2012 PGA Tour Preview
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Looking Forward to 2011
Why pay attention?
College Football
On Mon. Jan. 10, No. 1 Auburn will battle No. 2 Oregon for the BCS National Championship. Each team has a high-powered offense in what should be a shootout in Glendale. Once that ends, we’ll have to wait until Sept. for next season to begin.
Predicted Champion: Auburn Tigers
Question for 2011: Can the SEC continue its dominance in the BCS Title Game?
Bold Prediction: South Carolina will win the SEC.
Resolution for Mike Leach: To find a job.
College Basketball
The season is just getting fun to watch as conference play begins. Defending champion Duke is the favorite to win the title this season but a slew of undefeated teams including Ohio State, Kansas, Connecticut, Syracuse, San Diego State and UCF all stand in the way of Coach K’s Blue Devils. The Big East has five teams in the current Top 10 rankings although the Big Ten has a strong conference this season.
Predicted Champion: Duke Blue Devils
Question for 2011: Who will be this year’s Butler?
Bold Prediction: Gonzaga will make a run into the Final Four.
Resolution for Frank Martin: To get my team’s swagger back and make a push for the title.
Golf
2010 seemed like the perfect setup year for 2011 – no one dominated the sport completely, Tiger lost his No. 1 ranking, Phil regained his old mojo, the young guns emerged and Europe found success on American soil. This year will be pivotal to Tiger if he plans on breaking Jack’s record of 18 majors. Currently sitting at 14, Tiger turned 35 in Dec., which means that he is coming down to his last opportunities at the highest level of the game. Working with new swing coach Sean Foley seemed to work for him towards the end of year and it will be interesting to see how he starts the year off.
Hunter Mahan, Dustin Johnson, Camilo Villegas, Anthony Kim and Rory McIlroy are all under 30 and all took home victories in 2010. The question now is if they can keep that momentum going and win some this year and possibly a major. Another intriguing question is how Graeme McDowell will respond to a breakthrough year. He looked great in the U.S. Open and Ryder Cup and it will be interesting to see if he keeps it going.
Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk, Ernie Els and Steve Stricker are all over 40 and all took home victories in 2010. (Some even took home more than one.) But not everyone that’s over the hill can follow up a successful year with another one. All showed signs of their youthful self last year and I expect each of them at least contend in a few tournaments, if not win one.
Predicted Champions:
- Masters: Tiger Woods
- U.S. Open: Dustin Johnson
- British Open: Rory McIlroy
- PGA Championship: Hunter Mahan
Question for 2011: Will Tiger win at least one major?
Bold Prediction: Rickie Fowler will win his first major.
Resolution for Sean Foley: To get Tiger back to his winning ways.
NBA
The San Antonio Spurs have emerged as the early season favorite to win the title. But the Miami Heat, led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, have found their winning ways after a slow start. In the East, the Celtics, Bulls, Magic and Hawks have all looked tough up to this point. In the West, the Mavericks, Lakers, Jazz and Thunder have all had early season success.
Predicted Champion: Miami Heat
Question for 2011: Will the Spurs’ age be a factor down the stretch?
Bold Prediction: The Knicks will defeat the Hornets for the NBA title.
Resolution for the New Jersey Nets: To get Carmelo Anthony.
NFL
As the season comes to a close, the playoffs stand in the forefront. Tom Brady of the Patriots and Michael Vick of the Eagles have emerged as the favorites to win NFL MVP. New England will be the team to beat in the AFC, as the Steelers, Ravens, Jets and Chiefs all stand as possible challenges. In the NFC, the Falcons are favored, with the Bears, Saints and Eagles all lurking. The Super Bowl is set for Feb. 6 at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas.
Predicted Champion: New England Patriots
Question for 2011: Will Brett Favre finally retire for good?
Bold Prediction: The NFC West champion will win the Super Bowl.
Resolution for Michael Vick: To prove everyone wrong by winning the Super Bowl.
MLB
The San Francisco Giants finally broke through and won a championship for their well-deserving city. But the team to watch in 2011 will be the Philadelphia Phillies, who acquired Cliff Lee, adding to their pitching rotation of Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels and Roy Oswalt. In the AL, the Red Sox got Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez, trying to redeem themselves from a disappointing 2010. The Yankees failed to sign Lee but resigned Jeter and Rivera in hopes that their aging team can make another run at a World Series title.
Predicted Champion: Philadelphia Phillies
Question for 2011: Will pitching be as dominant in 2011 as it was in 2010?
Bold Prediction: The Baltimore Orioles will make a run at the AL East.
Resolution for Brian Cashman: To get some younger talent for the Yankees’ future.
2010 Sportsmania Awards
2010 was a year of blood, sweat and tears in the sporting world. Controversies about Cam Newton and vuvuzuelas; accomplishments such as no-hitters in baseball and 59s in golf; risky decisions like an onside kick to start the second half of the Super Bowl or leaving Cleveland to take your talents to South Beach; and the heartbreak of being penalized on the last hole of a major or losing a perfect game on the last batter, all shaped the world of sports in 2010. And to honor the events of this year, here are the 2010 Sportsmania Awards:
Annoying Analyst Award: Ed Cunningham
The ABC color commentator constantly complained about hard hits during college football games. His influence may have even led to the suspension of Nebraska linebacker Eric Martin.
Keith Jackson Award (Best Announcer): Jim Nantz
Nantz was the lead broadcaster for CBS during the Super Bowl, NCAA Tournament and the Masters, all of which occurred in a 64-day span. All three turned out to classics – New Orleans’ first NFL Championship, Butler’s near-miracle and Phil Mickelson’s “win for the family.” But it wouldn’t have been the same without Jim Nantz.
Bonehead Award: Boxing Hall of Fame
Although he played Rocky Balboa, Sylvester Stallone did not deserve to be in the Hall of Fame. Whereas Mike Tyson and Julio Cesar Chavez fought through tough careers, Stallone was an actor. The movies are an inspiration, but this is a slap in the face to boxers who haven’t made it into the Hall of Fame.
Dazzling Debut Award: Stephen Strasburg
The much-hyped Nationals ace recorded 14 strikeouts over seven innings during his first career start against the Pirates. Before he had a season-ending injury, he compiled a 5-3 record and 2.91 ERA.
Cry Baby Award: Roger Goodell
I’ve never seen so many players get fined for big hits in the NFL. Helmet-to-helmet hits can be dangerous, but some of the NFL’s rulings have been downright absurd.
WTF? Award: Baseball’s no-hitters and golf’s sub-60 rounds
Baseball and golf saw a lot of individual success in 2010. In the major leagues, Roy Halladay and Dallas Braden tossed perfect games less than three weeks apart from each other, while Ubaldo Jimenez, Edwin Jackson, Matt Garza and Halladay (in his first postseason start) threw no-hitters. In golf before this year, three 59s had been shot on the PGA Tour. But in one month, Paul Goydos and Stuart Appleby matched the magical number. In addition, Ryo Ishikawa shot a 58 earlier in the season, but it was a Japan Tour event.
Honorable mention: The end of the LSU vs. Tennessee football game.
D’oh Award: USA vs. Slovenia World Cup Officials
It seemed that the United States had scored a third goal to take the lead against Slovenia when the goal was taken back and the ball was given to Slovenia. No explanation was given to one of the most controversial calls in World Cup history as the two teams tied, 2-2.
Drama King Award: Dan Gilbert
ON THE NIGHT WHEN LEBRON JAMES MADE HIS “DECISION”, THE CAVALIERS OWNER OVERREACTED TO THE OUTCOME AND POSTED A LETTER ON THE TEAM’S WEBSITE. HERE IS AN EXCERPT FROM THE RANT:”I PERSONALLY GUARANTEE THAT THE CLEVELAND CAVALIERS WILL WIN AN NBA CHAMPIONSHIP BEFORE THE SELF-TITLED FORMER ‘KING’ WINS ONE”.
Badass Moment Award: Wimbledon marathon match
In the longest tennis match in history, John Isner prevailed over Nicolas Mahut 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 7-6, 70-68. The battle lasted over 11 hours to complete in a span on three days.
Honorable mention: The events of April 5 that included Opening Day in baseball, Duke vs. Butler in the national title, Tiger’s return to golf, the beginning of Masters week and the NBA’s announcement of their Hall of Fame inductees.
Disappointment Award: BCS National Championship
Alabama and Texas went into the Rose Bowl undefeated for the much-anticipated national title game. But, on the fifth play from scrimmage, Texas senior Colt McCoy, the NCAA record-holder for wins as a starting quarterback, went down with a shoulder injury. Backup quarterback Garrett Gilbert, a freshman, came into the game and didn’t stand a chance against the Crimson Tide as the Longhorns fell, 37-21.
Honorable mention: Tiger’s year on the PGA Tour.
Mullet Award (Will Be Gone in 5 Years or Less): Brett Favre
After a successful 2009 campaign, the 41-year-old has struggled through a dismal 6-9 season with the Vikings, while throwing 11 touchdown passes and 19 picks. On top of that, his streak of 297 consecutive games started was snapped on Dec. 13 due to a shoulder injury. It seems like only a matter of time before Favre retires, even though we’ve been saying that for the last five years.
Not Surprised It Happened Award: Nebraska’s Move to the Big Ten
After a heartbreaking loss to Texas in the 2009 Big 12 Championship and talk of conference realignment in the summer, the Huskers said sayonara to their old conference and will join the Big Ten in July 2011.
Mike Tyson Award: The Decision
On July 8, the world wasted its time watching LeBron James announce he was taking his talents to South Beach in the worst show that ESPN has ever produced. LeBron should’ve just signed the contract for the team of his choice, but this narcissistic act was a slap in the face to the teams that weren’t selected and showed what sports in society has become.
Never Forgotten Award: George Steinbrenner and John Wooden
Numerous sporting legends passed away in 2010, but few left the impact that Steinbrenner and Wooden did. Steinbrenner, known for spending outrageous amounts of money to get the best players in baseball, made the game what it is today. Wooden, on the other hand, became the greatest coach in college basketball history, winning 10 national championships while at the helm for UCLA.
Best Quote: Phil Mickelson
Following his victory at the Masters, headlined by a risky shot from the pine needles on the 13th hole: “A great shot is one that you pull off and a smart shot is the one you hit when you don’t have the guts try it.”
Kournikova Award: Brooklyn Decker
Andy Roddick’s wife embraced the cover of the 2010 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. He can’t have too much to complain about.
Best Rivalry: Celtics vs. Lakers
Two years ago, Boston got the best of L.A. in the Finals, but this past summer, the tables turned in the NBA’s best rivalry as the Lakers came out on top in seven games. Kobe Bryant was named Finals MVP in their victory over Boston’s “Big Three”.
Underrated Performance Award: Tiger Woods
The season as a whole was a disappointment but his performance at the Masters was truly remarkable. The season’s first major was his first golf tournament since the infamous car crash outside of his house. Nobody knew what to expect from Tiger but he tied for fourth, shooting under par in all four rounds. His 68 in the first round was his best opening round ever at Augusta National.
Comeback Award: Michael Vick
Talk about redemption. After being one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons at the beginning of the decade, Vick served time in prison on dog-fighting charges. Then the Philadelphia Eagles picked him up as a backup quarterback. This season, Vick is in the middle of the talk for NFL MVP with his 21 passing touchdowns, nine rushing touchdowns and over 3,000 passing yards in 12 games.
Cinderella Award: Nevada Wolfpack
Boise State was up 24-7 at halftime, playing on the road against Nevada. It seemed as if their undefeated season would continue, but then the Wolfpack rallied. With 13 seconds left, Nevada scored to tie the game at 31 and seemingly sent the game into overtime. But after a miraculous pass by Kellen Moore, the Broncos were set to win the game with a field goal. Kyle Brotzman, however, missed the field goal as time expired and sent it into overtime. In the extra period, Brotzman missed again and Nevada cashed in their field goal to win, 34-31.
Mr. Clutch Award: Graeme McDowell
Pressure doesn’t get any bigger in golf than the final match of the Ryder Cup with the entire fate of your country resting in your hands. And if it does, then the final round of the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach must be where it is. In 2010, McDowell delivered in those pressure situations and delivered his best year as a golfer. And for good measure, he came back from four shots down in the final round to beat Tiger in a playoff at the Chevron World Challenge.
Honorable mention: Drew Brees.
Sportsmanship Award: Armando Galarraga and Jim Joyce
With the first 26 batters retired for Armando Galarraga, it seemed inevitable that he would add his name to the list of perfect games. But the 27th batter was called safe by Jim Joyce after the throw to first base. Instant replays showed that the batter was in fact out. Nevertheless, Galarraga retired the 28th batter and accepted that he didn’t throw a perfect game. Joyce reviewed the footage after the game and saw that he had blown the call. The next day, Joyce apologized and Galarraga received a brand new red Corvette.
Rocky Balboa Award: Dustin Johnson
How does a man come back from two heart breaks like Dustin Johnson experienced in 2010? First, at Pebble Beach he had a three-shot lead going into the final round but ballooned to an 82 and tied for eighth. Two months later at the PGA Championship, an apparent bunker on the 72nd hole costed him the title. He would’ve been put into a three-way playoff but he grounded his club in a bunker outside of the ropes and suffered a two-stroke penalty.
Honorable mention: Butler
Jimmy V Award: Mike Krzyzewski
In April, Coach K won his fourth national title with Duke over the Butler Bulldogs. On Dec. 29, he won his 880th game and passed Dean Smith for No. 2 on the all-time wins list for men’s coaches.
Honorable mention: Phil Jackson
Play of the Year: Landon Donovan’s goal against Algeria
After 90 minutes of frustration against Algeria, Landon Donovan scored the most dramatic goal in United States soccer history, advancing the Americans to the next round. The goal was celebrated around the country and increased interest in the sport.
Honorable mention: Saints’ onside kick in the Super Bowl.
Game of the Year: NCAA Championship: Duke vs. Butler
The national championship was back-and-forth the whole way as the favored Blue Devils held a two-point advantage over the hometown Bulldogs with 3.6 seconds remaining and Brian Zoubek at the line. He missed the second free throw which led to a Butler rebound and Gordon Hayward’s halfcourt heave that missed by a few inches. It was a classic David vs. Goliath championship but if that shot would’ve gone in, it would’ve been the greatest shot in basketball history.
Honorable mention: Gold Medal Hockey: USA vs. Canada.
Story of the Year: Connecticut women’s basketball
As of Dec. 29, the Connecticut women’s basketball team has won 90 straight games passing John Wooden’s teams at UCLA, when they won 88 consecutive. They have dominated nearly every team they’ve played in that stretch and won two straight national titles.
Moment of the Year: Saints win Super Bowl XLIV
Five years after Hurricane Katrina destroyed much of New Orleans, Drew Brees led the Saints to their first Super Bowl victory. He earned MVP honors for the game, going 32-of-39 for 288 yards, but the lasting image was him holding his son in the air as the confetti sprinkled down.
Honorable mention: Phil Mickelson’s win at the Masters.
Athlete of the Year: Cam Newton
We’ve all heard the allegations off the football field, but on the football field, Newton has been a man amongst boys for the Auburn Tigers. In one of the most dominating seasons as a quarterback in college football history, Newton won the Heisman Trophy and led his team to an undefeated season along with a date in the BCS National Championship Game.
Top 10 Athletes of the Year: 2010
Here’s my opinion of the Top 10 Athletes of the Year. The rankings are based upon a player’s dominance in the level of their respective sport. Individual and team accomplishments are looked at.
Criteria:
- At least one athlete from each sport (College Football, College Basketball, NFL, NBA, MLB, Golf, Tennis)
- No more than two athletes from each sport
- At least one woman athlete must be on the list
10. LeBron James
Before taking his talents to South Beach, LeBron was unanimously chosen as the 2009-10 NBA MVP. This season, he has averaged 24.8 points per game, along with 7.2 assists per game for the Miami Heat.
9. Evan Turner
The Ohio State basketball superstar won the Naismith Award, the Wooden Award and was chosen second overall in the NBA Draft.
8. Roy Halladay
In his first year with the Phillies, Halladay lived up to the hype, winning the NL Cy Young, while throwing a perfect game in May and a no-hitter in his first playoff start against the Reds. The right-hander had a 21-10 record with a 2.44 ERA.
7. Graeme McDowell
During a year where Tiger struggled, McDowell flourished. He won his first major at Pebble Beach in June at the U.S. Open before clinching the Ryder Cup for Europe in October. In addition, the Northern Irishman won two European Tour events and defeated Tiger in a playoff at the Chevron World Challenge in December.
6. Drew Brees
In February, the Saints quarterback led his team to an upset victory over the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. This season, Brees has thrown for 4,122 yards and 31 touchdowns through 14 games.
5. Serena Williams
The tennis superstar won the Australian Open and Wimbledon for her 12th and 13th Grand Slam singles titles.
4. Tom Brady
The favorite to win NFL MVP for this season has thrown for 3,561 yards and 31 touchdowns through 14 games.
3. Kobe Bryant
In June the Lakers won their second consecutive NBA title and Bryant took Finals MVP honors. The shooting guard is averaging 25.4 points per game this season.
2. Rafael Nadal
The Spaniard won the French Open, U.S. Open and Wimbledon this year. He has been the World’s No. 1 tennis player since June 7.
1. Cam Newton
Despite the negative allegations, Newton has been the most dominating athlete of the year, leading the Auburn Tigers to the national title and winning the Heisman Trophy. He has passed for 2,589 yards and 28 touchdowns, while rushing for 1,409 yards and 20 touchdowns.
Honorable mention:
- Josh Hamilton
- Michael Vick
- Gordon Hayward
Year in Review: 2010
Champions of 2010:
College Football: Alabama Crimson Tide
The SEC won its fourth consecutive national title, as the Crimson Tide rolled Texas, 37-21, in a disappointing game. On the Longhorns’ fifth play from scrimmage, quarterback Colt McCoy was injured, putting them in a huge hole. He wouldn’t return as Alabama scored 24 second quarter points en route to Nick Saban’s second title.
During the summer, the story was conference realignment. At the end of all the rumors, Nebraska will head to the Big Ten; Colorado and Utah to the new Pac-12; TCU to the Big East; Boise State, Nevada, Fresno State and Hawaii to the Mountain West and BYU will be an independent starting in 2011.
During the 2010 season, Auburn and Oregon proved to be better than the rest. Auburn’s quarterback, Cam Newton, ran away with the Heisman despite rumors of his father paying universities. Less than stellar seasons from Texas (5-7), Florida (7-5) and USC (7-5) led to a new look for college football. Urban Meyer stepped down from Florida and Texas defensive coordinator Will Muschamp took over.
NFL: New Orleans Saints
The Saints marched to a 31-17 win in Super Bowl XLIV over the Indianapolis Colts thanks to a 32-of-39 passing performance from Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees, who threw for 288 yards. The most indelible moment was a surprise onside kick by New Orleans to start the second half, which the Saints recovered and led to a touchdown. With less than four minutes to go, the Colts were trailing, 24-17, as Peyton Manning led his team to the Saints’ 26. But Tracy Porter intercepted a Manning pass and took it to the endzone, giving New Orleans their first Super Bowl title.
The 2010 season was headlined by the NFL’s rules about head-to-head collisions, Brett Favre’s streak of starting 297 consecutive games ending and Michael Vick’s extraordinary comeback to the NFL’s elite players.
College Basketball: Duke Blue Devils
Butler forward Gordon Hayward came within three inches of making the greatest shot in basketball history, when his buzzer-beating half-court heave at the end of the national championship banked off the front of the rim. Mike Krzyzewski and the Duke Blue Devils, however, benefited from the miss and won a thrilling game, 61-59 in front of a pro-Butler crowd in Indianapolis.
Other big stories included the NCAA Tournament being expanded to 68 teams, the death of legendary coach John Wooden and the Connecticut women’s team breaking UCLA’s streak of 88 consecutive wins.
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers defeated the Celtics in seven games in the NBA Finals, giving Phil Jackson his 11th title. But during the summer, the free agent frenzy was the big story. In the end, the Miami Heat got LeBron James and Chris Bosh, adding to the talent they had in Dwyane Wade. As the 2010-11 regular season began, the Heat struggled and the Spurs got off to the best start, going 25-3 as of Dec. 23.
Golf:
- Masters: Phil Mickelson
- U.S. Open: Graeme McDowell
- British Open: Louis Oosthuizen
- PGA Championship: Martin Kaymer
Tiger Woods made his return to golf at the Masters, causing a media frenzy at golf’s first major. He went on to tie for fourth but Phil Mickelson claimed the green jacket in the end, thanks to his eagle-eagle-birdie stretch on Saturday and his miraculous 6-iron from the pine needles on No. 13 on Sunday. It was a feel-good story for everyone who watched Phil embrace his wife, Amy, after the round.
The U.S. Open returned to Pebble Beach and for moments in the third round, Tiger looked like his old self again. But he, Mickelson, Dustin Johnson and Ernie Els fell apart on Sunday, giving way for steady Graeme McDowell’s first major championship.
At the British Open, relatively unknown Louis Oosthuizen blazed the field, winning by seven shots. St. Andrews hosted the tournament as the South African proved his talent.
Unfortunately, the final major of the year provided a heartbreak for one of its contenders on the 18th hole. Dustin Johnson, who had experienced troubles at Pebble Beach two months prior, grounded his club in an apparent bunker on the final hole, causing a two-stroke penalty and removing him from a playoff. The playoff was contested between German Martin Kaymer and American Bubba Watson at Whistling Straits. In the end, Kaymer came out on top, claiming his first major.
2010 also gave us a classic Ryder Cup, contested at Celtic Manor Resort in Wales. Despite several downpours that led to a Monday finish, the Europeans and Americans traded shots down to the final day. Graeme McDowell saved the day for the Euros, defeating Hunter Mahan in the last singles match. Europe took back the cup with its 14 1/2 to 13 1/2 victory.
Overall, golf in 2010 was headlined by Europe’s success on American soil in PGA Tour events and the emergence of young guns in today’s game. But Tiger Woods always provides a story, and 2010 gave us his toughest year as a professional. He recorded zero wins, two top-five finishes and lost his No. 1 ranking to Lee Westwood.
MLB: San Francisco Giants
It looked like a Yankees and Phillies rematch in the World Series when they were set to play the Giants and Rangers in the League Championship Series. But the underdogs came out on top, and the Giants won the Fall Classic, 4-1, their first championship since 1954.
The 2010 season proved to be the “Season of the Pitcher”, as Dallas Braden and Roy Halladay each threw perfect games, with Armando Galarraga controversially losing his on the 27th batter. Halladay would throw a no-hitter in his first postseason start as Ubaldo Jimenez, Edwin Jackson and Matt Garza each added one in the regular season.
