Time for a quick look at some, well, somewhat underachieving big name players on the PGA Tour who performed below their talent level and potential in regular events and the majors.
So let’s take a quick look:
Collin Morikawa: Collin’s just too good of a player to go winless for an entire year on the PGA Tour. He fought his swing a bit, he lost that sweet fade of his with his iron play but may have found it again toward the end of the year. Missed the cut at the Open Championship as the defending champion. Tied 55th at the PGA, but did fare well with a fifth at The Masters and a T5 at the U.S. Open. Needs another major in 2023, he’s that good.
Jordan Spieth: After a long slump, things are looking up for Jordy. He did manage to get back in the winner’s circle at the RBC Heritage. But he’s a major star with major talent. He missed the cut at The Masters — that shouldn’t happen. Tied for 34th at the PGA, tied 37th at the U.S. Open but finished the major season with a T8 at the Open Championship. He’s starting the year outside the world’s top 10 — and he should live there most of the time.
Viktor Hovland: No wins in 2022 except for the unofficial victory at Tiger’s Hero World Challenge. He knows his short game is his weakness and he’s working on that. Seems to have found the right formula for better putting as he’s gone to the Aim Point method. He tied for 27th at The Masters, T41 at the PGA, missed cut at the U.S. Open but bounced back and ended the major championship season with a tie for fourth at the Open Championship.
Jon Rahm: Sounds crazy to say Rahm needs a better 2023 but he does. One win, and that came at the Mexico Open, doesn’t cut it for a man with his enormous talent level. Not a great year in the majors either and he should contend in most. Tied for 27th at The Masters, T48 at the PGA, T12 at U.S. Open and T34 at St. Andrews. Not a great showing in the major championships. He needs to show up in the majors this coming season.
Patrick Cantlay: Yes, he came on in the playoffs to win the BMW and teamed with his joined-at-the-hip buddy Xander Schauffele to win the Zurich team event. But his buddy Xander notched two wins last year. Cantlay should be a two-or-more wins per season guy. Not that great in the majors either. Went T39 at The Masters then missed the cut at the PGA. Tied for 14th at the U.S. Open but finished nicely with a top 10 (T8) at St. Andrews.
Yes, it’s a short list but these are the players with a LOT of talent who should be winning more in 2023.
Let’s see what happens.
