Golf in 2021 went one of two ways depending on who you ask. If you ask your average PGA Tour fan, they would tell you that last year provided some of the most electric golf seen in the past few seasons. If you asked my playing partner they would tell you that it was unbelievably brutal to watch. While some disagree with the aforementioned statements, there’s no argument that 2022 will bring golf fans an abundance of drama to talk about for months. Today we will break down five PGA Tour players to look out for during this year’s play.
Jordan Spieth
Spieth came back to form in 2021. Although wins won’t indicate it, Spieth scorched his way past 70 positions in the OWGR (Official World Golf Rankings) in under 12 months. On January 3rd, 2021 Spieth was ranked 84th in the world. He is now 14th, cementing last year’s comeback as a legitimate. The Texas native was ranked first on tour for putts between 20-25 ft. in 2021. If minor tweaks can be made around the fairways this year, Spieth has the potential to wreak havoc on the field. Tune in when the 150th Open is played at St. Andrews in July. Historically, the green jacket holder has a record of dominant play at links courses. Last year he carded a 13-under for the tournament, finishing 2nd place behind Collin Morikawa, as well as a victory of his own in 2017 at age 23. Look for him to take a charge this summer at the Old Course.
Jon Rahm
If Spieth went crazy, Rahm went psychotic. After being pulled from the Memorial tournament in which he was leading at the time by 6-strokes, Rahm went on a tear. After a T-5 finish in April at the Masters, Rahm only improved his play throughout the season. In June, Rahm won the coveted U.S. Open at Torrey Pines. As one of four majors, the U.S. Open is one of the most viewed and marketed tournaments of the PGA season. This win was a huge launching pad for Rahm, as 2021 became a year he became a major threat to any other competitor in the field.
Viktor Hovland
The young Norweigan was an incredible standout this year. Hovland recently defended his championship at the World Wide Technology Championship at Mayakoba in November. The 24-year-old was the first player to defend his title in the tournament’s 15-year history. After his performance at the WWTC, Hovland made it clear that his short game had been improved tremendously. In tournaments leading up to his win, Hovland was severely struggling with his approach game. When adjustments are properly made, he can become a clear front-runner for top-10 finishes in any given tournament. Look for him to have a huge year, and possibly rack up a couple more wins on the way.
Collin Morikawa
Morikawa set traditional golf on fire last year, similar to Jordan Spieth’s rise during the mid-2010s. Morikawa showcased his prowess as a young gun in the PGA, whose iron game is currently up there with the best the sport has to offer. After an explosive win at Royal St. George’s Golf Course in July, the young Berkley alumni elevated his name to transcendent levels. Not only does an Open win put you on the map, but it also brings along a load of expectations that Morikawa has met. 2022 should prove to be another huge year for the Open Championship winner, as he looks to repeat for the first time since Padraig Harrington in 2007.
Hideki Matsuyama
2021 was quite the year for Matsuyama. Considering a green jacket was only one of his many milestones in 2021, one has to wonder what could possibly compare. He also competed in the 2020 Olympics, falling one birdie short of placing on the podium. Matsuyama then got to live out his dream of winning in front of a home crowd in Japan at the Zozo Championship where he scored a 15-under for the tournament, taking the title by five strokes. He solidified himself as a serious threat to the top-ranked players in the world in 2021. Be ready for Matsuyama to have another consistent year, placing himself amongst the best that the game has to offer.
What to expect
Covid provided something special in America’s golf fan base, as casual players and viewers alike both saw historic growth. Given the number of people drawn to the sport in recent times, it’s reasonable to believe the PGA tour will be on a similar uptick this year with the field of competition as highly-toted as it is. 2021 brought along some newly-found Golf Drama in the continuation of Capital One’s “The Match”. As audiences grow, prepare for even more Golf Drama (Brooks Koepka & Bryson DeChambeau included) to unfold this calendar year.
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