05-03-16

Rory McIlroy roasted Quail Hollow Club in setting the new course AND tournament record and is back to defend.

Last chance to win into THE PLAYERS next week for those who aren’t already qualified.

Charlotte has taken on plenty of rain over the last week and that won’t help the shorter hitters this week.

But first, let’s see what behind us before we go forward!

 

2015-16 Winners (at time of victory)

Youngsters

In 2014-15 there were 14 players in their 20s who won tournaments. They accounted for a whopping 24 victories in 47 events.

Under 30 Winners (9 different for 10 events)

• Emiliano Grillo, 23; Frys.com
• Smylie Kaufman, 23; Shriners
• Justin Thomas, 22; CIMB
• Peter Malnati, 28; SFC
• Jordan Spieth, 22; HTOC
• Hideki Matsuyama, 23; WMPO
• Jason Day, 28; API & WGC-Dell Match Play
• Danny Willett, 28; Masters
• Branden Grace, 27; RBC Heritage

 

Prime-Time Players

The guys between 30-39 years of age produced 16 multiple champions in 17 events last season.

Winners 30-39 (12 players in 13 events)

• Russell Knox, 30; HSBC Champions
• Graeme McDowell, 36; OHL Mayakoba
• Kevin Kisner, 31; RSM Classic
• Fabian Gomez, 37; Sony Open
• Jason Dufner, 38; CB Challenge
• Brandt Snedeker, 35; Farmers Insurance Open
• Vaughn Taylor, 39; AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am
• Bubba Watson, 37; Northern Trust Open
• Adam Scott, 35; Honda Classic, WGC-Cadillac Championship
• Charl Schwartzel, 31; Valspar
• Jim Herman, 38; Shell Houston Open
• Charley Hoffman, 39; Valero Texas Open
• Brian Stuard, 33; Zurich Classic

 

Old Guard

There were only four winners last season from 47 events (Furyk, Cejka, Love III and Harrington). Sentimentality has no place in fantasy golf, folks.

Winners 40-plus

• none, yet.45-year old Stuart Appleby finished T-11.

 

Rookies

Last year the only rookie to pick up a first-place check was Canadian Nick Taylor. This season it took ONE EVENT to match that total.

Rookie Winners

• Emiliano Grillo; Frys.com
• Smylie Kaufman; Shriners

 

First-Time Winners

Rookies, journeyman, up-and-comers, I’ll keep track of them all. It’s a life-changer.

Three out of the last four winners on Tour have come from this column.

 First-Time Winners on Tour

• 2013: 12
• 2014: 10
• 2015: 11
• 2016: (11 and counting)

•    Emiliano Grillo (Frys.com)
•    Smylie Kaufman (Shriners)
•    Justin Thomas (CIMB)
•    Peter Malnati (SFC)
•    Russell Knox (WGC-HSBC Champions)
•    Kevin Kisner (RSM)
•    Tony Finau (PRO)
•     Jim Herman (SHO)
•     Danny Willett (Masters)
•    Branden Grace (RBC Heritage)
•    Brian Stuard (Zurich Classic)