Graded - The World's Top Ten in 2013
By: Nick Bonfield | Tue 24 Dec 2013
Earlier this year Brandel Chambelee caused a storm by giving Tiger Woods an F for a year in which he won 5 PGA Tour events. Golfshake Writer Nick Bonfield has been a little kinder to the World.No1 when grading the World's Top ten players on their 2013 seasons.
Tiger Woods - B+
Tiger Woods produced some displays of utter brilliance in 2013. He won five tournaments on the PGA Tour - including 
two World Golf Championships - and his performance at the Players Championship, a tournament where he'd only recorded one top 10 since 2000, was indicative of his awe-inspiring form until his extra marital affairs became public knowledge. Sadly, though, Woods is still drawing blanks in the tournaments that really matter: the majors. Some argue he puts too much pressure on himself, and whilst that view has some merit, I think the main issue is he hasn't rediscovered his fear-instilling demeanor in the big four events. Still, next year's major venues will suit Woods down to the ground, so expect him to reignite his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus' record in 2014.
two World Golf Championships - and his performance at the Players Championship, a tournament where he'd only recorded one top 10 since 2000, was indicative of his awe-inspiring form until his extra marital affairs became public knowledge. Sadly, though, Woods is still drawing blanks in the tournaments that really matter: the majors. Some argue he puts too much pressure on himself, and whilst that view has some merit, I think the main issue is he hasn't rediscovered his fear-instilling demeanor in the big four events. Still, next year's major venues will suit Woods down to the ground, so expect him to reignite his pursuit of Jack Nicklaus' record in 2014. Adam Scott - A+
If it wasn't for Henrik Stenson, Adam Scott would be my player of the season. To play such consistent golf for such a long period of time, as Stenson did, is a sensational feat, but Scott has enjoyed the year of his life. Such was the magnitude of his Masters triumph, and the heartwarming images that followed, that it's easy to overlook what else he achieved. He claimed the first FexEx Cup play-off event, the Barclays, won the World Cup of Golf alongside Jason Day, and only a final-round 65 from Rory McIlroy prevented him becoming the second player in history to win the Australian Triple Crown. He is a hugely talented individual and a man who represents the game of golf fantastically, so it's great to see him finally realising his potential.
Henrik Stenson - A+
It's hard to find the superlatives to describe the season that Henrik Stenson has experienced. Two years ago, the Swede was languishing outside the world's top 200 after a catastrophic lack of form and an ill-fated investment that saw him loose millions of dollars. But he battled back from the abyss, winning the 2012 South African Open before embarking on a simply remarkable run from this summer. He recorded three consecutive top-three finishes at the Open, the WGC-Bridgestone and the PGA Championship, won the Deutsche Bank Championship and the Tour Championship to secure the FedEx Cup and produced a sublime final-round at the DP World Tour Championship to claim the Race to Dubai title. His attitude, inherent self-belief, work ethic and positive outlook should be lauded, and act as an inspiration to others.
Justin Rose - A
Justin Rose produced one of the year’s most memorable shots en route to a maiden major triumph at the US Open. Standing in the middle of the 18th fairway at Merion – a hole that hadn’t been birdied all day – he dispatched a brilliant four-iron to set up a closing par and a two-shot victory over Phil Mickelson. What’s more, he pushed Henrik Stenson all the way in both the Race to Dubai and FedEx Cup – finishing third and seventh respectively – and conducted himself with class and humility all the way through the campaign.
Phil Mickelson - A+
I'm going to award Phil Mickelson the highest grade, because his achievements this year have been simply brilliant. He lipped-out for a 59 en route to a record-equaling victory at the Waste Management Phoenix Open and claimed his first non-major European Tour title at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open, but the piece de resistance was yet to come. Despite struggling with links golf for most of his career, Mickelson dedicated himself to improvement and admirably set about developing a game to challenge at the Open. He could so easily have dismissed it as a tournament he'd never be able to win, but his desire to be the very best didn't allow him to do so. At Muirfield, he got his just rewards when a final-round 66 saw him claim the self-proclaimed biggest victory of his career.
Rory McIlroy – B-
Rory McIlroy has had to endure to most difficult year of his career to date, but I’m convinced he’ll be stronger for the
experience. The Ulsterman had to deal with all the fanfare and furore of the most high-profile equipment switch in sport history, which undoubtedly contributed to his slump in form. In March, he pulled out of the Honda Classic citing toothache, and admitted he needed psychological help after an abject opening 79 at the Open. But his form improved late in the year, and victory at the Emirates Australian Open will be hugely significant, and provide him with excellent momentum heading into 2014.
experience. The Ulsterman had to deal with all the fanfare and furore of the most high-profile equipment switch in sport history, which undoubtedly contributed to his slump in form. In March, he pulled out of the Honda Classic citing toothache, and admitted he needed psychological help after an abject opening 79 at the Open. But his form improved late in the year, and victory at the Emirates Australian Open will be hugely significant, and provide him with excellent momentum heading into 2014. Matt Kuchar - A
Matt Kuchar isn’t the most flashy or charismatic player in the world, but he’s quietly established himself as one of the best and most consistent players in the game. He secured his first World Golf Championship title at the WGC-Accenture Matchplay and held off a world-class field at the Memorial Tournament for a second victory of the year. He recorded eight top 10s and excelled alongside Tiger Woods in the Presidents Cup, something that will have undoubtedly concerned European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley.
Steve Stricker - A
Many concerns were raised when Steve Stricker announced a considerable schedule reduction at the start of the year to spend more time with his family, but he’s managed to maintain an extraordinary level of consistency this season. In 13 PGA Tour starts, Stricker notched eight top 10s. In other terms, he finished inside the top 10 in more than 60% of his starts in 2013, a quite incredible statistic. I’m not convinced Stricker has enough in the tank to win a major, but he certainly surprised me this season, so let’s wait and see.
Dustin Johnson - A
Dustin Johnson certainly hasn’t been a picture of consistency this season, but he’s managed to record two high-profile victories along the way. He started the year with a win in Hawaii and showed admirable resolve and mental strength at the WGC-HSBC Champions, where he pulled away from the field over the final few holes to record his first WGC title. He’s become more adept at dealing with pressure and that bodes well for Johnson going forward, as he’s one of the most athletic and naturally gifted players on tour.
Sergio Garcia – B+
Sergio Garcia’s overriding memory from this year will be one of controversy. He accused Woods of being responsible for crowd noise at the Players Championship and made a comment many perceived as racist in the lead-up to the BMW Championship. He was visibly upset and remorseful in the aftermath, and spent much of the middle part of the season attempting to appease both the media and American fans. But his form remained reasonably solid throughout the course of the season, and he capped a decent year with a fine victory at the Thailand Golf Championship last week. With a difficult season now behind him, he’ll be looking forward to a renewed major challenge in 2014.
Photo Credit: TourProGolfClubs.com
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