Despite all this cross-over season silliness that the PGA Tour has invented, so many of us understand that “the season” really starts this week in Hawaii when 42 lucky players get to tee it up at the Tournament of Champions.
It’s a prime-time television event and with a 6 p.m. (Eastern Time) start, it’s easy to skip the nightly (bad) news and tune in for some stunning vistas on the island of Maui, where the plush Kapalua resort is located.
This new season begins with an array of questions. After what we went through in 2020, there are still more questions than answers so without further delay, let’s get right to it.
TIGER WOODS: Still the big name in this game and the big question on everyone’s mind is — Will Tiger win No. 83 this year and break Sam Snead’s long-standing record of 82 Tour wins? There are several dynamics to consider. First, Tiger is 45 years-old now, his putting skills are no where near what they used to be and after watching all those holiday re-runs of Tiger winning major after major back in his prime, it was evident that he simply out-putted everyone on Sundays as well as the other three rounds. What works against Tiger in the quest for “83” is that he does not play in a lot of events now. Let’s face it, he’s put himself on a pitch count and his practice time is limited. With the reality of his physical state it’s going to be tough for him to beat elite fields in events he favors like Memorial, Bay Hill, anything at Torrey Pines. Bad news for Tiger is that his competition keeps getting better and better and younger and younger.
Will Tiger win No. 83? If he’d play in some “lesser” events, we’d be quick to say “YES” but with his very limited schedule outside the four majors, we just can’t say “YES” with any degree of conviction. One great thing for Tiger fans is his propensity to prove people wrong over the years.
DUSTIN JOHNSON: He’s now firmly entrenched as the world’s No. 1 because he’s worked on his weaknesses and made them strengths. If he’s on top of his game, he can win whenever he wants to. We see another year of multiple wins for D.J. and another major.
BRYSON DECAMBEAU: Bryson faded into the Georgia pines at The Masters after boldly declaring Augusta National “a par 67” for him. He limped away with a tie for 34th. He’s put the USGA and the R&A into a tizzy on the distance debate. Will he win another major this year? Perhaps. He’s improved his overall game but if he can grasp the concept that he doesn’t always need to “blast away” on the tee ball, the rest of his game is good enough to win if he were to take a more strategic approach in certain situations (ie: The Masters). He’ll certainly be in the winner’s circle again. He’s a force out there.
RORY MCILROY: It’s been six years since Rory’s won a major and he played like a bum when things cranked back up after the COVID delay. Rory’s putting and wedge play continues to be confounding and the part of his game that needs to improve. It would be shocking if he doesn’t win early this season. It won’t be shocking if he once again goes winless in the four majors.
BROOKS KOEPKA: Whatever happened to the guy who won four majors in three seasons? Just shows what an injury can do and Brooks has a lot to prove this season. The real truth behind that knee injury is known only to him and perhaps a few confidants. He didn’t look good last year. This guy desperately needs a bounce-back season. Majors? He needs to get a regular win first.
MOST IN NEED OF COMEBACKS: This could be a long list but we’ll go to the usual suspects — Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler and Justin Rose all stunk last season.
YOUTH BRIGADE: Big youth movement on Tour. Viktor Hovland, Matt Wolff, Collin Morikawa, Joaquin Niemann and Sungjae Im should all win tournaments this season. Im will play in at least 30 events before the season’s over (he’s already played in eight).
RYDER CUP: We’re looking for new faces on both teams. There’s a changing of the guard with all the talented young guys on both the PGA Tour and European Tour.
OLYMPICS: Yawn. With so much on everyone’s plate this season, don’t see anyone going head-over-heels to focus on making the Olympic team.
PACE OF PLAY: The Tour has new “Pace Of Play” guidelines that are supposed to go into effect this week. Was supposed to go into effect at last year’s RSM. Does this new policy really have any “teeth” to it? (We’ll explore in more detail on Friday).
DISTANCE INSIGHT REPORT: Update due in March.
FANS AT TOURNAMENTS: This COVID-19 situation is still a pain in every facet of society all over the world. The Waste Management (Phoenix) wants at least 8,000 on site but it’s hard to imagine the packed stands at the 16th hole. We’re guessing the Tour is looking for a way to bring back a lot of spectators for the Players Championship in March.
OLD GUYS: Three players surprised last season with wins — Sergio Garcia (40), Stewart Cink (47) and Brian Gay (49). Will there be three over-40 winners this season?
You can see from this list that there are fascinating story lines headed into this new year.
It all starts this week and how it ends, well, once again, it should be a wild ride.
