Player Profile - 2011 Hopefuls

This week we profile 2011’s golfing hopefuls, possible comeback kings and players who we hope to see maintaining their excellent form this season.

As we look forward to the start of an exciting 2011 season, the excitement and surprises of 2010 still resound in the memory of most golf fans. The past season saw a shake-up in the world of professional golf with the dethroning of Tiger Woods by new world number one Lee Westwood, the emergence of a new generation of young European players with the talent and determination to breathe life back into golf on the Continent, and the rise of Asian golf as an important part of the international tournament scene.

Predictions about the 2011 season are flying in thick and fast in sporting media and on numerous golf blogs and websites. With the prospect of a comeback by Tiger Woods on the cards, Lee Westwood will have to improve his winning record in the United States to stay ahead of the talented but currently lacklustre Woods. With the old status quo in the world rankings in flux, the new generation of European and American players will be keen to show their more senior counterparts that they all have the coveted world number one title in their sites. Golf fans should keep an eye on Dustin Johnson, the Molinari brothers and Martin Kaymer to name just a few.

At the top of the leader board, Westwood’s position may also be challenged by the high-octane style of Graeme McDowell while Phil Mickelson is always a contender for world number one – his current battle with arthritis having prevented him from snatching several tournament wins in 2010.

With a field of superb professional golfers and an exciting tournament schedule this season, the world’s finest will have plenty of challenges to weather on the road to 2012. We look forward to sharing this action-packed season with you every week.