My 2010 Crystal Golf Ball...

Posted Jan 06 2010, 01:39 PM by Cathy Erickson
It's Here!!  The 2010 PGA Tour season starts this week!  I realize for some golf fans the PGA season starts with the Masters and ends with the PGA Championship, but after finding an exploded case of Diet Coke with Lime in the back of my car on Monday (yes, it was THAT cold in my garage!), I need the warm thoughts of golf and Hawaii to replace the dread of having to clean out my car...thank goodness there were no golf clubs back there!

And for lots of folks, Fantasy Golf is starting soon, too.  I got a note about a fantasy league that has you pick all of your winners before the season even starts - say WHAT?  That is a tall order...but it reminded me that now is probably a great time to share some predictions for the 2010 PGA Tour season.  I know after last season's somewhat successful predictions I should probably quit while I'm ahead, but heck, this is part of what makes golf fun!
 
I think the first question on everyone's mind is probably, "when is Tiger coming back"?  My guess is that he'll be back for sure at the Masters, and possibly one or two events before that.
 
My first predictions...the Majors...the courses are amazing this year and I think that has to play a factor in who is the right winner for each track.  Tiger obviously has to be considered for all of them this year, but I think he'll come through at the British Open (at St. Andrews) for his 1 major in 2010 (but he will have a multiple win season).
 
There would be nothing I'd love to see more than Steve Stricker winning a major in '10 (or all 4!!  The Stricker Slam...I like the sound of that!)  And as much as I want it to be at the Masters, I think Stricker will ride the wave of all his Wisconsin fans and take home the Wannamaker Trophy at the PGA Championship being held at Whistling Straits (T2G may need an on course reporter...I'm available!).
 
Well, that leaves us with the Masters and the US Open...I'm going with Phil Mickelson at the Masters.  I'm feeling a great year for Lefty and I think Augusta has a lot of love for Mickelson.  If not Phil, Kenny Perry will be back to erase the scar from 2009.  Mickelson will win 3 times this year.
 
I love Pebble Beach, and in US Open conditions, it's going to play tough!  A guy that had to endure a tough season last year is going to reap the benefits in 2010...I see Padraig Harrington coming through for yet another major.  If not Harrington, I think it might be Lee Westwood.
 
The Players Championship is another favorite event of mine and I think you might see Tiger taking this one home.  But if still on his "leave of absence" then watch out for Jim Furyk.
 
I am totally on the Ricky Fowler fan bus, and I think he's going to contend in many tournaments...but alas, I don't think we'll see his first PGA Tour win until 2011.
 
Matt Kuchar will improve his place on the money list in 2010 - he had a great 24th place finish in 2009, but with another win this year, and contending in 2 majors, he will be inside the top 20.  Go Matt!!
 
Also in the winner's circle in 2010 will be Ernie Els...I'm not sure where, but he's ready to win!  Also returning to the podium will be Mike Weir and David Toms.
 
I hope I was a year early in predicting a great year for Justin Leonard - I see a win in the Texas swing this year!  I had high hopes in 2009 and we just got a marginal year from him.  I also sent some snow down to Texas so he could toughen up this season!
 
I am predicting that Anthony Kim will not win on tour this year.  Prove me wrong AK!
 
Young guns, McIlory and Ishikawa will come close but will be beat out by tour veterans like Jim Furyk and Phil Mickelson.
 
Jerry Kelly will win the Kodak Challenge.
 
Surprise bright spots will be Vaughn Taylor and Brandt Snedeker.  And the "other Lefty" who will have a great 2010 is Bubba Watson...he will be at the SBS in 2011 after a win this season.
 
Okay!  There you have it...my 2010 predictions - feel free to use them all! (if they don't come true I was just tricking you!)  Or better yet, let me know some of your predictions!
 
Hmmm...  one more bonus prediction - winner of the SBS this week?  Oh, you know it, Steve Stricker!!
 
 Happy 2010 & Happy New PGA Tour Season!!
 
PS...are you looking for a free Fantasy Golf Game?  Check out http://www.kerplookee.com/ 

Filed under: Justin Leonard, Phil Mickelson, Kenny Perry, Steve Stricker, TIger Woods, Anthony Kim, Jerry Kelly, Vaughn Taylor, McIlroy, Majors, Ricky Fowler, Padraig Harrington, Mike Weir, Lee Westwood, David Toms, Ryo Ishikawa, Brandt Snedeker