10 Players Who Could Dominate the PGA Tour for the Next Decade

While Tiger is away the young fellows will play. And play they have. With the absence of a dominant power we have seen everything this year. From Darren Clarke's major breakthrough to Rory McIlroy's utter dominance.

However players like Clarke are on the downturn. Aging is a process that happens to everyone and not everyone does it as gracefully as "young" Tom Watson. He's a true anomaly of aging.

We all have heard some of the names to come, but who's for real? Can an older player really still dominate?

Rory McIlroy

The only question with this pick is will Rory even come over to join the PGA Tour? He's indicated it is a couple years off but it is coming. With that said, anyone who watched the US Open is aware of this young man's talent.

Anyone who knows golf has known that for a while. McIlroy's swing draws rave reviews from nearly any critic, and it's unlike Rickie Fowler's swing that many think will have to adjust with aging.

Should Rory McIlroy join the PGA Tour, he most certainly would be a force. Should he stay in Europe, it would be no different.

Dustin Johnson

Everyone wants to see this man succeed. After his choke at Pebble, his sand issues at Whistling Straights, and putting it out of bounds right with "all of Kent" to the left this year it's hard to not be sympathetic.

Unless you just think of the fact he's still a millionaire.

At this point, Johnson is at a make or break point. If he doesn't break through soon in a major, it's not hard to see a Sergio Garcia like career path of near misses.

All of the runner-up ribbons can get to a person and it would be awful to see Johnson succumb to disappointment. 

Rickie Fowler

Everyone is aware his download move on his swing needs to adjust for longevity. But in 10 years Fowler won't even be as old as Tiger Woods is currently.

Many people are skeptics of Fowler, but this is about up to 10 years in the future. Fowler does have the talent to win, it's just waiting to come out. High expectations have made Fowler seem sub-average when the reality is most first rookies and sophmores on tour don't have a win.

In the next 10 years, it's not difficult to see Fowler having success on the PGA Tour. There is a law of averages that will catch this kid.

Martin Kaymer

We know he can dominate because he was able to ascend to the revolving door that is the top spot in the world.

Even though it isn't as difficult to attain as when Tiger was around taking this rank is something to recognize. The experience of being under the pressure and having all of the lights on you is invaluable to a young player like Kaymer.

Plus with his first major already won he now has gotten over virtually every speed bump that a pro golfer has to go over at the start of his career.

Luke Donald

If there's anyone who has the ability to maintain longevity it's Luke Donald. His swing won't be the end of his career, he's had no injury issues, and his short game is incredible.

With a good short game, playing well throughout the later part of his career becomes an easier task. Ask Phil Mickelson which part of his game won him more tournaments.

Donald's potential to remain the top player is there, but he has to get a major soon to solidify his position in everyone's mind as well.

Patrick Cantlay

This kid has tons of talent. He has spent his summer living every college golfer's dream: playing on the PGA Tour and finishing in the top 25. 

He's getting allowed into every event that doesn't have stringent policies and sticking with the pros.

His plan is to stay an amateur for at least another year but at this point he may want to consider turning pro. The money he has lost is close to $60,000-75,000 because amateurs can't collect money.

If he isn't worried about that (which he must not be) then one more year of collegiate golf would be a great benefit to him. Rushing it can sometimes prove to be too much.

Regardless of when he's a pro, Patrick Cantlay should be a huge factor

Graeme McDowell

Right now is the prime of McDowell's career. The next 10 years can define who he is as a player. 

That definition could be great, or less than stellar. McDowell has struggled to regain the magic he captured last year when he won the US Open and then dominated golf for the rest of the year.

However, the spotlight can sometimes get too bright and it should be a matter of adjustments till McDowell is back relevant on a weekly basis.

Bubba Watson

After a near miss at last year's PGA Championship, Bubba Watson has made two things apparent: he wants to win and he really dislikes the European Tour's security.

Watson's capability to succeed is limited by his attitude. Most people aren't aware that prior to all of his successes, Bubba was a struggling pro with anger management issues. It was his caddy who forced him to change his ways, and Bubba seemed to do well.

However a slip up prior to the Open has many people wondering if Watson's newfound stardom could be too much for a guy who seems so simple.

Watson has the talent to play well. Hey it's got to take a lot of talent to hit the ball straight with that swing.

Matteo Manassero

This is another McIlroy case of when and will he come over to the PGA Tour? Manassero has shown the potential to be one of the world's best, if not the best golfer. And he's not even 20. 

His best strength is his mental game. Every commentator say Manassero is playing the golf of a 10 year veteran in only his second full year of professional golf.

He may come over to the PGA Tour in two years time with McIlroy's estimate, or he could accept dual membership. Worst case scenario is you have to watch him at 5 am at some European Tour event in Germany.

No matter what, Matteo Manassero will be a man to watch with Rory McIlroy for the next two decades.

Tiger Woods

Don't deny it, don't try to say he can't. If Tiger Woods is healthy, if he gets over his putting woes, if he plays his game, we know he can dominate golf.

He's done it for the past decade and he can do it for another. Let's not look at all of the negatives looming on Tiger. Focus on potential. It's limitless.

Although hampered by injuries, modern medicine may make it feasible for Woods to play until he's 50. However, Woods' game will have to evolve as well.

Don't waste your time saying Tiger can't because you'll only look the fool if he comes back and can dominate.