his golf clothing in Hawaii, and is now hot on the heels of Phil Mickelson.
After claiming third spot in the opening tournament of the 2011 PGA Tour season, the 31-year-old is now just 0.09 points behind Mickelson in the rankings.
His course record-equalling score in Sunday's final round of the season opener underlined that the festive break had done nothing to interrupt the Ryder Cup hero's fantastic run of form.
He finished just one shot behind the two leaders, who went to a play-off which was won by Jonathan Byrd after two holes.
Byrd's victory saw him jump from 121st to 58th in the latest world rankings.