Our bold list of 13 lesser-known PGA Tour players we expect big things from in 2013
Blake AdamsAdams made noise early in several tournaments, including the Players. However, his 137th-ranked third-round scoring average set him back when it came to truly breaking through. Still, after improving on the money list for a fourth-straight year, we like how the 37-year-old is trending.
Tim ClarkRemember the 2010 Players champ? An elbow injury has really held the South African back since, but Clark started to return to form in the second half of 2012. He finished T-4 at the Travelers and added a runner-up in Greensboro. More encouraging was the fact he played in five-straight events down the stretch, showing he's back to full strength. While the new anchoring ban will eventually put his long putter in jeopardy, fantasy owners don't have to worry about that just yet.
J.B. HolmesNo one knew what to expect from the big hitter in 2012 following brain surgery in September of 2011. But Holmes played a pretty full schedule and racked up good results. He finished T-8 at the Northern Trust Open in just his fourth start back and only missed one cut after the Players in May.
Martin FloresIn his second try as a full-timer on the PGA Tour, the 30-year-old finished a respectable 96th on the money list. More impressively, he was sixth on tour in strokes gained-putting. If he putts like that again in 2013, it will be tough to not improve his overall results.
Luke GuthrieThe recent graduate of the University of Illinois finished second on Web.com Tour's money list, despite only playing in 10 events. Not too shabby, especially considering he was still finishing classes upon turning pro. During the 2012 season, the 22-year-old also finished in the top 20 in all three PGA Tour events in which he played, including a T-5 at the John Deere Classic.
Casey WittenbergA former college star (he finished 13th as an amateur at the 2004 Masters), things finally clicked for Wittenberg as a pro in 2012. Now 28, he looks poised to deliver on the promise he showed while playing at Oklahoma State after being the Web.com Tour's leading money winner and player of the year.
Ben KohlesThe 22-year-old turned pro after graduating from the University of Virginia and promptly won his first two starts on the Web.com Tour. And judging by this picture, he won't have too much trouble adjusting to the pace of play on the PGA Tour.
Cameron TringaleThe Georgia Tech product struggled late in the 2012 season, but at one point had a stretch of three consecutive top 10s.. He's also on our Mr. Style's list of the year's best dressed-- even though he wore this bright green number. . .
Morgan HoffmannA young, good-looking player from Oklahoma State who likes to wear orange outfits? Hmm, that sounds familiar. . . . The 23-year-old made more than $200,000 in just 13 Web.com Tour starts in 2012.
Spencer LevinThe only reason why this guy is eligible for this list is because he was on the unfortunate end of perhaps 2012's worst collapse. Levin looked like he'd pick up his first tour win at the Waste Management Phoenix Open, but he let a seven-shot lead slip away on Sunday to Kyle Stanley. He also seemed to let the result affect the rest of his season, but we expect him to learn from the close call and bounce back in 2013.
Billy HorschelPeople have been raving about this former University of Florida standout's swing for years. Now 25, he made 15 of 17 cuts on the PGA Tour in 2012, and finished fifth at Q school to earn full status in 2013. Finally over some wrist issues, he may have the most upside of anyone on this list.
Patrick ReedThe 22-year-old Monday qualified for a remarkable six PGA Tour events in eight attempts in 2012. Knowing he's in the field at most tournaments ahead of time should only help the former All-American at Augusta State. The next question is if the 22-year-old will keep his fiancee, Justine Karain, on his bag full time.
Scott LangleyThe 2010 NCAA individual champion from the University of Illinois turned pro in 2011, but will be a rookie on the PGA Tour in 2013. His T-16 at the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach shows he has the game and temperament to compete on the big stage.
