We can now start counting down to the Masters using the number of weeks rather than months, and anybody who is a golf fan is giddy with excitement over the annual spring major at Augusta. I figured I'd take the time to make a few predictions about the majors that I am absolutely going to mess up. Here, in my opinion, are the four major champions for 2014.
The Masters:
Jason Day
Day fits the bill of someone who should contend at Augusta on a regular basis. Ball striking is up, putting has improved, and that has lead to two victories since November. Day came close a few years ago to winning the Green Jacket, and with Adam Scott winning last year, it takes the pressure off of being the first Australian to win the Masters. As long as Day is healthy, he should be a contender, and I would guess he would walk away with the whole thing.
If Not Him, Then: Tiger Woods
If Tiger is going to win a major in 2014, it needs to be the Masters. The road becomes far more difficult after Augusta, and given how bad he has started the 2014 season, I don't have much confidence in him contending. It is Tiger, however, and it is Augusta. Never say never.
US Open:
Jimmy Walker
Pinehurst is going to beat up on every player that walks that course, and the winner is going to need to be someone with the mental fortitude to withstand the onslaught. Walker has waited an entire career to round into form, and he seems like an unstoppable train now. Walker is also someone who can make a few bogeys and shake them off. If he is in contention on Sunday, look for him to be the crowd favorite, which should give him a boost.
If Not Him, Then: Phil Mickelson
I would love nothing more than to see Phil complete the career Grand Slam, and anything could happen, especially considering Phil's history with the US Open and at Pinehurst, but if you're asking for my opinion right now, I think we're not going to see the ending to the story this year.
The Open Championship:
Thomas Bjorn
The Open has lately been the major that rewards long, hardworking careers, with recent champions being Phil Mickelson and Darren Clarke, as well as championship runs made in their 50's with Greg Norman and Tom Watson. I think the trend continues this year as Bjorn finally makes up for the Open he lost in 2003 and wins a major, completing his career revival.
If Not Him, Then: Sergio Garcia
This could very well be the year Sergio gets that major title we thought he could never win. His confidence has returned, and he is hitting the ball better than we've seen in recent years. What a story that could be.
PGA Championship:
Zach Johnson
Zach Johnson is so good that I forget he's only won one major. If any major sets up for him, it's the PGA Championship. As long as he remains in form all season long, he could easily take this.
If Not Him, Then: Patrick Reed
Winning a major has as much to do with confidence as it does with ball striking, and nobody is filled with more confidence these days than Patrick Reed. PGA Championship has been a good place for first time major winners, including those who haven't had much major experience in the past. It would not be shocking to see Reed win the PGA Championship in his first attempt.
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