2011 PGA PREVIEW
A new PGA season begins Thursday with the Tournament of Champions in Hawaii. Here are some topics and players likely to be talked about in the upcoming year:
STORIES TO WATCH
1 Will Tiger rebound? Tiger Woods is always the story, but especially in 2011. He failed to win a tournament last year for the first time in his career. He turned 35 on Dec. 30, which is not old for a golfer, but many wonder if his best years are behind him. Don't count on it. "As a golfer I learned so much more this year than any other year, and as a person, infinitely more," Woods said. "So it's been a very successful year, even though it was a very painful year as well."
2 Will Lee Westwood remain the world's top golfer? The 37-year-old Brit rose to the top of the class despite not having a major championship on his résumé. But he has been one of the most consistent players the past two years. He'll start 2011 as the world's No. 1-ranked player. It will be interesting to see how he handles that pressure.
3 Will sponsors stay on board? Purses for 2011 PGA events remain the same as 2010. That's good news for the players. But the tour must negotiate new TV deals this year, and FedEx's contract is up for renewal as title sponsor of the FedEx Cup. The PGA is nothing without sponsors, so keeping them on board is crucial.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
1 Lee Westwood: Now he's on the radar, but can he handle the tag of being the best golfer not to win a major?
2 Jim Furyk: Can he repeat his 2010 season, when he won three times and claimed the FedEx Cup?
3 Rickie Fowler: The reigning rookie of the year did not win in 2010. Expect that to change in 2011.
4 Bo Van Pelt: Going out on a limb , but he had eight top 10s in 28 starts and won more than $3 million in 2010.
5 Dustin Johnson: He won twice last season and was in the hunt at the U.S. Open and PGA Championship.
2010 MONEY LEADERS
Matt Kuchar$4,910,477
Jim Furyk$4,809,622
Ernie Els$4,558,861
Dustin Johnson$4,473,122
Steve Stricker$4,190,235
2010 MAJOR CHAMPIONS
Masters: Phil Mickelson
U.S. Open: Graeme McDowell
British Open: Louis Oosthuizen
PGA: Martin Kaymer
ST. PETERSBURG TIMES
