The Hyundai Tournament of Champions started the year off just how 2015 had ended, with world #1 golfer Jordan Spieth on top. Spieth took 1st place after all four rounds, for a total score of (-30). He lead the way for a top-5 that was comprised of all American born players under the age of 30. Spieth accredited his win to "excellent ball striking" but did admit that putting is his current weak spot in his game. Highlights from Spieth's dominating victory can be seen below.
The Sony Open, held January 14-17 also in Hawaii, saw a relatively no-name golfer come out on top. Fabian Gomez, hailing from Argentina, edged out American Brandt Snedeker for a playoff victory. This was Gomez' first PGA Tour victory, and earns him an automatic spot in the Masters, U.S. Open, British Open, and PGA Championship for 2016.
Through the first few weeks of 2016, the PGA season is already shaping up to be one dominated by youthful players. It is clear that in 2016, golf fans all over the world will be following the "three-headed monster" which is Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy, and Jason Day. Last season, these three players accounted for 13 wins and 3 major victories. These players are not only crucial to the PGA's ratings, but the game of golf as a whole. These young players bring a swagger to the game and have a strong influence on youth players around the world. With youth participation in golf at a decade low, these guys hope to change that in the years to come. Looking to join them in the pack of youngsters leading the way is Rickie Fowler. Fowler won two tournaments in 2015 and also had seven, top 10 finishes.
Aside from the youth that has seemingly overtaken the PGA Tour throne, veterans Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods look to bounce back from injury filled 2015 seasons. Tiger has a goal to be back playing competitive golf by the 2016 Masters in April. Tiger is still chasing Jack Nicklaus for most major tittles (17) in history. Tiger currently has 14 major victories under his belt and is looking to get back on track towards history. Phil Mickelson has had somewhat of a hot start to the 2016 season, finishing t-3rd at the CareerBuilder Open this past weekend. This was his best professional finish since June 2015. Phil is a two-time Masters champion and also has his sights set on recapturing the title.
While the PGA tour is in full swing, the competition for the Ryder Cup is hardly under way. The Ryder Cup, an international golf tournament between U.S.A and Europe, will take place at Hazeltine, MN in October 2016. This will be the first time in 4 years that the Ryder Cup will be played on American Soil. With eight spots on the team, rookies and veterans alike will be competing to make the U.S.A. squad. Davis Love III will captain the team, looking for revenge after a devastating loss to Europe in 2014.
Stay tuned to the Golf Guru Guy for all things golf in 2016!
Video: PGA Tour. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcDp5VQhI_k
Image: http://www.rydercup.com/usa/
Interesting!
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