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2014-2015 Golf Season Milestones And Expectations

By Les Bailey

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Aug 7, 2014; Louisville, KY, USA; PGA golfer Tiger Woods lets go of his club after an errant drive during the first round of the 2014 PGA Championship golf tournament at Valhalla Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

There are some really nice things about being a Golf writer, and at the top of the list is the fact there is no off-season to speak of. What was it, all of three weeks? Unlike other main-line sports, there are no trades, or drafts to worry about. We had the PGA Championship, the FedEx Cup playoffs and the Ryder Cup, now it’s time to go back to work.

Tiger Woods

There are however, some very big questions, and story lines as we kick off the 2014-2015 wrap around season at the Fry.scom Open tomorrow. The biggest story, and the question on everyone’s mind is the health, and status of Tiger Woods. Like it or not, Tiger is still the Top Dawg in this sport, and until someone steps up and takes over, he will be the big story around the world of golf.

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One might think Tiger Woods is done, but we are only one season removed from five wins on the PGA Tour, a Player of the Year award, and a World number one ranking. His health and longevity has come into question during the 2014 season, but I, for one, do not think the 38 year-old phenom is done quite yet.

Although, I don’t think Jack’s record of 18 major championships is still in play, I think there are a few more majors, and many more wins in Tiger’s future. If his health can improve, possibly as soon as the 2015 season.

Rory McIlroy

Whats next for Rory McIlroy in 2015? April at Augusta should be abuzz with talk of a career slam for the 25 year-old Northern Irishman. It took him an entire season to climb back into the top spot in golf, but he did it with a flurry at the end. Two majors, a WGC event, and a dominate performance in the Ryder Cup.

Rory still has work to do on the European Tour before the season is over, but he should arrive, as usual, on the Florida Swing ready to play. His comeback from the disaster that was 2013 was swift and decisive once he figured out how to win again, I don’t see anything in his way for the next decade that would keep him from rivaling Tiger, and his records.

Billy Horschel

A star is Born! The 2014 FedEx Cup playoffs saw the emergence of Billy Horschel, and a bright new future on the PGA Tour. The former Florida Gator has a new child, confidence in his golf game, and enough money to last a lifetime. Now it’s on to more wins, and some major championships?

From what I saw after the missed six iron at TPC Boston, Billy Horschel has the talent, and confidence to have a nice career in golf, now let’s see if he can break the mold of previous FedEx Cup champions, and turn the win into a great career that includes a couple of majors. Maybe as soon as the 2015 season.

Rickie Fowler

If you look up “close, but no cigar” in the dictionary, you would find a picture of Rickie Fowler. He did everything in 2014 except win. Two second place finishes, two third place finishes, ten top ten’s and 14 top 25’s. Nineteen of 26 cuts made, but no wins. The two second place finishes were in majors. How can you get this close, this many times without a win? Maybe 2015 will be kinder to Rickie Fowler, and allow him to attain the status he deserves.

Phil Mickelson

Phil Mickelson had one of the worse seasons of his illustrious career in 2014, and the question begs to be asked. Was he just having a bad year, or is he done? With 42 wins, and five majors on his resume, he is still trying to win that first US Open. Phil has six runner-ups, and it still has to be the force that drives him to continue competing at this level. Father Time isn’t on his side at age 44, but I think he still has a chance. It didn’t come at Pinehurst, but maybe at Chambers Bay.

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