After a closely disrupted 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, {the golfing} world, very similar to the remainder of sport on the whole, was eager to bounce again sturdy in 2021 with the resumption of tournaments and worldwide journey.
As we wave goodbye to a different yr and welcome in 2022, it’s time to take inventory and replicate as soon as once more.
We sat down with eight occasions Ryder Cup participant, thrice Ryder Cup captain, and Golf Care ambassador Bernard Gallacher to talk by way of the highs and lows of 2021, what he hopes to see in 2022, and the important thing gamers to look out for.
Right here’s what he needed to say…
Bernard’s 2021 golf highlights
- The European group’s efficiency on the Solheim Cup was very good. The competitors occurred on the Inverness Membership in Toledo, Ohio, and Europe’s win was solely the second time they’ve managed such a feat on American soil. Captained by the excellent Catriona Mathews, the complete Europe group had been stars – however a particular point out should go to Leona Maguire. Maguire gained 4.5 factors out of a attainable 5, setting a brand new rookie report and provoking her group to victory within the course of.
- Hideki Matsuyama clinched success on the Augusta Masters, changing into the primary Japanese main winner and recipient of the coveted Inexperienced Jacket.
- Phil Mickelson turned the oldest winner of a serious at 50 years and 11 months. His victory on the USPGA at Kiawah Island set a brand new report.
- Spanish golfer Jon Rahm gained his first ever main on the US Open at Torrey Pines.
- American Collin Morikawa, who completed primary golfer on the European Tour, impressively held off a late problem from Jordan Spieth to win the 149th Open at Royal St George’s by two strokes. The match was blessed with superb summer season climate, which, in a method, made up for the match’s postponement in 2020.
- Patrick Cantlay claimed report winnings on the PGA Tour, profitable the year-ending Tour Championship and a cheque for a whopping $15m within the course of.
- Bryson de Chambeau continued to impress. His driving and prodigious size off the tee makes him the consummate showman and one of many most-watched golfers on this planet.
- Younger Danish twins Rasmus and Nicolai Hojgaard each gained tournaments in successive weeks. Rasmus gained the Omega European Masters at Crans sur Sierre in Switzerland. Per week later, his brother Nicolai gained the Italian Open on the Marco Simone Golf Membership in Rome – the venue for the 2023 Ryder Cup. The actual fact these two are solely 20-years-old makes their achievements all of the extra spectacular.
- At age 48, British golfer Richard Bland turned the oldest first-time winner on the European Tour, profitable the Betfred British Masters at the Belfry.
What didn’t go so nicely for golf in 2021?
- One of many yr’s largest disappointments was Europe’s whopping 10-point Ryder Cup defeat at Whistling Straights, Wisconsin. COVID journey protocols meant only a few European supporters had been current, and the large partisan residence assist spurred on the American aspect. The affect of the gang on the Ryder Cup can by no means be underestimated.
- Though for many mere mortals, being ranked eighth on this planet can be a trigger for celebration, for Rory McIlroy, it exhibits room for enchancment. McIlroy started 2021 ranked in fourth, however after a protracted season and simply two wins, he finds himself in eighth (on the time of writing). McIlory measures his success when it comes to majors, so with a tied-7th place end within the US Open his finest main results of the season, he’ll be marking 2021 as a disappointment in his books. Nevertheless, I’m assured it gained’t be lengthy earlier than we see him again profitable majors once more.
- The accidents Tiger Woods sustained in his automotive accident are so extreme, I’m undecided we’ll ever see him compete in a serious once more. He’s not getting any youthful both, which is a tragic thought. Nevertheless, you may by no means fully write him off.
Wanting ahead to golf in 2022
Prime golfers to look out for in 2022: Bernard’s picks
- Jon Rahm – the world primary seemingly has no weaknesses in his sport. He’ll proceed to impress.
- Collin Morikawa – not essentially the most highly effective of gamers however a really spectacular straight iron participant with a great temperament.
- Dustin Johnson – lengthy and straight off the tee and a great putter; it’s solely a matter of time earlier than Johnson provides to his two majors.
- Justin Thomas – a really spectacular participant in each division.
- Victor Hovland – already a winner on each the PGA Tour and the DP World Tour at simply 24-years-old, this Norwegian star has the potential to clinch a serious.
- Sam Burns – one of many PGA Tour’s rising stars.
- Jordan Spieth – after a few years within the doldrums, we noticed a dramatic enchancment to Spieth’s sport in 2021. He moved from 82nd within the World Rankings as much as 14th.
- Tyrell Hatton – feisty participant who performs a great sport and has a powerful dedication to succeed. Hatton is one to observe for certain.
- Matt Fitzpatrick – undoubted potential and able to break by way of and safe a win on the PGA Tour.
- Lee Westwood – nonetheless performs a great sport and stays centered. Westwood turned down the possibility to be Europe’s subsequent Ryder Cup captain in order to not be distracted from his principal aim of profitable tournaments.
- Tommy Fleetwood – can be the primary to confess he had a troublesome season on the PGA Tour in 2021, ending exterior the highest 125. Nevertheless, he’s just too good to not bounce again.
- Justin Rose – accidents and relocating again to the UK hampered Rose’s 2021 season, however I belief him to bounce again sturdy.
Many because of Bernard for giving us his ideas. Who’re you backing {for golfing} success in 2022?
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