The 2015 golf season was like the party you attended that ended at the perfect time. You had a blast, and just as the party had reached its peak, it was over with a bang, leaving you begging for more the next time around.
World number one, Jordan Spieth, World number two, Jason Day, and number six in the world rankings, Rickie Fowler won the last four events of the season, the FedEx Playoff events, with Spieth taking home the Tour Championship finale, 10-million cash, and Player of The Year honors. About the only thing missing from this star studded ending, setting us up for what should be a thrilling 2016, was Rory McIlroy, who fought an injured ankle down the home stretch portion of the season. But where we ended the 2015 season, with these young guns taking over leaderboards by storm, with flair, charisma, passion, and class, is the most exciting start to the 2016 season we've seen in golf since Tiger Woods finished off 2007 with a win at The PGA Championship.
I always look to The Tournament of Champions at The Plantation Course at Kapalua in Maui as the start to the new golf season as it falls just after the New Year. . and what happened there? Sure enough, Jordan Spieth picked up right where he left off and captured the win by an incredible 8-stroke margin. In fact, the top 10 was loaded with those that are all a part of the new young gun effort. Patrick Reed finished second, and Brooks Koepka, Jason Day, Dustin Johnson, Bubba Watson, and Rickie Fowler were also all in the top 10 finishers. McIlroy has been playing more golf this off season than in the past but it looks like we'll have to wait until possibly Torrey Pines, in late January, before we see him state side again.
Of course many golf fans, casual and enthusiasts, don't call it the beginning of the season until we reach that very special weekend in early April when the best in the world compete in the year's first Major Championship, The Masters, ushering in the Spring season and golf officially. Will we see Tiger Woods at the 2016 Masters?
Tiger Woods turned 40 years old on Wednesday, December 30th, 2015. He underwent his second back surgery back in September, has taken the rest of the year off since, and was out 3-months the last time he underwent back surgery. He says one of the things he is most looking forward to in 2016 is sustained health. Many do not think Tiger will play at all this year. My guess is that we will see him at Augusta. If I had to today, I would bet him to make the cut but not contend for the green jacket. I still believe Tiger will win one more Major before he's done.
Here are the current odds for The Masters, courtesy of The Westgate SuperBook..
Jordan Spieth
|
5/1
|
Rory McIlroy
|
6/1
|
Jason Day
|
8/1
|
Bubba Watson
|
15/1
|
Dustin Johnson
|
15/1
|
Justin Rose
|
25/1
|
Adam Scott
|
30/1
|
Rickie Fowler
|
20/1
|
Tiger Woods
|
50/1
|
I am really looking forward to what is the beginning of a new era in golf. Woods and Mickelson look to be heading toward the exits sooner rather than later, while Spieth and his posse of Day, McIlroy, Fowler, Reed, Branden Grace, Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, and Justin Rose appear to be the faces on the marquee for the next decade.
Finally, some predictions for 2016…
Rickie Fowler will win a Major Championship
Tiger Woods will not win a single tournament
Thomas Pieters will win Rookie of The Year
Be a part of the 2016 Golf Season with my All Access Season Long Subscription, available now right here..
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Thank you and Have fun,
Brady Kannon
@lasvegasgolfer
www.LVTeeTimes.com