The next big thing

[kmarkham]

Let's be honest - every year there's some new prodigy who arrives on the scene and is touted as golf's next big thing. So few of them ever make it: the desire, the belief, as well as the ability, all have to come together in perfect harmony, under intense pressure and expectation.

Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer, Danny Lee - these are the new non-American crop (apologies, I'm not in tune with the US scene) and there are stacks of young golfers who can't bridge the gap between amateur and professional life, despite their brilliance.

Ireland has some new blood coming through, and a young man from my home club of Greystones is worth keeping an eye on, for all you pundits: 16 year old Paul Dunne, who led the GB&I; team to victory against Europe over the weekend, in the Jacques Leglise Trophy

[Chilli Dipper]

While we're at it, let's mention that Byeong Hun-An, a Korean who won't turn 18 for another month, beat Clemson's Ben Martin 7&5 yesterday at Southern Hills to become the youngest U.S. Amateur champion in history, breaking Danny Lee's year-old record.

[David in FL]

Always good to hear about young guns that are on the rise. Thanks for the heads up!

[aleski]

I have to say I really like Kaymer based on the little I've seen him in action. The lad seems to keep his cool, being German and all...

McIlroy has been a subject of much praise, but I feel it is often the case that the players who are allowed to develop without such speculation over their future with numerous major titles will do better.

He has the potential, but you never know...

[DavidFehertysBike]

Of all the hopefuls, prodigies, whatever, i think Antothy Kim has the best chance to be a great one. He is fearless, and he can go really really low. His swing is nearly pressure proof. If he gets to be more consistant i think he will be the next #1 player after tigers reign.

[mcfc_nick]

i think that mannasero will be awesome! he was quality in winning the british amateur and even better at the open!

[plugged]

Rory McIlroy IMO had an outstanding year. I heard on the radio the other day that he had the second lowest round count for the four combined majors.

[Cussin hacker]

Of all the hopefuls, prodigies, whatever, i think Antothy Kim has the best chance to be a great one. He is fearless, and he can go really really low. His swing is nearly pressure proof. If he gets to be more consistant i think he will be the next #1 player after tigers reign.

AK is one that I think will have trouble living up to the hype. Hope I'm wrong because I really like him. McIlroy to me has the best chance. It will take a little while, but he is young and I think in time he'll win a handful of majors.

[aleski]

i think that mannasero will be awesome! he was quality in winning the british amateur and even better at the open!

Mannasero was great at the Open, but so was Ishikawa Ryo, and I have to say I like his chances better. He seems very calm and collected. Plays great around the greens and unlike his predecessor, Imada, he seems to be right up there off-the-tee also.

[RAD3]

Good discussion. Who's the young guy that all the ladies like and who crawls around the greens to read putts?

[shankapotamus]

Of all the hopefuls, prodigies, whatever, i think Antothy Kim has the best chance to be a great one. He is fearless, and he can go really really low. His swing is nearly pressure proof. If he gets to be more consistant i think he will be the next #1 player after tigers reign.

This. I followed him around all day sunday at the firestone tournament(and met him!) and even though he shot one over, he played pretty good. He had some amazing par saves. The birdies just weren't dropping. If they do, he will be unstoppable. Kim has one of the best short games I have ever seen.

[Chilli Dipper]

There was a stat in the New York Times' pull-out section before the Barclays that said Anthony Kim leads the tour this year in putts per green in regulation. Of course, he's 160th in greens hit, but it's still an impressive figure.

[Kellfire]

McIlroy will be a better player than Woods at his peak, but won't last as long at the top.

[Quinn07]

McIlroy will be a better player than Woods at his peak, but won't last as long at the top.

Is that even possible to say, I am not sure that we have even seen Tiger peak yet and look what he has accomplished already...pretty scary.

[Kellfire]

Is that even possible to say, I am not sure that we have even seen Tiger peak yet and look what he has accomplished already...pretty scary.

Tiger is way past his peak, in terms of what he can do to others.

[Quinn07]

Tiger is way past his peak, in terms of what he can do to others.

Sorry I don't know what you mean by "in terms of what he can do to others"?

People were talking about how his golf game isn't in order this year and he still has managed to win 4 or 5 tourneys and still #1 on the fedex cup. He's not even playing good golf and is still dominating the tour. Can't wait to see if he goes on another run and completely dominate the tour again...more than he is now. I am not sure what you mean by peak but I feel as though looking at this differently.

[Kellfire]

Sorry I don't know what you mean by "in terms of what he can do to others"?

I mean that he does really scare other players anymore, they know they can live with him.

[Greg]

Good discussion. Who's the young guy that all the ladies like and who crawls around the greens to read putts?

Youre thinking of Camillo Villegas, and last year was a great year for him but has yet to win this year. Paul Casey is another young golfer who looks to have a good future. Lucas Glover after winning the US Open has played well ever since. As long as Tiger wants to keep playing, he's still going to dominate, he's still the best and although lately he's not been finishing well due to poor putting, im sure he's working on that as he hates to lose more than anyone in any sport. In a few years after he passes jack for all time majors and hogan for all time wins, he may retire as he even hinted when asked about golf in the olympics in 2016, saying he would play if he hasnt retired by then.