Golf World's Top 30 and 2009: Editors' Blog: Golf Digest

Golf World's Top 30 and 2009

Monday, January 12, 2009 Comments

The more unpredictable the world becomes, the more we rely on predictions. Steve Rivkin

Lots of reaction to John Antonini's compilation of the Golf World Top 30 in the 2009 Preview issue and to Tim Rosaforte's look at two of the young Turks, Camilo Villegas and Anthony Kim. Here's the list, then some of the reaction:

1. Tiger Woods
2. Sergio Garcia
3. Anthony Kim
4. Phil Mickelson
5. Vijay Signh
6. Camilo Villegas
7. Hunter Mahan
8. Jim Furyk
9. Geoff Ogilvy
10. Stewart Cink
11. Ernie Els
12. Padraig Harrington
13. K.J. Cjoi
14. Adam Scott
15. Justin Leonard
16. Boo Weekley
17. Aaron Baddeley
18. Brandt Snedeker
19. Stuart Appleby
20. Andres Romero
21. J.B. Holmes
22. Zach Johnson
23. Davis Love III
24. Trevor Immelman
25. Ben Curtis
26. Steve Stricker
27. Sean O'Hair
28. Stephen Ames
29. Dustin Johnson
30. Mike Weir

Dear Editor:
I had a lot of fun comparing "my" Top 30 list to John Antonini's list. A few names really jumped out at me. Padraig Harrington's rank of No. 12 surprised me especially considering Ernie Els was at No. 11 ahead of him. Paddy's won mutiple majors the last two years and Ernie has not played to his capable level in several years. I did like the fact that he sprinkled the youthful group of Kim, Villegas and Mahan all in the top 10. I hope he's right, golf needs some young guns to chase down Tiger!

Kurt Heinzelman
Cinti, OH

I'm with you, Kurt. I think we'll hear a lot from Harrington this year. He's driven, grounded and, after two major victories this year, wisely chose not to chase a new equipment deal. Geoff Ogilvy, too. He's due. And for some reason, I also think Ben Curtis will be a factor this year. Tough in the majors; swing fixed.

Dear Editor:
Are you kidding me? Kenny Perry NOT in Golf World's Top 30!! He gets an honorable mention on page 88!! Geez, if he would have gone to the British Open and missed the cut, would that have helped?

John Stephenson
South Bend, IN

The editors say he'll be right back on the list when the Ryder Cup returns to Valhalla.

I predict that PGA tour on air reporters will all be required to wear bibs in 2009. This will be necessary because of all the slobbering and drooling that will be going on when Tiger Woods returns.

Robert Shank
Carlisle, PA

And your point is?

--Bob Carney