Some 2014 Predictions…

Last year I wrote in my year-end blog post predicting what would happen in the world of golf for 2013 that I wanted to “try to evolve this blog and what I write about in the world of golf for next year. Should be a lot of fun.”

Little did I know that I was about three months away from joining the world of golf communications and media full-time. A big prediction for myself and one that I’m glad came true.

With respect to the golf world. I did alright. I was really off regarding Rory McIlroy, but a couple of solid thoughts on the world of Canadian golf and the Presidents Cup.

Without further delay, here are my predictions for 2014 (even though they’re pointless)

Thanks for reading. Happy New Year!

***********************************************************************

Who will be no.1 in the world at this time next year?

2013 prediction: Rory McIlroy (Actual: Tiger Woods)

2014 prediction: Rory McIlory. Can I keep the same prediction? He seems to be rounding into form again, and more time with the new equipment – and hopefully the rest of the off-course distractions will be minimized for 2014 – will only allow McIlroy to dominate the game once again.

How many times will Tiger win?

2013 prediction: Twice, including the Open Championship (Actual: five wins, no majors)

2014 prediction: Three times, including the PGA Championship

Will any of the ‘Best to Never Win a Major’ win a major?

2013 prediction: Yes (Actual: None of my picks were correct. But with Adam Scott, Jason Dufner, and Justin Rose capturing big ones in 2013, I think they count)

2014 prediction: Yes

The winners of the Majors will be?

2013 predictions (in chronological order): Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald, Tiger Woods, Bo Van Pelt (Actuals: Adam Scott, Justin Rose, Phil Mickelson, Jason Dufner)

2014 predictions (in chronological order): Henrik Stenson, Adam Scott, Sergio Garcia, Tiger Woods

Ryder Cup?

My prediction for the Presidents Cup: The U.S.A will bounce back from its Ryder Cup disappointment; however, it will be a lot closer than many think. The International side is coming into good form. (Actual: I was pretty much bang-on here. Although it felt like the U.S. drummed the International side, the scoring was close, finishing 18.5-15.5)

For 2014, the Ryder Cup returns to Scotland for the first time since 1973. Although I’d like to say that Tom Watson will light a fuse for the American side, I feel that team Europe is just too strong. And, playing on their home soil will be a big advantage.

PGA Tour Player of the Year?

2013 prediction: McIlroy, again (and I predicted he would win three times). (Actual: Tiger Woods, on the heels of his five victories)

2014 prediction: Adam Scott, but it will be close with Tiger.

Major I want to attend the most?

Last year I said the U.S. Open at Merion, and this year I’d again have to go with the U.S. Open. Pinehurst is such an iconic spot and I’d love to see the new course layout. Plus, there is going to be such a palpable buzz all week with Mickelson going after the career slam. What a victory that would be.

CANADIAN CONTENT…

 My 2013 predictions were:

  • James Lepp will get an exemption into the Canadian Open
  • Brad Fritsch will finish 108th on the money list, with two top-10s, and regain his PGA Tour card for 2014.
  • A Canadian will win on one of the major tours. Smart money is on the Web.com Tour (with the LPGA a close second)
  • Mike Weir will go on a run at the RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey – 10 years after his near-miss against Vijay Singh – to help spark a somewhat successful 2014.
  • Cabot Links will be announced as host of the Telus World Skins Game for 2014.
  • You’ll start hearing more about Chris Hemmerich in the world of Canadian amateur golf.

Actuals: Lepp didn’t get an exemption (although I still think that would have been cool). Fritsch finished just outside of the Top 125 but he did regain his PGA Tour card and got one top-10 (so 50% right on that one). No Canadian won on any of the major U.S. tours, and Canadians actually performed the worst on the Web.com Tour (whoops). Mike Weir went on a “sort of” run at the Canadian Open (shooting 67 in round two) and will be back on Tour in 2014. The Telus World Skins Game is caput, but in its place is the potential for a huge event in Atlantic Canada. Finally, I had a little to say about Hemmerich (see this story), but he also won his second OUA Championship in a row and will re-join Team Canada for next year.

My 2014 predictions:

  • Half of Team Canada’s Men’s team will turn professional before the end of the summer next year
  • Atlantic Canada will host one of the most impressive Canadian golf events ever next year
  • Graham DeLaet will win on the PGA Tour. My money is an early-season event. He’ll make the cut at two of the four majors
  • An unexpected name will be low Canadian at the Canadian Open.
  • Brooke Henderson will challenge at an LPGA event
  • A Canadian will once again be Player of the Year on PGA Tour Canada. Maybe Cory Renfrew.

3 thoughts on “Some 2014 Predictions…

  1. Often the computer keeps shutting off resulting from system overheating, loose connections
    related with Switched Mode Power (SMPS), bekymmer because of the notebook battery and
    additionally wrong setting up of Crash.

Leave a reply to Bridgett Cancel reply