Preview of 2011 - The US View

Guest post from Kevin Hill of The Urban Golfer

We've already done our look ahead at the 2011 golf season and given the friendly rivalry in golf at the moment between Europe and the US, the following article is a guest post from Kevin Hill, Chicago,  of The Urban Golfer.

2011 Review and Predictions

One of the big stories continuing from 2010 is the growing rivalry between Europe and the USA.  With the Euros pulling off a dramatic Ryder Cup win at the rain soaked Celtic Manor, and many top Euros not playing the majority of their tourneys on the PGA in 2011, we will see the media turn its attention across the pond.  This will lead us to the most anticipated Ryder Cup ever at Medinah Country Club outside of Chicago in 2012.  I know it is two years away, but I can guarantee we will hear a lot of banter leading up to the highly anticipated competition. 

Who are the four major winners? 

Masters: Tiger won’t be ready quite yet, but his replacement in the #1 world rankings will be.  It is hard not to go with Lee Westwood to win his first major at the historic Augusta National Golf Club. His scoring ability makes up for his touch around the greens.

U.S. Open: We will not see a repeat. The Northern Irishman’s hangover will last well into the summer of 2012.  I do, however, see the winner coming from overseas.  Following his solid 2010 campaign, Paul Casey will take home the U.S. Open trophy. 

British Open:  A little role reversal - I see a Yank taking home the Claret Jug.  YES, Tiger is back with his first tournament win of 2011 at Royal St. Georges Golf Club in Sandwich Kent. 

PGA Championship: We will see a South African take home another major, and no I’m not talking the Big Easy or Shrek.  You heard it here first: I’m talking about Charl Schwartzel.  This kid is as consistent as they come. Hotlanta, here comes the kid from Johannesburg.

Who will finish the year as the # 1 ranked player?

Tiger and why he won’t? Tiger doesn’t play enough golf.  He will be flirting with the #1 ranking again but he will end 2011 at #2.  

Westwood and why he will?  Westwood will retain the world #1. Why? Simple, because he is very good and plays a lot of golf.  I don’t see any injuries lingering over into 2011.  

Someone else and why? Maybe if Kaymer can win another major but I don’t see that happening in 2011. 

Who will be the FedEx point winner?  

He flirted with it in 2010 and will win it in 2011.  Yes I’m talking about the Englishman who resides in Chicago, Luke Donald.  Seems he is always on the first page of the leader board, and that is what it takes to take home the $10 MIL. 

Who will have the better year following the ROY debate?  

Rickie Fowler or Rory McIlroy?  Do we see a little party boy A. Kim coming from Rory? His Twitter page suggests he likes to have a cocktail here and there, but hey who doesn’t.  I like Rickie to break through and get two wins this year.  Advantage R. Fowler.

The story of the year?

Tiger is back and the Europeans still dominate. See you in Hawaii!!

For the full predications low down from the Urban Golfer team visit: http://theurbangolfer.net/home/2011/1/3/2011-pga-tour-and-golf-predictions.html

Guest post from Kevin Hill, The urban male who enjoys golf, the 19th hole, fashion and travel.  

For more information check out the Urban Golfer for golf news, PGA tour news via www.theurbangolfer.net