Five Golfers to Challenge Tiger
Young golf pros who have the ability to succeed in Tiger’s World
It will take more than impeccable golf skills and mental toughness to give the world's best golfer a serious, sustained challenge. A lack of experience is also required.
Experience is generally a plus, but in golf, a game that is largely mental, bad experiences can't often be overcome. Such successful pros as Greg Norman, Scott Hoch, and, a bit further back, Doug Ford, arguably never overcame classic collapses. It remains to be seen whether Phil Mickelson and Colin Montgomery (2006 U.S. Open), as well as Jean Van de Velde (1999 Open Championship), will return to true form after snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. With a player of the caliber of Tiger Woods always lurking nearby, a lack of such a collapse is essential. Without that hindrance to the psyche, a person who possesses exceptional golf skills, confidence and toughness will have a chance to approach Tiger’s success.
Here are five, 20- and 30-something golfers, who have what it takes. What they do with their abilities from here is another matter.
1. Henrik Stenson (Sweden) - After turning pro in 1999, Stenson quickly became a star. The current Order of Merit leader on the European PGA Tour, Stenson played primarily on that tour until 2006. Twice a winner in 2006 (The Heritage and BMW International Open) and twice already in 2007 (Dubai Desert classic and the Accenture World Golf Championship), he has risen to 6th in the Official World Golf Ranking.
2. Geoff Ogilvy (Australia) - The 29-year-old Ogilvy had a superb 2006 season and is on the brink of another in 2007. Last year he won the Accenture World Match Play and the U.S. Open, he was second at the Honda Classic and Target World Challenge and finished ninth at the PGA Championship. This year, he was second at the World Match Play, third at the CA Championship and he has only finished outside the top-25 in two tournaments.
3. Adam Scott (Australia) - At age of 27, Scott has been firmly implanted among the top-10 golfers in the world for some time, presently No. 3 in the Official World Golf ranking. His skill and ability is unquestionably superb and he carries, even when the putts aren’t dropping, a confident demeanor. There are two minor factors that place him below Stenson and Ogilvy. First, he has more "history" against Tiger and in premier events, which could play against him. Even though he’s had some success, he hasn’t won a Major and he hasn’t beaten Tiger. Which leads to the second factor, he’s voiced too much admiration for Woods’ skill. It is certainly true, but a player of the caliber and youth of Adam Scott shouldn’t have that much admiration for anyone. Simply put, head to head on Sunday, such awe doesn’t bode well for Scott.
4. Zach Johnson (United States) - The 2007 Masters Tournament champion displayed every characteristic needed to become one of the elite. Johnson maintained outstanding play throughout what is arguably the world’s premier golf tournament, and with Tiger Woods looming just behind. He was able to maintain focus and concentration throughout, rather than worrying about others. Possibly most important to his focus and play was his faith. Johnson, a devout Christian, was able to keep the proper perspective on the course through his faith in Christ and maintained the presence of mind to give credit where credit was due after his victory. He’s a refreshing young player and should see continued success.
5. Vaughn Taylor (United States) - Imagine being an Augusta, Georgia native playing in the Masters and receiving high accolades from early round playing partner Gary Player. That would be a lot of pressure to face. Taylor faced it all very well by exhibiting great play and earning a 10th place finish at Augusta. He possesses the right amount of fire, perspective and skill to be a superstar.
To see how these players are faring this year, and how they do in the future, visit the Suite 101 Weekly PGA Tour Standings Index or visit the Suite 101 Golf homepage.
