Global Golf Community: "5 Reasons to Look Forward to 2020"

US Golf.com Analysis "Woods' Perfect Comeback, Koepka and McIlroy Rivalry, Tokyo Olympics, and More"

Golf.com in the United States predicted that the comeback of the "Golf Emperor" Tiger Woods would make the golf world in 2020 even more exciting.

[Asia Economy Reporter No Woo-rae] "This year is even more anticipated."

Golf stood at the center of the world sports scene last year. The "returned golf emperor" Tiger Woods (USA) created numerous headlines by winning the Masters and reaching the PGA Tour record-tying 82 wins. Ko Jin-young (25) solidified her position as 'Number 1' by sweeping 4 wins, including 2 majors. Golf is expected to receive even more attention in the new year. Here are five interesting reasons for 2020 selected by Golf.com.

First is Woods' perfect comeback. He has been showing his old form, including winning the 2019/2020 season Zozo Championship held in Japan last October. Last month, he placed 4th in the special event Hero World Challenge and served as both captain and player in the Presidents Cup, an intercontinental golf competition between the International Team and the USA, achieving a perfect 3-0 record. Golf.com said, "Woods is back," and predicted, "He has regained the skills we knew in every aspect and will collect more trophies."

Next is the USA's revenge in the Ryder Cup. In October 2018, the USA suffered a crushing 10.5-17.5 defeat against the European Union in the intercontinental golf competition. Last month, hope was seen in the Presidents Cup. After trailing the International Team for three days, the USA made a comeback by winning 6, drawing 4, and losing 2 in the 12 singles matches on the final day, securing a 16-14 victory. This year's Ryder Cup will be held in September at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, USA. It was reported that "the USA is determined to wash away the humiliation."

American fans are eagerly awaiting the progress of Nelly Korda (USA). She debuted on the LPGA Tour in 2017, won her first title the following year, and secured 2 wins last year, rising as a leading figure in American golf. She climbed the world rankings from 23rd to 3rd (6.53 points). She has rapidly emerged as the "post-Stacy Lewis." She is only 0.24 points behind Park Sung-hyun (27, 6.77 points), who is ranked 2nd in the world. At "only 21 years old," she is evaluated as "the first American player since Lewis in 2014 who can be expected to be 'Number 1.'"

The rivalry between world No. 1 Brooks Koepka (USA) and No. 2 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) is ongoing. Koepka dominated the tour last year with 3 wins, including back-to-back major PGA Championship titles. McIlroy won his third title of the season at the Tour Championship final, hitting the "15 million dollar (1.73 billion KRW) jackpot." Golf.com explained, "The fierce competition between these two players will continue," calling it the "true main event."

Lastly, the Tokyo Olympics. The men's event opens on July 30, and the women's on August 5 at Kasumigaseki Country Club in Tokyo, Japan. Until the end of June, only players ranked within the top 15 in the world can participate, with up to 4 players per country. For the USA men and Korean women, securing a ticket is more difficult than winning a medal. "There was little interest during the Rio Olympics four years ago," but "this year, except for Adam Scott (Australia), everyone wants to participate," it was said.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.