Players I'm Watching This Week

Some of the foreign Tours are at the end of their schedules this week, while others are beginning their wrap around seasons, so for most in the United States, there won't be any meaningful golf played for the next month; however, this does not mean there aren't plenty of story lines taking place in tournaments around the world. There are several players that are in search of big weeks for one reason or another. Here are a few tournaments, and the players I am keeping an eye on for one reason or another.

Japan Tour:

Koumei Oda - Oda opened the JT Cup 2014 with a 64 and jumped out to an early lead, but a second round 72 leaves him one shot back. Oda is currently leading the Order Of Merit and is within shouting distance of the Top 50 in the Official World Golf Rankings. A win may secure an invitation to the Masters and the Open Championship next year.

Hiroshi Iwata - Was on fire for several weeks, but a missed cut last week put him in jeopardy to finish outside the top 3 in the Order Of Merit, which would get him into several of the World Golf Championship events next year. Iwata is currently at even par through 2 rounds, five shots back.

Ryo Ishikawa - I have never tried to hide the fact that Ishikawa is my favorite player, and I follow every event he is in. After several lackluster events on the Japan Tour, Ishikawa is looking for a big week to springboard him into next season. Ishikawa is currently in solo 6th and two shots back of the leader.

LPGA Q-School:

Sakura Yokokine - I have been advocating for Yokomine to join the LPGA for a couple years now, and I may get my wish, as she is participating in the Q-School this year. After two average rounds, Yokomine shot a third round 66 to put her in perfect position to get her card.

Ha Na Jang - The player from the KLPGA Tour that we would be talking about if Hyo Joo Kim didn't win every tournament she saw last season. Finished tied for third at the Evian Championship last year. A big hitter that is sure to overpower a few courses. Started off looking rough, but has rebounded, and is now in the lead at the Q-School. Should have her card, baring a collapse.

Charley Hull - Exploded onto the scene last year when, as a 17 year old, she dominated Paula Creamer in the singles match of the 2013 Solheim Cup. Became the youngest winner on the Ladies European Tour last year. Has some work to do the final two days of the tournament if she were to get her card.

European Tour:

The Field - There are 29 players currently participating in the Nedbank Golf Championship in South Africa for the first tournament of the European Tour season. Currently, Luke Donald has a two shot lead over Ross Fisher at the halfway point. There are enough big names in this event to interest me the rest of the way.

Hero World Challenge:

Tiger Woods - I honestly don't care much about this meaningless tournament, but it is Tiger's first event back from injury, and I would be lying if I said I didn't have at least some interest in seeing how he does. He finished dead last on Thursday, but rebounded today and is currently -4 for the day (tournament currently in suspension for rain). Unfortunately for Tiger, the conditions are so good that his -4 didn't really gain him any ground, but he just needs to remain healthy and upright for four rounds and it will be a success.

Hideki Matsuyama - Two top 10's on the PGA Tour and a win on the Japan Tour is what Matsuyama is currently riding into this event. If we are going to see a new Asian Invasion onto the PGA Tour, Matsuyama is going to be the man who leads it. Could Matsuyama become the first Japanese player to win a major? Matsuyama is currently at -7, three back of leader Henrik Stenson.

Jordan Speith - Third place in Japan, followed by a dominating win in Australia, and Speith is rolling right now. A big event here will springboard him into the 2015 calender year. Speith finished yesterday with the lead, but has only managed a one under par round to this point on Friday, and is currently three back of Stenson.

Asian Tour:

Padraig Harrington - Padraig's time as a player may be running out if he doesn't make the most of the playing opportunities he currently has. He is currently tied for the lead at the rain delayed Indonesia Open. A win will help reestablish some kind of form for the three time major champion. 

Scott Hend - Up and down season on the Asian Tour this year, but had a win and a runner up finish in back to back weeks about a month ago. Had the opportunity to gain his Tour card, but unfortunately missed the cut in all four events in the Web.com Tour finals. Currently T4 and three shots back.