Written By: Chris Hill
The PGA Tour has always had a deep pool of talented young players. The most recent crop of “Under 30” stars may be the best the tour has ever seen. Most players under the age of 30 are referred to as “future stars” however there are a solid group of guys that have the ability to win on a consistent basis now. Look for this group of players to have great success over the next couple of seasons. Here is my group of top players under the age of 30 (in no particular order):
Camilo Villegas- Camilo had his coming out party in the 2008 FedEx Cup playoffs, winning 2 of 4 events on the way to crowing a PGA Champion. Camilo ranks in the top 5 on the tour in driving distance, scoring, and all around ranking. Villegas may be the most complete player in this group. Providing he does not have total melt down, he will win The Honda Classic going away on Sunday. I really don’t think the PGA would have an issue with Camilo racking up multiple wins this year. With the uncertain return of Tiger, Camilo certainly has the branding appeal and swagger the PGA could embellish.
Current Stats:
Money- $756,000
FedEx points- 24th
OWGR- 21st
Hunter Mahan- Last week, Hunter picked up his first win since 2007 at the WM Phoenix Open. Three years between wins for this guy is hard to understand. He has finished in the Top 30 in the FedEx Cup points each of his first four full seasons on tour. Most experts would agree that Hunter is a guy that should win at least once every year. Hunter’s biggest weakness occurs around the green. Mahan ranks 95th in sands saves and 90th in putting on tour. Hunter will find himself in the winner’s bracket more often if he can solidify his short game.
Current Stats:
Money- $1,174, 793
FedEx points- 6th
OWGR- 22nd
Dustin Johnson- The alum of THE COASTAL CAROLINA may be the most physically gifted of this group. Johnson absolutely drops bombs from tee box. Like many of the young players, Johnson struggles with the putter at times. Even with his occasional short games woes, Dustin ranks in the top 10 in Driving Distance, Birdies, Scoring, Par Breakers, and mostly importantly FedEx Cup points. Johnson has managed to log a win in each of the last three seasons. I am a little baffled by his layoff since Pebble but eagerly await his return.
Current Stats-
Money- $1,727,450
FedEx points- 1st
OWGR- 28th
Anthony Kim- Kim has the talent and swagger to be competitive every single week. His work ethic has always been in question however he seems to have put all that behind him after a disappointing 2009. Anthony may have been prematurely tagged the next big thing on tour. Anthony displayed his talented and competitive edge with outstanding performances in the Presidents’ and Ryder Cup. If golf tournaments were scored best 3 out 4 rounds, Kim may have 8 or 10 wins at this point. Kim’s biggest challenge is orchestrating four consistent rounds in one weekend. Look for Anthony to tighten up all facets of his game and achieve great things in 2010. Major Championship for AK in 2010?
Current Stats:
Money-$102,757
FedEx Points- 109th
OWGR- 30th
Rickie Fowler- This kid not only has the swagger but the belief he can win every time he tees it up. He has struggled with consistency but should be able to bridge the gap once he is used to the travel and grind of the tour. He already has carded 2 top 10s and put himself in a position to win on a couple of occasions. Although Fowler has struggled at times statistically, Rickie is a top tier talent. Keep in mind; he is still only 21 years of age. Look for Fowler to win soon and often.
Current Stats:
Money- $875,431
FedEx Points: 13th
OWGR- 77th
Michael Sim- Michael is best known for his “Battleground Exemption” from the 2009 Nationwide Tour. Michael nearly picked up his first win with a T2 at The Farmer’s Insurance Open. With 4 cuts made in 5 events, Michael has had some early season success. Now is the time for Sim to take his game to another level. After completely dominating the Nationwide Tour, Michael has discovered The PGA tour to be a whole different animal. Michael does have the talent to win on this tour but does he believe he can win? Success at The Nationwide level has not always translated on The PGA Tour. Once Michael achieves his first win, there will be many more to follow.
Current Stats:
Money- $462, 573
FedEx Points- 32nd
OWGR- 39th
Nick Watney- After earning over $3M in 2009, Watney vaulted from 204th to 32nd in the world. With the absence of any glaring strengths, Nick tends to be consistent in most facets of his game. He has 4 Top 25s is 6 tournaments played this season. Watney looks to build of his 12th place FedEx Cup from 2009. With 2 early season Top 10s, a win would go a long way in becoming one of the Tour’s elite players.
Current Stats:
Money- $460,994
Fed Ex Points- 23rd
OWGR- 32nd
Sean O’Hair- All of you know Sean’s story. He opted to skip college and try to enter the tour via Monday Qualifiers. Nearly a decade later, Sean is a three time winner and has won nearly $13M on The PGA tour. Like many young players, O’Hair struggles with the putter. If O’Hair could have managed to tame his putting stroke, he may have 5 or 6 wins at this point. Sean is off to a solid start in 2010 going 5 for 5 on cuts made. Look for Sean to build on his 5th place FedEx Cup finish in 2009. Sean tends to play really well in streaks. The good news is he can play with anyone when hit one of those streaks.
Current Stats:
Money- $446,057
FedEx Points- 38th
OWGR- 19th
Honorable Mentions include Webb Simpson, Alex Prugh, and Brandt Snedeker.
One fact in clear…The PGA Tour is in extremely good shape with the level of young talent it possesses. I have one question…Why wait until the age of 30 to win consistently on tour? Each of the guys on this list has the ability and self belief to become a Top 10 player on The PGA Tour now. With the resources available to young players, look for future”20 somethings” to make an impact early in their career. We do know one thing for certain…..From top to bottom, The PGA Tour is more talent rich then it has ever been.
Chris Hill is the CMO of WereTalkingGolf Productions. He writes weekly several times on WereTalkingGolf.com at Bogie’s Banter. Chris also co hosts 3 national golf radio shows weekly on WereTalkingGolf Radio. He can be reached via email at chris@weretalkinggolf.com.