With the USPGA Tour season about to start on Jan 3 at the Mecercedes Championship in Hawaii and the European Tour resuming after the Christmas in Johannesburg Open in South Africa on Jan 10 Golfbuzz.net has identified players to watch in 2008.
Notables
Tiger Woods – Say no more – He is a living legend – Enjoy every moment while you can. We are privledged to be able to seen this because of TV. Jack Nicklaus had players chasing like Palmer Player and Watson (and often beaten) but at this moment there is no one that can match his skill and fortitude. Tigers records in the majors are amazing: NEVER lost from the front 13-0 and NEVER won from behind 0-28 (This stat in its self is incredible – possible one shot turn arounds could have given at least 5 more majors). Last season 16 start – 7 victories – 12 top tens. Majors Masters 2nd, Us Open 2nd, British Open 12th, USPGA 1st.
Ernie Els – On the way back to his best – looking for defining year. Can challenge Tiger. Major this year?
Camilo Villegas – Colombian golfer with loads of talent. Ready to break through with a multiple win season – perhaps a USPGA major?
Sergio Garcia – Almost won the British Open. He seems to have solved his putter problems with a belly putter. Great year in 2007 but no wins. We think it is his time to have a stellar year. Could it be his year for a major?
Brandt Snedeker – Rookie of the year in 2007 – Could break out even more.
Up and coming players.
Won Joon Lee (Aus) – Korean by Birth – has lived in Australia since he was 12 years old now 22. Recently finished second in the Australian Open almost stealing it from the field shooting 65 while no one was looking. Hits the ball miles.
Matthew Millar (Aus) – Come through the ranks on Asian and Australian Tours – recently got his European Tour Card. Solid player.
Nick Flanagan (Aus) – Automically promoted to PGA Tour with three wins on the Nationwide Tour. US Amateur champ enough experience under his belt to break through , also under the watchful eye of Steve Bann (Australian 2007 Coach of the Year)
Jason Day (Aus) – Youngest winner on the Nationwide Tour now on the PGA Tour promoted to PGA tour with 5 place finish on 2007 Nationwide Tour Order of Merit.
Ryo Ishikawa(JPN) : Widely seen as the saviour of the struggling Japanese men's tour, is the youngest player to join the country's professional ranks. Noted as "Japan's Tiger". Year of the Tiger 🙂
Brett Rumford (Aus)
David Lutterus (Aus)
Jin Park (KOR)
Liang Wen-chong (CN)
Chapchai Nirat (THAI)
Kenneth Ferrie (IRE)
Kevin Streelman (US)
Alejandro Canizares (SP)
Andres Romero (ARG)