Now that the 2012 golf season is officially over (I think), it is time to do a look-back at the year that was. It was surely an interesting year on both the male and female side of the ledger, but, not surprisingly, the year was dominated once again by the Ryder Cup. So as we approach 2013 (already!!),, here goes:
Player of the Year (Men) – who else but Rory McIlroy. Rory certainly lived up to the standard he established in 2011 and may have even surpassed it. At 23 years of age, Rory should just be approaching his prime years. It looks like he can be the dominant golfer of his generation, but, with golf exploding world-wide and the number of good young players multiplying at a dizzying rate, there is no guarantee that Rory will remain the man to beat. Stay tuned.
Player of the Year (Women) – in 2011, it looked like Yani Tseng was becoming the Tiger Woods of the LPGA, but, 2012 was an entirely different story. Yes Tseng played well and finished the year atop the Rolex standings, but, she was severely challenged by Inbee Park, Stacy Lewis and Na Yeon Choi for best on the LPGA. With all four ladies being so close, I am (being the homer that I am) going with Stacy Lewis. Stacy had a great year and is a wonderful story with the health problems she had growing up.
Newcomer of the Year (Women) – while not an official member of the LPGA, this year’s winner is Lydia Ko who won the Canadian Open at 15 years old. Lydia also won the New South Wales Open on the Australian LPGA at 14 years and 9 months old and she also finished T19th in the Australian Open, T17th in the British Open and T39 in the US Open. You go girl…
Newcomer of the Year (Men) – While no one player stood out this year, I think John Huh gets the nod over Jonas Blixt and Bud Cauley. Besides, who doesn’t enjoy saying ‘Huh?’
Tournament of the Year – hands down the Ryder Cup. This biennial event has become (IMHO) almost bigger than most of the majors. In many ways, it has become the most dramatic event in all of sports with sincere apologies to all World Cup Football fans.
Coach of the Year – Jose Maria Olazabel for getting out of the way of the European Ryder Cup team and just letting them do their thing. At the professional golfing level, it is never a bad idea when your primary strategy is to keep preaching a positive message.
Do Over of the Year – to Davis Love III whose decision making during the Ryder Cup left millions of armchair quarterbacks muttering to themselves as they reached for another Rolaids or Tums.
Cringe-worthy Sportsmanship Award – to Phil Mickelson who almost seemed relieved as Justin Rose rolled in a bomb for birdie on the 17th hole of their Ryder Cup singles match. At some point, I half expected Phil to hoist Justin on his shoulders and carry him to the next tee box. As Phil’s over-enthusiasm bubbled over, I couldn’t help but wonder what Ian Poulter would have done in the same situation. Scowling would be my first guess.
Unsung Player Award – strange as it may seem, this award has to go to Tiger Woods. Much of the year end talk centers (rightly so) around Rory McIlroy, but, ol’ Tiger didn’t have such a bad year by mere mortal standards. All he did was win three tournaments, finish third in the world rankings and second on the PGA Tour money list. For many players this would be a good career.
So goodbye 2012 and here’s hoping the next year brings the same level of drama and good golf.
