With the official 2013-14 PGA TOUR season already underway, here are 10 questions I’m eager to see answered in 2014.
1. Will the U.S. Open finally belong to Phil Mickelson?
The buzz at Pinehurst is going to be off the charts, when Mickelson tries to complete the career Grand Slam, at a great venue where his classic duel with Payne Stewart took place in 1999. Mickelson often feeds off positive emotion, and so many in the gallery will be pulling for him. If he’s in contention, the atmosphere will be surreal.
2. Will Tiger Woods win a major?
I believe he will. But I thought he’d win one in 2013. Clearly, he’s playing well enough. He’s back to being the world’s No. 1 player, but he’s still not back to winning majors.
I think Woods’ major drought speaks to how difficult golf’s mental barriers can be. When you want to win majors as badly as Woods does, it has to be frustrating when you don’t pull it off. And the longer it lasts, the more frustrating it becomes.
That makes 2014 even more interesting, to see if Woods can unlock the key to whatever is keeping him from playing his best at golf’s biggest events. I think once Woods wins his next major, the floodgates will open, and he’ll seriously threaten Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major championships. Can’t wait to see if he breaks through in 2014.
3. Will Steve Stricker keep playing so well, playing so sporadically?
I’m jealous of this dude. Played just 13 events, won $4.4 million. Now that’s a nice weekly salary. I also love his “I’m a savage” Avis commercial. Still laugh whenever I see it.
I know Stricker is one of the world’s best putters and players. But when he made the decision to cut back on his schedule in 2013, I never expected his game to stay so razor sharp between his long breaks from competition.
That makes his 2014 season more interesting, because I can’t imagine Stricker playing much more often, considering the success he had. It also gives other veteran golfers something to consider when playing their schedule.
4. What’s next for Jimmy Walker?
Leading the FedExCup point standings, Walker will be a name to watch. He turns 35 years old in January, and 2014 looks like it could be a career year. He’ll be playing in his first Masters, getting his first TOUR victory at the Frys.com Open after 188 TOUR starts. Hard not to respect a guy who has taken an arduous road to success, and now Walker can set his sights on trying to make the Ryder Cup team.
5. What will Jordan Spieth do for an encore?
Only 20 years old, Spieth looks like the next big thing in golf, the youngest TOUR winner since 1931, already ranked 21st in the world. Young talent like Spieth’s is great for the game. And from all indications, he looks grounded enough to handle the attention and expectation.
6. How many first-time major winners will we see?
I’m thinking at least one of these five guys will win his first major in 2014 – Luke Donald, Sergio Garcia, Dustin Johnson, Matt Kuchar and Ian Poulter. All of them can take inspiration from Jason Dufner, Justin Rose, and Adam Scott, who got their first majors in 2013.
7. Is Adam Scott going to reach No. 1 in the world ranking?
He’s clearly in his prime, and playing with more confidence than ever. His push to the pinnacle of his profession is another reason why 2014 should be special.
8. Who is going to make the U.S. Ryder Cup team?
With so many potential candidates playing well, some excellent players are sure to be left off. Johnson is already using the Ryder Cup for motivation, determined to clinch a spot. That’s the right approach. If you have to depend on being a captain’s pick, you might be disappointed.
9. Is Kevin Na over his serious back problems?
Tying for third at the Frys.com Open was a positive sign. If he’s healthy, look for him to have a strong 2014.
10. Is Charles Howell III ready for a breakthrough season?
He’s consistently in contention, and a player worth watching in 2014. Hard to believe he hasn’t won since 2007, but if he keeps putting himself in contention, his best year may be forthcoming.
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