Predicting the Biggest Surprises on the PGA Tour in 2015
There's something inherently oxymoronic about predicting surprises, but we're going to do it anyway. Will any of 2015's unexpected events rival the emergence of Fowler the Major Contender? Rickie Fowler's top-five finishes in all four majors were collectively one of the the biggest surprises on the PGA Tour last season.
Fowler did everything but win one of golf's four most significant events, accomplishing a feat only two other golfers in history have been able to. Unfortunately for Fowler, the other two golfers to finish inside the top five in all four majors (Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods) each won a major during their seasons of brilliance.
Click through to have a look.
Tiger Woods Actually Has a Respectable Season
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What are the odds Tiger Woods has a good season in 2015?
Well, according to Vegas, Tiger's odds to win the Masters are 15-1, which is second-best to Rory McIlroy, per Vegas Insider.
And with the limited data we've been presented with so far in the 2014-2015 season, Woods' prospects look good (although his pitching does not).
Woods appears to be getting back to basics with "swing consultant" Chris Como. Assuming his back remains structurally sound, and he doesn't encounter any of the various leg issues that have plagued him in the past decade, there's not a compelling reason to bet against Woods.
Assuming a near repeat of his last season without significant injury (2013): Woods should win at least three or four times in 2015.
Phil Mickelson Fails to Rebound from Lackluster 2014
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Much was made of Phil Mickelson's lackluster 2013-2014 season.
While Mickelson himself feels good about his prospects for 2015 and beyond, he could surprise and lay another egg this season.
Mickelson's putting dropped off significantly in 2014. In 2013, the left-hander was fifth on tour in strokes gained: putting. Last season, however, Mickelson was 50th in the stat. His greens-in-regulation percentage slumped as well in 2014. And after leading the tour in birdies in 2013, Mickelson dropped to 26th in 2014.
What indication, besides his inspired weekend at the PGA Championship, has Mickelson given that he's going to reverse these trends in 2014? Don't be surprised if 2015 is another disappointing season for the 44-year-old.
Rory McIlroy Doesn't Win the Masters
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Amid significant off-course distractions, Rory McIlroy won't be able to get the job done at the Masters this year.
While it's unfair to heap mounds of blame on the unfortunate Ms. Wozniacki, the tail-end of their relationship wasn't a great testament to how well Rory McIlroy performs when dealing with distractions. The Ulsterman, of course, was adjusting to new equipment as well.
Still, it wouldn't be surprising to see young Rory's contentious legal battle (and the necessity of testifying in Ireland) weighing on him, influencing his practice and preparation and ultimately compromising his Masters effort.
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Carlos Ortiz, Justin Thompson or Other Rookies Account for Two-Plus Victories
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The PGA Tour's 2014-2015 rookie class is a strong one.
The likes of Nick Taylor, Tony Finau, Blayne Barber, Carlos Ortiz, Justin Thomas, Zac Blair and Andrew Putnam will all be competing on the PGA Tour for the first time in 2015.
In fact, the pool of talent is so deep you can count on the players above accounting for more than two victories.
These rookies are just that good.
Brandt Snedeker Returns to the Winner's Circle
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Brandt Snedeker had the worst season of his career as a fully exempt PGA Tour player. After making 17 of 23 cuts in 2013, notching nine top-10 finishes and earning more than $5 million, Snedeker saw his top-10s drop to three in 2014. He also earned just $1.6 million.
Likely dissatisfied with the above, the mop-headed Vanderbilt alum made the switch from longtime coach Todd Anderson to Butch Harmon in July. According to Rich Hunt of GolfWRX, Snedeker's ball flight flattened out in 2014, which made it difficult for the short hitter to hold greens with his approach shots. He also developed a tendency to miss to the left, the opposite of his established miss to the right.
Assuming Snedeker can get the tendencies under control, and is thus able to keep the ball closer to the hole on his approach shots, there's no doubt he's due for a rebound in 2015. And considering he won twice in 2013 and twice in 2012, you can expect him to return to raising a trophy this season as well.
Keegan Bradley Has More Success with Short Putter Than Long
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Keegan Bradley has used a long putter since at least his first full season on tour, 2011. He used the sweeper to capture the 2011 PGA Championship and two additional victories.
In 2016, however, the USGA will be taking Mr. Bradley's long putter out of his hands. Instead of using his broomstick until the 11th hour, Bradley (at the Hero World Challenge, at least) elected to switch to a shorter, counterbalanced putter with pretty good results. He did pretty well for himself, finishing tied for third in the competition.
Bradley was 29th on tour in strokes gained: tee to green, he was 47th in strokes gained: putting and 18th on tour in birdies in 2013. If he can improve on his putting slightly, he should be able to record his first win since 2012 thanks to the combination of a boost in confidence, slightly better play and experience at the venues he's teeing it up at (many of which he's playing for the fifth or sixth time as a professional).
Dustin Johnson Has the Best Season of His Career
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The underlying theory behind this "surprise" is a simple one: If you spend more time practicing, working out and otherwise preparing as a professional golfer, you'll have more success than if you spend your time doing things like this and this.
Dustin Johnson, reportedly, has been behaving himself since his "leave of absence" began, working out and practicing in earnest as he prepares to return to the tour and become a father, according to Golf Digest's Tim Rosaforte.
Obviously, Johnson has a wealth of talent. With his head screwed on straight, a stable foundation beneath his feet and plenty of hours of practice beneath his belt, this should be DJ's best campaign yet.
All stats via PGATour.com
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