2012 - Great Year For Golf

2012 has been a great year for golf despite the Great British weather. There have been some real "edge of your seat" majors, a jaw dropping Ryder Cup and a potentially defining year for a young man from Northern Ireland.

Bubba Watson claimed his first major, the US Masters at Augusta, and gave teaching professionals all round the World a headache, as golfers realised there is more than one way to swing a club! He was seemingly out of contention but four consecutive birdies from the 13th ensured he went into a play off with Louis Osthuizen. As Bubba smashed his wild tee shot into the trees, with his infamous pink driver, the upper hand appeared to be Oosthuizen's. But Oosthuizen's momentarily clumsy short game and Watson moment of magic, bending his wedge from 160 yards in the trees from left to right 50 yards, left him 2 putts to secure an emotional maiden victory.

On what appeared to be one of the more challenging US Open courses at the Olympic club, Webb simpson claimed his first major in only his 5th career major appearance. After a shaky start, bogeying two of the first five holeshe seemed out of the running at +5. However, four birdies in five holes followed at the turn, backed up by 8 consecutive pars to ensure he had a clubhouse lead at +1. The final day saw numerous big names challenge. Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington, David Toms, Lee Westwood, Tiger Woods, Graeme McDowell and Jim Furyk couldn't overcome the challenges set by the Olympic Club, however, and Webb Simpson thus sealed his first major.

Royal Lytham and St Annes threw up another enthralling British Open. Going into the final day Adam Scott looked set to become the first Australian since Greg Norman in 1993, to lift the Claret Jug. With four holes to play Scott bogeyed all four to card a 75 and finish -6 for the tournament. Ernie Els holed his 15 footer for birdie to leave a nervous wait in the clubhouse at -7. All he could do was watch and prepare for a play off at best as news, of each and every bogey Scott made, came in. A bogey at the last from Scott left Els as the outright champion and gave him his fourth career major.

Rory McIlroy stormed to victory at Kiawah Island in the USPGA, winning his second major at only 23, a month younger than Tiger Woods when he acheived the same feat, and restored his position as World Number 1. McIlroy carded a 66 as he won by a record 8 shots beating Jack Nicklaus' previous record at the USPGA. 2012 has been a remarkable year for McIlroy as he won both order of merits either side of the pond, won a major and finished the year as World Number 1. Comparisons are now being made between Tiger Woods and himself. It could be argued that, although he has the talent, before this year it may have been too early in his career to discuss these comparisons with any credence. However, achieving what he has in 2012 will surely define the expectation now upon his shoulders going forward. Will he deliver?

After a torrid first 2 days, Europe trailed 10-6 going into the the third and final day at the Ryder Cup. USA required just 4 1/2 points from the 12 singles matches to regain the trophy. But something epic was about to happen, something Butch Harmon described as the greatest day he has ever witnessed. The USA once came back from being 10-6 down but that was on home soil, so the fact Europe did it away from home made it even more special. Ian Poulter's spirit must have transcended through the team and Europe went on to win 8 out of the first 11 matches to retain the trophy. But to then top that remarkable come back off, Francesco Molinari secured a tie with Tiger Woods to win the Ryder Cup outright. This will go down in golfing history as one of the greatest Ryder Cups... especially from a European point of view!

2012 has been one of the most exciting years for golf. Hopefully 2013 will follow suit but even if it doesn't, 2012 will surely inspire many to get out onto the fairways more often in 2013.

Can Watson turn around the USA's fortunes?

Tom Watson will become the oldest captain in the history of the Ryder Cup, when he leads the US team in 2014 at Gleneagles at the age of 65. He surpasses the record held by John Henry Taylor who led the Great British team back in 1933 and is the first repeat US captain since Jack Nicklaus led the team in 1987.

Is the decision one of desperation or one of pure genius? He last led the team in 1993, bringing victory over Europe and that was the last time the US secured victory on European soil. He is also no stranger to to winning in Scotland, winning 4 of his 5 British Open titles on Scottish courses. David Toms was the early favourite for the role, but have the US PGA pulled off a masterstoke? What hapens if he fails to win back the Ryder Cup? Where do they go next?

In our mind this is certainly a bold decision that has got a lot of tongues wagging. He has already received a lot of support from his fellow professionals and he could be just the man to bring an air of calm and experience to the US camp.

Europe on the other hand are enjoying a great period of success in the 20 years having only lost twice since Watson's victory in 1993. with the emergence of some great talent within Europe the US will undoubtedly face another tough task. But the question now on everybody's mind is who will lead the European team. One of the names currently being touted is Paul McGinley, who has already received public support from Rory McIlroy. However, in light of Watson's announcement some are now calling for a big name to also be appointed to lead the European contingent and as such the name on everyone's lips is Darren Clarke.

What do you think? Will Watson turn it around for the US? Who should Europe opt for?

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Happy Golfing!

The Team at Oak Park Golf Club