Top Players at the 2013 Season's Halfway Mark

When the US PGA and European Tours kicked off almost six months ago, commentators were calling 2013 the season when anything could happen – and it seems they were right. With the resurgence of Tiger Woods to the top position in world golf and a host of new champions on both tours, who should golf fans be watching as the season enters its second half?

A victorious Tiger Woods reminded golf fans of his extraordinary form and desire to win on Sunday when he edged out long-time rival Sergio Garcia to win his second Players Championship. The world number one, who is no doubt happy to have the word “former” removed from his official title, has reasserted himself on world golf impressively this season with four wins in the first six months of the year.

As the US Open approaches, fans are wondering whether Woods will claim his first major title since 2008 to edge his way closer to Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major titles – the world number one has 14 majors to his name to date.

While Woods dominates the spotlight which was occupied by the likes of Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood just a year ago, a fresh generation of champions have emerged on both the European and PGA Tours this season.

The American rookie Derek Ernst proved his mettle against golfing great Phil Mickelson and won a playoff against David Lynn to clinch the Wells Fargo Championship earlier this month, while Tiger Woods found himself in the sights of Sweden’s David Lingmerth, also a rookie, during the final round of the Players Championship.

With Woods back at the top of world golf and a string of talented young rookies making their mark on the game, last season’s dominant players will have to work extra hard to weather the intense competition in both Europe and North America in 2013. For golf fans, this abundance of talent can only mean many more hours of weekend entertainment.

GolfWeather
Editorial