Top Storylines for 2007

[Thrash13]

Over the next two weeks, Thrash Talk will center around the top storylines for 2007. You will have to read both articles to get the full scoop of course, but I'll throw in a few questions to get everyone started. Also after reading Part One this Tuesday, feel free to let me know of some that are on your mind. I might use them in Part Two next week.

Will Tiger's 2007 be better than his 2006 season?

Will Michelle Wie finally win something?

Will The FedEx Cup be a success or failure?

[ipark1303]

Well, I think that topic #1 & 3 are interrelated... as when Tiger wins, more people tend to follow him on TV...and if Tiger wins the Fedex Cup, his 2007 season will be a pretty hefty one. In my opinion, Tiger will win a lot (at least 3 other majors, maybe the grand slam - now I am hallucinating... considering the late hour! ) but not the Fedex Cup (usually the playoff system rewards underdogs).
Topic #2: No, I don't think that Michelle Wie is going to win. She is mentally too fragile and unless she gets the right team (a very mature and strong decision making caddie, as well as a very experienced and clever manager who can handle out the media) she will still be on the current same path of 0 victories.
Her father is too invasive and imposing (like all Korean/asian parents...I personally know something!), so the best thing for her to alleviate pressure will be to leave her parents at the clubhouse or at the hotel.

[iacas]

Will Tiger's 2007 be better than his 2006 season?

No. A > 50% winning percentage (PGA Tour) and two major victories will be tough to beat. I think he'll come close, though, but I'm voting no.

Will Michelle Wie finally win something?

Yes, on the women's tour. But only if she primarily forgets about playing in men's events (except the Sony, which on her home course and with one of her sponsors, I'll let her play in until she dies free of criticism).

Will The FedEx Cup be a success or failure?[/b]

It's a dumb ploy that nobody will really care that much about, except the guy who happens to win $10M. It'll be promoted up the wazoo, but again - nobody will really care.

[Baynative]

Will Tiger's 2007 be better than his 2006 season?

This just became a real wild card with the baby coming between The US and British Opens. I wouldn't be surprised if he comes out highly motivated and walking on water.

Will Michelle Wie finally win something?

Maybe on the LPGA - but, no men's cuts.

Will The FedEx Cup be a success or failure?

I have a feeling the FedEx Cup is going to be a big flop. PGA Tour players make way too much money already. This won't mean anything special. The only comments I've heard from players have been very lack luster. They just don't seem interested or able to understand the intricate points system.

There is also the wild card of how the President's Cup and Ryder Cup will fit into the schedule and effect the race. I think their highest motivation comes from one thing only - MAJORS.

[cmarkmyers]

Will Tiger's 2007 be better than his 2006 season?
It will be great, but probably not as great. 2006 is a tough year to beat. However, even if he has less wins, winning the FedEx cup may make up for it (unless he has no Majors).

Will Michelle Wie finally win something?
Don't know, don't care. Well I do know she won't win anything on the men's side of things.

Will The FedEx Cup be a success or failure?
Depends on the point of view I guess. Casual fans that just tune in on weekends probably won't know much about it. Hardcore fans that do stupid things like spend time on message boards know about it but still won't care about it as much as they care about Majors, wins, money list, and world ranking. The exceptions would be fans whose favorites do well in the cup and whether or not we see the big guys duke it out more often.

[BASHERBAKER69]

Hi

Tiger will be a top story line whatever he does

i think that David Duval will hit the headlines this year with a victory and a top 40 finish on the PGA Tour

Michelle Wie-she should be left alone by the media, she's still only a kid-she will burn out this year i think-too much pressure-why she wants to play in mens events i dont know!

Fed EX Cup-the players have enough money anyway, the top ones at least, so i don't know the point of a $10mn bounty...most of the top players earn at elast this per year in endorsements

bb69

[ApplebyFan]

Well, I think that topic #1 & 3 are interrelated... as when Tiger wins, more people tend to follow him on TV...and if Tiger wins the Fedex Cup, his 2007 season will be a pretty hefty one. In my opinion, Tiger will win a lot (at least 3 other majors, maybe the grand slam - now I am hallucinating... considering the late hour!

He took the words out of my mouth, I totally agree.

[BASHERBAKER69]

Applebyfan

happy new year to you

we must get out more this year and play more golf

don't you think its totally inappropriate that Michelle Wie is allowed to play in a mens event?

bb69

[Baynative]

When the circus has a side show it brings in lots of paying gawkers.

[BASHERBAKER69]

Hi

ive just read that David Duval and John Daly will both be at the Sony Open in Hawaii a week on Thursday!...i can't wait to see that.

im expecting big things from both this year

bb69

[Baynative]

I am eager for some depth in the talent pool this year. I hope DD really gets his game back and becomes a steady contender. I'd like to see Tiger pushed more often so he can show how good he really can be. He thrives on pressure and hasn't seen much of it.

At times I almost think that there is so much money to be made that once many players know they are going to keep their cards they relax.
"What the heck, a million plus endorsements ain't bad if you know you have a job next season, so lets go spend some time with the family and take it easy."

BTW: In case you didn't know the full field for each tournament is published on www.PGATour.com on Friday at 5:00pm EST.

[Thrash13]

I'm starting to think the FedEx Cup might be ok for golf. If nothing else, it will at least provide a change of scenery. I don't agree with the points structure, especially for the last four events. If the PGA Tour tweaks the system a little after this year, it might work out perfectly.

It won't be perfect, and it will undoubtedly be hyped too much. I'm kinda excited about it though.