9 golf predictions for 2024: Bryson’s back, Tiger flashes, Masters surprise
It’s the first week of the year 2024.
The first day back at work. The first PGA Tour tournament is set to take place in beautiful Hawaii, guaranteeing a full weekend of primetime golf viewing. We’ve done it.
The first true professional golf “offseason” has come and gone, and we’re now looking ahead with a list of predictions for what could — no, will! — happen this year. These, however, are not just any forecasts.
They’re the daring type: not just who will win a major, but who will win each major, and which decisions will pave the way for a bright new golf world with billions of dollars in investment. That’s why you’re here, and we’re here to help.
1. The PGA Tour-Saudi PIF agreement makes us all crave for 2025.
It’s not terribly exciting to start a 2024 predictions piece with a look ahead to 2025, but that’s what the initial takeaway will be when the two parties do reach an agreement.
2. Masters winner Patrick Cantlay
Cantlay was dubbed “Patty Ice” by a considerable section of PGA Tour fans after out-putting Bryson DeChambeau at the 2021 BMW Championship.
3. Sweden makes a breakthrough
Just not through the golfer you’re picturing. Ludvig Aberg seemed destined to win major titles, but Linn Grant’s year is 2024. She, like her fellow Scandinavian, Viktor Hovland, has steadily advanced through the ranks.
4. The Revenge of B.A.D.
Something has been simmering in Bryson DeChambeau’s universe. I’m not sure what, but it’s something. Sure, the 30-year-old appears more concerned with increasing his YouTube following than with winning golf events, but he quietly returned to elite form in 2023, keeping all-world driving ability and above-average ball-striking.
5. Xander Schauffele wins at Pinehurst.
These predictions may be exhibiting a “about time” pattern. And, aside from Rory McIlroy, there may be no other player in the world whose major triumph would cause supporters to collectively exhale with those two words: about time. Schauffele wins at Pinehurst No. 2 due of his flawless short game and lack of three-putts.
6. The Women’s Open will be your favorite tournament.
Forget about all of the major championship winners mentioned above. The Women’s Open at the Old Course will be the major we’ll be watching in August. In a year when the men’s major championship courses left plenty to be desired in terms of excitement, thank god for the women’s St. Andrews.
7.Tiger flashes at Troon.
Given Tiger Woods’ position on the PGA Tour Policy Board and his overall lack of form during his November/December events, I believe it will take him a few months to achieve his top playing level in 2024.He’ll play in the Genesis Invitational in February to keep the rust off his game, but he might be limited to majors again this year.
8.Lord Collin Neville.
Collin Neville, the player advisor appointed to help lead player efforts in negotiations for future investment in the PGA Tour, may be the person most trusted by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
9. Great Britain wins the Olympics.
Tommy Fleetwood, who is frequently the bridesmaid but rarely the bride, feels most at ease during the 2024 Olympics. He had a terrific time in Tokyo’s Olympic Village and will bring great vibes to Paris in August, on a course where he was last seen riding the shoulders of rabid Euro fans at the 2018 Ryder Cup.
