Golf news and predictions for 2008
The biggest news in golf for 2008 is the verdict in court of patent infringement against Titleist by Callaway Golf in regards to the Pro-V-1 golf balls. With Titleist holding the spot as the leading golf ball, the settlement and changes could be staggering.
With Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson not in the field for the season opening Mercedes Championship for tour winners, you could look at this as a late holiday gift to the other players. With 31 players in the field and 13 new players, it makes this an easier event to win, especially with Phil and Tiger home with their families.
2008 could well be a last chance at success for Davis Love III and Fred Couples. Both players have been fighting injuries and had limited success in 2007. Couples claims to have a full schedule planned early in the year which is close to home for him.
Let’s look at a couple of young players who have had up’s and downs.
Nick Watney had a stellar 2007 season with a win mid-season and I look for this Fresno native to continue his good play.
Aaron Oberholser comes off a year of good play when healthy but was off the tour more than on after surgery. His last action on the course in 2007 was as a caddy for his new wife, former LPGA player Angie Rizzo at Pebble Beach.
Scott McCarron from Reno has been off the tour for nearly 2-years because of surgery, but appears to be in good form playing well in some off-season events.
Michael Campbell won the U.S. Open in 2005 and how is ranked 174th in the world. Is it over for him, mostly playing the European tour in 2007, Campbell had 3 top 20’s.
How about Zack Johnson, the current Masters champion. We saw him in the skins game, but he seems pretty secure with his new stardom and look to see more wins for Zack.
John Daly is working with Butch Harmon on his game. (oh oh…Butch teaches in Las Vegas) Daly is trying for a comeback, but he looks bigger than ever and I see his game heading further south.
Speaking of comebacks, Steve Stricker won the comeback player of the year for the 2nd time. Don’t look for Tiger’s name on the trophy any time soon.
Good luck with your own golf in 2008, and if you have questions for me, be in touch through john@hookedongolf.com.
