2016 Predictions

With another season of golf getting under way this weekend, we thought we'd have a go at predicting who'll be making the headlines in 2016.

The Masters

Photo: www.whosyourcaddie.net

David: Perhaps the easiest prediction to make – I can only see four or five people in with a shot of it this year. Rory McIlroy made a strong comeback after injury to become European Golfer of the Year (again!) and has his sights set firmly on a green jacket. With a busy schedule leading up to the Masters and brand new putter in his bag, he’s my favourite.

Michael: I agree with David that there aren’t many people capable of winning this tournament. One of which is Dustin Johnson who, having let his lead slip at The Open and being inches away from winning the US, will certainly be determined not to make a name for himself of being a nearly-man. On top of that he was some exceptional golf last season and a finish just outside the top 5 in this tournament shows that he isn't troubled by the might of Augusta. My money is on Johnson to be wearing the green jacket come Sunday night. 

The US Open

Photo: www.northjersey.com/sports

D: Jordan Spieth. He just will. All courses on the US Open rota are designed to test every aspect of a golfer’s game, but Oakmont is especially difficult. A winner requires solid iron play alongside exceptional skill and maturity with the putter. Sound familiar?

M: I seem him just missing out on The Masters, which will make Jordan Spieth even more determined to win the US Open. Above having a superb all-round game, his temperament makes him a cut above the rest at the moment. Being able to keep calm when under pressure or when things aren’t going right is a key attribute for any golfer to have and it’ll be one which will see Spieth keep winning major after major.

The Open

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D: I know it’s a bit of a punt, but it’s hard to ignore the brilliant season Matthew Fitzpatrick had last year. Claiming his first tour victory at the British Masters, the Englishman has gone from strength to strength with a growing reputation for driving the ball arrow-straight – essential for anyone negotiating Royal Troon’s dramatic conditions.

M: Always the most difficult major to predict. Despite accumulating the fourth best accumulative total to par in the history of the majors last year, Justin Rose failed to win a major championship. But this year I can seem him crossing the finishing line at Troon. His game is looking as good as its ever done and last season will have given valuable experience.

US PGA Championship

Photo: www.usatoday.com

D: One of the longest hitters in the field, Brooks Koepka helped himself to a tour-best 20 eagles last season. He had a strong showing in all four majors (T5 in the US PGA), and as one of the tour’s hottest prospects, I can only see him improving. I look forward to seeing what he can do at the infamous 17th at Baltusrol.

M: Rory McIlroy would be my pick for the US PGA. It’s a tournament that he likes, having won the event twice in the past four years. And with its long fairways and tricky pin positions, I think his excellent driving and impeccable short game will see him victorious. 

The Ryder Cup 

Photo: www.golfanddiving.com

D: Going into the 2014 Ryder Cup, it was the underdog European side that triumphed. However with home advantage and without the captaincy complaints (hopefully Mickelson won’t throw Davis Love III under the bus again), the US Ryder Cup Team looks too hot to handle this time around. I can see them winning comfortably.

M: After three defeats on the trot, the US Ryder Cup Team will be looking to get revenge on their European rivals. And I can see them getting the win this year with one of their strongest looking teams in decades with in-form Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson and Bubba Watson to name just a few. Here’s hoping I’m proved wrong though!

World No. 1

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D: Rory McIlroy comes into 2016 with a point to prove. A year ago he held two majors; now he has none. Once put up on Tiger-like pedestal, Rory finds himself caught as part of the “Big Three” and, of those, only 3rd in the world rankings. As long as he uses this motivation constructively (and leaves the football at home), I foresee McIlroy returning to the top of he tree.

M: I just feel this will be Jordan Spieth’s year once again. Last season saw him in sensational form and I’m backing him for bigger and better things in 2016. He’s starting to look like the real deal and with the return of a fit Rory McIlroy, we may well see Spieth up his game even further this year.