Doing what's been done, but better...

The first days of a new year serve as a fashionable occasion to offer predictions or start year long pools. My friends ask my input about whom to pick, and I help them when I can. I don't have all the answers, and barring the top 50 players in the world, past performance is never the most accurate indicator of future results. Injury, personal crises, boredom, and complacency are a few hurdles that are part of the chase, and, if overcoming them were easy, then the chase would not be nearly as thrilling or lucrative. Conversely, personal joy, learning a new shot, improved technique, increasing stamina or clubhead speed all can elevate the status of someone who has struggled in his career thus far. Ask me for a prediction, and it will doubtless be biased by my whom I have seen live and under the gun. Some have tremendous wow factor, others impressed me with their grit or course management. The proliferation of media and reportage does not leave too many secrets too well kept, but I will give it a shot. Here is a quick list in no particular order of not so obvious names of whom to watch, where they play, and why: 

 

1. Aron Price (Nationwide) - When I saw him at first stage in 2005, He and fellow Aussie Matt Jones (earned PGA Tour card via Nationwide Money List) had the two best golf swings of any player there by all objective measures. Strong iron player with good fire. 

2. Ryuji Imada (PGA) – One of the best short games on Tour. He will win this year. 

3. John Mallinger (PGA) – Gestalt golf game – well rounded without deficiency. Simple golf swing worth emulating. 

4. Jin Park (PGA) – Plain and simple, he plays with balls. On Tour, that goes a long way. 

5. Martin Laird (PGA) - Some guys hit it long, he hits it hard. Really hard. 

6. Chris Stroud (PGA) – Played Tour last year with a good finish in New Orleans. Best practice habits of any young American player I ever saw. 

7. John Merrick (PGA) – Long, accurate driver. Brilliant iron player. Beautiful putting stroke. Looks the part. 

8. Garret Osborn (Nationwide) – Attempted to qualify for Open Championship last year as an amateur. Attempted in Europe. Wants the big stage. 

9. Thomas Aiken (Europe) – Turned pro at 18. Absolutely kills it. 

10. Garth Mulroy (Nationwide) – Big hitter. Birdie machine. Ought to get a Tour card this year.