Players to watch for 2012

Hi there, who in the top level do you think will have a good 2012 and why?

For me...

1. Martin Kaymer- mentally toughest young player in the game, a win in Abu Dhabi will start the year nicely for him and if his new swing has bedded in it could be a special year for "the Germanator". A 2nd Race to Dubai beckons, and maybe another Major.

2. Tiger Woods- not sure but if the end of last year is any indication Tiger may not be finished just yet. A Masters win in prospect?

3. Sergio- think he may get back into the world top ten and start challenging for majors again.

4. McIlroy- If he matures and learns to deal with pressure better then I think he will have a great year.

Anyone else care to hazard a guess?

I'll put in four young guys over here who wouldn't have received much press over there:

Kyle Stanley, Steadily improving, unlucky to be victimised by Stricker's shot-of-the-year candidate at John Deere, very likely to win a decent event this year.

Chris Kirk, Won in Mississippi in his "rookie" year, played nicely last week at Kapalua and has another win in him. Watch him in tournaments in the south-east.

Cameron Tringale, Rickie Fowler's one-time house mate just keeps getting better. Will win a good event, hopefully this year.

Billy Horschel, No wins so far. And much reduced status. A bit of a pr1ck as R.McIlroy might attest, but enough of a richard head to upset an applecart or two. Expect him to take full advantage of his relatively few opportunities, especially in the south-east.


Four big names for a big year: Kaymer, Schwartzel, Dustin J, Casey, if he ever gets healthy.

Good to see Howell and Kjeldsen card a few decent results towards the end of last season.

In terms of the mainstream guys at the top of the game I think it will be business as usual. Simply can't see anyone capable of challenging the top four, perhaps DJ as the most likely.

Hoping Webb Simpson angers his god and drops off a cliff-face (metaphorically of course) as I cannot bear him and his idiotic evangelical self righteousness.

Hopefully if there are any surprises then they have normal names. I'm getting sick of the prerequisite that golfers have to have silly names.

Noh Seung-Yul is one to watch out for. Only 20 and loads of talent.

In Europe
Tommy Fleetwoods breakthrough year
Chris Wood to consolidate.
Howler as the comeback kid
Sergio for a major.
Scott Jamieson as wildcard

In terms of newcomers/young players I really like the way Tom Lewis handled himself for his first win a few months back. Think he could shine this year.

Tommy Fleetwood as mentioned is a great prospect.

Peter Uhlein??

Adam Scott for a major which would have made me happy before he switched to a long putter.
Woods back as a multiple winner but Rory could have a massive year. Augusta could really set the tone for the year.
Dyson to keep on improving.

Tiger, barring recurring injury to be back in charge in 2012, with Rory and Luke Donald consistently competitive for the main events.
In the mix, Dustin Johnson, Adam Scott, Jason Day, Webb Simpson, Alvaro Quiros and Nick Watney.
Progress, Bud Cauley and Sang Moon Bae.

One other PGA Tour player to keep a 2012 eye on is Spencer Levin; improving every year and a feeling that his first win will be followed quickly by another.
And Kevin Chappell will also be worth looking out for.

i can see Coetzee having a great season. very strong second half to the season and good start yesterday.

Overall a very exciting year coming up with a fit Tiger playing a full schedule, European's contending for big tournaments and finishing off with the Ryder Cup. As diggers said the Masters could set the tone for year after the early encounters.

No names to add, but bring it on. Should be great veiwing.

The sporting year for me begins around The Masters/National/Cheltenham/Boat Race period.

Hopefully for the good of the sport we won't see a return to Woods dominance and media obsession. The sport has never been stronger and hopefully those guys will continue to shine.

Super

Some might argue that the golf brand was more valuable by a lot of measures in the period 2000-2002 or other strong woods periods.

Mac, It depends on your point of view. I'm not talking about the value of the golf brand. I'm talking about levels of competition, and Golf as a spectator sport.

I don't believe any sport where one participant is head and shoulders above the competition is conjusive to a healthy product.
2010 and 2011 were excellent in that respect.