Only the Beginning

As 2011 approaches I can't help but think about what I'm sure a lot of you are thinking about at this time of year. No, I'm not recalling how special the holidays were or how I'm ever going to stick to my new years resolutions. I'm not thinking is my car going to start tomorrow, will we be seeing above freezing temps soon? No, nothing like that at all...

My mind wonders to thoughts of green grass, white balls and tidy traps. To 'silence' signs, record crushing drives and IJP's latest FootJoy obsession. It's time, for golf. That's right ladies and gents, the 2011 PGA season is upon us and I for one am looking forward to an exciting season of rookie opportunities, foolish rules violations and (watch out Roy) Tiger attacks!!

The biggest news of 2010 was undoubtedly the changing of the guards as Lee Westwood takes over as #1 in the world. Westood secured his 109.7 point lead over Tiger despite having only one win (ending his 12-year victory drout in a 4-hole sudden-death playoff with Swede Robert Karlsson). Woods, hands full with major publicity clean-up, participated in a mear 12 events (making 11 cuts) and finished winless for the first time in his 15-years professional career.

Will Westeood be able to secure his standings throughout the year? Publically humiliated, personally tormented & dethroaned, Tiger has more than enough reasons to be working extra hard with new swing coach Sean Foley. The question then becomes, will Foley make the cut? Since parting ways with long-time coach and friend Hank Haney in the spring of 2010, Tiger has gone through four coaches and a myriad of swing styles. His traditional fierce competitivness was replaced by second guesses and shots that resembled a first timer on the range.

Bottom line, Westwood shines like a beacon of oppertunity for anyone who ever thought they were mearly playing for second place against Tiger (I'm looking at you Mickelson). The chance is there for someone determined enough to stand up to the challange.