Will Phil Finish Runner-Up Again In A Major? And Other PGA Tour Storylines To Watch For In 2018
- Updated: January 4, 2018
A new season means new questions. As the PGA Tour tees it up for the first time in 2018 this week at the Sentry Tournament of Champions, we take a look at some of the hard-hitting player storylines we’ll be following this year.
Will Phil finish runner-up in another major?
Lefty has notched an impressive 11 second place finishes in majors during his illustrious career making him – wait for it – 2nd place on the all-time major runner-up list only behind Jack Nicklaus. Of course, 6 of those came at the U.S. Open … and with the championship going back to Shinnecock Hills this year, Phill the Thrill will have a chance to rekindle that runner-up magic he had back in 2004 where he finished second to Retief Goosen. We think he likes his chances.
Can Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas continue to be best friends?
One of golf’s power bromances faces big hurdles in 2018. Coming off a down year with only 4 wins, Jordan Spieth looks to keep pace with good buddy Justin Thomas, who lit it up with 5 victories last season including the PGA Championship earning him Player of the Year honors. With different schedules and Spieth now engaged, it should only get more difficult to keep this tired narrative alive.
Will Justin Rose’s sunglasses get bigger?
The 2013 U.S. Open champion has been known to rock some of the largest shades on the pro circuit. In fact, they’re so big, they’re almost not USGA conforming. But hey, when you’re a gold medalist, you can do whatever you want. Should be interesting to see if they cover his whole face this year.
Has DJ invested in non-slip socks?
The only thing standing between Dustin Johnson and his first green jacket last season was if he didn’t play. Ironically that’s exactly what happened after he “slipped and fell” in his rental home knocking him out of the field. Sure, life happens but if you’re the current World No.1 do yourself a favor and get yourself some non-slip socks or slippers to walk around your house in … or just don’t be an idiot and injure yourself before a major.
Exclusive footage of Dustin Johnson leaving his house for the @TheMasters pic.twitter.com/oMFkMSwPDv
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) April 6, 2017
Will Jason Day complete a round of golf in under 5 hours?
Being deliberate is one thing … being slow is another. As long as a sudden case of vertigo doesn’t strike, we should be ok.
Will Rory get back in the gym?
Since a rib injury derailed the 4-time major winner’s workout regiment last season, he’s been yearning to pump iron again. The once awkwardly chubby teen with goofy hair has transformed himself into a Northern Irish stallion and it wasn’t by accident. While McIlroy led the PGA Tour in driving distance (317.2 yards) basically by sitting on his couch in 2017, you can bet he’ll squatting more lbs this year than Brandel Chamblee approves of.
Is this the year Patrick Reed finally cracks the top-5?
American patriot, Patrick Reed, infamously proclaimed himself a top-5 player in the world after his 2014 WGC-Cadillac Championship win. Since then he’s made it as high as 7th but currently sits 24th in the world ranking. Expect big things from Mr. Reed in 2018. After all, it is a Ryder Cup year … shhhhhhhhhh!
Will Tiger tie Jack’s major record this year?
We’re not saying he’s going to, but technically if he wins all four, that puts him at 18. So there’s that.
