Johnny Miller Picks The Class of '08

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By Johnny Miller
Photos By Getty Images
February 2008

It's time to hand out my annual awards for the best players on tour in various areas of the game. You might be asking why Tiger's name isn't on all of them--some would argue that it could be. But from my spot in the NBC tower, I definitely see players who have an edge over Tiger and everyone else in certain performance areas.

My all-star team is not based strictly on statistics, though all of these players rank at or near the top in their areas of strength. My choices stem from their skill and the way their technique is suited for the particular type of shot. Keep an eye on these players in 2008. There's a good chance they'll be stats leaders again in the categories I discuss here. And remember, they're good models to copy the next time you go to the range.

BEST PUTTER

Tiger Woods

On every count that matters-technique, nerves, courage and determination-Tiger is the best putter ever. Tiger is the one guy who putts better as a tournament progresses and the pressure increases.

I've never seen Tiger flinch on a putt. He never seems to have moments when he accelerates too quickly or manipulates the clubhead with his hands. Tiger moves the putter at the same pace back and through, keeping the face remarkably square to the putter's path. The efficiency and consistency of his stroke are amazing. But Tiger isn't just a mechanical marvel--he lets a little emotion come into play, in a good way. His hatred of bogeys is so great that his focus intensifies on putts for par. Simply put, he's the best at closing the deal.

HONORABLE MENTION / TIM CLARK

BEST SCRAMBLER

Rory Sabbatini

Sabbatini finished 170th on tour in greens in regulation, yet wound up sixth on the money list. That, and the fact that he got up and down 64 percent of the time (he ranked third in scrambling), tells you something about his talent and versatility around the greens.

Sabbatini is sensational at bumping the ball into banks and onto the green. He has an intuitive knack for knowing how the ball will react. And he's just as good on standard chips and pitches. His shots always take two checking bounces, then a smaller bounce, then trickle to the hole. His technique is terrific; he uses his big forearms to deloft the club and pinch the ball with great precision. There is no scoop at all in his motion.

HONORABLE MENTION / TIGER WOODS

BEST DRIVER

Hunter Mahan

I realize that driving distance seems to matter more than accuracy these days, but I've always been partial to the guy who can do both. Mahan, 25 and starting his fifth season on tour, is long and straight. He ranked third in total driving in 2007. The fact that Mahan shot 62 three times last year is proof of what long, straight driving can do for a player. You don't shoot 62s bunting it into the rough.

What I like about Mahan's driver game is that he isn't afraid to hit the big stick even on tight holes. You can tell by watching his long, free swing that he isn't overly analytical or careful. He respects the rough but doesn't fear it, which is how he managed to average 295 yards per drive while hitting 68 percent of his fairways.

HONORABLE MENTION / CHARLES WARREN