[2021 PGA Tour Weather] Woods "Career 83 Wins GO~"... What About 'Number 1' Johnson?

Published 11 Jan.2021 10:56(KST)

Updated 07 Nov.2022 15:08(KST)

open/close

Woods "Chasing Most PGA Wins", Johnson vs Rahm "World No.1 Ranking Battle", McIlroy and Spieth, Mickelson Announce 'Career Grand Slam' Challenge

Tiger Woods challenges for the most wins in the 2021 PGA Tour.

[Asia Economy Kim Hyun-jun, Golf Specialist Reporter] "A new history with 83 wins."

The biggest topic in the global golf world this year remains the pursuit of the most PGA Tour wins by the "Returned Golf Emperor" Tiger Woods (USA). World No. 1 Dustin Johnson (USA) and No. 2 Jon Rahm (Spain) have started their "No. 1 competition" from the beginning of the new year, while Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland), Jordan Spieth, and Phil Mickelson (all USA) are dreaming of becoming "Career Grand Slamers." Korea is led by Im Sung-jae (23).

▲ Woods "Hunting Two Rabbits" = In April 2019, he reached the milestone of 15 major wins at the Masters, and in October, with his victory at the Zozo Championship, he tied Sam Snead's (USA) record for most wins (82 wins). However, last year was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic. He only played in seven tournaments, and the 2020/2021 season consisted of just three events. The Masters, postponed to November, was especially disappointing as he finished tied for 38th place.

For Woods, his physical condition remains a variable. In February last year, during the Genesis Invitational, he felt back pain and subsequently withdrew from the Arnold Palmer Invitational and "The Fifth Major," The Players Championship, in March. After the COVID-19 shutdown and resumption in June, he finished outside the top 30 in all four events: the Memorial Tournament, PGA Championship, The Northern Trust, and BMW Championship. In September's US Open, he suffered the humiliation of missing the cut.

This is why more attention is focused on Woods' first stage this year. Experts are anticipating either the Farmers Open starting on the 28th or the Genesis Invitational on February 18. The Torrey Pines Golf Course, the venue for the Farmers Open, is considered his "winning stronghold." He won seven times there, including four consecutive wins from 2005 to 2008, and in June 2008, after a 91-hole battle at the US Open, he secured his 14th major victory. The Genesis Invitational is hosted by the Tiger Woods Foundation.

World No. 1 Dustin Johnson is wearing the green jacket right after winning the 'Autumn Masters' in November last year.

▲ Johnson "I am the New Golf Emperor" = Johnson's power is formidable. He swept four calendar wins with three in the 2020 season and one in 2021. From August to September, in three playoff events, he recorded an astonishing performance of win-second place-win, earning a $15 million (16.38 billion KRW) bonus. The highlight was the fall Masters. From the first day, he posted a 7-under-par daily best and ultimately won the tournament with the lowest score (20-under-par 268).

McIlroy's April Masters, Spieth's May PGA Championship, and Mickelson's June US Open are the last puzzles on the path to the "Career Grand Slam." Only five players have achieved the grand record of sweeping four different majors: Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan (both USA), Gary Player (South Africa), Jack Nicklaus, and Woods. The question is whether the "6th hero" will emerge. Johnson is another candidate. Following his 2016 US Open and last year's Masters wins, he aims for his third title at the May PGA Championship.

DeChambeau's "long drive experiment" has been a hit card for two years. Last year, he increased his weight by 18 kg to become a 110 kg giant, leading him to top the PGA Tour in driving distance for the 2019/2020 season (322.1 yards) and the 2020/2021 season (337.8 yards). He has clearly benefited from the "long drive effect," winning the US Open by six strokes. Recently, communicating with world long drive champion Kyle Berkshire (USA), he surpassed a ball speed of 200 mph, drawing significant spotlight.