Player Profile - US Golfers Make a Comeback

Over the past two years, golf fans have witnessed a dramatic shift at the top level of the game. With the decline of Tiger Woods' golfing performance, a vacuum was created in world golf from the end of 2009.

Though many fans and commentators alike expected Phil Mickelson to move naturally into the number one position, they and the rest of the golfing world were surprised when a group of young European players burst onto the scene, clinching victory after victory in what seemed to be an overnight success.

The 2010 and 2011 seasons saw Tiger Woods lose his long-standing title of world number one, with a number of talented young players from the continent including Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer, and the Molinari brothers rising to new heights.

For many golf commentators, the era of American domination in world golf was at an end. As we witness the end of the 2011 season, the young Briton Luke Donald seems poised to capture a twin victory by topping both the US and European money lists.

Despite these great achievements by golfers from Britain and Europe, the past month has witnessed a resurgence of strength from the United States in international golf tournaments - despite European golfers having won more tournaments in 2011, the US won both the President's Cup and the golf World Cup, both held in the past month.

Fine performances by the Americans Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland allowed the US team to lift the trophy on Sunday at the World Cup in China, while Fred Couples' President's Cup team won a decisive victory over the International team two weeks ago. In addition, Tiger Woods appears to be regaining his form with a second place at the Australian Open last week that served as an inspiration to his fans the world over.

All in all, the 2012 season promises to be riveting as the two great golfing powers vie for dominance at the top level of the game.

Golfweather Editorial