Everywhere you turn, there’s another young 20-something or a teenager who could be the Next Big Thing in golf. And they all have one thing in common: None of them is American.
In a potential golden age for young golfers, this country could be left without a dominant player. For the first time ever, no American has won in the past five majors.
Is that a bad thing? And is it surprising? Considering a guy like Rory McIlroy could play often on the PGA Tour, fans will flock to see him regardless of his place of birth if he becomes a star. Tiger Woods sent ratings through the roof not just because he was from this country but rather because of his charisma and pursuit of history.
And, no, it’s not all that surprising. Woods’ rise helped increase the popularity of golf throughout the world. Many of the 20-and-under set were influenced by him. The more popular golf becomes in other countries, the more likely one of them will produce the next stud.
Look at the list of the top young players, guys who could dominate for the next 10 years. The top three likely would be McIlroy, Japan’s Ryo Ishikawa and Italy’s Matteo Manassero. The latter two aren’t even 20, nor are they full-time players on tour. But they might be more accomplished than Woods was at the same age.
Meanwhile, the American hopes rest with Anthony Kim (unfulfilled potential thus far) and Rickie Fowler. We do have the top-ranked amateur in Peter Uihlein. That get anyone excited? Fowler and Kim could win a few majors. But are they capable of being the best in the world for a prolonged period?
Of course, this discounts the fact that Woods could return and be a big factor for the next five years. Or that Phil Mickelson still has a lot left. Or that mid-20-somethings Dustin Johnson and Bubba Watson can’t sneak in a few major wins. Not everyone wins huge early.
But while this country might produce some great golf, it’s other countries that are producing the great golfers. For now.
