State of Golf

This past weekend we watched history at the PGA Championship. Rory McIlroy won by a record 8 shots. It was his second major of his career (both by 8 shots) and he is the third youngest ever to win two majors. Tiger was even slightly older. The difference is that it took Rory 16 majors to get his second. In Tiger's first 16 majors he won five. But that's why Tiger is an all-time great.

Anyways, this week showed that Rory is destined to be a star. With the win, he rightfully returns to number one in the world. He destroyed a course that nobody else could. He did get lucky that the course was uncharacteristically soft and there was only one day with significant wind (which he struggled mightily in), but he took advantage of the rare easy conditions. Like I said, nobody else went low like he did. He putted great, hit the ball even better, and showed the world that he surely is one of the most talented players out there. Sorry Luke Donald, but Rory looked the part of world number one and you didn't.

Rory broke the streak of 16 consecutive majors won by a different player. It also salvaged a somewhat "off" year for him. Now nobody can bring up his relationship with tennis star Wozniaki. We can all focus once again on how great he is at the game of golf.

Another storyline to take away is that there is reason to worry, if not panic, for Tiger Woods fans (that's me!). For the third straight major, Tiger held the lead at some point and was in the final group or groups come the weekend. He promptly fell apart every time. We can understand once, or even twice, but this third time marks a trend and there is cause for concern.

In the four majors this year, Tiger hasn't broken par on the weekend. He is a combined +15 in those rounds. That's not going to win majors. I have doubts for the first time in his career that he won't break Jack's record of 18. I guessed he would have won a major last year, but was positive he would win one in 2012. He didn't.

Looking deeper into those weekend rounds gives clarity to the holes in his game. Even during weeks when his ball striking is great, he doesn't put it close enough to make putts. His putting has been woeful as has his short game and short irons. When forced to be more aggressive he makes more and more mistakes. He seemingly plays well when the field is struggling but can't keep pace when guys are going low. That's a problem that I'm not sure can be corrected.

Overall though, the state of golf is in a great position. The game is filled with many marketable stars, and plenty of young talent. There are more contenders now than ever before and each week seemingly produces new storylines. The PGA must be thrilled with how this season has played out, and they hope for plenty more like this one.

So as we inch towards the FedEx Cup and the Ryder Cup, here are 12 predictions sure to be wrong for the rest of 2012:

1. Tiger Woods will not win the FedEx Cup.
2. Rory McIlroy won't either.
3. Jason Dufner will.
4. The United States will win the Ryder Cup.

5. The Europeans will be leading by one after the pair events.

6. The US squad will dominate singles..
7. We will see Tiger and Rory square off in singles.
8. Tiger Woods will win.
9. Of the remaining PGA events, we will see 3 more first time winners.
10. But Tiger will win his own tourney, the Chevron World Challenge.
11. Tiger Woods won't finish number one in the world though.
12. Rory McIlroy will.

As for my 13 predictions for 2013, you'll have to wait until New Year's to hear those! Enjoy the rest of the season, and be sure to watch the FedEx Playoffs and the exciting Ryder Cup.

Andrew