by David Barwise
Spieth has set the
bar for 2016. And it’s high.
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| Photo: www.progolfnow.com |
It’s tempting to say that 2016 is going to be Jordan’s year,
but until form has settled and we see what Rory has to offer in Dubai later
this month it’s a little premature to come to that conclusion. I can’t even say that it’s his
to lose – because right now he looks infallible and the onus is on everyone
else to up their own games. What I *can* say is that his short-irons are as
strong as ever and his putter has stayed hot over Christmas. Last season is
looking less and less of a one-time thing, and he is undeniably the benchmark
for anyone looking for a major victory.
Things are looking
good for the US Ryder Cup Team.
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| Photo: www.skysports.com |
Okay, so maybe there weren’t many European golfers there to
make a comparison, but there was some very high-calibre golf being played. And
it wasn’t all coming from places we’d expect – I for one was surprised to see
Brandt Snedeker and Jimmy Walker finding form.
Kevin Kisner has continued his relentless march at the top of the
FedExCup standings and Peter Malnati also seems an exciting prospect. Adding
all of this to the players who were absent from the event (Furyk was injured,
Kuchar didn’t qualify) and the current crop of top-level players (Jordan,
Rickie, Bubba etc.), there’s going to be a real scrap for wildcard places.
Koepka is one to
watch this season…
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| Photo: www.scoopnest.com |
Another stellar performance from Brooks Koepka proves big
things are on the way for the 25 year old. What I found most exciting is that it
felt like he had more to give so, now that the season has properly begun, I’m
looking forward to him getting a run of tournaments together and getting
momentum. His 10-under was the best round score for the week.
…But he’s still
human…
Brooks’ performance on day three put him on the final
pairing on the Sunday, and he’d need a similar showing if he was going to have
a shot at taking on Spieth. Sadly, he opened with a couple of bogies and his
nerves showed with the putter when he lipped out a couple of times. I still
predict big things this season, but he needs that extra level of fortitude if
he’s going to compete alongside the big-names on tour.
…Unlike Spieth
He’s a robot sent from the future to score birdies.
Patrick Reed is an
elite player
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| Photo: www.pga.com |
We all kinda know it. Can we just make it official?
Showing what he’s made of this week, he only carded a single
bogey this week and Vijay Singh’s tournament record for the number of holes
played bogey-free. On top of that, his 22-under 270 is better than the best
combined round score of 271 for Rickie, Bubba and Dustin (65-69-67-69 vs
69-67-68-67). He’s one of the big boys now.
Rickie Fowler’s back
to being style over substance
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| Photo: thebiglead.com |
Maybe I should clarify. I’m not saying that there’s been any
drop in Rickie’s ability – in fact, once he’s warmed up his putter, I could see
him walking out of 2016 with a major. But, he came 5th in a really
competitive field… and what was the reaction from the commentary box? “Boy,
look at Rickie’s shoes!”
C’mon guys, seriously. He’s been on the tour for a few years
now. Save your analysis and slow-mo cameras for his tuned-up swing and not for
the catwalk.
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