The past year in golf has set the stage for some high-class competition. For a few years now the game of golf has been asking, “What’s next?” and “Who’s going to pick up where Tiger left off?”
Over the last four months the answer to those questions has been showcased. The year of 2015 was indeed a big year for some, for others a disappointment. In case you missed it here are the winners and losers of this year in golf.
Winners
Jordan Spieth
What a year for this guy. At 22-years-old he actually gave what I consider to be the hardest thing to do in sports a shot. The fact that it wasn’t so far-fetched for him to win all four majors speaks for itself. By winning two in a row, Spieth has now become the definite face of American golf. We’ll see if he can fill the shoes of his predecessor – Tiger.
Jordan Spieth’s Caddy
You probably didn’t know his name either. His name is Michael Greller, the guy who ditched his teaching job to become Spieth’s caddie when he was only an amateur. He’s reaping the benefits of making that decision too. As a caddie, he has made around $900,000 this year. That’s more money than 159 PGA Tour players.
Jason Day
For years, Day has been one of those “best players on Tour without a major.” After four solid days of golf at the PGA Championship, Day finally took his name off that list. Despite the win, it wasn’t an easy year for Day. After trying to balance golf with vertigo at the U.S. Open, he needed to bounce back at the PGA to save his season.
The United States Ryder Cup team
Spieth, Zach Johnson and Dustin Johnson all played phenomenal golf while the Europeans slowed way down. Of course, as luck has it, this year isn’t a Ryder Cup year. However, the U.S. has to feel great about their chances at Hazeltine next year.
Losers
Rory McIlroy
After a career year in 2014, McIlroy sat in the backseat this year and watched Spieth come on to the scene. McIlroy also injured his ankle playing soccer forcing him to miss the British Open. With three lackluster performances at majors this year McIlroy has to be eager to get back to his winning ways. Something tells me he won’t be down for long.
Dustin Johnson
Like I mentioned earlier, Dustin Johnson did play phenomenal golf this year; just not when it mattered most. He gave himself a decent shot at every major but could not close out on Sunday. Like Day, Johnson will surely take his name off the “Best players on Tour without a major” list, but as of right now, he’s No. 1 on the list.
Tiger Woods
Tiger’s winning days are over. They have been for quite some time. Scroll up and look at all the names I listed. Do you think modern Tiger Woods can keep up with that competition? Riddled with injuries and slices, I can’t see it happening for Woods.
