Young versus Old, The Year to Remember
With the close of 2012 and the opening of a New Year, I wanted to have you weigh in on the upcoming golf season. Will it be a year to remember? Who will be “player of the year” in 2013?
We witnessed the dominance of Rory this past year and I think we can expect another strong showing from him this coming year.
However I think Rory’s dominance has awakened a sleeping Tiger.
I am going to go out on a limb and predict that Tiger will have a great year. I obviously don’t have a crystal ball but I have a very good feeling that we will see a tremendous comeback in Tiger.
My one hesitation with a dominant Tiger prediction is – “Can he stay healthy?”. If Tiger stays healthy this year, my votes on him for MVP. I think he is getting all the swing work tightened up and has come to the point where he is understanding the changes, and can trust them under pressure. In my opinion, he will improve his putting this year and will win one… possibly two majors. I think he has a little gas left in the tank and wants more than anything to prove all the naysayers wrong.
Tiger’s best asset throughout his career was his mental strength and his ability to “will” his way to victory. While we haven’t seen that side of him the last couple of seasons, I think he will summon it back for 2013.
So while I know Rory will do well, I don’t believe he will be the dominant force that many are predicting.
Two other players that I have to mention as front runners for 2013 player of the year honors are Charles Schwartzel and Phil Mickelson.
Schwartzel was on fire as 2012 came to a close and I’d love to see him keep that going. He will be on to watch for sure.
And the player I always route for… my heartfelt player is Phil Mickelson. I would love to see Phil play great. Tournaments are more exciting when he is in the mix. His game is fun to watch, he has a true passion for golf which makes him less methodical during tournaments compared to some of the other players.
Share your 2013 predictions in the comments below.
57 Comments
Hey CJ, Every year we seem to have guys that digress in play after have a great year. One guy that seems to have his head on straight and has a very consistent swing is Jason Duffner. I am expecting him to have another fine year. What do you think? Also, another quick one. Do you think Rickie Fowler takes the next step or he is too inconsistent?Sometimes he looks incredible, other times very bad. That’s not the best way to stay near or at the top.
Steve Rosenberg,
Thanks Steve for the blog post. To play great all the time is very difficult to do. Remember that the guys on the PGA Tour are the best in the world at what they do. a little putting slump could make the difference from top 10 in the world to losing your card. I like Jason Dufner. He is an older guy and has been around on the web.com tour for a long time as well as mini-tours so he knows what it takes and the stardom won’t effect him like it may someone a lot younger. In regards to Rickie I don’t have an answer. Sometimes it just takes awhile to break through. We could see a breakout year from Rickie this year. Remember David Duval. It took him forever to win and when he finally did they came in bunches. Only time will tell, but he is very good for golf. Kids adore him and his Puma clothes.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
A longer shot for the tour and possibly a major is Justin Rose. He has been striking the beautifully of late and I believe has the temperament to go all the way
Richard Maddren,
Thanks Richard for the blog post. You are correct about Justin Rose. It wouldn’t surprise me at all. When he gets hot he could win by a large margin.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I think Dustin Johnson will have a great year in 2013.
Rene,
Thanks Rene for the post. Dustin Johnson could have a great year. He had a great year and missed half the season due to injury picking up his Jet ski. No more picking up heavy objects DJ and you should be fine.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
CJ. I agree with your prediction about Tiger. He should win at least one major and at least two other tournaments but don’t forget about Watney he could be a major factor
Joe bowers,
Thanks Joe for the blog post. Every person that has been mentioned by my students could win any week just like Watney. It all depends on how they are playing but I definitely think there are a few favorites that always seem to be there. We will see about Nick. Great player, just not sure yet if he can be there every week. Please don’t dog me about this as I don’t pretend to even have half the talent Nick Watney does…just my humble opinion.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I do agree I think Tiger will have a good year. This is his 3rd year I believe under swing coach Sean Foley and the swing changes should start to come good for Tiger hopefully by this year.
Rory McIlroy will most definitely continue to play well and I think another major is his for the taking. I think the US Masters is a golf course that should suit him so he’ll be in the mix there.
I’m biased towards Adam Scott because he’s an Australian so I’m hoping he can also break through for a major. He was the best performed player in the world last year in all 4 majors.
I think the young Belgium Nicolas Colsaerts will have a strong year on the US tour. He has loads of talent and 2013 could be his to shine through.
Cheers CJ
Troy Vayanos,
Thanks Troy for the blog post. I doubt there is a golfer out there that wouldn’t cheer for Adam Scott after the British Open last year. He handled it very nicely. Class ACT.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
CJ must consider a round at the New South Wales Golf Course in Sydney Australia. A trip down-under to play and teach?
Bob Gilchrist,
Thanks Bob for the blog post. I would love to come to Australia. At this point in the year it may be a bit late for next few months. What are your thoughts on the best time to come down. Would you come to a class? I would need to do at least two golf schools with 5 people to pay for airfare and time to go down there although I would definitely turn it into a vacation and see your wonderful country. Have heard nothing but great things about Australia.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
going out on a limb cj – rory, tiger phil and Schwartzel — thats not a limb; in australia thats called a tree trunk; i cant see how those guys wont figure prominently- love the way Oosthuizen plays, and hoping jason day can recapture fitness and form
Phil Bainbridge,
LOL Thanks Phil for the blog post. You are correct about my picks being pretty easy and solid. Maybe we should all pick someone outside of the top 50. This brings up some good ideas for Major picks that we can all compete in.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Hi C.J., Like you, I often pull for Phil M., but I believe you root for him, not route for him. (My wife is an english teacher and helps me with grammer and spelling also)
Bob Miner,
Thanks Bob for the blog post. My bad on the spelling. Actually that wasn’t my fault. I write the article and then turn it into a copy writer that checks and rewrites my ideas in a better way and organizes it for search engine optimization so I will lay the blame on him Lol. Hope you have a great New Years.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I think you are thinking with your feelings and not facts.Tiger might do a couple of things next season but there are to many other good players about now.Any one of 30 players in a good field can win now.Go the aussies
Howe Allen,
Thanks Howe for the blog post. Tiger won three times last year and was doing great heading into the weekend in all the majors so I think he can do really well. Sure anyone in the top 30 can do great and as we have seen others can show up that week and play well, but I will put my money on Tiger this year if he can stay healthy. Obviously Rory is everyones favorite as should the number one player in the world be, but I think Tiger will recapture that spot, but only time will tell.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Giving ink to a negative role model who has disgraced everything golf stands for is one sure way to get your web site dropped from my social network. Golf would be better off without Woods and the vast majority of his fans who know little or nothing about the game. Go Rory.
Tiger Woods cheated on his wife as 83% of men do. He didn’t still anything or beaten anyone. He has not offended the game of golf because as a golfer he has done nothing to offend the game. He may not be the most trustworthy husband when it comes to be a faithful companion but that’s the extent of his “disgrace.” He is and will always be the most talented and natural golfer who has ever walked a course – a genius.
Roberto Giannini,
Thanks Roberto for the blog post. I think you brought up some good points and I will leave it at that. Hope you have a great New Years.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Mike Henderson,
Thanks Mike for the blog post. I welcome your opinion and others, but remember that Tiger on the course is still one of the best to every play the game. I don’t pretend to defend his actions off the course, but that doesn’t change his great play on the course. Do I expect more from him off the course…Absolutely but he is human and we put him on the pedestal. I think if you knew some of the stories about his Dad you might see where his role model would be a little skewed.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
CJ, it seems everyone is ignoring the Asian contingent for 2013 . They are coming and coming strong and if they don’t dominate in 2013 it can not be too far off. Their ability to focus and their collective work ethic is second to none and they will be the force to reckon with very soon.
Allan,
Thanks Allan for the blog post. I know the Australians are very strong as well as the South Africans. Obviously can’t forget about the Irish men and oh..The spanish guys, blah blah blah. The entire world is now strong. South Korean men and even China will be heard from this year as well. This is what makes golf so great. Golf is probably growing the slowest in America which I don’t want to hear, but we still have some pretty good players as well.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Hi CJ ,
Thanks for the column . Love it .
Before we end this subject dont forget those outsiders . Again I mention another South African . Big Erny . Dont write this man off , remember he has to defend the British Open in 2013 . If he really gets his eyes in , which will help him with his putting he is always going to be a contender .
Regards and have a good one .
Clarence de Swardt,
Thanks Clarence for the blog post. I’m actually getting older now so I am rooting for some of the older guys like Ernie, Phil, Tiger, and even Freddy. I think Freddy can still compete on the PGA Tour, but we won’t see him that often. Ernie would be doing great if he starts putting well. He putted great when he won and if he gets hot with the putter can still compete with anyone.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Hi CJ,
Roberto here. I agree with you about Tiger. He will win a Major in 2013 and my prediction is the US Open at Merion. I also believe Tiger will win 5/6 PGA events and the Fed/Exp cup. He is back and he still is the one to beat. I thing Rory will win another Major and I am thinking that the Masters may be the one. He is playing great golf and seemed to have found a good balance between his private life and his professional career. Additionally, his family is just fantastic and his dad an amazing confidant and mentor. Tiger and Rory will dominate 2013.
Ian Poulter is my choice for the “sleeper” of the year as I predict that h will win many European and PGA events next year. Perhaps, even the Open in Scotland. I would also bring G -Mac into the mix because he is back to great form, he is engaged, and he also can count on major support from his family. I can see him winning his second Major, the PGA, to be precise.
Two more I am predicting to do well are Phil and my boy Matteo Manassero. The former will win left and right and Manny will win three European Tour events and his first PGA. He will be 20 next April and ready to show he whole world what an amazing talent and person he is. He is another young man with great maturity (an old soul) with a great support system and amazing parenting.
Oosthuisen and Schwartzel will win here and there as well as Donald and Westwood. Lastly I thing Dustin Johnson will be a contender all year long.
Not too sure about Bubba, Ricky, and Kevin.
Tiger will regain the #1 spot and keep it all year with Rory#2, Poulter #3, G-Mac #4, Phil #5, Donald #6, Westwood #7, Oosthuisen #8, D. Johnson #9, and Schwartzel #10.
Here it is, my bold predictions! If I am wrong, I cheer for Lee Westwood to win a Major!
Happy New Year to you and family, CJ, and always thank you for your teaching.
Roberto
Roberto,
Thanks Roberto for the blog post. You mentioned some great names and I think you have some good predictions there. I think this could be one of the best years for golf in a long time. As much as some people despise Tiger the ratings show that when he is in contention more people watch. I think if Tiger plays great and creates a rivalry with Rory that would be something to watch.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I am still pulling for Bubba and or Stricker
Thanks; Your Friend, Don Cole, USGTF Master Teaching Professional.
Don Cole,
Thanks Don for the blog post. I am originally from Wisconsin so I am always pulling for Stricker. Where do you teach Don?
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I teach at Emerald Greens Golf Course and at the Foley Driving Range and I am one of the coaches for the Gulf Shores High School Girls Golf Team. All of the above are in Gulf Shores Alabama.I use many of the Perfect Conection Tips and have recommended your package to many of my Students.
CJ to visit Scotland and play Gleneagles and St Andrews!!
Allan Coates,
yes sir Allan we are putting the final touches on this trip. I have some thoughts to come visit you as well up there in England. Hope to see you in September.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
As you are coming to Scotland could you please make sure you are.And NOT ENGLAND
Raymond Walker,
Thanks Raymond for the blog post. I am coming to Scotland in September, but while I am there after the golf trip I may swing up to England for a golf school or so. I have had a lot of students wanting me to come over so I thought I could try to oblige. Hope to see you there.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Luke Donald and Lee Westwood, one or the other to win there first major!!
Allan Coates,
Thanks Allan for the blog post and those are two very good pics. I would not be disappointed in the least to see those guys get a win. Lee Westwood has been so close for so long. I would give up one of my Tiger pics of a major to see Lee get one.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I feel you are right about Tiger. If he just gets his act right he’ll be the front runner. He has so much to prove, he thinks. He just needs to prove it to himself that he still has it.
Bill Leidigh,
Thanks bill for the blog post and for agreeing with me lol. The only problem with our statement is he is kind of doing it for revenge and not necessarily the same reason as when he first came out, but who knows…I may be wrong and he might not care what we think.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Tiger is done due to his putting and wayward driving (on and off the course). He can’t put four rounds together in a row. Phil has more physical problems than we realize. He might never win a significant tour event again. Rory and the young guns are going to take over. There are way too many good young players for anyone to dominate again.
Jack B,
Thanks Jack for the blog post. Tiger did win three tournaments this past year and I think he will only be better this year. He didn’t put the four rounds together in a major, but I think he has more confidence in his swing now. Only time will tell. It definitely will be more difficult now than ten years ago due to the strength of the field and his game isn’t as good, but I think he will still play pretty good this year. I think Tiger is the only person that can win three times in a year and we still aren’t happy. think about that for a second. He has set the bar so high for himself that three wins in a year isn’t too good. That’s a shame on our part and the problem is I think Tiger agrees with us. I wonder if he still enjoys it as much as when he was younger. I think if he starts enjoying the game then he will be more dominant than even he thinks is possible.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Hi CJ,
I agree with your prediction that the two prominent players in 2013 will be Rory and Tiger, though besides Schwartzel the others to watch are Oosthuizen, Rose, Bubba and Snedeker.
For my money Mickelson needs to work on his course management if he want to be amongst the elite.
Have a great 2013 yourself.
Jamiel
Jamiel,
Thanks Jamiel for the post and I think your right. I think we will have someone else pop up that we are not expecting as well. Mickelson can still play and is always a favorite at Augusta.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Hi CJ,
Would you please change your Website so we can view other peoples coments and your answers?
Phil
Phil Falter,
Thanks Phil for the blog post. I agree with you. I will mention it to my developers.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
its Bubba,s Year
Jerry,
Thanks Jerry for the blog post. I think Bubba will do fine, although I can’t see him staying dominant for an entire year. By his own admission he has a hard time staying focused on the course. He has tremendous talent, but I don’t think he has the ambition or desire to be a Tiger, which I think is totally great. He has a wife and kids and has a great job.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Hi CJ;
I agree that Tiger will come back to some degree but not to win a major. The reason I say that is I think he will have half of his mind on the course that he is building which will mean a lot of travel. Rory will be their on top if he can get use to those new clubs. Both of them will have trouble with guys like Charles Schwartzel and Phil Mickelson. Phil will do well if he would take a few more seconds on his decision making. But that is what makes him fun to watch. Also their are more than a few other guys out their that fly under the radar that will blossom this year.
Lou Kasitz,
Thanks Lou for the blog post and I agree with you. YOu make some really good points. Best wishes and have a happy New Year.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I personally think the days of The Tiger are a thing of the past. Oh, no doubt he will still be “one” of the top golfers to watch, but there are so many young great golfers …… and Rory still is the best of the best. Perhaps if the “golfing gurus” would just share some TV time with other players we could enjoy seeing someone other than Woods. I for one, would not miss less Tiger. So many of the new stallions make themselves available to the paying customers and have a smile for the fans. Very refreshing!
Gerry Gaskell,
Thanks Gerry for the blog post. I don’t think were done with Tiger yet. If he has a bad year I will be the first to admit it, but I think this will be his year. WE can only wait and see.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I agree with you JERRY; TIGER’S days in the sun are fading. RORY is the man who will shine!!
Wayne Smith,
Thanks Wayne for the blog post. Tiger’s fading a bit because of injuries. If he can stay healthy and become more positive with his putting we will see a great year from him. I think he has been focused so much on his swing in the past and can now focus more on his putting. Rory is great, there is no denying that fact. I am looking forward to the year.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
I agree with the prediction about Tiger and as much as I am a fan of Rory like you say he has wakened a sleeping Tiger. With regards to Phil all the golf world loves him and hopes he can achieve the goals he deserves. My other prediction is Lee westwood to win a major and of course Luke Donald. The competition is tough with so many ggod players areound includding Bubba!
Barry Lewis,
Thanks Barry for the post. Good points. Lee and Luke are feeling a bit of pressure now as well but who knows. Can’t wait for the season to begin. Hope you have a great New Years.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ
Tend to agree we have seen a 2012 of Rory & Tiger but I see several new faves in the leader boards and perhaps a new EOY player of the year! If burnout does not happen, I like Phil Mickelson,Jason Dufner and Rickie Fowler to make a power run and dominate! Agree an emergence of Phill M. having a peaking Career Year would make my 2013!
Will Jaeger,
Thanks Will for the blog post. Good pics Will. I am not as positive about Rickie yet, but wow that would be great for golf. he is such a great ambassador for the game and so many kids love him. I will definitely be rooting for him this year as well.
Keep em Long and Straight,
CJ